Fishing tips from Savannah, GA

The following was written by Trail Mixxx contributor Joseph:

A Southern Kingfish, Croaker and Spot Fish caught at the Fort Pulaski bridge in Savannah, Ga.

The following are four fishing basics that will increase your opportunity to hook a fish before your first catch.

1. Always start with new hooks each time you go out. After a hard day of fishing, applying new bait, hooking fish and getting hung up on debris can easily dull you common steel fishing hook. You may only get ten bites in the time that you are fishing, so make them count! A sharp hook ensures that the hook will slide easily through the bait and up into the jaw of the fish with only the slightest amount of pressure.

2. Gear your tackle for the appropriate fish you are attempting to catch. Take notice of the necessary hook size, bait, and tackle you will need as well as the habitat where you will find your fish.

3. Know your knots. Some knots will reduce the strength of your line by more than half. The last thing you want once you hook that big one is for your knot to come untied or the line break because of a bad knot. There are many different knot types and ways to attach your tackle. Learn a few knots that will work for your purposes.

4. Attitude. This should be number one. Through my observations I have taken notice of something important; If you have a bad attitude while fishing and you get down that you are not catching anything or that you’re hungry, or that it’s hot, or that you’re bored you will be less likely to catch fish. Having a positive attitude will greatly affect your overall demeanor and will translate through your actions in your fishing! When others around you are catching fish, celebrate with them and tell yourself that the fish are biting. Stay positive and consistent in your efforts and you will make your catch!

By utilizing these basic tips you will instantly see improvement in your fishing game.

In future posts I will show you how professional crabbin' is done in Savannah as well as some awesome recipes to get the best flavor out of your fresh catch!

-Joe

Gateway Natural Area (Part 1) - Black Powder Trail

Location: Gateway Natural Area (Black Powder Trail)

Date: 8/12/2012

How far we went: 1.66mi

How long it took us: 1:13:29 (One Trail)

Elevation reached: Started at 5302ft and got up to 5821ft

Weather: Hot, breezy at peak

So another day in Colorado... This time checking out Gateway Natural Area, specifically the Black Powder trail. It is located off of CO-14 running through the Poudre Canyon. Fire devastated much of this area not too long ago so hiking is limited. This particular trail was itself burned in 2004 or 5, can't remember when. The trail on the map is the one on the right side of river. Fairly easy hike, but PLENTY of Poison Ivy. Do your research and be educated about what to avoid. Other than that, my only advice is to pack a lunch and eat it from the top. Nice view of the Poudre and Hwy 14. The other trail on the map is the Overlook trail (left side of river) and it will be covered in a future post. All-in-all not a bad place. $5 for us to park. It is managed by the City of Fort Collins in case you were wondering. Enjoy the pictures. 

Here is their brochure (pdf)

Arthur's Rock Trail, Lory State Park- Bellvue, CO- 8/4/12

Location: Lory State Park, Bellvue, Colorado

Date: 8/4/2012

How far we went: 3.65mi

How long it took us: 2:22:06

Elevation reached: Started at 5639ft and got up to 6760ft

Weather: Sunny, breezy, nice

This was our first hike in Colorado and it was beautiful! Had to pay $7 to get into the park but it was totally worth it. We did the most popular trail, the Arthur's Rock Trail, and it was one of the better hikes we have been on. We were short of breath but I think it had more to do with the elevation change than with the difficulty. The view from the top was a breathtaking scene of Horsetooth Reservoir, Fort Collins and the Front Range. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. Don't forget to check out the video!