Thursday 15 July 2010

Trout Fishing Scotland - Is it an Appropriate Destination? By Mike John Bell Platinum Quality Author

Trout fishing has been anywhere and has been a rewarding sport to many enthusiasts. But what can be so worth looking forward to trout fishing in Scotland?

Well, for one thing there are over six thousand lochs and rivers in Scotland and no doubt that there is greater possibility for anglers to catch a good one. The waters do not only give you brown trout but salmons as well. A Fishing trip would surely be fun with the many famous lakes surrounding Scotland such as Spey, Tey, Dee, and Tweed.

Some of the Scottish trout are considered a poor relation in the salmon family however, the brown trout drives many fishers both local and visitors all over Scotland as it provides the most amazing experience in the fly fishing sport. Trout fishing exceeds its popularity over salmon through its costs and wide accessibility. Furthermore, the success of this sport is increasingly soaring, though water levels are getting unpredictable sometimes for trout fishing.

Trout can be abundantly and easily found in rivers or in lochs opposite to where the most skillful and diligent salmon anglers are. Trout on the other hand are so easy to catch unlike salmon as they have to feed all year round making them easier to track knowing how they behave in these given circumstances. More so it helps fishers to choose the right fishing tackle, flies, and technique according to its behavior.
Trout's common hideouts are usually in skinny lakes or streams and rivers, or in slow moving water. Other trouts like rainbow are more aplenty in fast moving water bodies, but most of the time they are found in large objects like a big bolder or plants or anything that may slow the water flow. Nevertheless, trout swim towards the head of the pool in running water.

Finding where to fish in Scotland requires more effort and thorough study before we go on learning what are the appropriate tackle, flies and the like. What tools are best used when trout fishing in Scotland will be dealt with a little later. This is not an easy task for someone living outside this country. A bit of research planning where to fish would be a wise thing to do. Fortunate for those who live nearby the banks of Don, Tweed or Clyde, or in the aisle of Lewis are surrounded by trout Lochs which makes it easier for them to choose where to go and scout for trout.

Here are useful questions to help you decide where and how to go fishing in Scotland:
1. Are we fishing on Lochs or rivers? North or South? Highland or lowland? On a boat or in a bank?
2. When is the proper time to go trout fishing in Scotland?
3. When visiting only in Scotland, which place to stay overnight?

After going through these questions and made an decision the next best thing to do is to find out what tackles, fishing tools and tactics are suitable in trout fishing. A little planning, reading, and studying will guide you how to outwit Scottish trout's. To add to the information of your fishing trip in Scotland, there are maps and photos of the major lochs and rivers where trout is abound. Trout fishing in Scotland will prove more successful if the proper and appropriate fishing equipment is used, so make sure to read more tips and about techniques.

Mike Bell is a trout fishing enthusiast and author, who enjoys helping others get started in this amazing hobby. If you wish to read more useful and unique info about trout fishing scotland or to get a copy of his Free 'Trout Fishing Essentials' mini-course then visit his site www.troutfishingexplained.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_John_Bell

What You Should Know When Trout Fishing in the Waters of Scotland By James Field Platinum Quality Author

Unless you live near the banks of the Don, Tweed or Clyde, or in any area in Scotland where trout thrive, deciding where to fish in Scotland can be a burden without careful planning and research. Things such as your budget, your lodging and the commodities you're going to need to bring comes into the fray of questions you need to answer first before casting your line in Scottish trout territory.

You also have to consider the seasons, when it is best to go fishing for trout and, where and how are you going to fish. Will you go fishing on the river or in a loch, large or small, north or south, highland or lowland, from boat or bank?

Basically start with researching all you need to know about trout, especially if it's going to be your first time to be fishing for it. Next, get to know Scotland as well, particularly the best places where you can accomplish your goal with fun and ease. Consider the dates: 14th of March to the 7th of October, as this time period is the open season for trout fishing.

Trout are cold-water fish. This fact helps in narrowing your choices for fishing spots. The Highlands are said to have excellent spots, as well as the rivers and lochs located at Argyll, Caithness, Orkney, Durness, and Perthshire. You may also consider some commercially stocked fisheries on either the Central belt or in Aberdeenshire. A good tip is to start exploring the communities around the sites, asking the locals and experts for advice.

The second to the last but still crucial thing to get before going to Scotland to fish is of course a fishing permit, especially for trout fishing on rivers, since most of it is covered under Protection Orders. They are available in tourist outlets, tackle shops, tour operators or angling clubs. Standard permits will only allow you to fish for wild brown trout and rainbow trout, a migratory fish permit is required for you to be able to do sea trout fishing.

The last important, but probably the longest, step to complete is the getting your own skills warmed-up enough. Make sure you have the proper tools.

Learn and diligently practice your fly-fishing on a loch before you move on to a river. Hone your techniques on the bank until they're up to the mark, then move on to the boat. Turn the boat 90 degrees facing the wind. It will help to have someone along to hold the boat in position.

Remember what your research is, especially the facts on where trout usually hide. Keep a steady rhythm of casting and retrieving. But remember to be careful not to scare them off! Catch your trout and draw a line where you caught your catch. Release most of them back into the water for the next day.

Three words to sum your trip to Scotland up: "prepare" and "have fun"!

JAMES FIELD is a trout fishing expert. For more information on trout fishing Scotland, visit http://www.troutfishingheadquarters.com/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Field

Saturday 3 July 2010

Fly Fishing Breaks in Perthshire By Harry Young

The River Tay in Perthshire is world famous for its high quality salmon fishing. However, Perthshire trout fishing is of an equally high standard with plenty of well-stocked fisheries and hill lochs to choose from. With reasonable prices, stunning scenery and centrally located, Perthshire offers the trout angler everything and is perfect for a short or long fishing break. The following short list describes just a few popular high quality fisheries that are easy to get to and all close to each other.

Glensherrup Reservoir Fishery

Set amidst the Ochil Hills, this 29 acre loch offers fly fishing for hard fighting brown, golden, and rainbow trout from both bank and boat. The reservoir is known for its crystal clear water, making seeing and targeting fish easier. Although most of the rainbows average the 2 lb mark, there are double figure fish in the loch. Advice, flies and rod hire are all available at the hut and the Anglers Lodge provides hot and cold snacks, tea and coffee. Gold Head Damsels prove successful flies as do Buzzers and Daddies from April to October.

Loch Leven

Trout anglers all over the world hold Loch Leven as one of the best. This large, shallow (the average depth is only 12ft) loch is stocked with rainbows that go into double figures, and the unique Loch Leven trout which is a strain of brown trout but is silvery like a sea trout. They are known for their fighting qualities and, once landed make a delicious meal. The most popular and successful flies are sedges and buzzers. With excellent facilities such as a small fleet of boats, bar snacks and packed lunches, and its own fish rearing operation, every trout angler should pay Loch Leven a visit.

Gartmorn Dam Fishery

This fishery is located in peaceful Gartmorn Dam Country Park and is one of the most scenic in the area. The 167 acre reservoir with its impressive dam is very well stocked with quality rainbows and brownies mostly under 10 lbs, and offers both bank and boat fishing. Facilities here are superb such as a visitor centre with ample parking and toilets, friendly staff who are on hand to provide fishing advice and first aid, and the opportunity to take part in Troutmaster competitions.

Glenquey Reservoir

Glenquey Reservoir is one of the few fisheries that stocks only brown trout. Set in beautiful surroundings this tranquil water has gently sloping banks which makes for easy wading; ideal since there no boats available. The dry fly fisherman will see good catches on Dark Grouse, Wickham's Fancy or Black Hoppers, while wet fly anglers should tie on a trusty Peter Ross coupled with a Zulu or a favorite silver or gold bodied fly further into the season. Aside from the superb fishing, Glenquey also has very reasonable prices.

River Devon

The River Devon winds through the Ochil Hills where it has been dammed to form three reservoirs, and then down into picturesque Glen Devon. While its trout are many, they tend to be on the small side. However, this is balanced by good runs of sea trout and salmon. There is varied bank fishing in deep pools and near waterfalls with shallower stretches more suitable for wading.

Frandy Fishery

Located up in the scenic Ochil Hills, Frandy Fishery gives excellent fly fishing for brownies, rainbows and blues. Their stocking policy means that more fish go in on a weekly basis than come out; so chances of a big catch are good. The excellent amenities include a large, well situated car park, 14 boats including lifejackets, tuition service, and a well-stocked lodge selling lures and flies including the famous Frandy "Killers".

Permits

Fishing permits are available from many local shops, pubs and hotels. When buying one, always ask what the local rules and regulations are, and, to avoid disappointment, don't forget to ask about no Sunday fishing.

Harry Young works for Toltech Internet Solutions and writes on behalf of An Lochan. For a central base from which to fly fish Perthshire, Scotland visit 4 star An Lochan Country Inn, Perthshire. Fresh Highland food, fine wines and ales, and comfortable rooms in a scenic Scottish setting. Contact An Lochan to find out about special rates and deals for fly fishing

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harry_Young

Trout Fishing on Spring Reservoirs By Sean Meagan

Let's take a trip to an upland reservoir in early Spring to see how it's done. Today we'll visit the Washburn valley in Yorkshire and fish Fewston, one of its three large reservoirs.

Tackle

These upland reservoirs can be wild so this is no place for delicate tackle. I'm using a 9.5 ft 8 weight rod, a weight forward line and a 15ft 8lb fluorocarbon leader.

Fish Location

These large reservoirs often appear featureless with their long expanses of exposed mud. The secret is to exploit the topography of the land before it was flooded. Look for old lanes, walls, field barns and streams. Today I choose a spot where a linear scattering of stones on the bank and emergent weed in the water indicate the line of an old wall. Normally I wouldn't enter the water for my first few casts, but on this occasion a sparse line of weed about 5 yards out decides me to wade out so I can fish over it.

Let's catch Fish!

I open my lure box and select a lightly weighted black fritz concrete bowl (all dressings given at the end of this article). I wade out to the weed and make my first cast. I'm not going for distance and I aim to drop the fly just beyond the end of the weed bed, probably no more than 10 yards out. Trout are unlikely to swim through the denser weed and so will swim around the obstruction. This gives a 'pinch point' just off the end of the weed bed where a concentration of fish is likely to occur. Sure enough on my second cast there's a solid thump followed by the rapid, jagging fight of a decent rainbow trout. I soon net a plump trout of just over a pound, which I despatch in the net before unhooking it and transferring it to my bass bag.

I now commence to explore the water in front of me thoroughly. Casting along the bank first, then gradually extending my casting distance out to about 25 yards. The retrieve is a slow 'figure of eight' and at first I try to keep the retrieve as smooth and uniform as possible. Slow means slow! Count to three on each leg of the figure of eight in slow waltz time: one-two-three, one-two-tree. At this time of the year and in these unsettled weather conditions the trout are unlikely to be aggressive, so start slow. You're less likely to spook fish and you can always speed things up and add a bit of variety later.

Over the next hour I land 5 decent trout and lose a couple due to them throwing the hook. I don't strike when I get a take, but continue to retrieve until everything goes solid or the fish makes a dash for freedom. I then start to get abortive takes: quick taps which don't develop into a solid take. Time to ring the changes. I try speeding up the retrieve without success so I change fly to an anorexic Diawl Bach. This results in 2 more fish then the tap tap tap starts again.

Time to Explore

I re-tie my black lure and start to work my way along the bank. The secret is to cast short initially and gradually cast further and further. Move quietly and don't wade until you've explored the margins. Trout will quite happily hang out in a couple of feet of water and it is the shallows that offer much of the food in these upland reservoirs. This is classic reservoir bank fishing. Try a spot for 15 minutes and move. Keep on moving until you find fish. Fish for a while until the takes dry up then move on. Once I've taken my limit I don't bother with a net and simply release the fish in the water. If you don't want to take fish this offers the ultimate in mobility. A spool of line and a fly box in your pocket, with a pair of snips and some forceps on a zinger are all that you need.

Dressings

Concrete Bowl (Sean's version)
Hook: size 12 long shank lure hook weighted with one layer of fine lead wire
Tail: black marabou
Body: black marabou, tied in at the tips
Rib: stretched pearl tinsel
Thorax: lime green Fritz, trimmed short
Thread: black

Diawl Bach (Sean's version)
Hook: size 14 wet fly (or a heavy carp hook - I use a size 10 ESP Raptor)
Tail: a few ginger cock hackle fibres
Body: a single peacock herl (tie short and trim after tying to slim the profile)
Rib: stretched pearl tinsel
Thread: fluorescent orange

Sean Meeghan is an experienced and very successful angler. He has written articles for several magazines and writes regularly for FishingMagic. He contributes regularly through his blog.
Sean also manages his own company Synomy, which help companies build brilliant businesses

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_Meagan

Wednesday 23 June 2010

Fishing in Cambridgeshire By Philip Burton

Most people think of elegant University spires and languorous punts along the River Cam when they think of Cambridge. Anglers, of course, aren't blind to these idyllic scenes, but a more pressing question in the angling mind is 'Where are the fish?'

Fishing in Cambridgeshire will not disappoint the fish-hungry angler in search of excellent waters. A good starting point might be the superb Crystal Lakes Leisure Park - 12 acres of sumptuous meadowland situated just 10 minutes by foot away from the delightful little village of Fenstanton. The two lakes are not massive, but they are certainly mature and you'll get some excellent carp and coarse fishing there.

The largest lake ("Lake A") is the one to opt for if you want to indulge in a little coarse fishing and carp of between 15lb and 25 lbs are routinely hooked there. In fact, the largest recorded Common carp was drawn from Lake A as well as a veritable colossus of a Mirror, which weighed in at 31lbs.

Or try the waters controlled by the Cambridge Fish Preservation and Angling Society (CFPAS). Established in 1885 as the aptly-named 'Jolly Anglers' club with one modest stretch of river at Earith, it now proudly presides over no less than 30 miles of first class river fishing, along with 5 lakes, 4 gravel pits and 1 pond. Stretches of the River Cam controlled by CFPAS include Chesterton to Clayhythe, a relatively shallow part of the magnificent river which is excellent for Roach - but you'll also find Bream, Pike and Chub.

There's easy bank access and the scenery alone will dissolve the knots and tensions of urban living in minutes. If you're introducing your children to a little angling, fishing in Cambridgeshire offers an excellent launch pad for them at CFPAS's delightful Fenced Acre Pond in the village if Impington, near Cambridge. A small clay pond, Fenced Acre sports six swims teaming with Tench, Bream, Rudd, Chub and Pike.

There's also a fabulous complex of fisheries on offer by CFPAS made up of twenty gravel pits of varying sizes - Block Fen Pits (also in Impington). Block Fen A is bursting with Carp, Roach and Rudd, but with a little patience you'll find Tench, Bream and Perch, too.

In Block Fen B, you'll haul out some impressive specimen Carp and Pike - quite often weighing in at over 20lbs - as well and Tench, Perch and the occasional Bream.

Fishing in Cambridgeshire would not be complete without a visit to the superb Grafham Waters, one of the best locations for fly-fishing in the UK.

Whether you use a boat or fish from the banks, this big stretch of water is alive with trout and if you don't round the day off with at least 8lbs, you've almost certainly been sleeping.

Whilst you are in the area, take a look at the Waterbeach Angling Club near the scenic little village of Waterbeach; controlling waters on the River Cam as well as a still-water complex with a 6½ acre Lake (Leland) generously stocked with Specimen Carp, Rudd, Bream, Tench, Roach, Rudd and Pike, this little club is well worth checking out.

http://www.anglersfishingguide.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philip_Burton

Fishing in Northamptonshire By Philip Burton

Whether you're the type of angler who likes to risk life, limb and tackle, wrestling hard-fighting fish waist deep in fast running water, or the type who prefers to sit beside a serene stillwater listening to birdsong, whilst waiting for a tug on the bait, fishing in Northamptonshire has something special to offer.

Between Grendon and Castle Ashby Village lies the prestigious Castle Ashby Fishery with its three fabulous lakes. Grendon Quarter Pond spans eight acres and has 60 pegs, and is renowned for its magnificent head of carp. The average weight is six to seven pounds although the occasional 22 pounder has been hauled out of the water. Scotland Pond is teeming with hefty carp and barrel loads of silver fish, including bream, gudgeon, roach, rudd and perch. Boasting several islands, this nine acre lake has 40 pegs; you'll find whopping great catches of fish (some over 200lbs) all the year round in this water, even in the cold winter months. Finally, the two acre, 26-peg Brickyard Pond boasts plenty of healthy-sized bream, crucians, tench, roach and rudd - along with a monster double-figure carp. Many top name anglers are attracted to Castle Ashby Fishery in the winter months, to do battle with the large head of silver fish.

If you decide to go fishing in Northamptonshire, you'd be well advised to try the breathtakingly beautiful 68 acre lake at Sywell Country Park. Originally a water supply reservoir for Rushden and Higham Ferrers, it is now one of the premier tench fisheries in the UK, with tench up to 12 lbs being caught. There are also plenty of pike over 30lbs and bountiful throngs of perch and rudd. The most popular fishing spot on the reservoir is probably the dam wall, but there are plenty of others to choose from.

At Barnwell Country Park, you'll find another fine reason to try fishing in Northamptonshire. It comprises the 'Backwater', a streamy side channel of the River Nene, and two former gravel pits. No formal stocking has ever taken place in these waters; the large head of coarse fish is entirely natural. The two willow-fringed fishing lakes in the park span 2.48 and 1.43 hectares respectively, and species include bream, chub, eels, perch, roach and tench. This is a very accessible venue for rookie anglers and disabled anglers, three of the swims on Mill Lake and two on North Lake are wheel chair accessible.

You'll be immersed in 70 acres of stunning mature woodland if you pay a visit to the gorgeous Wold Farm Fisheries in Podington. The Moat spans one and a half acres and has 20 pegs; with catches frequently exceeding 100 lbs, this water is stuffed with barbel, bream, chub, crucians, golden tench and tench. The Oaks is an equally beautiful mature water of two acres; heavily stocked with bream, commons, ghosties, mirrors, roach, rudd and tench. This highly productive water regularly yields catches exceeding 150 lbs. The two acre Wold Lake sports two lovely islands and is a predominantly carp lake, holding splendid specimens of up to 30 lbs. You'll also find some 30 lb catfish and trout to double figures. Finally, Wold Farm has a gorgeous lake teeming with ornamentals, The Islands. There are koi and ghost carp, golden orfe, golden tench, and goldfish galore here.

http://www.anglersfishingguide.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philip_Burton

Fishing Holidays in the UK - Cottages and Lodges By Steve Baldry

I have recently been thinking about where to go on holiday this year. Not wanting to travel abroad, as I have traveled a few times on business lately, I focused on the UK. The problem as usual in the UK is the weather, so not much point in getting a hotel or B & B near a beach in case it rains all week or fortnight. Being a keen angler who does not care what the weather is like, I started to search online for fishing holidays in England. I needed to find a place where I could take the missus and nipper where I could do a bit of fishing and keep them entertained. Taking the Bivvy and kitchen sink was obviously not an option with the wife and 2 year old son, so a more stable base was required. I stumbled across some lovely looking Lodges & Cottages on the Hoseasons site, some of which have fishing lakes on site, or are on or near the river bank.

Most people, including myself, associate Hoseasons with Boating Holidays on places like the Norfolk Broads or on the River Thames, which I should point out also make fantastic fishing holidays as well. I was pleasantly surprised to find they also have a large range of static holidays in the UK, Channel Islands and some in France. Hoseasons also have a selection of holiday parks on the website which are mainly Caravan types sites - which also have some interesting looking holidays with fishing thrown in.

You can search the Hoseasons website in several ways. Firstly you can do a quick search by country and region - England, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands then by region North, South, East etc. Secondly you can search by types (Parks, Lodges, Cottages, Boats). Unfortunately you cannot search for holidays with fishing. To find the fishing facilities you need to go to the location and click on the Accommodation Info tab to see if fishing is an Accommodation Feature. To see all the sites that have fishing on-site click here. Some of the other locations claim to have fishing nearby, which in some cases is several miles away (which to me defeats the object of a relaxing fishing holiday). Some of the locations indicate fishing with a %2B sign, which evidently is an extra charge for fishing, which in most cases is no more than £5 per day.

One venue that caught my eye was Woodlakes in Stowbridge, Norfolk which hosts 4 wooden lodges for up to 6 people per lodge. It is situated on 66 acres of beautiful and peaceful countryside around 5 fishing lakes. One of the lakes is a 12 acre Championship lake, which I assume is for match fishing. The lakes are evidently stocked with Carp (up to 40lbs in weight), Roach, Tench, Bream, Rudd, Perch, Pike and Eels (the eels are probably not stocked, as they generally find there own way into lakes). The lodges are named: Cedar Lodge, Cedar Deluxe Lodge, Spruce Lodge and Willow Lodge. They all have TV, Kitchen, Fridge, Microwave, Bath/Shower, Bed Linen, Central Heating facilities.

What I like the look of is the lodges are very close to the lakes, so you can fish virtually from your lodge landing stage. The prices for the lodges range from £272 to £747 depending on the time of year and which lodge you require. As well as fishing Woodlakes is an excellent base for exploring the quaint market towns of King's Lynn, Downham Market, Swaffham and Wisbech. For those of you that like me, need to entertain the family then the famous golden beaches and harbours of the North Norfolk coast, a host of pretty villages, bird sanctuaries and nature reserves are also close at hand.

The Lodges and Cottages on the Hoseasons site also offer great 3 and 4 day deals. If you can go from Monday to Thursday for example you will find the prices reduced quite a bit. Also they do late deals, so if you can wait until the last minute you may get a bargain.

If you are looking for a coarse fishing holiday in the uk where you can go with friends or family and relax, fish and explore in wonderful surroundings, then take a look at the fishing lodges, fishing cottages, caravans and parks that hoseasons have to offer.

At the time of writing this I am in the process of booking a holiday in May at Cedar Lodge for a 4 night break which totals to about £270. I will let you know how I get on.

For more advice, tips and articles on how to fish, where to fish and what fishing tackle you need see the 'How to Fish' website/blog:

http://www.how-to-fish.co.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Baldry