Trout Fishing Blues

There has been speculation that the noise pollution caused by sonar is causing fish to go deaf.

According to the AP, a study will be conducted to expose rainbow trout to various amounts of noise pollution in a controlled environment to study the effects.

Since sound seems to travel farther underwater, it would be no surprise that it would also amplify louder underwater as well, especially for aquatic animals that are sensitive and used to their regular levels of sound. It makes sense that any artificial noises, louder than what most aquatic animals are used to would be affected by the change.

Another aspect to take into consideration when discussing conservation.

Although frequent catching and planting would limit the possibility that fish would become deaf over a populace, it does bring into question on how effective “noise making” lures will have on fish in lakes with heavy water traffic and a long history of lunkers caught and released.

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Catching trout is an activity that requires skill, patience and a lot of know how. Releasing them is just the same. It is important that we trout fisherman exercise proper releasing methods so that future generations can experience the thrill of catching trout.

The DFG posted a few tips on making sure that the proper care is taken when catching and releasing your trout. When anglers catch and release trout that are too large, too small, or are a restricted species, it is very important to properly handle the trout in order to protect and preserve the fish populations.

Caught fish will benefit when anglers use the following techniques:

For all species, these general guidelines apply for both tackle and technique:

• Use unscented artificial lures (no bait) to minimize deep hooking. Barbless hooks or hooks with flattened barbs make unhooking easier and less stressful on the fish.
• Use tackle strong enough to bring the fish in quickly and reduce exhaustion.
• Avoid stainless steel hooks.
• Avoid and replace treble hooks on lures, especially with saltwater species.
• Land fish as carefully and quickly as possible, and avoid playing the fish to exhaustion.
• Use an appropriate sized landing net to assist in catching, handling, and releasing the fish. Small knotless mesh nets are easiest on fish.
• Try to avoid removing the fish from the water.

Once a fish is landed, these steps will help reduce stress on the fish:

• Use wet hands or wet cotton gloves when handling the fish.
• Do not squeeze the fish or touch its eyes or gills.
• Remove only those hooks that are seen and removed easily, otherwise clip the line near the mouth on deeply hooked fish.
• Remove the hook quickly. Underwater unhooking and release is preferred.
• Avoid having the fish hit the deck of the boat or flop around on the shore.
• Minimize the time the fish is out of the water.

For reviving and releasing the fish:

• Hold the fish horizontally and upright facing into the current.
• Gently move the fish forward and backwards until it swims away on its own.
• For fish that have buoyancy issues, have a release device (such as a weighted plastic crate) on hand and ready.

You can read more about it here.

http://www.troutfishingblues.com

September 23, 2006 is FREE FISHING DAY in California!

The Department of Fish and Game of California offers two “Free Fishing Days” each year. What this means is that you can fish without having to purchase a license . Some department offices even offer free lessons on the free fishing days. They also have a “fishing in the City” program where they offer fishing lessons in the middle of metropolitan areas.

“Fishing in the City” and free fishing day clinics are designed to educate people just like you about fish habits, proven methods of catching fish, and tackle you’ll need. You can even learn how to clean and prepare your catch so you can enjoy it for dinner that night!

Please keep in mind however that all fishing regulations, such as bag and size limits, gear restrictions, fishing hours and stream closures are still intact.

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Trout Fishing Blues Presents Alpers Trout.

The name is legendary. Those who come to the Eastern Sierras to fish are very familiar with the name. These aren’t your typical DFG Trout. These are hand fed, rather large and tasty, fighting trout bred in the waters of the Owens River Ranch.

Although originally a cattle ranch since the 1900’s, Tim Alpers and his father started their rainbow trout farming in 1971, mainly to keep a stock with their family ponds, but their size and popularity put them in high demand in the local waters.

It takes about three years to raise the 2 to 3 pound beauties, but the size doesn’t stop there. Local anglers will tell you that bringing up 9 to 15 pound Alpers is not uncommon. Visiting the Eastern Sierra waters will find you in front of pictures of anglers from all over the country wielding their trophy catches.

Alpers stocks over 60,000 pounds annually from the Northern Mono County down to the Southern Inyo County. They are exclusive to the Eastern Sierra’s, meaning if you want to try your hand at these trout, you’re going to have to come visit and see for yourself.

Those of you serious about catching Alpers Trout may also want to pick up this ebook - packed with great information and tips on trout fishing in streams, rivers and lakes; and invaluable resource especially when fishing the Eastern Sierra’s for Alper’s Trout.

Trout Fishing Blues

GATLINBURG, Tenn. (AP) — The cold, clear water of LeConte Creek cascades over moss-covered boulders, lingers momentarily in small pools skirted by dense rhododendron, then rushes on through the hemlock, poplar, birch and maple forest. It’s here and in a handful of other streams in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that the brook trout - the only trout native to the eastern United States and more specifically to the southern Appalachians - is making a comeback.

Imperiled from Georgia to Maine by decades of pollution, poor land management and competition from nonnative brown and rainbow cousins, “brookies” are regaining a foothold in the country’s most visited national park on the Tennessee-North Carolina line.

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Where the fisherman need to run to, when the Trout Run from the heat.

Since Trout are cool water fish, it’s especially hard to get in good trout fishing action, especially in the southern west coast areas. Most of the lakes in the desert states are devoid of any trout and don’t see any action until the fall when the colder weather kicks in.

However there is no reason the action has to stop. I live in Southern California and by the time summer hits, trout fishing is all but non-existent with the local lakes stocking catfish. What that usually means for me is that I need a change in environment. I look forward to summer fishing season because it takes me to the north, the Sierra’s and Mammoth to be exact.

Mammoth is an excellent place to fish for trout. Alpers trout are stocked extensively in the area; Passed the village into the Mammoth Lakes area, such as Twin Lakes and Lake Mary. A few times I ventured into Devil’s Post Pile and fished the random bodies of water within and found myself a nice 12 pound male Alper.

The Kern River is also an excellent place to fish, although the sizes of the fish don’t merit much bragging rights, but it’s a fun place to fish - if you can avoid snagging the passing kids and kayakers.

Just remember to find cool areas of water; your local mountains and valleys may hide trout fishing secrets you have yet to untap.

Trout Fishing Blues

Trout Fishing Blues Supports Conservation

Conservation is integral to the future of fishing. There’s nothing that bothers me more than to see littered shorelines, docks, piers and water. It doesn’t take much on each individual’s part to make an effort to keep our waters and habitats clean for future fishing as well as for our future kids and generations which I’m sure we all would love to take on a fishing trip.

Berkley’s commitment to conservation is reflected in the newly created Berkley Conservation Institute - BCI. BCI has been created by Berkley to put into action it’s science and technology resources to ensure the health and well being of the worldwide fish population.

In sharing the angler’s passion for fishing, Berkley Conservation Institute’s mission is to ensure fishable waters for angler generations to come. That is why BCI is “Dedicated to the Future of Fishing.”

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