Welcome to the Fishing Hole

The idea behind "The Fishing Geeks" is that there are many of us who can't get our minds off of fishing even when we don't have a rod in our hands: sometimes a mouse will do the trick! There are a number of topics that we will explore along the way, such as fishing products, fishing techniques, and of course a few lies about the big one that got away!

As the site develops, we want to have interaction with people like you, web anglers, on a wide variety of species, reels, and rods. It seems that no two fishermen can agree on spinning vs. spincasting, lures vs. live bait, or much of anything else for that matter! However, the fact remains that new ideas can very often be GOOD IDEAS!

I know a few things about fishing (35 years and counting), but there is plenty to learn-from all of you. Hop in the boat and maybe we can land the big one together!

Thanks for visiting and happy fishing!

------

<-- featured article -->

Fishing for BIG Fish

Fishing for Big Fish: Bottom Feeders That Pack a Wallop! Carp fishing has always had a pretty good following among anglers, even if it is a taboo subject among many sport fisherman. It’s not often that a fisherman trades in his Orvis fly rod for a Zebco 808 and a night on a muddy river bank, but I have to admit that this bass fisherman likes to slum it from time to time. There is a certain thrill involved in a twenty minute sparring session with these large bottom feeders. All I have to say is try it and you may get “hooked”.

carp on a hookDough balls are the recommended bait for carp, and the old school corn meal and molasses ball is tried and true, but the hottest dough ball combo these days is crushed corn flakes and peanut butter. I would suggest mixing in Cairo Syrup or molasses in order to get the desired stickiness. After all, you do want this concoction to stay on the hook. While you're at it, put the dough ball on a pretty sizable hook.

The river that flows through my old home town is placid because it was dammed years ago for its heavy commerce. Most carp fishermen will tell you that these still waters make for the perfect place for large fish to grow. Another plus is the fact that the tail waters of the locks are fast flowing and constantly churn the silt. If you can find a spot like this near where you live, it will be the perfect place to set up for the evening.

Make sure you have heavy tackle. The aforementioned Zebco 808 or 733 is an inexpensive place to start, and this is not, nor should it be, a big money endeavor. The Shakespeare Ugly Stick Ugly Cat is a good carp rod and costs approximately $35. The rod offers strength with the added benefit of having a flexible end. This allows the angler to easily see even the smallest of nibbles from this light hitting fish.

I have seen carp snap plenty of 10, 14, and even 20 lb. test line. Thus, the heavier the line, the better. Don’t worry about the fact that the heavy lines don’t cast as well. That’s where the ¾ oz. (or larger) sinker comes into play. A weight that heavy will make casting anything lighter than a rope relatively easy.

Other items that are recommended are a cooler full of beer, a radio, and a companion. In other words, you'll need a diversion. One large carp is a decent night. Two is a bonanza. That makes for boring fishing on most occasions.

Finally, here's a recipe and cleaning tip for carp. You lay the fish out on a pine board and cut it down the middle. Like most bottom feeders, carp have a muddy streak in their meat. Be sure to cut it out. When finished, toss the fish in a dumpster and eat the pine board. In the words of Andy Griffith, "Mmmm, mmm Aunt Bea, that's good eatin'!"

All joking aside, after you win the fight, cut the line and let the carp go. This way he can battle you again on another day!

Can't get enough? Here are syndicated news!

Spain's spymaster forced to quit over fishing trips - Times Online


California free fishing day this Saturday - Los Angeles Times
Free 4th of July fishing fun - Examiner.com
Fishing Report for the Week of July 2 - Rio Grande Sun
Field reports: Let's Go Fishing Duluth offers boat rides to seniors - Duluth News Tribune
Community Supports Fishing Co-op - WABI


Fishing Gear

Okuma Voyager Travel Fishing Kit (100/6)
Amazon Price: $39.68
Customer Review: I think it's a good fishing kit for beginners. But I couldn't find any instructions on how to set up the fishing rod and reel. I even tried to look at okuma's website, and there is no instruction available.

Fogo Rocket Rod Jet Cast Fishing Rod
Amazon Price:
Customer Review: My wife found it on sale for $[...] -- which, in retrospect, should have been a clue. It took about five casts for a three year old who loves fishing to see that this is a sorry piece of junk. This is a great way to thoroughly disappoint a child.

I have five children, from three to twenty-three, and they all love to go fishing. We ...

Daiwa D-Fish DF-200 Spincast Combo Kit
Amazon Price:
Customer Review: My grandson now has his own fishing pole so when he fishes with his dad he has his own equipment. He loves it.

Abu Garcia Cardinal 106 Freshwater Spinning Reel (5 Ball-Bearing, Gear Ratio ...
Amazon Price: $29.95
Customer Review: I've had this guy for a month now and simply, I'm back online looking for somethings that's gonna be more reliable. There is nothing smooth about this reel. I took it bass fishing only a couple times and I've ended up only throwing it into the lake.

Fishing Video for today






Other Fishing Blogs & Sites