Boating equipment can be a wide and diverse subject. When you take up the sport of boating, the amount of equipment you need is as complicated or as simple as you want to make it. But the basic boating equipment that everyone needs includes a boat and a trailer.
The boat, obviously, is a no-brainer. You have to have a boat in order to participate in the sport of boating. But your most important piece of equipment is your boat trailer. It’s essential that you match your boat trailer to your boat. This will depend on the size of your boat mainly, but there are other considerations to be thought about as well.
What is the size of the vehicle you will be using to tow your boat on the trailer? There are some lighter weight trailer models that can accommodate vehicles with less horsepower. Ideally, you’ll want a four-wheel drive truck that can handle both the boat and the trailer easily. But if you just have a small truck, look into a lightweight aluminum trailer that is easily towed by a smaller truck.
The type of boat you choose is also dependent on your vehicle. Most people choose their vehicle first and then their boat. If all you have is a smaller truck with little horsepower, you won’t want a 30 foot power boat traveling behind you. Handling will be difficult, and you run the risk of harming others on the roadway if you don’t pay attention to this big detail.
So, you’ve got your boat and you’ve got your trailer, what other type of equipment will you need in your boating adventures? Your boat must be outfitted with a life jacket for every person aboard, fire extinguishers, some type of sound emitting device (your mother-in-law doesn’t count), and adequate lighting for night boating.
Two other essential pieces of boating equipment would include a two-way radio as well as some type of navigation device like a GPS system. When you are on the water, you don’t want to risk becoming stranded and not having any way of communicating with the outside world or being able to find your way back to shore.
If you will be participating in water sports, the boating equipment will differ from pleasure cruising. For water sports, you’ll need a tow rope and some skis or an inner tube for tubing.
What type of boating equipment you need will really depend on how you’re going to be using your boat. Decide for yourself what’s important to you and then go buy your boating equipment, but be sure you have the basics as outlined above!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
The Practical Bass Fishing Tips for a Successful Fishing Experience
Many men have found bass fishing quite a relaxing experience. Although Bass fish have been known to be quite a fighter and a struggler the sheer excitement of waiting and finally snagging it releases certain chemicals into the body that provides a euphoric feeling making the experience all worthwhile and satisfying.
Many men and women have come back from a bass fishing expedition feeling light and perky even though they have been outdoors the whole time. The strenuous activity seems to have recharged their bodies.
The popularity Bass fishing has garnered over the years has grown to an all time high with more and more people discovering its joys. Some though are reluctant to start because they have not got a single shred of idea on what to do. Here are some tips to get you started and some secret to act like an experienced bass fish catcher.
Baits
Artificial baits have been known to catch quite a few Bass! You can also use baitfish, such as a mullet, with much more visually attractive artificial bait over it or with its backbone removed so that it swims more naturally and with a 2-ounce egg sinker on the hook to keep it just under the waves.
Approach
The best way to get a surface fish, as in any other fishing, is to be sure you keep your distance. Fishing down the creek would help if the water flow is fairly decent. It doesn’t have to be a lot but enough to keep your bait moving. If there are any bushes, trees, or shrubs around try to hide behind them then cast your line in (fly fishing rods are great for this matter).
But remember, to quietly sneak up to them. Any hole with a lot of fish in a river or creek takes a lot of patience. If they hear or see you, you’ll probably not get any bites. Also look for rocks around the creek. If the soil is moist or damp, lift up the rocks and you may find some native worms. .
For night time bass use a black jitterbug. Replace the hooks with better hooks and if there’s no moon then use some sort of glow in the dark paint on the under side of the lure or they will miss it a lot.
If you have lily pads in a spot or two, then the best advice if it is deep is to run a worm or any soft bait slowly along the bottom right next to the lily pads. You can also buy plastic frogs and mice to skip along the top of the lily pads.
Location
Water weeds extending about five feet out into the water are a very good source of bass cover. You can run any kind of artificial bait along the edge of them and usually snag one or two. Or you can put a weed less worm right in the middle of the weeds.
Try to look for underwater structures like big rocks and big stumps. They serve as cover for the bass. Try all the kinds of lures that you can. Cast in one area around five times just to see if there is any fish that need teasing.
If you catch a fish DON'T LEAVE THAT SPOT stay there and fish more after you have removed the hook. Fish will follow the fish on your line and try to steal the bait. Especially if it is white bass you can sometimes catch two at a time with crappie and perch that is if you have a double rig.
Worms usually work well during light to heavy over cast skies and spinners usually work better in the morning when the sun is reflecting off the water. When you set the hook, try to keep your line tight and maybe even give it another set. When they jump it is real hard to keep your line tight.
Make sure you aren't using dull hooks. Also, smaller hooks can penetrate easier, making them harder to throw. In most instances, though, nothing beats an aggressive hook set, and then keeping steady pressure on the fish, especially when they go airborne.
The Practical Bass Fishing Tips for a Successful Fishing Experience
Many men has found bass fishing quite a relaxing experience. Although Bass fish have been known to be quite a fighter and a struggler the sheer excitement of waiting and finally snagging it releases certain chemicals into the body that provides a euphoric feeling making the experience all worthwhile and satisfying.
Many men and women have come back from a bass fishing expedition feeling light and perky even though they have been outdoors the whole time. The strenuous activity seems to have recharged their bodies.
The popularity Bass fishing has garnered over the years has grown to an all time high with more and more people discovering its joys. Some though are reluctant to start because they have not got a single shred of idea on what to do. Here are some tips to get you started and some secret to act like an experienced bass fish catcher.
Baits
Artificial baits have been known to catch quite a few Bass! You can also use baitfish, such as a mullet, with much more visually attractive artificial bait over it or with its backbone removed so that it swims more naturally and with a 2-ounce egg sinker on the hook to keep it just under the waves.
Approach
The best way to get a surface fish, as in any other fishing, is to be sure you keep your distance. Fishing down the creek would help if the water flow is fairly decent. It doesn’t have to be a lot but enough to keep your bait moving. If there are any bushes, trees, or shrubs around try to hide behind them then cast your line in (fly fishing rods are great for this matter).
But remember, to quietly sneak up to them. Any hole with a lot of fish in a river or creek takes a lot of patience. If they hear or see you, you’ll probably not get any bites. Also look for rocks around the creek. If the soil is moist or damp, lift up the rocks and you may find some native worms. .
For night time bass use a black jitterbug. Replace the hooks with better hooks and if there’s no moon then use some sort of glow in the dark paint on the under side of the lure or they will miss it a lot.
If you have lily pads in a spot or two, then the best advice if it is deep is to run a worm or any soft bait slowly along the bottom right next to the lily pads. You can also buy plastic frogs and mice to skip along the top of the lily pads.
Location
Water weeds extending about five feet out into the water are a very good source of bass cover. You can run any kind of artificial bait along the edge of them and usually snag one or two. Or you can put a weed less worm right in the middle of the weeds.
Try to look for underwater structures like big rocks and big stumps. They serve as cover for the bass. All I can say is try all the kinds of lures that you can. I usually cast in one area around five times just to see if there is any fish that need teasing.
If you catch a fish DON'T LEAVE THAT SPOT stay there and fish more after you have removed the hook. Fish will follow the fish on your line and try to steal the bait. Especially if it is white bass you can sometimes catch two at a time with crappie and perch that is if you have a double rig.
Worms usually work well during light to heavy over cast skies and spinners usually work better in the morning when the sun is reflecting off the water. When you set the hook try to keep your line tight and maybe even give it another set that's how I do it but usually it only takes one set. When they jump it is real hard to keep your line tight.
Make sure you aren't using dull hooks, first of all. Also, sometimes smaller hooks can penetrate easier, making them harder to throw. In most instances, though, nothing beats an aggressive hook set, and then keeping steady pressure on the fish, especially when they go airborne.
Many men and women have come back from a bass fishing expedition feeling light and perky even though they have been outdoors the whole time. The strenuous activity seems to have recharged their bodies.
The popularity Bass fishing has garnered over the years has grown to an all time high with more and more people discovering its joys. Some though are reluctant to start because they have not got a single shred of idea on what to do. Here are some tips to get you started and some secret to act like an experienced bass fish catcher.
Baits
Artificial baits have been known to catch quite a few Bass! You can also use baitfish, such as a mullet, with much more visually attractive artificial bait over it or with its backbone removed so that it swims more naturally and with a 2-ounce egg sinker on the hook to keep it just under the waves.
Approach
The best way to get a surface fish, as in any other fishing, is to be sure you keep your distance. Fishing down the creek would help if the water flow is fairly decent. It doesn’t have to be a lot but enough to keep your bait moving. If there are any bushes, trees, or shrubs around try to hide behind them then cast your line in (fly fishing rods are great for this matter).
But remember, to quietly sneak up to them. Any hole with a lot of fish in a river or creek takes a lot of patience. If they hear or see you, you’ll probably not get any bites. Also look for rocks around the creek. If the soil is moist or damp, lift up the rocks and you may find some native worms. .
For night time bass use a black jitterbug. Replace the hooks with better hooks and if there’s no moon then use some sort of glow in the dark paint on the under side of the lure or they will miss it a lot.
If you have lily pads in a spot or two, then the best advice if it is deep is to run a worm or any soft bait slowly along the bottom right next to the lily pads. You can also buy plastic frogs and mice to skip along the top of the lily pads.
Location
Water weeds extending about five feet out into the water are a very good source of bass cover. You can run any kind of artificial bait along the edge of them and usually snag one or two. Or you can put a weed less worm right in the middle of the weeds.
Try to look for underwater structures like big rocks and big stumps. They serve as cover for the bass. Try all the kinds of lures that you can. Cast in one area around five times just to see if there is any fish that need teasing.
If you catch a fish DON'T LEAVE THAT SPOT stay there and fish more after you have removed the hook. Fish will follow the fish on your line and try to steal the bait. Especially if it is white bass you can sometimes catch two at a time with crappie and perch that is if you have a double rig.
Worms usually work well during light to heavy over cast skies and spinners usually work better in the morning when the sun is reflecting off the water. When you set the hook, try to keep your line tight and maybe even give it another set. When they jump it is real hard to keep your line tight.
Make sure you aren't using dull hooks. Also, smaller hooks can penetrate easier, making them harder to throw. In most instances, though, nothing beats an aggressive hook set, and then keeping steady pressure on the fish, especially when they go airborne.
The Practical Bass Fishing Tips for a Successful Fishing Experience
Many men has found bass fishing quite a relaxing experience. Although Bass fish have been known to be quite a fighter and a struggler the sheer excitement of waiting and finally snagging it releases certain chemicals into the body that provides a euphoric feeling making the experience all worthwhile and satisfying.
Many men and women have come back from a bass fishing expedition feeling light and perky even though they have been outdoors the whole time. The strenuous activity seems to have recharged their bodies.
The popularity Bass fishing has garnered over the years has grown to an all time high with more and more people discovering its joys. Some though are reluctant to start because they have not got a single shred of idea on what to do. Here are some tips to get you started and some secret to act like an experienced bass fish catcher.
Baits
Artificial baits have been known to catch quite a few Bass! You can also use baitfish, such as a mullet, with much more visually attractive artificial bait over it or with its backbone removed so that it swims more naturally and with a 2-ounce egg sinker on the hook to keep it just under the waves.
Approach
The best way to get a surface fish, as in any other fishing, is to be sure you keep your distance. Fishing down the creek would help if the water flow is fairly decent. It doesn’t have to be a lot but enough to keep your bait moving. If there are any bushes, trees, or shrubs around try to hide behind them then cast your line in (fly fishing rods are great for this matter).
But remember, to quietly sneak up to them. Any hole with a lot of fish in a river or creek takes a lot of patience. If they hear or see you, you’ll probably not get any bites. Also look for rocks around the creek. If the soil is moist or damp, lift up the rocks and you may find some native worms. .
For night time bass use a black jitterbug. Replace the hooks with better hooks and if there’s no moon then use some sort of glow in the dark paint on the under side of the lure or they will miss it a lot.
If you have lily pads in a spot or two, then the best advice if it is deep is to run a worm or any soft bait slowly along the bottom right next to the lily pads. You can also buy plastic frogs and mice to skip along the top of the lily pads.
Location
Water weeds extending about five feet out into the water are a very good source of bass cover. You can run any kind of artificial bait along the edge of them and usually snag one or two. Or you can put a weed less worm right in the middle of the weeds.
Try to look for underwater structures like big rocks and big stumps. They serve as cover for the bass. All I can say is try all the kinds of lures that you can. I usually cast in one area around five times just to see if there is any fish that need teasing.
If you catch a fish DON'T LEAVE THAT SPOT stay there and fish more after you have removed the hook. Fish will follow the fish on your line and try to steal the bait. Especially if it is white bass you can sometimes catch two at a time with crappie and perch that is if you have a double rig.
Worms usually work well during light to heavy over cast skies and spinners usually work better in the morning when the sun is reflecting off the water. When you set the hook try to keep your line tight and maybe even give it another set that's how I do it but usually it only takes one set. When they jump it is real hard to keep your line tight.
Make sure you aren't using dull hooks, first of all. Also, sometimes smaller hooks can penetrate easier, making them harder to throw. In most instances, though, nothing beats an aggressive hook set, and then keeping steady pressure on the fish, especially when they go airborne.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Care of Live Aquarium Plants
To add that special effect and enhance the natural setting within your aquarium, try using live plants instead of fake plastic plants. The use of live plants will not only add a pleasing visual appeal, but will also help maintain your tank. By adding oxygen to the water, the use of live plants helps keep your aquarium balanced and will aid in fish health.
The most important factor in growing and maintaining healthy aquarium plants is the lighting used. For a well planted aquarium, it is suggested to use 2-3 watts per gallon of water. The use of fluorescent bulbs is practical and adds a nice lighting effect. Take caution when deciding to use florescent lights if your tank has a depth of 20" or more. The low growing plants, or plants with multiple leave levels will suffer from a lack of light as the florescent rays will not provide enough light.
Once you have figured out what type of lighting you will use, you must turn your attention to the hardness of the water. The majority of aquarium plants will thrive in water that has a hardness between 4-12 dH, and between the range of 6.5-7.2 for pH. Plants need clean and clear water to survive best in, so proper cleaning and maintenance should be performed on the aquarium. Most plants will not survive if there is too much debris or waste in the water, so keeping up with cleaning is essential.
Once your plants are established in a clean, well lighted tank, you must care for them by making sure they receive the nutrients required for healthy growth. Plants need both macro- and micro nutrients. Macro nutrients are usually found naturally in tap water and in the fish themselves. These nutrients include nitrates, sulfates and phosphates. Macro nutrients should never need to be added to the water of the tank. They exist on their own. Micro nutrients are needed in very small amounts. Copper, iron and zinc are among the micro nutrients live plants will need to survive in the aquarium.
Generally, the water and the fish in the tank will provide the nutrients and fertilizers needed for plant growth. It is rare that any supplements will need to be added. One important factor in having healthy plant life is your filtration system. Stay away from under gravel filters because they produce a steady flow of bubbles that disturb the surface. The filter plate on under gravel filters also limit's the composition of the gravel in which the plants are rooted. All other kinds of filtration systems will work well. The only things to be concerned about are if your filter causes too much disruption to the water surface. When this happens, carbon dioxide is lost and plants will suffer. Also make sure the filter creates a current that keeps nutrients moving throughout the tank.
By having a good chemical balance in the aquarium and having an efficient filtering system, you will be sure to have healthy live plant growth. These plants will add to the beauty of the tank and will also keep your fish relaxed because it will be a natural setting for them. If you are considering adding plants for decoration within the aquarium, consider the great benefits of using live plants.
The most important factor in growing and maintaining healthy aquarium plants is the lighting used. For a well planted aquarium, it is suggested to use 2-3 watts per gallon of water. The use of fluorescent bulbs is practical and adds a nice lighting effect. Take caution when deciding to use florescent lights if your tank has a depth of 20" or more. The low growing plants, or plants with multiple leave levels will suffer from a lack of light as the florescent rays will not provide enough light.
Once you have figured out what type of lighting you will use, you must turn your attention to the hardness of the water. The majority of aquarium plants will thrive in water that has a hardness between 4-12 dH, and between the range of 6.5-7.2 for pH. Plants need clean and clear water to survive best in, so proper cleaning and maintenance should be performed on the aquarium. Most plants will not survive if there is too much debris or waste in the water, so keeping up with cleaning is essential.
Once your plants are established in a clean, well lighted tank, you must care for them by making sure they receive the nutrients required for healthy growth. Plants need both macro- and micro nutrients. Macro nutrients are usually found naturally in tap water and in the fish themselves. These nutrients include nitrates, sulfates and phosphates. Macro nutrients should never need to be added to the water of the tank. They exist on their own. Micro nutrients are needed in very small amounts. Copper, iron and zinc are among the micro nutrients live plants will need to survive in the aquarium.
Generally, the water and the fish in the tank will provide the nutrients and fertilizers needed for plant growth. It is rare that any supplements will need to be added. One important factor in having healthy plant life is your filtration system. Stay away from under gravel filters because they produce a steady flow of bubbles that disturb the surface. The filter plate on under gravel filters also limit's the composition of the gravel in which the plants are rooted. All other kinds of filtration systems will work well. The only things to be concerned about are if your filter causes too much disruption to the water surface. When this happens, carbon dioxide is lost and plants will suffer. Also make sure the filter creates a current that keeps nutrients moving throughout the tank.
By having a good chemical balance in the aquarium and having an efficient filtering system, you will be sure to have healthy live plant growth. These plants will add to the beauty of the tank and will also keep your fish relaxed because it will be a natural setting for them. If you are considering adding plants for decoration within the aquarium, consider the great benefits of using live plants.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Manual Drip Coffee Makers
Many people don't really know the difference between automatic and manual drip coffee makers. It's really very simple. An automatic drip coffee maker pours the hot water over the ground coffee for you while a manual drip coffee maker requires that you do it yourself.
Manual drip coffee makers typically come in single cup to twelve cup varieties and basically give you similar results as an automatic drip coffee maker. Many people feel they get a better tasting cup of coffee when they have the ability to pour the water themselves and choose from a variety of filters and filter holders. A good thing about manual drip coffee makers is that they don't use electricity and can be used wherever you happen to go. This makes them a great choice for camping. You can boil water over a fire or portable stove for your coffee.
The main components of manual drip coffee makers are the pot or cup, a filter, and a filter holder. There are more complicated varieties available but for most of them, this is all you will need. First you set your pot or cup on a counter, set the filter holder on top, add a filter and fill it with ground coffee. You boil water on a stove and pour it into the filter. It's pretty easy but if you don't know what you are doing or have the proper pot to boil water in, there is a potential to get scalded. Using a teapot or special pot that has a place for pouring is the best way to go as a saucepan isn't designed for pouring water out.
Every manual drip coffee maker has a special filter and filter holder. The filters can be permanent metal ones or your basic disposable paper ones. Many people like the metal filters because they can be used many times and provide the same water flow each time. Paper filters, though cheaper, can end up costing more in the long run and each brand might let water flow a little differently. The filter holders come in hundreds of varieties but you usually get one with your manual drip coffee maker. If you buy a different one, you run the risk of overflow. Filter holders can be porcelain, plastic, metal, or glass and come in many different sizes.
The manual drip coffee maker pot or cup is an important thing to consider. Do you want to make a single cup or ten cups? A single cup version will take up almost no counter space and is a great choice for people who live alone or in a very small place. The ten to twelve cup versions are great for homes that drink a lot of coffee or for big camping trips. They aren't as big as an electric coffee maker and can be taken apart for easy cleaning and carrying.
The most important part of any coffee maker is the type of coffee you use. Expensive coffee that is freshly ground will taste much better than coffee from a discount store. Try different types of coffee and decide what kind you like the best.
Manual drip coffee makers typically come in single cup to twelve cup varieties and basically give you similar results as an automatic drip coffee maker. Many people feel they get a better tasting cup of coffee when they have the ability to pour the water themselves and choose from a variety of filters and filter holders. A good thing about manual drip coffee makers is that they don't use electricity and can be used wherever you happen to go. This makes them a great choice for camping. You can boil water over a fire or portable stove for your coffee.
The main components of manual drip coffee makers are the pot or cup, a filter, and a filter holder. There are more complicated varieties available but for most of them, this is all you will need. First you set your pot or cup on a counter, set the filter holder on top, add a filter and fill it with ground coffee. You boil water on a stove and pour it into the filter. It's pretty easy but if you don't know what you are doing or have the proper pot to boil water in, there is a potential to get scalded. Using a teapot or special pot that has a place for pouring is the best way to go as a saucepan isn't designed for pouring water out.
Every manual drip coffee maker has a special filter and filter holder. The filters can be permanent metal ones or your basic disposable paper ones. Many people like the metal filters because they can be used many times and provide the same water flow each time. Paper filters, though cheaper, can end up costing more in the long run and each brand might let water flow a little differently. The filter holders come in hundreds of varieties but you usually get one with your manual drip coffee maker. If you buy a different one, you run the risk of overflow. Filter holders can be porcelain, plastic, metal, or glass and come in many different sizes.
The manual drip coffee maker pot or cup is an important thing to consider. Do you want to make a single cup or ten cups? A single cup version will take up almost no counter space and is a great choice for people who live alone or in a very small place. The ten to twelve cup versions are great for homes that drink a lot of coffee or for big camping trips. They aren't as big as an electric coffee maker and can be taken apart for easy cleaning and carrying.
The most important part of any coffee maker is the type of coffee you use. Expensive coffee that is freshly ground will taste much better than coffee from a discount store. Try different types of coffee and decide what kind you like the best.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Bass Fishing Facts And More
Bass fishing has a fascinating history. It started in the late 18th century and continues to progress until today.
It probably was originally practiced in search for food among the people in the south of the United States. Since then, it has started gaining numerous audiences of all ages and nations. Today, countries such as Australia, Cuba, South Africa, United States and most of Europe participate in this kind of event.
Timelines
• The year 1768 or 1770 represents the birth of bass fishing sports. Onesimus Ustonson introduced his first multiplying reels to the fishing gurus and lovers. It was later developed into bait caster.
• William Shakespeare Jr. materializes the production of a level wind device and secured its patent on 1897.
• The William J. Jamison Co introduced the overly ornamented Shannon Twin Spinner in 1915 and was improved to create today’s spinner baits.
• In 1932, President Franklin D. Roosevelt instituted the creation of Tennessee Valley Authority and encouraged the creation and building of numerous dams. These dams were later used for culturing different varieties of bass fishes.
• Five years later, DuPont Company filed patent for nylon fishing net, this was later developed into nylon monofilament fishing line.
• The year 1992 is one of the most glorious events in the history of bass fishing. Larry Nixon, the famous fisherman in the history of bass fishing won $1 M total earnings for this sport on this year.
Bass Fish
Several fish species that are being caught in the bass fishing events are the following:
• Micropterus salmoides (Lacepede) - Largemouth Bass
• Micropterus dolomieui - Smallmouth bass
• Micropterus punctatus - Kentucky Bass
Other species of Micropterus are also caught but one that remains popular is the Largemouth bass. However, it should be emphasized that Australian Bass are different from the above North American Bass variants although most share similar features.
Perhaps, the most robust success of Bass Fishing was in the 1950s. The popularity of the game during this period is the springboard to the development of modern fishing equipments from bass boats, rods, lines, lures and various fishing gears.
Electronic gears were also incorporated among the host of equipments bass fishers used at that time. Reels of different types, which function in hauling and hoisting, were also created.
The contribution of bass fishing industry to the US economy records $50 to $70 Billion and the number continues to grow. Statistics show that the audience base of this sport is increasing and that more and more people are getting interested in it compared to tennis and golf.
It probably was originally practiced in search for food among the people in the south of the United States. Since then, it has started gaining numerous audiences of all ages and nations. Today, countries such as Australia, Cuba, South Africa, United States and most of Europe participate in this kind of event.
Timelines
• The year 1768 or 1770 represents the birth of bass fishing sports. Onesimus Ustonson introduced his first multiplying reels to the fishing gurus and lovers. It was later developed into bait caster.
• William Shakespeare Jr. materializes the production of a level wind device and secured its patent on 1897.
• The William J. Jamison Co introduced the overly ornamented Shannon Twin Spinner in 1915 and was improved to create today’s spinner baits.
• In 1932, President Franklin D. Roosevelt instituted the creation of Tennessee Valley Authority and encouraged the creation and building of numerous dams. These dams were later used for culturing different varieties of bass fishes.
• Five years later, DuPont Company filed patent for nylon fishing net, this was later developed into nylon monofilament fishing line.
• The year 1992 is one of the most glorious events in the history of bass fishing. Larry Nixon, the famous fisherman in the history of bass fishing won $1 M total earnings for this sport on this year.
Bass Fish
Several fish species that are being caught in the bass fishing events are the following:
• Micropterus salmoides (Lacepede) - Largemouth Bass
• Micropterus dolomieui - Smallmouth bass
• Micropterus punctatus - Kentucky Bass
Other species of Micropterus are also caught but one that remains popular is the Largemouth bass. However, it should be emphasized that Australian Bass are different from the above North American Bass variants although most share similar features.
Perhaps, the most robust success of Bass Fishing was in the 1950s. The popularity of the game during this period is the springboard to the development of modern fishing equipments from bass boats, rods, lines, lures and various fishing gears.
Electronic gears were also incorporated among the host of equipments bass fishers used at that time. Reels of different types, which function in hauling and hoisting, were also created.
The contribution of bass fishing industry to the US economy records $50 to $70 Billion and the number continues to grow. Statistics show that the audience base of this sport is increasing and that more and more people are getting interested in it compared to tennis and golf.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Bird Watching Tips for Beginners
Bird watching can be a very fun and interesting activity once you are familiar with the thing that you need to know when doing it. The first thing that you need to familiarize yourself about bird watching is identifying the bird that you will watch.
This very task is quite challenging because it is not easy to identify them especially when they are so many feet away from the ground. Since birds are energetic and active animals, you need a clear and quick eye to be able to see as many details possible in such as very short period of time.
Aside from being too far away from you, other problems that you might encounter—especially if you are a first time bird watcher—is the dim light shaded by trees, the glint of sunlight that can affect your sight, and the hidden places where birds go to play. So, when you are into bird watching, it is always best to have a general knowledge on bird's attitudes and observe them carefully. You might not name them properly the first time but you definitely can the next time if you pay proper attention in observing them.
The following are just of the helpful tips that can help you in your very first bird watching session:
- Always keep on eye on one bird. Bird watching is more effective if one uses a binocular. When you are bird watching, try to spot only one bird that catches your attention. Once you have seen one, never take your eyes off it because it might fly to a place where you cannot see it.
In most bird watching centers, beginners are given a field guide in a form of a booklet or brochure so they can identify the bird once they have seen one. Once you know what is it, take time to observe its physical details as well as its behaviors and mannerisms. Make sure that you observe the bird's movements, markings, feeding habits, songs, color, and size so you can easily identify it the next time you see it.
- Make sure that you listen intently for the bird's calls and song. Although listening for a bird's song is easy, it doesn’t stay long in a person's memory. What you should do is to listen intently when the bird calls or sings and play the bird's song in your mind repetitively. Listening to a bird's call and song is important because it can help you identify the bird even without seeing it.
- Take time to estimate the bird's shape and general size. The average shape and size of the bird will give you a huge clue in finding out the family it came from. In bird watching, make sure that you assess its overall appearance and take note of its approximate size and shape. Once you can tell from the size and shape of the bird what kind is it, then you are doing good.
- Pay attention to the bill characteristics and facial markings of the bird in sight. This is one of the hardest things to do because the average of almost all birds are small. They also keep on moving so it will be hard to take note any unique markings on their faces. It is also equally hard to take note of characteristics of its bills because most birds keep on pecking all the time.
To get these details, spot a bird that doesn’t fly around that much. Once you found one, start observing it head by looking for any distinguishing hue patches or color strips. These can be present in their eye lines, crowns, napes, and arcs or in the rings.
This very task is quite challenging because it is not easy to identify them especially when they are so many feet away from the ground. Since birds are energetic and active animals, you need a clear and quick eye to be able to see as many details possible in such as very short period of time.
Aside from being too far away from you, other problems that you might encounter—especially if you are a first time bird watcher—is the dim light shaded by trees, the glint of sunlight that can affect your sight, and the hidden places where birds go to play. So, when you are into bird watching, it is always best to have a general knowledge on bird's attitudes and observe them carefully. You might not name them properly the first time but you definitely can the next time if you pay proper attention in observing them.
The following are just of the helpful tips that can help you in your very first bird watching session:
- Always keep on eye on one bird. Bird watching is more effective if one uses a binocular. When you are bird watching, try to spot only one bird that catches your attention. Once you have seen one, never take your eyes off it because it might fly to a place where you cannot see it.
In most bird watching centers, beginners are given a field guide in a form of a booklet or brochure so they can identify the bird once they have seen one. Once you know what is it, take time to observe its physical details as well as its behaviors and mannerisms. Make sure that you observe the bird's movements, markings, feeding habits, songs, color, and size so you can easily identify it the next time you see it.
- Make sure that you listen intently for the bird's calls and song. Although listening for a bird's song is easy, it doesn’t stay long in a person's memory. What you should do is to listen intently when the bird calls or sings and play the bird's song in your mind repetitively. Listening to a bird's call and song is important because it can help you identify the bird even without seeing it.
- Take time to estimate the bird's shape and general size. The average shape and size of the bird will give you a huge clue in finding out the family it came from. In bird watching, make sure that you assess its overall appearance and take note of its approximate size and shape. Once you can tell from the size and shape of the bird what kind is it, then you are doing good.
- Pay attention to the bill characteristics and facial markings of the bird in sight. This is one of the hardest things to do because the average of almost all birds are small. They also keep on moving so it will be hard to take note any unique markings on their faces. It is also equally hard to take note of characteristics of its bills because most birds keep on pecking all the time.
To get these details, spot a bird that doesn’t fly around that much. Once you found one, start observing it head by looking for any distinguishing hue patches or color strips. These can be present in their eye lines, crowns, napes, and arcs or in the rings.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Camping: The Importance of Choosing the Right Campground
Would you like to go camping? If you would, have you already selected your intended destination or your campground park? If you have yet to do so, you will want to continue reading on.
When it comes to choosing a campground park to camp at, there are a number of different approaches that are taken. In all honesty, most campers choose one of the campgrounds that is located closest to them and others, literally, just pick a campground park out of their phone book. While these approaches do work, it is important to remember that you do not necessarily know what you are getting. If you are looking to have one of the best camping trips ever, you will want to take the time to find the campground park that is perfect for you and your needs.
As nice as it is to hear that you should carefully choose the campground park that you end up camping at, you may be wondering exactly why that is so. What you need to remember is that not all campgrounds and campground parks are the same. This is something that many people fail to realize, but it is something that can have a huge impact on the success of your next camping trip. If you are not careful, your next camping trip can seem more like a nightmare than a vacation.
Another one of the many reasons why you should carefully choose your next campground park is because it may have an impact on how much you have to pay to go camping. Campground parks often charge varied admission fees. If you are not careful, you may end up paying more money than you need to. When examining the cost of a campground park reservation, it is also important to keep the onsite services, facilities, and activities in mind. The more you have access, the higher the cost of a campground reservation will likely be. With that in mind, it may be worth the extra costs, but not always.
As previously stated, not carefully choosing your campground park can turn your next camping trip into a nightmare. One of the reasons for that is because it impacts what you can do. That is why the services, facilities, and activities that you have access to at a campground park are important. You will want to look for a campground park that is filled with activities. For example, look for ones that may have playgrounds for children, swimming pools, fishing, boat rentals, and hiking trails. The more activities that you have access to at a campground park, the more likely you are to enjoy your camping trip.
Your campground park decision may also impact what you have to bring along with you. For instance, if the campground park that you choose to camp at does not have an onsite laundry room or a laundry facility, you would likely have to pack more clothes to bring along with you. The same can be said for the activities that you can participate in. For instance, if your campground park has a swimming pool or a hiking trail, you may want to bring along a bathing suit and sneakers, respectively.
The campground park that you choose to camp at may also have an impact on how many outside trips you have to make. In the United States, you can find a relatively large number of campground parks that have onsite general stores or even first aid centers or kits available. Should you forget to bring anything on your trip or even if you suffered a small injury, you may need to leave your campground park should you not have what you need onsite. While this may not seem like a huge deal, it may put a damper on your camping trip and impact its success.
The above mentioned ways are just a few of the many ways that your selected campground park can impact your next camping trip, both in positive and in negative ways. To help ensure your next camping trip is all that you had hoped it would be, you will want to take the time to find the campground park that best fits you, your needs, as well as your wants.
When it comes to choosing a campground park to camp at, there are a number of different approaches that are taken. In all honesty, most campers choose one of the campgrounds that is located closest to them and others, literally, just pick a campground park out of their phone book. While these approaches do work, it is important to remember that you do not necessarily know what you are getting. If you are looking to have one of the best camping trips ever, you will want to take the time to find the campground park that is perfect for you and your needs.
As nice as it is to hear that you should carefully choose the campground park that you end up camping at, you may be wondering exactly why that is so. What you need to remember is that not all campgrounds and campground parks are the same. This is something that many people fail to realize, but it is something that can have a huge impact on the success of your next camping trip. If you are not careful, your next camping trip can seem more like a nightmare than a vacation.
Another one of the many reasons why you should carefully choose your next campground park is because it may have an impact on how much you have to pay to go camping. Campground parks often charge varied admission fees. If you are not careful, you may end up paying more money than you need to. When examining the cost of a campground park reservation, it is also important to keep the onsite services, facilities, and activities in mind. The more you have access, the higher the cost of a campground reservation will likely be. With that in mind, it may be worth the extra costs, but not always.
As previously stated, not carefully choosing your campground park can turn your next camping trip into a nightmare. One of the reasons for that is because it impacts what you can do. That is why the services, facilities, and activities that you have access to at a campground park are important. You will want to look for a campground park that is filled with activities. For example, look for ones that may have playgrounds for children, swimming pools, fishing, boat rentals, and hiking trails. The more activities that you have access to at a campground park, the more likely you are to enjoy your camping trip.
Your campground park decision may also impact what you have to bring along with you. For instance, if the campground park that you choose to camp at does not have an onsite laundry room or a laundry facility, you would likely have to pack more clothes to bring along with you. The same can be said for the activities that you can participate in. For instance, if your campground park has a swimming pool or a hiking trail, you may want to bring along a bathing suit and sneakers, respectively.
The campground park that you choose to camp at may also have an impact on how many outside trips you have to make. In the United States, you can find a relatively large number of campground parks that have onsite general stores or even first aid centers or kits available. Should you forget to bring anything on your trip or even if you suffered a small injury, you may need to leave your campground park should you not have what you need onsite. While this may not seem like a huge deal, it may put a damper on your camping trip and impact its success.
The above mentioned ways are just a few of the many ways that your selected campground park can impact your next camping trip, both in positive and in negative ways. To help ensure your next camping trip is all that you had hoped it would be, you will want to take the time to find the campground park that best fits you, your needs, as well as your wants.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Using an ATV Salvage Yard
If you are a backyard mechanic and have an ATV, chances are you have considered tinkering with it to improve performance or just to make it your own. There are many places you can find parts for your ATV, and finding them can become half the fun. If you do not want to pay retail price for a part, especially one that will not be seen, you should consider looking for an ATV salvage yard in your area.
Buying used parts can be quite economical as you can find may great parts at a faction of what they cost new. Most used parts are perfectly safe and will work just as well as their new counterparts. If you are concerned about using a used part on your ATV, you should consult other ATV owners, there are many ATV forums online whose users will be happy to give you advice.
If you do not know where an ATV salvage yard in your area is, the best place to start is your local junk yard or car salvage. They will probably know of any salvage yards that specialize in ATV parts or they may even have ATV parts themselves. If you live in an agricultural or hunting area, or have an ATV race track nearby, chances are you can find an ATV salvage yard nearby. You can also use the internet to search for ATV salvage yards in your area. You should stick to places close enough for you to go to so that you can inspect any parts before you buy them.
You can expect to pay less for a used part than for its new counterpart, so if you do not know what to expect price wise for a specific part look up the new price and expect to pay anywhere from 10% to 50% less, sometimes you may get an even better deal. You should always thoroughly inspect any used part you are considering buying as it may not be worth it, as you may have to spend more money just to get the part in working condition.
One of the best things about buying used parts is that you can always bargain and try to get n even better deal. You may also be able to get a discount if you buy more than one used part, something that rarely happens if you are buying new. If you are tinkering on your ATV for a hobby or are on a budget, used parts can be very economical.
If you are very handy, you can even buy a used ATV at a great price if it has mechanical problems and then fix it with parts from an ATV salvage yard. You can save a lot of money this way as long as you know what you are doing and do not mind doing the work.
An ATV salvage yard is a great place to find parts to fix your ATV or to find parts to improve its performance. Always remember to inspect used parts before you buy them and yes, it is ok to haggle to get the best price while in the ATV salvage yard.
Buying used parts can be quite economical as you can find may great parts at a faction of what they cost new. Most used parts are perfectly safe and will work just as well as their new counterparts. If you are concerned about using a used part on your ATV, you should consult other ATV owners, there are many ATV forums online whose users will be happy to give you advice.
If you do not know where an ATV salvage yard in your area is, the best place to start is your local junk yard or car salvage. They will probably know of any salvage yards that specialize in ATV parts or they may even have ATV parts themselves. If you live in an agricultural or hunting area, or have an ATV race track nearby, chances are you can find an ATV salvage yard nearby. You can also use the internet to search for ATV salvage yards in your area. You should stick to places close enough for you to go to so that you can inspect any parts before you buy them.
You can expect to pay less for a used part than for its new counterpart, so if you do not know what to expect price wise for a specific part look up the new price and expect to pay anywhere from 10% to 50% less, sometimes you may get an even better deal. You should always thoroughly inspect any used part you are considering buying as it may not be worth it, as you may have to spend more money just to get the part in working condition.
One of the best things about buying used parts is that you can always bargain and try to get n even better deal. You may also be able to get a discount if you buy more than one used part, something that rarely happens if you are buying new. If you are tinkering on your ATV for a hobby or are on a budget, used parts can be very economical.
If you are very handy, you can even buy a used ATV at a great price if it has mechanical problems and then fix it with parts from an ATV salvage yard. You can save a lot of money this way as long as you know what you are doing and do not mind doing the work.
An ATV salvage yard is a great place to find parts to fix your ATV or to find parts to improve its performance. Always remember to inspect used parts before you buy them and yes, it is ok to haggle to get the best price while in the ATV salvage yard.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Fly Fishing Equipment: The Basic Choices in Waders
Nothing beats a day of flyfishing. The rhythmic pulse of the cast, the attention to river and stream patterns, and the love of the fish and its behavior itself all serve to quiet the mind and relax the body. This article will discuss one aspect of fly fishing equipment - the wader - which, if chosen properly, will make your outing a lot more enjoyable.
Staying Dry - Waders
Materials generally used in waders today are:
Nylon. Nylon waders are an improvement over traditional rubber as they are far lighter. They are also generally less expensive than other modern wader materials. But they have the disadvantage in that they do not allow for air circulation.
Neoprene. Neoprene waders share with scuba diving wetsuits the ability to ward off cold, as they come in different thicknesses. The thicker the wader, the warmer the angler remains in colder weather. They share with nylon the disadvantage in that they are not breathable. They are also less expensive than the breathable type of wader.
Breathable waders. Newer, "breathable" waders, such as those made of Gore-Tex, allow for sweat and body heat to escape while still keep the angler dry. This type of wader is supremely comfortable for longer, hotter fishing conditions. Many types of breathable materials are available, with Gore Tex generally being the most expensive.
In terms of wader types, there are two basic options: The boot-foot and stocking-foot wader.
Boot foot waders are waders with uppers that are usually made of neoprene or coated nylon, attached in one piece to the rubber wading boot. This type of wader has the advantage for the angler of having no need to buy a separate wading boot. However, they are more difficult to put on and take off then stocking-foot waders. They can also be heavy, bulky, and less comfortable for extended periods.
This type of wader system is actually composed of two parts. The first is the wader itself, which has a neoprene sock or stocking attached. The second is a dedicated wading boot, which is slipped on over the stocking. The advantage of this system is that it is easier to put on and take off than the boot-foot wading system.
What you choose will have a lot to do with your intended uses and your budget. I hope the above has been of use to you, and happy fishing.
Staying Dry - Waders
Materials generally used in waders today are:
Nylon. Nylon waders are an improvement over traditional rubber as they are far lighter. They are also generally less expensive than other modern wader materials. But they have the disadvantage in that they do not allow for air circulation.
Neoprene. Neoprene waders share with scuba diving wetsuits the ability to ward off cold, as they come in different thicknesses. The thicker the wader, the warmer the angler remains in colder weather. They share with nylon the disadvantage in that they are not breathable. They are also less expensive than the breathable type of wader.
Breathable waders. Newer, "breathable" waders, such as those made of Gore-Tex, allow for sweat and body heat to escape while still keep the angler dry. This type of wader is supremely comfortable for longer, hotter fishing conditions. Many types of breathable materials are available, with Gore Tex generally being the most expensive.
In terms of wader types, there are two basic options: The boot-foot and stocking-foot wader.
Boot foot waders are waders with uppers that are usually made of neoprene or coated nylon, attached in one piece to the rubber wading boot. This type of wader has the advantage for the angler of having no need to buy a separate wading boot. However, they are more difficult to put on and take off then stocking-foot waders. They can also be heavy, bulky, and less comfortable for extended periods.
This type of wader system is actually composed of two parts. The first is the wader itself, which has a neoprene sock or stocking attached. The second is a dedicated wading boot, which is slipped on over the stocking. The advantage of this system is that it is easier to put on and take off than the boot-foot wading system.
What you choose will have a lot to do with your intended uses and your budget. I hope the above has been of use to you, and happy fishing.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Properly Cleaning Your Grill
When purchasing your barbeque grill, think of it as an investment rather then just another item for your outdoor entertainment. You should expect this item to become a large part of your outdoor activities for many years to come. But like any other investments, proper maintenance and care is needed to ensure that your barbeque grill will work for you for many years to come.
Leaving you grill messy after each use will not only make it harder on you when you finally do clean the grill, but it will also drastically decrease the lifespan of your grill. If you grill sits dirty, you increase the risk of rust.
While some maintenance and cleaning is specific to the type of barbeque grill your own (gas, electric, charcoal or smoke barbecue grill), the majority of maintenance that should be carried on does not change from grill to grill.
Step 1- Gathering The Necessary Items
You will need some common household items on hand when it comes time to clean your barbeque grill.
Brass wire grill brush
Steel wool pads, preferably that contains soap already.
Mild dish soap
Sponge or dishcloth
Spray cooking oil
Dry baking soda
Aluminum foil
Step 2- Brushing Your Grill Off
The first thing that should always be done to your grill is a routine brushing. Using your brass wire grill brush (or other brush suitable to your type of grill) you should brush off all the surfaces. By routinely brushing your barbeque grill, you will prevent any type of buildup. If buildup from food is left to long, it can become increasingly difficult to remove, and can end up causing problems such as rust.
Step 3- Spray Cooking Oil
Once you are sure that your grill is free of all buildup and debris, and that your grill is completely cooled off, you will want to spray it down with a light layer of cooking oil. Spraying it down with cooking oil will prevent your barbeque grill from rusting. It is especially important to make sure you barbeque grill is completely cold, as spraying cooking oil on a hot surface may cause the oil to heat up and ignite, which could be potentially dangerous to you and your barbeque grill.
Step 4- Use Baking Soda and Aluminum Foil on Your Grill
Baking soda is a very nice cleaning and polishing agent. Once you have removed any extra debris and buildup, lightly scrubbing your barbeque grill with baking soda will give it that extra shine, similar to the day that you brought it home from the store. This can also be used on handles and knobs to remove any extra buildup tat cannot be taken off with a wire brush.
Aluminum foil can also be used to keep your grill looking nice. Gently rub the aluminum foil on your grill, and you will notice that it removes grim and buildup. This is a cheap and inexpensive way to clean your grill.
Step 5- Clean Your Racks
The racks in your grill are especially important as this is where the food touches when it is cooking. You will have to use the wire brush to remove as much buildup as possible. Once you remove as much as possible, start washing the racks with dish soap. If the racks are really dirty, you may also want to use the steel wool pads. Be sure to completely rinse off all soap and residue before cooking on these racks again.
Leaving you grill messy after each use will not only make it harder on you when you finally do clean the grill, but it will also drastically decrease the lifespan of your grill. If you grill sits dirty, you increase the risk of rust.
While some maintenance and cleaning is specific to the type of barbeque grill your own (gas, electric, charcoal or smoke barbecue grill), the majority of maintenance that should be carried on does not change from grill to grill.
Step 1- Gathering The Necessary Items
You will need some common household items on hand when it comes time to clean your barbeque grill.
Brass wire grill brush
Steel wool pads, preferably that contains soap already.
Mild dish soap
Sponge or dishcloth
Spray cooking oil
Dry baking soda
Aluminum foil
Step 2- Brushing Your Grill Off
The first thing that should always be done to your grill is a routine brushing. Using your brass wire grill brush (or other brush suitable to your type of grill) you should brush off all the surfaces. By routinely brushing your barbeque grill, you will prevent any type of buildup. If buildup from food is left to long, it can become increasingly difficult to remove, and can end up causing problems such as rust.
Step 3- Spray Cooking Oil
Once you are sure that your grill is free of all buildup and debris, and that your grill is completely cooled off, you will want to spray it down with a light layer of cooking oil. Spraying it down with cooking oil will prevent your barbeque grill from rusting. It is especially important to make sure you barbeque grill is completely cold, as spraying cooking oil on a hot surface may cause the oil to heat up and ignite, which could be potentially dangerous to you and your barbeque grill.
Step 4- Use Baking Soda and Aluminum Foil on Your Grill
Baking soda is a very nice cleaning and polishing agent. Once you have removed any extra debris and buildup, lightly scrubbing your barbeque grill with baking soda will give it that extra shine, similar to the day that you brought it home from the store. This can also be used on handles and knobs to remove any extra buildup tat cannot be taken off with a wire brush.
Aluminum foil can also be used to keep your grill looking nice. Gently rub the aluminum foil on your grill, and you will notice that it removes grim and buildup. This is a cheap and inexpensive way to clean your grill.
Step 5- Clean Your Racks
The racks in your grill are especially important as this is where the food touches when it is cooking. You will have to use the wire brush to remove as much buildup as possible. Once you remove as much as possible, start washing the racks with dish soap. If the racks are really dirty, you may also want to use the steel wool pads. Be sure to completely rinse off all soap and residue before cooking on these racks again.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Why are regular check-ups important?
Why are regular check-ups important? Every dog owner asks this type of question, often. If you failed to do the regular check-ups, then the dog may end up having some major diseases that you don't know about. Hence, you need to pay lot of money both to the veterinarians for consultancy and for the required drugs useful for the therapy of the clinical condition.
One may not be able to find out the very commonly occurring clinical conditions in case of their dogs because of less experience with dog diseases or dog rearing. This is why check ups are important. For example, if the dog has potbelly, the condition may not look abnormal many times. But if the dog is subjected to the regular check-up, then the veterinarian immediately finds it out and gives the appropriate therapy. If not, the animal may experience diarrhea and the dehydration.
If the dog has any signs of illness, then don’t wait for the regular check-up. Instead, you need to approach the veterinarian immediately. Check ups if done in a regular manner will help to give vaccinations against canine distemper, parvovirus, corona virus, rabies virus, hepatitis virus, and more.
Booster vaccinations will be carried out in such cases without any delay in the injections and this helps to improve the immunity level of the dog against such diseases in a remarkable degree. Regular check up is the essential one with proper stools examination. Hence, the deworming may be carried out with drugs like fenbendazole, albendazole, etc.
Abnormalities like signs of pain may be ruled out during such examinations. If not, helminthiasis may affect the animal and diarrhea may occur in addition to the other types of digestive upsets and anemia. Regular examinations help to rule out the external parasitic conditions like lice or tick infestations. Dental problems are also found out during the regular check ups in reputed veterinary hospitals.
One may not be able to find out the very commonly occurring clinical conditions in case of their dogs because of less experience with dog diseases or dog rearing. This is why check ups are important. For example, if the dog has potbelly, the condition may not look abnormal many times. But if the dog is subjected to the regular check-up, then the veterinarian immediately finds it out and gives the appropriate therapy. If not, the animal may experience diarrhea and the dehydration.
If the dog has any signs of illness, then don’t wait for the regular check-up. Instead, you need to approach the veterinarian immediately. Check ups if done in a regular manner will help to give vaccinations against canine distemper, parvovirus, corona virus, rabies virus, hepatitis virus, and more.
Booster vaccinations will be carried out in such cases without any delay in the injections and this helps to improve the immunity level of the dog against such diseases in a remarkable degree. Regular check up is the essential one with proper stools examination. Hence, the deworming may be carried out with drugs like fenbendazole, albendazole, etc.
Abnormalities like signs of pain may be ruled out during such examinations. If not, helminthiasis may affect the animal and diarrhea may occur in addition to the other types of digestive upsets and anemia. Regular examinations help to rule out the external parasitic conditions like lice or tick infestations. Dental problems are also found out during the regular check ups in reputed veterinary hospitals.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Great Food for Your Next Backyard Adventure
Millions of individuals and families retreat to their backyards. While backyards are nice all throughout the year, they are even better in the summertime. To make the most out of your next backyard adventure, you are encouraged to think about what foods, if any, you will have on hand.
When most individuals think of backyards and food, a backyard barbeque often comes to mind. If you and your family are interested in having a backyard barbeque, you will have to decide on the foods in which you would like to cook. If you have a large family or a few picky eaters, you may want to ask your children for suggestions. Suggestions will help to make sure that you have food that everyone will enjoy.
While many families have their own backyard barbeques, there are others who decide to turn their barbeque into a party. If you are interested in having a backyard barbeque party, you may have to purchase a large amount of meat. Whether you are cooking for your family or a large group of people, it may be a good idea to purchase your meats in bulk. Most supermarkets, in the United States, charge less for items purchased in large quantities. If you if you are unable to use all of the meat that you purchased, you should be able to use it on another occasion.
In addition to meat for the grill, it is also important to consider side dishes. If you are having a large gathering, you may find it easier to purchase your side dishes pre-made. Pre-made side dishes, such as macaroni salads and fruit salads, are available for sale at most supermarkets. The only problem that you may find is that pre-made side dishes tend to be more expensive, when compared to preparing them yourself. Therefore, if you are looking to save money or if you only need a small amount of food, you may want to consider preparing your own side dishes.
As previously mentioned, many families have a backyard cookout or barbeque party; however, not everyone does, especially all of the time. Whether you and your family are just interested in playing outside for a short period of time or you aren’t in the mood to cook a large meal, it may still be a good idea to have a collection of snacks on hand. On hand snacks are ideal during the summertime, especially for those who are actively participating in a number of outdoor activities.
Dry snacks are ideal for a number of different backyard activities. Most dry snacks are easy to eat on the go and they rarely ever leave a mess. The only downside to serving dry snacks is most snacks are unhealthy. If you are looking for tasty, but healthy snacks, you may want to examine foods that are low in sugar or low in fat. These items may include, but should not be limited to, fruits, vegetables, sugar free cookies, or low salt chips. Despite what you or your family may believe, many of these healthy snacks are just as good as those that are filled with unhealthy sugar.
One important thing that you must consider, whether you are barbequing or just having an outdoor snack, is water. Water is important, especially during the summertime. Water, unlike many caffeinated beverages and sugary drinks, is a great way to stay hydrated. Unfortunately, without water many children and adults become dehydrated. Dehydration is a dangerous problem. That is why it is important to have water and other beverages on hand. In addition to traditional water, you or your family may also enjoy the taste of flavored water. For many, flavored water is a healthy, but tasty alternative to traditional drinking water.
By keeping the above mentioned points and suggestions in mind, you and your family are sure to have a fun backyard experience, accompanied by refreshing drinks, great food, or tasty snacks. Whatever the occasion calls for, there are a number of different foods that can help make your next backyard outing one of the best.
When most individuals think of backyards and food, a backyard barbeque often comes to mind. If you and your family are interested in having a backyard barbeque, you will have to decide on the foods in which you would like to cook. If you have a large family or a few picky eaters, you may want to ask your children for suggestions. Suggestions will help to make sure that you have food that everyone will enjoy.
While many families have their own backyard barbeques, there are others who decide to turn their barbeque into a party. If you are interested in having a backyard barbeque party, you may have to purchase a large amount of meat. Whether you are cooking for your family or a large group of people, it may be a good idea to purchase your meats in bulk. Most supermarkets, in the United States, charge less for items purchased in large quantities. If you if you are unable to use all of the meat that you purchased, you should be able to use it on another occasion.
In addition to meat for the grill, it is also important to consider side dishes. If you are having a large gathering, you may find it easier to purchase your side dishes pre-made. Pre-made side dishes, such as macaroni salads and fruit salads, are available for sale at most supermarkets. The only problem that you may find is that pre-made side dishes tend to be more expensive, when compared to preparing them yourself. Therefore, if you are looking to save money or if you only need a small amount of food, you may want to consider preparing your own side dishes.
As previously mentioned, many families have a backyard cookout or barbeque party; however, not everyone does, especially all of the time. Whether you and your family are just interested in playing outside for a short period of time or you aren’t in the mood to cook a large meal, it may still be a good idea to have a collection of snacks on hand. On hand snacks are ideal during the summertime, especially for those who are actively participating in a number of outdoor activities.
Dry snacks are ideal for a number of different backyard activities. Most dry snacks are easy to eat on the go and they rarely ever leave a mess. The only downside to serving dry snacks is most snacks are unhealthy. If you are looking for tasty, but healthy snacks, you may want to examine foods that are low in sugar or low in fat. These items may include, but should not be limited to, fruits, vegetables, sugar free cookies, or low salt chips. Despite what you or your family may believe, many of these healthy snacks are just as good as those that are filled with unhealthy sugar.
One important thing that you must consider, whether you are barbequing or just having an outdoor snack, is water. Water is important, especially during the summertime. Water, unlike many caffeinated beverages and sugary drinks, is a great way to stay hydrated. Unfortunately, without water many children and adults become dehydrated. Dehydration is a dangerous problem. That is why it is important to have water and other beverages on hand. In addition to traditional water, you or your family may also enjoy the taste of flavored water. For many, flavored water is a healthy, but tasty alternative to traditional drinking water.
By keeping the above mentioned points and suggestions in mind, you and your family are sure to have a fun backyard experience, accompanied by refreshing drinks, great food, or tasty snacks. Whatever the occasion calls for, there are a number of different foods that can help make your next backyard outing one of the best.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Fishing - Just the Basics
Fishing can mean different things to different people, but it all boils down to just a few things. Many anglers are out there for the excitement of the hunt and of course the battle to land that lunker. Others it's just the peace, quiet, the fresh air and the beauty of nature, but they love to catch the odd fish to make it a perfect outing.
I've been fishing for over 50 years and even more frequently in the last 10 years; during this time I have learned a lot of countless things about fishing in general. The most important is that you can never know it all. Even a novice can show an old timer a trick or two.
Over the years I've seen hundreds of anglers come to the areas I fish full of enthusiasm and determination and they end up leaving frustrated and confused. With just a little advice this could have made for a better experience and more than likely created another fishing addict like myself. It may take some time to turn you into that pro, but the enjoyment of the sport would be more easily realised.
When starting out the very first thing you want is just basic information on where and when to fish. Sounds easy and generally just ask other anglers, lodge owners, bait store owners, heck just ask.
Now for the fishing equipment, the rod and reel. Sounds simple enough, but maybe not. As in most other sports, cheap or poor equipment will result in poor results. As an example I met a fellow from southern Ontario (Toronto) while fishing here at home for Northern pike and asked him how the fishing was. His remark was that he was going to rent a boat and give it a try. So I asked him if he would like to go out with me that evening and he accepted. I met him at the dock and told him to load his gear in the boat and offered him a life jacket and away we went. I did not notice what he had loaded at first except he had a nice big new tackle box, as we moved away I asked where is your rod and reel. He went on to open his new tackle box and proceeded to pull out one of those pocket fisherman rigs. Of course I had a hard time from not laughing out loud, but went on to offer him one of my other rigs already in the boat.
Once we hit the area I intended to troll he went on to politely say he wanted to use his own rod but asked what one of his lures he should use for northern pike. He had one large red and white spoon and I told him to use that and made sure he let out enough line for what we were doing. I believe I was praying for him to get the first strike and sure enough he did after about 15 minutes or so and the fun began.
Now this pike he had on was I would guess about 15 pounds, not that big but the struggle with that little, short toy he had was hilarious to watch. I did not believe he would get the fish to the boat but he did although to fast, I had the net and told him to slow down, he did not hear me as I leaned over to net the fish he had it reeled up to about 2 feet from the tip of that little rod, all that pike did was lean on the line and he was gone.
I must add here that he also had no leader on that rig. After that he was so excited and of course wanted to keep fishing, but asked if he could use one of my other rods which was fine because I wanted to see him really hook and land a nice fish. To shorten this story he did land 2 more northerns and a small walleye. Oh yes I did catch a fish, one walleye and one pike, but we had a new fishing addict here. The next day he went into town to the Canadian Tire store and got properly equipped.
I imagine that young man from southern Ontario had some great tall tales to tell when he got home. I wonder how big that one that got away is Now!
A light action graphite spinning rod and reel will handle most fish you will want to catch, plus it is light enough for the beginner to feel even the light hit of those walleye.
So just get out there relax, take your time. Bring some coffee or lunch or even better catch your lunch and cook on one of the many small islands all over these northern lakes. Mostly just enjoy it all the fresh air, wildlife and scenery. Enjoy it all while your watching that loon, deer or even a moose feeding, a big walleye might just swim up and inhale your bait sending that twitch up your line through your rod to your fingers. Set the hook and there's lunch!
Well that's enough from me time for supper and a 5 minute stroll down to the river and make a few casts and see what happens.
I've been fishing for over 50 years and even more frequently in the last 10 years; during this time I have learned a lot of countless things about fishing in general. The most important is that you can never know it all. Even a novice can show an old timer a trick or two.
Over the years I've seen hundreds of anglers come to the areas I fish full of enthusiasm and determination and they end up leaving frustrated and confused. With just a little advice this could have made for a better experience and more than likely created another fishing addict like myself. It may take some time to turn you into that pro, but the enjoyment of the sport would be more easily realised.
When starting out the very first thing you want is just basic information on where and when to fish. Sounds easy and generally just ask other anglers, lodge owners, bait store owners, heck just ask.
Now for the fishing equipment, the rod and reel. Sounds simple enough, but maybe not. As in most other sports, cheap or poor equipment will result in poor results. As an example I met a fellow from southern Ontario (Toronto) while fishing here at home for Northern pike and asked him how the fishing was. His remark was that he was going to rent a boat and give it a try. So I asked him if he would like to go out with me that evening and he accepted. I met him at the dock and told him to load his gear in the boat and offered him a life jacket and away we went. I did not notice what he had loaded at first except he had a nice big new tackle box, as we moved away I asked where is your rod and reel. He went on to open his new tackle box and proceeded to pull out one of those pocket fisherman rigs. Of course I had a hard time from not laughing out loud, but went on to offer him one of my other rigs already in the boat.
Once we hit the area I intended to troll he went on to politely say he wanted to use his own rod but asked what one of his lures he should use for northern pike. He had one large red and white spoon and I told him to use that and made sure he let out enough line for what we were doing. I believe I was praying for him to get the first strike and sure enough he did after about 15 minutes or so and the fun began.
Now this pike he had on was I would guess about 15 pounds, not that big but the struggle with that little, short toy he had was hilarious to watch. I did not believe he would get the fish to the boat but he did although to fast, I had the net and told him to slow down, he did not hear me as I leaned over to net the fish he had it reeled up to about 2 feet from the tip of that little rod, all that pike did was lean on the line and he was gone.
I must add here that he also had no leader on that rig. After that he was so excited and of course wanted to keep fishing, but asked if he could use one of my other rods which was fine because I wanted to see him really hook and land a nice fish. To shorten this story he did land 2 more northerns and a small walleye. Oh yes I did catch a fish, one walleye and one pike, but we had a new fishing addict here. The next day he went into town to the Canadian Tire store and got properly equipped.
I imagine that young man from southern Ontario had some great tall tales to tell when he got home. I wonder how big that one that got away is Now!
A light action graphite spinning rod and reel will handle most fish you will want to catch, plus it is light enough for the beginner to feel even the light hit of those walleye.
So just get out there relax, take your time. Bring some coffee or lunch or even better catch your lunch and cook on one of the many small islands all over these northern lakes. Mostly just enjoy it all the fresh air, wildlife and scenery. Enjoy it all while your watching that loon, deer or even a moose feeding, a big walleye might just swim up and inhale your bait sending that twitch up your line through your rod to your fingers. Set the hook and there's lunch!
Well that's enough from me time for supper and a 5 minute stroll down to the river and make a few casts and see what happens.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Points to Consider in Buying a Blender
A blender is one popular appliance in most homes all over the globe. Giving it a try is surely worth it especially if you've created something uniquely your own that you can then share with other people.
There are many things that you can do with this genius appliance. If only its inventor is alive now, he will surely be proud of his creation. This was invented in 1922 by Stephen Poplawski. He intended to use this to be able to make soda fountain drinks. He did this by placing a blade at the bottom of a tall container.
Nowadays, blenders can be used for pleasure, fun and even medicinal and health related purposes. Do you already have one? Then what are you waiting for? This guide aims to help you find the right appliance of this type for your own good.
1. Power consumption must be taken into consideration. How can you enjoy the fruits of your labor if after taking in a good amount of smoothie, you will be presented with too high electricity bill. You must choose the kind of blenders that run on less than 750 watts. This way, there is no reason why you should hold back from using it.
Check its parts often. If you see something is wrong, have it checked or if the damage is too much, you can have them replaced. This will not only lessen your power consumption, it will also help you maintain your appliance, avoid rusts from developing and avoid jamming for future use.
2. The accessories should also be your concern. Ask for the parts and accessories that can be found with the blenders that you are taking into consideration. Make sure that you have most of what you will need with everything that you want to be done. So what do you have in mind aside from the smoothies? Choose the appliance that can cut meat, vegetables and the likes in different sizes. Choose something that can create puree and will easily aid you in creating baby food. You can also ask if the blade of your chosen utility can crash ice, that is if you want this feature.
3. The size matters with blenders. If you will just be using this at home, then you can have a medium sized. Larger ones will be helpful for business purposes. You must consider where are you going to place the appliance and if you have somewhere to store it after you've used it.
4. The speed features must also be looked at. For this reason, your must know before you go to the store how are you going to utilize the blenders. This way, the salespeople can recommend to you the brands and types that will suit your needs the best way possible. Of course, you must also take note of the price. You cannot exceed according to what you can afford. This is an investment, yes. But choose the one that you can pay for. This way, you will be able to utilize the appliance the best way possible once you have acquired it.
In choosing the right blender for you, the above mentioned must be taken into consideration. This way, you are assured that you will be making the right decisions according to how you have thought hard about the selection and the suggestions that you have been given in the process of choosing what you will acquire.
There are many things that you can do with this genius appliance. If only its inventor is alive now, he will surely be proud of his creation. This was invented in 1922 by Stephen Poplawski. He intended to use this to be able to make soda fountain drinks. He did this by placing a blade at the bottom of a tall container.
Nowadays, blenders can be used for pleasure, fun and even medicinal and health related purposes. Do you already have one? Then what are you waiting for? This guide aims to help you find the right appliance of this type for your own good.
1. Power consumption must be taken into consideration. How can you enjoy the fruits of your labor if after taking in a good amount of smoothie, you will be presented with too high electricity bill. You must choose the kind of blenders that run on less than 750 watts. This way, there is no reason why you should hold back from using it.
Check its parts often. If you see something is wrong, have it checked or if the damage is too much, you can have them replaced. This will not only lessen your power consumption, it will also help you maintain your appliance, avoid rusts from developing and avoid jamming for future use.
2. The accessories should also be your concern. Ask for the parts and accessories that can be found with the blenders that you are taking into consideration. Make sure that you have most of what you will need with everything that you want to be done. So what do you have in mind aside from the smoothies? Choose the appliance that can cut meat, vegetables and the likes in different sizes. Choose something that can create puree and will easily aid you in creating baby food. You can also ask if the blade of your chosen utility can crash ice, that is if you want this feature.
3. The size matters with blenders. If you will just be using this at home, then you can have a medium sized. Larger ones will be helpful for business purposes. You must consider where are you going to place the appliance and if you have somewhere to store it after you've used it.
4. The speed features must also be looked at. For this reason, your must know before you go to the store how are you going to utilize the blenders. This way, the salespeople can recommend to you the brands and types that will suit your needs the best way possible. Of course, you must also take note of the price. You cannot exceed according to what you can afford. This is an investment, yes. But choose the one that you can pay for. This way, you will be able to utilize the appliance the best way possible once you have acquired it.
In choosing the right blender for you, the above mentioned must be taken into consideration. This way, you are assured that you will be making the right decisions according to how you have thought hard about the selection and the suggestions that you have been given in the process of choosing what you will acquire.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
All About Cue Tips
Do you think that your choice in tips is the right choice or simply politically correct? What I mean by politically correct is, is your choice in tips controlled by the opinion of your peers or some professional player that you know, or is it based on fact? By the end of this article you should be able to answer this question for youself.
## What are the differences in pool cue tips? ##
As you probably already know, you have everything from very soft singlepiece animal skin tips from various types of animals (elk, cow, water buffalo and cape buffalo) to very hard single piece animal skins. There is also the laminated tips ranging anywhere from three to fifteen layers. The laminated tips also range from soft to extremely hard using various animal skins and tannages. The end result is a myriad of confusing choices. I would like to unmuddy the water for you somewhat. All of these variables can impact power, accuracy, and your sight picture.
First let's assume that you already know that the shape or radius of the tip is of utmost importance and must be maintained at all times during gameplay. That very important shape that I just mentioned is the radius of a dime (roughly) or a "0.375" radius. In other words, hold a dime edgewise up to your tip and look over the top... If it does not match the shape or radius of a dime on the top of your tip, you've already got a problem.
When the ball is struck by the tip, the portion of the tip that takes the force is no more than an eighth of an inch offcenter in all directions. This is true regardless of whether you've struck the cue ball a sixteenth off center, or a full tip off center. What this radius does is generate the force, regardless of where it is struck, to the center of the tip and down through the center of your cue. Soft tips create more distortion than harder tips. In otherwords, a larger area of the tip makes contact and wraps around the cue ball in the case of a soft tip. This may give you more tip confidence, particularily if you're a beginner, because you will miscue less, despite having a sloppy stroke; but, the price you will pay is less power and a whole lot more deflection of the cue ball, because you have moved all of the tip to one side of the cue ball with virtually no penetration. On the other hand, a hard tip will focus the energy in a much smaller area at impact and will give you a higher degree of penetration. When I speak of penetration, I mean the force being directed to the cue ball by virtue of the direction the cue is being swung or pointed and that force penetrates the cue ball in the direction that the shaft or cue is being driven. As an added bonus, a harder tip lasts longer.
## What about miscueing with hard cue tips? ##
The simple fact of the matter is, that the small, glasslike particles of chalk, which cause the friction, are held higher up on the surface on a hard tip so that they will penetrate deeper into the surface of the cueball at impact. A soft tip allows more particles to come into contact because of it's increased tip surface at impact; however, though there be more particles in contact with the cue ball, it does not penetrate the cue ball as deeply and therefore creates less friction per particle. Bottomline: You have the choice of either more particles penetrating less or fewer particles penetrating more... The net total friction is about a trade-off. Whether the tip you choose is one single piece of hide or laminated multipe pieces of hide, the key issue is the more penetration means more accuracy, more power, and tremendously less cue ball deflection and negative effects on your sight picture. As a side note: You've probably noticed, if you've played much, that a tip plays its best just before it has to be changed. This is because it has been pounded enough through constant play to make the tip more dense (harder in all areas).
## What does Meucci Originals do with this information? ##
After testing every tip on the market, and measuring it's resultant power and deflection variation, we have found that a hard tip with even harder outside edges around the circumference will perform the best. Harder outside edges so that the energy is directed into the cue will be focused more towards the center of the shaft, while at the same time keeping the outside walls of the tip from breaking down. There is only two ways to get this result: 1. A hard water buffalo tip. or 2. To compress the tip of your choice as hard as you can, then shape to a dime radius and then pound the outside edges to further harden the circumference and reshape that area to be once again a dime radius.
We take both the latter and former choice at Meucci Originals with the well-known Le Professional tips or hard water buffalo tips. I hope I haven't caused you even more confusion. I think the choice should now be simple: your choice should be made according to knowledge and experience instead of the fashion of the day.
## What are the differences in pool cue tips? ##
As you probably already know, you have everything from very soft singlepiece animal skin tips from various types of animals (elk, cow, water buffalo and cape buffalo) to very hard single piece animal skins. There is also the laminated tips ranging anywhere from three to fifteen layers. The laminated tips also range from soft to extremely hard using various animal skins and tannages. The end result is a myriad of confusing choices. I would like to unmuddy the water for you somewhat. All of these variables can impact power, accuracy, and your sight picture.
First let's assume that you already know that the shape or radius of the tip is of utmost importance and must be maintained at all times during gameplay. That very important shape that I just mentioned is the radius of a dime (roughly) or a "0.375" radius. In other words, hold a dime edgewise up to your tip and look over the top... If it does not match the shape or radius of a dime on the top of your tip, you've already got a problem.
When the ball is struck by the tip, the portion of the tip that takes the force is no more than an eighth of an inch offcenter in all directions. This is true regardless of whether you've struck the cue ball a sixteenth off center, or a full tip off center. What this radius does is generate the force, regardless of where it is struck, to the center of the tip and down through the center of your cue. Soft tips create more distortion than harder tips. In otherwords, a larger area of the tip makes contact and wraps around the cue ball in the case of a soft tip. This may give you more tip confidence, particularily if you're a beginner, because you will miscue less, despite having a sloppy stroke; but, the price you will pay is less power and a whole lot more deflection of the cue ball, because you have moved all of the tip to one side of the cue ball with virtually no penetration. On the other hand, a hard tip will focus the energy in a much smaller area at impact and will give you a higher degree of penetration. When I speak of penetration, I mean the force being directed to the cue ball by virtue of the direction the cue is being swung or pointed and that force penetrates the cue ball in the direction that the shaft or cue is being driven. As an added bonus, a harder tip lasts longer.
## What about miscueing with hard cue tips? ##
The simple fact of the matter is, that the small, glasslike particles of chalk, which cause the friction, are held higher up on the surface on a hard tip so that they will penetrate deeper into the surface of the cueball at impact. A soft tip allows more particles to come into contact because of it's increased tip surface at impact; however, though there be more particles in contact with the cue ball, it does not penetrate the cue ball as deeply and therefore creates less friction per particle. Bottomline: You have the choice of either more particles penetrating less or fewer particles penetrating more... The net total friction is about a trade-off. Whether the tip you choose is one single piece of hide or laminated multipe pieces of hide, the key issue is the more penetration means more accuracy, more power, and tremendously less cue ball deflection and negative effects on your sight picture. As a side note: You've probably noticed, if you've played much, that a tip plays its best just before it has to be changed. This is because it has been pounded enough through constant play to make the tip more dense (harder in all areas).
## What does Meucci Originals do with this information? ##
After testing every tip on the market, and measuring it's resultant power and deflection variation, we have found that a hard tip with even harder outside edges around the circumference will perform the best. Harder outside edges so that the energy is directed into the cue will be focused more towards the center of the shaft, while at the same time keeping the outside walls of the tip from breaking down. There is only two ways to get this result: 1. A hard water buffalo tip. or 2. To compress the tip of your choice as hard as you can, then shape to a dime radius and then pound the outside edges to further harden the circumference and reshape that area to be once again a dime radius.
We take both the latter and former choice at Meucci Originals with the well-known Le Professional tips or hard water buffalo tips. I hope I haven't caused you even more confusion. I think the choice should now be simple: your choice should be made according to knowledge and experience instead of the fashion of the day.
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