Okay…so maybe not “burning” questions but questions none-the-less…and they are interesting…SUPER BONUS!!! A couple of weeks ago, I received this super cool email from Jim Ridzon (of Ask.com/) in my Fisherbabe inbox:
Hi Lizzy, With the Bassmaster Classic ready to cast-off in a few short days, we thought it would be interesting to share with you and your readers the top questions being asked about fishing on Ask.com. Feel free to share this list with your readers, offer up some answers and as always, if you have any questions, just ask!
Top Ten Fishing Questions from Ask.com:
1. How do you tie fishing knots?
2. When is the best time to go fishing?
3. What bait do you use for bass fishing?
4. Who invented the fishing pole?
5. How much is a fishing license?
6. How do you put new line on a fishing rod?
7. How does barometric pressure affect fishing?
8. What is the biggest fishing state?
9. How do you fish for bass?
10. How do I start my own fishing guide service?
So…now…I think these questions are FUN…but I am not a pro Bass Fisherbabe. Therefore, questions #3 and #9 are out of my league. As you all are aware…I focus mostly on Canadian Sport Fish…like Pike and Lakers!!! However, this I promise you will be remedied this year. This year…I am on a quest for some MONSTER large mouth AND small mouth bass. I plan to dedicate many after work evenings and much weekend time to achieving this goal…and of course, you will all hear about my adventures in becoming a “bass babe” right here…or maybe I should say misadventures…LOL 
Anyways…because this is my new goal, these questions are ones that I NEED ANSWERS TO!!! I do not know the best baits for bass fishing. Should I go with live bait or soft plastics or lures??? I am pretty sure that my orange hammer won’t do the trick…so I need help…LOL I also would like to see what answers I get for the #9 question of “how do you fish for bass?” Those answers should be interesting to read…LOL!!!
However, the other questions are ones that I can take a shot at!!! Get ready for a lengthy post folks cause here goes…
#1: How do you tie fishing knots? Hmmmm…well okay…see now…there are A MILLION different knots in the fishing world!!! This is not a question that can be answered in a mere sentence or two. For any beginner, however, I would say…go with the Trilene Knot. It is easy to master and definitely stable and secure enough for even the biggest fish. My own favorite (and special secret) knot is a variation of the Trilene Knot. The instructions can be found by purchasing any spool of Berkley Trilene Line or by visiting www.berkley-fishing.com/!!!
#2: When is the best time to go fishing? A.N.Y.T.I.M.E…yes I am dead serious…LOL!!!
#4. Who invented the fishing pole? I am not sure there is a correct answer for this question. I posed the question to google and found no good, reliable response. It is my thoughts that some variation of the “fishing pole” has been around for thousands of years. I mean…even Jesus fished, right???? Therefore, I have no answer for this one. If you have the answer, though, I would love to hear it…LOL
#5. How much is a fishing license? The cost of fishing licenses vary from state to state. For example, here in Nebraska a resident annual fishing license costs $28.50. A non-resident annual license costs $60.50. However, in Alaska, a resident annual sport fishing license costs $24.00. Alaska, also offers a lower price of $5.00 for low income individuals. A non-resident annual sport fishing license costs $145.00. In Arkansas, my lovely birth state, a resident annual fisheries conservation license costs only $10.50, and a non-resident annual fishing license costs a mere $40.00. Additional costs may be incurred in this state, however, if you are going after specific types of fish such as trout or for fish in certain waters not included in the regular license.
I suggest visiting a state’s parks and recreation site to find out the exact cost for fishing licenses in the state in which you wish to fish!!!
#6. How do you put new line on a fishing rod? Well…I think the question should really be…How do you put new line on a fishing “REEL”!!! Here is how I do it!!! First things first, you must take off any old line you have on your rod!!! I always put new line on my rods after each trip…losing a fish because you were too lazy to re-spool your rod would be ABSOLUTELY HORRIFIC!!!
The next step is to figure out what “test” you want to spool onto your rod. For my upcoming trip to catch Northern Pike, I put 20 pound test onto my Shimano Cardiff 200A. After you have picked out the appropriate line, you need to “thread” the line through the eyes of the rod starting from the tip and ending by tightly tying the line to the “core” or center of your reel. Threading it through the rod is done to ensure an even distribution of your line across the whole of the reel. This, in turn, ensures for the smoothest, farthest casting that is possible and minimizes the risk of knots and birds nests which can compromise the durability of your line.
Once you are ready to begin the spooling process, I would suggest inserting a pencil through the center hole of the spool of line and have someone assist you by holding the pencil on each end. This allows for the line to come off the spool smoothly (and evenly) and really helps to avoid tangles. Plus…it really is faster to have some help!!! Make sure you hold the line (loose but steady) with your thumb and forefinger at the base of the rod handle to ensure even distribution. Once you begin spooling the line on your reel, just keep cranking until you have spooled on the desired amount of line. I always fill mine “almost” up to the first little ledge on my Cardiff…so “almost” full. Clip the line and tie it off…you are ready for your next SUPER AWESOME FISHING ADVENTURE!!!
#7. How does barometric pressure affect fishing? Apparently, Barometric Pressure is the measure of the weight of the atmosphere above us…which I did not know until I googled it. Looky there, I learned something today!!! Here is the information I found to be most useful…
Barometric Pressure exerts pressure on the waters we fish and even on us. In fact, it can change how well some people feel. It is believed by many, that it may have a similar and even more dramatic effect on fish effecting their feeding habits. Measurement of barometric pressure is accomplished with the use of a barometer. A barometer measures the weight of the atmosphere per square inch (pressure) and compares it to the weight of a column of mercury.
It is important to note that the effects of barometric pressure is greater in fresh and shallow waters, than it is in deeper waters. This is probably due to the fact that the pressure of water is so much greater in deeper waters making the air pressure above it no longer having any significance.
Some general rules regarding barometric pressure are:
High – Clear skies – Fish slow down, find cover or go to deeper waters – Slow down lures and use baits more attractive to fish – Fish in cover and in deeper waters.
Rising – Clearing or improving – Fish tend to become slightly more active – Fish with brighter lures and near cover – Also fish at intermediate and deeper depths.
Normal and stable – Fair – Normal fishing – Experiment with your favorite baits and lures.
Falling – Degrading – Most active fishing – Speed up lures. Surface and shallow running lures may work well.
Slightly lower – Usually cloudy – Many fish will head away from cover and seek shallower waters. Some fish will become more aggressive – Use shallow running lures at a moderate speed.
Low – Rainy and stormy – Fish will tend to become less active the longer this period remains – As the action subsides, try fishing at deeper depths.
It is important to note that after a long feeding period, the action will slow regardless of the following conditions. On the flip side, a long period of poor fishing conditions may be followed by a really good one.
It is also important to note, that the barometric pressure is just one of many factors that effect fish feeding habits. Other effects include water temperature, light, tidal forces, water clarity, the pH level, water levels, wind/surface disturbance, boat traffic, fishing pressure, and so on. Another good judging factor of fishing is the solunar effects which play a role in the tidal and illumination factors.
** information taken from http://www.quickoneplus.com/fish/articles/page.asp?page=barometric
#8. What is the biggest fishing state? Eh…I am not even going to attempt to answer this one. In my opinion, the biggest fishing state is the one you most enjoy to fish!!!
#10. How do I start my own fishing guide service? Well…I do not own my own fishing guide service and in fact, have not ever utilized a fishing guide service. Therefore, I may not be the best person to answer this question.
However, I did do a google search to see what advice google recommends…LOL. I was surprised that the general tips that were given most often were ones that I would assume would be quite useful. Here is what I came up with…the first tip is to remember that, although you are doing something you most likely love and are passionate about, it is still a business. Therefore, having (and FOLLOWING) a strong business and marketing plan is ESSENTIAL to the success of your guide service. Additionally, make sure that you know and fully understand the Federal, State, and Local laws that will govern not only the business side of your service but the fishing and recreational side, as well.
Take a look at your competition and make a list. What do they do that you like and that you think works well? What do they do that you do not like? Also, think back to any guide services or charters that you have experienced, and make a list of why you loved the adventure and why you did not. Pulling ideas from your own experiences and from the market itself can be a very useful tool for your new business. Just be careful not to be a copycat. Do not do or use anything that would be even remotely considered plagiarism or copyright/trademark infringement. Not only is this illegal…but it is just generally bad manners and poor business etiquette.
You will need the tools for your business so make sure to include that in your business plan and budget. You must have boats and gear for those who do not have or do not want to use their own, and these tools MUST be trustworthy, durable, and dependable. People will be paying YOU money to use this gear. Therefore, ensuring that the gear is of good quality will decrease the chances of a dissatisfied customer…which is sure to happen if your cheap gear breaks down when a fish of a lifetime is on the line.
Set out your services, packages, and rates in an easy to understand manner on colorful, professional brochures. In this day and age, a great website can make or break a company. It doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive, but it does have to be professional and well maintained. Also, it must be interesting enough to catch a person’s eye and retain their interest. Adding a blog to the website is a great way to interact with potential customers, build relationships, and update site users about your adventures!!! Make sure that any disclaimers, legal notices, and/or safety requirements are displayed in an easy to see and understand manner on all your correspondence materials. Additionally, make sure YOU know and understand all safety requirements of the service you are providing before EVER heading out onto the water. You want your business to be a swinging success…NOT a huge liability or lawsuit waiting to happen!!!
In short, dot your i’s and cross your t’s, as the old saying goes. Make sure you have all your ducks in a row, and you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar…LOL Those sayings about sum it up…Make sure you are doing right by the law, you have your business plan, gear, and marketing materials in order, and be nice to your customers whether potential or paid up!!!
*This information was gathered from www.startupbizhub.com/how-to-start-your-own-charter-fishing-business.htm
So there ya go…my attempt at answering a few fishy type questions. I am totally interested in YOUR answers, however, so I would simply ADORE to see one of two things occur: (1) leave me a comment and answer my questions…I don’t care how long the comment is…in this instance, the longer the better cause I wanna know!! or (2) if you have your own blog, do your own post answering these same questions with your own fabulous flair…but make sure to comment here and let me know about your post!!! I can’t wait to see your responses!!!
Happy Question Answering and FISH ON ~
LIZZY aka The Fisherbabe
**The image at the top of this page was taken from www.ask.com. http://www.ask.com/ is a great website to use when you need a great answer to that burning question fast!!!
