The ice is about to really set on some major lakes and walleye veterans will be hitting their spots like rabid raccoons. So how do these guys find their prime winter spots. Well, most likely there was some trial and error involved, and some stories from this guy and that, and a little luck here at this spot, or that one.You get the idea, hot spots comes from little pieces of information that have been gathered over years of experience to give you some old standby spots.

However, with ice fishing there are signs of angler presence that don't exist in open water months. And one of the biggest signs is holes. Yes, it may be obvious, but some people don't do enough ice fishing hole analysis when ice fishing. On bigger lakes, hole analysis may be very hard to do, because of the enormous amount of water that one must cover. On small lakes though you can see ice fishing hole patterns with a bit of walking or snowmobiling. I don't ever recommend encroaching on people's holes while they are there , and using old holes that people have drilled may be a bit of a no no for some anglers. (If you don't have an auger though , and are on larger lakes there is nothing wrong with using some older holes that are abandoned to get to some water with just a small axe, but don't ever intrude on ice fishing holes blatantly).

What I am recommending is more of analyzing where these fisherman are locating these holes. Above the surface of the water there is little to differentiate one piece of ice from another. But the holes tell a good story about the fishing in the area.

One of the characteristics of the holes to analyze is their distance from the shore. Often times anglers will have found with electronics, or from experience, the point at which the bottom drops off into deeper water where walleye will hold.

This drop off may last for miles or only a few hundred feet. But, the point is, that you now have more information than you did by just blindly drilling holes all over the frozen tundra. When you search around these holes also look for signs of fish being caught. Like fish scales and blood from fish that are thrown on the ice to be saved to eat. This is obviously prime information.

Now if you want to come back to theses spots throughout the winter and it snows a good deal in your neck of winter paradise you need to mark these spots somehow. And you want to mark them so its not that obvious.If you have a gps unit this isn't that hard to do, but if you don't, and you are close to the shore, prop up some sticks in an odd way that you will be able to notice the next time you walk past them. If the holes are close by the shore count off your steps and write down how many steps it took you to get there.

It may sound a bit outdated , but it has a certain walleye hunting barbarian aspect to it , as opposed to saying , oh yeah, my hole is at N 75 blah blah blah, W 64 blah blah blah, you can say my hole is 75 paces off that giant oak out there.

If you don't have electronics to key in on underwater structure than use ice fishing hole analysis this winter to gather information on that will give you some success. Or you could just continue to walk 50 yards from the parking lot and use your auger more than you fish. Whatever floats your boat, both are fun, haha.

By: M. Fox
To talk to fellow walleye anglers about certain spots and tricks visit http://www.walleyelures.info.

Can you conquer the bones? Sure, the Bahamas can offer sunshine, seclusion, solace, and a sexy tan, but did you know it can also offer the chance to engage in some of the best fishing in the world? Exuma bonefishing is truly a challenging and gripping sport and the regional coastlines are particularly exceptional for this spirited pastime. Bonefish are some of the most elusive fish in the sea and can be a slippery prey to hook; however with a knowledgeable guide and a few tricks and know-how, hooking yourself a "bone" can be a truly satisfying and pleasurable experience.

The Bonefish
Bonefish are native to the Caribbean, but are particularly plentiful just off the coast of the Exuma Islands. The immaculate sandy flats of the Exumas provide the ideal location for this sport, as bonefish keep to shallow muddy and sandy flats when digging for food. Parts of the south-east side of the island are known to have some particularly good spots. Bonefish are usually caught for the sport and spirit of the chase; they are not particularly known to be so great-tasting. In fact, bonefish are said to have the most fight per pound of any other fish!

Fly fishers flock to the islands of the Bahamas every year to experience the challenge and adventure of Exuma bonefishing. Bonefish are silvery in color and are very fast-moving; it is not uncommon to see three or four enthusiastic fishermen splashing merrily through the shallow waters, rods in hand, to chase down a school, which can reach up to approximately 300 fish. A bonefish can streak up to 25 miles per hour in order to evade sharks, barracudas, and of course, energetic fishermen! An average bonefish weighs between 4 and 6 pounds, but can reach up to a whopping 19 pounds. Although bonefishing is popular in any season, the months of May to July are said to be particularly exceptional for this spirited sport.

Exuma bonefishing
Bonefishing is not your typical fishing expedition by any means. Exuma has many resources and facilities where visitors, whether amateur or pro, can visit to learn the techniques of bonefishing and seek aid from experienced and enthusiastic guides. Most guides on the island have grown up in the area and are well-versed in the movements of this slippery, silvery fish. It is important to rig up your rod straight away while your guide prepares the boat; you definitely do not want to be caught unprepared as a school of bonefish swiftly heads your way. If the tides are high, you can expect to be fishing in creeks and mangrove shorelines, as Exuma bonefishing is tide-dependent. Depending on the weather and seasonal changes, the average number of bonefish schools sighted per day in Exuma is 40 to 400, while the average number of fish caught per day is between 3 and 45.

Essentials for Eager Bonefishers


Fly rods
Reels with plenty of backing (150-200 yards)
Spare flylines
Leader material/tippets
Flies (Gotchas, Christmas Island Specials, Charlies)
Pliers/clippers/hook sharpener
Wading shoes
Wading pack
Fly tying kit
Sunglasses, hat & sunscreen
Water bottle
Light rain gear

Whether you have the craving for an exhilarating fishing experience or just want to try something new and different, Exuma bonefishing is the ideal choice. It is definitely not a passive activity and can be enjoyable for the whole family. Hooking your first bonefish is a unique and fulfilling experience that may have you adopting the sport full-time. As any local bonefisherman will tell you, there is nothing as exciting as casting your line out into that azure sea and waiting in anticipation for that impending thrill of the chase. The avid bonefisher is always scanning, anticipating, and moving in order to hook their next big one.

By: Amanda Smith-Barrett
Amanda Smith-Barrett is the author of numerous articles for oceaniaproperties.com concerning the Bahamas and has her finger on the pulse of new and exciting opportunities that arise in the area. By exploring current trends, traditions, and the Bahamian lifestyle, she was uncovered several fresh, exhilarating activities and events native to the region. See Oceania Properties Bahamas Real Estate for more information.

When you mention fly fishing to people, many times they think you are fishing exclusively for trout. However, there are some amazing spots you can fly fish for trophy sized bass as well. Both largemouth and smallmouth bass abound in rivers and lakes, so why not try your hand fly fishing for bass?

Many experienced fly fishermen report that bass fly fishing can be extremely challenging as well as extremely satisfying. Bass have larger mouths than trout, so your choice of lures is much more diverse. They strike hard and fight strong, so when you are fly fishing for bass, expect to be exhilarated by the fight in these guys!

Experts suggest that you use a 6-7 weight rod, but if you are especially experienced, you can use a 4-5 weight rod. If you choose the smaller rod, you may have trouble casting the larger flies, so be aware of that. You can use a floating or a sinking line with a weight forward taper. You should have a 7 ½ to 9 foot leader tapered down to a 10 pound test.

Most bass are opportunistic feeders and will bite at anything. In general, however, flies for bass fishing are usually larger and influence a bigger bite. Try big muddler minnows, clousy minnows, wooly buggers, poppers, leech patterns, and crayfish patterns. Size 8 or 10 would be a little on the small side while size 2 or 1/0 would be a little too large, so opt for something in between.

Largemouth bass live in shallow water habitats among reeds, water lilies, and other vegetation naturally found in the water. They are adapted to warm waters in the 80 degree range and are seldom found deeper than twenty feet down. They prefer clear waters with little or no current. They stay fairly active year-round, but tend to stay near the bottom in the winter months.

Great bass fly fishing can be found in various locations throughout the United States. In the northeastern United States, try the rivers and streams in the Adirondack Mountains such as the Mohawk or Black Rivers. There are also some prized bass in the Great Lakes region. Southern Ontario in Canada can also provide some great opportunities to catch trophy sized bass.

Bass fly fishing can be a great experience for both the beginning fly fisherman as well as those with a little more experience. Fly fishing for bass requires a little bit of finesse and some tenacity when they bite. Stay with the fish and pull a whopper out of the water you can be proud of!

By: Steven Sharpe
Steve has been fishing for many years. There is nothing he likes better than spending a few hours on the side of a river or lake trying to catch the ultimate fish. He has travelled extensively throughout the world and never lets an opportunity go by to try out the local fishing. He has written a book on the subject of Fly Fishing which can be purchased at http://fishing.articleland.co.uk. He can also be reached for further information at his website articleland.co.uk

If you a fishing enthusiasts but have never experienced the thrill of big game fishing, then fishing for bluefin tuna should be your entree into this exciting sport. Bluefin tuna is a delicacy and highly prized by sushi connoisseurs and should be on the list of “must catch” for every big-game angler.

The bluefin is one of the swiftest and most elusive fish you’ll every attempt to catch. Their speed and size is what make the bluefin popular among experienced anglers. Bluefin tuna weighing almost 1000 pounds have been caught in Ireland. Smaller size bluefin tuna are also commonly captured.

Hunting a bluefin tuna requires patience, careful planning and a little research. The Northeast coast of the United States and the Western coast of Ireland are two popular areas where bluefin tuna have been frequently captured. On the Northeast U.S. coast, June through November is the peak seasons for bluefin. On the Irish coast, August through November is the best time for bluefin tuna angling. Depending on your budget and travel preferences, either location is an excellent choice for capturing a trophy bluefin tuna.

Bluefin tuna can only be caught in the deep waters – they never approach shallow coastal shores. The bluefin’s specific habitat has resulted in enterprising anglers to establish themselves as knowledgeable experts in locating and capturing bluefin tuna. Your best chance to catch a bluefin is to charter a private boat with a reputable skipper who uses well maintained equipment. The skippers should have a verifiable reputation for catching bluefin tuna or other big-game fish. You should avoid charters who claim they know where to find these sea giants but can’t document or prove their claim.

Scheduling a date and an experienced crew is not the only things you need to worry about. You should also use professional-grade equipment (rod, reel, etc) that is designed for big game angling. If you are an occasional big-fish angler, investing in this type of equipment might not be cost effective. That’s why the boat you choose to hire should provide all the necessary equipment you’ll need to catch a bluefin tuna. Most skippers include the rental of this equipment with the price of the charter. Other skippers will charge an extra nominal charge. Before finalizing your charter boat reservation, make sure what equipment is included so that you won’t incur any unexpected expenses. You should also be aware that that you might also be responsible for equipment that is damaged or loss. Verify your reservations “terms and conditions” before confirming your charter.

Most boats come equipped with a “fighting chair”. This is a chair that is anchored to the boat’s deck from where you can easily “fight” the pull from a big-game fish. The chair is designed to anchor your fishing rod such that it makes it easier for you to reel in large powerful fish. Although this specialized equipment is not required, having a fighting chair makes reeling in your giant bluefin tuna a more memorable experience.

By: Conrad Evans
Conrad is an avid angler, has experienced big-game fishing all over the world and urges you to choose wisely before committing to hire a fishing charter. The last time he went bluefin tuna fishing was in Northwesten Ireland and he selected an experienced crew at Broadhaven Charters.

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.

There is no better time of the year to fish than the fall in my opinion. Fishing in the fall has always been my most productive time of the year as well. I'm not sure of the scientific reason for this, but it's always seemed to me that the fish are "stocking up" on food before the really cold weather sets in. At least this is how it seems in the rivers and streams of the west. Once the really cold weather sets in, the fishes metabolism slows to a point that they simply don't eat as much (which obviously means that catching them is that much more difficult). This is surely how it seems to be in the rivers and streams, which is why fishing in the fall (before the really cold weather) is so productive.

Another big selling point for fishing in the fall is the fact that the scenery is so beautiful. As the leaves begin changing color, it sometimes seems as if you're fishing inside of a painting, which is always a cool feeling. Yep, for me fishing in the fall is as good as it gets. So while other outdoors people are turning their attention to chasing animals in the woods and birds in the fields, you may want to get serious about fishing as the fall kicks into gear?

I know I've caught almost all of my trophy fish in the fall as well. Fishing in the fall can be incredibly productive, and as far as big fish go, there may be no better time of the year to wet a line. My fishing mentor (who incidentally was the best trout angler I've ever known) believed wholeheartedly in fishing for trophy trout in the fall. He fished for trout all year long, but concentrated his efforts for BIG trout, in the fall of the year. This may not be a bad idea fore you, if you like catching trophy fish?

In the fall, as the weather starts to cool, it becomes increasingly important to pay attention to both the weather and moon as well. There may be no two more important factors than the weather nad the moon, when it comes to fishing. Many anglers don't realize this, and you can get more information about the the weather, moon, & fishing here. Honestly, these two factors can make as much difference in the amount and size of the fish you catch as what type of bait you use.

The bottom line in all of this is that fishing in the fall can be as good as it gets. As the fish stock up on food before winter, you can have some of your best fishing days of the entire year. Don't forget to have some pre-tied gang hooks with you as well. Remember, there is no better way to present a live worm as bait than a set of gang hooks. Not only this, but you'll also be fishing in some of the most beautiful scenery of the entire year when you go fishing in the fall.

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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