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Thursday, March 15. 2007
Looking for something nice to give to your dad this Father's Day? Then, check out the new package offered by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Yes, what could be better than getting your dad a 5-year license for fresh water fishing? With that, your dad's also going to receive a free fishing gear via the mail within 3 weeks.
The fishing license offered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission only costs about $61.50. Well, it's not really much for 5 years of enjoyment for your dad, huh? Besides, getting the license now would save you from possible price increases in the future. Of course, before applying for the license, be sure that the fishing commission has not run out of free lures, hooks, bait savers, fishing towels, tackle organizers, and other free offers.
Getting the license too gives you the opportunity to participate in wildlife conservation in Florida. For, all the proceeds will be used in funding the conservation and protection of fish and wildlife in the state. So what are you waiting for? Give your dad a special treat by getting him the license. Not only would you make him happy, but you would also be able to help in the conservation of fish and wildlife.
Saturday, February 24. 2007
 A few days ago, I was appalled by the invasion of algae in the rivers in Texas. After the incident, I contacted a friend of mine, a chemist, and inquired on the best possible solution to the problem. According to him, since the fish died of lack of oxygen, we might as well bring oxygen to the water. Initially, I thought of using the oxygen in the tank I use for my scuba diving adventure. But, after a moment, my friend reminded me that it is a silly solution. Actually, it will not even help a fish.
What he recommended me was hydrogen peroxide. Whoa! That sounded too technical. But, he was able to produce ten gallons of the solution. He said that I will have to simply mix the solution to the water and wait for few hours. After the solution penetrated the water and mixed with impurities, the oxygen can once again penetrate the water and the natural cycle of oxygenation will come back in the river.
Hydrogen peroxide do not harm the fish, but in order to safely execute the plan, my fellow anglers had to remove the fish from the river. Of course, we removed the algae - all of them. Although it took us the whole day to apply the solution to the river, we succeeded in bringing back the oxygen content in the river. That day, I learned that anglers must not only hunt fishing destinations, but look for deteriorating fishing spots as well. That way, we can preserve the cycle of fish. In return, we will have more catch.
Sunday, February 18. 2007
Do you have the slightest idea as to where the giant kingfish could be found? Where else, but in South African islands. It was there that I experienced tugging with the strength of this big fish. Call them kings if you like. They really are hard to catch. I even had my elbow scratched when it pulled my rod.
The average weight of a king is 120 pounds. That alone makes it a very challenging catch. The challenge comes when the fish already bit the bait. But, preparing the bait is a tough job. Kings are intelligent enough to sense baits. I mean, they are wild fish, and do not take in anything but fish for food. Now, unless the bait is a live one, kings will simply ignore them. I even had to use a lure - bait that mimics a fleeing bait. The lure is perfect for toothless fish like the kings. Only, in order to capture them, the tackles must be strong enough to carry the heavy weight.
Kingfish often hunt for food in groups. This astonishing scenario could only be seen in South Africa. When they feed, they are ferocious. It is as if they have not eaten for a month. Well, that is what makes them kings. Should you also want to try catch kingfish, I suggest you do it on sunrise or during warm weather. Also, do not hunt for them in deep waters for they mostly go to shallow areas especially when hunting for food.
Saturday, February 17. 2007
It is high time that we should be vigilant and ready to report cyanide fishing. Not only has this issue been a regular topic whenever I and my fellow anglers find quiet time in our boat; it is also a worldwide problem. It has been a long time since I have not heard about it on the news, but I am sure cyanide fishing is still ongoing in some fishing areas.
For the most part, cyanide fishing is done for commercial purposes. I mean, fishermen who want to catch many fish at the possible shortest time resolve to using cyanide to, well, kill the fish. I remember one time, I have gone to a lake in Massachusetts. I went there in the hope that I could catch some trout for my outdoor grilling, but right before I throw the bait, a villager warned me that the lake is contaminated with cyanide. So, you see, even small fishing areas are susceptible to cyanide fishing.
Fish contaminated with cyanide are sold to the market. Although humans have stronger immune systems compared to fish, and we can tolerate cyanide, still we are facing risks. We might not even be aware of the fact that what we thought as a healthy seafood dish actually contains cyanide. This sends chills to my spine. I have always wanted to catch fish in the traditional way. I have always loved the thrill of pulling the rod and defying the strength of the big fish, while the fisher using cyanide simply pours the chemical on the ocean and wait until the fish floats.
Friday, February 16. 2007
 It has been so long since I have not gone fishing in Texas. Back then, if my memory serves me right, I can still see the fish swimming in the clear river waters. Fishing in clear waters is easier than the turbid ones. Only last week did I remember to go back to Texas to catch big fish. But, to my surprise, the water seemed muddy. Worse, it smelt foul. It was this situation that prompted me to pay attention on harmful algae.
You might ask just what is the link between fish and algae. Basically, algae contributes to the death of fish and other aquatic species. I tried to catch some, but residents there reminded me that though I will be able to catch some, there is still the possibility that the fish is contaminated. Of course, I knew that from the start. I only needed some evidences to present to the Texas Department concerned on wildlife and local parks. When I got there, I was given the ample information on algae. Basically, what kills fish is the overpopulation of algae. They are the cause of deteriorating oxygen supply in the water, thus depriving of the other species to live in a healthy environment. Since algae float, they already trap the oxygen for their use, making the species beneath them unable to get their chance to breath the life-giving gas.
However, the incident often occurs in Texas. It is also seldom reported. Although infected fish are not advisable to be eaten several people, most of them Texan residents, still take chances. Even if there are no toxins involved in the process, the rapid growth of algae produce a large amount of detritus, or rotten algae, during the course of the life cycle. This is the biggest factor involved in fish kill. But, do not worry because if algae are immediately prevented from growing, then we can still enjoy healthy seafood dishes. So, the next time you see algae in your fishing destination, better not pursue fishing. Report it immediately to the authority.
Thursday, February 15. 2007
It is truly a dream for me to fish in the Caribbean. I was lucky to have been a part of the fishing bout in Jardines de la Reina. For those who are unfamiliar with the island, it is located in Cuba. The island, also known as JDR, is teeming with the most unusual species. It was also there that my group and I feasted on the most delightful seafood cuisines served to us by Cubans.
Oh, well, I know you are wondering what made JDR so special. Aside from being the haven of sharks, barracuda, and snappers, it was only at JDR that we get to catch some big bonefish. You might not believe me, but the first one that we caught actually weighs twelve pounds. It was the most remarkable experience I ever had. I have never seen so many bonefish in my entire fishing life.
By the end of the day, we were able to catch some twenty species at JDR. Aside from groupers, we also caught tarpon. By the way, the tarpon is not that easy to catch. I had to use a fly rod just to hook a 30-pound tarpon. The fun did not stop there. On our way back to the shore, we saw schools of tarpon feeding on anchovies and baitfish. This is a very rare sight in JDR. I even had it recorded in my DTE video camera. I kept the short film and showed it to my fellow anglers back in Florida. It was really amazing. Few fishers discover the Caribbean islands, but fewer experience fishing in them.
Friday, February 9. 2007
If you think that I only had a holiday of boating in Thames, you were dead wrong. Did you think that I would let the chance to go fishing in the British river slip away? That was my agenda even before I discovered of the boat holiday. It has been one of my dreams to fish in Thames.
Well, just like with all the other fishing destinations I have been to, I expected that Thames would require me tickets or some sort of high-priced gate pass to be able to fish in the river. But, I was surprised that it was absolutely for free. Not to mention, of course, the plain ticket to get there. But, the fact that it only required of me a rod license, I immediately packed up and headed for Thames.
Arriving there I met fellow anglers who still can not believe that they were given this rare opportunity to catch rare fish species in Thames. I respect the Thames, and who does not?But, to think that it is a haven for uncommon species, I delved to the idea to experience fishing at the great British river. I brought with me my video camcorder, and recorded my fishing feats. It was fun and I will always treasure the experience.
Thursday, January 11. 2007
Fishing is an enjoyable outdoor activity all throughout the year. However, since the weathers and seasons change, the catch may be quite slow, especially during the last few days before the spring comes in. That is usually the case for those who into freshwater fishing.
In the western area of the United States, anglers, especially the ones in small boats, are having a hard time catching fish due to the cold weather. Even in small lakes like Deep Creek, there are still remains of snow, so fishing prospects are comparatively bleak. However, there are lucky times when few groups of trout, bass, or perch would be inclined to get near the ramps or the shorelines, thus making them the catch of the day.
Those who are fishing in the streams and rivers of the area may also experience the same difficulties, since the waters run low during this time. Although the conditions are indicative of the coming good spring and summer seasons, the clear water still makes it tough to get fish because they can move fast enough to areas where the waters are warmer.
Friday, December 1. 2006
 Anglers go fishing not for profit but for the shear excitement and thrills brought about by the adventure. Fishing grounds may range from frozen lakes of Alaska to the raging waters of Middle Fork Salmon River of Idaho. Fishing for thrills is one of the more recently invented sports of the first world countries like the U.S.A.]
Sport fishing is an expensive sport, which may require sophisticated equipments such as boats equipped with GPS, radar and sonar. Sport fishing is not only for competition but also for bragging. Fishing reports posted on Internet bulletin boards are teaming with the biggest and heaviest fish ever caught.
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