bass fishing tips

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Sunshine, crashing waves and hands-on activities. These are three things every kid loves. That's what makes deep sea fishing the perfect family outing. Especially during summer months when children can get bored, deep sea fishing makes for a wonderful time of togetherness, education and excitement.

Before you venture onto any vessel, you'll want to run through the checklist below. Taking time to prepare before launching into the deep blue sea can ensure your trip will be a huge success.

Safety

No outing can be truly fun for everyone unless it is also safe. There are steps you can take to ensure you and your family will have a day of adventure as well as safety. Be sure to ask the captain of the boat about the following:

_____ Life Preservers - Make sure life preservers on the boat are current. Preservers need to be within easy reach. The boat should have a variety of life preservers in different sizes to fit both adults and children.

_____ Coast Guard Inspection - You'll want a fishing vessel that is big and seaworthy, and that has passed all necessary inspections. Look for a U.S. Coast Guard safety inspection sticker to be sure. Also check for a radio and emergency beacon onboard.

_____ CPR - The crew aboard your deep-sea fishing boat should be CPR and first aid trained.

_____ Sun Protection - The sun gets very intense over water. In fact, you get 180% exposure to the sun while on the water as opposed to on land. (100% direct sun exposure plus 80% exposure from water reflection.) You'll want to pack sunscreen as well as hats and sunglasses.

Fishing

Your fishing experience will be different depending on which area of the U.S. you are in. Water temperature, local weather and current surface temperatures can all play a role in the success of your trip. While these elements may be out of your control, there are other elements you need to verify before casting off.

_____ Experience - Your captain and crew should have plenty of experience fishing in the local waters. They should be comfortable navigating the area and should be able to find sweet spots where fish commonly gather.

_____ Equipment - The boat you choose to sail on should be outfitted with the latest fish-finding electronics to help ensure you get what you came for.

_____ Bait - Bait used while fishing should be indigenous to the area. Fish can be finicky about what they will and will not eat.

_____ Unwanted Transfer - Be sure to wash your hands (or have the crew wash their hands) after applying sunscreen, aftershave or other scented lotions. The smell (and taste) can transfer to the bait causing the fish to stop biting.

Kids

When deep sea fishing with kids, special considerations come into play. Ask your crew about the following if you plan to bring young children onboard.

_____ Family Friendly - Is this a family friendly ship? Is language controlled? Are alcoholic beverages served? Is smoking allowed?

_____ Stories - When the fish aren't biting, things might become quiet. Will the crew tell stories about the area, share educational information, teach knot tying or allow kids to steer the boat?

_____ Naps - Is there a bench or cot where small children can lie down if they get tired?

Everyone

To ensure the enjoyment of the trip for each family member, you'll want to:

_____ Bring Plenty of Snacks and Drinks - Even though the boat may provide chips or sodas, they may be limited in their variety. Pack your child's favorite snacks and juices plus plenty of water. You'll need to stay hydrated while out in the sun.

_____ Get a Good Night's Sleep - Deep sea fishing is an absolute blast! It can be tiring, however, especially for younger children. Be sure to get a good night's sleep before venturing out.

_____ Take Dramamine - If you are prone to seasickness, or don't know if you will become seasick, take Dramamine or Bonine the night before and the morning of your trip just to be on the safe side.

_____ Bring Your Camera! This will be a day that memories are made of. You'll want to capture every moment for your photo albums. Be sure to bring plenty of film and/or an extra battery.

When you've checked off everything on your list, you'll be ready for a wonderful day filled with family fun and adventure. With the right captain at the helm, your deep-sea fishing journey will soon become a family tradition you'll look forward to year after year.

It's great to fish in the summer when the air is warm and the lake is calm. There are fishermen, though, who can't wait for winter and the lake to freeze solid. Ice fishing is a sport that many people enjoy, extending the fishing season to year-round pleasure. What's more, ice fishing is a great family activity.

What makes ice fishing so appealing to families is that the sport isn't just about catching fish. Getting outdoors and breathing crisp, good air while having fun sums up ice fishing well. Smiles, laughs, and playing in the snow are all pretty common occurrences while out on the ice. Those reasons are just some of the few that even people who hate fishing get hooked on this winter activity. If you'd like to try a day of ice fishing with your family, here are some things to keep in mind.

Ice fishing is usually a whole-day activity. Get out on the ice early after breakfast to enjoy the best hours. If you plan on bringing home a bunch of perch for a meal, then being ready with your lines in the water by the time the sun starts to rise is best. Fish tend to bite in the early morning or later in the afternoon, depending on the species. The period in between usually ends up being playtime for families rather than hours spent reeling up the fish.

Pack a good lunch and some snacks, because the fresh air and activity will stir appetites. Lots of finger foods and plenty of water to drink serve the purpose nicely. It's a good idea to avoid bringing beer with you, though, as alcohol and cold don't mix well. Alcohol can lower your body temperature and the chill in the air makes it harder to feel the effects You may end up going overboard without realizing you've had one to many to make the safe drive home.

Staying warm while ice fishing is a must. The open-air location will often carry a good breeze, so windproof clothing should be your first consideration. Plenty of layers underneath warm sweaters will trap the heat and keep you feeling toasty. Good boots and mitts of solid construction are best, and even better are those that are waterproof. Ice fishing involves playing in cold water, after all!

Some other accessories you'll need are a warm hat and sunglasses. Bright sunlight reflects on the white snow and ice, which can be brutal on your eyesight and vision. Many ice anglers who don't wear sunglasses come home and realize they can't see well for over half an hour! Since the sun is so strong and the reflection off the snow amplifies its effects, it's also easy to get sunburned, so apply plenty of sun block to avoid red cheeks.

If you're new to ice fishing, choose an outfitter that will provide you with a cabin, a stove, lines, minnows and a hole-drilling service. These outfitters want to make sure you enjoy your day as much as possible and will set you up with everything you need for hours of fun. The employees will also be more than happy to answer your questions and give you tips on how to fish. Once you're set up, respect other people around you. Have a good time, but don't blast a radio to upset the peace and quiet of other anglers. Don't throw waste on the ice either and have a care for the environment. Some fishermen pour antifreeze in their holes to prevent ice from forming but antifreeze is toxic and this practice is an irresponsible one. Use the metal spoon provided to keep your holes from freezing over.

In addition, if you aren't going to eat the fish you catch, handle them gently and practice catch and release. The growth rate and reproduction of fish is quite slow, which means negligent or abusive behaviour can put a dent in fish populations.

Lastly, pack up and head home before you get tired. Being outside for a few hours in cold temperatures will hit you hard once you get into a warm car. By the time you get home, you'll probably feel exhausted. After a day of ice fishing, ordering a pizza for supper can be a godsend!