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Fly fishing is mostly known as a technique for catching trout and salmon, although today some anglers are catching a wide variety of fish such as pan fish, carp and even some marine species. Some strive to catch as many different species as they can, and build up a reputation as such.

As the name suggests, fly fishing uses a fly – an insect-resembling lure – as bait. The lines are usually heavy enough to send the fly right to the target. It is important to match the fly to the right line, rod and reel. A line that is too heavy or too light for the rod being used will dramatically affect your casting performance. The flies themselves were originally made of natural materials, but now synthetics are more prevalent. They are made of feathers, fur, hair and other materials tied to a hook with a string. These are made to resemble local water insect species, and are of course tailored to the specific fish one is trying to catch. Some fly lines are made to sink, while others float on the water, but they are all heavier then regular fishing line.

The method of casting a fly fishing rod is often referred to as the “10 to 2″ method for the back cast. First of all, some of the line is held in the hand, and the fly is in the water, with about 30 feet of line. The rod is then moved through the 10 o’clock to the 2 o’clock position (12 being straight up, 9 flat forwards and 3 flat backwards). As this motion is performed, some of the line is let out of the hand, and the weight of the line (which, as mentioned before, is weighted and is heavier then regular fishing line) carries the fly forward. The motion should start out fast when going behind, slow down and stop with the rod in the 2 o’clock position, then speed up as the rod is brought forwards, and brought down with some strength so the fly is cast forward sufficiently with the help of the line. The stopping of the rod in the 2 o’clock position should not last long enough for the line to fall to the ground, but long enough to create a loop when the rod is brought forward again. The loop carries the line far, and helps it cut through the air. There is nothing wrong with looking back to make sure you make this stop brief enough, and then bring the line forward with momentum and energy.

I saw a recent article announcing that Canadian scientists will soon begin searching Lake Simcoe in the province of Ontario for a “lake monster” named Igopogo.

Much like the Loch ness monster, Bigfoot,Ogopogo, and the Abominable snowman, Igopogo has never been verified to actually exist beyond the random sightings of residents, boaters and –of course– some fishermen.

Indian legend handed down from the early nineteenth century,and some sightings in the 1950’s and 60’s have helped to fuel the speculation that a serpent like animal lives beneath the lake surface. Sonar and shaky Bigfoot like videotape have also given more added “proof” that Igopogo exists.

In August of this year, evidently a study funded by Discovery Canada science program, was to search the depths of Kempenfelt bay with sonar and underwater cameras searching for Igopogo, hoping to find the “dog like, horse faced, stovepipe necked, impish looking ,fishlike serpent”…..

No word yet as to the findings, but Toronto’s Molson ale plant is also being investigated for exceeding the seven percent alcohol content restriction for their beer.

It of course only figures that fishermen have been responsible for a number of these sightings, as we all know that bobbing about in the waters of a lake with copious amounts of adult beverages on board your vessel, (especially Canadian beverages) will most assuredly induce sightings of many mythical creatures, some folks even claim to have seen God.

But that’s another story.

I myself, never being one to scoff at or be a naysayer to the mysterious, am here today to announce the finding of another mysterious and legendary creature.

The Huckleberry fish.

Now, before you get on your search engine and start your quest for this heretofore elusive fish,
let me explain a little about the discoverer of this rare specie.

My five year old daughter.

Again, not to dispell the validity of her findings, but simply to inform the public I will give you her official “press release”.

According to the” my little toot” science program, the Huckleberry fish has been spotted in…someplace in Africa and resides in several lakes and rivers that flow through… oh…. let’s say Botswana…. It is a purplish fish that gets it’s color and flavor(evidently it is not catch and release) from the famed African Huckleberry. The “my little toot” science program hopes to use government grants, unused milk money, and any lottery winnings to help fund her research in Africa to prove that the Huckleberry fish exists. Her assistant and chief fish biologist,”dad” is expected to go along on the “investigation”, since he has a highly qualified propensity to fish aimlessly for hours, enjoys eating Huckleberries, and has been seen quaffing a few Molsons down from time to time.

I can assure you, that in her mind the Huckleberry fish exists and I am equally sure that it most certainly has nothing to do with the fact that she knows how much her dad likes fishing and huckleberry picking.

Either that or her kindergarten class has now been officially sponsored by the Molson brewing company.

Anyway, she informed me of this discovery just the other night and described the Huckleberry fish in depth, so I know it is real.

Nothing was mentioned about an “impish smile” though.

If you would like to fund the “my little toot” science program, be sure to send your lotto winnings, but please—no scratch offs, because that will only delay our research!!

In the meantime, we will be continuing our research of Bigfoot, since we had a recent sighting while investigating the Applegate Bigfoot trap here in Oregon.

We also found a bunch of empty Molson bottles—what a coincidence!!!!

A.J. Klott
Author, writer of fishing humor,and “fly tack” peddler.A.J. writes about the people,characters and modern day events that surround the fishing world. His first book is due out in December of 2005.
If you need a laugh or a fun gift, visit his website at:
http://www.twoguyswithflys.com

Most would agree a stop at the tackle shop shouldn’t be forgotten but recently I was told the story of a well planned and long anticipated fishing vacation. This spot was one of those that you hear whispered about and never see let alone get to fish on. A high mountain lake, secluded, trout as long as your arm and will strike a hook without bait or lure. A very rough road and 5 long hours from the sign that said “last services”. A week of camping, fishing and extreme R&R is the only thing in mind. As the great trout slayer rounded the bend and saw the pristine water for the
first time, an eerie feeling came all over him. Gas… he forgot gas. No hose that would act as a siphon. Another 10 hours travel time to be subtracted from the vacation before he could launch the boat.

We have all had that eerie feeling as we recalled our own “forgot the gas” caper. Our suggestion as old fashion as it seems: Make a camping/fishing list and save it. You can use it every time you
leave to go fishing, camping, vacation or just a trip.

We have holidays coming up that sprinkle through the summer. Here
is a tip we would like to share:

Each holiday we come home from the lake or mountains, streams and favorite fishing haunts to see in the news hundreds of accidents that have happened involving water sports. Take a moment before you leave home to whisper a fisherman’s prayer: “Help me to leave the fishing space a better place for my
grandchildren to experience tomorrow, and for my fellow angler, I pray for their safety.” These few moments to include SAFETY on your trip may make the difference in you or your party showing up in the news back home.

Include in your list:

A first aid kit, (if the kit doesn’t have Tea Tree Oil Buy some and add it to the kit)

Charged cell phone batteries, (adapter charge cord for the car or truck)

Enough life preservers,

Space blankets, (Walmart, very small and inexpensive)

Flash lights,

A whistle for the boat,

You may have a fire extinguisher in the boat, but you should have one also in the vehicle towing the boat,

Distilled water, (can be used for drinking)

Sunscreen, (Banana Boat AloeVera Gel with Solercain if you didn’t use the sunscreen)

Insect Repellant

Oh yeah, Don’t forget…BE SAFE and you will remember to have fun!

Shark fishing on shallow water
It is a well known fact that during summertime Sharks move from the deeper waters offshore into inland waterways and beaches. The Sharks seek warmer shallow waters to carry out mating rituals and to either lay eggs or give live birth. It is very important if you are interested in swimming or in landing huge fish from the bank. There is no other type of fishing (that I know of) where the angler has an exceptional chance of hooking on to a 500lb plus fish while fishing from the bank.

I was introduced to shark fishing a few years ago from an old man on the Pensacola Pier, who really knew how to catch a big fish.

Shark fishing equipment needed
First of all you need a powerful reel for shark fishing: a 16/0 Penn Senator from Bass Pro Shops. You also need some very strong line: 3000 yard of braided 80lb test and of course a rod to put it all on.

Shark fishing From the Beach
Ever since I meet that old man on the Pensacola Pier I have had the addiction of Shark Fishing since. I have been shark fishing beaches all over the South Eastern United States combing the beaches and piers for just the right sandbar, just the right current and tide. I normally rent a kayak from the local Beach Supply Store and sometimes camp outdoor, and sometimes I rent a hotel.

Shark fishing bait
The bait is hard to can be expensive and is often difficult to find. The best places to find fresh fish is at a fish market and usually Asian fish markets have a much wider selection to choose from. The most successful baits are Spanish Mackerels, King Mackerels, Bonito, Jack Crevelle and Mullets.

Shark fishing addiction
Shark fishing from beach or pier can sometimes bring in sharks over 10 feet long. If you try shark fishing ones, you might get addicted, and rush out to purchase your own equipment. I thing that Shark fishing is something the whole family can truly enjoy. It’s not just about catching a shark. It’s about good friends, family and beautiful beaches.

If you have doubts about daring to try out shark fishing or not – don’t be afraid. Try it out and you will very soon know why I love it so much.

Thank you for you time.

You can find more information about Shark Fishing on this website. Check it out!

Did you know that fly fishing is one of the most relaxing sports around? Casting a line into a calm stream can be said to be one of life’s greatest pleasures. Fly fisherman can seem a bit fanatic in their quest for the perfect river and the perfect spot to spend the day looking for a good catch. I’ve done a little research into the world of fly fishing vacations and have come up with the three tips that can turn your next fly fishing trip into an experience to remember.

1) Consider lesser known fly fishing spots. Did you know that there is absolutely incredible fly fishing available in a lot of states that wouldn’t seem obvious at first glance? There sure is. One such spot is Montana. True pros know that Montana has a ton of incredible fly fishing spots and that you only really need to find one to make your vacation incredible. During the summer, Montana and Wyoming can become very crowded with tourists looking to visit the stunning national parks. However, these 1 week tourists might not be overly interested in visiting the secluded lakes and streams that you might love to fish in Montana.

2) Compare online deals. Orbitz and Expedia can offer some really good deals on package vacations. However, sometimes it’s best to check out discount airlines for really good deals. Southwest and JetBlue have become extremely popular airline options and they cover a good part of the US now. Booking separate hotel and (a discount) airfare might be a great option if you want to save some bucks. You should spend your money on fly fishing gear, not overpriced transportation and accommodation.

3) Canada. This is the most important tip (and overlooked destination) of all. There is nothing quite as good as saving some money during the exchange rate process. Canada is just over the border and has an absolute bounty of natural resources. Lakes, ponds, and streams team with fish. This country is a fly fisherman’s dream come true. There are tons of places that will gladly book you in for a fly fishing vacation.

Linda Harrison is author of “Fly Fishing Canada – A Reel Good Time.” Grab your copy at www.zippysflyfishing.com