Baitcasting Reel Reviews

There is not one single day that goes by that I am not grateful to be both a Briton and a fervent angler. How fortunate to have been born in our island nation, encircled by seas so rich in life! Let other anglers look for streams and lakes for the gracious salmon and clever trout - I will take my odds out on a boat, gambling to see what I will find on my line. Because that could be practically any type of fish, I need my sea fishing tackle to be the best I am able to buy, of the most excellent quality and supremely flexible. This is a brief overview of a superior reel from Penn which I have noted to be a stupendous choice for boat fishing: the Fathom level wind multiplier, model FTH20LW.

Major Features of the Penn Fathom Level Wind Multiplier Reel - Model FTH20LW

This reel has a solid feel, and I've found it to be both reliable and really efficient. I particularly appreciate the lower 4.3:1 gear ratio since it supplies me with superior cranking power when I'm fighting a big fish. The level wind feature will ensure that the spool fills properly, extending me a clear lead in the challenge, against even the largest opponents. The frame plus the side plates of the fishing reel are built from die cast aluminium. Out of curiosity, I researched the die casting process and found out that it is a process of producing engineered metal parts by forcing molten metal into moulds, also referred to as dies. Die cast metal parts are a lot tougher than parts manufactured by other processes, such as by welding, since die cast parts are completely continuous and devoid of any seams or joints which can be weak places. The spool that is in the Fathom level wind reel is additionally made of aluminium to keep this reel as light as possible.

More Facts Regarding the Penn Fathom Level Wind Reel

The level wind system itself has four protected stainless steel ball bearings and is manufactured from oxidation-proof stainless steel. The main and pinion gears are manufactured from strong bronze. Yet another reason I am partial to this particular reel is the Versa-Drag drag system including HT-100 washers, a factor which also provides me with a huge edge over bigger fish. This drag has a 30 pound limit. The reel can accommodate 320 yards of 17 pound test line and has a weight of 19.5 ounces. The Fathom level wind is able to accommodate both nylon and braid line. The body is designed totally from metal and has an incredibly strong clutch. The reel's instant anti-reverse bearing features a silent back-up ratchet. Additionally, there is a power handle. All these elements unite to provide a hard-wearing, strong and capable reel which is highly successful in a large variety of sea fishing situations.

Last Remarks About the Penn Fathom Level Wind Reel

I've found this particular reel to be quite a functional item of sea fishing tackle that will provide excellent performance for an affordable and reasonable price of around 139.99 on special offer. I really recommend it!

So many carp anglers use static setups these days that you could be forgiven for thinking that float fishing for big carp is a lost art, amazing really as it can be one of the most adrenalin filled methods for targeting big fish at close quarters there has ever been!

I have heard of many a carp angler who is become bored with the current trend for fishing static set-ups at extreme distances in some cases not even casting a rod but using a bait boat to ship out a lead and hookbait to some distant location - no wonder the heart has stopped pumping - that alone would be enough to make me fall asleep! All I would say to such anglers is break out a float rod and have some fun!

As methods go, they do not get much simpler - all you need is a float and a hook! Forget your bite alarms, rod pods, swingers and suchlike - this is proper fishing designed to put your heart in your mouth every time the float twitches! My standard float fishing set up for big carp consists of a light action carp rod of around 1.5lb to 2lb test curve, which provides exciting sport when playing fish at close quarters, twinned with a lightweight coarse reel - there is no need for big pit reels or baitrunners - so long as it has a drag facility which allows you to adjust the tension during the battle it will do just fine. Spool it up with a quality monofilament line, my personal choice is Daiwa Sensor. The breaking strain will depend on the water you are fishing; if it is free of snags, weed and other submerged obstructions you can use a lower diameter, say between 8lb and 10lb, or increase it up towards 12lb or more if conditions dictate.

Again, on a personal level I like to keep things light as this increases the enjoyment factor when playing fish close in, so most of the time I will use 10lb or below. There are countless floats available for carp fishing, but to be honest I only have about five different types in my tackle box which I find cover me for all eventualities. To fish a standard float set up I like to use a self weighted carp float, not only does this save time when setting up but it means you can swap and change easily when faced with a different distance rather than having to take off or apply different shots to the line each time you want to change distance and depth.

As most of my float fishing for carp is carried out stalking fashion I am never going to be casting huge distances more likely just dropping the float out to marginal features like weedbeds, lily pads or reedmace in the margins. As such I only need enough weight to cast the float a few yards so a pre-weighted float is perfect for flicking out the hookbait. If I want to attract carp on the drop or if I am fishing for spooky carp I won't attach any shot to the line at all, but if I want to get the bait on the lake bed quickly I will add a small shot or a chunk of rig-putty about three inches from the hookbait to help it reach bottom quickly.

Hook size is critical as you need to match the hook to the size of hookbait. Too many anglers think you need huge hooks to bank carp, which is simply not the case. Most of my stalking and surface fishing for carp is carried out using hooks between size 12 and 16 and rarely do I lose a fish due to the hook pulling! You don't really need hair-rigs, just mount your bait on the hook and away you go! Just remember to carry an unhooking mat so you can deal with a big fish safely on the bank.

Try to fish to obvious features where carp might visit and keep trickling in loosefeed on a "little and often" basis in order to grab their attention when they do come along. My personal preference for bait is something that moves, something that stops the carp in its tracks when it passes by - and as such I usually favour maggots or worms.

It really is as simple as that, the adrenalin rush on seeing the float slide away before having the rod bend double just can't be beaten and I can assure you you'll never be bored again! I have bagged countless lumps recently on the methods and tactics described above. So why don't you get out there and do the same.

Because I'm a fervent fisherman, I want to research a variety of fishing tackle and corresponding gear. I think it is quite fascinating that in the 40 years I've been angling, fads frequently appear and disappear. I truly do have to admit that I have implemented a number of trends, usually having poor outcomes. Lesson clearly learned. Thus, currently I stick to established, tried-and-true fishing gear that gives me superior effectiveness plus more favourable effects. One among my overall preferred fishing rods is the Berkley Lightning Rod shock spinning rod. The following is the low-down regarding this outstanding rod.

Main Features of the Berkley Lightning Rod Shock Spinning Rod

This unique fishing rod has been on the market since the mid-1980s, and it has a highly-deserved, practically legendary standing. The Lightning Rod unites all the best features of a high quality fishing rod into one affordable set. Valued at approximately 45.00 to 55.00, this rod gives a superb entre for people who would like to get started off in spinning. For that selling price, you'll receive a rod which includes a high graphite content blank that you would anticipate to cost considerably more. The rod offers plenty of lightweight sensitivity, along with quality titanium-coated guide frames. The guide frames' stainless-steel inserts guarantee simple casts as well as retrieves whilst decreasing line wear significantly. I've likewise identified the Lightning Rod to be very well balanced. What I most like about this rod is a facet called a "strike amplifying tip" this is a combination of fibreglass and graphite. This blend translates into a rod which has a slower-reacting tip. This, subsequently, results in a lot fewer lost fish.

More Details On the Berkley Lightning Rod

This rod's very careful and well-thought-out design boasts a split grip. That translates to superior balance and improved sensitivity whilst keeping the weight as light as it can be. The suspended reel seat that works to lower reel vibration, additionally plays a role in exceptional sensitivity. 1K Power Helix rod construction enhances power in places you really need it -- in the backbone. This specific fishing rod was designed to complement the use of braided superline, a product that lots of anglers favour because of its smaller diameter, total stretch resistance and outstanding power. The Lightning Rod's action is additionally tailored to work well with superline. Also the guide frames are engineered to help decrease the twisting and bending that is common if fishing with superline. There are many delicate attributes regarding this fishing rod which I love. As an example, the tip-guide rounds out near the tip. It has the effects of reducing loop knots caused by the wind.

Regarding Berkley

Berkley is a firm that aims to make angling exciting and assist all fishermen in catching more fish. Berkley does have a strong persistence for utilizing the newest and most productive engineering to support that objective and enrich fishing tackle performance. The company in addition came up with the Berkley Conservation Institute (BCI), an enterprise whose objective is to "protect the health and well-being of the worldwide fish population.". Do I need to say anything else? I'm very happy to rate this fantastic piece of fishing tackle at 4.5 out of a possible 5 stars.

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The kind of bait you use to catch fish can vary tremendously. For example, we can use artificial fly's to catch trout or salmon or worms, prawns, small baitfish, crab, squid, metal lures, poppers, jigs for various other species, the list goes on and on. The only main distinction you must know is that bait can either be real or artificial. It's a specific choice which depends on what your trying to catch but you should go for the best quality bait you can get.

Make sure that your hooks and sinker combination plus your chosen bait all match the fish you are trying to catch. Local knowledge is often the best advice you can get in this department, even more so than books. By using good quality bait or lures and presenting them well to fish you'll be giving yourself the best chance of catching them.

A small pair of pliers are extremely useful for a number of different jobs. They can used to cut excess line after your fishing knots are complete and to remove hooks from fish without risking your fingers being bitten. It's best to go for pliers which have a long thin nose as this will make it easiest to remove hooks which have been swallowed by the fish or are lodged in the throat.

Finally you're going to need the appropriate clothing. Waders are normally essential for fly fishing where you need to get into the streams and rivers. They are made of rubber and you can purchase thigh waders which are the most popular or fully body waders which are normally more popular with salmon fisherman. Depending on the climate pay special attention to any waterproofing requirements your clothing should have.

10 Types Of Fishing Lures That Can Help You Catch The Big One

When it comes to fishing lures, you want to be sure you have the right one for the job but with so many to choose from how do you pick the best one? The waters you are fishing, the time of year and the weather all have an impact on what type of lure will look tasty to the species of fish you were trying to catch.

There are a variety of different lures, all in different shapes sizes and colors and most avid anglers have quite a selection in their tackle box. Here are a few types you might want to include in your list of fishing gear.

Surface Lures

These are lures that you retrieve along the surface of the water and are fun to use since the fish explodes up out of the water in order to take in the lure. They are great if you're fishing in waters that have a lot of weeds since they remain on the top and are less likely to get tangled in the weeds. Surface lures come in all kinds of colors and shapes and it's fun to pick them out in the store and find the ones that work best for you.

Spoons

Spoons are a simple metal lure that looks like a spoon. When you retrieve them they make a wobbling motion which is attractive to fish. They are inexpensive and fairly easy to use so a great choice for beginners.

Spinners

This type of fishing lore has a blade that rotates and the rotating motion gives off a reflection which imitates the light glinting off of fish scales in the water. When you are retrieving a spinner, you can alter the speed that you retrieve thus making it look like an injured fish. If you're fishing for pike a large spinner can be great but if you go in for mullet or trout try a smaller size.

Jerk Baits

Jerk baits don't have any movement on their own but allow the angler to jerk them and bring them to life like a wounded fish or worm. You cast them into the water and then make a jerky motion with your rod which simulates the movements of an injured fish making it look like a tasty morsel to the fish you are trying to attract.

Soft Baits

These are soft rubber baits that could look like long worms or frogs or a bunch of other shapes. Typically these are used with a weighted jig head and retreat slowly or in a jerky motion.

Floating Divers

This type of fishing lure sinks into the water after you cast and can cover depths up to 15 feet or more. Each floor is designed for a different depth and this depends on the angle of the lure. A lure with a smaller angle will dive deeper than a lore with a bigger angle. Depending on the depth of the water that your target fish hangs out in will dictate the type of lure you use.

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Light Standard Casting Lures

Standard casting lures can be used to catch a large range of fish including certain types of bass if retrieve data slow to medium speed. They range from about 1/16 of announced to 3 ounces and are typically used for freshwater fishing of lightweight species.

Heavy Standard Casting Lures

This heavy fishing lure is best used for the heaviest fish like bass and walleye. Just like any other lure they come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors.

Long Casting - Jigging Lures

These jigging lures are used for long casting and are used to catch anything from tuna to trout to pike.

Deadly Diamond Lures

This is a small fishing lure that is under 1 ounce and is used to catch the smaller fish. It's cut with a diamond shape on the top and the light reflects from this therefore attracting fish. These lures are typically used for walleye and crappy although can work good for other small species to.

Saltwater Deep Jigging - Hot New Fishing Method Proven to Entice Trophy Size Fish

Deep jigging is a fishing method that has been practiced around the world, but is just now gaining acceptance from saltwater North American anglers. With the introduction of Shimano's Butterfly Jigging System, this productive technique of enticing deep water fish continues to lure anglers with the dream of landing the next record-breaking trophy.

It could be the constant jerking, lift-&-wind action required when deep jigging, or the heart-stopping sensation one gets when a fish grabs the lure and begins to tug and pull that leads me to believe this method of fishing will continue to gain in popularity.

Having grown up fishing the fertile grounds of Southern California and Mexico for the past 20 years, I am no stranger to this type of fishing. I just happen to have known this method as yoyo jigging. Anglers from the west coast have been catching fish for decades with what we have been calling yoyo irons, heavy fish-body shaped jigs with slightly curved edges that would flutter from side to side on the drop and depending on the speed of retrieve, come up almost in a spinning motion.

Names like Salas, Tady, Ironman and UFO were popular in this type of lure. Colors in combinations of blue & white, green & yellow, brown & yellow or sardine patterns are commonly found in saltwater tackle boxes throughout Southern California.

Shimano, one of the leading brand name tackle manufacturers, has recently launched its line of Butterfly jigging rods, reels & jigs with the hopes of introducing anglers to this productive fish-catching technique. Utilizing clever marketing approaches, the company has attempted to take a widely practiced jigging method and attach their brand, Butterfly, to metal lures, fishing rods, reels and other fishing products as if they recently invented this form of fishing. Do not be deceived, as products from other manufacturers will serve the same purpose in this type of fishing application, usually at a substantial discount.

Recently, I've been trying to experiment with different outfits and jigs to find the perfect combo as my jigging setup. I've been using knife jigs and Butterfly jigs in various gram weights and colors for several different depths and target fish species. What I've found is that regardless of the many actions, speeds and drags of the countless fishing rods and reels that I have fished with, spinning reel combos are by far the best to jig with. The advantage of having the reel hang below the rod makes lifting and jerking the rod easier, as well as helps in maintaining control of the handle during this erratic motion. Also, being able to have the handle on either side of the reel, depending on the angler's preference, outweighs many of the advantages of conventional casting rod & reel combos.

When the fish are slow to bite, fishing can get a bit exhausting. This is another reason why spinning rods and reels should be used when deep jigging. The constant movement and action required to dart your jig in the proper motion is much easier to maintain for longer periods of time with a spinning combo. Also, the smooth functionality, casting friendliness and tremendous fish stopping power of today's saltwater spinning reels are so advanced, that anything else would be overkill. So next time you go on a saltwater fishing charter, tell the captain you would like to try deep jigging with a spinning combo and see for yourself what the commotion is all about.

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Recently I was looking over my sea fishing tackle and started taking into account exactly how fortunate we are to have plenty of excellent spots to fish in our country. But, I usually would rather stand on a shore and cast out beyond the ocean's breakers, hoping for a strike. The moment it does happen, the strike is quite stimulating, simply because I can never predict exactly what kind of fish I have caught. For that reason, my fishing equipment has to be as adaptable as possible. I have lately received a clever reel from Abu Garcia: the Ambassadeur 6500i TSR Series multiplier. Here are some views about this exceptional sea fishing reel.

Important Highlights of the Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500i TSR Series Multiplier Reel

I've consistently thought that the cage of any fishing reel is really a key component. As I picked up the Ambassadeur 6500i TSR, I noticed that both the cage and seat are machined from a single piece of aluminium. This is a component which previously has been offered solely on custom-built fishing reels. The advantage of this cage structure is improved strength, and the cage doesn't distort under heavy casting and cranking stress. I Then recognised that the cage is intentionally cut very low, enabling optimum thumb grip over the top of the spool. Every time I'm power casting, this specific element helps you to prevent spool slip. The carbon matrix drag system works by using numerous washers to create an arc of incrementally maximizing drag pressure, which means that it's appropriate for both lightweight and heavy lines.

More Details On the Ambassadeur 6500i TSR Series Reel

This specific fishing reel is made on the good results of Abu Garcia's legendary 6500 reel series that's known for its level of comfort and command. The 6500i TSR provides hybrid ceramic ball bearings and corrosion resistant gearing, therefore it's extremely resilient. In actuality, ceramic is approximately 60% lighter than steel and is harder as well. Casting distance is upgraded in reels which use ceramic elements, because this material is virtually friction-free. Ceramic doesn't decompose or corrode. Along with a mag brake system and also an aluminium spool, this reel has a low centre of gravity for great balance traits. There's also a line out alarm plus dual anti-reverse. This reel is designed with its predecessor's tested and proven, quickly modifiable sliding magnetic brake that is both dependable and very easy to utilise, even in moist or windy circumstances.

Closing Thoughts on the Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500i TSR Series Multiplier Reel

The 6500i TSR has a stunning silver and purple alloy colour scheme with vibrant chrome fittings, which makes it very easy to identify amongst the rest of your sea fishing tackle. The purple coloured side plates give the 6500i a polished off, classy appearance. I think this reel would be appealing to fishers of all skill levels. It is a resilient reel with plenty of the elements you would expect from a top company like Abu Garcia. The price is inexpensive as well at around 199.00 on special. I'm happy to give it a 4.5 out of 5 star rating.

Secrets to Catching Saltwater Fish

Salty backwater fishing is by far my favorite type of fishing. I have fished the backwaters from North Carolina around the Florida peninsula to Texas. Although there is a variety of fish to catch at each location, the right tackle is a must if you want to keep reelin’ ‘em in. Whether you’re saltwater fishing Florida for snook or reeling in red fish in the Carolinas or Texas, here’s some useful advice and secrets that will keep ‘em taking the bait.

Keep your gear light.

It’s best to spend a little extra money for the right gear so you can remain light while fighting a 15 pound red screaming though the grass or mangroves. A medium heavy rod with 6' to 6'6" one piece carbon and a 10lb to 12lb line weight saltwater spinning reel is plenty. You’ll be throwing your arm off if your gear is too heavy. I like a reel with at least 5 ball bearings and classified "Salt Water." I spool up with 15lb braided line. It is the size of 6lb mono and hard to cut off on the snags, and it is light to cast. I then tie a 6' length of 20lb fluorocarbon leader directly to the braid using a double uni-knot. The less visable terminal tackle the better.

Use bait that will keep ‘em biting.

To catch salt water fish you’ll need the right bait. I recently conducted a test in both South Carolina and Florida and found that Gulp Alive Shrimp work equally as well as live shrimp. Immersed in a high octane solution, this realistic-looking bait emits a powerful scent that will keep fish attracted to your bait. Unlike live bait, this bait lasts all day. And when you’re finished, you can put ‘em back in the juice and use them again the next day. While the favorite bait of most lure fishermen is the gold Johnson spoon –and some prefer jig heads with wiggly, soft plastic swimmers on them–my favorite bait is live shrimp on a 1/0 circle hook with a popping cork set just above the waters depth. Why? How does this help? Foraging fish are on or near the bottom. Setting a popping cork just short of the depth puts the bait in the range of water they are in and allows the current to carry the bait, causing it to bounce along the bottom.

Surf fishing requires heavier gear.

Another popular method for catching saltwater fish is surf fishing. The secret to catching fish in the surf is to keep your bait in the trenches where the game fish lie in wait. For this type of fishing you’ll need pretty heavy gear. I recommend a 10' to 12 ' medium heavy rod so you can cast out to the trench. A good heavy (about 30 size) spinning reel is the easiest to handle. I like 30lb braid because it is more than you need and only as big and heavy as 12lb mono, so it casts nicely and practically can't be broken off. I attach a 30lb fluorocarbon leader of about 6' and whatever rig I’m using. It’s best to use the pyramid shaped bottom sinkers to hold your bait in the trench. Gulp Alive will work here also but most guys prefer sand fleas or other live or cut bait. The heavier the surf the heavier your sinker needs to be. Don't forget to get a spike rod holder to stick in the sand. Those rigs are just too heavy to hold onto all day.

For video tips and tricks to catch Pompano from the surf, see Surfin Sapo's video on MyTackleSpace.com. A social fishing forum.

Check back here soon for more tips, tricks and helpful information. ‘Til next time, tight lines!

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Have you cons idered purchasing a refurbished or reconditioned fishing reel? Sometimes in order to own a higher priced or higher quality fishing reel that is constructed from composite materials, aluminum, graphite or carbon type products like what the stealth bomber is made out of, you need to buy used. Mainly, because a new reel costs too much.Well I don’t know about you, but buying a fishing reel from a guy that had this expensive reel in the garage for a couple years is not to comforting to me. Who knows where it’s been stored or if it really works as good as he says it does.

I would prefer to buy a fishing reel that has been used some then returned to the manufacturing company because they didn’t like it or something on the reel was not performing properly.The nice thing about buying a refurbished fishing reel is that they get returned to the company that makes the reel to get reconditioned or just inspected in order to make sure its OK to resell. They may need to replace a part that malfunctioned or just needs an adjustment. Sometimes refurbished reels are only returns from large retail stores that used them as display models. There may have been nothing wrong with it at all, its just been opened or handled by potential customers. The manufacture cannot sell the returned item as a new reel any longer, so they sell them as used or refurbished. I also found out that many reels returned are inventory close outs or overstock items at the end of a season. Mostly these reels are in great shape. They may have some scratches or tiny dents or some peeled paint, but they will work properly. If they don’t they back them with a 90 day warranty! At least the refurbished reels I have come in contact with do. I would not buy one without it.

I also learned that a refurbished reel is only resold again, as long as it didn’t have any internal damage. That reel would not be resold. That was comforting to know. Now that’s the way to buy a used fishing reel!Another benefit is that you can buy a refurbished fishing reel at about 30% or more less than new. Plus you get a warranty that backs its quality and reconditioned state directly from the manufacture. That’s better than taking a chance buying a used reel from someone’s garage with no warranty. So the next time you need a new fishing reel, don’t forget to take a look at the refurbished one’s. Maybe you can get a better quality reel than you were originally going to buy for the same price you would spend on a new one. At least take a look at them and see what is out there. Make sure you are getting a warranty from the manufacture. Good Fishing!

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Wrecks can be anything from just a mile offshore to 35 / 40 miles offshore, which can mean that it will take several hours steaming to get to the chosen wrecks

There are two ways of fishing wreck - ever by drifting over the wreck with the tide or at anchor. The style depends on the tides and depth that the wreck is at . The skipper will always let you now what type he will be fishing on booking of the boat

How do charter boat skippers know were these wrecks are? Well it can be a case of the skipper literally spends many years of trial and error to find them. Or there are lots of books that will list likely wrecking marks

Skippers also use the latest electronics to help them. If you ever look in side a boats cabin you will see an array of fish finders and GPS navigation aid

What type of fish will I catch?

The idea of wreck fishing is to go after the lager fish that hold up on the wrecks. Fish are drawn to wrecks because they offers a reef / rocky out crop like environments

This means that fish can hold up in the wrecks as they offer shelter from the tides and a source of food

Fish that are generally target when wreck fishing are

Pollock
Bass
Conger
Ling
Cod

Fish sizes vary but you can catch fish from just a few pounds in weight and up to over 100lb (conger)

Wreck fishing tackle

Quick tip - get proper wrecking booms of about 10 - 15 inches long as they keep the flowing trace away from your mainline

Pirks - These are lead made lures with a treble hook at the bottom of the pirk . You can use them in conjunction with muppets

Pirks - are worked by jigging them ( lifting the rod up and down )

Shads - Fish shaped lures that are worked by reeling in

Worms - Worm shaped lures that are worked by reeling in

Grubs - Often over looked but can be kill lures and are worked by reeling in

Quick tips

Vary the speed that you that you retrieve your lures and remember that the speed of the tide also effects the action of the lure

On the drop down keep you finger on you spool so that you control the speed of the decent. If you do not you will only end up with a birds nest (tangle)

When you are working your lures count how many turns up you get your fish. This will save time if they are being taken say 40 turns up as you can quickly go to that depth

Have a good supply of rigs made up as if you loose your rig on a wreck it can be quickly replaced ready for the next drift

Rods You will need a stand up boat rod such as a Penn Ugly stick with rods being 20lb test curve as begin the lighter work through to 50lb for the big conger and ling

Reels

The reels you will need to be using are multipliers. The reason for this is because they can handle the weight of bringing up fish from such depth. Also they carry a lot more line

Line There are two choices what type of line to use

Monofilament line This is the standard fishing line , which as the benefits of being able to stretch a little bit . As for your line strength this can vary from 20 to 50lb and more so if in doubt just ask your skipper for advice but as a guideline 25lb will handle most wrecking situations.

The down side to monofilament line is that of the diameter of the line which will get caught in the tidal flow causing the line to bow and will result is you having to use a heaver lead weight

If you are new to wrecking monofilament line is the best to go for

Braid fishing line

This is a very low diameter fishing line which gives you a much great contact with what is going on . Because of it lower diameter you will be able to use less weight to fish , which is a great bounce when pull fish from depths of a hundred feet or so

WARNING - Never use your hands to hold your line if it gets stuck on a wreck a you could loose your fingers. Let out plenty of line then rape your line round a piece of wood ect and then pull your line free. Skippers will always help you and have the correct piece of kit to get you free, if in doubt ask for help from the skipper

Lures

Lures are made from plastics and are design for their action in the water. Coming an a Variety of colours and even luminous (glow in low light conditions0

As the majority of fish you will be targeting when wreck fishing are predatory fish (fish that hunt and eat other fish) the most come form of fishing are with lures

The most common three are shads / grubs / pirks and worms

All of these are fished on a the rig below with the flowing trace of anything from 6 to 15 to 20 foot long (remember the skipper will help on best lengths).

How To Prepare For The Exciting Sport Of Shark Fishing

If you are actually trying to catch a shark then you should do so with forethought and preparation. The best time to catch a shark is really all year round, people will always say oh man the best time to catch a shark is in June but I think that is dead wrong. You can catch the biggest shark you have ever seen in the middle of winter. People who say that you can only catch them in one month are ignorant and uniformed. Just last week I caught a big bull shark and it's almost Christmas time. You can catch a shark at any time of the year as long as you have some bloody fish bait.

When you are going shark fishing you are going to need many things. The first thing you are going to need is a few shark rods and reels. You will want to have something so that they cannot spool all your line out then rip the rod out of your hand. You will want to have a big rod and reel like a boat rod. You will also need some sort of mode to get your bait out in the water casting it will not work since you are going to have about a 10 foot steel cable leader. You will want a kayak or small boat to run your baits out. I think the best rod to use is a big boat rod so that you ca catch anything, when you are shark fishing you can catch other things besides sharks, other fish eat the same stuff that a shark will.

You will also need to know which type of shark it is you want to catch. You can catch mostly all types of sharks inshore, such as bull sharks, tiger sharks, black tip sharks, and lemon sharks. Basically if you live on the North American continent you will be able to catch a wide variety of sharks. A lot of people think that you cannot catch certain sharks all over the world but they are wrong you can catch just about every kind of shark in the Atlantic Ocean.

After you have your bait in the water all you do is wait for the run. Once you have that bait in the water and on the bottom you will just have to wait until something takes the bait. You will know when something takes your bait it will pick it up and run with it. You will want to let the shark or fish it all the bait so give it team then you will want to set the hook. After the hook is set you will want to just let the fish run and do its thing until it is tired then you can either reel them in or it will be a fight to last for hours. I have friends that have fought sharks for hours and haven't even caught them that are how big and gnarly they were. What are you waiting for, get out there and experience them for yourself.

Buy the Award Winning 'Esca Lures' online at http://www.innovativefishingtackle.co.uk/

Fish for Your Dinner - Spanish Mackerel

That better way to start your holiday then to go fishing for some fresh Spanish Mackerel.

The first thing you need to ensure is that you have the right fishing gear. Through their migratory periods the Spanish Mackerel are relatively easy to catch and you can use either lures or live bait. We would recommend you use a Daiwa Sealine SLX Conventional Reel 3BB 270yd 30lb 4.9 to 1 or Okuma Titus Gold Alum Lever Drag Hi Speed 6.2 to 1 370yd 20lb Fishing reel combined with a Daiwa Sealine XB Boat Rod 7' 1pc 20-60lb rod.

Other recommended tackle for this style of fishing is an overhead reel carrying 400 yards of 15 to 30 lb line, mounted on a medium actioned rod. Regulation game fishing type tackle is good but longer and softer rods tend to work better than game rods. The main reason for using longer rods is that mackerel have soft mouths and it is easy to pull the hooks out if the fight is forced. The smooth, parabolic action of a jig type rod is easier on the fish and the hooks stay put.

Large thread line reels and large bait casters can also be used particularly on spotted mackerel, although the Spaniards can test them for line capacity. The most important point is for the reel to have a smooth drag, this is essential on fast running fish. When fishing, the reels are set in-gear with the ratchet on and a firm but not overly hard drag. Mackerel are clean fighters and don't have any tricks other than sheer speed. Naturally when fishing for mackerel other fish will take the baits too. And it's not a bad by-catch either with fish like Cobia, yellowtail kingfish, marlin, longtail tuna, mackerel tuna, sharks and bonito. They all take baits intended for mackerel, so obviously this is all a bonus to the day and provides extra sport.

Spanish Mackerel are renowned for aggressively taking trolled lures and baits. Using 1-1.5oz red and white feathered lures as well as minnow lures or the Rapala with red head and white body trolled at about 8-12 knots work best to entice that hook up. You can also troll at 6-10 knots with live bait. Rigged garfish trolled around likely areas will also work well as will small bonito and frigate mackerel on the Spaniards

The first choice for bait is live slimy mackerel. This bait is the most consistently favored by the fish. The big specimens are good for the Spaniards and the small to medium ones are ideal for the spotted mackerel.The next bait in line is pike, followed by local herrings and pilchards..

During the mackerel season, finding the bait can be the most important part of the day as no bait or the wrong kind of bait may mean no fish. Mackerel are a first rate table fish and can be filleted or turned into cutlets as they have a very soft spine. They must be iced soon after capture to keep them in good condition so a large cooler filled with plenty of ice is essential.

Always remember that mackerel have extremely large, sharp teeth and they can and do bite and slash unwary anglers. When the fish is gaffed, the quickest answer is a tap on top of the head with a small bat or length of pipe. Leave the hooks in its mouth and just tie on another trace. The hooks can be extracted later when cleaning the fish.

We recommend trying the recipe below you will not be disappointed!

Spanish Mackerel (Serves 5-6)

Ingredients:

4 Spanish mackerel steaks on the bone

4 limes juiced and zested

1/4 cup light soya sauce

Good splash fish sauce

2 cloves garlic

1 soup spoon ginger crushed and chopped

1/4 cup white wine (semillon or sauvignon blanc)

Marinate fish in above mixture 1-2 hours, then prepare the following: 1/4 cup chopped coriander 1/4 cup chopped parsley 2 chopped chillies 1 soup spoon sesame seeds 3 to 4 drops sesame oil 2 garlic cloves, crushed and chopped Juice of 1 lime plus zest

Method:

Mix together all ingredients and pat one side of fish steaks and sear on hot BBQ plate with oil, or on char grill, but not for too long as you don't want to burn the herbs. Turn over and cook for enough time to bring to medium (do not overcook). Serve with mixed green leaf salad tossed with remaining mixed herbs.

Should you want alternate Spanish Mackerel recipes or recipes for any other fish please do not hesitate to contact Marilyn via email marilyn@fishinggear.com We will email them to you within 24 hours. Alternatively if you have a favorite recipe you would like to share please email that. We shall put that on our site with credit to you.

Buy the Award Winning 'Esca Lures' online at http://www.innovativefishingtackle.co.uk/

What a month it has been for the carp anglers of the U.K. and abroad. As is normally the case at this time of year the fish have really started to feed well and some massive fish have been caught.

The British record has been rattled by no less than three different 50lbs plus carp which incredibly came out over the same weekend. Forties are throwing themselves onto the banks at most of the big fish venues around the U.K., and some even bigger fish have been caught from faraway lands. So here is my take on Shimano rods and reels.

Tackle Test Shimano Big Pit Baitrunner

As continental carping gets more popular, and anglers are casting greater distances in the U.K., there has been a demand for bigger and better reels. The two big players in the reel game are of course Daiwa and Shimano. Both companies offer some stunning equipment but for a long time anglers have been requesting a baitrunner version of the larger reels. These have now been developed by Shimano and this has prompted a price war between the two giants. Daiwa haven't actually got a baitrunner reel out, but they have now cut the price of their main big pit reels and are also offering a free baitrunner conversion. As a result a lot of shops have lowered the price for their Shimano reels to compete with Daiwa. So there has never been as good an occasion as now to get yourself some new reels. Now, whilst I have not got hold of any of the Shimano reels myself, I have had a good look and play with them and they are something special. The main problem is that they seem to be so popular that rocking horse droppings are easier to get hold of. Upon initial investigation they are quite bulky but they have to be, to accommodate the massive gearing and baitrunner system that is housed in the rear body of the reel. They are however as smooth as silk to reel in, and the baitrunner facility itself is faultless and similar to the smaller Shimano Baitrunners, being located at the rear of the reel. Blue in colour, they look the part and at an average price of 115.99 per reel they won't damage the bank account too much if you want to upgrade.

The best prices I have found so far are here at The Tackleshop

Happy Fishing

The age old debate on which rod is better, fiberglass or graphite, has been going on since both materials were used to make fishing rods. The truth is, each has it's own strengths and weaknesses.

If you're looking for a new rod a nd can't decide on which rod material to go with, this article will help you decide. We'll tell you the difference between graphite and fiberglass and which applications are best for each.

Graphite Rods

Graphite is a light rod material. It's best used in applications such as Bass, Walleye, Trout and Panfish fishing.

Graphite rods are great for fishing applications where you'll be casting a lot. Graphite is also an excellent choice when you need to feel the lightest of bites. Graphite transmits light bites very well due to its sensitive nature.

While its a tough material, it's not nearly as tough as fiberglass, which is the reason you won't see Graphite Marlin rods.

Graphite rods are generally more expensive than fiberglass rods but technology has made graphite rods affordable in recent years. It's now possible to pick up inexpensive graphite rods in the $20 to $30 dollar range at discount stores. Of course, the quality may suffer. Don't expect them to be as durable or sensitive as a Fenwick rod!
Fiberglass Rods

Fiberglass rods are the ones most people start out with. They are less inexpensive than graphite rods, tough and long lasting.

Fiberglass rods are also used in rods designed to take on hard fighting or fish that tend to grow large like Catfish, Stripers or in Offshore Big Game fishing situations.

If your looking for a fiberglass rod for tough fighting fish, look into e-glass rods. These rods are generally the toughest of the toughest rods made.

Another tough rod on the market is the Ugly Stik rods by Shakespear. Remember the old commercials of a man holding a Ugly Stik bent double? Well, I'm here to tell you that you can bend them double! I seems to me I remember them having a lifetime warranty against breakage, but not any longer.

Some rod manufacturers combine both graphite and fiberglass. Many of these have a graphite core blank that runs through the handle to give it sensitivity. The graphite blank is then surrounded by fiberglass to give it strength. These hybrid rods are sensitive and tough and are a good general purpose rods.

Another nice feature of fiberglass rods is that they are inexpensive. You can get fiberglass rods for the kids and not blink an eye when they step on one!

Whether you're looking for a fiberglass rod or a graphite rod, make sure you match the rod material to the type of fishing you'll be doing. While a fiberglass catfish rod can be used on Crappie, it's not ideal and you'll be more successful when matching rod material to the type of fish you're fishing for.

If you'll be fishing offshore, make sure that you take enough rod. One common mistake that many new offshore anglers make is that they take their freshwater rods offshore. Generally offshore fish are bigger and tougher than their freshwater cousins. You'll need a rod that is built to take on the screaming runs of Kingfish or the bull dog tugs of Grouper. Don't try making your freshwater rod take on these monsters.