For a fanatical angler nothing beats a fishing vacation, only you, your quarry and the elements for the term of your holiday. There is no need to consider the rest of your family as you disappear early in the morning as they will be safe at home while you enjoy your sport without distraction.

There are many popular destinations with Alaska and Montana providing excellent fishing. However for a truly wonderful experience nothing can be better than a fishing vacation in Scotland. Both seawater and fresh water fishing is incredible and the surroundings are always spectacular. I fish in the Hebrides of Scotland where the waters are the cleanest I have witnessed anywhere and the fish are the healthiest. Salmon fishing is, of course, the most popular with most anglers choosing fly fishing over other methods (I often see a lone angler fishing one of the small rivers on my way to Stornoway, the main town on the Isle of Lewis). Sea trout can offer excellent fishing fun but for a more relaxing fish try for the brown trout which can be found in many lochs across the Hebrides islands. The Hebrides also have a number of fisheries that offer the Arctic char for fishing. Read the rest of this entry »

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Are you in the process of planning a fishing trip to Alaska? If you are, you may need to make reservations at an Alaska fishing lodge. When preparing to do so, you will see that you have an unlimited number of options.

As nice as it is to have options, when looking to book a stay at an Alaska fishing lodge, a number of choices may complicate your decision. To ensure that you choose the Alaska fishing lodge that is perfect for your next fishing trip, there are a number of important factors that you will want to take into consideration. One of those factors is location. By choosing an Alaska fishing lodge that is located near your intended fishing destinations you are able to save time and money by eliminating unnecessary travel.

Features should also be taken into consideration, when examining available Alaska fishing lodges. Although you will likely spend a good portion of your trip fishing, features of a fishing lodge are still important. Would you like to have access to a full kitchen, a laundry room? How about television, radio or internet? Will the lodge clean, fillet, and pack your catch? Alaska fishing lodge features should play an important role in the selection process.

Cost is another one of the many factors that you will want to take into consideration, when looking to choose an Alaska fishing lodge to vacation at. You will want to book a stay at an Alaska fishing lodge that is affordably priced. When examining costs, it is also important to keep quality in mind. Larger fishing lodges, as well as those that provide you with more features, services, and amenities are likely to be higher in price. With that in mind, these rental fees are always worth their costs.

The above mentioned points are ones that can help you find and choose the Alaska fishing lodge of your dreams. As a reminder, you will have a number of rental options. By taking the time to examine a number of these options, you are likely to increase your chances of finding the perfect rental for you.

Adam Thompson is the owner of Thompson Outdoor Supply, your source for outdoor gear.

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The Atlantic Salmon suffered greatly from the effects of pollution and towards the end of the Twentieth Century the rivers that flow into the North Atlantic began to see the return of this valuable fish. Due to the rigorous enforcement of environmental legislation the rivers of Western Europe began to clear of the oxygen eating pollutants and they could, once again, sustain life. Conservation groups, environmentalists and anglers have all contributed to further measure to ensure the conservation of the Atlantic Salmon.

In 1983 NASCO (North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization), based in Edinburgh, Scotland, was set up with the sole purpose of protecting the Atlantic salmon and it’s environment. Although there have been massive improvements and many projects this incredible fish is still under threat. Diseases such as viral haemorrhagic septicaemia and the effects of fish farming continue to threaten stocks.

Catch & Release

Salmon fishing is extremely popular, the sport, and subsequent tourism, is a vital to countries such as Ireland and Scotland. Anglers have always had a deep respect for the fish they catch and they are acutely aware of the need for the conservation of fish stocks. With the stocks of spring salmon across the North Atlantic range being at an all time low it is vital that all possible measures are taken to ensure that sufficient salmon survive to spawn to maintain the species.

Many rivers are now protected by measures such as mandatory catch and release for both salmon and sea trout but many anglers understand that it necessary to practice catch and release on a much greater scale than previous years. However the practice of catch and release of returning spring fish and grilse, although on the increase, is not sufficient to ensure an increase in the survival rate to the stage if spawning. To ensure that a fish, once released, is able to survive to spawning it will be necessary for all anglers to adapt their styles of fishing.

A close examination of fishing tackle and equipment is required. Those anglers fly fishing for Atlantic salmon should ensure that they are only using barbless hooks and all barbed hooks, lures or flies, should be destroyed. Removing a barbed hook is far more difficult, and more harmful to the fish, than removing a barbless hook.

All hooks must be removed from from the fish with extreme care and consideration. Although fish can survive with the hook attached it benefits greatly from it’s removal. Rather than removing the fish from the water immediately attempt to remove the hook first. If you really must remove it from the water make sure your hands are wet and handle with care to ensure minimal scale loss and stress. Supporting the fish from beneath gently remove the hook by hand, if this isn’t possible use long nosed pliers or forceps, if it still refuses to budge cut the leader as close to the hook as you can. At all times take care to avoid the area around the gills and do not hold it so tightly as to cause damage.

Next you must return your prized Atlantic salmon to the water, place it gently into the water so that it is facing the current and support it until it recovers and is able to swim away. If you have a fish that has been heavily damaged you should not return it to the water but you should check that there are no local rules or statutory regulations which restrict you from retaining Atlantic salmon or Sea trout.

Further Considerations

There are a few other things that can be done, by the angler, to increase the chances of salmon surviving and spawning. Atlantic salmon are notoriously good fun to catch but take care not to play the fish for too long, if exhausted it will be less able to fully recover. You can also try to move it from fast flowing water as early as possible.

Try to keep the salmon in water at all times as any exposure to air is harmful and make sure you use a large landing net of good quality that uses knotless mesh.

Following the above recommendations will help in the fight against the decrease of Atlantic salmon stocks.

Andrew Kelly has lived in the Hebrides of Scotland for 16 years. Initially concentrating on accommodation in the Hebrides he began writing for the Internet he began writing about vacations in Scotland in general and has now published tens of thousands of pages and articles across many popular sites.

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Lake Erie is one of the largest U.S. lakes, and Lake Erie fishing charters is one of the best ways to experience it. It does not matter if you are a life long fisherman, new to the sport, or never held a rod; heading out on the waters with a Lake Erie fishing charter will be a fun filled fishing adventure.

Because Lake Erie is so large, you can choose from a number of spots to fish. From the edge of Michigan to the boarder of Canada, and throughout Northern Ohio you can find places to head into the water. Wherever you decide to head into the water at, you can jump on a Lake Erie fishing charter and do a little drift and casting, or trolling for some trophy walleye. A fishing charter will not only help you get some good walleye, but you can also fish for perch and smallmouth bass. Like most other charter companies, a Lake Erie fishing charter will be run by an experienced fisherman who knows the Lake Erie waters. He will know the best places to catch the fish you are looking for, the best time of day to go fishing, and he will be able to offer some sound advice on how to catch some great Lake Erie fish.

One of the great things about a Lake Erie fishing charter is you can rent one for the day for yourself if you need some rest and relaxation, or you can take a few friends and have an adventure together. Also, Lake Erie fishing charters are great for families. In a day when everything is high-tech, and high speed, it is good to just get away and back to nature, and what a better way to get back to nature than to go fishing. What a great way to spend family time, fishing out on a boat on Lake Erie. A fishing charter can provide a nice quiet setting, encompassed by beautiful lake surroundings. It’s a great place to catch up on life, and make some memories that will last a lifetime.

Whatever your reason, renting a Lake Erie fishing charter is a great opportunity to have some fun, catch some fish, and enjoy and experience like none other. You can get great fishing tips, learn new things, and generally have a wonderful fishing experience. For more information you can contact local fishing charters, and find out whatever you need to make your next Lake Erie fishing trip an amazing adventure. For any season, or any reason, enjoy a Lake Erie fishing charter.

By: Eliseo

Eliseo is an avid fishing guy. For more fishing info visit www.charasfishinginfo.com

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Iowa Outdoors has a story about a new aeration system at Rice Lake whichi has been helping provide more consistent fishing in the area.  here is an excerpt of the story here

Although the DNR conducts annual maintenance stockings of northern pike into Rice Lake, the initial source of this fall’s walleye fest remains a mystery. DNR fisheries personnel are quick to note that Rice Lake has no official status as an Iowa walleye fishery. And although the lake has yielded several impressive limits of walleyes during late October, the fish should merely be regarded by anglers as a “pleasant bonus” says DNR fisheries technician, Scott Grummer.

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