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

February Caption Winner!

Thanks so much to everyone who participated in this month’s Facebook Caption Contest over at the Bartlett Lake Marina Fan Page. The winner of this month is just below followed by some of our favorite runners up. If your caption didn’t get selected or you didn’t have a chance to play, fear not! A brand new caption contest is already underway. The winner will receive a $25 gift card to Bartlett Lake Marina!

FEBRUARY WINNER! Marc Leach “SPECIAL OFFER! ALL NATURAL BOTOX INJECTIONS. ACT NOW – OFFER ENDS TUESDAY! (someside effects include puffy eyes, headache, and extreme reptile paranoia)”

Runners up:

Grant Armendariz “Tastes like chicken”

Stuart Schwartz “They said, close your eyes and wait for the surprise, but I had NO idea.”

 

Christina Caldwell “You drive a beetle? I drive a FISH!”

Fernando Sandoval “C’mon honey I’ll drive you to the prom!”

Dan Vick “School Bus?”

Cardboard Shell “And on that day, little Tom Thumb became a man.”

Fernando Sandoval ‎”we are going to need a bigger boat”

Marc Leach “The engine on that boat doesn’t even have one horse power.”

Stan Mohr “Local Democrats begin arriving at Bartlett Lake for a weekend retreat.”

Gary Pennacchio “Dumb Ass, forgot my fishing pole”

 

Endangered Ocelot was sited in Southern Arizona

An Endangered Ocelot was sited in the Southern Arizona mountains earlier this month. Check out the video below.

$100 Gas Card When You Join The Boat Club

$100 Gas Card For All New Members Don’t have your own Boat? No Problem, join the Bartlett Lake Boat Club All new members that join by March 11 will receive $100 worth of gas If you have always liked the idea of boating but don’t want the hassle of maintaining a boat or more importantly an expensive loan, Bartlett Lake Boat Club is the answer. For less than half the cost of owning a typical boat you can have access to one of our fleet whenever you want. The Bartlett Lake Boat Club is the perfect place for all those that love boats, just not owning one! Join now and receive a $100 gas card FREE! That will give you more than enough for your first few trips out on the lake. Call (480 221 5737) or email Bryan to find out how. Party Boat Gets a Face Lift for 2011 Our awesome party boat is getting some updates for the new 2011 season. Watch out for pictures of the changes as they are made. If you have not had a chance to see our beautiful double deck boat gives us a call and get a private tour. We are already taking bookings especially for the popular weekends. If you are already thinking of booking your day on the lake with up to 30 of your friends call us now (480 221 5737) and make your reservation early to avoid disapointment. To make sure you never miss any of our special offers keep an eye out for our emails and also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend | Read the Bartlett Blog Copyright © 2011 Bartlett Lake Marina, All rights reserved.

 

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

AZGFD Comission to Meet Feb. 15 in Phoenix

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission will hold a telephonic meeting beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011, at the Game and Fish Department headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway in Phoenix (1.5 miles west of I-17). Members of the commission will attend either in person or by telephone conference call. The public is invited to attend.

The meeting will be webcast at www.azgfd.gov/commissioncam. Those wishing to submit “blue slips” to present oral comment during the meeting must do so in person at the Phoenix meeting (the public will not be able to submit blue slips and present comment from the regional Game and Fish offices).

The agenda includes briefings to the commission on the status of state and federal legislation, including SB 1392 (Mexican gray wolf; interstate compact) and SB 1395 (endangered species act; interstate compact), and HB 2623 (landowner prohibition of hunting; posting). The commission may vote to take a position or provide direction to the department for coordination, action, or proposed changes to legislation.

For a complete meeting agenda, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission.

 

89 Year Old Granny Goes Bass Fishing

You’re never too old to fish! Watch this grandmother pull fish after fish. She plays it cool like it isn’t a big deal.

 

January Caption Winner!

Thanks so much to everyone who participated in this month’s Facebook Caption Contest over at the Bartlett Lake Marina Fan Page. The winner of this month is just below followed by some of our favorite runners up. If your caption didn’t get selected or you didn’t have a chance to play, fear not! A brand new caption contest is already underway. The winner will receive a $25 gift card to Bartlett Lake Marina!

JANUARY WINNER! Nick Bee “Hooked, line, in stinker.”

Runners up:

Savanna Justus “i call this boat the wedgienator!!!!”

Lisa Letterly Denton “Nautical Splash Wedgie!!”

Kevin M Moley “and the new Coppertone girl is …….”

David Ritter “Marvin never really understood the basics of waterskiing.”

Martha Lasso “wet wedgie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

William Hester “I swear that there was a lunchbox here yesterday.”

Christina Caldwell “Beara Palin’s Bridge to Nowhere.”

Bill Wagner “Bearly hanging on!”

Brent Chappelow “Yogi finally takes on his arch-nemesis.”

Fernando Sandoval “NO wake or no fire breathing?”

Gary Pennacchio “Could switching to Geico save you from having to transport”

Gary Pennacchio “Where’s the FISH?”

Travis Dalton “We pay homage to the fishermen in hopes of reaping their bounty.”

Marc Leach “Hey boss… look. These cats must not ever seen mermaid hair before.”

William Hester ‎”Alms, Alms for the cats”… PAY NOW and nobody gets hurt!!!”

Marc Leach “When I float by…all the ladies check out my G string!”

Fernando Sandoval “can’t play the guitar but can certainly drive one.”

Jimmy Durden “You can’t tune a fish, but you can tune a boat. Well, you can tune this boat, anyway.”

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.