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Budget Camping Gear Trout Fishing Basics

November 2nd, 2009 | in Fishing | Leave a comment

DDD For anyone who is new to trout fishing, there are some “basics” that you should make sure you’re aware of. These things are simple, yet important in fishing for (and catching) the beautiful fish known as the trout. Trout fishing is a bit different than other types of fishing; mainly because these fish are found in small rivers and streams in many cases. Not only that, but many times the water trout are found in is very cold and clear, which offers more challenges.

When compared to something like large mouth bass fishing, trout fishing is almost the polar opposite. There is very little these two types of fishing have in common, other than the fact that both large mouth bass and trout are fish! So to begin with, let’s discuss your fishing gear.

The basic tenant of trout fishing should be the use of light gear. What do I mean by this? Simply that your rod, reel and line should be light (if not ultra light) action. Your fishing line should be no heavier than six-pound test, and as you become more experienced four-pound test should be employed. Four pound test is what I personally use, but for a beginning trout fisherman, it can seem a bit light. In this case go with six-pound test and downsize as you feel comfortable.

The next basic of trout fishing is to always employ gang hooks. What are gang hooks you ask? Gang hooks are simply a pair of small hooks tied in tandem, that enable live worms to be presented in a totally natural manner, and synthetic bait (such as Power bait) to be presented amazingly effectively. Both of these baits are great for trout fishing, and gang hooks are the best way to fish both baits. This is why gang hooks should always be employed when trout fishing.

The next basic of trout fishing (and all fishing for that matter) is to make sure that you’re fishing at the most opportune times. There are certain simple things that you can do to make sure that you’re fishing when the fish are the most active. What, you didn’t realize this? It’s true, and the key to unlocking this mystery is called Mother Nature, and more specifically, the weather and moon. So, if you want to make sure that the most opportune times, find out how these two forces of Mother Nature relate to fishing.

These basics of trout fishing will help the beginning trout angler catch many more trout. Are these tips simple and sophomoric? It may seem like it, but they are nonetheless effective. Give one or all of them a shot on your next trout fishing excursion and find out for yourself. Once you start employing these tips, you’ll probably be in the market for some more. How am I so sure that these tips work? Because I’ve been using them to catch trout for more than 20 years, that’s how.

by Trevor Kugler

Tags: baits, basics, bass, beautiful, catching, employed, fisherman, Fishing, gang. hooks, gear, important, light, line, moon, mother, natural, nature, opportune, pound, reel, rod, simple, trout, trout. rivers, worms

The Budget Camping Gear Ultimate Experience of Tent Camping

October 11th, 2009 | in Camping, Fishing, Hiking | Leave a comment

camping D If someone were to ask me of my favorite experience while outdoors with my father, I would immediately respond “tent camping!” When my brother and I were younger, our parents were determined to help us experience the most out of our summer vacations and still spend time with them. Thus, instead of signing us up to join a summer camp, since they were both working individuals and time was back then a luxury, my parents decided to split their summer vacations in such way so as to increase our ability to vacate with them; even if that meant that we would have to spend more time first with the one and later with the other.

My mother was the one that introduced us to all those amazing resorts and my father joined us during the last of the three weeks we had the opportunity to spend with her. Upon the completion of that last week that we were all together, my father drove us-literally drove us-to a number of places all over my home country, for an extra fifteen days. By the time I was fourteen, I had been given the opportunity to live outdoors, see a million different places and experience the unexpected. I remember now that when early in fall I returned to school, I was one of the few students delighted to write the first essay of the semester, titled “How did you spend your summer vacations?” I was extremely eloquent in describing my tent camping adventures and that made my teacher’s eyebrows rise high pleasantly surprised.

Ask around and you will see. One third of U.S. adults say that they have gone on a camping vacation in the last five years, making it the number one outdoor activity in the U.S. Camping in and of itself is a great hobby for families to undertake together. But tent camping in particular, offers to parents the opportunity of teaching their children that fun and adventure are not things one should pay a high price for. Especially nowadays, when parents are seeking for an instructive, yet affordable, way of instilling in their kids a taste for the simpler things in life, tent camping can be a great outdoor activity for families to explore. Since many kids lack any sense of responsibility, discipline, and organization, embarking for a tent camping adventure can offer to parents the opportunity to instruct their children that it is possible to have fun, be safe, and keep organized, all at the same time.

Some of the advantages of this simple form of camping for parents and kids are its affordability, the fact that it offers the right circumstances for one to teach that you can survive with only the basics and that one should stay organized and always be prepared. In fact, tent camping gives you a sense of success and accomplishment, while it lets you experience nature from a totally different perspective. But before deciding to let yourself, your friends and/or your kids experience this amazing outdoor activity, you should remember to check some basic stuff. First, how many people can fit in your tent. It would be really frustrating having to deal with the fact that one has to sleep in the car because you miscalculated your tent’s dimensions.

Second, you should check whether or not tent camping is allowed where you are going. If you are going to visit a specific area, call the local authorities and find out if tent camping is a welcomed activity. Some places, like forest areas and such, do not allow campers to stay overnight, in fear of fires or other camping accidents. Third, you should make a list of the things you will need apart from your precious tent. Flashlights, sleeping beds, water coolers, food containers, cooking and eating utensils, handbags, and of course the right type of clothes and shoes, are some of the things you should be planning to take. Walking in high heals or wearing uncomfortable clothes can result in frustration and whining. This is the time you and your family should relax and bond with each other, not the time to fight. Thus, make sure you are familiar with the basics and don’t let simple things, like the weather for example, get in your way. Check your list, do your shopping and then camp away!

by Kadence Buchanan

Tags: adventures, Camping, different, fall, FATHER, favorite, mother, outdoors, places, remember, summer, tent, vacation

10 Questions to Ask Before Camping With Your Baby Or Toddler

October 9th, 2009 | in Camping, Fishing, Hiking | Leave a comment

campingR Thinking about camping with your baby or toddler?

Mention the idea, and you’re bound to be met by words of encouragement and stories of fun-filled evenings around the campfire by some; awe and praise for your adventurousness from others; and looks of horror at the very prospect by a few.

First of all, let me congratulate you for considering the idea. Kids love camping. While your baby may be oblivious to the wonders of Mother Nature, even children as young as toddlers usually love the sounds and sights, the opportunity to sleep with their whole family in a tent. And getting dirty? Doesn’t seem to faze them in the least.

But let me be honest. Camping with a young child under the age of three does merit special consideration.

Here are a few questions that will help you determine if your little one is likely to enjoy camping. Chances are, you’ll enjoy camping only if your child does, so it pays to be realistic and plan ahead.

Is Your Young One Ready for Camping?

Sleeping

When you’re sharing tight quarters in a cozy tent, there’s just no way you can not mind a restless, crying, noisy child. (And what’s more, your campground neighbors aren’t going to love your sleepless child either.) Your child’s sleeping habits will directly impact your (and others’) ability to enjoy the evening.

Question 1: Is your child a “good sleeper”?

Question 2: If your child awakes at night, can he or she quietly be comforted and go back to sleep, with minimal disturbance?

Question 3: Is your child able to sleep in unfamiliar surroundings (noise, light, temperature, bedding)?

Question 4: Is your child sensitive to temperature changes?

Score: 1 point for every “yes” answer to the questions above. No points for every “no” answer.

Mobility

As any parent whose chased a young child around knows, it’s tough to relax anywhere and anytime if your child is an active crawler or a “cruiser” who loves to explore but isn’t steady on his or feet. Babies who aren’t crawling yet and toddlers who are can walk confidently will be easier to “contain” in one spot.

Question 5: If your baby is not crawling yet, is he or she content to sit in a stroller or baby backpack

Question 6: If your young one is already walking, does he or she do so with confidence (doesn’t need to hold onto people or things; does not fall)?

Score: 1 point for every “yes ” answer to the questions above. No points for every “yes” answer.

Other Consideration

Some children are more likely to adjust to the novelty of camping than others. Some ages are easier to deal with than others. Here are some additional factors to consider in calculating ease in camping

Question 7: Does your child often put non-food objects in his or her mouth?

Question 8: Is your child easily disturbed or upset by new surroundings and changes in routine?

Question 9: Will children outnumber adults on your camping trip.

Question 10: Do you have more than one child under the age of 5?

Score: 1 point for every “no” answer to the questions above. No points for every “yes” answer.

Score:

0-3 points Proceed with caution. It may make sense to wait another year before you take your little one camping. Note: this doesn’t mean the whole family has to miss out. Perhaps this will be the perfect opportunity for older siblings to experience more “alone time” with just mom or dad on a camping trip. If you choose a campground close to home, your little one can come with the “stay at home” parent for just a day outing…or do something altogether different at home. There are other alternatives to car camping in a tent, too. Consider renting a motor home or staying in a cabin.

4-7 points Preparation is essential. You know your child best. For example, if your child is likely to wake up at night, you may want to choose a campsite that’s some distance from others. If your child is sensitive to temperature changes, be sure to pack appropriate clothing. And if your child is a handful, then invite extra adults who love young children to join you. You can count on families with similarly aged children for sympathy and assistance- after all, they’re in the same boat!

8-10 points Go for it! Your family is a great candidate for camping. Keep logistics and meals simple, be prepared, and enjoy! ).

Going Camping?

If you are still up for camping with your little one, please read on for some tips.

Keep your camping trip short and simple. Test the waters by going somewhere local for only one or two nights. If you need to return home earlier than planned, it won’t be such a big deal.

Do not disturb. It’s exasperating for the interrupted by noisy neighbors. Even worse could be the chagrin of knowing that it’s your family that everyone else wishes would shush.

Sleep tight. Babies and small children will get lost in an adult-sized sleeping bag. Here are alternatives. Set up a porta-crib or other bedding that’s baby/kid-sized. We have friends who had an inflatable toddler bed-sized mattress with raised bumpers around the edge that worked well. Alternatively, bring a large, inflatable air mattress and comforters and sleep you’re your little one in this makeshift bed. (Note: While you might be tempted to buy several individual twin-sized air mattresses, the fewer gaps between mattresses the better. If there’s a chance someone can end up between the gaps of two mattresses, someone will (and sleep poorly for it).

Divide and conquer. If you’re apprehensive about bringing your young one camping, but hate to disappoint older siblings who are keen to go, consider splitting up. Nominate one parent to go camping with the older siblings while the other stays home this time. Going camping with “just mom” or “just dad” can be a special experience, too.

Be prepared. Camping is all about having fun. If you’re considering camping, my advice is to go ahead and give it a try! The key is to be prepared, relax and enjoy Mother Nature. You can find plenty of resources available on the web for planning your camping trip, including campground reviews, online campsite reservations, recipes, packing lists, gear reviews and online communities where you can give and receive tips from other campers.

by Dione Chen

Tags: baby, backpack, boat, cabin, campfire, campground, Camping, caution, child, cozy, ease. adults, ENJOY, fall, feet, fun, good, handful, kids, love, minimal, mother, nature, new, noise, older, parent, points, relax, sleeping, sleepless, stories, tent, toddlers

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