Outdoors Galore…

Fishing equipment is expensive, especially the high quality products used by a true fisherman.  In order to keep my equipment in top condition there are a number of things I do after fishing.  First I always reel my line all the way in, and detach the reel from the pole.  I can’t say how many times I’ve seen fishing poles all tangled up because someone was too lazy and just pulled in the line and attached the hook to the reel.  I also keep my tackle organized so I can find it quick, and so it doesn’t get twisted with other pieces.  Using a rust inhibitor on my tackle box allows me to put the tackle in wet and avoid corrosion to the box. 

I also store my all my fishing equipment in a low traffic location in the garage so it doesn’t become broken due to mishandling or curious guests.

Much different from traditional fishing which relies on the weight of the lure, fly fishing requires a unique method of casting.  This method requires the fisherman to frequently cast the line at a specific location, with the goal of the lure appearing like a “fly” or insect landing on the water.  Fly fishing targets fish like trout and salmon, and is most commonly used in river fishing.  Though trout and salmon are the most frequently targeted, several other types of fish will go after flies under the right circumstances. 

To fly fish, you will need a special reel used for the casting method.  You will also need a fly box for storing tackle and a different type of fishing line.  Fly fishing can be done with a regular pole, but poles specifically designed for fly fishing tend to work better.

If you’re planning a fishing trip, the first step toward success should be taken even before you leave home; organize and stock your tackle box. If you get to the lake, or on the boat, and open your box to find everything spilled and tangled, and realize that you’re missing the lure you’ve been looking for, you can expect the rest of the trip to go downtown.

Clean out your tackle box before you leave and get rid of anything you don’t need. Make sure everything is in its own place, and make sure nothing has spilled. The worst surprise would be to find a jar of bait has opened all over everything. Also make sure you have everything you need. If this is done before every fishing trip, you can almost guarantee it will be a good one.

When you’re hiking to your campsite, or hiking to the lake where you plan on spending the day fishing, you don’t want to carry any more than is necessary. If you’re already loaded down with fishing poles, sleeping bags, water and a tent, adding a tackle box to the load might seem a little overwhelming.

But a backpack tackle box will help alleviate the strain on your arms, and make hiking through brush and trees and over hills an easier process. A backpack tackle box holds everything a traditional one will, and conveniently straps over your shoulders.

Many of us have at least one memory of fishing as a kid, with our father, uncle, grandfather, or friends.  Recently, one grandfather fishing with his granddaughter reeled in the largest fish in the history of their state with her Barbie fishing pole! 

Kids can be wonderful fishing companions.  If you have a young, short person in your life who likes to fish with you, consider investing in a tackle box as a gift so they can have one of their own.  They will feel so important!

There are a variety of types of fishing tackle boxes on the market, some of them of a harder molded construction—usually heavy plastic that is built to be durable—and some with a soft-shell design, resembling a gym bag with more compartments. There is debate as to which type is superior, but people who fish frequently might like to have one of each type to suit their needs for each particular fishing situation.

Soft tackle boxes are lightweight and so more comfortable to transport, making them a favorite of bank fishermen. However, soft tackle boxes lack the durability of the harder shell constructed versions, and the cloth gets dirty and wet. A vertical tackle box can also become disorganized if it tips over, which a soft tackle box can do quite easily.

A rust inhibitor is also known as a corrosion inhibitor, a chemical compound that decreases the corrosion rate of a metal or alloy. They are essential in regard to preventing rust in outboard motors and tools stored in a garage or shed over a long period of time.

Certain rust inhibitors, such as chromate, have proven to cause cancer in humans, which was the subject of the Hollywood movie Erin Brockovich. As a result, chromate has been banned from use in many products. Zinc oxide and nitrite are two other chemicals that have proven effective as corrosion inhibitors. Check the label before purchase of any corrosion inhibitor for your own safety.

Are you going bass fishing this weekend?  Wonderful - here is a tip when you are picking your crankbaits.  If the water is clear, not murky/muddy, use a light/natural colored crankbait and spinner baits.  If the water is not clear, use a dark or bright colored crankbait.  The clearer the water the lighter the crankbait to use, always have different types of crankbaits in your fishing tackle box. 

Everyone knows a great fisherman has a tackle box that is filled with different types of crankbaits for all occasions.