If You Meet a Rattlesnake**

This is One Puppy I'd Leave Alone!

If you are camping, hiking, or even out hunting, you should pay close attention to your surroundings.  While you are enjoying the scenery or excitement of hunting, keep an eye out for a fellow-traveler … the rattlesnake.

If You Hear a Rattle …

You are probably within 4 – 5 feet of a rattler.  This is no time to decide to out-run the reptile.  This is the time to freeze-in-place.

If you patiently stay in place, you can out-last the snake and he will slither off.

If you start to run and the snake is ready to strike, there is no way you can move fast enough!  Remember that rattlers can leap forward one-half the length of their body.

And if He Bites?

Rattlesnake bites are very dangerous.  Remember how we learned to ‘cut and bleed’ the bite and then apply a tourniquet? Forget it!  That is s-o-o ‘old school.’

Within 30 minutes, the bitten area will swell up and turn black & blue. The accepted policy now is to use an ace bandage or soft cloth. Put it between the bite and your heart.

Don’t tie it as tight as a tourniquet — cutting off circulation isn’t the idea. The best plan is to hurry to get medical attention immediately after applying the bandage.

Interesting Facts About Bites

Not everyone who is bitten gets venom in the bite!  In about 30% of cases, no venom is transferred during the bite. Your best protection is thick clothing and leather boots.

Another surprising statistic has to do with the location of the bites: About 98% of snake bites are to hands and feet.

Finally

Rattlesnakes, or any snake, for that matter, prefer not to bother with you.  They would prefer to slither away — in peace.  Don’t force them to attack. It will ruin your day!

Don’t let your undies get bunched up over snakes.  Remember that we share the earth with snakes, and they were here first!  Just use caution and reason.  The truth is:  Snakes like you less than you like them!

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Jim sent this very interesting comment: “… rattlesnakes don’t always rattle prior to striking. I can’t sight my original source for this information but here is a quote from wikipedia (suppose to be referenced but I could figure out which reference when with what information). “Adult snakes may lose their rattles on occasion, but more appear at each molting. If the rattle absorbs enough water in wet weather, it will not make noise.” Just thought I’d pass it along….”

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This blog is a companion to my website, EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Part 2: More Info About Binocular Lenses

This is a continuation of last week’s article about binocular features needed by hunters.

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Magnification: Makes Objects Appear Closer than They Are!

But what does this mean? One x is what you can see with the naked eye.  Thus, a 7x binocular promises to magnify an image 7 times larger than with the naked eye.

Another way of looking at this is: A magnification of 7 means that the image you are seeing through your binoculars seems 7 times  closer that it really is.

Generally, the higher the magnification of a pair of binoculars, the narrower the field of vision. Thus, the closer the image appears, the less you see around that image.

If you are focusing on a deer with a pair of 8x binoc’s, you will see much more of the scene around that deer than you would with 10x binoculars.

Binocular Lens Diameters

The diameter of your lens determines the binocular’s ability to gather light. When the lens is larger, it lets in more light so you can see things in greater detail.

If you want more light during the hours when deer are most active (dawn and dusk), then 7 x 50 is a great choice. This is because , at lower power, your view will be brighter and you will have a wider range of vision than with stronger binoculars.

Objective Diameter: This is the lens at the opposite end of the glasses from the eyepiece; its size is expressed in millimeters. Essentially, it tells you how much light this pair of binoculars can deliver.

Understanding the Numbers: With a pair of binoc’s rated at 7 x 42, this is expressing – “7″ is the magnification and “42″ is the objective diameter (amount of light that can be gathered to see an image).

An Example of a Roof Prism

Prisms: In a nutshell, roof prisms are lighter but porro prisms provide a clearer, sharper image.

The roof prism can be more compact. With the porro lenses, however, you get more depth perception.

An Example of a Double Porro Prism

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Full Disclosure: Although I sell binoculars and other optics, I will not mention them in this article.  My mission is to share information about using the proper equipment while hunting!

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The 2 images showing the two types of prisms in binoculars are from Wikipedia. I am using them through the “Fair Use” Clause. This article is educational.

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This blog is a companion to my website, EasyOnlineOrdering.com

How Does Severe Flooding Change Fishing?

The numbers off young fish (called ‘fry’) that die off during a severe flood is staggering! Because we are in a period of changing weather (according to scientists), the numbers of young fry dying in flooding conditions will increase.

What Happens to Fish During a Flood?

Flooding Affects Fishing!

Generally, trees and vegetation along  water’s banks protect them from gravel and debris scouring the bottom of the body of water during a flood.

Spring flooding often causes water to overflow onto land without tearing up the waterways and killing so many fish!

However, in winter, when less vegetation is available and snow covers and collects along river beds, it causes the debris in water to scour and erode riverbeds and waterways (the weight of the snow/water digs deeper into the ‘floor’ of the riverbed/waterway).

Why is Flooding So Devastating to Fish?

As water rushes along carrying debris and rocks, fish are killed by virtue of being in the ‘wrong place at the wrong time.’

The value of trees and bank vegetation  is significant year-round.  However in winter, those trees and vegetation do not allow the snow to compact around the edges of the water.

Thus, water is able to spill out over the banks, instead of allowing the increased weight of the water  from digging deeper into the riverbeds and waterways.

Young fry usually live just under the water’s surface – along the water’s margins.  As  water rises in a flood, the upper layer of water and fry are washed over the banks, to be stranded and then to die.

Fishing in a Flood

In my experience,  people experiencing a flood are unlikely to ponder the possibilities of fishing.

They are too busy trying to save their property — and themselves!  This is just as well, because fishing during these times is usually less than spectacular!

Fishing is affected by many variables, including barometric pressure, wind, water currents, etc.  Therefore, it is impossible to say, ‘Fishing is a waste of time just after a flood.’

However, scientists tell us that fish have evolved to the point where they can sense atmospheric changes and major weather pattern shifts.

During  times of unrest, fish are most likely to move to deep pools and “hunker-down” until they sense the danger is over.

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Have a great week-end! See you soon!

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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Drought Effects on Fishing

Droughts are long periods of reduced rain (and/or other participation) and alter fishing opportunities.

Droughts Cause Stress to Fish

Droughts Affect Fish & Fishing!

When a river’s waters recede, fish become stressed. Their area of habitat shrinks in relation to the reduced water.

In the US, most droughts occur in July and August. Because scientists tell us that we are in the midst of climate change, drought stresses in fish are expected to increase.

Catching Fish During a Drought

If you want to catch the largest fish available, it is important that you have your tackle in the water at the beginning of a drought. Why?

During times of stress, fish become more aggressive and will attack brighter, larger baits. However, this great fishing will only last a while.

Fish, like other creatures, live in hierarchies. When food is sparse, competition for that food becomes intense. Hierarchies change because the fish must be able to adjust to changing conditions.

As conditions worsen, the largest fish start to lose weight, while the adapting fish tend to increase in size. Over time, the fish start to equalize in size.

Therefore, fishing at the beginning of a drought is the best time to fish, before the larger fish have dropped so much weight.

Droughts change the dynamic in a pool (any body) of water.  Predatory birds and mammals find the pickings to be very easy. Predatory fish (pike, for example), tend  to be of good size, because they have so much food available.

News You Can Use

Drought conditions are great times to introduce newbies to the sport of fishing. Why?

-  Fish are hungry and less food is available. Thus, they will bite at a wide               variety of baits.

-  It is even more important to keep out of sight while fishing during a                     drought!  Remember: If you can see them, they can see you!

-  Wear dull colors and avoid the color — bright yellow (while fishing)!

-  Have you spooked the fish where you are dropping your line?  It is usually       better to move to another area and be more careful. During drought                   conditions, it takes fish a long time to settle down again.

Next Time: How Does Severe Flooding Change Fishing?

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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Fishing & Kids II

Recently, we covered safety issues with kids and fishing. Now,  let’s talk about the “how” of fishing with kids.

Getting a Life-Long Fishing Buddy

Remember that the goal is to get a life-long fishing buddy! Making sure the first few trips are “all about them” will ensure their continued participation.

You will need to show patience  while you are untangling lines and baiting hooks.  If it is hard for you to split your time between your fishing and theirs, this may be the time to leave your rod at home.

Limit fishing time; kids are not going to enjoy fishing for a whole weekend (at first).

It’s All About Kids and Fun

Choose a place that is easy to get to, safe and offers other diversions. A fishing spot near a park is ideal; if the fish aren’t biting – kids will enjoy a swing ride or two — and then return when the fish get hungry.

Choose a place with plenty of action. Kids would prefer to catch lots of little fish versus a couple of large ones. If possible, use live bait. Children find this much more fun than lures, spoons, etc.

What if the kids decide to toss stones or chase around? Remember that this is their outing and take it in stride. The idea is that fishing is fun!

Fishing Can Be Fun for All Ages!

Hooking Your Kids

Use simple tackle: a hook, split  shot, night-crawler and bobber.

Alternately, use an old rig (in working order) from the back of the garage. You will feel better about losing this rather than watching your child accidentally drop your new graphite rod  in the water.

Another choice is to buy a “kid’s sized” tackle set. It’s the right size and fairly inexpensive.

Teaching Conservation

Teach conservation: Show the fish’s eyes, explain how they see. Let them feel the layer of “slime” (that protects them from bacteria).

Teach them only to catch what they can eat. Also, teach  ’catch and release.’ Explain that releasing this fish today will allow the fish to reproduce many more for the future.

Being Prepared

Besides tackle and bait, be sure to bring some snacks, drinks, sunscreen, insect repellent and some basic items of  first aid.

Even with you hooking their bait and helping them cast, kids will make mistakes. Leave your temper at home! Calmly explain why it is wrong and how to do it correctly.

Lavish praise and take photos!

How Fall and Winter Affect Fishing

It is hard to make generalizations about seasonal fishing. Some areas have heavy ice in winter, while others have no ice at all.

Fishing in the Fall & Winter

During this time,  fish are slow moving, eat less and are more likely to be in deep holes — where the temperature is more stable.

This is a great time to pull out your larger lures and bait, while fishing closer to deep holes. Move your bait slowly.

Cold temperature causes a fish’s metabolism to drop and reduces his energy level and needs.

Why Do Fish Stay in Deep Pools?

Think about the fish that need fast-moving waters.  Since they need to reduce their energy needs during cold weather, they move deeper into the recesses behind submerged rocks.

They gather in deep pools, especially under bridges or under tree branches.  During cold weather, fish are less likely to come to you  – you need to use light tackle and cover more area, while moving towards them!

Ideas for Anglers in Cool and Cold Weather

The idea is to cast upstream and allow the bait to fall over the shallow water and rocks and into streams.

It’s important to get a map of any new area where you are planning to fish. Although you know fish hide in deep pools during this time, where are those deep holes?

The surprising thing is that they aren’t necessarily in the center of a body of water.  In fact, there may very well be deep pockets near the shore, so you do not need a boat to cast to them.

During winter, most fish are hiding in deep areas. But what happens when frigid ice takes over these pools? The fish must move and it’s a great time to try fishing around the margins where water is still flowing.

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Have a great weekend! See you next week!

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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

How to Predict Rain While Fishing

OK, you are out fishing and it starts to rain. Could you have anticipated it?  Here are some tips to be more aware of conditions leading to a rain storm.

First Things to Notice

What Effect Will Rain & Lightning Have on Fishing?

Watch animals in your area.  Are sea birds moving to shore and staying put?  In our area, thousands of seagulls leave the coast and gather on an old (closed) Walmart  parking lot.

Marine biologists believe fish have evolved to the point where they sense rain — or  at least weather changes!

The Effect of Humidity on Weather

As humidity rises, the chance of rain increases.  Watch airplanes as they pass overhead. Those with a vapor trail indicate high levels of moisture in the air.

The longer the vapor lasts, the higher the humidity and the closer rain is. If there is no vapor cloud after a jet, or it disappears quickly, then the moisture/humidity level is low and the weather is stable.

Predicting Rain at Night

Use the stars to predict rain!  The more the stars seem to twinkle, the higher the moisture content in the air!

When Rain Turns to Lightning

Science Daily (http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2006/1011-mysteries_of_thunderstorms.htm) indicates that lightning requires ice!  It’s so hot where I live, how on earth can there be ice in the atmosphere?

The ice they are talking about is VERY high up in the atmosphere. These pieces of ice can be positively (+) or negatively (-) charged. When these -’s and +’s collide, they build up a charge. Lightning is the release of the charge!

Since we cannot see how much ice is in the atmosphere when it is raining, it’s tough to be the angler-meteorologist  (weather person) to decide, “Will lightning start soon?  Should we go? or Can we stay?”

There are lots of factors in your decision.  Are you in a boat, far from shore?  Are you in a high, flat area, with no place to hide? Are you surrounded by trees?  All of these are good reasons to go home.

Unfortunately, a rod is an excellent conductor of electricity.You do not want to be holding it during a rain storm that turns to lightning!

Remember, smart anglers fish with one eye on their line and the other on the weather!

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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Clever Bait Tips (On the Cheap)!

There are lots of recipes for baits available. You may already have one.  However, here’s one you might like to try.

Oh, No! Just Dough! Recipe

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup cornmeal

1/4 cup white (clear) Karo syrup

3 heaping Tbsp. creamy peanut butter

Cotton!

2/3 cup water

In a small pot, combine and heat the water, peanut butter and syrup, using a low flame.  Separately, mix the dry cornmeal and dry flour in a  bowl.  Slowly add the flour mixture into the pan, while stirring constantly.

Continue cooking until either the water is gone or until it is too thick to stir.  After the dough cools, you can mix in some cotton ball** fibers or cattail fuzz to help hold the balls on the hooks.  Add scent (strong spices and/or extracts).

Form your dough into round gum-ball size  treats.  Allow them to harden in the refrigerator.

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Catfish Stinky Baits – Make Your Own

Use the same recipe as above with the following changes: Instead of the 2/3 cup of water, Use 2/3 cup of fruit-flavored soda (NOT a diet soft drink) and add several drops of anise oil, while heating the liquids in the pan.

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Keeping Soft Baits on the Hook

This idea is for keeping your soft treats (blood, cheese, dough) from falling off the hook.

If you want to use blood bait, saturate the blood in cotton balls** overnight.  The soaked cotton balls will keep the blood scent longer and the cotton will stay on the hook longer.

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**BTW, I have only used cotton fibers,  most of the puff balls available today are not cotton.

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Simple Aerator

Keep Your Bait Alive and Frisky!

Put a few pieces of broken terra cotta clay pots (common garden variety) into your bait bucket. If you drop some every couple of hours, your baits will stay alive and frisky!

Why?  The oxygen escaping from the clay pot pieces will aerate your bait bucket for hours!

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Want to Turn Your Plain Shiners into Golden Shiners?

This trick is super simple! Place some dried red onion skins in the water with your plain shiners.  In a few hours, or overnight, they will turn into golden shiners!   The water and fish will change colors!

Why do this? One, it does not harm the fish. Two, golden shiners are more attractive to the fish you are trying to catch!

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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Part 2: Fishing in Cloudy Waters

Murky Water Can Be Prime Fishing Time!

Marine biologists tell us that fish are more likely to feed in turbid (cloudy) waters. There are two main reasons for this.

Predator Fish & the Light Shining into Cloudy Water

As sunlight shines down into cloudy water, there is a sharp contrast between the look of the fish (the predator wants to eat) and whatever surrounds it.

Therefore, the predator (eater) feels more confident that he will be able to see or sense whatever live food that comes his way!

Small Fish’s View of Murky Water

On the other hand, the small fish (the predator is looking for) thinks that the murky water will protect him from ‘the big, bad fish.’  Therefore, he is more likely to scurry around, looking for insects, worms and other morsels to eat.

Therefore, both the eater (predator fish) and the eatee (smaller fish) think they are both in a better position than their enemy. They are both suffering from delusional thinking (also called “stinkin’ thinkin’).

How Can an Angler Take Advantage of Cloudy Water?

Water that becomes cloudy (through storm or flooding) offers anglers great opportunities for snagging fish!

Is a fish’s sense of smell affected by cloudy water? No, not at all.

The predators that need their eyes to “see” small fish, must now rely on their sense of smell to lead them to fish! Thus, this is an excellent time to pull out the stinky baits!

Stinky Bait and Other Tools for the Angler

Start by fishing with scented/stinky/smelly bait near the surface of the water.  If you get no bites on the surface, keep moving your “stinkers” lower (in the water) until fish start to bite.

This is a great time to use metallic-headed lures or lures with shiny threads.  Since fish have a harder time seeing, their eyes are attracted to shinier objects.

This is also a great time to imitate the slower-moving fish species – by twitching and pulling flies along slowly.

Another idea is to cut open your freshly-caught fish — to see what is in the stomach.  If there are lots of flies and insects, this is what you should be using for bait — real or artificial (your choice).

Tomorrow: Making Your Own Stinky Baits!

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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Fishing in Turbid Waters – Part 1

What is Turbid Water?

Taking Advantage of Turbid Water!

Sediment (fine particles of sand or grit) in the water changes how fish see. Generally, it makes it much more difficult  for fish.

Light in Cloudy Water

Predatory fish (pike, for instance), move into these waters and take advantage of the situation.  Light changes the fish’s view under water. Fish can see in their immediate area – but not whatever moves at a short distance.

Turbid water helps fish feel safer; however,  predators know that cloudy water is the best time to prey on smaller fish.

Predators (for example: largemouth bass and northern pike), use their sight and prefer to feed in clear waters.

However, they have learned that turbid waters bring increased fish movement and lie in wait.  Although they cannot see the fish, they use their lateral line (refer to the article: ‘Fish Senses & How They Use Them – Part 2,‘ posted 6/20/2009 — for more information about fish lateral lines) to sense on-coming fish.

How Anglers Can Use Turbid Waters to Their Advantage

For anyone  fishing in turbid waters, use a larger plug (also known as a “minnow style bait).” Make sure the one you select can vibrate or waggle – and move it slowly through the cloudy water.

An excellent example of this is a plug that has a jointed body and that wobbles through the water, as you reel it in.

Tomorrow: Part 2 -  Fishing in Cloudy Water

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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com