A new fishing technique has taken the world by storm and taken pike fishing to new adventures with adapted tackle. We are talking about jerkbait fishing!

The bite comes as an explosion and spreads all the way to the spine. The rod is raised and the fish is hooked. The hand around the reel and the "dead" fishing line gives a very good feeling with the fish which rushes out. The fight is on and after 10 minutes and several rushes, a beautiful pike of 20 lbs lies in the boat.

The yellow dotted fish is released from the big plastic fish which it believed to be a suitable prey. After weighing the elegant female fish is put back into the water.

We are on a large lake in Norway in the beginning of August and are fishing on some shallow banks far out. Today we are fishing on the same spots were we earlier used to do trolling. But now we are concentrating the fishery on certain spots, and have equipped ourself with modern pike fishing tackle, jerkbaits as pike lures or musky lures.

The name comes from the movement you make with your rod tip, making small jerks which make the bait swerve sideways and become very much alike an injured fish. Its perfect for triggering the bite reflex with big predator fish.

Jerkbait fishing is mostly aimed towards pike and musky, but can also be concentrated towards other predator fish as perch and trout.

When you bring the bait in you hold your hand around the reel, and use both reel and rod tip to make the movement. Short fishing rod, "dead" fishing line and heavy baits, make you throw far and can fish on large areas.

The jerk reel is a little baitcast reel which are reinforced to withstand heavy pressure. Penn fishing reels have many good alternatives.

The fishing rod should also also be powerful to give decent hooking. It should have top action for best steering of the bait. Shimano fishing rods is recommendable to this fishery.

You should always have tight lines during retrieving. It can be wise to variate between fast and slow retrieving.

Stiff wire trace gives a resilient effect and provide better side movements of the bait. Out on the shallow banks it`s only 10 - 15 feet deep. We fish high in the water to make sure the bait is inside pike`s visual range. When the pike is in a biting mood it likely dive up several feet to grab a bite.

Usually drifting or anchored boat are used, but you can also do this pike fishing from land.

By: Harald Hoel
expert of pike fishing

Fishing for many has always been a way to relax and unwind. There is something about that whole atmosphere that allows us to forget all our worries or at least suspend them for a time. Just looking at the water causes the mind to let go and release tense and stress. I suspect that some people have learned this fact early in their lives. Their local fishing spots are actually a haven of peace and calm.

The stress of our daily lives can be lessened by fishing. Something happens during the fishing experience that causes our stress to ease up; a bit. When we are fishing, the water moving back and forth seem to genteelly rock our minds' into a peaceful mode. Men and women from all walks of life can learn a lot about the stress reducing effect of fishing. Perhaps many could use a regular routine of fishing to reduce our life stresses.

The peace and calm of fishing has long been recognized as a benefit for humanity. For most of us, the atmosphere of fishing is very quiet and serene. We are almost mesmerized the quiet, the water's movement, the sometime gentle breeze. The mind begins to look at itself. The peace has a healing effect on the soul. The reflections of life, past, present and future begin to float across the mind.

There is another benefit to fishing, that being, the ability to separate. The whole act of fishing allows one to separate from their problems, concerns and worries. This separation allows one to put things into prospective. It also allows one to reexamine things, actions and commitments. Separation is sometimes a good thing, because is adds the variable of time; time to reflect and time to think.

Finally, fishing time gives us a chance to revitalizes our minds, bodies and soul. It is something to that old saying "it the motion of the ocean". That gentle rocking of the sea, lake or river is an energizer to the soul. There is a body healing that takes place during the fishing experience that man just can not explain. The body always seems to gather some strength during fishing time.

If we want to add a positive and beneficial activity to our lives, we should all consider the joys of fishing.

By: Daniel Belcher
I retired from the United States Navy in 2003, after serving over 21 years of enlisted active duty onboard several different ships and a few shore assignments. I am married. My wife and i have two daughters. We have two dogs, Chow Chow's, to be exact. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Arts (Focus area Psychology) from Excelsior College class 2004. Email belwrites@yahoo.com

One of the most pleasurable activities to do on the water with a boat is to go fishing. Recently boating and fishing have been rising in popularity and long recognized as true sporting activities. Many people spend their leisure time fishing and boating, making their way to the water whenever they can squeeze in the opportunity.

If you have never taken to the water before, it is best to get used to calmer seas before setting sail. Here are a few safety tips for you to make sure your fish fishing trip is one to recall with fond memories.

1. Make sure that you choose an outboard motor that suits your boat. Choosing an outboard motor that is too powerful will overpower your boat and could lead to disaster. Take note of your boat's power capabilities and choose one accordingly.

2. When you are out on the water be courteous. The waterways are similar to highways, and there are certain rules and regulations you must follow in order to be safe. You need to pay attention to others who are around you. So make sure that you are aware of any other fishermen, swimmers and, of course, boats. If there are any notices or warning signs where you are fishing take note.

3. Take care to anchor your boat for optimum fishing results. Doing this will both ensure that you end up with a good day’s catch but will also make sure you remain safe while enjoying your fishing trip. Moor your boat in a position corresponding to any points or other landmarks.

4. Make sure that you have all the appropriate kits that you need. This not only includes all your fishing tackle and safety kit, but also everything you need for your boat, such as your tachometer and anchors. Also make sure that your battery and fuel will last the entire trip.

5. Watch where you are going; don’t get too caught up reading graphs and operating flashers while steering. As boating is similar to driving a car, you need to pay full attention to what you are doing.

If you take heed to these simple tips you’re sure to have a fishing experience that will be pleasurable and have you returning to the water time and time again!

By: Garvin Douglas
For fishing trip info, visit http://www.fishing-trip-adventures.com, providing insights how to maximize your fishing adventures.

Have you ever wondered what the big deal is about using a drop shot rig? Is it that significant? Is it just another fad that people will talk about for awhile? You don't have to wonder any more. It is a great and effect way to fish for many fish not just Bass and it doesn't have to be complicated. It just depends on how far you want to take it.

There are several pieces of tackle out there specifically made for drop shot rigs. They make special sinkers call drop shot weights .Their nothing more than a little round ball of lead with a place to tie to. They make special hooks made to stand out from your line to keep you soft plastic perpendicular to you line which in essences keeps the bait off our line. One thing I’ve found is neither is necessary. As a matter of fact the special hooks that stick out from your line tend to catch weeds more often.

Rigging a drop shot rig for Bass can be as easy as tying in a number two hook for soft plastics and leaving a tag end of about eighteen inches. It’s been suggested that using a Palomar knot is needed. I have found just about any good knot will work. I happen to like the improved clinch not myself. It’s best to use a hook that doesn’t have a turned in eye like a common bait holder hook. The point of the hook tends to turn back into your main line. Using a hook with a straight eye or a turned out eye works best. The nice thing about it is that just about everyone already has a hook in their box that will work.

Now what to do with that eighteen inch tag line. Well that’s where the fancy drop shot weights would come in. Again they definitely aren’t needed, as a matter of fact. One of my favorite things to use is split shot number four or larger preferably round split shot not the type you can re-open. You can use either but the round shot is less likely to get hung up on bottom weed growth. If it does catch weeds with a subtle snap of the rod the weeds tend to come off. This allows you to keep your line in the water more instead of having to reel in to take the weeds off. It’s nice when you need to add weight. Rather than having to buy more than one size weight all you need to do is add another split shot. Now you have a rig with a sinker on the bottom and a hook eighteen inches up.

I’ve found the presentation shines in so many ways. Fishing in Muskegon Lake for Bass the deep weed edges and deep points or sunken islands can be very productive. I usually use a Fry Assassin made by Bass assassin lures simply hooked at one end. For the most part the hook just sticks through to the other side of the plastic so it’s almost weed less. I like these because they hold up well and can be used effectively for skipping docks because of their weight. Saves on having to inventory two separate baits for two separate applications.

Any 4 to 6 inch plastic worm will work. On Muskegon Lake watermelon is always a good color when you’re targeting the area outside the main weed line. Where you have patchy weed grows about 12 inches high. You can drag your sinker though the weeds but the hook is free of the weeds and in the strike zone. The weed growth is twelve inches high you have an eighteen inch length from your sinker on the bottom to you hook above. Your bait is approximately 6 inches above the weeds. You can always increase your dropper length to keep you bait above the weed growth. I’ve found that it’s better to have the bait to high than to low. Being above the fish is always a good strategy whether Walleye fishing of going after pan fish.

When fishing deep points and Islands this really shines as well. You can add an ounce of weight or more if needed to effectively feel bottom. You want to be able follow subtle to major depth changes with little to no slack in the line. You want to be able to stop your bait with a tight line at any time and just twitch it. You’re able to add weight as needed and because it’s below the actual bait. The fish won’t feel the extra weight and it doesn’t effect the action a soft plastic has by it self in the water. You can effectively twitch your rod tip shaking the bait in place the same with a ½ ounce sinker as you can a 1 ounce.

Not only does it work well with being able to stay in touch with the bottom. It works well to keep your bait from being caught by the bottom or visual covered by subtle structure such as wood or rock. When around wood and rock it works best to lift your weight up and set it down instead of dragging it on the bottom as you try to cover an area. The lifting action prevents your bait from being caught by edges of structure and essentially snagged. By lifting it and setting it down you tend to pick it up form one piece of structure only to set it on top of another .

The basic concept works so well in so many situations. I have used a similar technique targeting Steelhead on the Muskegon River. Contrary to common belief when the Steelhead are in the holes especially before they spawn .The fish aren’t to line shy and will commit to a strike from some distance. In this situation the fish aren’t affected by tying the hook to the main line without a leader. When fishing bright colored spawn bags and or bright yarn balls. The fish will hit this with no hesitation. I use this method specifically in the fall. When the leaves are falling they tend to settle and almost create a blanket on the bottom of the holes.

This is right when the Steelhead fishing in the Muskegon River is getting good. When you cast a typical rig consisting of a 24 inch leader and trying to bounce the bottom you will spend more time cleaning leaves off your hook than anything else. When your hook is tied inline and it’s above your weight. Even if your weight catches leaves more often than not your bait stays off the bottom and clean of junk.

If you haven’t already tried to utilize Drop Shot rigs I suggest you keep these techniques in mind as you can tie up an effective rig with hooks and sinkers that most fisherman already have as part of their collection.

By: Ernest Miller
Learn more about fishing West Michigan and specific techniques at http://www.michiganfishguide.com
Last Cast Charters
Captain: Ernest Miller

Okay, so you've tried fishing in local streams, rivers and lakes, and you've even tried a few other prime fishing locations like Baja, Alaska and Canada. Now, try something totally different and head south. Fishing in Florida offers anglers of all ages and skill levels something to talk about, whether you're fresh water or salt water fishing.

Florida has a wealth of fishing environments and ecosystems to tackle, from the coastline to the swamps to interior streams and lakes. Florida chartered fishing trips and vacations can be planned for individuals, groups or families, and it all depends on what you want to do. Many fishermen heading south to Florida waters want to try both fresh and salt water fishing, so charter companies in Florida are readily available both online and off to answer questions and provide schedules and pricing guidelines.

If you want to split your fishing into both fresh and salt environments, narrow your search to find chartering opportunities that offer both a wide variety of services, at reasonable costs, either on the Internet or through your local travel agency. Better yet, find where you want to fish and then call down to local Chamber of Commerce offices in those areas for a listing of local charter services. Then, always follow up with a call or logon to the BBB's database to make sure the company you want to deal with is on the up and up.

When planning to charter a vacation, determine ahead of time how many people are going to be in your party, what it is you want to fish for, and how many days you're wanting. Doing so will help your potential charter business determine a more specific cost for you. Many Florida charter companies offer a wealth of fishing opportunities, whether you want to fly fish, or shore fly fish, wade fishing as well as drift fishing. They may offer you opportunities to not only fish from the deck, but to anchor in coves or inlets and take you ashore. That's why it's best to come up with your own special wish list, and then go from there when speaking to any charter company representative for options and prices.

Some charter fishing outfits offer bunking for small parties, while others need to take you and your friends or family back to shore for hotel lodging. Always ask beforehand what services they offer, including food, lodging, as well as half day, full day, and longer chartered opportunities. If possible, check to make sure the boat and captain and crew you're chartered are legally licensed and that the boat is in good working order, complete with adequate numbers of life vests and a dinghy in case of rough weather or accidents. While many experienced adults, anglers or not, scoff at such topics, weather on the Florida coastline often changes quickly, and it's better to be prepared.

Planning a chartered fishing vacation in Florida should be fun, and not filled with hassles and problems. You can judge future service on board by service provided when you make that call, so pay attention to attitude, willingness to help as well as pricing. If you feel uncertain, try making additional calls until you find exactly what you're looking for. Chartering a vessel isn't cheap, so make sure that you get your money's worth.

By: Chonticha Marijne
Ready for your own Florida charter fishing adventure? Find out more now at http://AllAboutFishingTrips.com.

Fishing information courtesy of Resources For Attorneys, a legal resources and lifestyle resources information portal.

Are you looking for a few laughs? Check out our fishing jokes section. For jokes on other subjects visit the Jokes index.

Do scents really work? Do scents attract fish? I am asked these questions many times from novices and pro fishermen alike. I know that most any articles you read stress the importance of scent to one degree or another.

A lot of scientific research shows some fish are drawn to chemical sources from hundreds of yards away. Other studies indicate fish can recognize aquatic plants and other fish in the same school by individual smell. A fish’s ability to smell is documented to be approximately 1,000 times better than a dog. Fish Biologists also proved in some fish species that a fish’s system of smell can double and even triple as the fish age. So how does a bass smell?

Bass have two nostrils on each side of their snout. One is the anterior nostril and the other is the posterior nostril. Water flows into the anterior nostril, over the olfactory nerves, and back out through the posterior nostril. No link exists between the sets of nostrils and their throat. As the water holding the scent molecules flows across the olfactory nerves, a message is sent to the brain, where the scent is classified as a positive or negative scent. Bass then act on the sense by a conditioned response.

Let us look at the normal behavior of a bass. Bass find their prey by sight or sound first. The last sense activated is smell. It still plays a critical role in a bass’s life. When a bass hears or feels the presence of bait he comes over to investigate the movement or sound. As the bass moves closer to the bait, he is expecting the final stimulus, smell, to be coming from the bait. As he strikes and crushes the bait, he is expecting confirmation of the flavor of the prey by his sense of smell. Smell is an important final stimulus.

I also know that certain scents like gasoline or oil will repel bass. When reading articles, most of them will stress the point of keeping your hands free of such things as gasoline, oil, nicotine and sun tan lotion. You can buy hand cleaner specially formulated for fishermen to clean their hands periodically. If you eat in the boat while fishing, certain foods or sauces will provide a negative smell. The best advice is to use some of the hand cleaner and wash your hands frequently. In some research circles, thought is that when a bass is caught and released, it emits a chemical into the water that is interpreted by other bass as a negative smell therefore the other bass quit biting. I have seen this happen on numerous occasions. You are catching fish from one area, maybe two or three, and you release the last one caught and you get no more strikes. You know there are still fish there but they just quit you cold. This has happened to me more than once.

In response to a positive smell, bass generally will hold onto a worm emanating a positive scent for a longer time. This gives you an advantage of being able to get a good hook set and catching the fish. Three scents that appear to be positive scents are salt, anise, and garlic. Anise and garlic may be masking scents rather than attracting scents.

Now think about this: The smells or scents are transmitted to the fish by the water surrounding the fish. Now the old adage about oil and water comes into play. Many scents are oil based and although some of the oil molecules do disperse on their own, they frequently do not last long. This makes it necessary to add these scents quite frequently. Water based scents are just as bad or worse. These scents can, without drying the bait off, be thrown off the bait by casting. If you are buying these types of scents, it is going to get expensive. The scents that utilize fish oil as a base stay on the bait quite well and disperse readily in the water leaving a “scent trail”. Baits that have the scents “built in” like Yum or Gulp baits work very well also.

If you look at most worm packaging, you will notice that a lot of them have built in scents of one kind or another. Most of these contain garlic or salt and work well.

This is what my wife and I found out after a few years of experimenting. When we practiced for tournaments, one of us would use a scent product while the other would not. After 4 or 5 months, we discovered that the one using the scented worm was catching more fish. Not extraordinary numbers more but enough of a modest amount more to notice. We noted that the bass tended to hit the worm harder and hold on to the worm longer thus providing many more opportunities to get a good hook set. We obtained a sponsorship from Fish Formula and utilized the crawfish formula scent while we worm fished. We also found another product called “Worm Oil” manufactured by Baitsense and used it with modest success. I honestly don’t know whether either product attracts fish, but I do believe the products do make the bass hold on just a little longer thus providing the time to get a good hook set. If scents work to any degree, that may give you an advantage thus putting a few more fish in the live well. I think it is worth a small investment.

One word of caution about using most scents. The scents can be messy and you must be very careful with some scents, as they will stain your boat’s carpet. I had better luck putting the scent into a round plastic container and just dipping the worm into the scented formula. When I finished fishing for the day, I would put a matching cover on the container and store it until the next trip.

By: Carlton Holliday
Carlton “Doc” Holliday and his wife, Darlene “Dee” Holliday only tournament fished together for 5 years. In late 1992, Carlton had a heart attack thus the early retirement ended along with the professional fishing career.
Carlton “Doc” Holliday and his wife, Darlene “Dee” Holliday are both retired and live at Joplin, Arkansas two minutes from Lake Ouachita near Hot Springs, Arkansas. Visit us at http://www.bassfishinglakeouachita.com or email us at carltonholliday@yahoo.com.

Featured by Resources For Attorneys.