A fishing tackle is a great way to improve your fishing days. Buy yourself a fishing tackle today.

By Kai K Conway

Your fishing days out will really benefit from a fishing tackle and they come in a large range of shapes and sizes. Many people use a fishing tackle in order to speed up the things you do while taking on a fishing day out.

You shouldn't have any problems at all finding what you need because a fishing tackle is widely available. A fishing tackle is designed to make things easier so they are easy to use which is ideal for fishing.

You'll be able to find a fishing tackle for all sorts of things but you'll need to ensure you do your research so that you get the right things. A fishing tackle tends to make fishing days out a lot easier and this is one of the main reasons as to why they are so popular.

If you're thinking about buying a fishing tackle then you will firstly need to sort out a budget because they range a lot in price. Most major fishing tackle items cost over 50 GBP so you'll need to keep this in mind while you're doing your research.

You can find fishing tackle items both online and offline so you'll also need to think about where you're going to make your purchases. Fishing stores online usually sell fishing tackle items and they are probably the best place to look for deals and offers.

A fishing tackle is an exciting purchase to make and you'll probably need to take your time over choosing what you want. No matter what fish you are trying to catch, you'll be able to find a fishing tackle that'll help you with the tasks.

You can go shopping for your fishing tackle once you have decided on a budget and on where you're going to buy. People usually go to larger fishing stores so you'll easily find what you need online.

However, you can sometimes find some great deals on fishing tackle items at other online stores. Buying a fishing tackle shouldn't be rushed and isn't an impulse purchase - do your research first.

You'll have a clearer idea of which fishing tackle you need after you have done some research. To make sure that you benefit from your fishing tackle, you'll have to do some research.

A lot of people find that a fishing tackle is an essential part of their fishing days out. Fishing days out usually don't take as long if you use a fishing tackle and this is why they're so popular.

There are plenty of options available so you should find a fishing tackle that's right for you.You will find there are lots of options for a fishing tackle and you'll easily be able to find what you need.

As long as you do your research you'll find that a fishing tackle will definitely help you with your fishing days out. You should definitely consider buying a fishing tackle right now because they'll really help you out.

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Posted byBertie at 7:52 PM 0 comments

Spring: A Season for Preparing

By Andrea Cluff

With school wrapping up and winter coming to a close, spring is a great time to get excited and prepared for summer activities with your family. And, even though it can be a little rough to go without showers, air conditioning, and other modern conveniences for a little while, camping is still a popular and affordable way to have fun as a family.

As you pack the car with the things that you need for a few days or weeks in the wilderness, one of the most important pieces of equipment that you need is a sturdy, spacious, and weather resistant gear tent. After all, you never know what Mother Nature will throw your way in the form of weather and a tent can provide all the shelter you need from rain, cold, mosquitoes, and other small pests.

There are a couple things you need to think about if you are getting ready to purchase a gear tent though. One is its size. After all, a one man tube tent isn't going to be very comfortable for a family of four or five. And, in addition to providing enough space for your family, your tent needs to be strong enough to stand against rain, wind and snow during the trip. Easy set up models are always a plus as well.

Once you've found and purchased the perfect gear tent for your family, the rest of the packing should be pretty quick and easy. Don't forget fuel for the fire, goodies like smores, and a couple of sleeping of sleeping bags and your trip is bound to be a success.

If you already have all the camping and summer equipment that you need, spring is also a good time to stock up on winter sports equipment. So, if your family enjoys skiing or snowboarding, look for amazing discounts on skis, goggles, poles, boots, and helmets as stores try to sell their old inventory with the season's end.

Even though you will have to store that equipment for a couple months before you get a chance to use it, spring shopping for winter sports gear is a great way to get a jump on Christmas and save some money while you're at it.

In addition to saving on rentals, investing in family ski equipment is a great way to help your children feel comfortable on the slopes and get to the lifts faster. And, if you have more than one child, the younger ones can use older models that their siblings outgrow.

With gardening, garage sales, and spring cleaning taking up so much of your time during this season, it can be easy to let the sales and summer preparations fall to the wayside, but taking advantage of them can be a great way to save some money and get excited for some valuable experiences with the family. So, mix a little fun into the equation if you have caught an annual case of spring fever.

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Posted byBertie at 5:54 AM 0 comments

Bamboo Fly Fishing Rods - The Basics

By John Donley

There is no doubt that the best fly fishing rod material is good bamboo properly selected, cured, split, glued, and correctly proportioned. It possesses strength combined with lightness, resiliency, pliancy, power and balance in greater degree than either steel or solid woods.

The majority of fly fishing rods that are constructed these days are made from Tonkin. Although back in the day there were a bunch that were made from Calcutta cane, which is harder to come by now in our present time.

Out of all the types of bamboo that are used to make a fly rod, it is said that the male Calcutta cane is the best. If you can not afford the best, then you could get a fly rod that is made from African cane. These kinds of bamboo fly rods are great and you will not go broke trying to buy one.

When a bamboo rod is being put together, the bamboo is split into sections and then it is glued together. The sections of bamboo will be split into either 6 or 8 sections. You will see that the 6 split section is more common than the 8 split section though.

A lot of the rod makers say that the 8 strip rods are more durable than the 6 strip. This has never really been tested or proven though, more expensive though as they take more time to make than the 6 strip section bamboo fly rods.

Because there is more labor that is involved, this will make the eight strip rod more expensive than the six. This is another reason why I would stick with a six strip rod if possible, it is all about personal preference anyways.

When a bamboo fly rod is made, it is made in two layers. One is in the middle and of course there is an outer layer also. This is also known as a double built rod, making them much more stronger than your tradition fly fishing rod.

Another type of bamboo rod is one that has steel as a center layer, and the outer layer would be made out of bamboo. These are thought to be the best constructed bamboo rods as it gives them excellent casting ability, which is a necessity when it comes to fly fishing.

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Posted byBertie at 3:39 AM 0 comments

Discount Fly Fishing Gear: What You Need To Know

By John Andrews

One of the most difficult and oldest forms of fishing is fly-fishing. Because fly-fishing is not as popular as it was years ago, there has been shortage in fly-fishing gear. Over the last decade fly fishing has started to become more popular again, due to this fact fly fishing gear is starting to become popular again as well.

Fly-fishing gear tends to be a pain when purchasing. There are a variety of different components that a person needs to have a successful fly-fishing experience. The fancy terms used and the high prices of fly fishing gear makes it difficult for a person to choose what to buy.

Some necessities of fly-fishing bear are, a fly fishing rod, fishing without a rod cannot be done. A fly reel, which is what holds the line and reels it in. A fly line is also a necessity because a person cannot catch a fish without a line.

All three of the listed items above need to be purchased in order to fly fish because they are the main essentials. People should spend most of their money purchasing these items. These items are what will able a person to fly-fish, the higher the quality the better.

The fisherman while fly-fishing should wear a fly vest, this vest holds all the flies and small equipment that is needed. Wading boots should also be worn at all times, since the fisherman will be wading in the water they will need boots to help keep their balance and keep their feet safe. The last item that should be worn is waders; this will protect the fisherman's body and help him or her to blend in.

These three items listed above are not necessary but are strongly suggested for fly-fishing. These items will secure a more successful fly-fishing experience, especially the wading boots, they are designed for fly-fishing, and ordinary boots will not work as well.

A variety of flies should be on the fisherman at all times along with a tackle box. There are fly-fishing sunglasses sold to help the fisherman see the target fish and help him or her to cast properly. The sunglasses are not required but they can help the fisherman.

Fly-fishing gear is extremely expensive and there is so much gear needed in order to fly fish. A person should be careful when buying fly gear for a discounted price, because they may be getting ripped off. The clothes that need to be worn, such as the vest, and waders would not be a problem to purchase at a discounted price.

When it comes to the reel and rod a person should think about why it is offered at a discount price. Most all fly-fishing gear will last for a long time. Because fly gear is so expensive a person should focus on what items are worth spending the most money on.

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Posted byBertie at 7:15 PM 0 comments

Do You Know The Scams Of Fruit Machines Casino Uses?

By Cole Martin

Avid fruit-machine players are always defending their much favourite past-time of playing the slot machines. They stand against the skeptics who tout that slot machines, cards and even Bingo are nothing but crooks. A few years back there actually were some fruit machine cheats that were eventually exposed. By nature this didn't do much for the defense tactics of the fruit machine believers.

One argument for the gaming industry which of course includes fruit machines is that the industry is scrutinized by the law. So then does the workings of these fruit machine cheats get blamed on the law not being adequate?

It didn't actually take all that long for computer geniuses to decrypt the slot machines and learn that they are not a game of luck, as a matter of fact theyre programed so there is Zero chance of beating them.

The so called scam claimed against the slot machines is in the soft-ware. It was said that the fruit-machine cheats programmed the software in such a way that it will never produce a winner. There is as a matter of fact absolutely zero winning combination to be discovered in the soft-ware.

To give you an instance of one region the fruit-machine cheats addressed, was the double or quit choice. This signifies that if you win, you have the opportunity to press a button to see if you'll win double. its a game of chance right? Wrong, the machines were programmed to produce a loser every time. There was no luck required.

A group named Fairplay were the ones to actually expose the fruit-machine cheats. They designed an emulator which was the key to assisting them uncover the fake.

Without doubt there're several hard to convince die hard devotees of the fruit machines that will not accept that the fruit machines cheats were prosperous at their fraud. Their argument is well played the other night and I won a good bit of cash, so it can't be rigged or I wouldnt have won. The answer to this is simple. Many fruit machine makers will permit an average 70 percent pay out of what it takes in. They are not forced to do this, they do as a way to tempt people to play the machine. The remaining thirty percent that the fruit owner makes is all the same big money. The scam comes in regarding the jackpot, the massive payout than no one ever seems to win.

Even though this was a huge blow to both the gaming enthusiasts and the gaming houses after a little bit of time all the attention involving it settled down. The anger of the enthusiastic fruit-machine players was not extreme enough to cause them to boycott the fruit machines, therefore the fruit machine cheats simply sort of drifted to the backdrop after a period of time, soon to be ignored by all those who love the game, and also gain from it. This nonetheless, has not silenced the skeptics claims that all gambling is rigged.

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Posted byBertie at 3:03 AM 0 comments

What To Expect From An Alaska Fishing Guide

By Alaska Fishing Tours

When it comes time to finally head up to one of the few remaining expanses of undeveloped areas in the United States, full of game and pristine wilderness, finding a good Alaska fishing guide could be a necessary step to take. There are some really wild and vast regions in Alaska, including the Kenai Peninsula area, so having a guide who knows the ins-and-out of such places could be a good thing.

But, what are the things to look for when it's time to find a good Alaska fishing guide, whether for Kenai or anywhere else in the state? At the current time, just about anyone can become what's called a "sport fishing guide" in Alaska, so there are no hard-and-fast laws or regulations which oversee the profession. For purposes of having a minimum base of skills from which a consumer can gauge, it's recommended that every guide have a few tangible things.

It would be a mistake to assume that everybody acting as a guide up in Alaska has liability or hazard insurances, because some don't. In fact, acting as a guide can be something somebody does in between deep-sea fishing jobs or some other seasonal activity, so check to see if guiding is a full-time job. Also, there can be a lot of miles in between a fishing camp and a doctor, so find out if the guide has first aid and CPR training and a good first aid kit.

And guides - being guides themselves - do not have to have an actual fishing license or licenses. They're there, after all, to lead people to where the best fishing is, not to actually fish. Still, the best guides in the business all carry a number of fish and game permits. This may serve to show the dedication of the guide to the profession.

Some guides specialize in certain areas or regions of the state and also the type of fishing to be done. Many do not, though, so decide what sort of guide makes you the most comfortable. Also, check on how long the guide's been in the profession and his region of specialty. Finding a good Alaska fishing guide does take a little bit of research, but it will pay big dividends in the end.

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Posted byBertie at 8:59 AM 0 comments

Marine Accessories and Boat Supply Depot Spending

By Peggy Hamm

When you are in the market to do things to spruce up your boat, there is no need to pay high local boat supply prices. There are alternative sources that provide a wide range of sources for whatever you are searching for.

There are great deals in buying the correct boating supplies you're looking for. Online specials, discounts abound. Boating supply houses didn't get to be the largest by not offering the best deals. They are the WalMart of the boating supply business and discount deals. Besides they offer money back guarantees. This is the US boating supply supermarket for boating accessories

If you just need to repair your canvas boat cover, search for Snap Kits so you can repair you boat covers and Binini tops quick. The kit includes stainless steel button barrels, sockets, eyelets, barrel studs as well as a heavy duty canvas snap pliers.

Purchasing a high-tech fabric guard can prolong the life you're your canvas boat cover. Also if you need extra boat support bars or cover poles as well as proper looped end poly cords and other mooring supplies you're ease of maintenance will be enhanced

Popular boat anchors are steel mushrooms and high tensile strength galvanized hook-type anchors. They are often hot dipped galvanized coatings for longer-lasting protection and have superior strength shanks higher holding power over other anchors in its weight class.

Life jackets come in 4 classes known as TYPE 1, TYPE 2, TYPE 3 and TYPE 4. They are tested by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and approved by the US Coast Guard and it will be written on the label. Also written on the label is if it is a child or adult life preserver. The type 4 life preserver is a cushion or ring and is not worn. It is designed to be thrown to someone. The TYPE 1 floats the best and is designed to turn those unconscious to upright position so they don't remain face down.

GPS and electronic are a great additions to any boat. Fish Finders come with a large variety and imaging features and combination enhancements and cover quite a price range. Some provide picture-like images to help you to identify structures and fish with side by side sonar and side imaging. GPS, speed indicators and temperature capture are also available within the Fish Finder.

Boat cleaning and maintenance include any number of hardware features. Shackles, swivels, hooks & accessories, bow eyes, cabinet hardware & hinges, cleats & chocks, boat fasteners, boat handrails, hatches & deck plates, rail, Bimini & cover hardware, rub rail & chafe protection just to name a few. Special boat cleaners, sealers, adhesives as well as epoxies and fiberglass patches make great inroads to tweaking your boat comfort level.

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Posted byBertie at 1:41 AM 0 comments

All About Bamboo Fly Fishing Rods

By John Donley

There is no argument when it comes to what type of fly fishing rod is the best out there. The most durable material to make a fly fishing rod out of would be bamboo, and depending on what type of bamboo is used to make the rod will determine how much the fly rod is going to cost you.

There was a time when anglers and rod makers could draw fine distinctions between male and female Calcutta and Tonkin canes, but under present conditions good Calcutta is very rare and the word Calcutta is becoming merely a trade term. Good bamboo of all kinds is more difficult to obtain and a good piece of Tonkin is better than an indifferent one of Calcutta.

Out of all the types of bamboo that are used to make a fly rod, it is said that the male Calcutta cane is the best. If you can not afford the best, then you could get a fly rod that is made from African cane. These kinds of bamboo fly rods are great and you will not go broke trying to buy one.

We assume that you know that bamboo is split and then glued together in order to utilize the hard outer enamel and reduce the diameter of the pieces. Some rods are made of bamboo split into six sections and some in eight, but the six strip construction is more often used.

Some makers claim that the eight strip, being more nearly a true cylinder, possesses better action but this seems to be more theoretical than practical, while the tiny tips of an eight strip rod are likely to be soft due to the comparative amount of glue necessary to hold the pieces together.

Because there is more labor that is involved, this will make the eight strip rod more expensive than the six. This is another reason why I would stick with a six strip rod if possible, it is all about personal preference anyways.

What makes bamboo rods more durable than other types of fly fishing rods is that they are double built rods. Meaning there are two layers, one in the middle and of course the outer layer. This will make them heavier, stronger, and hold there shape better than graphite fly rods.

One other type of bamboo rod construction would be the kind that has a steel core in the middle of the rod, which is wrapped in bamboo for the outer layer. Many say that these types of bamboo fly rods are superior to all other rods when it comes to casting.

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Posted byBertie at 10:51 AM 0 comments

Cuba's best holiday destinations

By Jose M. Garces

If you are looking for information on where to go and what to do in Cuba this might be a good place to start. This charming Caribbean Island certainly has everything you need for fantastic holidays to Cuba and there are options to please the most discerning traveler.

Cuba is the largest of the Antilles and offers a wide variety of holidays. If you are looking for just relaxation on a beach resort or get to know the island by joining an escorted tour Cuba certainly does not lack options

Lets look at places like Varadero, Jibacoa, Guardalavaca, cayo Coco, Cayo Largo, Cayo Santa Maria and so many other beach destinations with white sandy beaches and turquoise color waters. To chose among all of them could be a difficult task. Some places like Varadero are better in terms of infrastructure and things you can do out side your hotel while the rest are more for the purpose of pure relaxation.

Pinar del Rio province has the most attractive landscapes in Cuba especially those of Vi?ales Valley where the best tobacco of the world is harvested every year. Soroa and last Terrazas also in Pinar del Rio are especially attractive among those interested in hiking, tracking and bird watching.

Baracoa in the eastern most part of Cuba is one of the most charismatic villages in Cuba from the Spanish Colonial Times. Its mountainous surroundings make it also ideal for those who enjoy direct contact with nature.

Havana without a doubt should not be left out in your visit. This city represents the main interaction with the Cuban culture. Havana?s Old Town is one of its best assets. You can find life music almost in every corner and every square.

For history lovers and thouse wanting to get to know the real Caribbean culture there is no better place than Santiago the Cuba. With a very rich cultural heritage Santiago de Cuba is the best place to enjoy a Cuban Carnival which takes place around the 26th of July every year.

Cuba has accumulated in the last 4 centuries a wealth of history and character. Especially in the last 50 years after the triumph of Castro?s revolution in 1959. Some consider it all might change soon so my advice is to start planning your holidays sooner rather than later.

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Posted byBertie at 9:54 AM 0 comments

The Many Attributes of the Garmin Handheld GPS Oregon 400c

By LaZinnia Manley

GPS receivers are becoming less expensive as well as more technically sophisticated, as the scope of the product keeps expanding. The Garmin Handheld GPS Oregon 400c Receiver is the latest offering from Garmin. The unit features a touch screen which is precisely three inches in diagonal length. The screen is also readable under direct sunlight.

Garmin manufactured the Oregon 400c touch screen with a protective covering to protect it from cracking if the unit is accidentally dropped. The Garmin Handheld GPS Oregon 400c uses innovative and easy to use software. It is waterproof, rugged and be used for any of your adventures into the unknown.

The Garmin Handheld GPS Colorado 400c is also especially useful for those who spend quite a lot of time on the water and want to keep in tune with the surroundings, the unit also features enhancements like BlueChart G2. But sadly, as of the time of this release, only the marine places in the US and the Bahamian Islands are integrated into the unit.

Just like its predecessor, data can be shared in a wireless manner between similar units. This makes it easier to share information regarding the way points and points of interest to friends. One other feature which has found its place in the Garmin Oregon 400c Receiver is the support for Geocaching GPX files. This in turn eliminates the need for manually entering the coordinates and roaming around with paper print outs of the locality.

One of the great features of the Garmin Handheld GPS Oregon 400c is it's convenient size. You can carry it comfortably or put it in a pocket if you wish. Belt clips and holsters are also available if you prefer one of those.

The Garmin Oregon 400c receiver also features a highly sensitive receiver which has the patented WAAS and HotFix prediction algorithm incorporated into it. This unit is able to pin point the current location of the user even under the cover of the deepest canyons. This ensures that the user is able to find his way out of the tallest buildings and the trees.

The Garmin Handheld GPS Oregon 400c has Micro SD card slot for using the latest SD cards for preset maps. It also includes an electronic compass as well as a barometer allowing you keep up with weather and even plotting it on a graph if you wish.

With the advanced capabilities of the Garmin Handheld GPS Oregon 400c reciever you can explore all those out of the way places you always wanted to go. The Oregon 400c will please even the most discriminating.

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Posted byBertie at 11:01 PM 0 comments

Other Types of Fishing Gear Most Miss

By Carey Hansborough

The sport of fishing can be dated back to more than 10,000 years, and it is believed that it has been around since the beginning of evolution. When you are fishing though, you must know why you are doing this, some people do it for the fun of, the pure sport, they catch, they get their picture taken with the fish and then they release it. Others might fish to put food on the table, or they may fish for a living so restaurants and grocery stores can supply fish to consumers.

So if you are ready to get involved in this wonderful sport there are some basic fishing tackle items that you will need. Since there are many types of fishing that can be done, I am going to cover the basic types of tackle you will need for saltwater fishing inshore, such as flats fishing.

We will start with the fishing rod and reel, fully equipped with the fishing line, leader, and sinkers or cork if necessary. Of course you will also have your choice of bait to, whether you want to go artificial or you want to use live bait is your choice, both have their strengths and weaknesses.

One thing that I constantly forget to bring with me on the boat is a net to scoop the fish out of the water with. This is not essential to have but it will greatly lower the odds of you loosing a prize fish because they shake them selves off of the hook before they get into the boat.

The easiest way that you can get live bait is to pay for it, the next easiest way is to catch it by using a cast net, which every angler should have in their fishing tackle supply. Not only are cast nets great for catching bait they can also be used to catch mullet, which can make great bait or a good meal on the dinner table.

If you are using a flats boat, then you can deeply benefit from having a trolling motor. Once you get into shallow waters your inboard or outboard motor may do nothing but hit ground and mess up the propeller, along with scaring the fish away. A trolling motor will allow you to quietly move across shallow waters without spooking any fish.

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Posted byBertie at 9:54 AM 0 comments

How to Clean Your Shimano Fishing Reel

By Derek Gatehouse

Cleaning your reel is important I'm afraid, if you want it to last, and to continue to perform. And nothing is worse than hooking that big one, only to have problems with your rod or reel. Not to mention it'll last a lot longer if you clean it once in a while!

I'll start there--how often to clean... you really only need to clean your real once, preferably twice a year. When fishing in salt water, twice would be better. And like anything else, it's easy when you know how. First, here are the tools you'll need:

* one clean towel

* a small screw driver (usually Phillips head)

* one small bottle of grease. Do not use WD-40; WD-40 often leaves residue which can attract dirt. Instead, use a high quality grease meant for reels)

* a couple of Q-tips

* some paper towels

First, remove the reel from the rod. Use a couple of paper towels to wipe it off completely.

Next you'll need to remove the handle of your reel. It is generally removed one of two possible ways. There will either be some sort of screw in the handle, or you simply hold the reel in one hand and turn the handle backwards with your other hand. Set the handle down on a clean towel.

Lie the reel down so as to expose the (typically) 3 to 5 screws that hold the reel together. Remove these screws and set them beside the handle. You should now have exposed a small plate--remove it too, and set it down with the screws.

You should now see inside the reel. Clean any dirt you see in the reel with one of the Q-tips. Next, put a few drops of your reel grease on each of the gears.

One caution here: a lot of grease is not necessarily a good thing. You can clog things with too much grease--a few drops is usually all that's needed.

Now we reassemble the reel by reversing the process above. Screw the plate back into place. Then, before you put your handle back in place, put a few drops of grease on it as well. Now reattach the handle.

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Posted byBertie at 7:09 AM 0 comments

The Best Fishing Trip I Ever Took

By Derek Gatehouse

Over the years I have written many an article about fishing to be sure. And, although this one is clearly my personal favorite, I'm not sure it's really about fishing at all.

It wasn't the sunny weather or the terrific fishing or even the idealistic location that made this such a wonderful trip though. It was my fishing partner. This you see was quite possibly my final fishing trip with my first born son.

I can remember his first catch at age five. A perch. He couldn't have smiled a bigger smile (despite obvious nervousness at what might come next).

And now he is a man. A 21 year old with far better things to do than to sit in a boat for hours with the old man. But if it was in fact our last trip, it was a great one. Its funny how different we all are with each other, once out of our usual environment. We were no longer father and son; just two guys enjoying the quiet beauty of nature, and a slower pace than the city living were used to.

It seemed we could more easily talk about things we had trouble with at home. His desire to find his own place, to make movies one day, to move to a warmer year round climate. He told me of his plans to travel the world. And I gladly sat and listened to it all; no judging, no advising (okay... not much advising). Knowing how brief this would all be, I just sat and gladly listened to him.

Fishing and time have always been connected in a funny way for me. Time stops out on the boat. The real world isn't there. Just the breeze and the water and the fish. And I found myself wishing we could just stay there, in that moment.

What a cruel joke of nature that our principal job with our kids is also the toughest one: to let them go. To teach them to be self sufficient and well adjusted, and then let them fly away. My wife and I are so happy that we learned early on to stop and appreciate the "moment" as they happen. Time really does pass too quickly.

And on the afternoon of our last day, when he caught a perch, we shared a knowing glance. A nod it seemed not only to the past, but to our changing roles and a new life chapter. And I'm happy to say, he still smiles ear to ear when he catches one.

This may not have been our last fishing trip together. But if it was I am terribly grateful we did it. It is a new chapter in his life--in our lives--and, although bittersweet, I am so glad we pulled off this last minute trip together.

If you are a parent who is lucky enough to be fishing with your kids, I encourage you to stop and embrace every moment. Keep teaching them, but sometimes, just sit back and watch them. Although it sometimes feels that time stops out there in the middle of the lake, I'm sad to say, it doesn't.

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Posted byBertie at 5:53 AM 0 comments

The New Way to Get Your Fishing Gear

By Kris Saelen

I think we all know the feeling we have when we're out on the lake and feel a big pull on our rod. Your body immediately gets a rush of adrenaline, and you know this is going to be a big one. This is the thrill that really hooks us into going fishing time and time again.

If you aren't using a good rod with strong line, then I'm sure you know how fast that excitement can turn to despair when you lose that fish. There's a lot of preparation that must be done before heading out on the lake.

Its of the utmost importance you have quality fishing gear and proper attire when you decide to take that fishing trip. The last thing you want to do is be unprepared and lose that trophy fish that should have been yours.

For most fishermen they will go to a Sports Authority of or other local bait shop in hopes of finding the best fishing equipment before undertaking an exciting fishing trip. The problem most find at these shops is the equipment is usually not very high in quality and there are essential items missing.

The most important thing to do before going out fishing is to be well prepared for whatever may come your way. This is why many of the best fishermen have switched to buying their fishing gear online.

When fishermen shop online they dont have to bother leaving their homes when trying to find the best supplies. There is no searching through aisles and aisles of worthless baits, and there are no lines you have to wait in when purchasing your items.

All you do is look through the lined up rods, lines, tackle, and such. It's easy and its saves you a lot of time. You see only high quality equipment so there is no need to worry like you would at a bait shop.

Some of the best equipment every fisherman should be using cannot be found in generic stores that dont focus on fishing. The beauty of shopping online for fishing gear is that these online stores only focus on fishing gear. These owners have a passion for fishing and it is evident from their online stores.

Anything and everything you need for fishing can be found in these online fishing stores. They offer great prices and almost always beat local shops that charge you top dollar. You are likely to find these online stores offer over-night shipping as well. This means you will be able to get your gear just in time for your big trip this weekend.

The time and money you will save is reason enough to shop online for your fishing gear. There is no reason you shouldn't be prepared for your next big fishing trip. So get your gear and get ready for a successful fishing trip.

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Posted byBertie at 10:21 AM 0 comments

Fun with Old Town Kayaks

By Toby Johns

People have been forging their way across the waters as a means of travel for literally thousands of years. Old Town Kayaks has been fashioning their means to do so with kayaks since 1940. Inspired by the design of canoes fashioned by Native Americans, Old Towne began creating kayaks using sealskin design, wood and canvas to develop their kayaks.

In the 1950's, Old Town began making their kayaks out of lightweight fiberglass. Now, as we enter into more modern times and contemporary technologies, Old Town produces their kayaks using durable PolyLink3 and SuperLink3. But with all these choices and styles, how can a person figure out which kayak is right for them?

Kayaks are considerably different in their design from canoes. They let you quickly and easily maneuver in the water through the use of double-bladed paddles. A kayaker typically travels faster and closer to the water's surface for greater stability. If you are in the market for a new kayak, take careful consideration of what you're going to be using your kayak for. The weight, capacity, size and cockpit, as well as the materials used in the design are all critical to your final decision.

If you're solely interested in recreational kayak use, there are a plethora of models that provide user-friendliness and are ready to plunk down into the water. Also, day-touring kayaks have great tracking ability; they're stable and highly efficient. Kayaks with open cockpits are built for quick and easy entry and exit. Families and sportsmen will enjoy the day tour models.

If there are two of you preparing for to kayak, you may wish to consider a tandem model. Tandem kayaks are great for couples, and are very suitable for all kinds of bodies of water. Fishing kayaks are lightweight, stable, and have features that enhance the experience of fishing and kayaking simultaneously. Both models have the same type of construction, such as shock cord deck riggings, cockpits, deck hatches and handles for carrying.

Old Town kayaks, built in Maine, have tried to manufacture kayaks for everyones taste. The shorter the kayak, the more maneuverable they are and lighter. Longer kayaks are great for cruising and traveling in the open waters. They are also better for day trips and overnighters. Wide boats are good for photographers and fishermen and narrow boats go farther. The bottom layer is also important in your purchase of Old Town kayaks for sale.

Flat bottom kayaks will make your journey more comfortable through calm waters. Shallow arch bottoms work best in choppy waters. When you need to improve tracking over water, the V-bottom kayaks may be the ideal choice for you. In addition, kayaks vary with the sides that are built. When the sides of a kayak is curved inward, this is called a tumblehome design, which is typically that of a narrow kayak. Flared sides allow the kayak to function best while sitting deeper in the water. Old Town kayaks are produced from a variety of materials including 100% recycled plastic, polyethylene and a variable layer boat.

A few samples of models manufactured in Old Town, Maine include the Digio 106 Angler. This model lies low in the water for the fishermen to navigate through the water in silence. Rod holders are included. Another angler is the Vapor 12xt with day wells, storage for iPods and your GPS. You can travel anywhere in this model! The Cayuga and Adventure series are great for day tours. They are both set up with features that make them wonderful choices for overnighters.

Already round for decades, Old Town kayaks plan on building quality boats well into the new century. The company prides itself on their understanding of craftsmanship exhibited so well by the native American people. Old Town will certainly succeed in competing against the competition with high-quality and easily affordable kayaks providing fun for young and old.

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Posted byBertie at 8:37 AM 0 comments

Should You Listen To The Advice Of Mississippi Cruise Critics?

By Anthony Herbert

If you would like to go on a Mississippi cruise you will find that there are all kinds of opinions and recommendations on the subject, several of which come from professional cruise critics. These people are experts in comparing various cruises to each other and usually also have a regional focus, so they are your best source of expert opinion.

A good cruise critic will tell you all the salient details of a specific Mississippi cruise. From booking the trip to getting on to the ship, to the sights and activities that you will be able to do once you have boarded, to food and accommodation.

The boarding available on your potential Mississippi cruise will be discussed at length. The critics love to tell how large the cabins are (or are not) and what is in the quarters. Little extras like a bath instead of a shower, or decorations and fittings are topics of attention

The critics tell about every day of their trip as they go about their activities and use the special facilities like health spas and steam rooms. By telling you what they find to be good and bad about the activities and services on the ships, they are also telling you what is considered normal in a Mississippi cruise.

A good Mississippi cruise critic will also be upfront about things such as tipping, and his expert opinion may vary from what you may be asked on once on the ship. By reading one or several reviews, you will know what's expected and will not risk over-tipping.

A Mississippi cruise critic's comment may just make the difference between you choosing one of two comparable offers. One thing that you may want to watch out in the reviews are payment and cancellation terms, as these will be usually described and can vary a lot from trip to trip.

One thing you can be sure of is that the Mississippi cruise critics will give their assessments about their gastronomic experiences on the ship whether the fare is excellent or revolting. They will give examples of the kinds of foods they ate and how well it was arranged. They will also describe the furnishings and ambience of the dining rooms.

Mississippi cruise critics usually take some shoreline trips so they can write about them if for no other reason. They will let you know if the cruise ship has prearranged their excursions soundly.

Trips to the shore and other sightseeing is usually commented upon by Mississippi cruise critics as well, so you will be able to decide in advance whether an optional excursion offered at extra cost is worth your time or not.

Mississippi cruise critics can help you to understand all the advantages and disadvantages of taking a certain ship. Their personal judgment is usually easy to sort from the facts they give on the cruises. For that reason, you can learn much about your Mississippi cruise from them.

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Posted byBertie at 6:08 AM 0 comments

Bass Fishing Tips

By Owen Jones

It is very handy to get some tips on bass fishing when you are a beginner. Firstly, it it is important to know that bass are fish whose metabolism depends on the temperature of the surrounding water. Their metabolism rises or falls proportionally with the increase or decrease in water temperature. Therefore, if the water where they happen to be is cold, as it is in deeper waters, they are less active and so eat a lot less.

Therefore, around about January, you should start bass fishing in increasingly warmer waters because the bass will want to leave the colder deeper waters so that they can spawn. Furthermore, during the Autumn/Fall the bass begin to move towards colder and deeper waters where they would be safer during the cold season. But fishermen should not expect them to migrate great distances all that quickly because their cycles of moving from one place to the next as the seasons do take several months.

It is also a good tip to realize when bass fishing that these fish are very sociable, which means that they tend to shoal together in schools, especially those which are the same size. So, if you have already caught some bass in one area, you are likely to catch more in the same area as long as you do not throw the dead fish you've already caught back into the water as that will panic the rest of the school.

Furthermore, bass fishing areas are quite easy to find. You should remember that they are predators but not really very active ones since their favourite food is not actually one they have to fight to get. Rather, they wait patiently and lazily for prey to swim past and then they ambush it.

They very often go for injured or less energetic game even though this might not be on their regular menu. Their regular menu consists of crawfish, minnows, worms, insects, frogs and so on. If fishermen learn these things about bass, together with their mating habits, fishing for them should be much easier and more fun.

But, don't forget that bass are also prey themselves and so they need protection as well, which is why the most successful bass fishing is carried out in areas where the fish can find safety: for example in and around rocks of any size, weeds and any other shady or indeed sunny, well-lit areas where it is difficult for them to be attacked.

However, success at bass fishing also depends on the type of bait the fisherman uses. The bait should be varied according to both the season " spring, summer, autumn or winter " and the spawning cycle of this fish. Beginners should take heart from the fact that there are always experienced anglers ready to provide a tip - don't be afraid to ask because the most effective bait does vary from one region to the next.

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Posted byBertie at 1:01 AM 0 comments

Marine GPS

By Alexis Kenne

For boaters and other people who navigate some water areas, the Marine GPS systems have been the most helpful tool nowadays. Marine GPS navigation is useful in many different purposes, especially for people who need to locate directions and right positioning of a certain location when boating or fishing.

History of Marine GPS:

Marine navigations and other boating endeavors use the star charts and the figures in longitude and latitude locations to determine the right directions before. But because of inaccuracy of information, marines needed more accurate device for navigation. When the GPS was launched, it was still further developed for even more useful functions. Marine GPS has been completely operational and useful in navigation for only a decade ago. Since the GPS has 12 to 24 satellites that could send signal of exact locations, it has been used for different purposes that need locating directions, especially for marine navigation.

Marine GPS Navigation Systems-Purpose

The answer is simple, it is more accurate, less hassle than previous methods to find out where you are on the open sea or any body of water for that matter. Also, the most important reason is for safety. Not only can it keep you from getting lost, but you can chart ways around tropical storms at sea, or alternate routes, for whatever reason.

Marine GPS-Future

The marine GPS systems continue to get more sophisticated, and come in hand-held models, all the way up to marine GPS navigation lap top computers. Depending on the functions you want, you can find a marine GPS that can do whatever you want it to, when it comes to navigation, topography in foreign water bodies, or take it hiking and camping with you, if it is a hand-held portable marine GPS. Some of the larger cruisers and yachts use it to auto-pilot a ship, and navigate back to port in the dark of night.

Advice On Buying a Marine GPS:

There are many things to consider when choosing the right Marine GPS device. You should determine the reason why you would need one. Research for it carefully and check all the other functions available in the device which can be helpful for you in other ways aside from marine navigation. Consider also the necessary accessories and add-ons that you might need when you use the Marine GPS. There are affordable devices that you can buy for simple fishing or navigation purposes, but if you are planning for a more extensive navigation, choose the expensive one with more functionality.

Marine GPS navigation systems have gotten to be almost a requirement for all types of water navigation, and finding a marine GPS unit is easy at retailers, but especially online, where the choices are unlimited. As more manufacturers have gotten into the GPS systems, even cell phones are GPS capable now. Its all a matter of the number of functions you need for what you are going to be doing, when it comes to marine GPS navigation.

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Posted byBertie at 12:31 PM 0 comments

Love to Camp but Hate the Crowds? Check Out These 6 National Parks.

By CJ Lomez

Time to head out with the family this summer. You love camping and want to hit some of the national parks throughout North America. But the thought of fighting traffic and crowds at some of the more popular destinations isn't very appealing. Fortunately, these 6 places let you enjoy the beauty of the park without the headache of the crowds:

1. Arches. This gem can be found in the southern landscape of Utah. It's best known for its stunning sandstone arches, two of which are Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch, the park's largest. Because of the sheer beauty the park has to offer, along with the landscape, hiking remains the most popular activity.

2. Badlands. Truly a marvel of nature, Badlands offers two or three experiences in one park. Not only do you see beautiful buttes and canyons, but also there is the vast prairie land to experience. Because of the lay of the land, you're sure to see wildlife ranging from bison to coyotes.

3. Big Bend National Park. This is truly the park for the water enthusiast. Located in western Texas, river rafting on the Rio Grande is a popular attraction. Canoeing and kayaking are perfect ways to take in the breathtaking views. The park, situated on more than 3/4 of a million acres, got its name because of the very large bend in the river.

4. Biscayne National Park. What makes Biscayne so unique is the fact that it is accessible almost exclusively by boat. The park, 25 miles from Miami, is part of a coral reef. That means if you enjoy viewing marine life, you'll feel right at home here. The crystal clear waters make it very easy to spot all kinds of fish and stingrays. Fishing, hiking, and camping are other favorite activities made easy since the park is made up of over 40 keys.

5. Cape Breton Highlands. Located in Nova Scotia, Canada, Cape Breton was once home to Alexander Graham Bell. The uniqueness of Cape Breton is its accessibility all year long, whether its frolicking on the beach in summer, skiing in winter, or hiking in the fall. The many hiking trails offer stunning views of the coastline, the plateaus, and the wonderfully green highlands.

6. Congaree National Park. Some 75 species of trees and multitudes of animals call Congaree National Park home. Located near Columbia, South Carolina, the park is the largest floodplain forest in North America. It also is one of the newest, earning its national park status in 2003.

So if you're looking to experience the excitement of camping without the headache associated with large crowds, these places are for you. These six lesser-known gems will provide you with hours of enjoyment, not to mention memories that will last forever.

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Posted byBertie at 8:30 AM 0 comments

Are you overwhelmed by all the Alaska fishng Lodges and don't know which one to choose? Find out the 10 qualities these lodges need to have before you book with them.

By Denny Williams

There are many different Alaska fishing lodges out there that you can choose for a wonderful time of fishing. Of course with all the choices it can be a bit confusing, leaving you wondering how to make a choice. How can you choose the right one? The following are some of the top qualities you'll want to look for before you choose a specific fishing lodge for your fishing vacation.

Fishing Packages - Probably the most important thing you should be looking for is a fishing lodge in Alaska that will offer you fishing packages that are all inclusive. Ensure that the lodge you choose has packages that include everything in them. If you don't, you'll pay a lot more for all the services you need. Don't go with a lodge that won't offer you an all inclusive package.

Offering Ice for Caught Fish on Boats - Another important quality to look for is lodges that have ice on the boats you are out on to put the fish on that you catch. This is really important for keeping the meat quality. The last thing you want is for your catch to go bad before you get back.

Stamps and Licenses Taken Care Of - The stamps and licenses should be taken care of. When you arrive you don't want to take care of all this - you want to start fishing. Check to see if the lodge can provide these for you and ensure the price is included in your package deal as well.

Captains with Experience - Another very important quality you want from the Alaska fishing lodge you choose is captains that have plenty of experience. Local captains are really the best. With experience and local knowledge, they'll be able to find the best spots for fishing in the area, which will help you make sure you actually get to catch fish.

Smaller Companies that Provide Great Customer Care - When you are choosing Alaska fishing lodges, it is often a great idea to go with one of the smaller companies. They are more likely to offer you the great customer care that you want. Check out companies that only run a few boats, and you'll get much better service than those larger fishing lodges can provide to you.

Ensure Gear is Included - More than likely you won't have the room to bring along a lot of fishing gear. So, check to see if the fishing lodge provides it to you. They should have rain gear available as well as rubber boots that you can wear.

Processing of the Fish - The lodge you choose should also process the fish you catch for you for free. This should be a part of your total fishing package. If they charge extra to process the fish for you, then this is not the lodge you want to choose.

Gourmet Meals Included - No doubt you want to make sure that you eat well while you are enjoying your fishing trip to Alaska. For this reason an important quality the lodge you choose should have is gourmet meals that are included in the initial package price. Ensure they have a gourmet chef so you are sure to have great meals. You'll be hungry after all that fishing.

Check the Lodges Credibility - Another quality to look for is credibility. It is important that you check out the Alaska fishing lodges you are considering to ensure they are credible. You can do this by finding testimonials or finding out whether they are endorsed by places like Cabela's.

Tackle Provided - The tackle for your fishing should all be provided as a part of your package. However, not only will you want to ensure it is provided, but you want to check to make sure it is quality tackle. Check for top names when you are choosing your Alaska fishing lodge.

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Posted byBertie at 6:29 AM 0 comments

Using the Garmin Handheld GPS Receiver for World Navigation

By LaZinnia Manley

[1:7:T] With the Garmin Handheld GPS 60 unit you can travel worldwide and have a database of cities at your fingertips. It is preloaded with streets and city maps worldwide. It also is for adventurous sportsman as well. It truly is for worldwide use.



The Garmin Handheld GPS 60 is very reasonably priced for a gps unit set up for worldwide use. It's display is a monochrome screen readable outdoors even under extreme conditions. You can travel the world using the GPS 60 with confidence.

The Garmin GPS 60 is waterproof and will not fail you because of environmental conditions. It is suitable for campers, hunters, fisherman or sight seeing in foreign locations. Simply take the GPS 60 and strike out to unfamiliar territory.

One of the many great features of the Garmin Handheld GPS 60 is a generous sized grayscale display. It is has a LED back light and is readable in total darkness or in direct sunlight. You can depend on obtaining readable data day or night.

The Garmin Handheld GPS 60 receiver delivers reliable data up to 28 hours on a set of batteries. Most day outings don't require battery changes but as a precaution I would always carry a spare set for those occasions requiring extra batteries.

The Garmin Handheld GPS 60 is WAAS enabled allowing it to be accurate to within 3 meters anywhere you venture. WAAS ( Wide Area Augmentation System ) was developed by the FAA to augment the GPS system for more accurate positioning assisting aircraft in flight and landing.

The Garmin GPS 60 has both USB and serial port connections allowing you to connect to your computer for data sharing. The GPS 60 has a 1 megabyte internal memory for storing your favorite points of interest. Just pick out your destination and the GPS 60 will show you the direct route with a line to your destination. It also includes special geocaching features for those into the sport. Other features are indoor and outdoor games, celestial data such as moon phase tables with sunrise and sunset times. It gives optimal hunting and fishing times as well. The GPS 60 is feature packed for such a modestly priced gps unit.

The dimensions of the Garmin Handheld GPS 60 receiver make it easy and comfortable to carry. It weighs seven ounces with batteries installed. It's outside measurements are 2.4 inches x 2.4 inches x 1.2 inches. Batteries are not included in purchase price,

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Posted byBertie at 4:06 AM 0 comments

30' Sailboat Racing

By Douglas Malat

There was a time when I thought the only thing I could do with my 30 sailboat was go in and out of bays. When I discovered sailboat racing I found out how wrong I was.

I found racing sailing in my area and it gave me purpose on the weekends. I got friends for crew and set-off to win one. Some sailboat races are around buoys, some around islands, but in either case you have to know your tides and winds. These are your main concerns, because with tides you want to know where it runs strong and also light.

If you have to go up against the tide in a race, it's better to stick to the lighter side. When the tide is on your side, you want to keep in the strongest part to gain the most speed you can. Winds work the same way when racing. When in a bay, the closer to shore you are, the warm winds drive the wind onshore. A mere - 3 knots of wind can make all the difference. Being in the middle of the bay could make you lose ground.

Long time sailboat racers have beaten me many times. I recall on one occasion being certain I was going to win. A sailboat was turning as if it was heading back. I was passing the very last buoy before the finish line. Was I ever tricked! That sailboat found stronger winds and beat me to the finish line. That was an important lesson learned. Over time, you master the techniques and it becomes automatic. I learned the hard way and faced much frustration, but, ultimately, when I figured it all out, there was plenty of excitement. Short races lasting a few hours turned to races one week long.

There have been times when the winds turned wild along the race. I've witnessed injured sailors being rescued by helicopters. Other times, there was no wind at all. I won a race by drifting along, thanks to my deep keel or wide beam. No matter the conditions, the more you race the more you figure out how to win in any conditions. The key is figuring out your boat's point of sail - that's when your boat is most comfortable. That's when racing becomes effortless for the boat and the crew. Then it's just like riding a bicycle - you just sit back and enjoy the ride.

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Posted byBertie at 3:32 AM 0 comments

A Primer on Fishing Kayaks, Inflatable Kayaks and the 5 Hottest Ocean Kayak Brands Around

By Toby Johns

Now that the warm summer months are rapidly approaching, many folks find themselves wanting to get out on the water to do some fishing. This is a great activity as fishing gives a lot of people the relaxation time that they have been wanting for so long. While some folks do not mind going out on ultra-fast boats to fish, others tend to prefer the peacefulness that comes with kayaking. There is just something about sea or fishing kayaking that people cannot get enough of.

If you have never been kayaking out on your own, then you will want to make sure you have an experienced kayaker with you. Although kayaking is typically a calm ride, there are some pitfalls you'll want to keep your eye on. You may even prefer to wait on buying your own kayak until you get the knack for riding and paddling in one. This will give you the chance to know for sure that kayaking is a sport you'll want to invest your recreational time in. Getting this practice under your belt will also help ensure that you'll get familiarity in knowing what to look for when shopping for your perfect kayak.

When you head out on the water for the first few kayaking experiences, make sure that your experienced friend who's accompanying you walks you through the ropes and answers all your questions. If you don't have access to an experienced kayaking friend, then you will probably want to seek the advice from a professional. Many facilities now offer specialized courses in kayaking. Rent a kayak for a few hours with an instructor and you'll get the best start towards learning this relaxing and fun activity which will provide you with a lifetime of enjoyable water and fishing experiences.

Once you learn everything there is to know, you can pass on the knowledge to your friends and family so that they too can share in the fun. They can get into their very own kayaks or go out and spend some time with you. Either way, this is an adventure that everyone can enjoy with each other. In hardly any time at all, you will all be professional kayakers (or, at least, look like it) and you will wonder how you ever fished before learning how to use a kayak.

Selecting a kayak is a process that begins by considering the lifestyle of you and your family. Kayaks are like many other modes of transportation: There are a wide assortment of models and styles from which to choose. The type of kayak you choose will be largely based on how you plan to use it. Let's take a look at the five hottest brands on the market today. These brands offer a great mix of high-adventure styles. You'll find kayaks that fit nearly every performance requirement--from maneuvering the rapids to a calm ride across the lake to a relaxing day of trout fishing.

1.) Old Town Kayaks. What does a company named the Old Town Canoe Company know about kayaks? Just about everything. Old Town is the oldest and largest canoe and kayak manufacturer, dating way back to 1898. With a much-deserved images for quality, Old Town is known best for leading the kayaking business in craftsmanship and innovation. Old Town's kayaking line includes safe, stable sea kayaks, tandem kayaks, touring kayaks, exciting recreational kayaks and, of course, fishing kayaks. Old Town is known for combining modern materials and stylish contemporary design forms to their traditional, time-honored paddle craft. No wonder Old Town leads as a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and sportsmen/sportswomen.

2.) Perception Kayaks. When the Great Outdoors calls, Perception Kayaks answer. Perception is a world-class kayaking company that has been creating cutting-edge kayaks since the 1970s. In fact, they pioneered the introduction of the plastic kayak. By using the latest innovative technologies, Perception has moved ahead of the competition by attending to the wants, needs and desires of a new generation of kayaking champions. Perception kayaks are ubiquitous in the touring and recreational kayak line. They also include a wide selection of sporting-rec and sit-on-top kayaks to meet the needs of the most seasoned kayaking enthusiasts. Now, nearly 30 years later, the same enthusiasm that developed the first line of Perception kayaks now drives the creation of today's hottest, sleek, new and innovatively-designed kayaks.

3.) Dagger Kayaks. The story of Dagger begins with a few kayaker friends who worked feverishly in a small shop with a dirt room floor to create leading-edge, world-class kayaks. Dagger kayaks are a kayakers favorite among all brands today. The company is well-regarded for developing and releasing the highest quality kayaks available. The Dagger kayaking line of products are field tested by a collective group of kayaking professionals known as 'Team Dagger' before their products are released to the public. Those who wisely purchase Dagger kayaks can feel confident knowing that their kayak met the highest standards before Dagger was willing to give it their stamp of approval.

4.) Hobie Kayaks. With a proud heritage of water craft behind them, Hobie spawned their ubiquitous brand to become a well-respected leader in sea and fishing kayaks. Hobie claims that 'their mother was a sailboat and their father was a surfboard'. Hobie demonstrates this motto in their water craft design. This results in the creation of the most innovative, high-tech kayaks on the market today. Hobies expertise and heritage redefines the industry standard. Take, for example, their MirageDrive pedaling system. This system uses two underwater flippers similar to a penguins fins, to power the kayak. In addition, Hobie kayaks integrate a seamless, roto-molded, polethylene construction method. Some people argue that Hobie kayaks are closer to guided missiles than typical traditional kayaks of years gone by.

5.) Pelican Kayaks. Now in their 40th year, Pelican International is known as an industry leader in producing affordable, high-quality water craft products. Pelican manufacturs hundreds of boats, from fishing boats and pedal boats to canoes and, of course, durable and economical kayaks. Pelican has led the field in developing exclusive technologies that set standards of benchmarked excellence for impact resistance, and for their products to regain their shape after violent impacts, in addition to their UV-protected shells. Pelican's target market is the recreational user. Their kayaks are an excellent choice for the outdoor enthusiast and nature-lover looking for a balance between quality, value and affordability.

For individuals who have not yet discovered the experience with kayaking, they may not fully understand what all the fuss is about. It is vital to point out,however, that once folks take their first ocean kayak or kayak fishing trip, they suddenly see the light and understand what everyone has been raving about throughout the years. Whether in the ocean, river, or lake, kayaking is just about the best all-around fun time you can have on the water. Since most kayaking is done at relaxed speeds, you are in a position where you can take your time and take in all of nature's scenery. Our lives are already hectic enough, so there is no reason to do anything else other then move slowly and relaxed out on the water.

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Posted byBertie at 7:16 AM 0 comments

Frequently Used Boat Prop Terms

By Todd Alan

For people with no previous association to boat propellers, the terms that are used when speaking about different types of propeller and propellers parts can seem quite confusing. This write up aims to increase your basic knowledge when it comes to dealing with boat props.

A boat propellers parts: Most commonly available boat props usually have three blades or four, and these blades are placed around the hub. The hub goes on to connect the propeller blades and the drive shaft. A boat moves forward due to the angle at which these blades are placed which gives them the ability to screw through water. The end of the prop blade that cuts through the water is referred to as the leading edge, and the other end is called the trailing edge.

A spline, while technically, is not a part of the propeller, refers to the drive shafts teeth. Hubs are designed in a way that allows them to fit shafts with given numbers of splines.

The features of a boat prop: Boat props are classified by their diameter and pitch, and this is often displayed as 2 numbers (in inches), such as 15.5 X 12. One can usually find this stamped on the props hub. The 1st number refers to the props diameter (which would be double the distance from the blades end to the hubs center). The 2nd number refers to the props pitch. The pitch refers to the distance that the propeller can theoretically travel through with every revolution. A prop with a 12 inch pitch could travel around 1 foot with a single revolution. Pitch is often looked upon as a theoretical figure because a prop pitch can experience slips in varied real world scenarios. A slip refers to the difference in ratio between the actual distance that is traveled and the props given pitch. This slip can be varied under similar conditions, an example being that an efficiently planned boat could experience only a 10 percent slip, where as a heavy work boat could experience as much as 80 percent slip.

The rotation can be either left or right hand. A majority of the boat props have right hand rotation. You can expect to find a left handed one on engines wherein double engines are needed to counter the motors torque which can lead to pulling the steering in one direction.

A cupped blade is used to describe blades that have undergone special treatment wherein the trailing edges are curved. This is known to elevate performance levels in specific scenarios.

The rake is used to refer to the angle created by the blade and the hub. A negative rake would indicate that the props blades point forward and this is normally done for adding strength.

In buying a new propeller, it is essential that you make a list of your engines specifications such as its make, brand, model, horse power, etc; and also the specifications of your existing prop including the material it is made of, its diameter, its pitch, the number of blades it has, etc. With these details taken care, you can well be on your way to get yourself a new boat prop.

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Posted byBertie at 5:33 AM 0 comments

One of Florida's Top Beaches - St Pete Beach

By Katy Flanagan

People keep coming back to St Pete Beach for their own reasons, whether to keep up a long-standing tradition in their family, to get married on this beautiful beach, to indulge in their favorite hobby of fishing, to go running on a relatively peaceful beach, or to escape from the crowds at Disney World. Whatever their reason, the loveliness of the beach can keep them coming back.

For those of you confused about the two, St Pete Beach is a separate city from St. Petersburg City to the east. In 1994, the citizens of several communities voted to shorten several parts of the coastal beach area to St Pete Beach. Places such as Passagrille, St. Petersburg Beach and Belle Vista area are now part of that one small city of about 10,000 residents. The city swells and lowers depending on the time of year, so snowbirds from Canada and northern states who are trying to stay warm during winter, bring the population up to around 20,000.

There are 39 acres of public beach to enjoy, and almost that many of park area. People keep coming back as the beaches are beautiful, the rates are good if you are on a budget, and avoiding the spring break college crowd at Daytona has its own benefits. The crowds can swell at the beach but not in the same wild party way.

To get around the area without using a car, the Beach Trolley runs on Gulf Boulevard every 30 to 40 minutes. A single ticket is 1.25 but you can buy a day pass or a week pass if you are going to be doing a lot of shopping and sightseeing. The trolley will take you into the city of St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and the beaches of Tampa Bay area are accessible by trolley. Bats Taxi service will take you around also and are more economical I believe when trying to get back the Tampa International airport than the airport shuttle, if several of you are traveling together. Compare the two if it matters to you. 727-367-3702.

Where to Stay: Youll find many accommodations on this St Pete Beach Hotel website, especially those concentrated along the beach. I was walking along the beach one day and met up with a woman from Denver who had come back every year for several years, always booking with Frank Hurley rental homes. They may not be exactly on the beach like a lot of hotels, but they are very close by, easy walking to the beach, the price is good, and there is more privacy. I would definitely look into it next time I am heading there. -1-800-783-6929 for Frank T. Hurley Associates which also includes real estate for sale.

For those race fans, hope you made it in time for the Honda Grand Prix in April/09!

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Posted byBertie at 4:46 AM 0 comments

Fishing for fun

By Cheryl L. True

Fishing is the activity of catching fish. Fish are normally caught in the wild. Techniques for catching fish include hand gathering, spearing, netting, angling and trapping.

Fishing is an ancient practice that dates back at least to the Paleolithic period which began about 40,000 years ago. Archaeology finds such as shell middens, discarded fish bones and cave paintings show that sea foods were important for survival and consumed in significant quantities.

During this period, most people lived a hunter-gatherer lifestyle and were, of necessity, constantly on the move. However, while there are early examples of permanent settlements (though not necessarily permanently occupied) such as those at Lepenski Vir in Serbia, they are almost always associated with fishing as a major source of food.

According to FAO statistics, the total number of fishermen and fish farmers is estimated to be 38 million. Fisheries provide direct and indirect employment to an estimated 200 million people.

There are two types of fishing. The traditional and recreational fishing. Traditional fishing is a term used to describe small scale commercial or subsistence fishing practices, using traditional techniques such as rod and tackle, arrows and harpoons, throw nets and drag nets, etc.

Recreational and sport fishing describe fishing for pleasure or competition. Recreational fishing has conventions, rules, licensing restrictions and laws that limit the way in which fish may be caught; typically, these prohibit the use of nets and the catching of fish with hooks not in the mouth.

The most common form of recreational fishing is done with a rod, reel, line, hooks and any one of a wide range of baits or artificial lures such as spinners or "dry flies." The practice of catching or attempting to catch fish with a hook is generally known as angling.

In angling, it is sometimes expected or required that fish be returned to the water (catch and release). Recreational or sport fishermen may log their catches or participate in fishing competitions.

There are many techniques for fishing. Fishermen may use hooks and fishing line and a fishing rod. Fishing nets, fish traps, and trap nets may be used to capture fish. Lobster and crab pots use a similar method. Hand fishing consists of fishing with the hands or through the use of minimal equipment.

In spear fishing, the fish is killed using an ordinary spear or a specialized variant. Closely related to spear fishing is bow fishing. This consists of a bow with arrows that have cord attached for retrieval. Trained animals can assist in fishing; one notable example is Asian cormorant fishing.

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Posted byBertie at 3:40 AM 0 comments

Discover the 10 Reasons Why Sitka is Alaska's Premier Fishing and Tourist Destination

By Brad Richards

There are a variety of places to go fishing in Alaska. Making a decision can be difficult with all the choices. Well, one place to consider is Sitka, which is one of the premier fishing and tourist destinations in the state. Here are a few of the great reasons that you'll want to make Sitka your destination for your next Alaska fishing trip.

Low Rod Hours - A top reason to visit Sitka is the low rod hours per fish. This is one of the main reasons it is considered the top fishing spot in the area. You will find the fish plentiful, which means you'll be catching them frequently and having a great time. It definitely beats waiting for hours for one fish to bite.

Interesting History - The Sitka area has an interesting history. At one point in time it was the Russian Capital, back when Russia owned Alaska. This makes it an interesting point for tourists to visit. Many historical sites are in the area to visit, and when you are not fishing you'll have a great time exploring them.

Mild Tides and Currents - The tides and currents make it the best fishing spot in Alaska. Since the currents are so mild, you can get bottom fish no matter what time of day it happens to be. In many other Alaska fishing spots, you can only fish during slack tide parts of the day

Halibut and Salmon - If you enjoy fishing for both halibut and salmon, than Sitka is the place to be. You can fish for both of these fish all in the very same day. This doesn't happen in most other fishing areas around the state, so it's definitely one of the reasons to choose Sitka if you enjoy fishing for these kinds of fish.

Salmon are Ocean Bright - There are many salmon to fish for in Sitka, and the great thing is that they are ocean bright. Other fishing spots offer you salmon fishing but the fish are dark because they are close to spawning. When you are fishing on the outer coast of Sitka, you'll be able to catch those ocean bright salmon, making it a great place to visit for fishing.

Currents Push in Bait Fish - Because of the currents and the location of Sitka, you'll find that bait fish are pushed right into the area. Due to all the bait fish, bigger fish come in to the area and eat the bait fish. This makes it a prime spot to fish for larger fish.

Other Great Wildlife - Not only can you have some fun fishing in Sitka, but there is quite a bit of other great wildlife for you to see and enjoy as well. Some of the unique wildlife you'll get to see include albatross, seals, sea otters, humpback whales, porpoises, puffins, and eagles.

A New Sport Fishery - Sitka offers a new sport fishery. Since it is fairly new, you won't experience the overcrowding that many other areas for fishing do in the state of Alaska. Everyone is sure to get plenty of fish, which makes fishing fun.

Fishing is Great No Matter the Weather - It doesn't matter whether it is storming or sunny, you'll still be able to go out fishing when you visit Sitka. One days that are sunny and beautiful, you can go out and fish in the outside waters. However, even if it is stormy, you can still fish on the inside waters since they are protected.

King Salmon Fishing Throughout the Summer - Sitka has become the premier fishing spot and tourist destination for many reasons, but one is that they provide king salmon fishing that lasts throughout the entire summer. If you want to fish for king salmon, this is the place to be. They are often found at the outer coast feeding, which means they are found there frequently. In some fishing areas they are only around for spawning, making them harder to catch, but you won't have this problem at Sitka

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Posted byBertie at 2:53 AM 0 comments

Fly Fishing Tackle Explained

By Darrel Jennings

The term fly fishing gear can be used to refer to anything in your fly fishing supplies. In this article, well discuss various pieces of fly fishing gear that is important to have on hand. You already know you need a fly fishing rod and reel, but there are much more involved in your fly fishing gear.

You will need a good collection of flies in your fly fishing tackle box. The fly is usually and artificial bait used to trick the fish into biting the hook. Different fish will prefer different bait, some will float on the water while other types of flies might be meant to sink below the water.

You will also need to have several different weights of lines so you can switch them out if you find yourself in waters with larger fish. Of course, your fly rod has a lot to do with what line to use, but if you have an 8 nwt rod and are finding some 10 pound fish, go ahead and switch to a 10 nwt line to increase your chances of winning a fight with that prize-winning trout.

Part of your fly fishing gear includes what you will be wearing while fishing. Youll need to have a good pair of waders so you can keep dry while going after your fish. Pick a pair of waders that will meet your fishing situation. Chest high waders are usually a good choice because they allow you to wade in all depths of water.

Another part of the fishing outfit you should have on top of the waders is a fishing vest. This makes it convenient to store some of your fly fishing tackle in. This allows you to have quick access to flies and other things, instead of returning to shore every time you have to make an adjustment.

A good pair of fishing pliers is almost a necessity. Many rivers and streams are exclusively catch and release water. That means that once you catch the fish, you need to let it go. This helps propagate the population and promote healthy fishing at all times. You will want an easy way to get the hook out of the fishs mouth without causing harm to its body. Fishing pliers are designed to do just that.

Another thing that you can have as a part of your fly fishing gear, but not absolutely necessary, is a water proof camera. Nothing will help you remember those fly fishing trips like a picture, especially if you land a big one!

These are by far not the only things you will need when you are fly fishing. Personal preferences will vary depending upon the person, but items that are mentioned above are the basics that you will need to begin fly fishing.

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Posted byBertie at 3:56 AM 0 comments

Boat Seat Materials And Construction Clarified

By Frank Gehry

Boat seats are an important part of your vessel, whether you use it for fishing, sunbathing, leisure, or to transport your friends out for a picnic in the middle of a lake.

To make sure that the seats in your boat are of the right type for your purpose, as well as to allow for their best upkeep, which will maintain your boat's value over time, it's important to know about the skin and bones of the seats - the upholstery and the materials.

Damaged boat seat materials, such as bent frames or ripped fabrics, not only decrease the appeal of the vessel but also lower its value. Especially if you are thinking of selling the boat, often a little seat repair and refurbishment will pay itself many times over.

Regarding the boat seat materials most commonly employed in the frame of seating, stainless steel or pressure-treated wood are the most common ones, with fiberglass being a close third. Luxury boat seats on the other hand are often built entirely in prestigious teak wood.

Fiberglass and steel are very common materials. When buying steel-based seats, you need to make sure that it's stainless to avoid rust and resulting ugly stains. Marine plywood is used for less expensive seating - make sure that the material has been pressure treated if you buy this kind of seat.

One of the most important boat seat materials is the upholstery, but please note that not all boat seats need and have it. Some are hard seats, and have wooden benches and backrests attached to a frame of a more solid material.

These seats are usually fitted with removable cushions for comfort. Of course, when it comes to covers (both upholstery and for cushions), the variety of fabrics that can be used for indoor seating is more varied than for outdoor seating.

Boat seats that are intended for on-deck use must be proofed against environmental hazards such as light from the sun and wind. Marine grade vinyl is often used for boat seat upholstery, although there are other possibilities.

Alternatives to marine grade vinyl include nylon, weatherproofed leather, and other high-grade fabrics. These are usually more expensive, but also more luxurious, nicer to look at and more comfortable.

Boat seat materials need to be hard wearing and sturdy. Most custom boat seat manufacturers will be more than happy to help a client to find the best material for his and his boats' needs.

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Posted byBertie at 2:46 AM 0 comments