The new year is here and you know what that means: it's time to make a resolution. Here are some of our favorite New Year's resolutions for fishermen. Enjoy:
Take time to clean your reels and rods. Start out by cleaning all of the eyes on your rods with a cotton swab that's been dabbed with alcohol. Open up the reels and lubricate them. Finish up by getting all the grime off of the reel exterior.
Check the tire pressures on the tow vehicle and trailer. If you need new tires, get it done now. You may just make your next fishing excursion a whole lot easier. While you're at it, also give a look at your fishing boat and motor. Make sure everything is ready to go the next time you'd like to fish.
Buy a new fishing line. It's time. We know you love the classics, but the advancements in fishing line technologies are just too good to pass up.
Make time this year to take your kids fishing. The memories will last a lifetime.
Take time while you fish to really appreciate your surroundings. Give thanks for the cool water, the fresh fish, and the beautiful weather.
Labels: new year, new year's resolution
by: FishFreakOnline
The holidays are here, but once all the festivities are done with, you're probably going to start itching for some ice fishing. However, before you start gathering up your stuff to head out to the ice, remember to dress warm!
Layering is the best bet for most ice fisherman, especially since you can get pretty warm moving between each of your spots in the ice. When you get to warm, remove a layer. When you get too cold, add one. We know you get the picture. Here's a few tips for dressing for the weather when you go ice fishing.
For your base layer, try to choose a piece of clothing that can wick moisture away from your skin, thereby keeping you warm, dry, and comfortable. There are a variety of moisture-wicking fabrics out there, so choose one that you feel will keep you feeling best.
Next, add on a flannel shirt or hooded sweatshirt to keep the wind from getting to you.
A vest is usually the next layer, and you can feel free to go with any type you like. Fleece or puff vests are always great options.
For the outer layer, choose a heavy duty parka or a snowsuit. Add on gloves, a hat, and boots.
Labels: ice fishing
by: FishFreakOnline
Christmas Eve is getting closer every day and some families are gearing up for the annual tradition of the Feast of Seven Fishes. Many Italian Americans celebrate this custom, however, some have adopted it purely for the love of seafood. Based on an original Italian custom to have a meatless meal on Christmas Eve, the Feast of Seven Fishes incorporates seven different seafood dishes in a large and delicious feast in commemoration of the wait for the midnight birth of the baby Jesus. Some families even go all out and opt to have upwards of nine courses of fish throughout the evening.
In honor of this tradition, we're asking all of the fishermen out there about your own catches. Have you ever served up a fish you caught on Christmas Eve? Do you use fish you've caught in your own Feast of Seven Fishes? Give us the details and we'll share your stories just in time for the holidays!
Labels: feast of seven fishes, fish meal, fish recipes, fishing bait
by: FishFreakOnline
Seriously. We know it seems early, but for fishermen in Colorado, it's already time to break out the ice auger. According to recent reports, the Rocky Mountain state is already gearing up for two major ice fishing competitions that are sure to draw some expert ice fishermen – as well as some great catches.
The Three lakes Ice Fishing Contest, which will take place January 29-31 on a variety of lakes in the Granby, Colorado area, will involve a variety of contests that will make contestants eligible for cash prizes upwards of $5,000 daily, not to mention, raffle prizes that include two snowmobiles. Ready to book your flight yet?
For those who would rather wait until later in the season to start competing, there's always the 13th Annual Wolford Mountain Reservoir Ice Fishing Contest on February 20 in Kremmling, Colorado with prizes that are sure to make you itch to get out on the ice. There's $13,000 for the winning tagged-fish competition; $5,000 cash purse for the top 10 largest fish (length plus girth); and hourly "big-fish" prizes for adults and youth.
If you're huge into ice fishing, these events are musts for the season. Otherwise, spend some time practicing your ice fishing skills on your local lake or pond – once it's frozen of course!
Labels: Colorado, ice fishing
by: FishFreakOnline
Depending on where you live, fishing season may already be in full swing, however, in many parts of the country, fishing and hunting licenses are just about to go on sale and you know what that means: yes, you've finally found the perfect gift for Dad.
Fishing licenses, which usually come through a local or state department of fish and wildlife, give you or someone you love the chance at fishing the local waters for a low fee that usually includes a package of goodies that are absolutely essential for any fisherman. From safety guides to brochures on local fishing spots, the things that usually come along with a fishing license are sure to be helpful, no matter what the season.
Interested in getting a fishing license for someone you love just in time for the holidays? Be sure to check out your state or local department of fish and wildlife for tips, techniques, places to go, recreational forecasts, and licensing information before the holiday rush starts. After all, pretty soon it'll be time to start ice fishing!
by: FishFreakOnline
