Locating Fish on the River

Mini pontoon boats are the way to go when you are looking for fish on the river. You can easily get into all those nooks and crannies that you just cannot get to in any other water craft. You may be wondering which swims will give you the best chance to catch the most fish. Here we will discuss what types of habitats river fish love the most and why. You can also learn how to identify these areas from above the water. With a keen eye and the right bait, you could really bring in a haul.
The first thing to do when you get to the river is look for signs of fish. Those little circles on top of the water are a dead giveaway as to where fish are hanging around. This will tell you if they are looming in the center or near the edges of the water. If the water is clear enough, you may be able to tell if the fish are hanging near the surface or deep on the bottom. This will help you to choose your lure.
If you do not visually spot a fish, or if the water is murky, then they may be at the bottom. The easiest way to tell is to look very closely at the water. Tiny bubbles, or fizz, will rise to the surface when fish are bottom feeding. This is because the fish need to release tiny bits of air to keep from floating up. Fizz will not only tell you that the fish are present, but also that they are looking for food and that you should use a lure that sinks.
Another way to tell that fish are on the bottom is to look for unusually muddy areas. If the water is clear and you see a muddy spot, then that is a sure sign that fish are stirring up the mud. If the water is already murky or muddy, the stirring up of mud on the bottom can still be spotted. Usually the mud that they are stirring is a slightly different color than the muddy particles floating in the river. You may even see rising clouds of mud if you look closely.
Fish generally look for cover, not only for protection, but also so they can camouflage themselves when they are looking to ambush their prey. For this reason, you can usually find fish along banks in still water. Look for grass or river reeds growing up through the water. Sometimes you will even see the grass move when a fish swims through it. Look for other things in the water that fish may want to use as their habitats. Stumps, downed trees and limbs make for likely spots. Fishermen have found that mini pontoon boats can safely get them into these areas without risking damage to their boats. Happy hunting!

About the Author: Brad Metzler is the owner of Pond King Inc., an industry leader in the production and sale of Pontoon Boats, Mini Pontoon Boats, Floating Docks, Honey Hole Trees, and Turtle Traps. Pond King Inc. also consists of Lake and Pond Management Professionals that are dedicated to finding the most economical solutions and strategies for your fish stocking needs.

The Importance of Underwater Fish Habitats

The Importance of Underwater Fish Habitats

Fish use underwater debris for protection, hunting grounds and spawning. Common debris used as fish habitats include stumps, fallen trees, rocks and branches. Over time, the debris can deteriorate and appropriate fish habitats can diminish. This reduces the fish population that a lake can support. In many lakes, habitat conservation efforts have been put into practice to help keep up the fish population. If you are looking to create a fish habitat in your own lake or pond, you can do so by simply keeping a few things in mind.Traditionally, fishermen have thrown their Christmas trees near their pier or boating docks to help create a natural fish habitat. This can help the fish find places to hide and ambush their prey. It can make fishing off of your pier very enjoyable because there should be a lot of fish regularly hanging around the area. But, it can also be frustrating to constantly get your hooks stuck in the brush. If you intend to fish the area, then you should consider using materials that will not snag your hooks and lures very easily. The Honey Hole Tree is a good option for a permanent fixture.If you choose to make your own, consider using something like PVC pipe. It will not snag your hook and it can be easily removed if you choose to take it out. Algae should grow on it over time and provide good cover for the fish. Keep in mind that PVC can damage passing boats if they are not aware that it is there. Do not put this type of habitat in public waters where boaters might pass over it. Although PVC structures are easily visible on fish finder displays, you do not want to be responsible for damage caused to the boats of unsuspecting drivers. Fishermen have been experimenting with attracting more fish to their favorite spots for years. They have tried lots of things like milk crates, truck tires, trash cans and even old bike frames. All of these things can make a great fish habitat, but you need to think of the purpose. If your purpose is to help the pond or lake support more fish, then your mission is accomplished. If you want to fish in this area, then you will likely run into a few snags. Using natural brush and logs will likely attract the most fish, but again there is the problem of snags plus the added problem of oxygen depletion that happens when wood decays in the water. Using synthetics can solve your problem. Try sticking to soft, pliable materials that will not damage passing boats. If you can also make your creation look a lot like a real plant, with limbs and such, then it will attract even more fish. Whether you are fishing from the bank, your pier or your mini pontoon boat, you will enjoy the abundance of fish that your habitat attracts. Plus, you can feel good about helping to support the fish population in your favorite pond or lake.

About the Author: Brad Metzler is the owner of Pond King Inc., an industry leader in the production and sale of Pontoon Boats, Mini Pontoon Boats, Floating Docks, Honey Hole Trees, and Turtle Traps. Pond King Inc. also consists of Lake and Pond Management Professionals that are dedicated to finding the most economical solutions and strategies for your fish stocking needs.