Posted on Aug 30, 2009 under Fishing |
Hi yall. I’ve never really gone fishing before, only with my grandfather when I was young. And then this weird place in Japan where they basically threw hundreds of fish into small ponds and you paid them to fish. It was very relaxing, although hardly counts as fishing. Now I just want to get the same experience again. Can anyone help me get started? Freshwater/Saltwater.. I don’t care, I just want to catch a few fish and relax near the water. Also can I rent equipment and all that and how much does that cost? Thanks!
Go to Walmart, K-Mart, or some other discount store and buy a cheap rod and reel set for about $20. I recommend a spinning (open face) reel because they cast a lot better than the close faced kind. My personal favorite brand of inexpensive reel is Shimano. Also get some size 6 hooks, a few small bobbers, and a couple artificial lures. I like Blue Fox spinners best, and use size 2 gold color ones for most of the places I fish for trout. If you want to catch a lot of small fish for fun, get some of the small rubber lures that look like insects and float on the water. Twitch them to make them look like a bug that accidentally got stuck in the water and a fish will hit it, sometimes a bigger fish than you expect.
I live in the mountains of Virginia, and have never been to Boston, but according to the city of Boston’s website, Jamaica Pond is a good place to fish and is open to the public. It is supposed to have bluegills, bass, and even trout and salmon up to 30 inches long. The website says the water is 65 feet deep, so be careful. If you want to catch some big fish, find a place where the water gets deep close to the shore and cast your size 2 Blue Fox as far out as you can. The first few casts in deep water start retrieving it as soon as it hits the water in case a hungry big fish is close to the surface. Then after a few casts like that, start letting it sink a couple seconds before retrieving it, and gradually let it go deeper before retrieving. Try to count the seconds as it sinks, and if it hits the bottom don’t let it sink quite that far next time because it might get stuck on something on the bottom. Lost of times the biggest fish will be near the bottom, so the trick is getting your lure to them without snagging it. If you use bait like worms or minnows, let them slowly sink on their own and don’t worry so much about snags. If you are trying for the small fish for fun, put a bobber about 2 feet from the hook and use worms or even a piece of bread you mash on the hook.
Ponds are the best place to learn to cast because you don’t have to worry about currents. When you get some practice in the still water, go to local rivers. You might be surprized what you get. I love to eat trout, and since trout usually live in clean water they are almost always safe to eat. A few good meals and your fishing will pay for itself and your diet will be healthier too. I have about 50 trout in my freezer now.
Remember to get a Massachussets fishing license. Here in Virginia you can get the license online and from most stores that sell fishing equipment.
And I almost forgot to wish you luck. We all need it…!
Posted on Aug 29, 2009 under Saltwater Fishing |
If you’re considering where to go on your next vacation, try the world of great tropical adventure called Costa Rica.
A Costa Rica Caribbean vacation lets you explore active volcanoes, see wild animals, see lush rain forests up close, and swim and lounge on great beaches. Costa Rica is one of the few ultimate paradises that have been left untouched on planet Earth. There are no military bases or nuclear power plants, and Costa Rica has lots of culture. In addition, Costa Rica is a tropical climate, so there’s no winter to contend with. Costa Rica is a democratic society and is one of the most peaceful in the world. Its last civil war occurred in 1948. Since then, it has abolished armed forces and has also avoided despotic dictatorships, military coups, terrorism and any other forms of conflict so common in other parts of the world.
In addition, Costa Rica has a very friendly country. Costa Rica Caribbean travel provides a friendly, warm welcome no matter what part of the country you wish to visit.
Costa Rica means “rich coast,” but Costa Rica has far more to offer than just its coast. Costa Rica is a country of incredible natural beauty and it contains many species of animals not present in many other parts of the world. Some of these animals are very rare and can only be seen if you go to Coast Rica.
In addition, plants are very diverse and beautiful as well. There are well over 10,000 species of vascular plants and many gorgeous flowers. In addition, almost 2000 tree species have been recorded in this beautiful Latin American country. Visiting this astonishing country should give you an incredibly exciting Costa Rican Caribbean travel vacation, with such unusual and innumerable flora and fauna to view in its natural habitat.
In addition to land mammals and birds that anybody interested in ecology would love to see, Costa Rica also has approximately 835 species of fish. 700 of these are saltwater fish. Anglers and fishers should have a wonderful time fishing in Coast Rica’s clear blue waters, as they challenge themselves to see if they can catch any of these unusual fish species.
Now, let’s focus for a minute on the northwest region of Coast Rica, called Guanacaste. Most Costa Rican Caribbean travelers go there these days because of its ever-changing scenery and the many activities offered. There are many tours you can take; no matter what your interests, you should find something you like. With these tours, take an close look at all of its exotic trees, plants, flowers, animals and fish. For an experience you’ll never forget, a Coast Rica Caribbean vacation is just the ticket for you.
Whatever your interests, you should find something you like to do on your Coast Rica Caribbean travel. Some of these will depend on the region of the country you go to. In the rain forest, bird watching walks with English-speaking guides who are experts in identification themselves should let you see exotic species up close, while horseback riding provides another view of your Costa Rican Caribbean travel vacation
Another option is to take a canopy tour, which is a popular tour in every region of Coast Rica. However, to best experience Costa Rica’s precious rain forest, avoid tours that go through areas from the north towards the west. In these areas, climates are drier so that vegetation is not as lush as it is in other areas.
Valorie Jay
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/costa-rica-caribbean-travel-118475.html
Posted on Aug 29, 2009 under Fishing Trips |
Holiday Island Maldives
Located in the South Ari Atoll, Holiday Island is a four star resort containing 142 super deluxe beach bungalows. It’s a two hour speedboat ride from Male.
There are a range of restaurants to choose from offering both western and oriental delicacies as well as a bar and coffee shop.
Holiday island offers the standard range of activities including diving, snorkelling, water skiing, floodlit tennis, a gym and more.
Huvafen Fushi Maldives
Huvafen Fushi is a five star resort on the South Ari Atoll and it takes approximately 30 minutes to reach from Male (speedboat). The resort is actually set within its own lagoon and is quite a spectacle. Like most five star resorts it’s not for those on a budget.
The facilities and recreation options are highly impressive with 3 restaurants and a bar for residents as well as a yoga pavilion, outdoor salt water pool as well as a fibre-optic lit indoor pool. A gym is also available. Activities include canoeing, windsurfing, sunset sailing, diving and the fun tube.
There are several different types of rooms at Huvafen Fushi including lagoon bungalows, ocean bungalows as well as beach & deluxe bungalows.
Komandoo Island Resort Maldives
The four star resort of Komandoo is set in Lhaviyani Atoll and is 40minutes away from Male (via seaplane). There are 45 rooms and the resort offers several activities including scuba diving, windsurfing, canoeing, sailing and excursion trips available.
Komandoo also has a main restaurant and two bars.
Kudahithi Island Resort Maldives
This is a tiny three star island resort that contains only seven rooms. The Kudahithi island can be walked in circumference in under ten minutes.
There are very few facilities – this is a place for those who want to come for the peace, quiet and beauty of the Maldives alone. Diving is possible through another resort.
The restaurant at Kudahithi Island Resort serves predominantly Italian cuisine.
Kuramathi Blue Lagoon Maldives
Set in the North Ari Atoll, Kuramathi Blue Lagoon is a four star resort is a four star resort offering 56 rooms (20 beach bungalows and 36 beach bungalows). It’s a 25 minute transfer by seaplane (105 minutes by speedboat).
Kuramathi Blue Lagoon has a good range of the standard facilities found in many of the resorts including a sauna, spa & Jacuzzi, pool, disco, water sports & diving.
Also try Kuramathi Village and Kuramathi Cottage & Spa.
Kuredu Island Resort Maldives
On Lhaviyani Atoll lies the four star Kuredu Island Resort. The resort is approximately 80 miles from Male and is a 40 minute journey by seaplane (4 hours via speedboat).
There are a total of 330 rooms in Kuredu Island Resort and these are split into the following – beach bungalows, beach villas, Jacuzzi beach villas, sunset water villas and water villa suites.
Kuredu has an excellent reputation as one of the best islands in the Maldives for Diving. It also has a wealth of additional activities and facilities for all visitors.
Dining is also a pleasant experience with several choices of restaurant & bars offering a wide range of cuisine.
Kurumba Maldives
A five star resort located in the North Male Atoll and is a 15 minute speedboat ride from the capital. This popular Maldives resort has a total of 180 rooms (various bungalows and villas).
Dining facilities are excellent in Kurumba Island Resort Maldives – six restaurants are offered as well as two bars to keep guests highly satisfied in terms of choice of food as well as ambience.
Further facilities & activities include gym, sauna, spa, water-sports/diving, various excursions, kids clubs and more.
Laguna Maldives
Laguna is a small island that’s well known for its snorkelling. Located in South Male Atoll, Laguna is a four star Maldives resort offering a choice of deluxe villas, deluxe bungalows or water suites. There are 115 room in total.
It’s a 20 minute speedboat ride to Laguna Maldives via speedboat.
Laguna is a five star Maldives resort that offers guests a choice of five restaurants/grills as well as four bars. The resort also offers excellent facilities as you would expect from a five star Maldives resort – these include superb facilities for snorkelling & water-sports and a first class spa. Multiple excursions are also on offer.
Lily Beach Resort Maldives
Lily Beach is located on the South Ari Atoll and is a half hour speedboat ride from Male. It’s a four star resort that offers a good choice of activities and excursions. As you might expect, the water-sports are good and there are also opportunities to engage in beach volleyball, surf biking, carom and much more.
There are three main choices of rooms available in Lily Beach – deluxe suite, water villas and superior rooms.
The resort offers a restaurant, coffee shop and bar. Guests can also enjoy the disco/live band, cultural shows (Bodu beru) and beach games.
Lohifushi Island Resort Maldives
Lohifushi Island is in the North Male Atoll and is a half hour speedboat transfer from Male. It’s a four star resort and is well respected for good diving & snorkelling – excursions to nearby islands are available and the resort offers a good choice of water sports as well.
The resort contains 130 rooms that are split into standard, superior, deluxe and suites to suit a variety of tastes and budgets.
Facilities are good – along with the usual high quality Maldives resort offerings there is also a squash court and sports centre.
The main eatery is the Banyan restaurant but Lohifushi also has no less than four bars available to guests.
Makunudu Island Maldives
This four star resort offers 26 beach bungalows and is located in North Male Atoll (55 minutes speedboat ride from Male).
Decent activities and facilities are available to guests – along with diving and surfing, residents can also partake in dolphin watching and picnicking on a private island.
The main restaurant is Ara Iru and there is also a bar at Makunudu Island.
Medhufushi Island Resort Maldives
This is a five star resort with very good facilities that is a 40 minute seaplane transfer from Male. Medhufushi is located on Meemu Atoll and contains 120 rooms.
The resort offers a good range of facilities including diving, windsurfing & many other water-based sports as well as a disco, fishing trips and excursions.
Meedhupparu Island Resort Maldives
In Raa Atoll lies the four star Meedhupparu Island Resort. The transfer from Male is 40 minutes by seaplane and the resort offers 215 beach bungalows and an impressive list of activities.
Meeru Island Resort Maldives
Meeru is situated in North Male Atoll and is a 20 minute seaplane ride from Male (or about 55 minutes by speedboat). This is a four star resort that has 276 rooms of various types (prices at the lower end are for standard rooms while the most expensive is the dolphin suite – about eight times as pricey).
Meeru offers one restaurant, three bars and a couple of coffee shops to guests – so good food is available at practically any time.
The facilities are also good offering the type of activities that you would expect from a good quality Maldives resort. A few of these include scuba diving, spa facilities, internet connections, windsurfing and several excursions and day-trips.
Mirihi Island Resort Maldives
Mirihi Island Resort is located in South Ari Atoll – this is a five star resort with just 36 rooms. It’s a 20 minute sea-plane ride from the capital of Male.
The resort offers two main types of rooms – beach and water bungalows.
A good number of activities and facilities are available and Mirihi offers a good selection of food and drink for visitors. Recreation facilities include watersports, excursions, diving, spa and a fitness centre.
Moofushi Tourist Resort Maldives
Moofushi is a four star resort offering 60 rooms – it’s set in South Ari Atoll. There are 45 beach bungalows and 17 water bungalows available to guests.
There are two main restaurants and two bars. Facilities include a scuba centre, a massage centre and several excursions such as a trip to fisher-mans island & desert island.
Nika Island Resort Maldives
Nika Islands is a four star resort in North Ario Atoll. The resort is a half hour transfer by seaplane and has 36 rooms of various types.
The resort offers a restaurant and coffee shop for guests and facilities include an Ayurvedic centre, sports/diving centre, .
Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort
Olhuveli is set in South Male Atoll and is a 50 minute speedboat ride away from Male. This is a four star resort with 125 rooms – the room types are deluxe room, beach villa, deluxe water villa, Jacuzzi water villa, and honeymoon water villa.
There are three different restaurants, a poolside barbeque and two bars open for guests.
Some of the facilities include scuba diving, snorkelling, catamaran sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and glass bottom boat riding. There is also a sun spa. Excursion opportunities are good and include island hopping, night fishing and big game fishing. Guests can also enjoy the disco, a live band and cultural shows.
One&Only Kanuhura Maldives
Kanuhura is set in Lhaviyani Atoll and is a 35 minute seaplane ride from the capital of Male. It’s a five star resort offering 100 rooms of various types.
The diving facilities and setting in Kanuhura are excellent – the outer reef is incredibly deep and this means that divers are able to experience a highly diverse range of marine life.
The Kanuhura spa is also highly reputed – it offers a health & beauty centre with a wide range of available treatments.
One & Only Reethi Rah Maldives
Reethi Rah is a five star resort set in the North Male Atoll. It has 130 rooms of various types (choose from eight types of rooms from beach villa to grand beach suite). Reethi is a 55 minute transfer from Male.
Reethi offers a wide variety of restaurants and bars for guests and resort facilities are also excellent offering a large selection of diving/water sports as well as general activities such as excursions and land based sports.
Tuks Engineer
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/a-review-of-the-best-value-maldives-holiday-resorts-part-2-88577.html
Posted on Aug 29, 2009 under Fishing Reels |
The simplest way to catch more trout than you ever imagined is to do the opposite of what most other anglers do. I realize that this might sound like advice that comes directly out of an episode of Seinfeld, but it’s true. Most anglers are like sheep and do whatever it is that the crowd does. If that means using the same rod and reel for all of your fishing, so be it. If that means not walking any farther than the worn trail goes, so be it.
If you’re going to be successful as a trout angler, you need to have a trout rod and reel. That rod and reel should be light action (at the biggest). I personally prefer ultra light action rods and reels for trout, but light action will work. The rod should be no longer than six feet. For trout fishing rods, I prefer five footers but it’s not necessary for the rod to be longer than six feet. An ultra light reel that matches the rod will work fine, just nothing too big. This reel should be spooled with line no heavier than six pound test line. Six pound is the maximum. Again, I prefer four pound test line, but nothing larger than six pound, certainly not for good fly fishing anyway.
Now that we’ve covered the size of our gear and the size of our line, the next important aspect of catching trout, is the size of your hooks. Most anglers use hooks that are entirely too large for trout fishing. I’m of course speaking of regular fishing here, not ‘flea flicking’. ‘Flea Flickers’ aren’t afraid to use small hooks, hell they have to fleas aren’t very big. I’m speaking to all of the normal anglers out there and most of you use hooks that are entirely too large. I personally use size 10 hooks, and in order to catch more trout than you ever imagined, don’t use a hook larger than a size 8. I suggest using a set of gang hooks (which is simply two hooks tied in tandem). If you truly want to catch more trout than you ever imagined, I suggest using the good old earth worm for bait. A worm baited on a set of #10 gang hooks is deadly. You see the small hooks eliminate the dreaded “worm ball”. The “worm ball” is whren an angler uses a single hook that’s too large and threads the worm on to said hook, thus creating a “worm ball”. There is nothing natural about presenting a worm like this, and the amount of trout caught is directly affected.
If you begin to employ the tips outlined in this article (rod and reel size, line size, hook size, and type of bait) you will catch more trout than you ever imagined. Never forget what Steven Wright said, “There’s a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot.”
Steven James
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/how-to-catch-more-trout-than-you-ever-imagined-possible-105573.html
