Memories Are Made Of This

MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS

Having to spend some time in hospital recently followed by a lengthy convalescence at home did very little for my fanatical passion for fishing. Unable to walk very far, much less hold a rod or even contemplate fighting a fish made me realize how much I enjoyed my sport, even relied on it to keep me sane in a world that seemed to be going mad. Determined to do something, anything, to keep me in touch with the world of fishing, I quickly sorted out my pile of magazines and decided to read them through all over again. Now this was to be quite a daunting task, because I have purchased just about every copy of every magazine ever produced that deals with fishing, and some of the magazines go back to the mid 1970's!

Digging deep into the bottom of the wardrobe unearthed a huge pile of reading material, but tucked away in amongst the various copies of magazines that advertised 18'6 boats for just $8000, complete with 90 hp motors that looked absolutely prehistoric, I came across my earliest fishing diaries. No ordinary diaries these, at least not by today's standards. These were written into exercise books, and while the details as to weather conditions, tide times and so on were all there, these entries were each written on the actual day of the trip, and brought back some fabulous memories of years gone by, of places fished and long forgotten, and of good times and not so good times, when petrol was cheap, and $20 bought enough fuel to travel a long way either by boat or by car, and a weekend away was expensive if it cost more than say $30. As I leafed through the pages, memories came flooding back as if it was just yesterday that we had gone fishing. Here was the day where Pete lost a rod over the side when a massive samson had decided to gather a souvenir from us....... we had taken the boat out to a reefy area where we had caught a few snapper the previous week, and when we eventually found the lump we watched as the stylus scratched the story of good fish concentrations on the sounder paper.

Anchoring up and starting a berley trail didn't take long, and the first baits to hit the bottom saw us fighting a reasonable fish each. These turned out to be snapper, about 4kgs each, but the next time the lines went down it was a different story altogether. This time the baits didn't get to the bottom at all, and while mine broke off on the reef, Pete slugged it out with what turned out to be a samson in the xos range. In the meantime we had cast our floating baits out the back of the boat, and as Pete was lowering fresh bait to the bottom his floater went off in a big way. He immediately put the bottom rod into a holder, and tightened the drag to prevent the line going any further and hurriedly picked up the floater which was losing line at an alarming rate. He struck hard, and soon had the fish under control, but then the rod he had left with a bait halfway to the bottom suddenly started to buck and jig, and with the drag tightened up something had to give, and it did! The rod broke in two with a sound like a 12 gauge going off, and Pete turned round just in time to see rod and reel going over the side. The day was not a complete disaster however, because we returned to the marina that afternoon with four big snapper, best 9kg, two reasonable blackarse cod and several samson fish to 15kg this of course was in the days when several cats and their owners enjoyed a feed of samson fish. As the pages turned, these trips from long ago came flooding back, evoking many a chuckle as I relived those halcyon days when fishing became such a passion and a pleasure.

The entry for August 4th 1984 is worth reading here in full.
Location : About 85 degrees off the water tower, 21/2 miles from shore, in a depth of about 20m, rising to 12m Weather (actual) S/SE winds at 5-10 knots. Low swell smooth seas Weather (forecast) Strong wind warning ENE at 20-25knots-this never even looked like happening!

REPORT
After dodging about a bit we found a lump coming up out of 20m, so we dropped anchor and fired up the berley bucket with the new mix of minced mulies, bread, chicken oil and pellets, This dispersed in a good cloud, pellets sinking to the bottom while the oil and bread caused a good surface slick.. First cast and Pete got a nice snapper, followed by a small Jewie which was returned to the water. Then it started - the berley must have stirred up a school of snapper, because we were getting hookups on every cast. The bottom rods never got touched, although when wound in mine had a big squid hanging on to it, and later on Pete got entangled with a humungous cuttlefish. In the meantime every mulie cast out the back was getting eaten by snapper. We tried fishing light lines and small baits and found that underneath the snapper were some big hungry skippy, ranging from 1/2 to 1kg, but we didn't keep many because of all the snapper we had caught. These were all reasonable fish with the biggest weighing just under 8kg while the smallest we kept would be just 4kg. Bonito turned up as well, and we switched to lures, accounting for about eight or so, keeping two and releasing the rest. Total catch. 28 Snapper(kept 12) 1 dhufish(released)18 skippy (most released)1 squid, 1 cuttlefish and a harlequin. Back home by 5pm, strong wind warning still on the radio but no breeze at all as I write this at 915pm. What a magic day About the only thing left out was that we had actually targeted samson fish for that day, but none came around and the other surprising thing was the lack of stingrays which are prevalent in that area.

A fishing logbook should tell a story, not just the bald facts of the day. Another way of keeping information is to cut out and keep the fishing columns from the local press and that way you can readily refer to any week of the year at a later date, and compare your own experiences with those published. It is surprising how often a pattern will emerge so that at certain times of the year you can plan to fish area x, and be reasonably certain that a certain species should be in that area at that time of the year. This strategy is used by most keen fisher folk of my acquaintance, particularly those who fish out deep for the pelagics, but it is of equal value for the Mulloway fisherman that haunts the river and consistently get good results.

Some of the entries in my old log books are worth sharing, not because we made fantastic catches all the time, but because they provide information, such as the day we went out looking for the twelve mile reef - set off today to look for the 12 mile, and took a course of 275 - 280 degrees off the sand patch. The weather was good, long rolling swells but hardly any chop on the water. After what seemed like an eternity we finally got into about 40m of water. The bearings we were given could not have been too accurate because we eventually found ground in 42m coming up in places to 33/34m so we assumed we had actually found the 12 mile reef. A couple of drifts only produced somesergeant bakers, but then Frank got monstered in a big way. If we had been up north I would have called it for a spaniard. The fish just didn't want to give up, and Frank was in all sorts of trouble with his reel (the reel in question was an old Penn 4/0, not the high speed version), but he managed to get the beast under some sort of control and brought it boat side. A huge samson, it must have weighed close to 50lbs, but before we could gaff it the leader broke, and the last we saw of it was fining down ever so slowly. Too big for the icebox anyway. We anchored up and berleyed for a while but apart from the inevitable skippy and bakers we didn't get anything else. When the wind came up at about midday we decided to call it a day, and headed home. I seem to remember that the journey home was a very wet and windy one, and neither of us were impressed because in those days the 12 mile reef was one of those places where the fish were so thick they would take a bare hook, or so the story went, and we had seen for ourselves some of the dhufish and snapper that club mates had caught from that area in the past.

It must be remembered that in those days all navigation was done by line of sight and multiple compass bearings, GPS was not even a gleam in its inventors eye, and the ability to consistently catch fish depended a great deal on navigation skills, and returning to port was the same - the coastal landmarks have changed so much in the last few years that it would be difficult if not impossible to return to some of the spots we used then and returning to the marina at night would be a difficult exercise without the benefit of GPS. The leading lights at the marina are almost impossible to see against the background of twinkling street and house lights at nighttime, although it has to be said that we are fortunate to have fantastic leads in to another marina not too far up the coast, which makes it the preferred launching spot for night fishing sorties. Another entry in the diary for 1985 mentions this fact, when we were returning from a fishing trip out to Direction Bank and returned a little later than usual - as night began to fall we were confronted with a whole mass of twinkling lights along the shoreline, and it was not until we were in about 30m (depth) that we could distinguish the leads -fortunately we weren't far off course and got back to the marina with no drama. This entry brought back memories of the first time we ever went out at night, and found out that dhufish really do hunt in the dark! And that early morning dinghy fishermen without lights are hell bent on committing suicide as they come out at full throttle and forget they can't be seen because they are so low in the water and then take umbrage because you are returning along their course, and they forget that 12 - 14 ft tinnies don't win arguments with 18'6 and 1 ton of fiberglass boats traveling at 20 knots.

As I leafed through the pages of these old journals one thing that stood out was that over the years we had consistently pushed further out to sea, and inshore grounds were left alone, yet now with soaring fuel prices putting a brake on long range fishing activity, could it be that the old inshore grounds would have regenerated sufficiently to once again sustain angling pressure? Some months later I determined to find out, and set off early one morning to try and find some of the old spots that we had fished all those years ago. Landmarks had changed of course, where once there was a track in the sand dunes there was now a suburban road - but an old water tower was still standing, and the wreck hadn't moved, (although it seemed to have shrunk a bit,) and before long the outline of the bottom seemed to take on a familiar shape and right on cue out of the depths rose a pinnacle to within 10m of the surface. Quickly marking its position on the GPS we worked out a drift line then set the anchor so that we would come to rest close to the top of the reef. Berley working, lines out, coffee on the go - perfect, just like the old days..... And just like the old days a reel began to sing, and a rod to bend, and before long a small but legal snapper lay in the icebox. He was joined in due course by a nice King George Whiting, and several other species of fish including a rather pretty harlequin fish of brag about proportions. All too soon the sea breeze made fishing uncomfortable, and what the heck we had a good feed of fish anyway, and being so close to home we could even get a glimpse at the footy on the telly with a bit of luck. The fuel pump told the story best of all however, instead of pumping $60 or more into the tank, we only had to find $23.50 between us.

Without reading the old logbooks that trip would not have happened, nor would subsequent trips which still proved worthwhile in dollars spent and fish caught. Best of all though it meant that the inshore ground that everyone passed over on their way out there were still in pretty good shape, and if fished carefully would last maybe another 10 or 15 or 20 years, providing my kids and their kids with some of the joy that I have had, fishing from my boat. Yes there are lots of good reasons for keeping a logbook / diary, but best of all when you are old and gray you can look back on those good/ bad days and tell stories to those who will listen about the days when fishing was fishing and the sea was clean and clear, before pollution reared its head and we all got bound up in red tape and bureaucracy was a word you never heard of. Who can tell if the fishing will decline as the experts predict, or maybe if we don't meddle with nature too much things will adjust and we may still have some pretty good fishing to do right here on our doorstep. One thing is for sure though, if you keep a logbook or a diary, you will always have your memories of days well spent, of tight lines, smiles of happiness and tears of frustration. but best of all it will help keep you sane in a world that (sometimes) seems to have gone mad.

Author: Hugh McTavish,
http://www.fishingforarecipe.bravehost.com

? Copyright 2005 by Hugh McTavish, all rights reserved worldwide

About the Author

I am an amateur angler who has fished the coast of West Australia for over 20 years, and written some articles which were published in magazines. I also have an e-book at Fishing For A Recipe that has unique fish and other recipes from around the world.

No Debate About Bait: How to Properly Handle Live Bait

The use of live bait is a favorite tactic of fishermen across the range of fishing styles. During the spring you?ll often see fishermen trolling the surface of northern reservoirs for lake trout with shiners or suckers. Live minnows are universally popular for catching trout of all types and in all situations. Live bait use, however, comes with some dangers to the environment and possible legal pitfalls to Fishermen.

The most important thing an angler can do before employing live bait is to know the law of his or her state. Some states are very restrictive in regards to the movement of live fish species as well as plants and animals. The recurring problem in many fisheries is the introduction of non-native species to lakes or streams that end up damaging or destroying sensitive habitats. For example, Ross Reservoir in Montana had to be poisoned after white suckers appeared in the lake. No doubt these were introduced while being used as a bait fish but ended up destroying a wonderful cutthroat trout fishery for years to come. Some fishermen illegally use goldfish, sunfish, perch and other spiny finned fish for bait. The state of Maine expressly forbids this, yet incidents of these illegal practices continue to be recorded.

Horror stories abound, and every state is battling problems with non-native species and diseases. Lampreys and zebra mussels choke the Great Lakes, whirling disease continues to crop up in the western states and some species, such as the Federally threatened Blue Shiner of Alabama, continue to be harvested out of ignorance of the species. Anglers have a responsibility to know the species they will come in contact with and understand how to protect their environment.

Mishandling of live bait is another problem in many fisheries. Though the use of a certain type of minnow or bait may be legal in a lake or stream fishermen are warned not to release the bait from their bait-bucket when the day is done. In some places this can be seen as illegal stocking, an activity that requires a permit. Also, it is best to always dispose of water from the bait-bucket on land, not to pour it out in a lake or on a river bank. This helps prevent the transfer of unwanted diseases and plants from place to place. Where the capture of live bait is permitted in a lake that bait should not be transported overland and used elsewhere unless expressly permitted by a particular state's fishing laws.

North Dakota, for example, passed a law four years ago prohibiting the importation of live bait from out of state without a bait dealer?s license. The threat from nuisance species there includes crawlers, leeches and white suckers to name a few. Even species legal to possess within the state such as fathead minnows can?t be imported from out of state. North Dakota has gone as far as to forbid live bait fishing in 22 lakes in an effort to avoid the introduction of fishery destroying pests like the white sucker. If you want bait in North Dakota, buy it in state and know which lake you?re fishing. If more fishermen are made aware of how to practice good habits with live bait many current problems plaguing our fisheries can be avoided in the future. The responsibility is a collective one and there should be little tolerance for violations of these laws and restrictions.

These guidelines, if followed everywhere, would control many of these problems.

- Know your local regulations regarding live bait use

- Know and recognize threatened species in your waterways

- Don?t transport species from lake to lake

- Empty buckets on land

- Don?t use non-native bait

- Report violations of the law

Remember, if you see trash pick it up and always strive to leave no trace.

Jeffrey Gray, founder of TroutWorld.com, has been helping trout fishermen find their way to new and different fishing venues via the internet since 1999.
www.troutworld.com -- bringing you great deals on gear, trout fishing news, tips, tricks and a world of information.
www.MagnaScreen.com -- The SUV camping solution: Turn your SUV into a tent.

Fishing Tackle Box Organization Catches More Fish

There are all different kinds of fishermen throughout the world. Some have been reeling in the ig one for decades, whereas others can only dream of the day when the ig one bites. Many fishermen like freshwater lakes, some like rivers or streams, and then there are those who prefer the ocean. Regardless of age, experience, or preference, there is one must: the right equipment and an organized tackle box.

Most fishermen have accumulated various lures, tackle, rods, and reels over the years. They have developed favorites, and they certainly have discovered which equipment works best in which conditions. Being prepared with the right equipment to suit the fishing conditions will make or break a fishing trip. One way to prepare yourself as a fisherman is to have an organized tackle box.

Organizing all of your gear, especially what is located in your tackle box, has many advantages. Some of these include:

1. Quick lure exchange. Whether you are in the middle of a tournament or just enjoying a Saturday afternoon, no one likes wasting time changing their lures. With a tackle box that is organized you are bound to spend more time with your line in the water.

2. Many fishermen don't fish in the same fishing spot every time they go out. In fact, some may fish in the ocean one day and on the lake the next. If your gear is organized according to what conditions you will be fishing in, you will most likely have a more successful trip. Better yet, organize two different tackle boxes; one for freshwater fishing and the other for saltwater fishing.

3. No tangled lures! That is the worst; you get out onto the water and are all set to go, only to find that all of your lures are tangled into a huge mess. You end up spending half of your time fixing the jumbled mess. By using a tackle box that is designed to separate lures and keep them from tangling with other lures you are going to save yourself a lot of time.

If you haven't yet bought a tackle box, or are looking into an upgrade for better organizational benefits, consider these aspects before buying:

1. Durability. You definitely don't want your nicely organized tackle box falling apart on you. Pick a strong plastic or a metal that won't rust. Fishing is not for pansies, your tackle box shouldn't be built like one either.

2. Is it waterproof and watertight? Most tackle boxes are made of material that is waterproof, but can water still creep inside through the cracks? This could form mold on your expensive equipment if there is not adequate ventilation. Some boxes come with removable parts to air out wet lures and remove any water that snuck in.

3. The size and function of your tackle box should largely depend on your intended use. Tournament fishermen need to have quick access to different lures and a fairly light box. The same goes for shore fishermen; they have to carry their tackle box to the shore, so it would make sense to consider weight when purchasing a new tackle box. On the other hand, many fishermen use the same boat and prefer to store their tackle box on board. In this case, they can afford to have a bit more weight in exchange for extra storage or waterproofing features.

4. It is always nice to have a little extra space for gear other than lures, weights, etc. A compartment for a pair of pliers (with quick access) is a plus. Some tackle boxes even come with a spot for a flashlight; always handy when fishing at dawn or dusk.

There are many things to think about and prepare before any fishing trip. An organized tackle box will ensure arriving on the water with the right equipment every time!

About the Author

John Packer is an avid fisherman and recommends GoFishin.com for all your fishing tackle needs based on their wide selection, super discount prices, and great service. Sign up for the newsletter and get weekly specials on fishing poles and various fishing equipment to fill up your tackle box.

San Francisco City Guide: Fun For Young And Old

San Francisco is one of the greatest cities in the United States. It is a wonderful place to visit and somewhere that both young and old can enjoy. In fact if you are planning to take a trip to San Francisco then this article is for you. It has tons of great day trips and activities that everyone can enjoy.

Try some cultural activities In fact, the very museums that fascinate youngsters have lessons to teach their older visitors as well. Art is a common language among us all and the entertainment that can be found in this great city from opera, symphonies, concerts, plays, and musicals, to street entertainment are both top notch and appealing to people from all sorts of backgrounds and circumstances.

Learn About Diversity The diversity of this great city is as much a part of its appeal as are the attractions that are designed to bring in visitors. Perhaps one of the most attractive draws to this city for older audiences is the significant history of this city and its people. There are many places-museums and galleries, where you can learn about the history and tragedies that this city has endured, overcome, and now celebrate as part of its heritage.

The cultural diversity that this city offers is also a large draw to older populations. From the Asian history and culture, to the Latin history and culture, to the African American this city celebrates it all. I think that is my favorite thing about this city. It celebrates the good and the bad of its history side by side. Not many places on earth can do that, much less do it as effectively as San Francisco does.

Take a tour In addition to all of these things, which are quite appealing in and of themselves, San Francisco has the trolley tours, Alcatraz Island tours, the Presidio, The conservatory of flowers at Golden Gate Park, Wine Tasting and winery tours, concerts and cultural events, plays and musicals, as well as Thoroughbred racing at Golden Gate Fields.

There are so many activities that are available in San Francisco that it is quite difficult to narrow them down to what you can actually do in the span of a few days. If you want to feel young again take a tour of Pier 39 at Fisherman's Wharf. Try taking a tour of Filoli Estates in order to see how the other half live. If you are feeling particularly playful head out for a day at the Exploratorium, this great place isn't only for kids.

Hearst castle is a great spot You can also take a tour of Hearst Castle. This castle was the dream home of William Randolph Hearst, and whose dream wouldn't it be? With 165 rooms and 127 acres to examine this tour could be an excellent way to spend the day. One feature of the tour that will be sure to please is the film Hearst Castle-Building the Dream that tells a little more about the man and his castle.

What about old faithful Another really neat attraction for more mature audiences is the Old Faithful Geyser of California. This is a little off the beaten path as it is located around an hour and a half north of the city but if you like nature and serenity it is worth a detour.

Train Tours If you like nature you may want to try one of the train tours offered by Roaring Camp Railroads, or both. There are two different tours offered you will want to be sure to check for times. Also keep in mind that during the month of December there is a special Holiday Train Lights Train and reservations must be made in advance for that special ride.

It is easy to see that there are a whole host of activities and fun things to do in San Francisco. Remember that just because something might appeal to a younger crowd the older crowd should not rule it out automatically. Sometimes as an adult it can be lot of fun to take part in the activities of the younger generation. It can spark wonderful memories and feelings of happiness. The most important thing in planning your trip and thinking about activities is to find things that you will enjoy. With a city as large as San Francisco there is something that can spark fun for everyone.

Looking for more fun activities and interesting facts about San Francisco? Check out San Francisco City Guide and Travel info for more great travel information. For other city guides go to the main site at Best City Guides.