Ask MetaFilter posts tagged with fishing

Camping and hiking in Lassen NP

mudpuppie — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 11:37:39 -0800

Camping recommendations in/near Lassen National Park? Also, hiking/fishing spots? 1) We'll be car camping during the upcoming week. We don't mind larger campgrounds, but we're looking for places with tent sites that aren't right on top of each other. Bear boxes are a huge plus.

2) Know any good hikes? (I can only go two to three hours before I start to whine, but the gf likes longer hikes and trail runs, so any advice is appreciated.)

3). Trout streams. Yes?

Trout Fishing in America

mudpuppie — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:02:22 -0800

Teach me how to fish. GF and I are going camping for a few days on the Yuba River in Northern California. I want to go fishing. I haven't been fishing since my dad took me as a kid, and I have no clue how to start. I think the Yuba is populated with trout, mainly. In any case, that's what the GF wants to eat, so that's what we're hoping to catch. We obviously won't be fly fishing, being such novices and all.

So, tell me what you know about trout fishing. Specific questions:

1) What kind of rods/reels should we buy? Do we need a specific weight of line or a certain kind of reel?
2) You catch trout in pools, right? Do you fish off the bottom, or at the surface? And do you leave the bait there? For how long?
3) What kind of bait is best?
4) What kind of hook is best?
5) I remember that my dad used a certain kind of knot you use to tie on the hook. Point me to a diagram of it?
6) Do we need waders, or can we fish from the bank?
7) If/we catch a fish, what then? Bucket? Stringer in the river? Clueless!

What else do I need to know?

Give a girl a fish, and she'll turn up her nose and say "Yuck!" Teach a girl to fish, and you'll keep her entertained during a weekend in the woods.

At least it's not maggots

ceri richard — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 01:06:06 -0800

Where can I buy wheat gluten in the UK? I've found an online supplier (Ebay) but it would be great to go buy some today. We've tried local bait shops but none stock it. Any ideas?

Backyard fish?

serazin — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:31:03 -0800

Can I raise fish for eating in my back yard? A friend mentioned recently that he'd visited communities in the Philippines where, apparently, folks kept small, personal fish ponds for personal consumption. Surely there are resources on how to do something like this in my urban setting. Any suggestions?

How to pull cable using existing cable

Jupiter Jones — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:02:27 -0800

Our home builder installed cat6 network cable for me as a favor, but now that we've moved in, a cable tester now reports it as shorting out. Wires 5&6 are shorting. I guess they treated the cable too roughly. Does anyone have any advice for me on using the old cable to pull new cable through the walls to the second floor? If I was to install a messenger cable for future pulls at the same time, what should I use for that? I figure that I would pull two cables at once to future proof myself. How would I go about attaching these two cables to the cable being replaced so that it wouldn't break in the walls? Duct tape?

I've read references in other questions here about network cabling to "messenger cables", which you could use to pull further cable in the future, which seems like a good idea. What should I get at Home Depot to act as a messenger cable?

Any general advice on how to do this without treating the cable so roughly again that it breaks? I read about data cable lubricants for pulling... is this a good idea? What would you use for that?

I think the cable may be coming through a hole between an HVAC line and the floor on the second floor, which may be the culprit for breaking the line. I bought the house while it was half built, and he had already drywalled before I asked him to pull networking cable and coax cable.

I can float without a boat, CANOE?

TomMelee — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 21:05:42 -0800

Help me get the most out of my canoe! So...I've come into possession of a canoe. She's old---an aluminum Grumman 16 footer. She's a tank though---used her all last season with great success. She's a little big to solo on open water, tall enough she catches wind. However, I've taught my girlfriend how to be a bow paddler, and we have great fun. Mostly we fish in it, but sometimes we just go exploring. We move this canoe on top of my car, transporting the canoe is specifically not the issue.

Our setup in the past has included:
2 people (sometimes 3), 2 life jackets (or 3), 2-3 fishing poles, big ol' tacklebox, 10lb anchor and line, maybe a minnow bucket, and of course 2 paddles.

I was just about to pick up a used v-hull fishing boat, but then realized that I don't need to--so I'm sticking with the canoe. I just grabbed a 30lb/thrust trolling motor at Dick's for $55, and plan to finish the mount for it this week on vacation. I'll pick up a battery and box then too.

So, my question to you mefites: What Else Should I Do?
I've thought about mounting pvc rod holders so I can...troll. I think I'm going to set up an alternate "canoe" tackle box so I'm not bringing Johnny-hugemongous with me every time. Any special tips for a trolling motor mount? Any other amazing ideas you'd like to share? Lend me your canoe (mostly fishing) related wisdom...gear, technique, or otherwise. BTW---this is mostly a river canoe, but this summer she'll see a couple lakes.

Extra Bonus Question: tell me your favorite multi-species artificial lure and color (or your favorite for all black/white bass, walleye, and sauger.)

Know of any tshirts with funny fishing humor posted on them?

invisible ink — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 19:51:03 -0800

My dad loves t-shirts with fishing-related humor. I've already bought him one with "The trout, the whole trout and nothing but the trout, so help me Cod", and am planning to get this one, "Just for the Halibut." Are there any other funny shirts out there, related to fishing? Note: he's also conservative and old-fashioned, so anything crude won't work.

HELP need cool texas getaway for fishing

madmamasmith — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 02:13:52 -0800

I want to plan a trip for my bf's birthday. I live in TEXAS and want to find a cool cabin that sleeps at least 6 people with access to fishing. I would prefer a secluded area where he and his standoutish tattooed buddies can be noisy and not have to deal with neighbors or uptight rednecks.. I have seen some cool places in Lake Buchanan and near Lake Travis, I just want to find the perfect one, with cool atmosphere, access to the water and affordable. I would like to spend less than 250 per night (other guests not included). I know he likes to fish in Rockport but the cottages all look kind of dingy...any ideas...I'll take whatever you got.

Help me with a deep sea fishing charter.

dzot — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 12:04:47 -0800

Fishing filter: Can you help a total novice with a deep sea charter in Key West? I’ll be in Key West for a few days in a couple of weeks and I’ve decided I’d like to try deep sea fishing. Here’s the thing: I am as noob as possible when it comes to fishing. Never even held a rod and reel, so I need your advice. 1) How should I go about finding/selecting a charter boat -- anything special I should look for? 2 ) Is there anything I need to know/do/say to mitigate the inevitable embarrassment of inexperience?

My cat wants to go fishing!

Anonymous — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 07:47:11 -0800

What kind of live fish can I feed my cat? Recently, I saw some pictures of a cat "fishing" in a bathtub (Bathtub Cat, and no, my cat is not that big nor do I intend to give him a fish that big). I live with a cat who is obsessed with water due to his breed (Maine Coon) and loves to "fish" for his kibbles. Is there a safe way to give my cat some fishies to chase after in the bathtub? I worry about the tiny bones in little fish, or any bacteria/diseases he could get from pet-store animals. A friend has suggested tadpoles as an alternative, but where would I obtain them, and ensure that they are edible for my kitty? This wouldn't be part of his regular feeding, just a fun thing for him to do every now and then.

(I am posting anonymously because although I know Metafilter is pro-cat, I'm wary of receiving hate mail from fish lovers. I will respond to any questions through the mods.)

Colorado and Wyoming Fishing Tips?

advicepig — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 07:13:24 -0800

We're going fly fishing in Northern Colorado and Southern Wyoming next week. What should we make sure not to miss? We'll be mostly car camping, but aren't averse to packing in for a few days. The group ranges from ninja skilled fish stalkers to Mr. Bean style casting, but we're not going to limit ourselves by that.

E-mail is in profile if you care to send something you'd rather the whole world didn't find out about.

boat guy in nyc

alkupe — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 18:32:05 -0800

fishing on a boat in or near nyc i wanna go fishing on a boat with some friends on friday, probably for striped bass. Can anyone recommend someone locally with a boat that can take us out? All I'm looking for is someone that isn't wack. Points for weird old guys.
I have a car, and would be looking to get up early friday and go out for a few hours.

Where's the fish?

genefinder — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 10:50:43 -0800

Fishing near Boston? My daughter loves to fish, as do I, but unfortunately I am not good at it. I've decided that the problem must be location, location, location and not my poor skills.

Does anyone have a good fishing hole they can share? The restrictions are: I don't have a boat, nor will I rent one. Shore fishing spots only please. I also don't want to hike for an hour if I can avoid it. It would be best to find a nice place to drive to, park, walk for a few minutes, cast in and at least catch one fish during the stay.

The impossible dream? Help my poor daughter out here.

Don't rock the boat, baby

solotoro — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:23:16 -0800

I want to buy a cheap inflatable boat rugged enough to go fishing in. I live by a lake in Georgia, which is where I would be fishing. Since sometime this winter I plan to move, the lack of a long lifetime is not an issue. Cost, size, and durability for this summer/fall are.
I need something small enough/compressible enough to throw in the trunk of my car (an older Honda Accord). So far, googling indicates my best options are Sea Eagle, Intex, or Sevylor - at least, those are the brands that are both cheap AND claim to be durable enough for fishing - I don't want a stray fishhook to ruin my day! I've also come across the idea of a kickboat, though I'd rather something easy to row (part of the reason I want to do this is the workout aspect).
So, any particular brand/model recommendations? Any advice on what I should be looking for in the specs (e.g. PVC vs. PU/PVC)?
I'd mostly be going alone, and would be willing to spend about $300 max.

whole, ungutted fish in the freezer, is it too late to gut and refreeze?

Jujee — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 08:01:54 -0800

I'm a novice at fishing. Caught a 12lb bluefish and threw it in the freezer whole...it was late, i was sleepy...did i screw up? or do i just gut it after thawing and refreeze? or gut, clean and cook right away since it was frozen?

How do I learn how to fish... without actually knowing anyone who fishes?

tundro — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 16:03:03 -0800

How do I learn how to fish... without actually knowing anyone who fishes? Weird question. I used to fish when I was a kid (stopped by the time I was 10 due to a variety of circumstances not worth going into). In reflecting on things recently I remembered how much I enjoyed myself. I'd like to start up again. However, its been so long that I don't actually remember "how" to fish or really what equipment to get aside from a pole, line, hooks and some bait. I also don't have any friends (currently at least) who have experience fishing.

So, how do I pick back up on this hobby without feeling/looking like a total idiot? Oh, and for what its worth I live in NC.

Fishin' in the P-Land Metro Area

iced_borsch — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 16:05:00 -0800

Portlanders - where is your favorite place to fish? Specifically, I am interested in areas east of 122nd Avenue, and especially the surrounding towns and villages of outer southeast Portland e.g. Gresham, Sandy, Boring, Damascus, etc.

Yes, I said belly button.

Asherah — Thu, 03 May 2007 15:32:11 -0800

Is there any truth to the myth that you can stave off sea sickness by rubbing Vicks VapoRub in your belly button? One of my professors mentioned this apparently well-known fisherman's remedy to relieve nausea and sea sickness. I'm looking for any background to this, if anyone has tried it first hand, and also, by what physiological mechanism is this possible?

Freshwater fishing for n00bs

Saucy Intruder — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 14:05:58 -0800

I want to go fishing. You know, the kind where you stand around in a river with a floppy hat. I want this to be my hobby. As you might have guessed, I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing.

What's the best way to get started? What should I be asking for, looking for, and purchasing? What should I expect to pay upfront for equipment? Is this something that's even a good idea - environmentally, ethically and otherwise? Has the toxic soup of 20th century industry killed whatever joy is left in the hobby?

I'm in Boston (but more than happy to day-trip north and west.)

Online Casino?

SBMike — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 14:08:18 -0800

Anyone know of a good online game of casino? I'm looking for an online version of casino. Google isn't really helping because "casino" gets misinterpreted. Anyone know where I can find a version to play?

Deep Sea Fishing in the Northeast?

jadanzzy — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 06:25:34 -0800

What are some good places in the Northeast (Philly, NJ, DE, MD) to go deep sea fishing? I'm the best man at the wedding and thought this would be a great idea for the guys to get together. I've gone deep sea fishing before when I was young but I have no idea where I went and how we were able to get the boats, etc.

Can anyone tell me of some good companies they worked with? How does it work? Do we rent a boat? Is there some package cost? I don't think any of us have rods or any fishing equipment, so does that all come with the package? Pretty much, help me from the bottom.

We're all from Philly, but we're willing to down to as far as MD.

Thanks.

Beach camping & fishing in Quintana Roo, Mexico?

Jujee — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 20:18:11 -0800

Hubby and I are planning a last minute trip to Mexico. We're going to fly into Cancun and don't plan on renting a car since we're on a tight budget. We'd like to find a beach campground that's along the Caribbean Sea where we can stay away from crowds and just relax and maybe even do some shore fishing. Would be great it's within walking distance to a small local restaurant of sorts or even if it's just stalls. Does one exist? For the life of me, I have not been able to find any budget beach camping information online. I guess what makes it more difficult is that we'd like to be able to get there by bus and/or colectivo, if possible and it will be during the holidays! I knew I should have researched before booking but we got a good price and well...it will be winter and we could use the sun! Anyone BTDT? :) p.s. I'm totally open to suggestions! TIA!!!

Winter Baja California Norte vacation ideas

bryak — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 07:20:33 -0800

What is there to do in Baja California Norte in early January and where is a good place to go? More inside. My friends and I were planning a grandiose Oaxacan vacation for my time home, but the current political situation has necessitated that trip be scratched.

We have opted instead for a trip we can drive to from Los Angeles. All of us prefer to avoid stereotypical tourist things, but I am having a hard time finding ANYTHING in Baja between Ensenada and La Paz.

Our dates are 31DEC06 to 07JAN07 and the only requirement for destinations is that they be north of Guerrero Negro.

Right now our frontrunner is San Quintin, which appears to have fishing, some surfing and... well, that's about it. Fishing and surfing are great things to have, though,

Anyone with Baja experience like to give some tips? Seriously, we're the type who are up for anything. We'd be happy doing something wacky and adventurous, but we'd also be happy lounging around sipping fruity beverages.

Oh, and, as you might have noticed, New Year's Eve is in that timeframe, so suggestiosn for that would also be appreciated.

Thanks!

Look, it's just a dead bug. What's all the screaming about?

BruceL — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 05:50:40 -0800

So, I was recently told that I would be joining the Girl Scouts. Here's the thing... I'm a 35 year old male. Help me be a great Girl Scouts dad! My wife is helping someone start up a troop and our three girls will be a part of it. Naturally, I'll be doing all the work. What can I expect? I really have no idea what Girl Scouts even do, other than deliver delicious cookies that I guess float down from heaven on angel's wings once a year.

Cool Camping Crap

djstig — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 02:21:26 -0800

Help me be the coolest camper on the block...er field. I am off fishing and camping soon with a couple of friends, what I would really like to be able to do is to bring along something that will make my friends wish they'd have brought it.

The drugs and alcohol options have been thought of, but anything else that will gain me cool points is considered. I'm either looking for something I can use, and in doing so make my mates jealous, or taking some fantastic fishing/camping gadget out there that we could all use to improve our trip.

Im not looking to spend a massive amount of money, but am looking for maximum impact.