Fishing in some cities is a major deal, a vibrant and vital part of the local culture. Good water, big fish, and lots of them all factor into making this happen, but there's much more to it than that.
In a great fishing city, you'll find trucks trailering boats through rush-hour traffic whenever the fish are running. You'll bump into anglers riding in buses or cabs to their favorite fishing spots.
You'll see folks catching fish within the city limits and close by. And, in a real fishing city, you'll find good old-fashioned tackle and fly shops, and colorful, working guides who will be happy to book you for a trip right now. Fishing pervades the lifeblood of the urban scene.
If you're a serious fisherman, ask three questions when you're rating a city: If you could switch jobs, would you consider moving there, to increase your fishing options? Would you plan a visit there, specifically to fish? Or, at the least, would you throw a rod and reel into your luggage before a business trip, in case you happened to find a little free time?
The following cities kick bass, and walleyes, tarpon, and other species, too. We've rated them from 1 to 20, and given you the keys to the top 5. See if you agree with us.
http://www.fieldandstream.com/article_gallery.jsp?ID=1000014488
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
New England Revisits Fishing Regulations
NEW BEDFORD — Massachusetts will draw up its own groundfish management plan with the hope of moving the federal government away from its “days at sea” system, which has been ineffective and catastrophic to the industry, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles told The Standard-Times on Tuesday.
Mr. Bowles dismissed the idea that the federal government wouldn’t respond to one state’s fisheries management rewrite, saying, “if I woke up every morning hearing that, I wouldn’t go to work.” He said going it alone will avoid conflicts such as one recently with the state of Maine “where we found ourselves on opposite sides of the fence.”
The plan is to supplement long-term proposals for re-regulation in 2009 with “more immediate and urgent changes in the next round of federal New England Fishery Management Council meetings this spring,” Mr. Bowles elaborated in a prepared statement.
The Patrick administration hopes to have better luck with this than it did in February of 2007 when it asked U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez to declare a “fishery resource disaster” in the Massachusetts groundfish industry in the wake of harsh new federal fishing restrictions. Framework 42, starting in November 2006, had cut in half the number of fishing days available to the groundfishing fleet. Gov. Deval Patrick cited $22 million in losses through last spring.
Mr. Gutierrez waited eight months and then rejected the disaster declaration.
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080304/NEWS/80304019/-1/TOWN1001
Mr. Bowles dismissed the idea that the federal government wouldn’t respond to one state’s fisheries management rewrite, saying, “if I woke up every morning hearing that, I wouldn’t go to work.” He said going it alone will avoid conflicts such as one recently with the state of Maine “where we found ourselves on opposite sides of the fence.”
The plan is to supplement long-term proposals for re-regulation in 2009 with “more immediate and urgent changes in the next round of federal New England Fishery Management Council meetings this spring,” Mr. Bowles elaborated in a prepared statement.
The Patrick administration hopes to have better luck with this than it did in February of 2007 when it asked U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez to declare a “fishery resource disaster” in the Massachusetts groundfish industry in the wake of harsh new federal fishing restrictions. Framework 42, starting in November 2006, had cut in half the number of fishing days available to the groundfishing fleet. Gov. Deval Patrick cited $22 million in losses through last spring.
Mr. Gutierrez waited eight months and then rejected the disaster declaration.
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080304/NEWS/80304019/-1/TOWN1001
More Fishing from Last Year's License in Minnesota
You have a bit longer to use your 2007 Minnesota fishing license, thanks to a legislative change that went into effect last fall.
Under the change, state residents and nonresidents who bought a 2007 fishing license can use it until April 30. Additionally, stamps or tags to harvest particular species also are valid through the end of next month, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said.
http://www.startribune.com/local/16176437.html
Under the change, state residents and nonresidents who bought a 2007 fishing license can use it until April 30. Additionally, stamps or tags to harvest particular species also are valid through the end of next month, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said.
http://www.startribune.com/local/16176437.html
Arkansas Fishing Gearing Up
Fishing remains in the doldrums but with warm afternoons making more visits and staying longer, the countdown to angling bliss is on. We're still probably two weeks away but March is officially here and it's time to get this party started.
Before we light the candles, however, it might be nice to invite new friends to the festivities. The population explosion peaked a couple of years ago but Northwest Arkansas is still bringing them in. With Wal-Mart, J. B. Hunt, Tyson Foods, the University of Arkansas and the brand new Northwest Arkansas Naturals calling Washington or Benton County home, it stands to reason that lots of new faces are in the crowd.
And I'm sure many come armed with a burning desire to wet a hook.
http://nwanews.com/nwat/Sports/62761/
Before we light the candles, however, it might be nice to invite new friends to the festivities. The population explosion peaked a couple of years ago but Northwest Arkansas is still bringing them in. With Wal-Mart, J. B. Hunt, Tyson Foods, the University of Arkansas and the brand new Northwest Arkansas Naturals calling Washington or Benton County home, it stands to reason that lots of new faces are in the crowd.
And I'm sure many come armed with a burning desire to wet a hook.
http://nwanews.com/nwat/Sports/62761/
No More Fishing on Vacant Lots - Punta Gorda, FL
PUNTA GORDA — Anglers may soon be reeling in their lines in Punta Gorda Isles and Burnt Store Isles.
The City Council will hold the final adoption hearing Wednesday for a new ordinance that would ban fishing from the seawalls within PGI and BSI.
Two weeks ago, the council voted 4-1 in support of the ban. Councilwoman Marilyn Smith-Mooney dissented, saying that the ordinance was judgmental and was identifying anglers as “a class of people,” rather than banning recreational uses on the vacant lots.
http://www.sun-herald.com/breakingnews.cfm?id=4923
It sounds like a few fishermen with bad behavior have ruined fishing from those lots for the majority. On the brighter side, there are plenty of fishing piers in that area where anglers can go.
The City Council will hold the final adoption hearing Wednesday for a new ordinance that would ban fishing from the seawalls within PGI and BSI.
Two weeks ago, the council voted 4-1 in support of the ban. Councilwoman Marilyn Smith-Mooney dissented, saying that the ordinance was judgmental and was identifying anglers as “a class of people,” rather than banning recreational uses on the vacant lots.
http://www.sun-herald.com/breakingnews.cfm?id=4923
It sounds like a few fishermen with bad behavior have ruined fishing from those lots for the majority. On the brighter side, there are plenty of fishing piers in that area where anglers can go.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Seasons of Fishing in New England
I know that in a short time the weather will turn warmer, buds will pop through the earth and we will be in our spring mode. With spring comes open waters and the trout streams will beckon.
In reality, northern New England offers a variety of fishing regardless of the season. For example, in April try brook trout fishing on Sebago Lake or Winnipesaukee for salmon and hit the small ponds and lakes for fast smallmouth action. In May, try fly-fishing the rivers for sea-run trout or schoolie stripers or hit the lakes for bed-fishing largemouth bass (remember to release them immediately).
June should be the time to hit the salt for stripers in the rivers or out deep around the Isles of Shoals. July brings great night fishing for bass, perch, and other warm-water species, plus join the "bridge people" and try your luck off of the bridges throughout the area for stripers.
http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080301/SPORTS/803010337
In reality, northern New England offers a variety of fishing regardless of the season. For example, in April try brook trout fishing on Sebago Lake or Winnipesaukee for salmon and hit the small ponds and lakes for fast smallmouth action. In May, try fly-fishing the rivers for sea-run trout or schoolie stripers or hit the lakes for bed-fishing largemouth bass (remember to release them immediately).
June should be the time to hit the salt for stripers in the rivers or out deep around the Isles of Shoals. July brings great night fishing for bass, perch, and other warm-water species, plus join the "bridge people" and try your luck off of the bridges throughout the area for stripers.
http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080301/SPORTS/803010337
Tampa Bay Bass Are Biting
Since we're in a period of lunar transition and a change in the full- and new-moon event pattern from late-night/early-morning hours to the dinner hour, the angler prepares for the mid-morning bite to occur.
In the meantime, there is a remote chance to hook into a larger bass from 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. in your favorite hot spot. Apart from that option, the angler should scout areas for suspended fish. Nothing satisfies the angler more than presenting his artificial bait in an artful, enticing, irresistible, successful manner; resulting in hooking a reluctant bass, worn down by the Florida angler.
Today the weather pattern should play a positive role and negate some of the affects of the last-quarter moon. The warming of the air and water should increase fish metabolisms enough to extend the duration and intensity level.
The barometer is forecasted to gradually drop to normal readings near 30 inHG (Inches of mercury) by Monday, and it's my opinion that fish always bite more during a falling barometer. It doesn't take much of a change in hydro-pressure — brought on by barometric decline — combined with a few parts-per-billion decrease in oxygen to trigger the larger fish to start hunting and eating.
http://www2.highlandstoday.com/content/2008/mar/01/fishing-bass-are-full-spawning-mode-week/
In the meantime, there is a remote chance to hook into a larger bass from 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. in your favorite hot spot. Apart from that option, the angler should scout areas for suspended fish. Nothing satisfies the angler more than presenting his artificial bait in an artful, enticing, irresistible, successful manner; resulting in hooking a reluctant bass, worn down by the Florida angler.
Today the weather pattern should play a positive role and negate some of the affects of the last-quarter moon. The warming of the air and water should increase fish metabolisms enough to extend the duration and intensity level.
The barometer is forecasted to gradually drop to normal readings near 30 inHG (Inches of mercury) by Monday, and it's my opinion that fish always bite more during a falling barometer. It doesn't take much of a change in hydro-pressure — brought on by barometric decline — combined with a few parts-per-billion decrease in oxygen to trigger the larger fish to start hunting and eating.
http://www2.highlandstoday.com/content/2008/mar/01/fishing-bass-are-full-spawning-mode-week/
Are the fittest fish getting caught?
A University of Calgary study warns that our quest to catch the big one is having a profound effect on evolution, writes Tom Spears.
Old-timers who insist that fish don't bite like they used to are right, says a new Canadian study that warns we're killing off the aggressive, fast-growing fish in lakes and oceans.
Aggressive fish chase food harder, grow faster and get caught more often. These, unfortunately, are the fish that would have the largest number of offspring if they lived.
That's likely one reason the northern cod isn't coming back faster, the University of Calgary study suggests: fishing killed off the fittest fish.
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=2af065fa-5389-4087-9bb3-7f65f7806af4
Old-timers who insist that fish don't bite like they used to are right, says a new Canadian study that warns we're killing off the aggressive, fast-growing fish in lakes and oceans.
Aggressive fish chase food harder, grow faster and get caught more often. These, unfortunately, are the fish that would have the largest number of offspring if they lived.
That's likely one reason the northern cod isn't coming back faster, the University of Calgary study suggests: fishing killed off the fittest fish.
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=2af065fa-5389-4087-9bb3-7f65f7806af4
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
New Fishing Lure Coming Soon
Newswise — Working with University of Wisconsin-Madison engineering and business school faculty and students, a Wisconsin entrepreneur has perfected a fiber-reinforced fishing lure that may prevent millions of pounds of toxic plastics from polluting waters nationwide.
Earning raves in the sport-fishing world, entrepreneur Ben Hobbins plans to launch his strong, sustainable soft lure in sporting goods stores in late February.
Each year, more than 12,000 tons of rubbery "soft baits" land at the bottom of lakes, streams and rivers, says Hobbins, who is president and CEO of Waunakee-based Lake Resources Group.
The lures are so pliable that a run through thick weeds or a fish's misdirected attempt to gobble the bait can rip the lure or pull it off the hook entirely. "If you go into a sporting-goods store, every soft-plastic fishing lure on the wall is lost in the environment," he says. "And that's a staggering thought."
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/537983/
Earning raves in the sport-fishing world, entrepreneur Ben Hobbins plans to launch his strong, sustainable soft lure in sporting goods stores in late February.
Each year, more than 12,000 tons of rubbery "soft baits" land at the bottom of lakes, streams and rivers, says Hobbins, who is president and CEO of Waunakee-based Lake Resources Group.
The lures are so pliable that a run through thick weeds or a fish's misdirected attempt to gobble the bait can rip the lure or pull it off the hook entirely. "If you go into a sporting-goods store, every soft-plastic fishing lure on the wall is lost in the environment," he says. "And that's a staggering thought."
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/537983/
The Passion of Fishing is Gender Blind
AUGUSTA,GA / LINCOLNTON, GA - Some would consider fishing merely a sport or a hobby, but to Paula Alexander of Lincolnton it is more than that.
“Fishing is a passion,” she said. “I quit teaching school. I told my own children I was born for this. I have never in my whole life been happier.”Although as a child she fished, it was not until much later that she took it up as a sport. After a tough divorce and an invitation from a friend to go on a bass fishing trip, she was hooked.“Now I don’t have anything else, no other hobbies,”Alexander said.
“I quit painting and drawing. I want to be the female that everyone says ‘I want to be like her.’”Alexander is especially excited about fishing this year because Bassmaster has opened up a whole new opportunity for women.
The Women’s Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year will earn a spot in the 2009 Bassmaster Classic, competing against 50 men.“One of us is going to go down in history as the woman who fished against the men,” Alexander said. “I want to be the female to compete against all those guys.”
http://metrospirit.com/index.php?cat=11010902071005954&ShowArticle_ID=11021902083237288
“Fishing is a passion,” she said. “I quit teaching school. I told my own children I was born for this. I have never in my whole life been happier.”Although as a child she fished, it was not until much later that she took it up as a sport. After a tough divorce and an invitation from a friend to go on a bass fishing trip, she was hooked.“Now I don’t have anything else, no other hobbies,”Alexander said.
“I quit painting and drawing. I want to be the female that everyone says ‘I want to be like her.’”Alexander is especially excited about fishing this year because Bassmaster has opened up a whole new opportunity for women.
The Women’s Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year will earn a spot in the 2009 Bassmaster Classic, competing against 50 men.“One of us is going to go down in history as the woman who fished against the men,” Alexander said. “I want to be the female to compete against all those guys.”
http://metrospirit.com/index.php?cat=11010902071005954&ShowArticle_ID=11021902083237288
Fishing Polls Revealed
There are many reasons why people fish, according to polls of over 2,400 anglers. Experiencing nature, relaxation, and spending time with family and friends are the top reasons for getting outdoors.
“Most anglers go outdoors for more than one reason,” explained Rob Southwick, who oversees the monthly fishing surveys. “Our poll focused on the most significant reasons why people fish. People who don’t fish may think bringing home dinner is the major motivation for anglers, but that is not the case. The true benefits from time spent outdoors are to unwind, experience nature and to reconnect with others.”
http://www.mountain-news.com/articles/2008/02/18/sports/sports4.txt
“Most anglers go outdoors for more than one reason,” explained Rob Southwick, who oversees the monthly fishing surveys. “Our poll focused on the most significant reasons why people fish. People who don’t fish may think bringing home dinner is the major motivation for anglers, but that is not the case. The true benefits from time spent outdoors are to unwind, experience nature and to reconnect with others.”
http://www.mountain-news.com/articles/2008/02/18/sports/sports4.txt
Cavender is Walmart Bass Fishing League Winner
Boater Mike Cavender of Phenix City, Ala., won the Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League® Dixie Division tournament on Lake Eufaula Saturday with a five-bass catch weighing 18 pounds, 7 ounces. The victory earned Cavender $4,325 and placed him one step closer to qualifying for the Wheeler Lake Regional Championship in Decatur, Ala., Oct. 9-11, where he could ultimately win a new 198VX Ranger boat and a Chevy truck.
Cavender fished for big bites by flipping and dragging jigs.
Rounding out the top five boaters are Dalton Bobo of Northport, Ala. (five bass, 18-02, $2,545); Ryan Ingram of Phenix City, Ala. (five bass, 18-00, $1,698); Clay Jens of Leesburg, Ga. (five bass, 16-15, $1,187) and Mark Hankes of Auburn, Ala. (five bass, 16-13, $1,018).
Brian Randall took home the Boater Division Snickers Big Bass award, earning $785 for a 8-pound, 2-ounce bass.
http://www.bymnews.com/news/newsDetails.php?id=22792
Cavender fished for big bites by flipping and dragging jigs.
Rounding out the top five boaters are Dalton Bobo of Northport, Ala. (five bass, 18-02, $2,545); Ryan Ingram of Phenix City, Ala. (five bass, 18-00, $1,698); Clay Jens of Leesburg, Ga. (five bass, 16-15, $1,187) and Mark Hankes of Auburn, Ala. (five bass, 16-13, $1,018).
Brian Randall took home the Boater Division Snickers Big Bass award, earning $785 for a 8-pound, 2-ounce bass.
http://www.bymnews.com/news/newsDetails.php?id=22792
Night Fishing in Florida
Most days, Joey Diaz gets off work at Mid Florida Air Conditioning at about 4 p.m. and heads to Sebastian Inlet for an evening of fishing diversion.
Usually within 24 hours, Tony calls or stops by with his trophies or pictures. His success rate is attributable to many factors. A year or two ago, Diaz spent two weeks just watching, not fishing, and talking to the many veterans of the area. His research led him to some excellent holes, some unique knowledge about tides and seasons, and even some casting and baiting techniques.
Recently, after an all-night fish fest, he pulled up an 80-pound tarpon, lucky enough to fight it to the beach area without a netting partner -- something he feels is essential on the rocky jetties. And he pulled in some redfish that were 40 inches and longer, all pre-snook season, which reopened Feb. 1.
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080217/SPORTS05/802170322/1002/SPORTS
Usually within 24 hours, Tony calls or stops by with his trophies or pictures. His success rate is attributable to many factors. A year or two ago, Diaz spent two weeks just watching, not fishing, and talking to the many veterans of the area. His research led him to some excellent holes, some unique knowledge about tides and seasons, and even some casting and baiting techniques.
Recently, after an all-night fish fest, he pulled up an 80-pound tarpon, lucky enough to fight it to the beach area without a netting partner -- something he feels is essential on the rocky jetties. And he pulled in some redfish that were 40 inches and longer, all pre-snook season, which reopened Feb. 1.
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080217/SPORTS05/802170322/1002/SPORTS
Fishing Spot Closes in Hemet, CA
HEMET - On a clear day, the trout are biting on Berkley PowerBait, the view beyond huge eucalyptus trees is of snow-capped mountains and crowing roosters break the silence at a fishing hole known as Angler's Little Lake.
The fishermen call each other by first name and they have their usual spots along the shore. Most haven't heard that this popular retreat is closing May 1, but Ralph Wynn Sr., who estimates he has been fishing here for 35 years, is trying to get the word out.
The 5-acre lake on Thornton Avenue west of Lake Street has been a fishing spot for decades, but its main purpose is as an agricultural-water holding pond. It supplies citrus groves in the east San Jacinto Valley served by Lake Hemet Municipal Water District.
http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_H_hangler17.4219d5b.html
The fishermen call each other by first name and they have their usual spots along the shore. Most haven't heard that this popular retreat is closing May 1, but Ralph Wynn Sr., who estimates he has been fishing here for 35 years, is trying to get the word out.
The 5-acre lake on Thornton Avenue west of Lake Street has been a fishing spot for decades, but its main purpose is as an agricultural-water holding pond. It supplies citrus groves in the east San Jacinto Valley served by Lake Hemet Municipal Water District.
http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_H_hangler17.4219d5b.html
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