You don’t even have to be an experienced fisherman. Many of the previous winners over the past eleven years had had little or no experience but with help from the resident ghillie they soon learnt how to cast the lure and enjoyed the thrill of game fishing by pitting their wits against the wiles of the fish. The Fly Fishing Experience is sponsored by Clos-o-Mat, inventors of the world-famous automatic wc/shower toilet. Together with sister company Total Hygiene Ltd, who specialise in bathroom products for people with special needs, they have dreamed up this magnificent prize.

The Doon is one of the best known salmon and sea trout waters in the West of Scotland. It rises in the southern uplands flowing through beautifully wooded countryside with many well-known and productive salmon beats along its 23 miles. Smithston Fishings is very exclusive and is available to only a handful of fly-fishers each week. It comprises some thirty-three named and varied pools. Levelled areas close to a number of the pools allow for wheel-chair occupants to fish in safety. The ghillie, a keen and experienced fly fisher, not only advises and generally assists the rods, but also works hard to keep the fishings looking at their best. A spacious fishing cabin has been built with good vehicular access and is equipped with many facilities.

But you’d be wrong. IAN JAMES has been fly fishing since he was a child in Scotland. Last month, producer KAREN PINKER watched James demonstrate that anyone, even his little four year-old friend WILLY, can enjoy this peaceful opportunity to commune with nature. FEMALE FISHERS: Fishing may seem like a man’s sport. But women are getting into the sport in huge numbers. Their motivation is much the same as a man’s: catching fish and the camaraderie that goes with it. The CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF ANGLERS AND HUNTERS recently announced a women-only fishing weekend at the Leslie Frost Resource Centre in Dorset, Ontario. The response overwhelmed the organizers: 120 women showed up to get together, share a few stories, and learn how to fish.

HI-TECH TACKLE: Most people go fishing with a pole and a worm. Not RON AGNEW, a fishing addict and manager of the store FISHING PLUS. Agnew uses the very latest in high technology – satellite navigation, computers, sonar – to help him catch his fish. Producer SALLY RITCHIE accompanied Agnew on a tour up the Humber River in his bass boat. Her mission? To find out all the secrets – and price tags – associated with high technology fishing. CHASING THE BIG ONE: Each May, about 6500 anglers transform the small town of Napanee into fishing central. The occasion? It’s NAPANEE ROD AND GUN CLUB annual walleye tournament. Whether they come for the fishing or for a crack at $40,000 worth of prizes, the turnout is enough to make the Walleye tournament one of North America’s most popular. Producer RICHARD MARTYN dropped by to talk with some of the participants.

If you want boats then Lintrathen just down and along the road is available, roughly the same price for bank fishing….not advised though as boat fishing here is superb. You get permits for both places from Lintrathen (which is well signposted and well before backwater). When your in this area, your in prime trout fishing country from the bank…try the Ericht (flows through Blairgowrie and Rattary), a days fishing costs =A32 or =A33. = Then there’s the Tay, various prices depending on which section you fish..but I’d recommend Dunkeld as its only a couple of quid for a days fishing and even beginners tend to go home with something! Aberfeldy is another good spot..just below the Distillery is a good place, so is the back of the caravan park and golf course sections.

The loch itself (Loch Tay) is a really good place to fish (especially if you get a boat). Just down from the caravan park is another good spot (though tends to be frequented by allot of kids from the caravan park at the weekend). There’s a couple of little lochs etc with tied boats around this area (Dunkeld, Aberfeldy and Loch Tay), allot of good places to stay (try staying at Gardeners Cottage at Faskally, Pitlochry, Ph 01796 472450 B&B..the husband of the proprietor was a keen fisherman and had something to do with the local association, so I got a few tips on where to go etc, and the food and accommodation was great). Come to Tayside (and surrounding regions) if you want to go fishing, there’s allot of places to go, all quite cheap.

For people who know not to throw their fishing buddy into the river when the skipper says, “Toss your chum overboard”-this charming book will keep them laughing. In fact, consider how author Sandy Lindsey describes an obsessed fisherman: µ You live in a $400-a-month apartment, fish from a $45,000 boat, and over the past 10 years you have spent over $200,000 in rods, reels, bait, and lures. µ You floss your teeth with 4 Momoi Flourocarbon line. µ You have a lifetime pass for the world’s largest boat show in Fort Lauderdale. µ On an average week, you see the local fish and game officer more than you see your kids.

Unless, of course, the kids have gone fishing with you. Available at bookstores nationwide, Bass Pro shops, or (800) 642-6480. About the Author A professional writer and fishing enthusiast, Sandy Lindsey is a regular contributor to Boating magazine. Her articles also appear in WaterSki, Trailerlife/Motorhome, MidWest Outdoors and Southern Boating. An avid fisherman and native of Hollywood, Florida, Sandy won the 1995 Miami Billfish Tournament’s Media Challenge-an invitation only fishing tournament for members of the working outdoor press.

Or, if a large fleet of boats is needed for a company outing or a fishing tournament, we can also accommodate their needs.” According to Lebar, the network was created by a group of local professionals with a perfect mix of skills. “Among us are an owner of a Keys charter fishing boat, a Web site designer, an expert on Internet marketing, a yacht broker, the president of a telecommunications company, a CPA and a Keys magazine columnist. We have been able to work with the charter owners and captains to get this network up and running in just a few months. We can bring new boats on-line, as needed, in a very short time and because of our distinct advantages we can be very selective. As a result, we are changing the way people plan their vacations. This is only the beginning!”

DocksideNet.com has initially proven its charter network concept in the Florida Keys. Its aggressive expansion plan next includes the addition of charter fishing boats throughout the state, followed by an international roll-out.

Launched with a dozen charter fishing boats, the new network offers vacationers an easy way to select a charter that appeals to them, based on the type (deep sea, flats fishing, etc.), location, boat, crew, rates and availability. Once selected, a charter can be reserved via e-mail or telephone, with reservation agents available seven days a week. “The traveler can now call a toll free number and immediately speak to a friendly and knowledgeable person who represents several of the best boats in an area. Our goal is to always have someone available to help the customer find the right boat”, said Neal Lebar, President. In addition, DocksideNet.com has the unique ability to coordinate fishing trips for large groups such as corporations.

We are very excited about the initial response that DocksideNet.com has received”, said Lebar. “We have proven the concept and are confident of a big demand for this type of service, from small groups on a weekend getaway to large corporations planning a recognition event.” The charter boats offered by DocksideNet.com were selected from among hundreds in the Keys, based on criteria such as boat quality, safety, comfort and crew experience. Next, customized Web sites were created to differentiate and compare the charters. “We do the Web sites for free”, said Lebar. “We assume all of the risk and expense — the domain name, the server, the design, the reservation system — everything, at no cost to the charter owner. Instead, we collect a commission on the charters we book for them. We put our money where our mouth is and only earn an income when we are successfully booking reservations.” The various charter sites are all linked to the DocksideNet.com home page, where additional general information is provided.

The fishing vacations are found to be most interesting as well as fun filled ones. For making the trip the most memorable one, there are several factors which should be considered in detail. You can make use of internet facilities for finding out the apt place for you. Once you have decided the place, the next important step is to check whether the place will meet your budget or not. Some of the places are providing you with various accommodation options. This can range from the remote fly-in and rustic fishing camps to the most luxurious resorts.

All these kinds of facilities can be used up depending on your budget. The fishing guides will help you in providing all the necessary guidelines which is required for making your fishing experience the most interesting ones. This article is providing you with various things which have to consider while you are on the water. For making the trips more comfortable, you can use of the drift boats. There are certain tips which you should know well before using these kinds of boating of fishing purposes. There are many ways for fishing steelhead. Side drifting is considered as one of the popular methods for traditional steelhead fishing.

This kind of fishing is mainly carried out by making use of yarn, rubber worms and bait. These kinds of techniques will help you in running the gear together with the boat for a long period of time. This will provide you with a more natural-looking presentation. The side drifting can also be carried out with the aid of bobber or float with jig, bait or the rubber worms. By using this method, you will have to keep the bobber tilted in a direction slightly up.

Braided lines are found to be good options for the fishing floats as it will help to stay on top of the water itself and will be easy for mending too. There are many other effective techniques for the steelhead.  You can get more details of various fishing techniques while browsing over the many sites. A sport type of fishing trip is more apt for groups which are as small as 4. Fishing together with certain groups is found to be more interesting and will help to fill the moments with high amount of excitement. Apart from this, there are several benefits for corporate fishing and this can be more adventurous too.

Some important planning and preparations have to be made before going for fishing trips. The first thing is that you have to keep some extra clothing with you. You have to decide the time period of your fishing vacations and pack appropriate number of clothes. If you are going to a cold place then you need to bring gloves, coats, hats etc. Always keep waterproof boots with you. The next thing you have to bring is a map of the destination. You also need to bring a good compass which helps in pointing out the appropriate direction. Many portable GPS are available and they will help us for the positioning of the spot.

While planning and preparing the fishing vacations you must have to give importance to bring sleeping bags and tents. Light weight sleeping bags and backpacking tents will be suitable for the trip. It is very easy to carry these light weight belongings.  You are advised to carry flashlights, torches and batteries and they will help during night fishing. You must bring fishing tools such as rods, bait, tackle box and poles. You have to bring the tools that are appropriate to the fishing location. You can also purchase or rent these tools from a local shop. You also need to bring energizing foods like non-perishable fruits, protein bars and nuts. Don’t forget to collect plenty of pure and fresh drinking water. Another important thing you need to bring is a first aid box. This box must contain antiseptic and band aids.

While purchasing fishing equipment we need to consider a lot about its quality. The equipment must be able to withstand the pressure of the water. The baits, rods and poles should be strong and durable. It is very suitable if you carry a fishing guide. He will show us most suitable places for fishing. He will provide all the information regarding the usage of the fishing equipment.  He will also serves in the role of fishing boat captain.

Fishing trips must be cost effective. You must consider and keep in mind all the factors to cut down the expenses. You must choose a fishing vacation destination that provides a variety of affordable fishing opportunities. Transportation is the main factor need to consider while going for such trips.  You can use the charter boat service. These boats will travel you around the river locations where there are plenty of fishes. You can also choose fly in services. The charter flights will bring you to all fishing locations.

First of all, you should plan out the site where you want to go for the trip. A budget should be set before hand. There are lots of websites that you can find that provides you information about different tourist fishing sites. Contact them if you can to know more about the place.

Extra clothing is another important thing you should have in mind before you set out for the hunt. If it is a winter, you will need sweaters, long-johns, gloves, hats etc. It is always good to have an extra pair of clothes and socks so that if you get wet in the water, you can have it changed. Waterproof shoes will be very helpful as well.

Most of the Americans use maps to find out the places on their journey. It is a good method since it saves a lot of time. When you have decided to go to a fishing spot, get the map of the area so that you could find the area within a short period of time. Nowadays, portable GPS systems are available. You can purchase them at a reasonable price from the market which will help you to find your way.

Always remember to pack your thing light-weighted. So consider this while you pack your tents and sleeping bag. This will reduce the burden of carrying very big luggage. Foldable light weight fiber tents are available from the shops, which can be purchased for your fishing trip. Flash lights can be carried with you if you are out in the night for fishing. It helps you to locate the fishes very easily.

For an effective fishing trip, you should carry appropriate bait and lures. The type of bait that you should need depend on certain things such as size of the fish, depth of the water etc.  You don’t have to invest on the fishing gadgets; you can rent it from a local shop.

Fishing trips can be a great fun, but if you don’t carry enough food material with you, it’s going to be very disastrous. You should have a good supply of food before you set for a fishing trip. For this you can have nonperishable fruits and nuts, protein candy etc. within your package.  Heavy foods should be avoided since it makes you feel sleepy during fish hunt. A good supply of drinking water is very important to keep you well hydrated while in the trip.

We may not know when an accident occurs. So, it is very essential to have a first aid kit that contains antiseptics, band aids, gauze etc. You can include even some emergency medicines. Packing for fishing trips can be a hectic job, but it is a need to have it for a peaceful and productive happy fishing vacation.

Me and my girl usually go to the mountains every two years or so and rent a chalet for accomidations.  We went in October and it was 150 per night, 3 night minimum.  Where we stayed, they allowed pets as well so we broght her little terrier mutt with us .

After three nights, we were ready to come home.  There is only so much of that area you can take.  Mostly tourist attractions that get old after a while. The best thing we found there was the Ripley’s aquarium.  It was very nice.

Pigeon Forge is mostly putt putt golf and minicart racetracks, some shopping.  If you actually go into the mountains and hike or whatnot, then you can stay there 4 or 5 days.From Nashville to Gatlinburg, depending on route, it is about 200 or so
miles, give and take.

There are so many cabin rental companies.  We haven’t used the same one twice yet, but the last one we stayed with, we probably will again.  The cabin was in great shape.