Articles | Xplore Fishing

How To Catch Florida Sea Trout

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Apr 1, 2021

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In the summer, Florida spotted sea trout are extremely active in the inter-coastal saltwater rivers and bays. These fish are one of the most prized by anglers not only because of there excellent meat but for the fight they deliver when hooked. When in season, the sea trout may be very active but can elude many fisherman. Trout are picky eaters and knowing the right strategies will prove essential when targeting the this species of fish.

The first key to success is to know what trout are eating and where they are looking for it. The food of choice for trout are live shrimp and small bait fish. Many saltwater anglers are using these baits on the bottom with the weight and leader method. For sea trout, in most cases this method just won't work. This species of fish tend to feed near the surface and won't usually be looking for food deeper down. When targeting trout with live bait, you can use a float to keep your bait towards surface or simply free line the live shrimp or bait fish. Remember, in almost any saltwater situation, there will be tide flow. Keep in mind that floating of

Top Trout Fishing Secrets

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Mar 16, 2021

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By Bridget Webber

Trout fishing can be a challenge for anglers who do not know much about how trout think and behave. Learning what makes trout afraid or attracts them can help anglers who want to know the secrets of successfully securing a great catch.

Trout vision
Trout have a blind spot, much as drivers in their car have. There are a few areas where they just cannot see properly. How water and sunlight react can also have a bearing on how well they see. Knowing how to cast a line in a trout blind spot and take advantage of refraction caused by sunlight on water can be a great help when fishing.

When light rays pass from air and then to water they become bent. This process is known as light refraction. Trout peripheral vision is close to the ground. You are less likely to be seen by your prey if you stay as low to the horizon as possible when refraction takes place. When you put a lure in the water, you do not want it to fall in the blind spot of the trout you hope to catch. Instead of casting a lure into the rise, caused by a trout you observe ‘rising’ to the

When to Use Weighted Bobbers for Fishing

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Mar 16, 2021

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Many fishermen and fisherwomen got their start watching a round bobber while waiting for a strike. After all, most anglers started fishing for bluegill and the most common method of catching bluegills is with a small piece of bait being suspended under a bobber. However, bobbers are used for more than just catching bluegills on small farm ponds. They are an important part of bait fishing for many different species and are also used with some artificial lure presentations.

Due to the wide variety of situations when bobbers may be used, there are many different shapes, sizes and colors available on the market for anglers to consider. In addition to choosing the right shape, size and color, anglers also have to choose whether or not to styles with built-in weights. Weighted bobbers generally have a small ring of lead near the bottom of the body. The weight helps the bobber to stand up straight, making it easier to be seen. This is especially important when using light baits that might not pull enough on a bobber without weight to make it stand up properly. The weight also helps to aid

Southern Appalachian Brook Trout a Worthy Prize for Skilled Anglers

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Mar 16, 2021

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Fishing for the Southern Appalachian brook trout is a truly unique angling experience. You trek into the isolated headwaters of the Smoky Mountains in North Carolina, or the Cohutta Wilderness in Georgia, with the mist on the cold waters, and mountain laurel along the banks, searching for that elusive native brook trout – fishing doesn’t get any better than that.

The Southern Appalachian brook trout is not really a trout at all – it’s a member of the char family (Salvelinus fontinalis). Sometimes called brookies, speckled trout, or specks, these spritely fish make their home in the high, lonesome country, home to majestic trees and stark cliffs, of bear and deer and bobcat. Their native habitat is the cold, clear headwater streams of these watersheds.

It’s a thing of beauty, this brook trout. The fish’s body is dark olive to almost black, marbled by squiggly vermicular markings. Its sides are adorned with red spots bordered by halos of light blue to lavender. Underneath, its belly is red (vivid red and orange during spawning, especially in the males), as are the lower fins.

Fishing for Alligator Gar

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Mar 16, 2021

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The alligator gar is the largest freshwater fish in North America except the sturgeon, growing to lengths of over 9 feet and weighing up to 300 lbs. Its cousins, such as the Longnose and Spotted Gar, do not grow as large but can reach respectable sizes. Unfortunately, the gar is often portrayed as a nuisance, stealing bait and breaking the tackle of anglers targeting more popular species. The truth is that gar make a great sport fish, not only for their size but for their availability and strong fighting abilities.

Finding Gar

Almost any southern lake, river, or stream has a good chance of containing some number of gar within it. In rivers, gar are usually found near deep bends or channels in an area containing large amounts of baitfish such as perch or shad. The same generally applies to lakes and other bodies of water. Large stands of sunken timber adjacent to deeper water seem to hold large number of gar as well. When scouting a location, look for disturbances on the water's surface or for gar cruising along just under the surface. Gar often gulp air at the surface,

A Beginner’s Guide to Catching Rainbow Trout

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Mar 16, 2021

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The opening of fishing season around the United States inevitably brings with it a flood of new fishers, eager to catch their first seafood dinner and a little heavier on enthusiasm than preparedness. Many decide to target rainbow trout, a fish popular for its taste and widespread distribution by hatcheries. However, after a few days of little, if any, luck, those who are truly dedicated and likely to succeed at fishing start to do their research. Rainbow trout are large, aggressive and relatively easy to catch, but they still come with their own unique set of challenges and quirks that any would-be fishermen must be acquainted with.

Rainbow trout live in both saltwater and freshwater, although they are most often caught along lakes, rivers and creeks. They hide in tranquil waters just behind river bends, rocks or other obstructions. There they drift until the current brings along something edible, at which point the trout lunges and seizes the food. Following the fish’s natural feeding pattern, fishermen cast bait upstream and let it drift downwards. This means that reels used for

Hall Em In Handmade Wooden Lures

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Feb 25, 2021

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"Tradition Lives on With Handmade Wooden Lures"

Handmade wooden fishing lures, dating back to the late 19 th century, are the objects of desire for many collectors, but they're not just historical objects. The father-son team of Fred and David Hall in Florida combined life-long passions for fishing and woodworking as the basis for their specialty company, Hall Em In. Making lures since 2005, their creations have attracted a serious fan base and, from reports in the fishing magazine, for good reason. Made from fine, exotic woods, the lures show individual behaviors unlike anything seen with mass-produced plastic ones. Their designs - and names - reflect their origins in the experience and passion for fishing for the Halls and their fishing friends: Boca Bite, Chokoloskee Chomp and Capt. Steve's Menace are just a few examples. They are available from a select number of retail outlets in Florida, but can also be ordered through their website. Tackle boxes made from pecky cypress wood and treasure boxes and shadow frames to display collectible lures are custom-made from exotic woods,

Top Ten Fly Fishing Spots in Oregon

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Feb 16, 2021

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By Tammie Painter

You've found the perfect rod and reel, tied a box full of beautiful flies and have honed your cast in the backyard. Now you just need to find a place to catch some fish. With all the waterways in Oregon, it can be tough to choose a fly-fishing spot. Factors such as what's biting, the location's proximity to your home and current fishing regulations all need to be considered before heading out. To help you narrow your choice, check out the following top ten choices among Oregon's fly fishers.

Trillium Lake: At only 25 miles east of Sandy, this spot is convenient for most people in the Portland area. Follow Highway 26, take a right on Forest Service Road 2656 and then turn onto Forest Road 2612. To stay clear of the people fishing from shore, opt for float tube fishing at this spot. Cast toward the lily pad clusters as the fish like to lie in wait for the dragonflies and other bugs that perch on the leaves. Even if you don't catch one of the lake's rainbow or brook trout, the lake has lovely views of Mount Hood.

Hagg Lake: You want to catch fish when

A Staple of Bass Fishing

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Feb 16, 2021

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When it comes to freshwater bass fishing in the Northeast, there are a variety of lures and techniques that can get the job done, but none better than a Gary Yamamoto Senko worm on a Texas rig. Sure, seasons and fish behavior will change throughout the year and one will have to mix up a number of variables, but the Texas-rigged Senko can be a reliable method for even the rookie angler.

Before we examine the set up and technique, let us first take a brief look at a versatile and easy knot. The Palomar knot can be used in a variety of instances and works really well with the rig we will discuss later. First, run your fishing line through the eye of the hook by roughly 18 inches. Next, take the loose end of the line and run it back through the eye so that you have the hook sitting on double line with approximately 9 inches on either side. Now, tie a loose overhand knot using the doubled loop and the doubled section of line leading back to the rod. Take the hook and pass it through the overhand loop, making sure all the line is clear of obstruction and sitting on the eye of the hook,

Thorne Bay Lodge Alaska

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Feb 8, 2021

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Located on Alaska's Prince of Wales Island (the third biggest island in the United States), Thorne Bay Lodge is a hunter's and fisherman's dream destination. The lodge is nestled in the forested hills covering the island and is only a hop, skip, and jump away from the water. In fact, visitors to the area must take either a 30 minute float plane ride or a 3 hour ferry ride to reach the island. The folks from Thorne Bay Lodge pick you up at the dock.

Thorne Bay Lodge acts as a homey and comfortable base camp for those wishing to explore the island's many opportunities for outdoor adventure. At the heart of the lodge's many offerings are saltwater fishing, river fishing, and hunting opportunities that are available as both guided or self-guided outings.

River fishing on Prince of Wales Island is unlike fishing anywhere else. Thousands of streams are fed by 8 major river systems and nearly all of them holds fish. 1,500 miles of road give visitors relatively easy access to the best fishing areas. Depending on the time of year that you visit, you will have the chance to fish for

Ocean Runner Charters - Green Harbor, Massachusetts

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Feb 8, 2021

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For the absolute best of the best for Massachusetts deep sea fishing, Ocean Runner Charters is the place to go.

Piloted by either Captain Rich Flannery or Captain Curt Maxon, the Ocean Runner is a 36-foot Northern Bay boat built in 2006. It was constructed in Maine with the original and sole purpose of being a one-of-a-kind fishing monster. The Ocean Runner was built to and has proven itself to provide the highest quality offshore deep sea fishing experience possible.

The Ocean Runner's 500 horsepower Volvo diesel engine gets the job done out at sea by providing a 19 knot cruising speed. In fact, the Ocean Runner is the fastest fishing charter boat in the Green Harbor area. It's speed and quickness make for less time spent getting from spot to spot and more time fishing and making some of the best catches of your lifetime.

For days when the weather just doesn't work out in their favor, the Ocean Runner has a fully enclosed, heated cabin. All of the Coast Guard required safety equipment (including an eight-person life raft, survival suits, and life jackets) is carried

C-Devil II Sportfishing

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Feb 7, 2021

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Rhode Island charter gives passengers of all ages and skill levels a chance to fish aboard one of two prime vessels with an expert crew.

The waters around Rhode Island are full of an extremely wide array of fish, from bass to tuna. By fishing aboard either the C-Devil II or Lil' Devil, passengers have the opportunity to learn from some of the area's greatest fishermen. Well-equipped and ready to take you on an unforgettable day of fishing, C-Devil II Sportfishing offers clients of all ages and skill levels the chance to experience either inshore or offshore fishing.

Co-captains Lynn and Kelly Smith own the charters for both the C-Devil II and the Lil' Devil. Kelly has more than 25 years of experience as a charter captain, and he was in charge of the first C-Devil in the late '80s and early '90s. A full time fisherman, he uses his knowledge to teach clients as well as fishing commercially around the world. Lynn, who has been named one of Rhode Island's rising stars in the fishing industry, began her career in recreational fishing as the first mate of the C-Devil II. Today,

How To Make Juglines To Catch Catfish

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Feb 5, 2021

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Juglines are one of the most effective tools for catching big catfish. Juglines allow you to cover a lot of water and put a lot of bait out for the catfish to find. Catching catfish on juglines may not be as fun as catching them on rod and reel, but if you are trying to catch bigger fish and try to catch fish to eat, there is no way faster than using juglines.

You will need the following equipment to make a jugline.
1 jug
40 feet of nylon trotline string
5 swivels
5 hooks
1 can white spray paint
1 weight

The jug needs to be fairly large. You can use a two liter soda bottle, milk jug with a screw on lid, or juice container with a handle. As long as the jug is fairly large, has an area you can tie string to and is water tight, it will work. You can purchase nylon trotline string at most general good stores or outdoor and sporting good stores. You will want 5 medium sized swivels and 5 hooks. The size of hook is based on the size of fish you might catch and the size of bait you are using. In Texas your jug must be white in color. If the jug you use

The 5 Most Common Mistakes In Choosing a Lure

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Feb 1, 2021

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Everyone knows that choosing the right fishing lure is essential to getting the most out of a fishing trip. Unfortunately, many people's understanding of how fish perceive colors is way off base. Here we will look at the five most common mistakes you may be making when you select a lure. We'll set you on the right path and show you how to successfully increase your haul on your next trip. Avoid these five mistakes to land more fish in less time.

Mistake #1. Using Reds or Orange in Deep Water

To understand how fish perceive colors, try swapping out your bedroom light bulb for a significantly less powerful bulb. At night, you will notice that every color in your room is different and you can't distinguish between colors. The deeper and dirtier that the water is where you fish, the less colors will be visible. To catch more fish, you must use lures in the colors that fish can actually see. Those who fish in deep or dirty fresh water with red or orange lures may not realize that the lure simply looks grey to the fish. Fish such as bass that live in dark,

Confusion Charters - "Charter Fishing, Urban Style"

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Jan 26, 2021

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Fishing charters offer great services for anglers, allowing them to find professional guides who know the hot local spots and who can help put a client "on the fish" consistently. The words "fishing charter," though, often bring to mind the idea of a fly-in camp in northern Maine or sitting in the fighting chair off the coast of Bimini. Confusion Charters takes the idea of professional guides, but places it within reach of even day-trip anglers: Lake Michigan, just off Chicago's shore. For individuals or small groups, even on a small budget, it's possible to get a package half-day or full-day fishing trip in the rich fishing waters just two or three miles out into the lake. Chinook and Coho salmon, lake and brown trout and even yellow perch can be caught from one of their modern, comfortable boats; for families or business groups, it makes a great outing.

Operating out of the Montrose Harbor on Lakefront Drive in Chicago and from the Northpoint Marina, about an hour north of the city, near the Wisconsin state line, Confusion Charters owns several modern, well-appointed fishing

The Rescue Step - A life-saving reentry step for boats

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Jan 25, 2021

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The Rescue Step isn't just a cool piece of gear - it's life-saving. A simple step that attaches to the outside of the back of small boats, the kind normally used for fishing, The Rescue Step provides a means for you to get out of the water and back into the safety of your vessel if you ever happen to fall overboard.

After falling overboard himself on a solo fishing trip, Edward Bronser, later the founder of The Rescue Step and a retired man who often took such solitary fishing trips, was stuck in the water.

Stranded 300 yards from shore in over 30 feet of frigid water, he didn't have much time. Scrambling at the sides of his fishing boat, he found that he couldn't pull himself back onboard. His strength waning, he further struggled to pull himself aboard by putting his feet on the blades of his boat's motor. Nothing worked. He wasn't able to pull himself back onto the boat. Luckily, another boat came by just as he had resigned himself to the fact that wasn't going to get back on his boat. Later a doctor told him that a few minutes more in the water would have meant the end

Tackle Tote - The Hands Free Fishing Tackle Transport

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Jan 24, 2021

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"Carry Flies and Lures the Lightweight, Handy, Organized Way"

When you don't want to lug a conventional tackle box with you - but still want to have a selection of flies, lures and other small items handy while out on your favorite stream - the TackleTote offers a solution. Looking like an oversized trifold wallet, it has plenty of storage space, including pockets, pouches and a fleece panel for favorite flies. A zippered pocket in back makes a secure place to keep a fishing license, identification, cash or other valuable. Straps with D-rings allows you to snap on small tools. The TackleTote can be worn on the belt or with a strap around the neck. The tough, water-resistant fabric and tough construction allows it to stand up to a day on the river. It's a handsome design, too.

TackleTote

c/o Robert Bradley

P.O. Box 22

Seaside, OR 97138-0022

sales@thetackletote.com

http://thetackletote.com/

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The Frank Sawyer Bow-Tie Buzzer

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Jan 16, 2021

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There are a great many representations of buzzer nymphs available on the market. Some of them are very good and no doubt most of them will have caught fish at some time. As far as I know, there is only one bow-tie buzzer and that is the pattern evolved by Frank Sawyer. Any others are simply copies of the original in just the same way as all weighted nymphs are developments of the Sawyer Pheasant Tail.

Frank Sawyer spent a lot of his life teaching others how to use his original nymphs, the Pheasant Tail, the Killer Bug, the Sawyer Swedish and the Grey Goose. All require much the same technique and are used the world over with varying levels of skill.

The Frank Sawyer Bow-Tie Buzzer (BTB) is completely different. It is true that a few fish will be caught whilst using it as a conventional weighted nymph but as such it is far from deadly. When fished as Frank intended, it really comes into its own. The natural buzzer nymph hangs in still water, just a few centimetres below the surface. In its struggle to transform itself from nymph to fly, the buzzer seems to rotate in the water

The Largemouth Bass- America's Game-Fish

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Jan 16, 2021

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By Joseph Vance

If you spend enough time in the American South, you will eventually be exposed to bass fishing. Whether fishing from a bank, dock, or boat, the largemouth bass, or Micropterus salmoides, is one of the most popular game-fish from Texas to Florida. The species has even been introduced in the Great Lakes and in freshwater near the Hudson Bay. This feisty predator has already inspired an entire culture of competitive fishing and is quickly becoming the favorite catch of anglers across the nation.

Largemouth bass are characterized primarily by their large mouth, with the upper jaw extending well beyond the eye. They also have a set of dark spots along their sides that form a jagged stripe extending from the gills down the length of the body. The dorsal fin is nearly split; the rear section is composed of several soft rays, while the anterior contains a set of sharp spines. Unlike the spines of catfish, these do not contain any form of poison, but they can cause lacerations which should be thoroughly cleaned and dressed to avoid infection from other sources.

Trout Fishing Paradise on the Bow River

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Jan 16, 2021

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The Bow River in Alberta starts out high in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, fed by the melting Bow Glacier that feeds Bow Lake, which is its origin. From Bow Lake, the river flows through some spectacular mountain areas, including Banff National Park, through the foothills towards the city of Calgary, and then to the prairies beyond. The Bow River is known among anglers as one of the best trout streams in the world, with both rainbow trout and brown trout, famous for their size as well as their fighting ability.

The upper portion of the Bow River, in the area near Banff, has trout that are much smaller than those that can be caught downstream, but the surrounding scenery will more than make up for the smaller size of the fish. The angler on the upper Bow River will be fishing in an icy, fast, clear mountain stream surrounded by stunning mountain vistas. There is always a good chance of spotting bald eagles, black bears and elk while fly-fishing in this pristine wilderness.

After descending from its mountain origins, the Bow River flows through Calgary, a modern city of over

High-Stick Nymphing: The Importance of Depth

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Jan 16, 2021

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High-stick nymphing is quite possibly the most effective way to catch trout on a fly rod. Being that the vast majority of a trout’s diet consists of aquatic nymphs and larvae, slinging your nymphs through the many pools, pockets, and runs of a stream is a very thorough and efficient strategy. High-stick nymphing can be productive in all types of water, and is a natural and elegant way to present your flies to the fish. However, without understanding the importance of your fly’s depth, you may find yourself empty handed and frustrated at the end of your outing.

When it comes to high-stick nymphing, depth is the most critical aspect of your rig. Drifting flies too high or low in the water column can hinder your chances of hooking into a hungry trout. The first step in learning to determine your depths is to understand the behavioral patterns of the fish. Spending time on the stream and observing the fish, weather, and conditions can only help your situation. Fish will typically lie deeper in the cold of winter and will be found at many depths in the peak season of late spring.

Read the Stream: Catch More Trout by Understanding Their Habitats

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Jan 16, 2021

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A big part of the adventure of trout fishing lies in the thrill of the chase. We know that just because the fish we’re trying to catch aren’t in plain sight doesn’t necessarily mean that they aren’t there. Streams and rivers afford trout many hiding places, and they can be well camouflaged at the muddy bottoms as well. Determining where they might be lurking require us to consider their basic needs. In a way, we have to think like fish. Where we would find food, oxygen and shelter from predators if we were trout living in that stream?

Trout tend to let the water’s current bring their food to them. Rivers and streams sweep fallen insects along in their flow, conveniently delivering them to the hungry fish below the surface. A line of drifting bubbles or foam is a common indication of places where insects are being swept along. Chances are good that there will be trout in the vicinity, come to gulp down this easy provender.

Along with food, fish must have oxygen. Trout actually have an easier time getting an adequate supply during the colder months. The summer heat bubbles

Overall Tips for a Good Day Fishing

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Jan 16, 2021

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Fishing tips abound when it comes to catching that one great fish or any fish for that matter. Many tips around the web read as ritual seeped with superstition. Some of these should be taken with a grain of salt, or at least be Googled, before you put the tip into practice and possibly make a fool of yourself. However, among the ritual and superstition there are also generic tips available that despite their plain appearance remain fundamental to a fun and successful fishing trip.

Start with a consideration of bait and lure. Live bait needs to be fresh. Although fish will gladly consume dead organisms from the bottom of a river, bait in even the early stages of decay will likely fall off your line when you first cast. If you only have poor quality bait available and no other options, use it in a chum line. Buy fresh bait from a bait shop, dig for worms or catch smaller fish in a net to use as bait for larger fish.

You can also bypass bait and use lures. Fish primarily hunt by sight and a lure that appears to be good quarry will catch a fish just as effectively as with bait

How to Use PowerBait for Trout

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Jan 16, 2021

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Here are some tips on how to use PowerBait for trout fishing. PowerBait is a fishing bait made by Berkley. PowerBait has a consistently similar to Play-Doh and is available in a wide range of colors and scents. Berkley sells the popular bait in a variety of forms. This article primarily deals with using PowerBait from the standard 1.75 ounce tub, but PowerBait pellets and similar baits can be fished successfully for trout in a similar manner.

Hook Selection

While PowerBait can be used on any hook, perhaps the best hooks to use are baitholder hooks which have barbs along the hook's shaft to hold bait securely to the hook. To place PowerBait onto the hook, pinch off a piece of PowerBait from the tub, roll it gently between your fingers and place it onto the hook. Place the PowerBait onto the shaft over barbs and gently squeeze the PowerBait onto the hook to secure it. With smaller hooks, the PowerBait can cover both the shaft as well as the point of the hook. For smaller trout, use about a pea sized amount of PowerBait, use twice as much for larger trout.

Drift

Shimano Curado 200E7

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Jan 8, 2021

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Reasons Why the Shimano Curado Baitcast Reels Stand Tall among Bash Fishing Reels

If you are looking for the perfect fishing reel for largemouth, smallmouth, striped bass and peacock bass then look no further than the Shimano Curado E Low-Profile Baitcast Reels. Many experienced bass fishermen in the past complained about their difficulties with finding a high performance bass fishing reel until this series was released by Shimano. The Curado 200E7 became an instant hit with bass fishermen all over the world as soon as it was released on the market. The great news is that the manufacturer has gone ahead to revolutionize its design to the extent that its performance level is now light years ahead of rival products.

A question you may inevitably be asking right now is what sets Shimano Curado apart from its competitors? One of the greatest qualities of these popular bass fishing reels is the fact that their design is very smooth. They are portable and extremely lightweight compared to other fishing reels on the market for bass fishing. However, they perform exceptionally well

Hydro Glow Fishing Lights

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Jan 8, 2021

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Fish, like most other animals, tend to be attracted by lights--especially at night. Unfortunately, most dock and boat lights that you will find tend to be too difficult to be able to see once they're in the water. The products manufactured by Hydro Glow Fishing Lights, on the other hand, are equipped with waterproof, high-output LEDs that allow you to see fish and attract them right toward you.

Darrell Keith, the president of Hydro Glow, has been in the business of manufacturing quality fishing lights for more than a decade. The products his company makes can help you be more successful at off-the-boat and off-the-dock fishing as well as flounder gigging, shrimping, and ice fishing. All models are high quality, energy efficient, and virtually unbreakable. They are also perfectly tailored to the kind of fishing you are looking to do.

According to Keith, his products principally make use of green lights because his research has proven that these attract the most fish. The green lights draw in the most plankton because they use this light to reproduce. Since baitfish like to

Ice Fishing Safety Tips

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Oct 16, 2020

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Every angler should try at least one ice fishing trip in his life. Once you spend a day out on the ice, you will realize how addictive this sport can be.But, don't let carelessness turn your ice fishing trip from fun to fatal. No ice is completely safe, so the danger of falling in or suffering from hypothermia is always present. Remember a few simple rules to make sure your day on the lake is memorable only for the joy that it brings.

1. Avoid thin ice. Ice must be 4 inches thick to support one angler with his gear. It should be at least 7 inches thick to support a group of people walking together. Ice can be dangerously thin where water is flowing from a feeder stream or a spring. It also thins out around any solid objects protruding above the surface of the water.

2. Don't ice fish alone. If you can't talk a friend into going with you, choose an area where several other anglers are present.

3. Don't wander. Let others know where you are going to be and for how long.

4. Carry a phone. Put a cell phone in a waterproof bag so you can call for help in an

How to Catch Monster Catfish in the Fall and Winter

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Sep 7, 2020

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When most people think of fishing for catfish, they don't think about doing it in the winter time. There is a misconception that catfish only bite during the warmer months. This is true for some species but other species are easier to catch in the winter. It is even easier to catch larger fish during these seasons.

The Flathead catfish almost completely stops feeding during the winter time. It is very hard to catch Flathead catfish after October until the water begins to warm up again the following year. On the other hand, Blue Catfish continue feeding all year long. There is a cycle that happens each year that is known as Shad kill. This cycle is the most important factor for huge fall and winter Blue Catfish.

Shad are a type of small to medium sized baitfish. Shad are the primary food source in most lakes and rivers for catfish. Shad are extremely sensitive and a large portion of them die during the winter. Fisherman called this the Shad kill. During the Shad kill the Blue Catfish will gorge themselves on Shad. The dying Shad will fall to the bottom of the lake or river

Eyepopper Fishing Charters

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Jun 26, 2020

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Spanning the borders of Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York, Lake Erie is the fourth-largest of the Great Lakes. It is also home to one of the world's largest freshwater fish populations. Based out of Lorain Harbor in Lorain, OH, Eyepopper Fishing Charters spends the fishing season making excursions out into the beautiful Central Basin of this massive lake. Whether it's your first time out on the water or you are an experienced angler, you will be able to benefit from the wisdom of the Eyepopper's experienced crew.

The Eyepopper has been taking fishermen with all levels of experience out onto the waters of Lake Erie since 1998. This 27-foot Sportcraft Fishmaster features a 310hp motor, GPS-Lorance 5200, Fish Finder-Color-Eagle, and AutoPilot interfaced with GPS. It's also equipped for comfort with updated upholstery, a private restroom, and a hardtop to prepare for any weather.

The Eyepopper has an experienced crew with over a century of combined fishing experience under their belt. The vessel is piloted by Captain Denny, who has been fishing in Lake Erie since