Author: alanbulmer

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Alan Bulmer, Fly Fishing, Spin Fishing, Tackle, Technical

WHY YOU SHOULD ADJUST THE REEL DRAG DURING THE FIGHT

Text: Alan Bulmer                        Lead image: Sportquest Recently I read a chapter on drag systems from the 2007 book “Fishing Techniques” by Steve Cooper (ISBN 1865131067, 9781865131061). It really got me thinking as it raised some excellent points. Cooper stated that “drags should be set at 25% of the lines breaking strain with a full spool of line. To make sure that the setting is correct use an accurate … Continue reading WHY YOU SHOULD ADJUST THE REEL DRAG DURING THE FIGHT

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Dr.Mike Ladle, Fish Species, Saltwater Fishing, Spin Fishing, Surfcasting, Techniques

RUBBER BAND BAIT FEEDER

When Dr Mike Ladle was in NZ recently we had a discussion on how he targets large bass with cut baits in very shallow water. This is a technique that he has perfected and it came about largely by accident.   One day when he was making his way home just after dawn he disturbed a huge bass close to the shore in calf deep water. … Continue reading RUBBER BAND BAIT FEEDER

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Alan Bulmer, Fish Species, Fly Fishing, Fresh Water Fishing, Technical

WHAT DETERMINES HOW WELL TROUT FIGHT?

Text: Alan Bulmer         Images: Matt Jones & Irideus Fly Fishing I recently read an excellent article by Tim Angeli in NZ Fish & Game magazine entitled “Do Big Fish fight”(Issue 90 Page 24-30). It really got me thinking and is definitely worth checking out. The wide ranging article discussed the fight provided by big fish, whether the fight from rainbow trout is typically more energetic … Continue reading WHAT DETERMINES HOW WELL TROUT FIGHT?

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Alan Bulmer, Fly Fishing, Tackle, Technical

HOW TO FLY CAST BY FEEL

Fly casting techniques have changed markedly over the past hundred years and this in many ways has been influenced by rod manufacturing developments. In the early part of the 20th century when fly rods were predominantly made of cane the fly casting mantra was to use the wrist more than the arm, straight up and down, 10 to 12 on the casting clock with the … Continue reading HOW TO FLY CAST BY FEEL

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Alan Bulmer, Lure Fishing, Spin Fishing, Tackle

USING BIBLESS LURES

Going bibless – Why should you? There are many different types of lures available to shore based, saltwater spin fishermen. In New Zealand, metal spinners and bibbed lures are by far the most commonly used. Blade spinners (Mepps type) and weighted metal blades have historically been used in freshwater but they are steadily growing in popularity in the salt. Trout fishermen, in particular, find it … Continue reading USING BIBLESS LURES

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Alan Bulmer, Dr.Mike Ladle, Fly Fishing, Fresh Water Fishing, Technical

MAYFLY NYMPH INSIGHTS

‘The Mayfly’, Ephemera danica, has been well known to trout anglers for a very long time. It is arguably the most well known of the upwinged flies. Most trout fishermen understand that the life cycle of the mayfly follows the pattern of dun – spinner – egg – nymph – dun and that this goes on unceasingly as long as no link in the chain is … Continue reading MAYFLY NYMPH INSIGHTS

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Dr.Mike Ladle, Fish Species, Fresh Water Fishing, Lure Fishing, Spin Fishing, Technical, Techniques

PERCH (REDFIN) FEEDING BEHAVIOUR

Text: Mike Ladle   Feature image: John Kuczala Perch have big eyes and big mouths. These two simple facts suggest that old stripey is a predator largely using its excellent eyesight to find prey. Of course, once they attain a decent size, these fish feed mainly on smaller species or on the young of other fish. The question is do we have any information about when, … Continue reading PERCH (REDFIN) FEEDING BEHAVIOUR

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Alan Bulmer, Lure Fishing, Spin Fishing, Technical, Techniques

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CAST LURES?

Text: Alan Bulmer                              Lead image: Hook ‘n Surf IS SIDE OR OVERHEAD CASTING BETTER FOR LURES? There is no correct answer to the question “Is side or overhead casting better for lures” as both methods have their place. The choice is ultimately down to personal preference and the purpose of this article is to discuss the merits and shortcomings of both methods. Irrespective of whether … Continue reading WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CAST LURES?

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Alan Bulmer, Dr.Mike Ladle, Fish Species, Fly Fishing, Fresh Water Fishing, Technical

WHY IS FLY FISHING IN FRESHWATER BETTER AT NIGHT?

Most rivers in NZ have an evening rise when trout seem to appear from nowhere to feed on insects. More fish seem to rise to flies on the surface after dark than during the day. Why is this so and can it be explained scientifically? Dr Mike Ladle, a retired UK fisheries ecologist, spent many years studying this phenomenon and shares some of his insights … Continue reading WHY IS FLY FISHING IN FRESHWATER BETTER AT NIGHT?

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