The salty spray on your face, the rhythmic crash of waves against the hull – there’s something undeniably captivating about the ocean. Ocean fishing blends the peacefulness of nature with the competitive spirit, offering a truly immersive experience. Is that why you love it too?

I’ve been asked, more than once, what it is about fishing that makes me love it so much? I can be on a large boat on the open ocean pursuing tuna that will take 30 minutes or more to land, or I could be standing knee deep in a tiny stream, pursuing trout that wouldn’t be big enough to be used as bait. It doesn’t matter to me. I love it. The question remains. I have struggled to answer.

A lot of my reading over the years has attempted to put focus to these questions. I challenge you to read “A River Runs Through It” and not feel in your guts that Mclean loves fishing as much as he loves his family, and that it united them throughout their lives (and continues to unite his descendants). Thomas Mcguane, an author of numerous books and screenplays, writes about fishing with a sense of longing. You can feel that as he is writing, he wishes he were out there right now. Roderick Haig-Brown famously said you can never step into the same river twice. Was he really talking about the river or saying something about himself? John Gierach has made a career of writing books filled with essays about fishing and it’s obvious he loves it. But still the question is the same. Why do we love it? Maybe we should start with the “what?” What are the things we love so much about it? Maybe that will lead us to the “why?” I love the anticipation of going. I love the making plans with friends and the back-and-forth texts that start a few days before, the planning out meeting places and times. The bigger the trip the more planning that has to go in.

If you’re going to your usual place, it might be nothing more than, “Meet you at the usual place at the usual time.” If you’re traveling, there’s even more. Plane tickets? Car rentals? Hotel rooms? Guides? New rods, reels, lures, whatever? Even a short trip of an hour’s drive or so carries commitment that requires a certain level of preparedness that leads to anticipation. You hope that the weather is good that day and that the conditions are favorable for what you want to do. You would certainly hope that the fish will be where you expect them to be and that they will be doing the thing you hope that they will be doing. Is your tackle in order? I’ve spent many a night at the kitchen table tying knots, rigging tackle, fixing rods, and pretty much making sure everything is right before I even leave the house.

I prefer to have all my gear in order the moment I arrive. Nothing is worse, in my mind, than having to rig up at the boat ramp or standing on the beach, while the fish are snapping and we are wasting time.

Then we get to the spot, and the fish are there, and it all comes together. All the planning has paid off and all the equipment is right, and all the lures, baits, or flies are right. Then, if the anticipation and preparation come together, a perfect soufflé, right from the oven, isn’t as satisfying.

I love standing in the water. There’s a certain uneasiness that comes with entering an environment in which we are not suited. It creates uncertainty and therefore you’re not quite sure what the outcome will be.

I get in the water when I am in a situation where the fish are just too far to reach from the shore and a boat would only mess things up. In trout streams you need to be right at the same level as the fish. You need to see where the fish are going to be and what they are eating. Be close. Wading on bonefish flats actually offers the opportunity to get closer to the fish than you can in a boat. These fish are super wary, always on guard for unwelcome sounds, and being on foot is quieter.

If you go surf fishing you are exposed to elements that can actually hurt you. If that random wave catches you just right, you can find yourself underwater. Constant vigilance is required. I love these kinds of fishing more than most. Being in the same element as the fish puts you on a more even keel — you seem to lose some of the advantage we have otherwise — and I appreciate the challenge. It’s just a lot of fun too.

I love that instant where the fish makes the decision to bite what you are showing. It’s the culmination of all I’ve worked for up to that point. To cast a fly to a fish I can see, I first need to find it and then determine its direction of travel. It’s helpful to have foreknowledge of the types of things it likes to eat in that situation, in that case I will have also created an imitation. I have to make my cast and, in so doing, determine how the wind is blowing and how it might affect me. Then I have to land the fly in the spot that is closest enough to the fish so it will be seen but not so close as to cause it to spook. When the fish turns toward the fly, I have to fight with my emotions and not get overly excited and mess up by pulling the fly away too quickly or even falling out of the boat (Yes, I’ve seen it happen). In the exact moment the fish takes the fly, I have to set the hook in just the right manner so I don’t pull the fly out of its mouth before it had a chance to get the hook inside or break the line. There’s a lot that can go wrong here!

So, it appears that what I really love about fishing is the anticipation. The waiting. The hoping. Simply being in that place I need to be in. A moment. The feeling that you get when you are about to put it all together and have a great day with your friends in a nice place, far from the world and full of potential for memories.

Imagine the bragging rights, the delicious meals, and the stories you’ll tell! Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Stuart Sports Charters and turn your fishing dreams into reality. Call us today at (772) 202-0623. Dive deeper into our Instagram here.

---

Reference: [https://coastalreview.org/2022/02/answering-the-question-what-do-we-love-about-fishing/]

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of a child’s first fishing trip! But before you cast off, it’s crucial to ensure your little angler is comfortable and safe. Here is your complete checklist for outfitting your child for a successful and enjoyable fishing adventure.

When it comes to what should kids wear fishing, here’s the proper fishing attire for children to stay safe, dry, comfortable, and happy.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Stuart Sport Fishing charters and turn your fishing dreams into reality. Call us today at (949) 300-4294. Dive deeper into our Instagram here.

---

Reference: [https://www.takemefishing.org/blog/march-2024/what-should-kids-wear-fishing/]

Any angler knows the quiet building of anticipation when preparing to hit the water with a rod and high hopes for a successful fishing adventure. There is always the preparatory stage, where one runs through the inventory that will accompany the trip. The last thing any angler wants is to arrive at their fishing destination and realize they missed packing something they need! Here is a quick read on the items you cannot go without when heading out to do some fishing.

Bass fishing, and fishing in general, is a hobby with many tools, accessories, and gadgets. It is a never-ending quest for something that will solve a problem or make our lives easier by allowing us to be more efficient on the water. There are plenty of ways to spend your hard-earned money. Some of these items might not be worth it, but the following are things that are worth taking a look into as they can significantly improve your efficiency and organization.

Tools

There are a few must-have tools for any angler, and this includes things like pliers to remove hooks and something to cut your line after retying. For cutting line, there are many ways to do it, and you can often do fine with a pair of nail clippers or scissors, but for efficiency and for cutting braided lines, there are better options.

One of the best ways to cut braid, as well as fluorocarbon or monofilament, is with a specialized pair of cutters like the Pitbull Tackle Braided Line Cutter. These are great for cutting line and will even cut braided line in a slack position, meaning you don’t have to pull it tight to get an excellent, clean cut. They are reasonably priced and have withstood the abuse of bouncing around in a boat for a few seasons without showing any decreased cutting power.

Another option is the various snips from Boomerang Tool Company. They do a great job cutting all lines and are very easy to use. One good tip is to utilize the clip on your boat, life vest, or tackle bag. They feature a retractable leash so you can pull it closer to you and then retract back for easy storage.

Line Management

Fishing line is something we all carry when we go fishing because you never know when you’ll need to re-spool on the water. If you’ve ever had to put a new line on while fishing, you know that it can be a challenge. One great way to eliminate some of those hassles is to attach a DD26 Spool Stix to your boat. It’s a simple device that holds your reel spool while you reel new line onto your reel. You can do it without assistance from a fishing buddy, and the Spool Stix folds back in when not in use.

Another simple but easy way to manage your spools of line is the Dr. C Fishing Line Dr. It’s an elastic band with a brass grommet for your line. It can be adjusted to any spool and does a great job of keeping your line in place without unraveling. If you loosen it just right, you can pull out the line you need for a leader with ease. It’s a handy accessory that will make your life easier and more organized.

For removing line, you can pull and pull until all of your line is removed, but the Berkley Line Stripper Max is much faster. It attaches to your drill, and you can remove the line from a reel in an instant. When done, pull off the base, and the line will be right there for easy disposal.

Dry Boxes and Bags

We bass anglers collect plenty of tackle and miscellaneous items, and keeping them organized is always challenging. There are tackle boxes that do great for keeping all of our lures and terminal tackle in one place, but it’s the other stuff that tends to get out of control.

For bags of soft plastics and other small items like spools of line, bags are a simple and effective way to store them. Sure, gallon freezer bags will do the trick, but they tend to get damaged during a fishing season. Thankfully, there are better options that are more durable with better zipper systems. One of these is the Bass Mafia Money Bags, which are thicker plastic and built to last. There are also other similar options on the market, and each is a significant improvement over standard storage bags.

A dry box is another great tool for keeping essential things dry and protected. One good option is the Toadfish Dry Box, which is durable and crushproof. It also has a unique suction cup design, which you can use to attach to a kayak. In addition to keeping your phone, wallet, or other items dry, they are perfect for keeping tools in. This will keep wrenches and other things protected and rust-free for when you need them.

Other Miscellaneous Must-Haves

There are a handful of other accessories that will help keep your equipment operating perfectly and your baits looking great. One is a good reel oil, such as the Lucas Oil Fishing Reel Oil. It comes in a small bottle with a needle applicator, so you can easily add a drop or two of oil if you get a squeaky reel. It comes in handy and only takes up a little space, even when stored in your boat.

There are times when adding a little chartreuse or orange to the tips or tails of your soft plastics will generate additional bites. You can use dips and dyes or a marker like the Spike-It or Zoom dye markers. They are quick, easy to use, and mess-free, and you can customize your baits instantly.

One more great thing to have on the boat is something to clean the screen of your electronics. Water spots make it difficult to see everything on your screen, and they are easy to remove with a good microfiber or cleaning cloth and a spray. The Boat Bling Glass Sauce works as advertised, and the kit comes with a towel that makes this process quick and effortless.

There are plenty of products available to buy, and some of them may be unnecessary, but the items listed above have proven themselves as worthy. They are all ingenious solutions to common problems bass anglers face.

Elevate your fishing experience with the company of expert anglers who will ensure you have everything you need for an exciting fishing excursion! Captain Finley “Seafarer” Johnson and First Mate Rodney “Rod” Castaway of Stuart Sport Fishing take the worry of preparation and planning off the table and know all the hot spots in the area for countless fish species. You have not gone fishing until you have joined Stuart Sport Fishing for an unforgettable outing! Contact us at 949.300.4294 or join us on Facebook!

---

Reference: [ https://www.bassresource.com/fishing/gear-accessories.html ]

There is much more to fishing than putting bait or a lure on a rod and tossing it in the water! Curating a genuinely exhilarating angling experience is as much science as it is art — and the more you know, the better your chances of having a successful outing. Seasons, times of day, weather conditions, tide — there are countless factors to consider when planning a fishing trip. Here are a few things that can help determine the best time to get out on the water. 

FISH FINDERS AND WATER TEMPERATURE GAUGES

Too many hot days can make fish in shallow lakes, ponds, and rivers sluggish. The same thing happens in the winter when water temperatures are lower. Why? All fish are cold-blooded, meaning they can’t keep their body temperature at a constant level. So the temperature of their surroundings influences the fish’s body temperature and bodily functions.

Really high and really low water temperatures reduce the amount of oxygen in the water, making fish less active and picky about when and what they eat. When it comes to finding the best fishing times, a good starting point is to avoid extreme temperatures.

For more accurate analysis of the water to find out when the fish are biting, fish finders and water temperature gauges can give anglers up-to-the-minute feedback on temperature.

DAILY FISHING FORECAST

Other factors like bright sunlight can also affect fish activity so it’s important to pay attention to the time of day you plan to go, which can make all the difference in your success. Fish generally prefer early morning and evening sun to the bright midday rays. In midday, the surface temperature of the water is also hotter, forcing the fish to move deeper.

Tools like a daily fishing forecast – available online through resources like Farmers’ Almanac — can help you learn if fish will be biting on a particular day and, if so, the best fishing times.

FISHING CALENDAR

Variable weather conditions can be a big factor in determining the best times to fish. Wind can play a large role in because it pushes water and surface food to the far shore. Storms also affect fishing success, increasing feeding during the hours immediately before a cold front but slowing during and after a storm or front hits. The exception is a warm front, which causes surface water temperatures to increase, putting fish into a feeding frenzy.

Another good opportunity to fish is on cloudy days since overcast skies cause fish to cruise for food more than on bright days. Light rain is also one of the best fishing times, especially because it washes insects and bait into the water, creating a feeding binge for fish.

For more exact targeting of the best times to fish, you may want to try a fishing calendar. These tools use data from your exact location like the weather patterns as well as other considerations such as tide, and moon phases combined with feeding behavior to determine when it’s ideal to fish for the species you want to catch.

With many fishing calendar apps available, these handy resources allow you to anticipate increased fish activity so you can plan your outing well in advance – or even identify a better location to try.

ASK AROUND

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask your local fellow anglers. Local regulars can often provide a wealth of useful information. Not only will most share their most successful times, you’ll often find at least one local around who knows where to get the info you’re looking for broken down by season and specific types of fish. So head over to the local bait shop or wherever you get your fishing supplies and strike up a friendly conversation. If you fish in public facilities, stop by the info shack if there is one available.

Captain Finley “Seafarer” Johnson and First Mate Rodney “Rod” Castaway are two of the friendliest, expert anglers you could hope to have as guides for an adventure on the water! Whether fishing for wahoo, mahi, sailfish, snapper, swordfish, or grouper, Stuart Sport Fishing has decades of knowledge and experience and will ensure you have an unforgettable time! Contact us at 949.300.4294 or join us on Facebook!

---

Reference: [https://www.takemefishing.org/how-to-fish/when-to-fish/best-times-to-fish/]

A fishing adventure is a fantastic way to spend a few hours or a day on the water! Few activities offer both peaceful moments and exciting times like angling does. However, setting yourself up to enjoy the experience can take considerable planning and preparation — especially if you are new to boating or on holiday in unfamiliar angling waters. Overlooking any of the necessary steps can quickly turn what should be a thoroughly enjoyable outing into something closer to a nightmare. Here is a good checklist for anglers who are new to boating. 

When you’re new to boating, it can seem overwhelming with all there is to learn. From operation and safety to maintenance and insurance, the checklist seems never ending. With time, patience, and the right resources, you’ll eventually become a skilled and knowledgeable boater. To get started, here are six ownership basics new boat owners should tackle.

1.    BOAT INSURANCE

Like a car or a house, you must insure your boat so that you’re properly protected if an incident occurs. Here are 3 sources on How to get Boat insurance. Numerous factors affect the cost and type of policy you’ll need so schedule a consultation with a boat insurance representative or your local agent.

2.    BOATING SAFETY

Safety is the number one priority for all boaters, no matter if you’re new to boating or a seasoned veteran. Register your boat and ensure you have the proper certifications. Boating safety courses are highly recommended to learn waterway laws and are available online. Confirm you have the proper safety equipment required by the U.S. Coast Guard. Learn more using our Boat Safety Checklist.

3.    TRAILERING

Smaller, trailerable boats give you the freedom to boat anywhere! Towing a boat and trailer is a learning curve in itself so practice in an empty lot before getting on the open road. Your trailer must be registered, tagged, and have working brake lights.

4.    MAINTENANCE

If you don’t plan to conduct your own maintenance, visit your local marine service provider for regularly scheduled maintenance such as oil changes. All new boat owners should learn to properly clean a boat and flush the motor.

5.    CONSERVATION & ETIQUETTE

Responsible boaters respect the resources and are courteous to others who share the water. Use eco-friendly products, practice conservation, and observe the “unwritten rules” of proper boating etiquette.

6.    STORAGE

If you don’t live on the water with a boat lift, you can store your boat on the trailer at your residence (if allowed by your community managers). Some marinas also have storage programs that charge per foot or by month.

Being new to boating is a great opportunity to learn about a whole new world of fun and adventure. Take your time to learn these boating basics and prepare properly, then get out and enjoy the water!

Stuart Sport Fishing takes the guesswork out of boat preparedness and knowledge — all you have to plan for is the excitement and entertainment! Join Captain Johnson onboard the expertly appointed and comfortable Go Getter, a 36′ Contender with twin engines, a deep hull design, and everything you need to make the best angling memories! You have not truly experienced offshore fishing until you go out on a charter, and Stuart Sport Fishing offers fabulous angling and outstanding service! Contact us at 949.300.4294 or join us on Facebook!

---

Reference: [ https://www.takemefishing.org/blog/june-2019/new-to-boating-checklist-6-must-knows/ ]