Bass Fishing Bartlett

This video from Myfishingchannel is a little choppy, but features two anglers fishing Bartlett Lake with live target lures. They caught and released around 40 bass!

What Hiking Equipment Do You Need As A Beginner?

Author: Simply Hike

As with all hobbies, there is some initial outlay required in getting started with hiking. The array of products on offer can appear bewildering to a beginner, so here is a list to help sift the essentials from the luxuries.

Safety

A map and compass will help you remain en route. If you are using paper maps, take a waterproof map case for them. Berghaus and Sea To Summit both make excellent map cases which allow you to use your map in the rain without the map becoming damaged. For the modern hiker, a Satmap Active 10 Plus World Map GPS handset is a sturdy and lightweight alternative.

Sun protection: Sunscreen, a good hat such as the North Face Horizon, and UPF-treated clothing such as the Berghaus Pacific shirt combine to protect you from the elements.

A torch or headlamp: The Petzl Tikka 2 allows you to move hands-free, and the powerful light from the Lifesystems Intensity 210 VF LED torch will help you to attract help if you encounter any difficulty.

A First Aid Kit: Lifesystems and Adventure Medical Kits both produce excellent, ready-prepared kits. At the bare minimum we would recommend either the Lifesystems Explorer or Adventure Medical Kits Light and Fast Personal First Aid Kit, but if you will be gone for several days consider a larger, more diverse kit such as the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Weekender First Aid Kit.

Other safety equipment: Matches or a lighter, and some Light My Fire Tinder Sticks. A good knife or multitool such as the Victorinox Huntsman or Leatherman Squirt.

Additional food, water, and clothing. Pack plenty of water above all else.

Health and Comfort

Good hiking boots will support your ankles, absorb shock, provide grip, and help maintain your posture. The Berghaus Explorer Trek GTX Walking Boot is perfect for general hiking on most surfaces and contains GoreTex to keep your feet dry even in the rain. If you are venturing into hilly or mountainous terrain, however, you need a firmer boot. We recommend the Berghaus Explorer Ridge Walking Boot. Boots should be approximately one full size larger than your shoes.

Walking socks are thicker and more durable than regular wear socks and will make sure that your foot is cushioned and fits your boot snugly. With regular socks the danger of slipping inside your boots is high, which could lead to an accident or even an injury. Select socks which suit the weather – from the SmartWool Light Crew Sock for summer through to the SmartWool Heavy Crew Sock for winter.

A rucksack is essential for carrying everything you wish to take with you. For light trekking, we suggest the Berghaus Freeflow 25 Rucksack, but if you are also carrying camping gear then you will need a larger bag. Try the Berghaus C7 Pro 70 Plus 10 Rucksack, ergonomically designed and with excellent weight distribution measures built in.

A pair of Vango Deluxe Walking Poles will help you remain balanced, keep your spine protected, and absorb shock from your travels to keep you hiking all day.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/outdoor-sports-articles/what-hiking-equipment-do-you-need-as-a-beginner-2917967.html

About the Author

Article by Simply Hike

Simply Hike are a UK-based online shop selling camping gear, hiking equipment and outdoor accessories. Stocking everything you need in preparation for the great outdoors.

A Few Little Known Secrets About Crappie To Help You Catch Them

Author: Daniel Eggertsen

Crappie, known scientifically as Pomoxis Rafinesque, are members of the sunfish family. Crappie are only found in freshwater. However, do not let this fool you, Crappie can be found in large lakes, ponds, rivers, and pretty much any other body of water where cover is available. Crappie actually come in two species, though most fisherman do not take the time to decipher the difference.

There are black Crappie and the white Crappie. While there is little difference in the way they are caught or taste, knowing the difference may help you in various future situations.

You will be able to tell the difference of the black and white crappie by noticing the color or dorsal fins. Black crappie have seven or eight dorsal fins, and irregular spotting patterns. White crappie have six dorsal fins, and their spotting patterns are usually arranged in vertical patterns.

Black Crappie flourish in cool, slow moving waters. They can typically be found in large lakes and rivers. White Crappie prefer warmer water, and are not as fussy about whether or not the water is clear or slow moving.

Daily Feeding Patterns

Crappie have very diversified diets. An adult crappie will feed on insects, microscopic crustaceans, and young fish. The young fish they feed on are also the fish that, as adults, will also feed on crappie.

Crappie tend to be much less active during the day. They keep primarily to cover such as submerged objects, wooded areas, and weed beds. At dusk and night, crappie are more active, feeding in more open, deeper waters.

Crappie is a Popular Game Fish

Crappie are often considered to be one of the most popular game fish. Perhaps this is because the nature of the crappie, which allows pretty much anyone to fish for crappie, no matter their age or disability.

Another reason Crappie are so popular is the great taste of Crappie. Crappie meat is a flaky, white mean that can be cooked a number of ways. Once a Crappie is caught and filleted, the fillets can be baked, battered, friend, or broiled. At fishing camps, a Crappie can be thrown on the fire whole, cooked, and then peeled. Once the meat is cooked, it is easy to remove the skin and bones.

The most popular way of cooking Crappie, especially in the south, is battering and frying. Pre-made fish batters are available at your local market or grocery store. If you are feeling a little creative, or are in the mood for something a little different, you may want to consider making your own batter. Even if you have never done this before, you will find it is much easier then it sounds. Many traditional batter recipes are available online or in cookbooks. Use these traditional recipes as a backbone, while adding you own flare. Feel free to experiment with different things. Who knows, you may even create a batter that will be considered a “traditional” batter in the future.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/a-few-little-known-secrets-about-crappie-to-help-you-catch-them-101673.html

About the Author

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is commited to providing the best crappie fishing information possible. Get more information on crappie fishing here: http://www.askcrappiefishing.com

Determining the Best Bass Fishing Lures

Author: Escalure Fishing Tackle

 

Keep in mind that just going to a tackle shop and asking the clerk is not the best way to choose a lure. You need to assess the spot you are fishing and know the water type, temperature, weed beds, native aquatic life and such. Using a plastic leech where leeches are not native is not going to produce.

Top water “surface” lures

These are the ones that stay on top of the water and you can actually see a strike. Some look like minnows or baitfish while others may resemble insects or bugs. Some may make noise or just mimic a swimming prey.

Spinner baits

These lures are designed to be cast and retrieved at a moderate speed. Metal blades attached to it spin and attract the bass on a visual level.

Soft plastics

This is probably the widest category of bass fishing lure anywhere. These can be made to look like worms, lizards, snakes or even small bait fish. The vast color selection is unbelievable. Soft plastics can be bought Texas rigged (with hooks already in them) or plain (no hooks).

Swim baits

Swim baits are soft plastic bass fishing lures that are designed to look like small prey fish. Most have tails that “wave” as they are retrieved. Usually, swimmers are retrieved like plugs; either at a steady pace or brought to a full stop, then retrieved again at a high speed.

Spoons

Spoon lures look like the inside of a spoon, hence the name. They are metal, have a color side and a plain, shiny side. As a spoon is retrieved, it spins and attracts the bass visually.

Jigs

This is a simple one, folks. Jigs are weighted hooks that are normally combined with a soft plastic worm. The weight causes the hook to fall to the bottom, so the angler needs to jerk, or jig, the rod tip to make it move. Done properly, it will resemble an injured prey fish. Most of the time, bass hit these on the fall. This is a particularly deadly bass fishing lure choice.

Plugs

Plugs are also known as crankbaits. Typically made of either wood or hard plastic, they are designed to move in a specific way. Some will resemble small fish or other prey attractive to bass. These are classified as floaters, shallow divers or deep divers. I think you can figure out what those terms mean without too much discussion, right?

In theory, any lure can produce fish, given the proper conditions and lure selection. Bass are especially territorial and aggressive, so will attack just about any thing that moves through the water near them. This is especially true of things that look like a meal to them. The best advice is to make your bass fishing lure look like a tasty treat and you will eat fish for dinner that evening!

Catch More Bass With the Right Lure

Bass fishing has grown in popularity, both within the amateur and professional or competitive fields. To become a successful bass fisher, you must learn which bass fishing lures are appropriate. These bass fishing lures will vary depending on whether it is a morning or an evening fishing trip, the area, the body of water and the water depth. Below are a few suggestions regarding the bass fishing lures that are available and the best ways to use each lure.

One of the most interesting bass fishing lures is crank bait. Crank lures imitate an injured or weak fish through using slow movements. They can be used on top of the water or as a sinking lure. They also provide a cranking noise which the bass often finds intriguing and attractive.

Jigs are a heavier bait with a lead head and usually a single hook. They are very versatile because they are useful in cloudy AND clear water types and can be used during all times of the day. The jig is most effective when the water temp is less than 60 degrees.

Spinner baits have a large, spinning, metal fin that agitates the fish. This causes the fish to attack the lure. These bass fishing lures can be used anytime and are especially effective when the bass are spawning because during that time they are less interested in finding food.

Vibrating lures are made of plastic or metal that vibrates. They easily sink to the bottom of even deep waters. There are a wide range of bass fishing lures that can be considered vibrating lures, such as tail spinners. Tail spinners are metal baits that have a small spinning tail that lure the bass. These fishing lures are best used near tree stumps, watery beds of grass, logs, near deep water or near river currents.

Rubber worms are less annoying than lively worms, but some anglers find them to be less effective. To most get the most out of your rubber worm you should add a weight to the lure to cause the bait to sink to the bottom, then slowly reel the lure back in.

Grubs are very attractive to bass. They have a soft body with a hook attached to a head of a jig. It is the perfect bass fishing lure to use when there is insufficient cover in a highland body of water. They are also most useful in deep, clear bodies of water so that bass can see there color patterns.

Poppers can be an effective lure for bass, but are not as versatile as others.They are most useful only during the summer months and can only be used on top of the water. When you slowly reel these lures in, they create a popping motion on top of the water.

Docile, hard to catch bass is a problem that can be solved with tube jigs. These bass-specific lures work best with a spinning reel on a medium to medium-light action fishing rod.

The Many Types Fishing Lures – How They Are Different

There are so many different lure types today it’s hard to keep track of them all. This article is written with the intention of listing as many available lure types as possible while keeping it simple. Therefore even though lots of types will be listed, only three categories of lures will be talked about in more detail.

Fishing lures are usually put into categories based on how they work, or on their physically defining features. Some of the categories of fishing lures available today are surface baits, spoons, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits. There are also jerkbaits, crankbaits, and soft-bodied rigs.

Surface baits are obviously lures that will float on top of the water. When a fish hits one of these lures it makes a great show and really gets the adrenaline going. So much so that most anglers try to set the hook right away, when hesitating for a second or two is the proper way to ensure the fish has the bait.

Some well known lures that fall under the category of surface baits are the Hula Popper, Jitterbug, buzz baits, darters, and prop baits. All these different subcategories have their own unique characteristics providing varying levels of movement and noise on the water’s surface.

A spoon is just an elongated chunk of metal, usually in the vague shape on an ellipse, having a treble hook on the end. Most have one side painted with various color schemes, while the other side is just the bare shiny metal.

Spoons are commonly used on pike and bass and are used with either long casts or by trolling a boat along the shoreline. Spoons that are known by a great deal of anglers include the Red Daredevil, Five of Diamonds, and Little Cleo brand spoons.

Lastly is the category of lures known as spinnerbaits. These baits range in size and color like most lures do, but they have a spinning blade just behind the eyelet, a bell shaped body, and a treble hook which sometimes includes a bit of fur as added enticement.

The speed of a spinnerbait’s blade is dependent on the rate of the retrieve. This rate will need to be changed depending on the particular lure being used and type of fish being sought.

Familiar lures from this category include both the Rapala and Panther Martin brand spinnerbaits, as well as the Blue Fox Vibrax Spinning Minnow. All are very successful spinnerbaits to use.

Although every type of lure couldn’t be discussed, the knowledge provided in this article regarding the surface, spoon, and spinnerbait lure types should provide anyone with a place to start.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fishing-articles/determining-the-best-bass-fishing-lures-3896331.html

About the Author

We provide ESCA LURES offering quality items at prices far cheaper than the high street. Every item is carefully packaged using the latest technology to ensure safe shipment to you. Enjoy your visit!

http://www.escalure.co.uk

Buying Guide | Wakeboards

Author: WaterOutfitters

Wakeboard Selection

Ability

Beginners

• It is recommended for beginners to select a square railed board. The reason for such a recommendation is that square railed boards provide beginner riders with greater control and stability for long sweeping cuts outside of the wake.
• Square railed boards tend to be less expensive, thus lowering the cost to get into the sport and learn the basics.
• Square railed boards while less expensive, are more difficult for landing due to their sharper edges. The less rounded edges make the likelihood of catching an edge greater.

Advanced

• The preferences for most advanced riders are wakeboards with round rails.
• Round rail boards allow for higher speeds and better lift off of jumps.
• Tricks are easier to perform with round rail boards, and are also softer to land on because of a lower likelihood of catching an edge.

Style

• For riders who have backgrounds in surfing or water/snow skiing, you will likely prefer a single tip board. Single-tip board designs have a pointed front and a square back, similar to the design of a surfboard.
• For riders who have backgrounds in skateboarding or snowboarding, you will be more apt to find comfort on a twin tip board. Twin tip boards are rounded in both the front and back, similar to the design of a skateboard or snowboard.

Construction

Materials

• The construction of a wakeboard is similar to the construction of water skis.
• Wakeboards are typically composed of a polyurethane or foam core that is wrapped in fiberglass or fiberglass/graphite composite exterior.
• Fiberglass/graphite is typically found on advanced wakeboards.

Rocker

The rocker of a wakeboard describes the bottom profile of a board. The measure of a wakeboard’s rocker is determined by the angles where the board curves at each end. Wakeboard rockers are classified into one of three major categories: continuous, continuous/progressive, and three-stage.

• Continuous: Offers a predictable performance via a smooth curve from tip to tail. Acceleration is smooth and pop off of the wake is generated comfortably.
• Continuous/Progressive: Have a continuous rocker through the belly of the board with gradual angles around the area of the rider’s feet.
• Three-stage: Designed for enhanced acceleration and aggressive pop off the wake, similar to continuous rockers. Three-stage rockers however have a significant flat area in the middle area of the board, and abrupt kinks or curves under the feet. The board rocker flattens out at the tip and tail.
• Lower Rocker: Have a flat bottom, making the board easier to control and quicker to accelerate.
• Higher Rocker: Have a rounded bottom, making it easier to land jumps

Dimensions

• Generally, wakeboards are manufactured between 120-150 centimeters in length.
• Wakeboards typically come with indicators for the proper size and weight for the rider. If there is concern about whether to select a shorter or longer board, it is best to select the longer board for performance reasons. Shorter boards will not perform is the rider is too large or heavy for it.
• Shorter wakeboards provide less stability when starting and in turns. Therefore, beginners should choose slightly longer boards for learning purposes.
• Widths of wakeboards typically range from 39-43 centimeters and are made in accordance with the length of the board.

Fins

Function

Fins are important to wakeboards because they keep the board traveling in the direction that you point the board in. Additionally, fins prevent the board from rotating freely on the water. This is accomplished by the fin’s use of vertical depth and the shape of the foil of the fin from front to back.

• Wide foils move more water and create drag and lift under your feet.
• Thin foils move less water and allow the fin to guide the board with little resistance.

Depth and Base of Fins

When selecting a fin depth, it is important to consider both the rocker measurement and the fin hole placement of your board.

• A bigger rocker will pull the fin out of the water and compromise the effectiveness of the fin.
• An elongated base will address rocker issues and create a snowy feel to the water. As a result, shallow fins will have more surface area for tracking.

Conditions

• Smaller, thinner fins are the preference for most boarders who are riding in clear, smooth conditions.
• In rough conditions, a larger fin is typically called upon to provide enhanced hold and control in choppy water.

Styles

Ramp style fins are an idea place to start because they are considered to be the most universal. It is a wise idea to invest in a few sets of fins because they can be easily swapped out and create versatility for your board. Fins of different depths and foils offer a variety of different rides.

• For smooth, free-ride conditions, rampy and shallow fins are suitable.
• For rough, choppy conditions, sharper and deeper fins are suitable for additional control and maneuverability.

Bindings

Overlay

The overlay component of wakeboard bindings is the element that provides the majority of the support for your foot. The overlay pulls the toe and heel pieces together to form a snug and secure attachment to the wakeboard. The cut or mold should be thick enough to provide ample support, but not so thick that it prohibits stretching.

• The design of the overlay is to offer ankle support without binding.
• Works effectively by pushing down the rider’s heel. Most new wakeboard bindings utilize adjustable straps, laces, and/or buckles within the overlay to provide the proper support.
• Standard overlay systems are comprised of two overlays that criss-cross in front and behind of the foot. They lock into the hardware around the ankle and fore foot.
• Closures may be a firm plastic with ratchet buckle to lace-up closures connected to rubber or cordura overlay.
• Closure should be cinched enough for consistent, non-binding pressure all around the foot.

Underlay

The underlay component of a wakeboard binding is what makes contact with the top of the rider’s foot, as well as the Achilles tendon. The underlay design of wakeboard bindings designed today is typically made from EVA foam (foam/rubber hybrid) that makes them much lighter.

• An EVA underlay can range from very flexible to very stiff.
• Stiff underlay: Offers better support, but sacrifices comfort and easy-on, easy-off abilities.
• Soft underlay: Offers great comfort, but sacrifices some structure that is typically desired.
• Avoid an underlay that creates areas where pinching occurs on the foot.

Hardware

The function of hardware is to provide support to along the side of the foot, as well as to hold binding pieces together. Typically hardware will be made from metal or nylon materials.

• Ergonomically designed hardware is best for wakeboard bindings because it curves into the arch and out at the toes.
• Heel pieces should be in a position similar to a fitted cup. Offering support around all areas of the heel.
• Hardware should be positioned so that your foot cannot slide on top of any piece. If your foot does, it may cause pain and/or bruising during landings.
• Many companies will offer aftermarket hardware for bindings. A good set of hardware, bolts specifically, will securely lock the baseplates down for security.

Baseplate

A wakeboard binding baseplate is deceptively complex and should be approached in such a manner. You may initially think that it is straightforward, but once you start moving them from board to board, you’ll quickly realize what we mean.

• Baseplates should be strong and stiff as a flexible baseplate is likely to reduce the feel and comfort you need for wakeboarding.
• Baseplates also need to be plenty of stance options. Ideally, you should be able to get within a fraction of an inch of your ideal stance.
• Baseplate strength and stiffness is based on the quality and thickness of its aluminum construction

Footbed

Support and comfort are the ideal characteristics for wakeboard binding footbeds. Chatter of the board as you cross over wake and when you land after catching air can take a toll on a rider’s feet. Proper footbeds are an ideal way of battling this issue.

• The ideal footbed will have some form of traction to prevent your sole from sliding after it gets wet.
• Footbeds that are too soft can be problematic because they do not properly absorb shock. If possible, locate bindings that have a footbed with a dual density foam construction. This will provide a good combination of shock absorption and comfort. Other options are air or gel pockets in the heel.
• The rider’s heel should sit slightly higher to accommodate the ankles and knees, and also have a proper heel cup to secure the foot in place.

Entrance/Adjustment

Easy on-and-off is paramount for many riders when selecting their wakeboard bindings. While it is a great feature to have, it should be considered as just one of the important features to look for. Flexibility, adjustability, and good finger holes are great for easy on-and-off. In the end, it comes down to how you like your bindings to fit.

• If you’re accustomed to using a lot of soap and force to get into your bindings, then you may want to consider a slightly larger or perhaps adjustable binding.
• If you can get in and out of your bindings easily, but the boot appears to be too large, you can tighten the boot around your foot via buckles, straps, ties, and closures.
• Also, the boot can be taken apart so the overlays can be adjusted as well.
• Lastly, keep in mind that wakeboard bindings will break-in over time. If they are snug (not overly snug) at first, they will adjust over time.

Rope Selection

If you are a water skier, that believes the rope you use for water skiing is suitable for all styles of wakeboarding, we recommend that you read on. In some cases, wakeboarding requires a stiffer rope than ropes used for water skiing because it helps a rider’s ability to perform tricks. To select the proper rope, it is imperative to understand that a tighter, stiffer rope that does not stretch is ideal for getting more air. Additionally, such rope characteristics help a rider’s ability to pull through flips and spins.

Types

No-Stretch

• The construction of a no-stretch rope is made from material called Spectra. Spectra Rope is an extremely durable material with practically no elasticity. Meaning that a no-stretch rope will do just that. It will not stretch, making ideal for use in wakeboarding.
• Spectra Rope also has extremely low moisture absorption, providing a perfect compliment to use on the water. It keeps the rope lighter and does not accelerate fatigue while holding on to the rope handle.

Low-Stretch

• The construction of a low stretch rope is generally composed of polyethylene or polyethylene blend material.
• This type of construction provides more elasticity than a no-stretch Spectra rope.
• This type of construction proves beneficial to most recreational riders.

Multi-Purpose

• If you’re a wakeboarder who primarily works on honing your skills performing tricks, a no-stretch Spectra rope is best.
• For those who enjoy both waterskiing and recreational wakeboarding, low-stretch ropes will be the best rope choice. Low-stretch ropes provide enough elasticity for recreational waterskiing, while maintaining enough stiffness for wakeboarders riding for recreational purpose.

Length

• Typical wakeboard ropes will range between 60-70 feet in length. However, rope length can vary.

Handles

• Just as rope type differs between wakeboarding and waterskiing, so do wakeboarding handles.
• Wakeboard handles are more specialized; offering more features aimed at making tricks and aerials easier.
• Wakeboard handles tend to have a wider grip than waterskiing handles. Ranging from 13-15 (in) in width. By comparison, water skiing handles typically measure 11-12 (in) wide.
• Wider grips help riders when performing tricks because of the necessity to pass the handle behind the back.
• Wakeboarding handles will have features that make spin tricks easier. Often in the form of a rope braid or second smaller handle grip built into the rope.
• Wakeboarding handles commonly have a neoprene foam float that makes them float.
• Slower speeds of wakeboarders in comparison to water skiers allow for foam floats to be present on handles without concerns of the water ripping the floats off.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/water-sports-articles/buying-guide-wakeboards-3035757.html

About the Author

http://www.WaterOutfitters.com

Learning To Hike – Ten Top Tips

Author: Simply Hike

1. Bring a mobile phone in case of emergency. If you are in any danger and you find yourself in a situation where you require immediate help, a mobile phone may be your only hope.

2. Use a well marked trail with good quality tracks or paths. Consult an up to date map to double check the route you intend to take: this will be essential if you accidentally get lost or need to alter your route due to inclement weather.

3. Take the appropriate footwear and clothing. Running shoes and trainers will wear quickly and are not suitable for braving steep mountains and rocky terrain. Proper walking boots are essential for longer hikes and appropriate clothing is also important, taking into account the temperature and the weather conditions.

4. Consider becoming a member of a local hiking club or organisation there you could join with more experienced hikers. They can offer valuable advice and insight into popular routes and those to avoid. This will also be a good opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.

5. Take note of the weather forecast and be prepared for sharp drops in temperature when hiking up high mountains on dry, sunny days. Wind speeds will generally be gale force on high ground during unsettled weather so it is essential to properly plan your hiking trips and to consider postponing if the weather forecast is poor. Be extra careful in wintry weather when icy paths and rocks can be especially hazardous.

6. You must be in a good physical condition to take on long and challenging hikes, especially those involving a significant degree of climbing and steep trails. Do not do not overwork yourself and take a long rest whenever you need to – hiking needn’t be a race! If you plan on hiking regularly, be sure to take rest days so that your body can fully recover from a long day of exercising.

7. Take plenty of water, regardless as to the time of year. Even in low temperatures the body can dehydrate after prolonged exercise. Also ensure you have plenty of sandwiches or pre-cooked meals stored in a lunch box – you will be burning hundreds of calories and will need the energy.

8. Do not overload yourself with baggage – only bring essentials. A heavy backpack will cause back and shoulder pain, which will slow you down. When travelling as a group, make sure that each person carries a fairly equal amount in line with their size.

9. Bring a well-stocked first aid kit which must have sufficient medical supplies for all members of the group. Even on smaller hiking trails, a first aid kit will prove invaluable when the nearest hospital is several hours away.

10. Hike in areas with which you are familiar in order to gain experience. You can subsequently venture into the unknown, having first had some experience of long-distance hiking. If you are heading to a foreign country, get to know the language – this will be essential in an emergency. It is also another reason to travel in groups, with the objective of ensuring that at least one member of the party has a workable grasp of the local language.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/learning-to-hike-ten-top-tips-2151896.html

About the Author

Article by Simply Hike

Simply Hike are a UK-based online shop selling camping gear, hiking equipment and outdoor accessories. Stocking everything you need in preparation for the great outdoors.

What To Look For In A Camping Knife

As you pack up the tent, gather snacks, food and drink, certain survival resources and tools will come in handy depending on the types of activities you wish to enjoy while roughing it in the wild. Sometimes overlooked during the packing of supplies, a camping knife allows individuals to perform a variety of tasks that range from survival to food preparation. Many considering the purchase of a camping knife should consider the following factors:

Type of Knife

There are two basic types of knife blades that a camper may choose to bring along: fixed or folding. Knives with a fixed blade are made from one solid piece of steel that is anchored to a handle. They come ready to use with a high level of durability and dependability. This type of knife works well to clean, skin or bone fish and also becomes of use when a campsite needs clearing of brush. A fixed knife also accompanies minor medical emergencies.

A folding blade is often referred to as a pocket knife and does not possess the same durability, but is convenient nonetheless. Some pocket knifes provide a camper with multiple blades, as well as additional contraptions, such as a variety of tools. A folding knife allows campers to complete woodworking projects, hunt, hike, perform first aid, and assist numerous camping tasks. The versatility and usefulness of a folding blade is also extended by its small, flexible, lightweight nature.

Purpose

During a camping trip, there are several different tasks that may arise. Whether it is preparing the fish you caught for dinner or opening a lukewarm beer, a camping knife can make life easier. For those seeking a multi-purpose knife for camping, they may want to side with a Swiss Army knife, which offers many different attached tools, such as scissors, locking Phillips screwdriver, universal hex wrench, tweezers, a corkscrew, and a bottle opener. For those looking for a study tool possessing a wealth of strength, a fixed camping knife should be selected.

Blade Length

To complete some of the most common camping tasks, a blade that measures 10 to 20 centimeters (or 4-8 inches) is often used. Sometimes a smaller blade will accommodate a camper in most of their situations.

Blade Thickness

Depending on the length of the knife, most camping selections offer a blade thickness of 3 to 6 millimeters (1/8 to 1/4 inch).

Blade Style (Material)

There are many different materials from which a blade is constructed from that can offer a wide-range of capabilities. Non-stainless blades are fashioned from carbon and alloy steels and offer a high level of toughness, but shows weakness towards rust. When two or more metals are used for the creation of a blade, it is called a Damascus. Although brittle, non-steels ceramic blades are non-corrosive. Titanium blades are also non-corrosive, as well as lighter than steel.

Source: Free Articles

 

4 Essential Safety Tips for Those New To Hiking

Hiking provides hundreds of thousands of people with a great deal of pleasure and a sense of adventure every year and 99% of the time it is far from hazardous. But, people do get lost and have accidents every now and a again and it can become a very hazardous activity very fast if you are not prepared.

Here we look at are just 4 simple safety tips to make sure that your hiking doesn’t get you into difficulty.

Safety Tip No1 – Think about taking a partner of friend along with you.

There’s really no need to worry about heading out by yourself if you are taking a short hike in a local area on easy terrain, however, if you are hiking through heavily forested wilderness areas with winding trails and steep canyons then the possibility of getting lost or suffering an injury becomes very real and you should consider carefully whether it is sensible to head out alone.

Having a friend or partner along has a lot of advantages, particularly if that individual is an experienced hiker. After all, ‘two heads are better than one’ and if you do get lost or get into trouble you’re much less likely to panic if you have somebody with you to help sort out the problem.

Safety Tip No 2 – Ensure that somebody knows where you are going.

If you are new to hiking then you should stick to clearly marked and well traveled routes and ought not to stray from these routes to explore until you have some experience and have mastered the basics of map and compass work. However, it will not be too long before you are ready to tackle some more adventurous hiking and the possibility of getting lost or injured will arise.

As a consequence, you must always tell somebody where you are going and when you plan to return so that a search party can be sent out if you don’t  return when expected.

Safety Tip No 3 – Take along some basic equipment.

It is essential to carry a basic survival kit with you and the local hiking club will be able to give you advice on the sort of items which this should include. What we are looking at here are such things as a lighter and matches, a first aid kit, a good knife and a flashlight with fresh batteries.

It is also a good idea to have a map and compass along together with a fully charged cell phone.

Safety Tip No 4 – Take some basic provisions along.

Water or other fluids such as sports drinks are essential as you can lose water very fast even over a short period of time on a hot day. You should remember however that water weighs about 8 lbs per gallon, so take sufficient but not too much. Do not forget though that you ought not to drink from local streams as natural water sources may look inviting but they are often loaded with bacteria and can make you very sick very quickly.

Also take sufficient food to last you. It is no fun to be hungry while you’re out but don’t forget that you can last a good deal longer without food than you can without water.

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Night Fishing Tips

If one wishes to have a good bite it is best to begin fishing two hours before sunrise or after sunset. This is particularly difficult, but an alarm clock can always act as your wake-up call. In addition, it is best if you set up and have ready a wet-bait half an hour before the sun rises. Keep in mind that anchoring or cooking bait need to be completed prior to sunset. That is because cooking during your evening fishing can be very hazardous and because bait has to cool off before it is ready for use. One of the reasons to be ready at least thirty minutes before dark or sunrise is that fish typically feed shallower during this mirror bite time and you can catch them easier as they are only about thirty feet down the sea’s surface. Experts point out that the twilight minutes can be very productive for fishermen.

To enjoy good and fast action, regardless if you are fishing in saltwater or freshwater, try to fish around piers that have lights on their end. Since fish are attracted by the beams of light that come through the surface in various sea depths, most fishing excursions have a happy ending when they occur around lights on buoys or piers.

Remember to use very large dry flies, oversized streamers, wet flies, and nymphs, if you are interested in catching the active feeding fish out there. Night-feeding is easier when the bait is large enough for fish to locate and you should remember to draw the flies and other bait slowly along the water’s surface in a jerking motion to help attract trout. Of course, you should bring extra live bait along and keep your lure inside the boat or water, safely contained.

While fishing, try to keep yourself on alert for signs of feeding fish. Be always prepared that during night time you will be able normally to hear the fish feeding themselves before you witness their swirls or splashes. Remember to chuck your lure to the spot you think holds the fish as soon as possible after hearing or seeing fish break the surface. Since they do have trouble locating a lure during night time, make repeated casts wherever you believe that there is a chance fish circulate.

If you are about to fish in deep-water conditions, then remember to use a bait-caster in combination with a long graphite rod that has a lot of backbone. Check frequently your bow to detect subtle strikes as the bait drops. This way you will be able to catch as many fish as possible and will save you the anguish if you have made the right choice to go night fishing.

The downsides of night fishing have to do with the fact that you have to limit your group from socializing and partying while fishing. In case you cannot limit the noise, fish will not approach your area and you will not be able to catch any. Moreover, try avoid bringing more than two people inside the boat-especially if it is small-and avoid taking children during night fishing as it is more dangerous for them to get scared and fall in the water.

Finally, experts attest that apart from the sea main lake points may offer excellent possibilities for successful night fishing trip adventures, especially during the summer months, as the fish are inactive during the day due to the hot temperatures and will suspend in deep water which will leave to move closer to the surface during the night that the water becomes colder. In addition fishermen point out that your bow’s color and weight can also advance or limit your efforts so pay special attention when selecting the right equipment as these make all the difference in the world while you are fishing in a lake or in the sea.

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How To Filet A Fish

We have seen a lot of people who cannot properly clean their fish after catching it so we thought we might offer a little guidance.

First, it is absolutely crucial that you have a very sharp knife. You can use an electric filet knife a lot, but you really have to have some experience to be able to use one properly. Using a standard filet knife, we prefer to use one with about an eight inch blade unless  filleting a large gamefish in which case you could break out a “Crocodile Dundee” Alaskan Filet knife.

To begin filleting the fish, place it on a sturdy surface preferably about waist high for comfort. Take the tip of the knife and insert it along the dorsal fin of the fish and make small cuts towards the head keeping the blade against the bones of the fin. Now make a deep cut right behind the gill plate from the belly vertically up to the back of the fish meeting the cut you made along the spine.

Now, go back to the spine area where you made your fist cuts and now take deeper cuts following along the spine and ribcage and then work your way towards the tail. Stop short of the tail leaving that intact so that the filet you have is still attached to the rest of the fish at that point. Turn the fish so that the belly is towards you now and make any cuts to separate your filet in that area, then flip the filet over so that the scales are down and the meat side is up. This is where you really need to be sure your knife is sharp, starting near the tail hold the blade of your knife close as possible to the skin of the fish and begin to slide the blade back and forth towards the shoulder of the fish until you have completely removed the meat from the skin.

The final step for this side of the fish is to check the lateral line for small bones and cartilage and the bloodline. Some fish such as amberjack will have a large bloodline which you will want to remove for optimum taste. After you are sure all the bones and bloodline have been removed place this filet to the side and start on the next side. Doing it in this order is a personal preference, you can also complete the filleting of the other side first and then do the fine tuning of removing the bloodline and small bones.

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