The Challenge of Brown Trout Fishing
September 30, 2007
Brown trout fishing can prove very challenging. This is due in part to the fact that brown trout are smart fish. They tend to feed at dusk or at night. They do put up a fight though and that can be a great challenge to the fisherman. But, because of the difficultly to catch the brown trout, this fish has not been a big time game fish. But, there is much to know about it anyway.
The brown trout, or Salmo Trutta, is also known by other names including German brown trout, German trout, English brown trout, European brown trout or Brownies. The brown trout is generally a small fish. It ranges in length from 16 inches to about two feet. It weighs up to eight pounds. The coloring on this fish tends to be light brown on the backs and silvery on the sides and bottom.
The brown trout is natively a European fish. In the waters of the Atlantic and even into western Asia is where they were originally found. They were introduced in the United States and Canada in 1883. They can now be found in most of the Canadian waters and the Great Lakes. The fish themselves seem to have had trouble being successful in the Canadian waters, but have been successful in Lake Michigan. When introduced there, they proved to be able to withstand intense degraded habitats that other trout could not survive in.
Survival in the Wilderness: What to Do, What You Need
September 29, 2007
Summer is for picnics, hikes, outdoor concerts, barbeques … and enjoying the wilderness.
Camping with family or friends can be a great way to spend a weekend or a week. But unlike picnics, outdoor concerts or barbeques, camping or hiking in wilderness areas can turn from a fun outing into a very scary experience in just a few hours or even minutes.
As long as you stay within a recognized campground, you have very little to worry about. You can get rained or hailed on or wake up and find the temperature has dropped 20 degrees, but none of these is a life-threatening issue. Sure, you might get cold or wet but there’s always a fresh change of clothes waiting in your camper or tent.
When in the wilderness, the most important thing to remember is that nature is not always a kind, gentle mother. The morning can be warm and sunshiny with not a cloud in the sky. But that doesn’t mean that by early afternoon, conditions won’t have changed dramatically.
Brook Trout, One of Canadas Most Loved Trout
September 28, 2007
Brook trout are one of the most popular game fish in Canada. These fish can be found in the northern most parts of North America. What is so great about these fish? Is there a great location to go brook trout fishing? And, what type of lure and equipment do you need for trout fishing then? To answer these questions, you can begin by knowing something about the brook trout itself. Then, you can decide if brook trout fishing is something for you.
Brook trout, or Salvelinus Fontinalis, are also known by other names. You may have heard them called Speckled Trout, Aurora Trout, Sea Trout, Brookie or several other names. The fist itself ranges from 10-12 inches, but several larger fish have been caught as well. Their average weight tends to be about 5 pounds, again depending on the length. The largest brook trout caught came in at 21 inches long and 14.5 pounds. That fish, a very rare occurrence, was caught in Ontario on the Nipigon River.
These fish range in color, but mostly brook trout are dark green to a light brown with sliver sides and even pale spots as well. As with other types of fish, their color tends to get deeper and richer during spawning. The male can develop a hook like feature on the jaw during breeding season.
Camping Stove Performance: Ease of Use & What to Avoid
September 27, 2007
Important information about camping stoves…
What type of camping, hiking, or backpacking do you do? Do you camp at parks, out of your car, or do you carry everything on your back? Do you camp only in North America?
Do you need a camping burner for winter camping or do you mostly camp during the summer when it’s warm out?
Will you be carrying it for long distances? What type of fuel do you want to use?
How many people will you be cooking for?
If you don’t know the answers to some of these questions this camping stoves guide will help.
In general camping stoves that are easy to set-up and take up as little room as possible when you break them down are better. Fuel supplies that can be disconnected from camping stoves also make life easier. Good camping stoves should have a good base-of-support and avoid ones that tip on less-than-ideal surfaces or when they have a big pot on top of them.
You want the most reliable, durable, compact, light, easy-to-use, camping stove that performs well in all the conditions you encounter. For example if you travel outside the U.S. take a look at multi-fuel camping stoves because white gas is hard to find. If you cook for your family then you’ll want at least two burners.
Are You Interested in Alaska Trout Fishing?
September 27, 2007
For those of you that don’t know, Alaska trout fishing is one of the most beautiful, most unbelievable experiences in this world. Not only are the trout big and beautiful, but the area around the fisherman is enough to make the trip perfect. The most common trout fishing done in Alaska is for rainbow trout. But, there are many more types of trout and even some gorgeous salmon that you can catch.
Alaska trout fishing is a journey, not an adventure into some of the most beautiful lakes, streams and rivers imaginable. The rainbow trout you find are simply breathtaking. Many people choose to kayak through the area. Fly fishing is also popular. But, make sure that you use a quality, heavy strength line and rod because these fish will put up a strong fight! They average a weight of 8 - 10 pounds in Alaskan waters.
For those who are considering Alaska trout fishing, they will be happy to know that there are many locations that you can visit. No matter where you are coming from or your skill level, you will be amazed at what Alaska trout fishing has to offer the individual. In fact, there are many fishing trips you can take.
One of the Oldest Traditions of the American West; The Dude Ranch
September 26, 2007
Dude Ranches first gained popularity in the 1920s, in large part due to the writings of Teddy Roosevelt. Working as a ranch man himself, Roosevelt not only spent time herding cattle, but he also urged Americans to explore for themselves. The popularity of dude ranch increased after WWII and soon became a main tourist attraction in the Rocky Mountain area around the 20’s and 30’s.
Now a days Dude Ranches have become a staple of American culture, right along side baseball and apple pie. Many tourists are drawn to Dude Ranches for the same reasons they were at the beginning of the 20th century: a sense of adventure, a desire to experience another way of life, and the chance for a wholesome and healthy good time. If you’re looking to truly get away from it all, and make memories to last a lifetime, look no further than a Dude Ranch vacation.
Dude Ranches are as varied as the people seeking out the vacation. Accommodations can range from rustic to luxurious, depending on the experience you’re looking for. www.E-DudeRanch.com explains that at a Dude Ranch, you can enjoy home cooked meals, cookouts, wagon rides, fishing, and square dances. If you’re looking for something a little more modern, many ranches provide amenities such as swimming pools, hot tubs, and game rooms.
Cincinnati Catfishing Bait
September 25, 2007
Some of the baits I have used for used for CATFISHing here on the Ohio River are, chicken liver, minnows, shrimp, Spam, French Fries and more.
Fresh chicken liver works better than frozen liver that has thawed out. It does get bites however, cats peck at it so by the time you pick up the rod they have cleaned the bait off the hook. My experience is the fish swallows the bait more often than getting hooked. The biggest drawback is keeping the bait on the hook when casting from the bank. Trying to get a long cast with chicken liver is very difficult. It seems like half the time the liver will just fly off the hook with any forceful cast. This is no problem if you are fishing from a boat, just flip it out and feed it line so the current can take it away from the boat for you.
Spam does get bites but is even harder to cast from the bank. three out of four cast can see the bait go flying in the air before the line hits the water.
The Best Safari Company for Your Safari Trip - Heres How To Choose
September 24, 2007
Which is the best African safari company for my safari trip?
This is a question that comes up very frequently and it’s not surprising.
There are so many safari operators in the market all promising the earth that it is very difficult to choose between them, especially when you know nothing about them.
But there is a way to improve your chances significantly of making the right choice of safari company for your dream African safari trip and avoid the ones that might turn your trip into a nightmare. And it consists of three simple steps.
Don’t let this happen to you
If you leave this decision to chance and just go with the safari company that seems the best or the cheapest you might end up in a situation like Dale and Dana Russell who went on safari in Tanzania and chose their safari company by gut instinct and price.
They were the only two in the safari vehicle on this trip but things started to go downhill fast when they asked their driver and guide questions and he would only answer in monosyllabic grunts and sometimes not at all.
Whale Watching ? The Biggest Show on Earth
September 23, 2007
Whale watching is a spellbinding, entertaining, and thought-provoking adventure trip. It’s a show with the largest mammals on earth as the star performers. Whales are majestic and graceful giants, who’s every move seems effortless, choreographed, and yet playful. In this article discover how to get the most out of your trip.
Imagine a lazy summer’s afternoon on a boat in a gentle rolling ocean. A good breeze softly massages your face where you sit, and you begin to close your eyes and drift away? the sound of the boat’s engine begins to fade and finally stops. The boat, like you, is drifting over the waves and following the breeze. It’s very peaceful and calm and after a stressful week you feel in harmony with the world.
Then something explodes? out of the water? and only a few feet from your nose! A 30-ton humpback? the length of a large house… it breaches? and in another second is gone. And you’re left in disbelief and wonder.
And it’s just the start of your whale watching!
Making The Most of Your Time - Fishing Safety Rules Everyone Should Know
September 22, 2007
When you are going fishing, whether nearby your home or on a long distance trip, there are many fishing safety rules that you need to keep in mind.
These rules can help prevent injury to yourself and others while shore and boat fishing.
There are several different areas of fishing safety that you should be aware of. These include the following:
- Equipment Safety
- Pier Fishing Safety
- Offshore Fishing Safety
- Shore Fishing Safety and Noodling
- Ice Fishing Safety
Equipment Safety
Before you go fishing, you need to make certain that all of your equipment is in safe working order. This should be done before you even consider going out to any waterfront. You need to check several things while looking over your various pieces of equipment.
First, you need to check your fishing rod and reel. Both of these pieces should be in top condition, with the rod having no cracks or breaks. If your rod separates, you need to make certain that it is very secure when it is built together. The reel itself should operate smoothly, with the line coiling without tangles. If the line is tangling quite a bit within the reel, you will need to unbind the line and replace it with new. If this behavior continues, you should consider a new reel.
