Tom Chandler

Author Archives: Tom Chandler

"When your hands hit the floor, they get cut up. When mine hit the floor, they slide with ease"

Can You Put A Trolling Motor On A Kayak

Over the past few years, kayaks have gained popularity. Once used strictly for going down rapids, they are now being widely used for fishing. In fact, you can use a kayak in a pond, stream or river.

In addition, people have started to successfully mount trolling motors to their kayaks. This combination of trolling motor and kayak will take your fishing to the next level. A kayak with a trolling motor will be much cheaper than a typical bass boat, and you still have the ability to paddle out to deeper water and not be stuck at the shoreline. This will also save your arms from paddling and let you go faster. So yes, you can put a trolling motor on your kayak.

Can You Put A Trolling Motor On A Kayak

Can You Put A Trolling Motor On A Kayak

Will a trolling motor fit on my kayak?

The first thing you will need to check if you are serious about mounting a trolling motor, is if your kayak you are has the mounts on it . Mounting a trolling motor can be easy, but you must make sure that the motor will have room to clear the kayak.  You can use 2 poles to mount the motor. As long as you have the right holes in your kayak, you can mount a motor with ease, and it will take only a few hours to do. You can easily test it because trolling motors are not water cooled. You will hook up the motor to the battery and turn it on. Do not drill any holes into your kayak just to make it fit. That is a job for a ship builder or someone with boat building experience.

Battery Usage

When deciding whether to mount a motor on your kayak, another consideration is what type of battery you might need, and how long you can actually run your trolling motor with it. Trolling motors use a 12-volt battery, with around 35 amps. It is crucial that you purchase a marine battery, and not a normal car battery. The reason for this is that car batteries are designed to turn the motor over and that’s it. A trolling motor is going to require a deep charge battery. Another essential will be a watertight battery box that will keep your battery dry in case water does get in; this is especially useful if you were to fall out of your kayak and it flipped upside down in the water. There are some battery boxes that include extra features like a place to plug in a charger for your phone. The longevity of a battery really depends on how fast you go and how long you are using it. Here is a breakdown of the

  • Full throttle, Speed 5: You can bet that you will get about 2 hours of run time for full throttle no breaks.
  • Speed 4: You should average about 4 hours of run time.
  • Speed 3: You should average about 8 hours of run time.
  • Speed 2: About 12 hours of run time.
  • Speed 1: About 16 hours of run time.

Can you legally add a trolling motor?

Yes, you can legally add a trolling motor to your kayak, just like you would to any other boat. Keep in mind that you must still follow all the normal boat safety laws. Just because it is a kayak, does not mean that you are not responsible for all boating laws because its smaller and a one person craft. Usually It is not necessary to show proof of ownership like DMV registration unless your boat is bigger than 12-14 feet, and has an outboard motor of 10HP or more. However, you should always check with your state agency with regards to laws since they can vary from state to state. This could mean that typically you do not have to pay registration, and do not need to have a sticker on the side of your kayak. Make sure to also check for regulations regarding using the kayak in freshwater versus the ocean.

Is It Safe To Use A Trolling Motor On A Kayak?

Even though some kayaks are all made differently, they are pretty safe to be on the water with a trolling motor attached. There is a big difference though between a flat bottom kayak and a rounded, V shaped kayak. If you are planning on using the kayak primarily for fishing, is a very good idea to get a flat bottom boat. This will help to keep you from rolling out of it while you are reeling in a big fish on the line If you are new to using a kayak, it is a good idea to take it to a pond and test it out first, before you go add a motor and head out fishing.

How Fast Can You Go?

The key to thinking about trolling motors, is that you should think about the thrust first, and not really the speed. There are a variety of motors with different models of thrust. One model is the 30-pound thrust motor, and the other is a 55-pound thrust motor. Both of these are very common for almost all trolling motors. The maximum speed of a trolling motor is designed to top-out at a speed of 5 mph. The reason for this is because of the thrust. Remember that he bigger your boat, the more thrust you will need to move it at 5 mph. It is very important to remember that even though you are in a kayak, you do not torque the throttle down, and just stay at a safe speed for fishing. Faster is not always better, so when looking to mount a trolling motor on to your kayak, a 30-pound thrust motor should be more than sufficient to meet your needs unless you have loaded your kayak down with heavy gear.

Conclusion

Kayaks are popular boating choices and can be used for fishing in freshwater as well as the ocean. If you are looking to get a little more power out of your kayak, it is possible to add a trolling motor . Make sure to follow local regulations and you will take your kayaking to the next level.

How To Fish In A River With A Strong Current

Whether you are a new angler or looking to expand your abilities, it’s a good idea to know how to fish in different circumstances. Many people feel that you can’t fish in a running current. This is untrue. In fact, with the right understanding, you can fish in a current quite successfully. Let’s take a closer look at the process.

How To Fish In A River With A Strong Current

How To Fish In A River With A Strong Current

You need to understand the water flow

The key to successfully fishing in the current lies with understanding hydrodynamic theory. This is basically the study of how water moves. This theory goes way beyond just checking the tides. For starters, water movement is crucial in creating the topography of a system.

Water movement will expose reefs, scours out drop offs, forms sandbars, isolates islands and opens or closes river mouths or inlets. All of these influence the flow of water. The terms used by fishermen are “pools”, “riffles” and “runs”. A mixture of these elements creates flows and depth changes. These changes help to form habitats that hold and concentrate fish.

It is helpful to understand that pools are deep sections of a stream with slow water, riffles are shallow sections with fast, turbulent water usually formed by running over hard bottom and runs are deeper sections of a stream with fast water but little or no obvious turbulence.

In the presence of current, the volume of water needed to pass this constricted point “riffles” the water through at an increased speed as you have half the depth to move the same volume of water. The riffling effect is created by pressure waves, upwellings and turbulence. A riffle is easy to spot, just look for areas where there is an increase in the speed and flow of water.

Once the water hits the deeper edge of a riffle it settles down and you usually have a run. This means that there is still fast flowing water that usually holds large predatory fish.

You will notice that around prominent points or bends in a river, there are deep pools where the water runs slower.

These three water features can be found within a water system. But there is another feature to look for – eddies.

Most rivers have obstacles that break up the flow of the water and these usually create eddies. Eddies are a disturbance in the speed and direction of the current. It is also somewhere that a fish may use to ambush prey or take a rest.

So where are the fish?

You need to understand the traits of the fish you are hunting, in order to know where to find them in a strong current system.

For example, the bream is a known forager and is quite adapted to fast running water. Catching bream in a riffle is a smart choice because they are using the current to feed on crustaceans and mollusks that are exposed or dislodged by the fast running water.

How can I fish successfully?

There are two ideal ways of fishing in a strong current. You can cast from a stationary boat and casting from a drifting boat. In this case, stationary refers to using an iPilot.

With the iPilot in spot lock mode, you have the ability to fish in runs or eddies. The water flow is ideal for cast and retrieve. The basic technique is to cast up current and then work the lures back to the boat. Fish will sit nose into the current and when you work your lure back to the boat, the lure will be coming in a natural direction for the fish. You can use a similar technique when fishing in eddies. You should be sure to position down current of a pylon or point, cast into the faster flowing water and bringing the lure back into the slower water. It is interesting to note that the line of water movement usually holds bait and, in turn, predatory fish waiting nearby. Remember to always fish as light as you can. The lighter your lead the more natural the presentation.

The second technique used to fish in currents is from a drifting boat. You can do this for both riffles and pools. Since the water in a riffle is usually rushing through, casting up current from a stationary boat will have the lure back to the boat before it’s had a chance to work the bottom.

If you are in a drifting boat, a lure that is moving at the same speed with the current and the boat, will be able to get down deep. The key here is to cast ahead of the boat in the direction of the current. This allows the fish see the lure well before getting spooked by the boat.

You can also drift fish in a pool. Remember that pools have a slower flow and can be large expanses of water. A solid technique to use here is to drift through making casts to the shore and the working the lure down the embankment into the deeper sections of the water. Once again, you can use the iPilot to help decide the rate of drift, but basically you should place a cast every 5-10m along the shore. When fishing in a pool, you might have better success sticking to the edges and drop-offs, instead of the middle.

Other helpful tips

  • Plastic tube baits are often overlooked. Truthfully, they are a good option for catching bass, walleye, pike and crappie.
  • Use a two-anchor system for your boat. This helps make your boat steady and less likely to rock.
  • Wearing polarized sunglasses can be very helpful. Remember that the sun and moving water will play tricks on your eyes. Having a good pair of polarized glasses will lessen the effects of glare.

Conclusion

Many people often overlook the bounty of fish to be caught in fast moving currents. However, to be successful, you have to understand the currents and how to cast appropriately for it. Once you have an understanding of this you open yourself up to some nice fishing.

Brook Trout Spawning : Everything You Need To Know

If you are an avid angler, or just interested in freshwater fishing, you probably have heard about brook trout. These fish are interesting and have some pretty neat information if you dig a little bit deeper. Here is a closer look into brook trout and their spawning habits.

Before we go any further, it is important to realize that brook trout are not actually trout. They are in fact, members of the char genus, which is part of the salmon family. These fish are native to the eastern portion of North America, as well as Canada. These fish are found in freshwater rivers and streams and are known to be fighters, as well as for their distinctive colors.

The spawning behavior of the brook trout is perhaps the most important aspect of its life. It is crucial for their survival as a species. During peak spawning, the brook trout will exhibit certain behaviors that are distinct for males and females and they have certain environmental conditions that need to be met as well.

Brook Trout Spawning-Everything You Need To Know

Brook Trout Spawning-Everything You Need To Know

What are the environmental requirements for brook trout to spawn?

Brook trout spawning behavior is directly influenced by fluctuations in water temperature. When the warm summer water starts to give way to cooling fall water, the brook trout begin their annual spawning.

Once the water temperature drops to between 40-49° F, brook trout spawning season starts in earnest. If for some reason water temperatures rise above 55° F during the spawning season, there is the strong possibility that there will be a negative effect on the success of the next generation of fish.

Any sudden rise in water temperature that lasts more than a few weeks will cause brook trout to delay spawning. The issue here is that it will cause the fry to be born much later in the springtime.

These fry will then struggle to gain enough in size and weight in order to survive their first winter. In addition, later hatched trout are far less likely to be mature enough to spawn their first year.

At what age is a brook trout ready to spawn?

Brook trout are considered to be fast developing fish. Trout that are born in the early spring can be ready to spawn in that same year. Female trout develop quicker than male fish. This means that female brook trout are sexually mature and ready to spawn in their first year. Some males may reach sexual maturity and can be ready to spawn in that first year of life too. However, the general consensus is that female brook trout are ready to spawn in the first year and all males should be ready to spawn by their second year.

What is the life cycle of an egg?

Brook trout enter their spawning season in early September and it can run through October depending on water temperatures.

The egg incubation period is from 95-100 days. This is also influenced by water temperature.

After about 100 days, the eggs will begin to hatch and the fry will start to emerge. This usually happens sometime between February and March. The earlier the fry hatch, the easier it will be for them during their first winter. No male fry born in April will be ready to spawn during their first year. As the spawn begins, males will try to force the females into shallow water that have gravel bottoms. If the female is willing, she will then select a good site and start building a redd.

A redd is a salmon form of a nest. These nests resemble little mounds of gravel.

As the female is building the redd, the male trout will begin its courtship activity. This involves the male brook trout darting and quivering next to the working female. He may also swim up against her and touch her with his fins.

During the spawn, the female will lay hundreds of eggs and the male will fertilize them. After the spawn, the female brook trout covers the eggs by sweeping pebbles near the downstream portion of the redd. This action helps to build a wall which will protect the eggs from being swept downstream. After she finishes her first redd, the female may move upstream and start making a new redd.

Physical changes of spawning brook trout

Male brook trout undergo changes in physical appearance during spawning. The lower portion of the body will turn deep orange or even a bright red. Even more noticeable in males is the development of the trademark kype jaw. All male brook trout’s lower jaws will develop this hook shape. Some will be mild while, while older males have very defined hooks.

Other interesting facts

  • The total number of eggs a female brook trout can lay depends greatly on both the size and fitness of the female. Larger, healthier females will lay more eggs than younger ones.
  • During their first years of life, female brook trout will only lay 100 eggs. As the female matures and her body grows, it is possible that she could lay between 400-600 eggs for fertilization.
  • The brook trout eggs are slightly denser than water. This enables them to sink to the bottom and be able to resist being moved by currents. Stronger currents or rainbow trout rooting through the redd mounds can cause the eggs to be carried away.
  • Newly hatched brook trout fry are very vulnerable to predators in their early days. The fry will immediately seek out shelter and look to hide in submerged vegetation, submerged timber, large rocks, or in the shallow water closest to the shoreline.
  • The brook trout fry will eat zooplankton and tiny insects. Once they grow large enough, they will start to head out to deeper water start eating larger prey.
  • Brook trout will swim about a mile in order to spawn.

Conclusion

Brook trout make for some interesting fishing. This member of the salmon family is native to the eastern United States and Canada. Under the right conditions, these fish are known to spawn plentifully. Be sure to check local regulations in regards to you being able to “take” them during spawning season.

Do Crickets Make Good Fishing Bait?

Many people enjoy fishing. It is a hobby that is both relaxing and competitive. It is also an activity that many people enjoy while on vacation and they find themselves passing on their enjoyment of fishing to younger generations.

Fishing does not necessarily require a lot of equipment. In its simplest form you need a rod and some bait. Over time however, companies have developed highly specialized rods, reels and lures. These are all great options, but what about getting back to the basics. What exactly do you really need when heading out for the day?

Some people would argue that the bait you use is the most important aspect of fishing. After all, the bait is what attracts the fish to your line, hopefully. So, it stands to reason that good bait is key. To be sure, you can find all types of bait at your local tackle shop. You could also go with an old stand-by and simply dig some worms up. But you would be missing a very versatile and often overlooked bait- crickets.

Do Crickets Make Good Fishing Bait

Do Crickets Make Good Fishing Bait

Would a fish eat crickets?

Crickets can definitely become a part of many fish diets during the late summer and fall months. This is due to the fact that bank disturbances as well as rain runoff wash crickets into streams and ponds. In addition, both crickets and grasshoppers are known to look before they leap when it comes to fleeing a person or animal. Unfortunately for them, they often land right in a pond or stream.

Although crickets are not as common a food source for fish during the summer as grasshoppers are, they are still enjoyed and gobbled up by the average bluegill or trout. For many small and even medium-sized game fish, crickets are considered a natural food item.

What types of fish eat crickets?

You can safely assume that most freshwater game fish and bait fish will readily consume crickets. Take note that an adult northern pike is not going to eat a cricket, but a fingerling pike will. Even the mightiest of freshwater fish like muskies, pike, flathead catfish, and striped bass, start their lives consuming small insects, tiny fish, and plankton.

With this is mind, you can reasonably expect to catch trout, bluegills, crappie, yellow perch, along with young bass and small walleye by using crickets. You may even catch bullheads and small channel catfish with crickets. Brook trout and bluegills seem to really search out crickets too. In fact, crickets can be almost as good as worms and grasshoppers for catching bluegills.

What is the best season to use crickets as bait?

Crickets are versatile can be used as bait year-round. However, most fishermen find the most success using them in the late spring and summer time of year when the bugs are out and panfish are feeding heavily on the surface of the water. May through mid-August seems to be the popular time of year when crickets are most prevalent and they end up becoming fish food. By the end of August, though, conditions are usually changing and crickets are prepping for Fall.

It is interesting to note that while crickets seem to catch the most fish during the summer, many ice fishermen have had great success using crickets on a jig head for catching yellow perch, bluegills, crappie, and brook trout through the ice. If your bait shop carries crickets during the winter, you are in luck. But don’t be surprised if you will need to go to your local pet shop to buy feeder crickets.

How do you bait a cricket on a hook?

There are a few different ways to bait a cricket on the hook, but most of them require you to pierce the cricket. This unfortunately puts a hole in the exoskeleton, which results in loss of motion and ultimately death. The simplest and most common way to hook a cricket is to thread the hook through the thorax behind the head. This will also give you the best hold of the cricket on the hook.

Can you bait a cricket without piercing it?

If you can, it might be nice to have the cricket alive and moving in order to attract the fish. The only way you can bait a cricket without piercing it is with special bait thread. With this thread, you would simply wrap a cricket in place around the hook. This method can be tricky; you do not want to use too much thread or the fish won’t buy it and you also do not want to crush the cricket. It is a good idea to make a couple loops of the bait thread around the cricket and hook. The bait thread is a nice option since it has a more natural color that will be harder for sharp-eyed fish to detect.

Other benefits to using crickets as bait

Another great reason for using crickets as bait is their sound. There is a theory that says that the sound crickets make create vibrations in the water that lure fish. Remember that crickets do not need to be sank too deeply to attract fish. In fact, a fishing bobber is used to keep that from happening.

Remember that fish respond rather uniquely, and abundantly, to crickets. While female crickets hone in on males with ‘trills’ most stimulating to them, fish are thought to be attracted to crickets because of their scent.

Final thoughts

Fishing is an enjoyable sport and hobby. Today it is possible to buy the best rod, reel and bait at any tackle shop or sporting goods store. However, if you want to get back to the basics and have a readily available bait supply, take a second look at crickets.

Crickets make up a reasonable part of the fish diet. They are available in the yard or at a bait shop. In addition, there are theories that fish are attracted to the vibrations and or the scent of crickets. You have nothing to lose and quite possibly a successful catch to gain by trying crickets as bait next time you set out to go fishing.

How To Get Rid Of A Tree Stump

Trees are beautiful and certainly add a lot to landscaping. There are times, though, when you need to remove a tree. Once you have safely cut down the tree, you are left with the stump.

Tree stumps need to be removed. Your first thought may be that it is too hard and you will have to call in the experts, which can be pricey. Do not worry. Removing a tree stump is a project you can do yourself with some tools and some time. Here’s how to do it.

How To Get Rid Of A Tree Stump

How To Get Rid Of A Tree Stump

Tools you will need:

  • Shovel
  • Heavy steel digging bar
  • Mattock
  • Small bow saw
  • Large bow saw
  • Ax
  • Steel toed boots
  • Work gloves
  • Safety glasses

Now you are ready to remove the stump.

Steps to remove the stump

1. Start by digging around the stump with the mattock’s broad end.

2.Once you have loosened the dirt around the stump you will need to, shovel it out of your way. Be aware that you will need to clear away a lot of soil. The bigger the stump, the more dirt you will have to move.  This is an important step since it is necessary to gain access to all the roots that will need cutting.

3.Now you will take the other end of the mattock and start chopping your way through the tree roots. You can also use a small bow saws to help sever the roots as you uncover them.

4.The next step is physically intense. You will need to dig and chop your way underneath the root ball to find the taproot. For all but the smallest of trees, taproots will be a big obstacle. It will be big enough to require cutting it with an ax or the large bow saw. Clean away any excess dirt off the taproot with a wet rag before cutting.

5.Next, start to chop through the taproot with your ax or with a bow saw. You need to be sure that the area is clear of people, pets, and any other objects before you start swinging the ax. 6.Take care to aim the ax carefully so that it does not strike dirt, which just makes the blade dull. Always wear steel-toed boots when using an ax.

Other ways to remove a tree stump

If you are not physically able to remove a tree stump with an ax, etc. there is another way . Here is what you will need to remove a tree stump chemically.

Supplies needed

  • Drill and a large bit
  • Chainsaw
  • Plastic tarp
  • Mulch
  • High-nitrogen fertilizer or potassium-nitrate tree stump removal granules

Steps to remove the tree stump

1.Start by using the chain saw or bow saw to cut the stump down as close to the ground as you can. Do not let the chain saw’s teeth to hit the ground since this will dull the chain. Be sure to wear steel-toed boots for safety.

2.Next, drill holes a few inches deep into the stump in several places. Make sure to use the biggest, widest drill bit you have. The wider and deeper holes, the better.

3.Now you will fill the holes first with water, then with the fertilizer high in nitrogen or stump-remover granules.

4.You will then need to soak the ground all around the stump. Cover the stump with a plastic tarp. The tarp will help to retain the moisture in and around the stump.

5.Now put down the mulch over the plastic tarp, and water it thoroughly. The mulch will help to hold additional moisture, keeping the area even wetter. The wet mulch is also heavy, which will help keep the tarp down. You could also roll some heavy stones onto the tarp.

6.Over the next few weeks, periodically remove the mulch and tarp and apply more water and nitrogen to the stump, then cover it again. Some patience is required here, as it can still take quite some time for the stump to completely rot away. But it will be considerably faster than the decay process normally occurs in nature.

7.After several weeks the stump will become soft and spongy enough to begin breaking it apart with an ax. Whatever wood you cannot break apart, should be treated again with water and nitrogen or the granules.  After some more time, you can simply bury what remains and let it complete the decay process underground.

Other Tips

Stump Out – this method is designed to break down the wood fiber of stumps, which leaves them porous. This porous wood then absorbs kerosene. After you soak the porous wood with kerosene, you can ignite it. Once ignited, it begins to burn away.

Grinder- it is possible for you to rent a stump grinder. You can rent this piece of equipment from a garden center, usually. The grinder will remove the stump in 3-inch sections each time it passes through the stump. You must know how to safely use the grinder and be sure to wear safety gear when operating it.

Major roots– these do not have to be removed once the main body of the stump is cut from the roots and removed. The roots will generally rot away naturally over time if they are buried deep underground.

Disposal – The disposal of large tree stumps can be tricky. You should check with your town for instructions on how and where to dispose of large garden waste items.

Conclusion

Trees are an integral part of our landscape. However, there are times when you may need to remove a tree; it could be decaying, have fallen down due to weather or simply be in the way. It is not hard to cut down a tree, but after it is down you will need to remove the stump as well. There are a few different ways that you can go about this by yourself with some tools and some time. The key to DIY stump removal is to have patience. Once the tree stump is removed, you can then landscape the area as you wish.

Deep Sea Fishing Tips For Beginners

Perhaps you have been a long time fisher, standing safely in the surf. Maybe you love the ocean and want to try something new and different. No matter what the reason, deep sea fishing is an exciting and adventurous sport.

Before you grab a rod and reel and set out to find a boat, there are some things to keep in mind. Follow some simple tips and your experience deep sea fishing will be safe and fun. To help get you out on the water, quicker, we have compiled a list of tips and hints for beginners.

Deep Sea Fishing Tips For Beginners

Deep Sea Fishing Tips For Beginners

1. Have a professional with you

It is always a good idea to bring an expert along. Since this is new to you, an expert will help make sure that you are safe out on the water.

The professional you bring along can be a friend with a lot of experience, someone with their own boat, or it can be a person that you’ve hired to help you navigate the waters and show you the ropes. Don’t hesitate to hire someone, it is not as expensive as you think, and it is a good investment for getting the most out of your time on the water. Even though you may think that you can handle anything that the open water throws at you, keep in mind that conditions can change for the worse quite quickly. A professional will know exactly what needs to be done. As an added bonus, a professional can help you in finding the very best fishing spots and can show you what techniques work.

2.Use the right boat

Unless you own a boat that is appropriate for fishing offshore, you are going to have to rent or borrow one. Make sure that you use a boat that can handle any type of weather condition that may suddenly happen once you are out at sea; this includes large waves.  Choosing the right boat is essential.

If you’re planning on staying out for an extended period of time, which is quite common with deep sea fishing, you are going to want to get something that’s fairly large. A smaller boat is ok to use if you’re only going out for a few hours of the day, but anything longer and you should really aim for a boat with comfortable seating and a cabin to rest in.

3.Make sure you have the right equipment

Deep sea fishing requires you to have the right gear! It is a good idea to have on hand navigational gear such as a fish finder, GPS systems, and nautical maps. Having access to this equipment onboard can make your trip safer and increase your chances of a big catch.

You should also make sure that the boat you are renting has equipment like rod holders and livewells. These are usually included with the rental, but double check. You should also check to make sure you have suitable fishing seats, cranking outriggers, and an onboard grill if you are hoping to cook what you catch!

4.Use the right live bait

Live bait is usually the best way to attract the larger fish when you are offshore fishing. It is a good idea to make sure that your boat is equipped with multiple livewells, which will allow you to keep a variety of bait ready and ensure it stays fresh. A livewell is basically a large tank that is used onboard fishing vessels to store live bait safely.

You can also purchase live bait from any number of local bait shops and suppliers and easily bring it with you on your deep-sea fishing trip. But you also have the option to catch the bait yourself while you are out at sea. This method can be an extremely cost-efficient and effective.

5. Know how to properly anchor the boat

While you certainly can drag lures behind the boat and using live bait while deep sea fishing, don’t forget to occasionally anchor the boat so you can drop bait down while the waters are still. Remember, there are certain types of fish that may not necessarily be attracted to the dragged lured, such as grouper or snapper.

Anchoring the boat also gives you the chance to just sit back and relax, which is one of the most enjoyable parts about fishing.

If you do have access to a fish finder, then you will be able to calculate the depth below you. This information will help you to figure out what kinds of lures and baits will be best suited to the fish you’re hoping to catch.

Other tips

  • Sea sickness-If you are prone to nausea and sea sickness, this might be tough for you. Make sure to take anti-nausea and anti- sea sickness medication to help.
  • Be aware of conditions– It is always a good idea to be aware of the weather and sea conditions of the area you expect to be fishing in. Make sure to watch local reports. You should also trust your instinct.
  • Know what you are fishing for- Make sure that you are only fishing what you intended to. This means you will need to discern the differences between fish. This is so that you do not catch too many of one type. Don’t worry, you will learn as you go.
  • Use good artificial lures– Different fish are attracted to different lures. Make sure that you bring a wide variety with you for better chances of success. Usually artificial lures are dragged behind the boat, a process called trolling. This also helps you cover a larger area more easily.

Conclusion

Deep sea fishing is an exciting sport. It is a great way to spend time with friends, as well. Make sure that you have a professional with you the first few times you head out. Their expertise will be helpful from reading the weather conditions, to managing the boat, to knowing where to fish.

Once you are properly prepared with the right equipment and friends, you are ready for a great time deep sea fishing on the open seas.

How to Fell a Tree Against the Lean?

So, you have a tree that you want to cut, but it is leaning the opposite direction from where you want it to fall. Well, this is called back lean. Luckily for you, you are in the right place to learn how to deal with this problem. There are a few techniques that you can use to fell a tree against the lean. In this article, we are going to go over them. Read on to learn everything you need to know on how to fell a tree against the lean.

How to Fell a Tree Against the Lean

How to Fell a Tree Against the Lean

Why Fell a Tree Against the Lean

First, though you may be wondering why you would fell a tree against the lean. It is a lot easier to fell a tree with the lean, so you may not know the reason to not do it that way. Well, the main reason is if there is something in the way that the tree will land on. Trees are massive and will crush stuff if they fall on something, so sometimes the only open space for the tree to fall in an area that is against the lean. This reason is why you might have to fell a tree against the lean and why it is important to know how if you ever have to.

Method 1

There are a few methods on how you can fell a tree against the lean. We are going to start with the easiest one first and then move to harder ones. The easiest method is not the cheapest method, however. The best way to fell a tree against a lean when it comes to making it fast and easy is to use heavy machinery. You can use a tractor, or bulldozer for this method. This method is best for smaller trees, but can be used for larger ones.

For smaller trees to use heavy machinery to take them down all you have to do is drive up to the tree and push midway up. If the machine is strong enough, then you can just push the tree right over. For some trees, you might end up breaking it halfway up though where the trunk gets thinner. To prevent this you can cut a notch into the bottom on the side that you want the tree to fall. Depending on the size of the tree will dictate how big the notch has to be. This notch will make weakness and cause the tree to snap there with pushing.

The heavy equipment method may not be the best way for everyone though. That is because if you don’t have access to machines, then they can be costly. Don’t worry though, there is a way to take down a tree against the lean with just your standard power tools.

What you need

So, what exactly will you need to take down a tree with a more affordable method than heavy machines? Well, you will need a saw, some wedges, and a helper or two. Also, safety gear such as goggles, and gloves are recommended, but not must-haves.

Method 2

So, now that you know what you need to fell a tree against the lean in a more affordable method we can get into details on how to do it. To get a tree to fall in the opposite direction of the lean, you will have to support it as you cut it. You are going to make the tree straight and reverse the lean with wedges and shims. To do this you will first have to calculate how much back, lean you will have to compensate for. This math is pretty simple.

The math required is not that hard. You will stand away from the tree and use a weighted string or ax as a plumb sight up to the tree at a 90-degree angle. Then note the position on the ground where the ax or string lies. The back lean is the distance from the noted point on the ground following a line along the intended direction of fall to the apex of the planned undercut. The apex is very important because it will be the hinge as well as the pivot point for the falling tree. In other words, the weight of the tree has to go over this point before it will fall.

After determining this line you will also have to find the diameter of the stump. This is easy to find. All you have to do is measure from the front of the hinge to the back edge of the tree. In other words, measure halfway around the tree. You use the stump diameter to determine how many segments are in the tree. A segment of a tree is equal to the trunks diameter. This means if the diameter of the tree is five feet and the tree is 50 feet tall, then it will have ten segments.

The number of segments is important because the effect of moving the tree up moves the top part forward a lot more than the bottom part. Using the 50-foot tree, if you move the bottom segment up 1 inch, it will move the tree forward 1 inch, but this moves the top segment 10 inches. That is a dramatic change and makes it so even a tree with a large back, lean doesn’t have to be moved up a whole lot. To overcome a two-foot back, lean with this example, you would have to lift the tree only about two and a quarter inches. One important thing though is you can’t forget to include the width of the saw into the lift calculation. A saw is 3/8 in thick, so you have to raise the tree that additional amount with the wedge.

So, how do you use this method to fell the tree? Well, first you cut a notch into the tree at the apex or hinge. Then you cut a notch out of the backside of the tree. The backside is the side it is leaning towards. Cut discs about a ½-inch in thickness from hardwood branches for the shims. Don’t taper them as this will make them weak. Use two wedges, side by side and hammer one in so there is a gap between it and the trunk of the tree. Place a shim in this gap till it is tight. Then drive the shim in by pounding the wedge. This will either fell the tree or cause the other wedge to come loose. If the wedge comes loose before the tree falls, then add a bigger shim in. Continue this process until gravity takes over and fells the tree.

Conclusion

So, as you can see this second method for felling a tree against the lean does take more work than the first, but it is a lot more cost-effective than the first if you don’t have heavy machinery available. Big machines are nice because they can just push the tree over, but you can do it the old fashion way with physical labor. Felling a tree against the lean isn’t hard when you know what you are doing. Luckily for you, you now know what is required to fell a tree against the lean, so if you have a tree that you need to take down that is leaning the wrong way, then you can do it.

What Indicates that Foul Weather is Approaching?

No matter if you are camping, fishing, or outdoors, in general, it is important to be able to tell if bad weather is approaching. Luckily for you, there are a lot of different signs of possible foul weather coming. All you have to do is pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of things. If you are an outdoors person, then this probably won’t be too hard for you to do. Read on to learn all the different things that indicate that foul weather is approaching. That way the next time you are outside and the weather is changing you will realize it and be able to prepare yourself.

What Indicates that Foul Weather is Approaching

What Indicates that Foul Weather is Approaching

Science

You do not need to know the science behind weather changing to notice when bad weather is approaching. Normally bad weather comes from two different fronts running into each other. You have high pressure and low-pressure fronts and when they collide bad weather comes, but you don’t need fancy tools to be able to measure these fronts changing. Other signs in nature can give you all the clues you need. Having a barometer can help you tell that bad weather is approaching, but there are a lot of other ways to tell too, and anyone observant can identify when the weather is changing.

Sky

The first way to tell if bad weather is approaching is by paying attention to the sky. That is because rain and other weather come from the clouds in the sky. The type of clouds in the sky, matter though. Tall clouds are more likely to contain bad weather or storms. If you notice a rapid buildup of clouds, especially in the west, then the chance is a different front is forming.

Weather movement

To the west is important because most areas have their weather come from the west. Winds normally move from southwest to northeast or northwest to southeast. Warm air will move in from the south and push cool north air out or cool air will push in from the north and mix with the south warm air. This is what causes storms to pop up. Knowing this will help you notice if bad weather might be coming.

Wind

The wind changing direction can also be a major indicator of bad weather coming because what we have said about different temperatures of air mixing and causing storms. If you notice that the wind changed direction, then there might be a chance of bad weather. Sometimes you can’t always feel a breeze though or tell which direction it is coming from. If that is the case, then you can look to the trees for help. It is important to pay attention to the tops of the trees to get a true idea of what direction the wind is blowing. That is because the tops of the trees are closer to the clouds and will give you a more accurate reading of the overall wind direction.

Choppy Water

If you are boating or near water, then you can use that as an indication of possible weather changes. That is because choppy water can show you if the wind is picking up. Also, it can show if the wind changed direction. If you are near water and see it is getting choppy or wavier, then chances are good the weather is about to change and it will likely get worse. This is especially true if it is combined with the cloud build-up and other signs. That is because something is making the water choppy and it is most likely a storm.

Temperature change

Another sure sign of the weather about to change is if the temperature changes rapidly. If it gets colder or hotter quickly, then the winds have likely changed and a front has moved in from the north or south depending on the direction of the change. This means that warm and cool air are mixing, which gives the atmosphere the energy needs to pop up storms. Have you noticed that it is normally cooler after it storms, well this is why. Cool air moved in, causing a storm and cooled things off. Then, as the water evaporates, it gets hot and humid again, which sometimes leads to another wave of storms.

Humidity

The high humidity normally always comes before storms. Sometimes it is so humid that fog will form. Fog is water near the ground that is in a visible gas state. If you notice that it is getting extra humid, then a storm might likely be about to happen. That is because all the humidity and moisture in the air will condense and become rain. That is because the humidity is water. A barometer is a tool that reads humidity, but there are signs in nature that can tell you it as well. Leaves curling or turning over can indicate high humidity. Curling or frizzing hair can as well. If you notice any of these things, then it is likely humidity is high. Pine cones also stay on the trees when the humidity is high and fall off when it isn’t.

Animals

Besides trees and plants, animals can also be a good sign of weather about to come. If birds are flying low, then that means there is a pressure in the upper sky causing them to avoid it. Other animals such as cows or sheep get restless and gather together. If you don’t notice insects such as bees or butterflies, then that means heavy rain is approaching. Other animals seek high ground when storms are approaching. If you notice ants building tall mounds or turtles moving up hills, then heavy rain is likely coming.

Smell

Plants also release their waste when storms are coming. For plants that is oxygen. That means the air gets more oxygen in it. This can sometimes smell like compost. Some people say they can smell the rain, which is true. If you notice a change in smell, then it is likely to rain is coming. Again, this is especially true if combined with these other signs.

How far

Lastly, if you see lightning and hear thunder, then a storm is coming. You might be wondering how far away this storm is though. Well, there is a simple math trick you can do to figure that out. All you have to do is start counting seconds to yourself when you see the lightning. Then when you hear the thunder stop counting. You take the number you got and divide it by five. The result is roughly how far the storm is away in miles. That is because light travels faster than sound, so you see the lightning before hearing the thunder even though they occur at the same time.

Conclusion

So, now you know all kinds of different ways to know when foul weather is approaching. By knowing these signs you don’t need fancy equipment or knowledge of the science behind it. Instead, you can just observe nature and let nature tell you if bad weather is coming. Normally multiple of these happen at the same time to give you a good idea of the weather changing. If you see dark clouds forming, winds shifting, and animals acting different, then chances are good a storm is coming or the weather is about to change.

How To Heat A Tent Without Electricity

Camping and spending time in nature is something that many people enjoy doing. In fact, camping is a hobby that can be done all year round. The only spoiler is the moment that the temperature dips below freezing and you have a very chilly tent.

Take heart. There are ways to heat your tent, without using electricity. After all, there aren’t any outlets in Mother Nature. To help keep you warm next time you go camping, here is a list of ways to keep your tent toasty.

How To Heat A Tent Without Electricity

How To Heat A Tent Without Electricity

1.Get the hot water bottles ready

This is an idea also used by farmers. Huge greenhouses are often heated with the help of some barrels and water.

So how can you use this idea for camping?

You will need some hard plastic bottles or metal bottles. You will need to heat the water to close to boiling, so any ordinary supermarket plastic water bottles will not work. Make sure that you have a boiling pan or something similar to heat the water.

Once the water is at a high temperature, safely transfer it into the plastic/metal bottles. Then spread these bottles around the inside of your tent. If done correctly, they should release heat for many hours, slowly bringing up the temperatures inside your tent.

Because the water is so dense, you will probably wake up, and the bottles will still be warm. If you get chilly during the night, you can pull the bottles closer to your body to help warm you up. This is a very safe method to use.

2. Get some stones to heat up

Get some stones to heat up your tent

Get some stones to heat up your tent

This method follows the same principle as the water bottles, but with a different approach. This method will heat the tent even faster than the water bottles, but there is a caveat. Stones will not store heat for a long time.

This is how you use this method. Find some stones around your camping spot. If you are having trouble finding them, the best spot to find rocks is usually close to a stream or a river. Now, start a fire and place the stones very close to the fire.

About 30 minutes before you plan to go to sleep, wrap the stones in some cloth. Keep in mind, the stones will be very hot. Spread the hot stones around the inside your tent. Try to spread them out as much as possible. It is a good idea to place them in the corners and places you are less likely to touch them. If you wrap them correctly, they should be very hot, but the cloth will protect them from damaging anything.

Remember, the stones will go cold in about 3-4 hours, but they also release heat faster than the water bottles. Depending on how cold it is outside, you might end up with comfortable temperatures until the next morning.

3.You can insulate your tent

It is very possible to insulate your tent during the winter months. In fact, insulating your tent should be done along with the hot water bottles and hot stones. These methods complement each other very nicely. A little trick is to use your mylar blanket for insulation. Simply duct tape it to the ceiling of the tent in order to help reflect heat back down to you.

Other ways to heat your tent without electricity

Insulated Pads- These pads trap heat and help preserve heat without the use of electricity and gas. All you have to do is put the pads on the floor of the tent and then place the sleeping pad on top. Once this is done, you will sleep well at night without worrying about getting cold.

A good tip on buying insulated pads is that you want to get pads that will cover the whole floor of your tent. The greater the area, the more heat that will radiate throughout the tent. If you are on a tight budget, then you should choose an insulated pad that can provide the most warmth per budget.

Gas heaters-Here’s an easy method of heating your tent- gas heaters. Gas heaters are incredibly easy to use. In order to use a gas heater, you need only two things- is a gas bottle and a gas heater.

The caveat to this method is that if you leave the gas heater on all night, you risk poisoning everyone inside the tent because of the carbon monoxide that is created from the heater. It is definitely recommended that you shut it off for the night.

The other downside is that gas heaters are not as portable as the insulated pads. The gas bottle and the heater itself can be pretty heavy, which adds to your camping load. However, considering that they are effective at heating a tent with no electricity, this is a fair trade off, especially if you are camping in the winter.

Watch what you wear -You should always wear a knit hat while you sleep. Most of your body heat is lost through your head, so a nice knit cap will help conserve heat. In fact, it is better to wear a hat then stick your head inside your sleeping bag. When you enclose your head in the sleeping bag, your breath creates condensation which will ultimately make your body cooler. You should also always wear clean and dry socks. Even socks that are slightly damp will cause your body to lose heat. In the same way, do not bundle up too much or you will start sweating, which will cause your body to cool down.

Conclusion

Camping is an enjoyable activity and one that allows you to take full advantage of the beauty of nature. However, in order to have a successful time camping, you need to be properly prepared. You can also continue to enjoy camping during the winter months, just make sure you plan ahead for warmth, and you will be ready for a great weekend.

Top 5 Best Longboard For Girls In 2020

It is a tough job to find a longboards for girls. Although there are boards that can be used by girls very few are specifically suited to use by girls. So we feel it is important that we scour the market for some longboards that are best suited to girls. If you are new, i think you should take a look at longboard for beginners. Good start 🙂

Best Longboard For Girls In 2019

These longboards have some distinct characters such as being attractively colored or being lightweight so that girls can easily carry them. Here are some of the best longboards for girl we found:

Quick Look At Our 5 Best Longboards for Girls

In 2019

  1. Quest Super Cruiser Artisan Bamboo (44-Inch) (Editor's Choice)
  2. Atom Drop Through, 10 .6x 41.7-Inches
  3. Atom Pintail Longboard, 9.4 x 39.0-Inch
  4. Yocaher Professional Speed Drop Down Stained Complete

Top Our Pick For Best LongBoards For Girls In 2019

1. Quest Super Cruiser Artisan Bamboo (44-Inch)

Quest QT-NSC44C The Super Cruiser The Original Artisan Bamboo and Maple 44" Longboard Skateboard

Quest QT-NSC44C The Super Cruiser The Original Artisan Bamboo and Maple 44" Longboard Skateboard

The Quest Super Cruiser is a vastly popular and highly reviewed product that suits female longboard riders. Available for around $$, it is a steal given the components that have been used in this longboard.

It is built using hardwood maple but the deck is sandwiched between functional and beautiful bamboo. The bamboo lends immense protection and some flex to this board.

The longboard measures as follows: 44 inches in length and 9 inches across! That makes it a stable and comfortable board to ride on.

For any girls beginning longboarding without strenuous demands, this is a great longboard.

2. Atom Drop Through – 41 Inch

Atom Drop Through – 41 Inch

Atom Drop Through – 41 Inch

Atom Longboard on our list is a value for money proposition. With the comfortable and safe riding position of Drop Through design allowing for more confidence, this is a perfect fit for the ladies.

Amongst it features, it counts high colored graphics, covered maple deck and reverse kingpin trucks that are essential to every longboard.

To give you further peace of mind, it comes with a limited one-year manufacturer warranty. Being a drop through longboard, it is less tiring to ride and hence suits ladies well.

3. Atom Pin-Tail Longboard (39-Inch)

Atom Pin-Tail Longboard (39-Inch)

Atom Pin-Tail Longboard (39-Inch)

Another one of those very affordable longboards, it retails around $$. The four and a half stars rating it has received a lot of customers is one of the highest among any price range. This proves the credibility of the Atom Pintail Longboard as one fit for use by girls.

Belonging to the veteran pintail shaped boards, it does not fall victim to the common problem of wheel bite. Further, soft wheels rated 78a on the durometer ensure that it has plenty of grip for the daily commute. This Pintail is a longboard for beginners, and with all its features, it fits the bill perfectly well.

4. Yocaher Professional Speed Drop Down Stained Complete Longboard

Yocaher Professional Speed Drop Down Stained Complete Longboard

Yocaher Professional Speed Drop Down Stained Complete Longboard

This is the longboard for girls with the greatest choice in graphics and color options. It is a top mounted drop down design, and wherein the foot lies in a specially shaped lower area of the deck.

It is an affordable longboard that comes with a very reliable spec sheet. It uses Q-ball branded wheels, Black Widow grip tape, HD7 trucks made of aluminum alloy. Hence regarding great names spares, this takes the pole.

The wheelbase is a good 33 inches, making it even more stable with the help of drop down deck style. Standing so close to the ground is ideal to make you girls feel safe.

If You Are a Girl

You can choose any of these longboards, and you will be comfortable riding them.

Always wear all safety gear like helmet, elbow and knee protection. Being a girl doesn’t save you from the fall that comes with riding longboards.

Conclusion

Nothing should stop you from pursuing your passion of longboarding, even if you are a girl. However, we thought we could make it less of confusion for you to choose your best longboard by listing some of the best-suited longboards for girls. Pick one and enjoy!

Besides that, at my blog, we also have many articles to share you all things need to know about longboarding.

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