Folks, it's time to get out the fishing gear and go catfish fishing. With the waters warming up comes more activity. I have always found early spring to be a great time to go catfish fishing. The water is beginning to get warm and the catfish are more active. Strike now though as when the water really gets warm in late spring or early summer they will be spawning and are more difficult to catch.

Night fishing is best as this is when they do most of their feeding. Catfish will eat anything including soap but the best baits are live baits. If you can't get live baits go to the grocery store and buy a tub of chicken livers and a small bag of shrimp. Soak the shrimp in vanilla extract the night before you go and see if you can find some old nylon stockings laying around for the chicken livers.

When you put the shrimp on the hook make sure you don't bury the hook. The catfish won't notice and I have seen too many people miss catching catfish because of this. When you use the chicken liver wrap it in a small piece of the stocking and it will hold up better with much less chance of slipping off of the hook when casting.

Catfish fishing takes some patience but if you haven't gotten a bite in 30 minutes reel it in and check your bait. If you still have it cast again into a slightly different area. Repeat until you find that spot.

By: Douglas Burns
Doug Burns is founder of CatfishAngling.com. A leading source for tips, tricks and information on catfish fishing. Doug has been an avid angler for 35 years and cares about what you want.

There are TONS of mistakes people make when bass fishing, but I'll make it quick, don't wanna take up too much of your time, so I'll just point out the top five most common bass fishing mistakes...

HUGE MISTAKE # 1: *NO PATIENCE*

The number 1 biggest mistake I see people make would have to be tossing their line out and then reeling it right back in!

What you should really do is, toss your line out and let it sit there... where ever it lands and wait, wait, and wait (30 seconds and more at times). This alone will do wonders to your fish count if it doesn't already!

It's usually tough to see under water even for fish, which is why you NEED to put this next tip to use at all times...

HUGE MISTAKE # 2: *LACK OF POPPING*

When you toss your lure into the water don't just let it sit there... Reel in your line until there is no slack left, then snap and even jerk your wrist towards you to stir up some vibration, and commotion in the water.

By doing this you will create loads of curiosity around your bait, fish will come to see what's going on and quickly see a delicious little meal(your hook) bouncing around and it will immediately turn into a feeding frenzy, your lure will be irresistible to them!

HUGE MISTAKE # 3: *THE CONFIDENCE BAIT*

I see it all the time, most fisherman have a go to bait that they can always count on to catch fish when nothing else is working. This is fine until this bait turns into the only thing you use...

It's always a wise decision to keep your go to bait as a go to bait and keep switching your lures constantly (every 10-15 minutes) if you aren't catching anything!

HUGE MISTAKE # 4: *LOSS OF FOCUS*

Don't lose your focus, I know fishing is supposed to be a relaxing sport and hobby but you still need to pay attention to what your doing, at least some what...

I've realized I always tend to do best when I first start fishing, Why? Because I'm psyched to be out on the water fishing (off shore or on the boat) I'm totally pumped!

But what happens when it's been a few hours or more?

You get tired, relaxed, and calmed down which in turn causes "LOSS OF FOCUS". If you can just remember where you need to be casting, to jiggle your bait, and every once in awhile change up your lure if your not having much luck, you should be just fine!

HUGE MISTAKE # 5: *NOT ENOUGH CHANGE UPS*

No luck? ...Keep moving! If you aren't catching anything change it up, leave that spot...

I don't care how many fish you caught or what you heard about a spot if you don't get anything within 15 - 20 minutes...LEAVE, and leave fast, There's nothing there, not today at least, don't waste your time!

These are just a few of the mistakes people tend to make when fishing for bass... if you'd like more FREE advice along with loads of bass fishing tips, tricks, techniques, news and more... check out my site below!

By: Nick Mack
Nick Mack is an experienced bass fisherman. He is actively involved in local tournaments and his bass fishing tips and tricks are all over the net. If you want to know more about catching huge bass all the time you can get FREE tips on his website at... http://www.Pro-Fishing-Tips.com

As trout fishing season begins in most areas of the country, many anglers are looking for tips to help them catch more and bigger trout. Well, this article will provide some of those tips that many trout anglers are looking for. In this article I'm going to reveal some proven tips and techniques that have been gained through more than 50 years of combined trout fishing experience.

For the most part, these tips are for the river and/or stream trout angler. Catching trout from the flowing waters of a river or stream is amazingly relaxing and enjoyable and is my personal favorite way to fish for trout. Not to mention the fact that whenever most people think of 'trout fishing', they automatically think of fishing in a river and or stream for these beautiful fish.

The first thing to keep in mind is that trout have very keen eyesight and can easily detect movement and or colors on the bank. This means that as anglers we want to stand out as little as is possible. Being draped in camouflage isn't necessary, but wearing drab clothing that doesn't stand out is a great idea. Wearing "loud" or colorful clothing is a big mistake if you're looking for more and bigger trout.

Do you pay any attention to your hands when trout fishing? Or more specifically any scents that might be on your hands? Well you should, because unnatural odors on you bait will cost you bites. A good practice is to grab a handful of grass or dirt and rub it into your hands before baiting up. This will help eliminate any unnatural odors that might be on your hands.

The next thing to keep in mind is your ability to see into the water. This is where a quality pair of polarized sunglasses comes into play. The quality aspect of the term 'quality polarized sunglasses' is highly important. When it comes to polarized sunglasses you get what you pay for, it's as simple as that. Any manufacturer that you've heard of will do the trick. There are some amazing deals available for anyone willing to look for them. The point is that polarized sunglasses are a must for catching more and bigger trout.

The next thing to keep in mind is that you're on the water when the trout are the most active. How do you do this? Simply by paying attention to the weather and moon. These two forces of Mother Nature have an incredible impact on the feeding behavior of trout, and understanding how this all works is of a huge advantage to any angler. The bottom line is that by fishing when the trout are the most active will result in you catching more and bigger trout.

The final thing to keep in mind when fishing for trout is the type of hooks you use. Gang hooks should always be used when trout fishing, especially when using live worms as bait. Gang hooks enable you to present live bait in a totally natural manner, which makes a huge difference in bite rates. Also, large trout only bite bait that appears completely natural, which was what gang hooks allow you to do. If you're looking for more and/or bigger trout begin using gang hooks, it's as simple as that.

Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 20 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his three year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country.....Montana!


By: Trevor Kugler
Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 20 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his three year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country.....Montana!

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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

Groupers are one of many prized fish that we can catch along all coasts of Florida and the Bahamas. Hard fighting and good eating bottom fish, The Southeastern US particularly Florida Keys groupers provide the best grouper fishing in the world. Groupers are a firm, white meat fish that makes a spectacular onion-garlic sauté for your dinner table. Enough recipe chats!! Let's catch fish.

Classic method of grouper fishing entails bottom fishing with heavy tackle. Grouper are aggressive strikers, so right when they inhale the bait, they will normally go right into the rocks or structure that is surrounding them.

Another favorite method for grouper fishing is trolling. This method works in water from 15 to 25 feet in depth and works wherever grouper are found.

If you are fishing in shallow water 4 to 12 feet, another popular way to Grouper fish is called flat lining. Most of the time if there are grouper on the structure where you are, you will have a hook up fairly quickly.

NOTE: Goliath Grouper, formerly known as Jewfish, are totally protected from harvest in Florida waters. Also, Red Grouper, gag grouper, and Nassau grouper (spawn in April and May) prefer water temperatures between 66 and 77 degrees F.

I. Bait for Grouper

Just remember, big bait, big fish, small bait, small fish. From gag grouper in at little as ten to twelve feet of water to the mighty Warsaw grouper in several hundred feet of water, all grouper tend to like the same types of baits and presentations whether they are on the bottom or by trolling.

II. Bottom fishing with live baits

The bottom structure that you're near tends to pull them in closer, housing a variety of species of fish, including tons of bait. Pinfish and large grunts would be your best bait. What you want to do is see which way the tide is moving and go to the side where your bait will go away from the pier, find a good rock pile and just keep letting line out until you know your bait is right in front of your grouper.

You will find that most baits that live primarily on the bottom will not be suitable for trolling, but will be good for bottom fishing or even mid-water fishing if the boat is at anchor or drifting slowly. The best bait for these fish is cut squid which is provided onboard. Sand perch are also good bait when filleted or steaked and used as chunks. Sardines and live pinfish are good grouper bait and can be purchased on the dock before sailing each morning.

Keep an eye out for birds sitting in the water because they're on top of the bait, and all you have to do is wait a few minutes for Mr. Grouper.

III. Fishing Tackle

- A rod with a lot of backbone, a reel with the ability to crank down an extra hard drag, and 60 to 80 pound test line are the usual equipment on a bottom fishing trip for grouper. One of the most common rigs for grouper fishing is called the sliding or egg sinker (aka knocker) rig. If you're bottom fishing with live baits such as pin fish and large grunts, use a 3 to 8 ounce egg sinker, 2 to 3 foot of 50 to 100 pound leader and a 5 to 10/0 hook, depending on the size of bait.

IV. Trolling, Bottom fishing- Flat lining for groupers

Bottom fishing

- Classic grouper fishing involves bottom fishing with relatively heavy tackle. Grouper are aggressive strikers, so right when they inhale the bait, they will normally go right into the rocks or structure that is surrounding them. Trolling

- Another favorite method for grouper fishing is trolling. This method works in water from 15 to 25 feet in depth and works wherever grouper are found. In the winter and early spring, black grouper and red grouper make their way up from deeper water to the relative shallows of near shore patch reefs to spawn. Some patches climb almost vertically, and all have holes and caves serving as home to a variety of fish, including our groupers. The feather lures or lures with a ballyhoo combo & running about 12 to 15 feet deep attract the groupers to run out of their holes as the bait goes by.

Slow Trolling

- The method we use during this time is to slow troll feathers with strip bait, such as mullet on deep troll downriggers, between, next to, and sometimes over the patch reefs. The wire line is necessary to (1) get the bait deep enough, and (2) provide a no stretch line to insure the fish is moved away from the reef. The feather will run about 12 to 15 feet deep and the grouper will run out of his hole as the bait goes by.

V. Flat Lining

If you are fishing in shallow water 4 to 12 feet, another popular way to Grouper fish is called flat lining. What you want to do is see which way the tide is moving and go to the side where your bait will go away from the pier or boat, find a good rock pile, and just keep letting line out until you know your bait is right in front of our groupers' dinner table.

The majority of the time if there are grouper on the structure where you are, you will have a hook up fairly quickly. This is why heavy leader is required. You can bet on one thing; if you want to catch a few grouper, you are going to go through some tackle.

Watch the water for fish next time you head out; be aware of what is going on in the water. Bait fish attract predator fish, and there is no reason for not fishing the area around a big baitfish school.

So trolling their dinner behind the boat will be our way of catching & hooking up these fish. If the fish don't strike your bait while you're trolling fast, slow down, and let the bait sink a little.

When a fish hits, Let go of the line, count to five, snap the bail closed, and start cranking.

When you've hooked your fish, work on him so he gets tired. You don't want to get a 40 lb fish back to the boat until he's quieted down a bit.

Tight Lines & enjoy your fishing,

Marilyn Davis

By: Marilyn Davis
Thank you for choosing our Grouper Fishing article!
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Over the years I have been asked how you know when you have a hit while drift fishing for Steelhead. The true answer is you really never know for sure! When bouncing along the bottom of the river every time you bump a rock it feels something like a strike. There is a difference but until you feel it it's hard to explain.

Some times your line will just stop this is always a good sign that there is a steelhead taking your line. Other times you will feel your line and it feels like it's rolling over gravel (this happens quit often when the water is cold) This to is a good sign that you are having a steelhead strike. There are times when a steelhead will leave no doubt they have taken your line as they nearly jerk the rod out of your hand. Most of the time however it is just a slight difference in the feel of the line and the longer you fish for steelhead the better you become at feeling these minor differences.

There are times where you will not feel anything at all and this probably happens more then any of us know. I like to watch my line where it meets the water most of the time it leaves a small wake much like a miniature boat. Watching this when a steelhead is toying with your bait it will look like this wake is swaying back and forth in the same spot when ever I see this I will set the hook and more times then not it will be a steelhead.

There are times when you will be watching your line as it drifts through the hole and you notice that the speed at which it was drifting has slowed this may be a sign that you need to set the hook. I believe that when this happens the steelhead has been following you lure down stream and has just decided to pick it up to see what it is.

The bottom line is you never really know if it is a Steelhead strike or just bumping down the river. The best advice I can give is if you feel something different set the hook, if your line stops set the hook, if your line is not drifting as fast as it was set the hook, and when in doubt set the hook!!!

Steelhead, Salmon and Trout Fishing has been a passion of mine since I was a young boy. Most of my free time was spent on lakes and streams here in the northwest, and I have picked up on some interesting facts about fishing for these species over the last 45 years. I would like to share them with you through articles and at my websites I hope you find them helpful and enjoyable. So please stop by check out some information or just stock up on your fishing gear. Hope to see you on the river!

By: Robert R Smith
Steelhead, Salmon and Trout Fishing has been a passion of mine since I was a young boy. Most of my free time was spent on lakes and streams here in the northwest, and I have picked up on some interesting facts about fishing for these species over the last 45 years. I would like to share them with you through articles and at my websites I hope you find them helpful and enjoyable. So please stop by check out some information or just stock up on your fishing gear. Hope to see you on the river!
RR Smith
http://www.steelhead-gear.com for all your fishing needs
steelhead-gear.com/wordpress/ Stellhead, Salmon and Trout Fishing blog.