Monday, December 20, 2010

Best Bait For Catfish - Bullheads

If you really want to catch a big catfish, and I mean really big, you will want to know what the best bait for catfish is. Something that works better than anything else for Flathead catfish. Yes, Flathead, those monsters can weigh as much as 123 lbs, the record and are regularly hauled in weighing 40-80 lbs.

No matter what you have used before there is one bait that consistently works better than any other bait for Flathead catfish in most situations. But you will have to check because in some states it is illegal to use. But if it is legal in your area you had better have the heavy tackle ready. You will need it.

The best bait for catfish, flatheads that is, is bullhead catfish. Catfish are the "sharks of fresh water" and are extremely territorial. Bullheads cause a territorial reaction in all species of catfish. Catfish do not have a problem eating their own. Putting a bullhead in their territory will make a big catfish very aggressive.

You will want a 4-6 inch bullhead. Hook him through the mouth with a number 4 octopus hook. Toss him out there and hang on tight because he is going to get nailed. I hope you brought the heavy tackle because if you didn't you will never get that monster in.

I have to warn you, check your local rules and regulations. Bullhead are considered game fish in some states so you have to check and make sure they are legal to use as bait.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Catfish Bait - Search For the Trophy Channel Catfish - Details Here!

Trophy channel catfish over the size of 10lbs are considered rare and quite a catch. Amazingly some the most impressive monsters have come from the Red River of the north in the Manitoba, Canada basin. If you're thinking logically you would think the largest giants of the channel catfish species would come from the southern region of the channel cat's habitat, but that is not so. Habitat location doesn't seem to make a difference when we talk about these trophy catfish specimens. It's absolutely amazing that a 58lb channel catfish holds the world record. The monster of a channel catfish was caught in 1964 by W.B. Whaley. His catch was well documented and never has been discredited. Now this fish did come from a reservoir called Lake Marion in South Carolina, but no large monsters even close to this size have been caught since.

If you are wondering why this fish grew so big we can speculate that three factors drove its growth, but this only pure speculation. During the late 1950's and into the 1960's there was serious flooding of river delta system in this area. This generated a very unusual growth and population of forage fish such as shad and skip jack herring that migrated into Lake Marion. This fish had an over abundance of food to eat for many years.. Also there was no competition from flat head catfish or blue catfish at that time. Since then both have been introduced to the area, and no monster channel catfish of even close to this size have been caught since. That is factor number two, competition for the food source from other game fish.

Normally channel catfish have a internal growth mechanism built into their metabolism that determines how large they will grow. Prime natural habitat for channel catfish would be in small to medium rivers that have a overabundance of bait fish and where they had very little competition from other predators such as blue catfish and flathead catfish, and other large game fish. Normally in theory,if these habitat conditions are present no mater where the location is within the channel catfish's habitat range there's a good chance that very large channel catfish will be caught.

For example I live by a very large shallow lake in Ohio that has had an over abundance of gizzard shad for years. The lake is exceptional for channel catfish and catches over 4lbs are a very common occurrence. Although they are uncommon there are catches of trophy size channel catfish over 10lbs every year. I personally have caught five 10lb plus catfish using various catfish baits and catfish live bait rigs. from this lake. My biggest be 12lbs + caught just this year in august. This lake is 10 miles long and 2 miles wide and there is an amazing amount of cover. It is fed by two creeks. There are no blue catfish in this lake and a very small population of flathead catfish. So there is little competition for the shad. They did however introduce walleye into the lake about 8 years ago so the verdict is out on what it will do to the growth of very large channel catfish. But I know in my gut there is a channel cat out there in the 20 to 30lb range. One of these days I will catch one of these monsters using my special catfish baits.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Tips For the Manhattan Snob in Brooklyn - CCTV Security Surveillance, Anyone?

You have made the move from Manhattan to Brooklyn. You're still getting your land legs back, having finally left the island, having crossed that river you never thought you'd cross. We know all about the adventures you've had, the strange sights you've seen. That was no sea monster, for example, that's the Brooklyn Bridge. Don't you recognize it from pictures?

We know what you've gone through, not only because we've been there, ourselves, but because we watched your journey through the powerful lenses of our CCTV security surveillance systems.

Does fear stab your heart to hear us mention security? Well, you're a greenhorn, we understand. Don't be mad if we laugh at you a little. Not only have we put up with your Manhattan snobbiness for ages, we used to feel that way, ourselves.

But we're right cozy over here in the BK now, and because we're that comfortable with our hood and ourselves, we'll show you a couple of ropes. These aren't apartment hunting tips--you're savvy enough on that front. Think of them as a little jam jars in a welcome home basket, sweetly placed on your stoop.

1. We weren't kidding about the CCTV security surveillance. Might as well start with the hard stuff. We bought a brownstone on the east side of Prospect Park, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, or PLG as we locals say. My wife (Like I said, I'm giving you the horror story first, and then its all uphill from here) was unpacking groceries from the car in the middle of the afternoon one fine spring day, when someone up and drove it away. With half the groceries. She saw it happen, yelled at the guy, even slapped the car bumper, but with our two year-old daughter balancing a bag of gluten-free animal crackers on the steps, she quickly stepped back and let the car go. Luckily, our CCTV security surveillance caught the whole thing. Not only did we give proof to the police and the insurance company, we posted it on Facebook. Face your fears. And film them.

2. Enjoy the strengths of your new hood. PLG is a largely West Indian neighborhood. Which means we get the best jerk chicken outside of Jamaica. The street vibe is friendly, the fresh fruit stands are plentiful. Lots of ways to be naturally healthy (and Popeye's for when you want to break the rules).

3. If Flatbush Ave is the main artery near your new digs, let me introduce you to the best public transportation in the city: the Flatbush van. Modeled after route vans in Jamaica, these vans roll up and down Flatbush, honking. If you give a little wave, they'll pull over and pick you up. A ride from anywhere on Flatbush to anywhere else on Flatbush is $2. That's cheaper than the subway, folks. No tipping, either, but sometimes you might be crammed in. That's half the fun, in my opinion.

4. The parks. Prospect Park, Fort Greene Park. This is the good stuff out here in the country.

5. Be friendly to your neighbors! It's not like back on the island where you don't make eye contact. Say hello as you're installing your CCTV security surveillance, so they know you're not pointing it at them.

6. Stick around and explore! Don't hustle back to Manhattan for all your going out. Bklyn's got plenty to offer and less schlep if you stay local. Now when our Manhattan friends invite us over, we make excuses.  

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

RV Campgrounds in Idaho

Idaho is a beautiful state in United States of America in the Pacific Northwest region. The largest city and the capital of this American state is Boise. Like other states and cities of America Idaho also have many RV campgrounds which provide excellent holiday facilities to the tourists.

Here I will mainly tell you about some of Idaho's most amazing RV parks and campgrounds.

1. Royal George RV resort
This beautiful resort is located on the Salmon River Scenic by way; it is surrounded by the enthralling Lemhi and Salmon River Mountains. This resort provides excellent facilities to all the guests in order to make their stay comfortable and enjoyable. Here you can enjoy beautiful scenery, historic wonders and lush green fields. The various activities that you can indulge in here are white water rafting, hunting, fishing, hiking, biking and camping.

2. Village of trees RV resort
At this place you can whole heatedly enjoy pond fishing, nearby fly fishing and boating in the Snake River. Here you can enjoy swimming in the swimming pool, playground, hiking at the Caldron Linn Canyon and golfing at the Burley Golf Course. In the winter months you can enjoy skiing, attractive Shoshone Falls, exceptional City of Rocks National Reserve, rock climbing and photography.

3. Trail Break RV Park
This is an amazing place providing a lot of activities and nearby attractions. Here you will find a comfortable and friendly atmosphere with shady pull through camping sites. Here you will also find a gazebo where visitors enjoy night time campfires with other campers. Activities that you can indulge in are fishing, biking, boating, skiing, snowmobiling, and wine tasting and camping.

4. Long Camp RV park
This park is conveniently located on the mesmerizing and attractive Clearwater River. This park shares its border with the Lewis and Clark Trail, the historic Corbett Ferry crossing, and the Heart of The Monster National Park. Excellent facilities available in this park are internet access, cement patios, laundry services and well maintained camping sites.

5. Kahnderosa River RV Campgrounds
This appealing campground is located on 8.5 acres of attractive riverfront. Some of the best activities like fishing, tubing and camping can be enjoyed at this place. This park is surrounded by large maple and pine trees with a beautiful meadow. Facilities available here are biking, hiking, skiing, roller skating and camping.

6. Neat Retreat RV Park
This gorgeous park is sited along the Oregon and Idaho border between Ontario and Payette in Fruitland, Idaho. Here you will find 40 well maintained and clean camping sites, many shady trees, a laundry room, a recreation hall and facilities for fishing, hunting and wine tasting.

These are some of the best RV campgrounds and parks situated in Idaho.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Boating And Recreation On Canadian Waterways

If you are interested in some new places to go where you can enjoy boating, skiing or mountain climbing, you might want to consider going to Canada. Here you will find an assortment of breath taking terrain, fascinating wildlife, and plenty of water ways for your boating recreation. There are some new boating laws concerning pleasure craft that you might need to know.

Okanagan Valley is almost a desert because it is so dry, but there is plenty of water available to put a boat in and enjoy your leisure. This area is adored by thousands of people, both local and guest, with unequaled variety of climate and landscape, it is the perfect place for boating and sailing. But sure you have an operators card if your boat is motor powered.

One place to consider is Adams River where every four years sockeye salmon return to their place of birth by the millions. This event is world famous and can be enjoyed from several different areas around the river. There are many resorts and lodges available to accommodate travelers who need to soak up a little time indoors.

For those who do not have their own boat, there is Big Rideau Lake where you will find a boaters paradise. The waterway consists of lakes and rivers that are connected by canals. Whatever way you travel there, you can rent a boat, just remember that you will have to have a craft operator card for motorized boats.

With a fabulous array of 100,000 lakes, some of which are therapeutic, are found in Saskatchewan. This province is a great holiday and with a variety of lakes it is a dream for fishermen. While fishing here you might land an underwater monster, because Walleye salmon have been caught weighing over 18 pounds. That could surely make anyone feel like a sport.

On a clear day, Ontario beaches seem more like the Caribbean than Canada, with rafts and boats enjoying the same waters. Lake Erie is fed from the west by the Huron river and from the east by St. Clair. This a mecca of boating activity and a battleground of the War of 1812, if you are in Canadian waters you will need to comply with their boating laws and regulations.

The Great Lakes and the connecting channels form the largest fresh water system on earth. These lakes are clearly seen from the moon, and have interesting shapes, with one of them looking like a wolfs head. They are fed by numerous rivers, and if spread out evenly the water they contain could cover the United States in 9.5 feet of water.

Alberta in the Canadian Rockies offers more than 600 lakes where jet boating is a favorite sport, and an excellent place to scuba dive. River boarding is a great new sport being enjoyed in Alberta, surfing the rapids is a favorite pastime of young and old. Should a little diversion be of interest to you, you can take a ride on the Rocky Mountaineer, with a tour that ends in Vancouver.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Trout Fishing - 2 Secrets To Outsmarting The River Trout

Do you get exasperated when fishing for trout? Those trout seem to be smarter than the average fisherman. Trout are just so difficult to snag.

Has that been your experience? If so, then you need to know that part of out smarting the trout is knowing all you can about your lines and about casting those lines.

Lines

When river trout fishing, it is best to begin with a double tapered dry line. Because this line has some stiffness to it, you will be able to make it glide through the rod much more easily. The result of that will be that your line will not get into a tangled mess. And no one wants to spend time untangling his line.

The other important thing to remember is that you should clean your fishing line. if it gets dirty, your cast will be much more difficult. Algae is a big culprit because it so easily clings to the line. Also, dressing your cleaned lines will help them to be smooth. The more you dress your line, the more floatable it becomes.

Casts

The back cast is a good one to use when river trout fishing. You must allow it to go completely behind you so that you can shoot the line forward again. Avoid the hazards of standing too close to the shore. You don't want to snag that tree!

If you are fishing on a windy day, you might want to switch to roll casting. The roll cast is somewhat difficult and takes some practice. Tilting the rod away from you body, aim it in the position of one o'clock. Next, force the rod backward and forward, moving the rod into the 9:30 position. Once at 9:30, stop. The more suddenly you stop, the better.

Follow this method while keeping the line behind the rod. This will help you to move the line downward instead of in front of you.

Trout are pretty smart, so some fishermen prefer the false cast. False cast method means exactly that. You pretend to be casting in one direction. The trout are paying attention to avoid being snagged. But then all of a sudden you change direction and surprise them. If you are successful at this, you are on your way to out smarting that river trout.

Casting takes lots of practice and patience. You will need to give it some time in order to master it.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

The Lake Norman Monster

Lake Norman was created by Duke Power sometime between 1959 and 1964 as part of the Cowans Ford Dam construction. It was named after the Duke Power's ex-president, Norman Cocke. Lake Norman is North Carolina's largest manmade form of fresh water, which receives water flowing from the Catawba River.

The shoreline of the lake is approximately 520 miles and its surface area is greater than 50 square miles. Certain parts of this manmade lake are more than 110 feet deep. With so much depth, it is no longer a surprise that such an immense amount of lake water holds some mysterious secrets, just like the feared Lake Norman Monster.

Campbell, a resident of Glendale Springs in North Carolina said that he had grown up near Lake Norman. During his high school years and he would spend most of his afternoons enjoying a swim in the lake.

It was in the summer of 1982 when Campbell and his friends were swimming in the lake. As they enjoyed playing in the water, they noticed something that looked like a sunken upturned canoe a few distance from them. They swam towards it but it drifted away as if it was carried along by the current.

After a very short while, they saw a small fish jump on the area where the canoe-like thing was and moreover saw consistencies of mud in the same area. They thought that what they saw were merely floating leaves or debris until they heard a great splash amidst a group of paddling ducks. The ducks came out on the lake's surface as if the thing that caused the splash had pulled them under the water. Campbell and his friends never saw the canoe-like thing again but they would always find the foul-smelling "mud" on the lake.

Another North Carolina resident claims to have seen the Lake Norman Monster. She said she had only visited her friend's lake house but she saw something so terrible that made her swear never to come back to that place again. She said that she saw the creature come out of the water. Its head, as she described it, which looked like that of a prehistoric dinosaur, was a little larger than a human head. Its brown-colored neck was about ten feet long its eyes are horrifyingly bright and large.

For several years now, many terrified visitors reported that they had witnessed the appearance of the monster near, or in, the manmade Lake Norman. Although individual descriptions vary slightly, the Lake Norman Monster is mostly described as a long, serpentine creature with odd fins that creates foul-smelling mud consistencies as it lurks under the lake water.

There is a website that describes the Lake Norman Monster and numerous other creatures of Cryptozoology in detail, this website is called: Unknown Creatures and it may be found at this url: http://www.unknown-creatures.com

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