A good example of this is the “natural mattress” that allows you to leave your sleeping bag behind. With this technique, I’ve slept with no pad, and only a five-ounce sleeping bag liner, on a night when it was near freezing. It took fifteen minutes to collect enough bracken ferns to make a two-foot thick mattress, but it was comfortable and warm.

You can use leaves, pine needles, dead grass or dry bracken ferns. All you do is make a pile big enough to set your tent or bivy sack on. This could damage the enviroment in some areas, so use common sense, and collect only DEAD vegetation. Also, scatter your materials in the morning, so they won’t smother the plants underneath.

An important point here is that you have to know your enviroment, so you know you’ll be able to find proper mattress materials. Otherwise, you could have a very cold night or worse. Also, gloves make it easier and safer to collect the ferns or grass. Try this first near home.

Knowledge Reduces Weight

Learn certain backpacking techniques, like the one above, and you can carry a lighter sleeping bag, less clothing, and even less food. Wilderness survival knowledge can help you reduce weight, but it also lets you travel the wilds more safely.

Learn which berries are edible, and you can eat as you hike and bring less food. I’ve eaten half of my calorie needs in the form of berries on some days in the wilderness. During a hike to Grinnel Glacier in Glacier National Park, my wife and I ate nine types of wild berries.

Researching the climate, and timing can help you reduce weight. You can leave rainwear home, for example, if you’re in the eastern Sierra Nevadas in September (bring a garbage bag for emergencies). I sometimes plan trips to coincide with the full moon. I enjoy getting up at four in the morning and hiking by moonlight, and since I’m up and moving at the coldest time of the night, I can get by with a lighter bag.

Money Reduces Weight

Money will buy you lighter gear, and expensive backpacking gear is generally of very high quality. I didn’t enjoy paying over $200 for my sleeping bag, but I’ve never yet been cold in it, and it weighs just 17 ounces.

Concentrate on the the larger items. A sawed-off toothbrush could save you 1/4 ounce, but a lighter shelter can save you pounds. Consider small things last. Buy dual-purpose items, like a poncho that can double as a shelter. Drink soup and tea from your pan, and you won’t need a bowl or cup.

Leaving Things Reduces Weight

This can be the tough part of lightweight backpacking. Ask of every item; Can I get by without it? Stoves aren’t necessary if you bring ready-to-eat food. You don’t need a change of shirt or pants on a three-day trip. If you’re not sure you’ll be happy as a minimalist, go back to the money solution. Start replacing your things with the lightest alternatives you can buy. There are many ways to go lightweight backpacking.

Technorati Tags: Backpacking, Lightweigh, Techniques

If you are interested in taking the time to find the “perfect,” campground you may be wondering exactly how you can go about doing so. In all honesty, it will depend on your own wants and needs, as well as the wants and needs of the rest of your camping party. Although not everyone wants to get the same thing out of their camping trips, there are a number of important factors that you may want to think about taking into consideration, when looking for a campground to camp at.

One of the many things that you will want to take into consideration, when looking for a campground to camp at, is the cost of doing so. In the United States, you will find that most campgrounds require the payment of an admission fee or a camping fee and occasionally even both. The cost of the admission fee or camping fee will all depend on the campground in question. For instance, many smaller campgrounds charge smaller fees. Also, you will likely find larger fees for campgrounds that have more onsite activities.

Speaking of onsite activities, activities are something else that you may want to think about taking into consideration, when choosing a campground to camp at. When it comes to the onsite activities of a campground, you may want to take a look at the scenery. If a campground has on onsite lake or pond then there is a good chance that swimming, boating, and fishing are activities that you may be able to enjoy. Campgrounds are also often home to hiking trails, biking trails, playgrounds for children, and much more.

How reservations are taken is another factor that you may want to think about taking into consideration, when choosing a campground to camp at. For instance, there are some campgrounds in the United States that randomly assign you a camping spot. On the other hand, there are campgrounds that allow you to handpick your camping spot out of all available locations. Many campers prefer choosing their own camping spots, as it tends to give them some freedom over their camping trip and how much fun they have. If you are picky about where you would like to camp, you may want to find a campground that allows you to choose your own camping spot.

Although it is nice to know what you should look for in a campground, it is also important that you know how to find them. If you are interested in camping locally, you may already know of a number of local campgrounds. If not, you should be able to use your local phone book or ask those that you know for recommendations. As for campgrounds that are located a ways away from your home, you may want to think about using the internet. A large number of popular campground parks have online websites and a standard internet search should them you find those websites, which could be used to learn more about the campground in question.

As a reminder, you may want to think about taking the time to research a number of different campground parks. It is important that you remember that no two campground parks are the same. To ensure that your next camping adventure is as memorable as possible, you may want to make sure that your intended destination is perfect for you and the rest of your camping party.

Technorati Tags: Campground, Choosing, Consider

The hardest part of crappie fishing, no matter what season, is locating them. Needless to say, a portable depth-finder is almost a necessity, and an underwater camera is also a good addition to your arsenal. In winter, crappie will seek out the warmest water they can find.

Without delving deeply into the science of Hydrology, as a rule of thumb, the warmest water will be found in the area that contains the largest mass of water. This will be the part that freezes last. There will also be other areas of warmer water, but this is a good place to start.

Once you have found this area, the other considerations are depth, structure, and oxygen content. Crappie will be found in the warmer water at depths from 15′, down to around 50′, suspending in some relation to structure. So, submerged timber in 30-40′ of water, near a channel or riverbed is good place to start. Shallow water can become oxygen depleted when the lake turns over in winter.

Most likely, you will catch smaller crappie in shallower water. Also, what holds true for crappie also appiles to other species, so be prepared for some added bonus fish, such as bluegills, smallmouth bass, and walleyes. In fact, another trick to locating crappie is that if you find yourself catching large bluegills at a certain death, try dropping your bait down about 5′-10′ deeper. Often crappie will be suspending right underneath them.

The best times of day for ice fishing are late morning and early afternoon. Crappie will often move along lines of structure from deeper to shallower water at these times, in search of food, warmth and oxygen. They will follow riverbeds, channels and other contours, from one area of structure to another.

When selecting tackle, the key word is Light. Long rods are not necessary for ice fishing. There are several specialty crappie combos, many with line counters and depth line locators that can be purchased for a nominal outlay. These are perfect, since you will be almost exclusively vertical fishing with tiny jigs and small bait. Any light, or ultralight rod around 4 to 5 long will work. The reels can be very simple. A light spinning, or spin-casting reel is adequate. You need to use nothing larger than 4 lb. test line.

One of the best rigs is a double hook, or jig rig with s lip bobber. These will detect the lightest of hits. Many times, the only indication of a bite will be the bobber moving around slowly, or maybe laying on its side.

Another trick is to make a strike indicator from an old guitar low string. Simply tie a 4 length of the string to the last section of your rod, with the ball-end even with your tip guide. Then, bend the string up until it makes a 45 degree angle with the rod. Run your line through the ball-end, then through the tip guide. This will detect the very lightest of bites.

Technorati Tags: Advice, Catching, Crappie, GOOD, Some, tips

Angling equipment depends on the type of fish you want to catch and where you’ll be fishing. For ponds or small lakes, an ultralight to medium weight pole is just fine. Keep in mind what size of fish you can expect to catch, as bigger lakes may have bigger fish, requiring sturdy poles.

Catfish, walleye, lake trout, and bass may need a heavier weight rod. Heavier fishing gear provides more control when you’re trying to reel in your catch. Also, angling with heavier rods and reels allows you to use bigger lures with more weight, making it easier to cast farther.

Likewise, the type of fishing boat you have has a big impact on your fishing experience. For the most part, recreational boats like ski boats, speed boats, and pontoons don’t make a good fishing boat. Many of them are too large and cannot be safely maneuvered around structures to allow successful angling.

If you are fishing a lake or other large body of water, especially if there are many waves or rough water, a fishing boat whose bottom has a V shape will usually fare better than a flat bottomed boat. In V bottom boats the V shape helps to stabilize the boat against waves when fishing and it cuts through waves when moving between fishing spots.

The weakness of a V bottom boat is that it cannot go into shallow water. This is usually not a problem on many lakes, but it makes taking a V bottom boat on many rivers somewhat risky. A flat bottom boat, on the other hand, if the motor is fitted with a ‘jet’ instead of a prop, can make it through water only a few inches deep.

No matter what type of fishing gear you kit yourself out with or how much money you sink into a fishing boat, you won’t find the perfect equipment to catch fish. Of course, trying to use the most appropriate gear for a great catch while you’re out angling is the best thing to do.

Just keep in mind the type of fish you’re trying to catch and which area you’ll be angling in. Also, try not to be too specific in your equipment. Many fishing boats are built for angling only in certain conditions, which leaves you high and dry the rest of the time.

Technorati Tags: About, Angling, Learning, More

Another of the many reasons why you may want to consider making your camping reservations in advance is because many of the parks camping allows guests handpicked campsites they want. Of course, not all camping parks allow you to do this, but you’ll find a great number of them do. In terms of getting a good place to camp or camping, is that the sooner you book, the campsite that you have to choose.

Speaking of the choice of a camping spot, also commonly known as a campsite, you may wonder what you should look into one. In all honesty, perfection, “” camping vary from person to person. Actually, it depends on your wishes and needs and desires and needs of people in your group camping. While there may be some variations of what you’re looking, you may want to take some of the factors listed below into account when choosing the perfect campsite.

One of the first things you want to do is the patch that goes camping with. If you are camping with children, namely young children, you may want to think about making sure that your camping site is a good distance from all bodies of water or any dangerous hiking trails. You will also find that many of the camping parks have play areas on the site and such. If you are camping with children, may be a good idea to try to get a camping spot that is near a playground or other places that are designed for children.

In addition to the security of which he was camping with, preferences are also something to be taken into account when choosing a camping spot or a campsite. If you are a lover of water regularly and would like to spend their time sailing, fishing or swimming, you may want to consider getting a camping spot that is near water. On the other hand, if you prefer to spend their time walking, you may want to try to get a camping spot that is near the camp trail, and so on.

The size is another factor you may want to consider when choosing a campsite. When reviewing campgrounds, you’ll find campgrounds camping parks have different sizes. Often the largest campsites are designed for those with multiple tents or trailers. Before agreeing to rent a campsite in particular, you want to make sure the site in question is large enough for all of your camping group members. This is important, not having enough space could put a brake on their camping adventure.

The above factors are just some of the many factors that you may want to consider when choosing a camping spot for the adventure of camping. As a reminder, not all camping parks allow you to choose a good campsite, but a large number of them.

Technorati Tags: campsite, Choosing, Consider, Some, Things

They rarely exceed 1 pound with 1/4 – 1/2 pound (7″ – 9″) being typical. Bluegill usually have a black spot or blotch near the base of the soft dorsal fin and a black flexible tip on the gill cover. The back and sides are dark green or brownish. The breast and undersides may appear yellow, red or orange. Males in the breeding season usually have a dark red to mahogany colored breast. The sides of the fish usually display a series of vertical bars, more prominent in smaller fish. The gill covers and chin are bright blue, giving the bluegill its name. Bluegill sunfish art is extremely popular mostly because the fish are so attractive and well respected.

Bluegill Sunfish Techniques

Most people started fishing as youngsters for bluegill and other panfish. Bluegill, ounce for ounce, fight as hard as any freshwater fish. Bluegill are fun to catch and make excellent table fare. Catching bluegill is common event throughout spring, summer and early fall. Some hardly anglers fish for bluegill while ice fishing.

Anglers target bluegills primarily with ultralight equipment or fly gear. Leaders in the half-pound to 3-pound class are common. However, new nearly invisible fluorocarbon lines and leaders allow for slightly stronger line to be used.

Baits for bluegill include crickets, mealworms, waxworms, redworms, earthworms, nightcrawler chunks and maggots. When using worms, be careful not to put too much bait on the hook, as bluegills are accomplished thieves. Some anglers target larger bluegills with live minnows or other large baits.

Bluegill lures include crappie jigs, ice tick jigs, microjigs, small spinnerbaits, small spinnerbaits, small grubs, small tube jigs, and miniature soft plastics. Fly fishing works great for catching bluegill. Anglers use a dry fly, nymph, panfish popper flies or terrestrial flies. Popular terrestrial fly patterns include crickets, grasshoppers, foam spiders, and ants.

How To Clean Bluegill Sunfish

1. Scale the fish with a fish scaler or dull knife. While holding the fish with one hand, use the tool to remove all scales. You must run the scaler or knife from tail to head in order to get the scales off. The skin should be smooth when all scales are gone.

2.Cut the fish’s head off. make the cut at the back of the fish’s gills. Cut through at this point.

3. Cut from the belly back to the vent, avoiding all organs. Remove all organs, saving the fish roe if any is found.

4. Cut off the tail and fins.

5. Rinse the fish and place on ice immediately.

Technorati Tags: American, Bluegill, Favorite, Fish, Freshwater, Species, Sunfish

Fishing is considered to be one of the well-loved sports today. Yes, you heard it right. It has become a serious hobby even to a competition level, and logging in a record-breaking catch is exactly the ultimate dream of everybody who is into the sport of fishing. It is also not just about the competition itself. Their fishing arsenals are a lot to talk about. A basic fishing tackle should include one from Shimano-the Shimano Stradic.

Fishing

Fishing is said to be the longest running form of livelihood dating back to the Paleolithic period some 400 centuries ago. It is the act of catching fish but not limited to fish alone. It also applies to the practice of catching other aquatic animals including octopus, squid, turtles, even frogs, and all other marine invertebrates that are found to be edible. In the ancient times, fishing is done by people for survival as it was their primary source of food. Their techniques include hand gathering, netting, trapping, and angling.

Spin Fishing

Spin fishing is among the angling techniques that entail the use of a spinning lure to bait the fish. It can be done in freshwater and saltwater. It is often mistaken as fly fishing or bait casting but is distinct from them in the rod and reel that are used in the technique. There are generally two types of spinning reels used in spin fishing; the open faced reel and the closed faced reel. The bases of the reels used in spin fishing do not have a trigger attached to it.

Spinners

Spinning reels such as the Shimano Stradic are considered to be the most popular fishing reels. Aside from being easy to use, they are virtually backlash free. There are generally three types of spinners.

1.Ultralight Spinning Reels. They are used for rods that are six pounds or less. There are also reels for 2-pounders.
2.Light Spinning Reels. These are the most popular spinning reels and are commonly used by anglers who do light fishing.
3.Heavy Spinning Reels. They are the multi-purpose spinning reels. They can be used from trolling to surf fishing. They are joined with a heavy spinning tackle and can hold up to 50 pounds of fish. These spinners are often called the spinners for the big boys.

Spinning Reels of Shimano Inc.

Some Shimano Reels that are used in spin fishing come equipped with the Paladin Gear Durability Enhancement, Aero Wrap II, and the Propulsion Line Management System. In simple terms, it means that the Shimano Stradic is made durable, reliable and among the top of the line in spin fishing performance. Among the Shimano Stradic lines are the following:

• Shimano Stradic MgFA
• Shimano Stradic MgFB
• Stradic F1
• Shimano Stradic 3000FI
• Shimano Stradic 4000FI
• Shimano Stradic 5000FI
• Shimano Stradic 8000FI

Sea Isle Tackle is the online store that provides comprehensive basic information of Shimano Reels and Shimano Stradic products and equipment for your consumption.

Technorati Tags: Basics, Fishing, Online, Reels, shimano, Spin, Stradic

Baitcasting Reels
This is a small and conventional type. It can easily fit into an angler’s while mounted on a fishing rod. This is used mainly for a bigger catch. Baitcasting reels are excellent because of their sensitivity to movement by the fishing line’s end but they are inaccessible to ultralight lines sizes as well as with “backlash” tangles. Learning how to use this method is actually a bit difficult. People who use this are mostly professionals or very skilled already.

Spinning Reels
Spinning reels are the most commonly used these days. It has a fixed spoon reel that has housing along its stationary spool parallel to the axis of the rod, spinning around it when the handle is turned.

When using a spinning reel, a casting technique called “spinning” is produced. However, since the spool is set and fixed, having a backlash is one thing you will never encounter. This type is available from ultralight up to medium-heavy sizes. They are also less sensitive as compared to Baitcasting reels. They are also bulky because of their large size, along with the bait and heavy lure attached to it.

Spincasting Reels
This is featured as a combination of stationary and conventional reels. Spincasting reels are angler friendly and are more advisable for beginners. Even children may easily use it because of the simple push-button mechanism. Hence it is also alternatively called pushbutton reels.
It is the least sensitive among the three types. This is as far as movement along the end of the line is concerned. As a negative feedback, you cannot fully control the fish and the luring of the fish, resulting to poor Spincasting.

Here are some fishing reels sold in the market:
South Fork by David Redington click and Pawl Serpentine Fly Reel (4 to 5 wt)
This is the best way to complete fiberglass or classic bamboo fly rods. It is eco conscious and it features a timeless look, superb balance and perfect mechanisms. It is stamped with the SFRC logo and made from China. It spool is made from stainless steel and its side plates are made of aluminum. The price of this fly reel ranges from $249.95 to $399.

Redington CD Series Fly Reel (Mid Arbor, 5/6 wt)
This is a mid-arbor fishing reel made from machined aluminum. It is corrosion resistant and provides a dependable performance. It also has a quick change spool design as well as a cork disk drag, offering a linear and smooth feel. This is made in Korea ad can be easily reversed from the left to the right hand retrieve. The price of this fishing reel ranges from $79.95 to $129.

Ross Reels Rhythm No. 1 Fly Fishing Reel (Mid Arbor 2 wt to 4 wt)
This fishing reel is made in the US, featuring a time-tested design. It is corrosion resistant because it is made from aluminum, stainless steel and bronze. It is approved for fishing activities in saltwater environments. It has a dependable drag system and ultra-smooth features. Moreover, it has a permanently lubricated bearing surface that requires no additional lubrication. The price of this fishing reel ranges from $137.95 to $200.

Technorati Tags: Fishing, Reel, Varieties

Let’s start with Beaver Lake, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers impoundment in Northwest Arkansas. This 28,220 acre lake is probably the number one Arkansas bass fishing lake. Fed by the White River, Beaver lake is a favorite place for white bass to spawn due to the high quantities of shad forage that lasts year round. Follow the schools of shad and work your jigging spoons well into April, while the bass are still spawning, and you’ll be golden.

Another excellent choice for Arkansas bass fishing is Table Rock Lake, another watering hole fed by the northerly flow of White River. Because they become stuck at Beaver Dam, the white bass are easy to catch in large numbers at the head of the lake. Use live minnows, and leadhead jigs for the best results, but expect these overcrowded fish battling for food to bite just about anything you can cast.

With a massive 45,440 acres, Bull Shoals Lake is another area that guarantees fantastic Arkansas bass fishing. In fact, this is the home of the two state record white bass catches, coming in at 5 lbs, 4 oz and 5 lbs, 2oz. Two-pounders here are a breeze, and you’ll take home your fill of them every day, and you shouldn’t be surprised by a 4-pounder, either. Use jigs and grubs in 10-15-foot depths during March, and you’ll find many of the fish freshly spawned and hungry for the bait. You can also work the streams branching off the lake with spoons and small crankbaits.

While Lake Norfork also contains an incredible number of white bass, Arkansas bass fishing at this 22,000 acre Corp of Engineers impoundment will yield an excellent outpouring of largemouth and striped bass. Even the white bass come in good sizes here, ranging between two and three pounds. Try using horsehead spinners where the tributaries flow in for best results, and you may find yourself with 50 to 100 fish in just half a day.

Whites and hybrid stripes are the catch found at Greers Ferry Lake, especially around the four forks of the Little Red River that feed in – the Devil’s, Archey’s Middle, and South Forks. Here, you’ll find mostly jumbo white bass, but Arkansas bass fishing here can also produce a number of striped bass. If you want a chance at these babies, trade in the ultralight tackle you use for whiteys and get something more heavy duty.

Technorati Tags: Arkansas, Bass, Fishing, Secret, Spots

The B’n'M Ultimate Crappie Rod

The B’n'M Ultimate Crappie Rod is designed especially for catching crappie, walleye or bass because you can cast, flip or jig with it. You can even rig for live baiting action or for jigging. It is a very strong rod that provides excellent tip action. You can buy either the 8ft or 10 ft rod. What most anglers like the best about this particular rod is that even though it is strong enough to haul in the big fish, it is also sensitive enough so you can feel live bait wiggling on the hook. Many anglers agree it is a great buy as you can tell by the five start rating it has received.

The Ozark Crappie Spinning Rod

The Ozark Crappie Spinning Rod is made from a lightweight IM7 graphite structure. It has a cork handle with stainless steel guides. It is a great rod for spin fishing and the distance it will cast is really good. You will find that it is also a very sensitive rod while still being strong enough to haul in large fish. This makes the Ozark Crappie Spinning Rod great for trying to catch even the largest crappie. These rods received a five star rating as well.

Quantum Xtralite XP Crappie Rod

If you are a serious angler that is searching for a rod that can withstand the test of time, you will love the Quantum Xtralite XP crappie Rod. It was designed by Todd Huckabee and can provide you with three techniques for crappie fishing. Therefore, they are great for dipping, rigging and trolling. They are designed with graphite blanks and reel seats. This rod has a natural cork and fantastic ultralight action that you will simple fall in love with.

Ozark Rod Co. Crappie Rear Seat Jigging Rods

If you are in need of a jigging rod this one is a great choice. It is designed with stainless steel guides and a cork handle. The rear reel seat makes it possible to balance the rod so you have more control over it. It can be broken down into two pieces so it is much easier to carry around than the original length rods made for jigging. This one received a five star rating from anglers that have had the opportunity to give it a try.

Ozark Crappie Slow Trolling Rod

If you do a lot of trolling when fishing you will find that the Ozark Crappie Slow Trolling Rod gives a great performance. Since you will find the need to use heavy sinkers from time to time, you need a rod strong enough to support this weight. This rod is designed with fiberglass E-Glass to make it stronger. As you know it can be difficult to know when a crappie is taking the bait so this trolling rod is designed with colored tips to help out in this area. It also can be broken down into two pieces to make it simple to travel with and for easy storage.

Technorati Tags: Crappie, Fishing, Reviews, Rods