Anyway, parents have a continuous responsibility for their children over many years.  They also have to work hard to provide for the needs of every member of the family.  It is usually only when the kids enter college or finish school that parents reacquire time to themselves.  When I was about to graduate, my mom would often have a count down.  She would tell me the number of semesters left for them to pay my tuition fee.  She has been looking forward to my graduation since it will mark the end of spending for my education.  The spare money can be used for traveling or for buying stuff that was previously only of secondary importance to my parents.

In times like this, Mom and Dad, when you have finished sending your child to school, you could consider visiting the Delaware River!  It would definitely be a good place for you to relax and spend some quality time with each other.  You have been so busy for so many years and it is the right time to catch up with your life as a couple.  Don’t you think?  You could choose from the various activities available at the Delaware River and create memorable experiences with your spouse, once again.  There’s nothing wrong if you go back to the time when you were still dating and still in your youthful years.

New research proves that ‘Empty Nest Syndrome’ is a thing of the past as parents whose children move away to university are fitter, richer and have better love-lives than ever before.

Leading student accommodation provider UNITE ( http://www.unite-students.com) spoke to 2000 parents whose kids flew the coop for uni in the last few years and found that time saved on domestic chores coupled with less to pay on food and utility bills has given them a new lease of life.

UNITE has named this new breed of parent the Empty Nest Opportunist (ENO) and found that a typical three-year degree course offers parents:

    - Three months' worth of time saved on domestic drudgery as they no
      longer have to cook and clean for their child

    - GBP583 more cash a month once they do not have to support their
      offspring full time

    - More energy - feeling 10 years younger than when their child was at
      home

SOCIAL LIVES

The average ENO increases their circle of friends by five people once they cut the apron strings, making three new friends and reconnecting with two old ones. The extra hours allow them to socialise three more times a week than when their kids were at home.

And when it comes to love lives, 84% said they had noticed a marked improvement. A quarter (26%) make more of an effort with their appearance for their partner, while 15% now feel able to plan more romantic trips and enjoy their new found freedom.

One in five (19%) used their children leaving for university as a chance to make a clean break and leave an unhappy relationship.

HOBBIES

The majority of those surveyed now fill free time with a new hobby. House renovation, travel to foreign climes and keep fit top the list of most popular past-times but the research also reveals that ENOs have an adventurous streak.

More than half (58%) stated that they dream of taking up an ‘extreme hobby’ such as snow boarding (19%), bungee jumping (17%) or white water rafting (11%). Some (5%) are even keen to try their hand at pole dancing.

MONEY

Parents are funding all this fun with the savings made from no longer housing their kids full time. The average ENO is almost GBP600 a month better off after shaving pounds off their food and utility bills and using their additional hours to earn extra cash at work.

Some entrepreneurial mums and dads are even supplementing their income by selling the belongings their kids leave behind. 41% reported they had made between GBP200 and GBP300 out of their children’s old possessions.

Commenting on the research by UNITE (http://www.unite-students.com), Psychologist and Parenting Expert Dr Pat Spungin says: “While many parents find it hard to see their children leave home, the extra time and cash can bring about a whole new sense of freedom. While mums and dads never stop thinking about their offspring, knowing that they are safe and happy whilst at university leaves them free to make the most of their own lives.”

The report also shows that far from suffering from the separation, leaving home to go to university has a positive affect on the parent/child relationship:

    - 87% of parents said they get on better with their child now

    - 34% spend more quality time with offspring

    - A third felt more appreciated now their child has to fend for
      themselves

Shane Spiers, Managing Director of UNITE student accommodation says: “Providing safe, well-located accommodation for students is our priority. We understand that parents want peace of mind when their children head off to university, so providing a quality living experience for students, which allows parents to enjoy their free time without worrying is a key focus for UNITE.”

Related articles:

Reignite Your Love at the Delaware River is a post from: DelawareRiver.net

Cell phones have revolutionized the way we communicate with each other. They have made communication easier and faster. They also come in handy especially during emergency situations. When you get stuck somewhere or you’ve been lost, just a click on your phone and you can easily reach your friend or family.

Summer’s here, and the great outdoors calls. People are heading out to go hiking in the mountains, tubing the Delaware River, or just exploring in their own way locally.  Whether you’re heading out to hike, bike, boat or enjoy parks and recreational areas like the Delaware River, your wireless devices should go along for the ride. These devices can offer security when you are away from home.

Summer Safety: Tips to Remember for Your Wireless Communications

Customers’ wireless phones can be life savers during summer trips. Verizon Wireless offers the following tips to prepare wireless phones to work best as you head out for fun in the sun:

* Protect your phone from the sun and heat. Don’t leave a wireless phone in the glove compartment of a car. At the beach, make sure to keep it under the umbrella or in a beach bag. And no good can come from keeping a phone in the pocket of a wet swim suit.

* Changing the settings on your wireless devices, including adjusting screen brightness and using stand-by mode more often, can extend your phone’s battery life, increasing time between charges and saving energy.

* Make sure to understand all of the safety features your wireless device offers, including GPS for finding locations, cameras for video and picture messaging, and voice activation. These features can play an important role in personal safety.

* Android phones offer a number of applications that can be downloaded, including compass and flashlight apps, and may come in handy in a pinch.

* On the lake or at sea, keep your wireless smartphone and other equipment in waterproof plastic bags to ensure they’re not damaged by water. Wet and wireless don’t work, unless you’ve invested in a Verizon Wireless ruggedized phone from CASIO, Motorola or Samsung.

For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

Related articles:

• Verizon Wireless Expands 3G Network Coverage in Jefferson County (prnewswire.com)
• Roscommon, Michigan, Residents to Benefit From Verizon Wireless Network Enhancements (prnewswire.com)

Heading Outdoors with a Wireless Phone is a post from: DelawareRiver.net

But The Delaware River Regions are not just for vacations of course. The River passes not so far from some of the best health care facilities in the world.

In its annual Best Hospitals edition, US News & World Report places Christiana Care among the top 50 listings in 2 specialties – Gastroenterology and Urology.

It is the fourth straight year the publication has recognized Christiana Care, the only hospital in Delaware to make the list. Of more than 4,800 U.S. hospitals evaluated this year, only a select 152 – or three percent – are included.

“Best hospitals in the rankings provide the highest level of care in complex, demanding situations,” says Robert Laskowski, M.D., president and CEO of Christiana Care Health System, which includes Wilmington and Christiana hospitals. “Receiving national recognition for four consecutive years demonstrates that our doctors, nurses and allied health professionals provide exceptional care to our patients and our community and underscores our reputation as a premier health care provider.”

To receive this prestigious honor, the magazine uses a methodology that ranks hospitals on several metrics including mortality rates, a patient safety index, number of patients cared for, quality of nursing care, use of advanced technology and a trauma center.

“When the stakes are high, you want the best care you can get for yourself or someone close to you,” says US News’ Health Rankings Editor Avery Comarow. “These hospitals are accustomed to seeing the sickest patients day in and day out.”

In the past three years, Christiana Care has also received top rankings in Ear, Nose and Throat, Endocrinology, Digestive and Respiratory Disorders.

US News and World Report’s Best Hospitals 2010-11 is available on newsstands Tuesday, July 27. For a detailed listing of the rankings, visit www.usnews.com/besthospitals.

Related articles:

• AstraZeneca Donates $1 Million for Christiana Care … – Earthtimes (earthtimes.org)
• Biden’s Son, Delaware Official, Had ‘Mild’ Stroke … – BusinessWeek (businessweek.com)

Christiana Hospital, Newark is a post from: DelawareRiver.net

Going back home is something that you may be reluctant to do, whether you are an American or from another country. Aside from leaving the wonderful Delaware River, the thought of going back to work or school is unappealing. And while you are still savoring your time on the Delaware River, you might face some airport issues like lost luggage to spoil a lovely holiday.

Tens of thousands of people have their travel plans disrupted by lost and delayed baggage each year, despite improvements in luggage handling by airlines and airports worldwide.

Australia’s number one online travel insurer Travel Insurance Direct (www.travelinsurancedirect.com.au) said luggage loss, damage and theft represented the biggest single category of travel insurance claims, accounting for around 40 per cent of total claims.

Travel Insurance Direct General Manager Ian Jackson said more than 25 million bags were mishandled last year in airports worldwide, of which about 3.4 per cent were never reunited with their owners. Mishandled luggage was 24 per cent lower than the previous year thanks to better handling systems, but still occurred at a rate of 68,000 bags per day worldwide.

“Some Australians who lose their luggage will never see it again, resulting in thousands of dollars in lost property and immeasurable disruption to holiday plans,” Mr Jackson said. “Even though the vast majority of misplaced bags are found and returned to their owners within 48 hours, that’s no consolation if you’re caught in the European winter without your coat and gloves.”

Mr Jackson said there were 10 simple precautions travelers could take to help ensure their luggage arrived intact:

• Tags – Ensure all items have clear, sturdy luggage tags that won’t tear off. Record your phone numbers for both home and destination. Some travelers prefer to list their office address to avoid suggesting their home is vacant.
• Itinerary – Place your contact details and itinerary inside your luggage, so you can still be located if external tags are lost and your luggage is opened for inspection.
• Lock up – Locks and straps provide a deterrent to theft, but remember some destinations like the US only allow TSA-approved locks that can be opened by customs inspectors.
• Stand out – A brightly coloured bag, luggage tag or strap reduces the risk of your luggage being mistakenly claimed by another passenger on arrival.
• Timing – Arrive at the airport with plenty of time for check-in. A last-minute check-in or tight connection increases the chance of your bags missing the flight.
• At check-in – Ensure all old destination stickers have been removed from your luggage and that staff affix the correct destination stickers at check-in. Be sure to keep your portion of the luggage sticker provided at check-in (usually affixed to your boarding pass).
• Connections – Don’t book tight connections. Ask at check-in whether your luggage is checked through to your final destination or whether you’ll need to collect your luggage and re-check while in transit at another airport (especially if you booked flight sectors separately).
• Carry on – For short journeys, consider travelling with carry-on luggage only. This is especially worthwhile with airlines that charge for checked luggage. Even if you check-in your main bags, place valuables and a few essentials items of clothing in your hand luggage, just in case.
• Pick-up – Ignore other distractions at the airport and go straight to the luggage carousel once you’ve arrived and cleared customs, keeping a close eye on bags as they emerge. Keep bags close to you and never leave them unattended.
• Travel insurance – Always have adequate travel insurance, even if traveling for short periods or domestically. Insurance covers not only loss and theft, but can also provide a clothing allowance if luggage is delayed. Keep receipts for your possessions where possible or consider making a photographic record of luggage contents, in case you need to make a claim.

With these tips, you are less likely to lose your luggage. You can visit the Delaware River again as often as you want without losing anything other than your tensions and frustrations!

For more information and online quotes, see www.travelinsurancedirect.com.au.

Related articles:

• Lost Your Luggage? Don’t Lose Your Mind (lifescript.com)
• Airlines lose over 25 million bags a year (weinterrupt.com)

How to Avoid Losing Your Luggage is a post from: DelawareRiver.net

According to the WE tv Networks Wedding Report, nearly 199,000 weddings will take place in Delaware, Illinois, Michigan, and Tennessee in 2010 with an estimated spend of nearly $89 million in Delaware, over $1 billion in Illinois (not considering Chicago), nearly $19 million in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and nearly $102 million in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Mywedding.com, an online wedding planning resource, added Delaware, Illinois, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Knoxville, Tennessee to their growing vendor and bridal couple community. With wedding guides catered specifically for each of the distinctive markets, mywedding.com now offers ten unique vendor resource guides across said states – more than ever before.

Due to the growing popularity of online wedding planning services, and in an effort to accommodate the bridal couples in these areas, mywedding.com is responding by premiering numerous new vendors in each area guide. Mywedding.com’s goal is to not only meet demand, but to exceed expectations by anticipating all of the wedding planning needs for our Delaware, Illinois, Michigan, and Tennessee engaged couples.

The latest guides will make finding wedding vendors an exciting one-stop shopping experience for the bride and groom. Eric Bernal, Founder and VP of Marketing notes, “We are thrilled about our most recent guide expansion. We understand that finding the perfect vendors for a wedding can be challenging. Our focus is to make the planning process simple and fun, allowing the couple and their guests to thoroughly enjoy the celebration.” The Knoxville, Tennessee guide, for example, will provide couples numerous options for all of their vendor needs – from rehearsal dinner locations to suggested musical entertainment to lodging options – all catered specifically to the local area and its resources.

Additionally, mywedding.com couples have full access to complete resource guides and free planning tools, designed to make wedding planning a breeze. The couple can create an individualized free wedding website, order matching wedding invitations, and read up on expert advice on everything from wedding etiquette to current style trends. The couple can also use a new budgeting tool to track finances throughout their entire planning process and consult the mywedding.com checklists to ensure all steps are covered in creating their dream celebration.

Check out the new Delaware, Illinois, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Knoxville, Tennessee guides for inspiration and create your free mywedding.com wedding website.

Related articles:

• mywedding.com Experiences Unprecedented Growth (prweb.com)
• Mywedding.com Brings Adventure to Wedding Planning, Debuting New Guides throughout the West (prweb.com)

Delaware as One of the Top Wedding Spots is a post from: DelawareRiver.net

According to studies, white people are more prone to skin conditions like skin cancer and sunburns because they have lower amounts of melanin in their skin. But it doesn’t mean that other skin-types cannot be affected by these conditions. Whatever your skin-type, you still have to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun.

So, when you’re enjoying the Delaware River this summer, make sure that you keep covered up, and take skin protection products with you. This includes sunglasses, hats and sunscreens.

And skin protection is particularly important for your children. In fact, children are more likely to get sunburned because they have lower resistance and they are often not taught and encouraged to wear hats and keep covered up. They also love to spend  time under the sun, playing in the riverbanks, gathering stones and shells, or maybe building sand castles along the beach. Based on sales of children products this year, it is clear that parents are becoming more knowledgeable about the potential risks from sun exposure and are protecting their children’s skin from the harmful rays of the sun.

There are a lot of products for children summer skin care. And according to The Kids Window, an online children’s retailer, they have a large increase in their sales of sun protection products specifically aimed for children.

These figures show that parents are taking every step to take care of their children’s skin in the sun – especially important in Britain which has the highest child skin cancer incidence in Europe according to the British Association of Dermatologists.

“From our figures it’s clear that parents are taking skin protection for their children more seriously this year.” says The Kids Window managing director Jason Lewis. ” It’s good to see awareness of sun protection for children increasing.”

But older children still do not take sun protection seriously enough. Over a quarter of teenagers interviewed by the Teenage Cancer Trust as a part of their Shunburn campaign admitted to deliberately becoming sunburnt to get a tan, while over half thought that the sun in the UK was less powerful than abroad.

“We’ve seen an increase in sales over the last few years of kids wetsuits and sporty looking rash suits and vests.” says Jason. “Perhaps parents are using them to get their teenage children to cover-up in the sun, without the hassle of sun cream.”

If you’d like more information, or to schedule an interview, please contact Jason Lewis (Managing Director) on 020 7384 8594 or 0800 542 5094, or email jason@thekidswindow.com.

Related articles:

• Sunscreen and Sun Protection for Children (patient-health-education.suite101.com)
• Your Child’s Safety (gomestic.com)

Protecting Kids From the Sun is a post from: DelawareRiver.net

Anyone who is passionate about watersports, whether you’re a surfer in Hawaii or a wakeboarer in the Delaware River, you can now share your favorite destinations with a new online community, and in turn, discover and learn about new watersport locations. With the creation and launch of WakeScout, now there is a resource where enthusiasts can connect with others equally passionate about their sport.

WakeScout is a community-driven site. Community members are encouraged to provide ratings, reviews, comments, photos and videos, providing insight into each listing.

Additionally, members have the opportunity to contribute new listings and update listing information, so the listings are comprehensive, accurate and up to date.

The comprehensive WakeScout database provides the watersport community with a complete list of: Resorts offering watersports to their guests; Clubs providing non-members the opportunity to ski or board with them for a day; Schools offering instruction and training in a variety of disciplines; Charters providing enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy their favorite watersport by providing the boat, driver, equipment and instruction; Cable parks where no boat is required — just grab a handle and start shredding the water; Marinas offering ski boats, waterskis and wakeboards for rent.

Additionally, each WakeScout listing features: – The name of the lake, river, bay, etc. where the listing is located – The watersport disciplines (wakeboard, tricks, kneeboard, waterski, etc.) they specialize in – The type and brand of equipment available to use – The manufacturer and model of the boats they use – Whether there is a ski course, rails, kickers, sliders or jump ramp available for use – Operating hours – Complete contact information – Information regarding the water temperature, wind patterns, watercraft traffic and the current water level

Until now, watersport enthusiasts have been in need of an easy way to find others to share their passion for getting on the water. Often times, wakeboarders and waterskiers are interested in finding a boat owner willing to provide a “pull” or boat owners look for a “third.”

Recognizing this need, WakeScout has developed “Connect on the Water”. This feature provides a quick and easy way to find and meet up with others who share a passion for getting out on the water, anywhere in the world.

For anyone traveling, new to an area, or just someone looking for others in their hometown to go waterskiing or wakeboarding with, this feature is a specialized search process that enables users to easily find or offer “pulls” anywhere in the world. Users simply enter their search criteria indicating where they would like to get or offer a “pull” and WakeScout instantly provides a list of matching WakeScout community members.

By adding the Delaware River in the WakeScout listing, you will be able to attract people to come visit the place. Who knows, next summer, when you’re on a vacation in the Delaware River again, you will meet the other members of the site who were enticed by your experiences in the Delaware River?

For more information, contact William Luczo Founder and President WakeScout 949-433-5124,info@wakescout.com, http://www.wakescout.com .

Related articles:

• MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour 2010 (extremesports.suite101.com)
• Champion Skier Gives Advice to Water Skiers And Wakeboarders (prweb.com)

Share Your Delaware River Experience Online is a post from: DelawareRiver.net

The Delaware River offers various types of activities. Swimming, boating, fishing  and trekking are just some of the activities you can engage in. If you’re an aging senior, you might just find yourself hanging around the river banks or just staying in a resort, looking at the youngsters having fun, and reminiscing about the time when you were their age, thinking that you were more reckless than they are. Well, let me tell you this, it’s time to gear up and join in the fun.

According to Whitehall Rowing and Sail, you can get old and still have a lot of fun. The company sponsors a website to inform and inspire readers on the health benefits of rowing.

“Muscles give one’s body tone and a youthful appearance while producing an increase in your basal metabolic rate. The resulting vitality requires energy, thus caloric expenditure, even while you are inactive. So lean people burn more calories while riding the same bus as their pudgy counterparts, which hardly seems fair but it’s true”, said Dr. Degnan.

Doctor Jonathan Degnan is an avid rower who is also a respected Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine specialist from Knoxville, Tennessee.

Said Dr. Degnan after recuperating from his own repetitive strain injuries and age-related joint problems, “Whitehall Rowing and Sail has built for each of us a rowing boat that is a time capsule with which you can row your physique back in time. The physiology of non-contact aerobic exercise is ideally suited for the aches and pains that have ever so slowly crept into our lives, slowing us down.”

A regular sight on the busy Tennessee River for several years now, Doctor Degnan’s fitness regime has included daily rowing in his Whitehall Spirit® 14 classic rowing boat fitted with a sliding seat unit, hinged bronze outriggers and carbon fiber sculling oars.

Let’s take Dr. Degnan’s advice, “Therapy for physical problems usually starts with a goal so I am going to ask you to dig out that old shoebox of memories. In it find a flattering photo of yourself, sit down, close your eyes and take a trip…feel yourself in your old Chuck Taylors, and let’s go!”

Find more information on the Whitehall Rowing and Sail line of time traveling classic boats at http:www.whitehallrow.com.

Related articles:

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• This sport can pull you in (seattletimes.nwsource.com)

Get Younger by Having Fun is a post from: DelawareRiver.net

One of the benefits we get from rivers (such as The Delaware) lakes and oceans, is food. Oceans, seas, rivers and lakes are home to many species of fish and other creatures. For some of us, we can appreciate these creatures better when they are on our plates!

With the growing population, our need for more food has also increased. Consequently, food sources such as fish, clams, shells, shrimps and others are slowly depleting in number. Many fish species are even endangered to extinction due to illegal fishing activities. Thus, we should protect these fish and participate in activities that aim to preserve them.

In its dedication to protecting marine environments and preserving their habitats, Crystal Cruises has committed to serving only sustainable seafood aboard its award-winning vessels.  Renowned for the sophisticated fare served in the Crystal Dining Room and specialty restaurants Silk Road and The Sushi Bar and Prego, Crystal is the first cruise line to publicly commit to such a policy.

Since 1990, Crystal has served fresh fish and live lobster in the Crystal Dining Room and specialty restaurants, and with this new commitment, will offer guests a wide variety of sea fare raised in a sustainable manner, protecting the species for future generations.   With guidance from both governmental and non-governmental conservation organizations and fisheries, the line favors suppliers that share the same ideals and boast documented reputations for methods that minimize the impact on local wildlife and ecosystems.

“We recognize that by sourcing seafood responsibly, we can help protect the environment and marine populations for generations to come,” says Toni Neumeister, vice president, food & beverage.  ”It’s simply the right thing to do, and allows us to continue offering our guests the highest quality cuisine while being good stewards of the oceans on which we sail.”

Effective immediately, the initiative is the latest in Crystal’s history of responsible seafood purchasing and sourcing.  The line was the first cruise line to discontinue the use of endangered caviar from the Caspian Sea and introduced farmed caviar from the U.S., France and Uruguay, which has now become the standard in the luxury hospitality industry.  Additionally, Crystal discontinued offering endangered species of fish more than a decade ago.

For more information and Crystal reservation, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

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Dine in Style and Conserve our Fish is a post from: DelawareRiver.net

Resorts are a popular destination for summer vacationers. Different resorts offer different kinds of activities when you decide to spend your vacation with them. Some of the most popular activities are surfing, boating, swimming and water skiing. And although these resorts look after your safety, you still can never be too sure.  There are safety tips that may help ensure that you are safe while you are on your summer vacation either on the Delaware River or elsewhere..

Summer Auto Safety

With the start of summer travel season, the number of Americans hitting the road will increase and whether you are driving your local streets and highways or getting away for a vacation, maintaining your vehicle and being prepared are keys to your safe return home.

Some simple steps can help you avoid headaches on the road:

• Get your car serviced before you travel including a check of the engine, and other systems such as the air conditioning, the tires, brakes, lights and windshield wipers.
• Of course, it’s also a good idea to have an emergency kit in your trunk – jumper cables, tools, water, emergency flares, and a flashlight and gloves – just in case.
• Finally, remember that weather can be unpredictable on your trip, plan ahead and find out the weather conditions before venturing out on your road trip.

Summer Water Safety

With rising summer temperatures, it is natural for people to head to the water to seek relief.  Whether you prefer the pool, the ocean or the river, safety is always a concern, not just for children but also for adults.  The following safety tips can help keep your family safe and having fun.

Swimming Pools:

• Pool equipment should be checked frequently.   Make sure there is secure fencing around any pool to keep children and unauthorized individuals from the pool area. All gates should be self-closing and lockable.
• Secure all grates and drains so they cannot be removed without the use of tools. Instruct all swimmers on the dangers of entrapment and drowning that can occur when fingers, toes or the body come too close to these items. Anyone with long hair should also be cautioned not to get his or her hair near a pool outlet because the suction can be strong enough to hold even an adult under water.
• Completely remove pool covers when anyone is in the pool. Extreme care should be taken to prevent children from climbing on top of the cover or getting caught underneath. Check the cover often and remove water that accumulates on top; make sure the cover is properly anchored and tied down.
• Make sure there is rescue equipment around the pool.   Follow manufacturer directions for proper storage of all pool chemicals in a clean, well-ventilated area that can be secured.

Boating Safety:

According to the United States Coast Guard, 7 out of 10 fatalities in boating accidents result from drowning.  9 out of 10 reported drowning victims were not wearing personal flotation devices (PFDs).  Make the numbers work in your favor – wear your life jacket.

• Make sure you have enough life jackets and throw-able flotation devices on your boat. Select a life jacket that is Coast Guard approved. Water toys are not suitable substitutes.
• Choose life jackets that properly fit you and your passengers.
• Dry life jackets completely in a cool, ventilated area before storing them.  Avoid contact with oil, grease, or other substances that could deteriorate the life jacket.
• Check life jackets at least twice a year for mildew, broken straps or hardening. Dispose of unserviceable life jackets and replace them with new ones.

With more boaters on the water than ever before, you must be prepared for any situation and take special precautions with personal watercraft. The number of personal watercraft (PWC) is more than 10 times greater today than in the late 1980s. With the number of people using personal watercrafts on the rise, injuries and deaths associated with their use has also increased.

• Leave alcohol at home. Alcohol use is a major contributing factor in recreational boating fatalities. Boating under the influence is also illegal in all states and provinces.
• Always operate at a safe speed and be ready to react quickly in emergencies.
• On personal watercraft, all riders must wear properly fitted, Coast Guard-approved life jackets and make sure the engine “kill switch” is securely attached to the operator via a lanyard so the motor will shut off if the operator falls off.
• Always stay alert. Look in all directions before turning. Be aware of other boats, skiers, divers and swimmers.

If you want to know more about summer safety tips, you can check out California Media Relations Team.

Related articles:

• Safety Tips While in Pools, Lakes, Rivers, and Boats (quazen.com)
• Gain The Knowledge and Boat Safe This Season (newswire.ca)

Be Safe While You Are on Your Summer Vacation on The Delaware River or Elsewhere is a post from: DelawareRiver.net

So after quite a few decades (yes, it took that long!), the local community , in partnership with an international body decided to take action.  Soon, media organizations, civil society groups  and even the private sector got involved. To cut a long story short, the river now is gradually returning back to life with fishes swimming around and aquatic plants adorning its surface.

Organizations whose causes are related to the preservation of the environment are always laudable, much more  a single person – a one-man army. The Deepwater Horizon disaster have shown us that waterbodies like the Mississippi river and the Atlantic Ocean are interconnected. Oceans stay full of water because rivers and runoff continually refresh them. Incidentally, another river, the Delaware River,  is also connected to this vast ocean. Hence, having somebody champion the cause of waterbody preservation can have tremendous benefits to the entire planet and is, therefore, always welcome news.

A campaign designed to restore and preserve healthy bodies of water around has just been launched by Fabien Cousteau, a third generation Ocean Explorer.  The project is dubbed Plant A Fish. Continuing a legacy of exploration and marine life protection pioneered by Fabien’s grandfather Jacques Cousteau, Plant A Fish intends to educate and engage people in greater ocean awareness and ultimately ocean stewardship, beginning with the simple act of first ‘planting a fish’.

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100602/NY14046 )

Plant A Fish will empower communities to get involved with responsible ‘re-planting’ of key marine species in their local habitats in distressed bodies of water around the world. Initial targeted projects in 2010-2011 will include responsible re-planting of oysters in New York Harbor, coral and mangroves in South Florida, Sea Turtles in El Salvador and Coral in the Maldives.

Healthy water bodies are a critical element in the sustainable management of the earth’s natural resources. Over 97% of the earth is covered by aquatic ecosystems that contain vast and diverse species of marine life, and more than 20% of the world’s population relies on these as a source of food or income. However, with growing demand for seafood, over-population, over-fishing and increased pollution, exhausted water bodies are creating dangerous conditions for the health of marine life, and for humans.

“My grandfather often said that ‘People protect what they love.’ The mission of Plant A Fish is to help people learn more, and ultimately care more, by ‘getting wet’ and getting directly involved in restoring and protecting water bodies and marine life,” said Fabien Cousteau, founder, Plant A Fish. “Entire species of marine life are disappearing at an alarming rate. In the past 50 years, almost 60% of our world’s fish stocks have been consumed, and less than 10% of the big fish species are left in the world. It’s time we stop acting as hunters and start becoming farmers. We must tend to the oceans as we do to a prized garden, as we ultimately depend on them too.”

“Plant A Fish is an organization that should have the support of everyone who values ocean life. Its’ mission to protect and restore our marine environments is essential for the current and future sustainability of our ecosystems.”   Eric Ripert, Executive Chef/Co-Owner, Le Bernardin

“The Urban Assembly New York Harbor School is proud to be part of Plant A Fish‘s first restoration project. PAF and Fabien Cousteau’s support will allow Harbor School students to engage in rigorous scientific studies that will not only improve the local marine environment, but also increase their chances of success in high school and ultimately college. We cannot think of a more appropriate way to celebrate Jacques Cousteau’s legacy than to work with his grandson and inspire the next generation of marine scientists, divers and conservationists.”  Murray L. Fisher, Co-Founder and Program Director, The Urban Assembly New York Harbor School

Plant A Fish will launch on June 7th and, together with students from the New York Harbor School, Fabien will “re-plant” oysters off of Governor’s Island in New York Harbor 3 days before the 100 year birthday of Jacques Cousteau, and 1 day before World Oceans Day. Additional marine life re-planting programs are planned for July through October, with measurement and monitoring studies scheduled throughout the year. For more information, please visit http://www.plantafish.org.

SOURCE Plant A Fish

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Start ‘Planting’ Fishes For A Brighter Tomorrow is a post from: DelawareRiver.net

Online shoppers are invited to visit the MountaintopOutdoors.com site, a brand-new website created by Web entrepreneur Jerry Guise.  It boasts of its diverse, modern and complete collection of camping tools, equipment and supplies.

“I’ve enjoyed camping all of my life, therefore, choosing to represent products for an activity I already liked was an easy decision,” Guise said. “Some of my favorite memories are from my childhood when I used to go camping in the Colorado Mountains; that love of camping has carried over into my adult life as well.”

Another very important necessity during camping outs are the cookware such as pots and pans, flatware, water containers and filtration kits, stoves and many others. These can be purchased from the site.  Life-saving accessories that include rechargeable flashlight radios, tripod spotlights, a 5-gallon camp shower and, of course, foldable camping chairs add to the list of website’s featured supplies.  The chairs come in dozens of college sports team logos.

And what campsite would be complete without the appropriate camping knives, carving axes and cutlery accessories as well as an abundance of first aid supplies? Guise has also included these essentials within his website’s inventory.

“Our society has become a buy-it-now environment from our drive-though windows to our online shopping. Fittingly, I developed my website to accommodate our fast-paced world with quality products matched with competitive prices for your convenience,” he said.

An interactive resource for camping supplies shoppers, www.CampingSuppliesInfo.com, will also be used to provide readers with educational tidbits on various state and national parks, including the camping trails along the Delaware River.

Source : MountaintopOutdoors.com

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“Camp-lete” from A to Z is a post from: DelawareRiver.net

Incidentally, another possible blunder we may make is the Sea of Galilee which, perhaps, many of us consider as seawater but, in reality, it is, in fact, a very large freshwater lake.  Finally, the most important among its similarities for me, is that both of these bodies of water offer a haven for avid canoers and kayakers.  While there is this conception that canoes are for calm lakes and kayaks are for thrilling rivers, there are also rapid-worthy canoes and tandem kayaks for tranquil waters.  So, whenever you have time why not try canoeing in the Mirror Lake at  Lake Placid or go kayaking in the mighty Delaware River.  And if this doesn’t seem enough, why not try the other way around too?

Summertime is the perfect time for great family vacations, and Lake Placid’s High Peaks Resort launches its ‘One for All, All for Fun’ accommodation promo.

Bringing home lovely memories has never been this easy and affordable at this popular destination in Lake Placid.  High Peaks Resort has rates that start for as lows as $189 per night.  The latest One for All, All for Fun are inclusive of the following:

* Unlimited water sports on Mirror Lake, at the Resort’s lakeside
* Complimentary visits to Lake Placid Olympic venues
* Create your own s’mores
* Game room access, complete with Wii
* Rainy day movies, and more

Aside from the first-class amenities above, High Peaks Resort also offers complimentary WiFi, and boasts of its four swimming pools, new fitness center and delicious cuisine. You will never run out of things to do with the breath-taking Adirondacks that has more than 2,000 miles of trails for hiking, biking, rock climbing, and lakes for fishing, boat and canoe tours and other adventures, suited for your entire family.

“This summer, One for All, All for Fun provides an outstanding getaway experience,” said John Dodson, General Manager of High Peaks. “One price means affordable fun and endless choices for the entire family with full access to the Resort’s myriad activities.”

After you’ve savored the fun of canoeing in Mirror Lake, kayaking at Delaware River, for a change, might not be such a bad idea.

Call 518-523-4411 or toll-free 800-755-5598 for inquiries and reservations, or check the place out at www.highpeaksresort.com.

SOURCE High Peaks Resort

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• Learning to Kayak (boatingsailing.suite101.com)

Go canoeing in lakes and kayaking in rivers this summer – or the other way around is a post from: DelawareRiver.net

Springtime is one of the best seasons to take your pet dogs for a walk, a hike or even to camp out.  As a result, this also becomes one of the most risky moments as regards your pet’s safety.  While these activities give you and your dog a lot of fun, this is also the time when both of you may actually get to encounter snakes, bears and other wild and aggresive creatures, even in relatively safe locations such as along the Delaware River.  After all, dogs are as vulnerable to savage attacks, if not more, as humans are.

Especially during the summer months, snakes show increased aggressiveness and venom yield. Ninety percent (90%) of this occurs in the months between April and October.

Although the rattlesnake is the most common of our venomous snakes, there are three other equally poisonous ones : the copperhead, cottonmouth or water moccasin, and coral snake. Rattlesnakes can be seen across the US, while coral snakes are found primarily in Arizona, Texas, and Florida. Copperheads and water moccasins are common in Eastern and Central US. Their their venomous bites are the most common due to their proximity to human habitation, according to Dr. Karl Jandrey, assistant professor at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

Mark Nunez, DVM, president of the California Veterinary Medical Association, explains, “Americans love the outdoors; we have many lakes, rivers, parks, and wilderness areas to enjoy. Just remember to take care of your dog’s safety when having fun. Taking extra precautions can make all the difference.”

Experts say that, obviously, the best way to prevent your dogs from being bitten by a snake is to avoid its habitat. You should ensure that your dogs are leashed and under control at all times during walks and hikes to avoid perilous encounters with venomous snakes.

If ever your dog unfortunately gets bitten by a snake, walk. Do not run away from it.  Attempting to kill the snake is not also a wise idea and may cause more harm to both of you, aside from wasting precious time.  However, it is imperative that you make a mental note of what it looks like – its color, size and form.  Still, most veterinarians are aware of their local population of snakes, and identification is not always necessary.  Bring your bitten dog to the nearest veterinarian and let him/her handle the situation.  Do not also give your dog any over-the-counter medications, and avoid ice, hot/cold packs, suctioning, sprays, tourniquets, and incisions. Your veterinarian will often need only a few signs and symptoms to guide him/her to the most appropriate therapy.

The California Veterinary Medical Association is the largest state veterinary medical association in the United States, with more than 6,000 members. For more information, visit www.cvma.net.

SOURCE: California Veterinary Medical Association

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Be your dog’s best friend too! is a post from: DelawareRiver.net

Floating down the Colorado River for eight (8) miles in an inner tube float from the resort town of Parker until the BlueWater Resort and Casino down river with the summer heat will surely be a fun yet challenging feat.  Thus, participants are advised to exercise proper caution and appropriate behavior.  Wearing PFDs (personal flotation devices) is a  must, and applying sunblock with high SPF is highly recommended.

The local Arizona RV Campgrounds are now making preparations for this event dubbed “Rockin’ the River.”  Droves of tourists will surely flock the event and the campgrounds are expected to be filled up early.  Attendees are encouraged to plan overnight accomodations ahead to ensure themselves of a place to unwind during the night.

Both guests and locals won’t run out of  places to stay and recreate.  Parker Arizona boasts of its premier BlueWater Resort & Casino, numerous RV parks for those with RVs and other countless resorts.   This location has one the most modern amenities and essentials so spending several more days after the event will definitely be worth it!

###

Source: Colorado River Adventures

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Tubes are for surfers in the ocean, while Tubing is for thrill-seekers in the rivers is a post from: DelawareRiver.net

Endorphins are proven to increase when doing a moderate aerobic activity such as a leisurely bike ride, making you ride your blues away as you savor each and every sight and scent of nature. Avid bikers share the euphoria of smelling the scent of wet leaves or the fertile damp earth as they ride along the trails of either the Pennsylvania or  New Jersey Shore lines along the Delaware River.  Finally, as an added bonus, you get to meet like-minded people – your fellow cyclers, where brotherhood and friendships are often cultivated.  This National Bike Month of May and at the Bike Summit in Delaware, I bet you get to do all that and more…

State officials and cycling hobbyists are now visiting Delaware communities and encouraging residents to attend the upcoming Delaware Bike Summit two weeks from now.  They are doing this consecutively for two years now to spread awareness of the social and health benefits of bicycling.

The ”rolling press conference,” started last Monday morning in Bethany Beach and is expected to end this Friday afternoon at the Wilmington Grand Opera House, where the actual summit will take place.

”We did this last year, and it was very successful,” said Amy Wilburn, director of Delaware Bicycle Council. ”By actually visiting the towns, we are able to demonstrate our commitment to each community. If we are truly going to make Delaware more bicycle friendly, then all of the communities must work together.”

For those who are still unaware of this event, the Bike Summit is one-day conference featuring speakers from Delaware and across the country, who will discuss the methods that work and do not work in the effort to make a community more bicycle friendly.  This year, it is scheduled for May 21 at Wilmington’s Baby Grand Opera House.

Officials from The Delaware Bicycle Council, Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), Wilmington Area Planning Council, Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization, White Clay Bicycle Club and Sussex Cyclists and Bike Delaware, comprise the Bike Summit committee.

”I am excited that for the second year in a row, the Bike Summit won’t cost the taxpayers any money,” Wilburn said. ”The committee raised enough money through individual and corporate donations to completely underwrite the costs.”

Browse www.bike.deldot.gov to register for the Bike Summit.

For details, call Jim Westhoff at (302) 760-2160

• This Week: Busways, Transit Apps, Bike Culture (streetsblog.org)
• Streetfilms: Voices From the National Bike Summit (streetfilms.org)
• Google Bike Maps (worldchanging.com)

Why not make every month a National Bike Month? is a post from: DelawareRiver.net

As part of its mitigation procedure for the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the Omega Protein Corporation (NYSE: OME), the nation’s leading producer of Omega-3 fish oil and specialty fish meal products, reported a few days ago that it has implemented an Incident Response Plan for its Moss Point, Mississippi facility.  This response plan is designed to minimize vessel downtime and business interruptions.

Initially, the company announced that the incident would not affect its operations.  However, the Company currently believes that the oil slick temporarily could, after all, affect its ability to operate in the fishing grounds east of the Mississippi River Delta, near its Moss Point facility.

Thus, Omega Protein conducted a relocation last April 30, of its nine Moss Point fishing vessels and three carry vessels to fishing grounds on the west side of the Mississippi River Delta. This relocation is anticipated to last up to four weeks, but changes may happen based on future developments.

The Company does not believe that the Gulf Coast menhaden fishery will be affected by any contamination from the oil spill, and is confident that its stringent quality control protocols will continue to ensure the high quality of its products.  Omega Protein pledges that regardless of the oil spill’s impact, the high quality of its fish meal and fish oil products will not be compromised.

The Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion may be no cause for alarm for Delaware River anglers and boaters for now.  However, accidents like these couldn’t be too far away from this fishers’ haven.  Last year of this same month, the Sunoco oil refinery along the Delaware River created quite a stir when it exploded. Television viewers witnessed flames shooting high from the complex as television helicopter footages were aired on national TV stations.  Let’s just hope that the management of this particular oil refinery will take stricter precautions this time to avoid a repeat of that incident and, ultimately, allow river and fishing enthusiasts to continue their exhilarating pursuits in the awesome Delaware River!.

About Omega Protein

Omega Protein Corporation is the nation’s largest manufacturer of heart-healthy fish oils containing Omega-3 fatty acids for human consumption, as well as specialty fish meals and fish oil used as value-added ingredients in aquaculture, swine and other livestock feeds.  Omega Protein makes its products from menhaden, an Omega-3 rich fish that is not utilized as seafood, but which is abundantly available along the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Coasts.

SOURCE: Omega Protein Corporation at http://www.omegaproteininc.com

Oil Spill The Size Of Delaware May Affect Some Fishing Grounds Far From Delaware River is a post from: DelawareRiver.net

PFDs or Personal Flotation Devices are also called life jackets.  They are called such, simply because they save lives whenever an untoward incident occurs while you are in the water – perhaps, just as much as a seatbelt would do for you in a car mishap.  The problem with many people who neglect using these life-saving devices and, eventually, land in a serious accident is because they feel that it is either uncomfortable or uncool to wear them.  However, being helpless in the water – or worse, dying – is not comfortable and is definitely not cool!

“Wear It”, the theme of the National Safe Boating Council’s 2010 safe boating campaign, in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Natural Resource (IDNR) Conservation Police aims to encourage canoers, kayakers and boaters, in general, to use life jackets in order to have a safe adventure in the waters of Illinois as well as elsewhere.  Aside from that, the campaign is designed to remind adventure-seekers not only to stay sober themselves but also to be alert of others on the water, especially with the anticipated high levels of boating activity this spring and in the upcoming summer season.

Marc Miller, IDNR director said, “The message to ‘Wear It’ is simple and right on point: wearing life jackets saves lives – and our Illinois Conservation Police officers will be reminding boaters throughout the season about wearing those personal floatation devices to help them stay safe on the water.”  He added, “We want boaters to have a good time while they’re on the water this spring and summer. Staying safe by wearing a life jacket and by boat operators staying sober while on the water should be part of every boater’s routine.”

In Illinois, the law compels boaters to have life jackets, also known as personal floatation devices (PFDs), available for each person on-board. State law also requires that minors under the age of 13 must always wear a life jacket while aboard any watercraft less than 26 feet in length while the boat is underway, except when they are operating on private property or located below deck in an enclosed cabin. It is also required by Illinois law that persons of any age must wear a PFD while operating a personal watercraft such as jet skis.

“Once again last year, the biggest factor that would have contributed to saving lives would have been for people to wear their personal floatation devices (PFDs) – their life jackets or life vests – while boating in Illinois,” said IDNR Law Enforcement Chief Rafael Gutierrez. “Of the 25 people who died in Illinois boating accidents last year, 12 may have survived if they had worn their PFD.” According to him, wearing it the moment you step on the boat is crucial because you may not have time to put in on in case an accident happens.

Aside from the issue regarding the wearing of life jackets, officers are also enforcing laws against the use of alcohol or drugs while operating watercrafts, as well as offering free boating safety courses to spread awareness about boating laws and regulations; safe and attentive use of  boats; and avoiding accidents, in general.

Officially, the National Safe Boating Week this 2010 is from May 22 to May 28 with the abovementioned theme,“Wear It!” that highlights importance of wearing life jackets. National Safe Boating Week is observed annually during the week leading up to the Memorial Day holiday.

The full text of last year’s report on boating accidents in PDF format is posted in the IDNR web site at http://dnr.state.il.us/Law3/pdfs/2010_Boat_Accident_Report.pdf

Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources

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Life Savers: Wear it for life is a post from: DelawareRiver.net

The stark contrast between the wettest winter on record just recently, and the extremely high temperatures this April will almost certainly cause mosquitoes to land early this season.  Mosquitoes are very active during summer days but with these surprisingly hot temperatures this spring, we will surely experience an extended mosquito season.   Luckily, a handful of companies offer pest control services in Delaware and elsewhere.  Among them is Orkin’s mosquito treatment service, which has already seen a 5 percent increase in sales from new customers this year, aside from experiencing high retention from existing customers.

“When considering the mosquito activity in a given area, we look at two main environmental factors: warmth and moisture,” said Ron Harrison, Ph.D., Orkin entomologist and technical director. “The winter snow and rain levels, coupled with a quick rise in spring temperature, have created optimal mosquito conditions,” added Harrison.

While many of us detest irritating mosquito bites, experts say that it’s the diseases we should be mainly concerned about.  After all, mosquitoes are carriers of the deadly West Nile virus and other types of viral encephalitis, among other diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some serious symptoms of West Nile virus can include headache, high fever, headache, muscle weakness, neck stiffness, disorientation and even paralysis. Thanks to the widespread drought, last year’s incidences of West Nile virus dropped to 663 cases from 1,356 cases in 2008.

While  there’s no doubt that mosquitoes can ruin an otherwise enjoyable camping experience, the thought of using chemical insect repellents does not still sound too pleasant . Fortunately, it’s possible to prevent mosquito attacks while camping using common sense and natural insect repellents by following some guidelines we’ve gathered from several sources:

1. Mosquitoes likely feast on campers during dawn and dusk.  This is a good time to cover up. Wear hats (possibly with built-in mosquito netting), change into long pants, long-sleeved garments, and wear socks and shoes.

2. Make sure that zip tents and camping trailer’s doors and windows are closed to keep mosquitoes out. Do not open sleeping areas at dusk unless necessary and close them immediately, in case, to prevent mosquitoes from finding their way indoors.

According to an August/September 2007 article in Mother Earth News, lemon balm is a natural mosquito repellent. Simply pick fresh lemon balm, crush it gently and rub the leaves on exposed skin.  Throwing lemon balm leaves on a campfire are effective in deterring mosquitoes.

Many of us may also know that garlic is a mosquito deterrent. Many campers eat raw garlic to their diet weeks earlier before a camping trip. For those who despise garlic, you can opt to buy one of those commercially available garlic-based insect repellents.

Additionally, Orkin gives some advice to campers and homeowners on how to prevent mosquito bites and the diseases they transmit:

1. When outdoors, spray an EPA-registered insect repellent on exposed skin or on clothing. For greater protection, wear long sleeves, long pants and socks. Prime biting hours for most mosquitoes [that spread West Nile virus] are between dusk and dawn.

2. Empty standing water from gutters, birdbaths or flower pots, and thin vegetation around the home.

3. Make sure screens on windows and doors fit tightly and have no holes, to prevent entry.

4. Call a pest control professional for information on mosquito control services.

West Nile virus may be the primary concern stateside has, but mosquito-transmitted malaria is equally deadly in Africa. To address this issue, Orkin initiated the Fight the Bite campaign. For each mosquito service sold, Orkin donates funds for one long-lasting, insecticide-treated bed net to Nothing But Nets, a global, grassroots campaign of the United Nations Foundation. Orkin even pledges to donate $225,000 to purchase and distribute nets and to educate African communities about their proper use, in their third year anniversary as partners. To kick off 2010, Martha Craft, VP of public relations and communications for Rollins, Inc., Orkin’s parent company, and Julie Stone, Orkin new customer specialist, traveled to Africa to see firsthand how Orkin’s donated mosquito nets are being used. To learn more about Orkin’s Fight the Bite campaign and mosquito control service, visit nets.orkin.com.

SOURCE: Orkin, LLC,   Mother Earth News, Aug/Sep 2007

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Creatures Worse Than Snakes and Bears While Camping This Spring is a post from: DelawareRiver.net

I have drafted an E-book “Fishing the Free and Open Waters of the Delaware” It is loaded with local fishing techniques and stories of the history of the Delaware fishery. I have drawn my own maps of the river from Hancock NY to Cape May. They show access points, rapids and hot spots to fish

They can be seen at my web site www.fishingthebigd.com

I hope you enjoy it

Fishing the big D is a post from: DelawareRiver.net

Madtoms (stone catfish) are small catfish averaging 2-4“ in length and are part of the complex web of feeding relationships that occur in streams. Although small, they are often abundant in streams and rivers, and their populations represent a significant link in the food chain.

Like bigger catfish, madtoms are mostly nocturnal. During the day they hide under rocks and leafy debris. At night, they emerge and forage voraciously. They eat a variety of small, aquatic insects, including the nymphs of mayflies, dragonflies and damselflies. They also eat small crustaceans, including aquatic pill bugs and immature crawdads.

Smallmouth bass consider them a delicacy

A 2 year R&D Program

I spoke w/several experience smallmouth bass fishermen who have used live and artificial stone catfish as bait for smallmouth bass. They all raved as to the effectiveness of a real Madtom as bait for smallmouth bass. I received excellent advice on the coloring of these Stone catfish found  in the Delaware and Susquehanna rivers.

I made several RTV silicone molds and poured various colors. Using a belly weighted hook that presented these baits w/good hooking qualities and reduced snag performance was of the utmost importance. The 1^st year produced some nice fish but I was still not satisfied w/the silhouette and hooking system.  I changed to a light wire Mustad Ultra-point hook w/a 1/8oz. belly weight. The soft-bait silhouette was re-designed and with the help of a skilled CNC molds machinist and valuable input from an avid stone cattie fisherman, the 1^st 2-part mold was made. Getting the plastic formula just right to hand-pour the thin entrance to the tail section was tricky but was accomplished on the 2^nd CNC mold.w/some additional venting. A third minor adjustment was made and the final molds were completed.

Reports of good success by respected anglers using this new bait reached my desk in a very short period of time. I was finally able to get out of the shop and on the water to try them. Developing a consistent presentation pattern that interested the smallmouth bass community required a bit of time. I found a dead drift w/an occasional lift of 1-4 ft. off of the bottom to be effective as they fell back to the bottom. They can also be slowly reeled w/pauses to let them drop. Watching your line where it enters the water is most important since any sideways movement indicates a hit. I was surprise how lightly the bass hit them and moved very quickly, 4-6 feet to the left or right of the initial pick-up spot. Set the hook immediately-no matter how light the 1 tap hit usually is.

It is important to continuously check the sharpness of the Ultra-point hook A quick touch-up (in one direction with a smooth diamond file) usually returns them to an ultra sharp hook. The hook point should stick into your fingernail and not slide across if sharpened properly. Use even but light pressure towards the point of the hook with the diamond file. Fishing these baits w/a Texposed hook causes them to come in contact w/various rocky bottoms that smallmouth bass frequent and the stone catties live under on the bottom of the river and streams. You will also experience Sunfish, .Red-eyes and Walleyes hitting these baits.

Stone Cattie Soft-bait & Presentation System
(#SCPS)  |  $19.95

1-Susquehanna Cat – black w/amber /yellow belly
2-Delaware river Cat – green pumpkin w/ caramel belly
The kit consists of 2 complete rigs/4 extra- weighted hooks (1/8 oz.) and 12 soft-baits. Both colors may be mixed as 6 of each -per kit.

Key words: Stone catfish, Madtoms, River smallmouth bass soft baits

Written by: Al Winco (smallmouthaholic)
www.wincoscustomlures.com

Fishing the Stone cattie soft-bait for river smallmouth bass is a post from: DelawareRiver.net

Author by: Al Winco (Smallmouthaholic)

www.wincoscustomlures.com

I find that wacky worms are especially productive during the summer and early fall period w/water temperatures in the 70’s. Lethargic smallmouth bass just can’t seem to resist them if they are presented w/a slow, horizontal fall w/an occasional twitch. They seem to favor certain sizes  and colors. I prefer the 4 ¼” size w/an “O” ring installed @ the rear of the egg sack for balance. My ‘wacky” Stick Worm Jr. is manufactured for fishing “wacky” style w/ either a  Owner #1-1/0 Mosquito or a #2 -  #4 Gamakatsu Octopus circle hook. Simply place the hook point into the worm, under the “O” ring and exposed on the other side. The “O” ring enables the worm to catch 3-5 bass before being replaced and the worms won’t fly-off into outer space when casting.

Fish them weightless as the salt & sand content in my custom wacky worms  causes them to sink for natural “wacky” action w/their soft and flexible movement.  An angler induced occasional twitch can certainly help to attract lethargic smallmouth. When river levels rise from their typical summer low flows, add a 1/32 – 1/16 oz crimp-on bull shot 6″-12” above the worm. I prefer to fish them w/out any weight that gives them a slow, tantalizing fall throughout the water column.

I don’t recommend fishing the wacky worms in fast currents.  They simply won’t get deep enough.  They work best when they are permitted to fall slowly on a horizontal plane in slack water and reverse current pools. Your boat should be stationary, anchored or very s-l-o-w-l-y drifting w/ the current. Give the boat an occasional upriver nudge w/the electric motor to momentarily stop the drift of the boat. Cast them up river and let them sink-naturally. Keep most of the slack out of your line and watch your line where it enters the water. An occasional twitch helps but be careful when you feel any resistance on the line. The smallmouth may spit them out if you continue to twitch them after the bass has  picked them up.

Most hits are subtle, 1 tap hits. Many times they just hold them and other times they will swim upriver w/them. Sunfish and rock bass w/give multiple taps on the worm in quick succession – sometimes ripping 2-5 feet of line out in a split second. Many anglers new to this style of fishing will set the hook and then think they missed a smallmouth bass. Bass usually give 1 or 2 taps, then slowly move up current when the take a wacky worm. These specialized wacky worms sink @ the rate of  1ft. every 2 seconds w/the salt and sand blended content of the worm .Count slowly to 9 and give them a light twitch when fishing in deeper holes w/depths greater then 4 feet. Count to 5 again and then lift your line carefully moving the worm approximately 1 foot. Alternating between a twitch and line lift will vary the presentation.

Persevere and give them an honest 45 minute work-out each time out on the river during slow-bite periods, or when the  bite has stopped completely. Be patient and you’ll soon be catching some quality river smallmouth bass as you master the Wacky worm technique in moving water.

A quality smallmouth bass from the Susquehanna caught w/the wacky Stickworm Jr. during a tough,slow bite!

During low water periods, the Delaware River can become extremely clear. I’ve been very successful using a special laminated Wacky Stick Worm Jr. I refer to as my-my” dead bite”-wacky worm .I believe it imitates the brook lamprey eel. Standard colors like watermelon and green pumpkin are the normal go-to baits but this laminated Green pumpkin/watermelon worm produces best in the ultra-clear water.

Here are before and after pictures of my “wacky” stick-worm jr.(with “O” rings pre-installed) after catching 6 smallmouth bass to 16″ in a river situation.

The used one is ready to be replaced, or broken by the 7th fish. This “O” ring, rigged stick worms can be expected to catch from 3-7 bass per worm before being replaced.

The red hook (middle picture) is an Owner #2 Mosquito (green pumpkin worm) and the other bronze hook(watermelon worm) is a #4 Gamakatsu Octopus circle.(watermelon worm). The weights pictured are “Water-Gremlin”, 1/32 oz bull shot crimp-on bullet weights. Give these Wacky Stick worm Jr.’s a try on your next river trip-the smallmouth love ‘em and you’ll save some $ on baits.
The” Wacky” Stick-worm Jr.(WSWJR. 4.25″) are available in 8 colors w/”O” rings installed

Summer smallmouth bass on the Delaware River is a post from: DelawareRiver.net

By Capt Karl Hoelper Jr.

Bass Chaser’s Charters

www.delawareriverbass.com

Fishing for striped bass at Trenton can be explosive action with herring being tossed out of the water by big stripers. It can also provide some of the best shallow water sight fishing that I have ever witness. The combination of the swift current and the massive size and force of just a normal striper can put a bend in any class rod.

To get started fishing Trenton for Stripers in the spring migration you will need a few things;

You will need a boat, preferably a jet drive boat or rock boat. If you do not have a jet boat a shallow running jon boat with a prop will work but your water reading skills will have to be up to par.

A heavy river anchor is a must! Nothing is a bad as breaking loose when you don’t want.

Too many bad things can happen quickly. Wedge up on rocks, drifting into another boat, or being flipped by a bridge pilling. Swift water in the 50’s and 60’s water temperature is not a pleasant experience.

The next you will need is the right Rod and reel, I use St. Croix rods. The best rod I have found for plugging and flipping herring is an 8 foot long rod 12-25lb class with a bait runner reel loaded with 200-310 yards 15-17lb test.

For the leader material I use Seaguar fluorocarbon 25-30lbs. The reason I go so heavy is that the combination of shallow water and obstructions such as rocks, trees, and city debris. It is not uncommon to see a shopping cart or a full size dumpster wedge in between to big rocks.

The hooks I like to use are a small treble hook that is a 4x strength with a think shank j hook. The Trenton stinger rig has worked for so many years and provides the best hook-up ratio, but in the day of circle hook and conservation I have surrendered to using circle hooks. It does make a difference; a gut hook female bass most likely will not survive which means the eggs in her belly will never become baby stripers which in turn will not get to grow to be a monster bass that everyone seeks to catch. It is amazing how a circle hook can provide you with the satisfaction of a good corner of the mouth hook set and at the same time frustrate you with the amount of run offs that you can have, do to the position of the herring in the bass’s mouth and the hook never gets a chance to do it’s job. I have let bass eat for up to 20 seconds and still have missed the fish. It takes time to master the art of circle hooks in a fast current situation, especially when the fish is running down stream and you pull tight and the herring slips out of his mouth. Now that we have went over the equipment lets talk about catching bait.

To catch herring use to be a fun event and was what people use to go out fishing for. Now it has become only work and just a bait source for stripers. We use to tie are own rigs which consisted of three gold hooks size 8-12. Now there are rigs call sabiki rigs that are small gold hooks with iridescent wings that seem to be the norm no a days. The best color to me is the white but green does work. I like to take the green beads of my white rigs it seems to catch more fish. On certain days you can use larger rigs and on other days the guy with the smallest rig will be the only one putting the fish in the live well. The best thing to do is to go out and by a number of different styles and see what works for you. Storing these rigs can really be a pain, I found that a pole noodle float cut to about 6 inches works the best by just wrapping the rig around the noodle and putting each hook into the foam and pinning the swivel with a tooth pick as well as the snap. This keeps each rig nice and neat avoiding the tangles that happen all to often with sabiki rigs.

A live well or bait tub preferably round with a Circulation pump. I use a 20 gallon round tube with a drain hole at the top for over flow. For the Circulation pump I use an 800 gph bilge pump with about 6 feet of hose and a 90 degree valve inside the tube. The pump sits in the water off the side of the boat. This will give you fresh water from the river and circulate the water at the same time.

Finding herring can be done by three ways, watch other fishermen and see who is catching them consistently and move near them without encroaching on there fishing space. The next way is by using a good fish finder. Locate the school of fish and drop a rig down before you anchor make sure they are holding below you. The last way to find them is to drift fish. Drift while jigging until you locate the herring, then take land marks and remember where you caught them. Herring normally hold in the same holes year after year. After you have loaded you live well with plenty of herring it’s time to fish.

Fishing for stripers in the rocks at Trenton is just like fishing for smallmouth bass. They like the same structure, they like baits presented to them the same way, they wait in ambush points wither it’s a rock shelf , a boulder, tree, dam, or a ledge, and they also love to push baits up into structure pinning them. So now you know where they like to feed you know where to fish for them. The key for a Trenton is to develop some A 1 hole that I can depend on at any tide. From there I make every trip I fish different area, never getting into a routine where I just skip over spots completely. Stripers are a migratory fish feeding on migratory baits. One school of stripers may like a certain rock chute another school may never go by that rock chute. It is important to fish in different travel routes or places where stripers find it the easiest to move up river and of course eat their lunch. I have seen so many anglers fish their favorite hole and catch no fish or a few fish and stick with their spot all day, just cause on day they did good there. It may produce fish for them but there are betters ways to find these fish. When I start fishing I always drift the three bridges between all possible routes, tide permitting. I then move up the Jersey side and take a long drift down the wall. I will then move towards the center of the river and set a long drift. I do the same thing with the Pennsylvania side as well. By now I can figure out what side of the river the bass are trending to move up. Of course if I catch fish on a drift I will continue to drift that stretch of water or anchor and drift baits back.

Once I have located fish and have decided to set the anchor down I always drift a live herring back. What I mean by live herring is not a beat up bait that does not want to swim, a fresh, lively bait that looks like candy to a striper. I see so many people toss half dead baits back into their drift, yes you will catch fish on these baits but the smart fish that are generally larger fish, will hit lively baits more often then the beat up bait. Remember the herring are free and the beat up baits will become my chunk bait. As I am drifting live baits back typically with two rods, I make sure I take another rod or so and put a chunk down or maybe free line a head. This will do two things for you, One it will keep you from having a large tangle with tons of line out. (basically cutting you four rods down to two or possibly one). Remember you have to have you line wet to catch fish. Second it covers ground. By having short baits, 3-6 feet off the corner of the boat and maybe another bait about 10-15 feet you cover water, stay out of tangles, cover a different depth, and now you have a scent trail. More often than not I catch fish on the chunked heads and half bodies. When chumming as always cutting baits in small chunks as not to feed the stripers but merely an appetizer. These small pieces will also cover a lot of ground as it travels down stream. A hand grinder has been one of the best tools that I have added to my boat years ago while bunker chunking. When live lining I make sure I count how many strips of line I take off my reel just like tuna fishing, that way I know where and how far back the fish are holding. Developing successful patterns and duplicating them is what fishing is all about.

Picking the right place to fish can be easy and hard. Sometimes a set of rocks or a channel looks so good that you would imagine stripers holding there but they don’t. I can’t tell you why but some places just don’t hold fish. I tend to fish fast breaking water with a nice eddy behind rocks. I like to anchor just above the obstruction cause the fast water and eddy and pitch live baits through the chutes and let them swim for a little bit if there are no hits I let more line out till I reach the next eddy, chute, or boulder. When I am just swimming baits off the back of the boat I tend to keep a short bait, a mid range bait and a way back bait. The herring must be able to swim in the water you are keeping them or they will end up at the surface rolling. Adding a slip sinker or a fish finder will help the herring stay down in fast moving water. Drifting the rocks with the boat can be great action and will also cover a lot of territory. This can be done with one person running the boat and the other person pitching baits in the chutes and rock piles. This technique can be difficult by your self, but it can be done. You need to watch for large rocks that you boat might get hung up on or spin you around violently. Drifting with the boat has always been about boat position on the initial cast and then keeping the bait almost even with the boat. Most cast with be about twenty feet or so. You don’t want to pitch your baits high in the air. This will stun or even kill your baits. What you want to do is pitch at low angle so the bait does not slap the water. You may even want the herring to skip across surface of the water once or twice on impact. Once the bait is in the water keep your rod tip up high and allow the bait to swim up and over rocks. You will target the same places that you would drift baits back to when anchored.

Plugging and artificial baits is always a great time. Early morning is the key to success. Years ago I never fished herring. We would fish plugs like fast tracs, Long A’s, and poppers an hour before dawn and until about an hour after dawn. Some days we would catch 20 bass just on plugs. This seems to be a lost tactic. When plugging you could anchor, drift, or run the boat to stay even with the structure you are plugging. What I like to do is simply cast across the river to and above the structure you are targeting and let the plug or popper swim in the current and then swing back to directly behind the boat. Most of the fish you will catch will be on the swing of the plug. It is basically what you do with live baits as well. In the deeper what under the bridges I will work the plugs slowly and erratically. The pace of the retrieve will vary to each days conditions and tide phase.

Trenton Stripers is a post from: DelawareRiver.net

by Al Winco

www.wincoscustomlures.com

Walking-the-Dog is a top-water technique using a cigar shaped surface plug that moves side to side on the retrieve. It is a deadly technique for smallmouth and largemouth bass. Many anglers try the technique but become easily frustrated when the plug won’t go side to side w/a constant cadence. I became fascinated w/the technique 20 years ago and quickly found that all plugs are not created equal and many fail miserably in moving water. Here are some tips to help you master this technique.

How I walk the Dog

Standing in a stream, I work the spook type plugs with the rod tip @ the 10 of 12 or 10 after 12 position. Remember, walking the dog is performed on SLACK line. For every turn of the reel handle your lure should complete 2 to 4 complete left to right maneuvers. Simply, walk the lure …. left-right and then take up some of the slack. Repeat. Always cast slightly upstream and work you plug across the current and down. There comes a point working downstream where the lure WILL NOT walk due to current pull and the swing – which remove all of your slack line. When this happens and/or you wish to work a tail-out section of the river, simply raise your rod quickly, pulling up 5-7 feet of line and start walking with quick wrist flicks. DO NOT TURN THE REEL HANDLE. Repeat when the SLACK GOES OUT.

Practice in a Quiet Pond / Drifting a slow section in a boat/canoe

Go to a pond with NO wind or current and practice until you can co-ordinate 4, left to right walking maneuvers first and 1 reel turn next. In a lake situation, never try to walk the dog with a strong wind blowing from the side. It takes the slack out of your line and inhibits the side to side action. Drifting a slow section of a river in a canoe or boat is the easiest way to learn. Since you’re drifting with the current, you don’t have to reel the slack-up and can concentrate on your wrist movements to create an appealing, injured baitfish, side-to-side type of retrieve.

Water Temps/Retrieve Speeds/Tackle

I do best in water temps above 70 in rivers and streams. Spring–time water temperature of 62-64 degrees can provide fast and furious top-water action BEFORE the spawn. Usually a constant retrieve works best. Folks would be astonished if they witnessed my aggressive retrieves with a 4 1/2 -5″ spook-type plug and watched how savagely smallmouth bass attacked them during weather frontal periods of light winds and overcast conditions. I make up to 8 complete L to R maneuvers in a 5 second period when they are really turned on. That being said, there a many times when the fish want a more subtle retrieve with pauses between the left to right “walks.” I.M.O., when a bass hits your plug with their tail, they are either a small fish or the plug is being retrieved too quickly for their “mood- of- the day.” However, I have experienced many times when 4 deliberate left to right walks (in a 5 second period) followed by a 15 second pause was the “match that lit the fuse”!

A 6′- 6 ½’ Med. light spinning outfit w/8-10 lb test works best on these plugs in the 3-3/12″ size. I personally prefer 10 lb. Sufix Performance Braid for creeks/rivers) with a 8-10 lb. mono leader joined to the braided line w/a double uni-knot. The plug is joined to the monofilament line with a Palomar knot. Do not use a fluorocarbon leader w/top-water lures – it will inhibit the walking action with the sinking leader. Casting tackle is recommended for the 3 3/4′- 5″ models. Practice and perfect the technique and you’ll enjoy some of the most exciting and explosive smallmouth fishing of your life

The thrill of summer-time top-water smallmouth bass


Rattles / Tail feathers/Missed Strikes

Rattles will create attracting noise in plastic, hollow models. The pointed nose models are usually poor for creating a spitting, popping noise in wind and wave conditions. Under these conditions, it has been my experience that models with a nose cup do have the advantage of drawing the attention of aggressive smallmouth bass. I believe the addition of any tail feathers to create a target are not necessary and the feathers would interfere with the walking action. If you get just the smallest piece of weed on the tail hook, the walking action is greatly reduced. There are going to be times when fish miss or boil under the plug. When the bass are really turned on to the top-water W-T-D- bite, mutiple passes (attacks) are normal when they strike at a lure going side to side. That’s the nature of the beast -so to speak. When they boil or slash and miss you plug, keep your retrieve in motion and don’t stop the routine. If they didn’t feel the hooks on a previous pass, cast out again to the same rock or pool and another strike may result .I once hooked and landed 4 Smallmouth bass (from 16-18″) on 7 casts to the same 4×4 boulder in a 3 1/2′ deep, slow-moving riff in the Susquehanna River. I’ve also had some monstrous smallmouth bass come completely out of the water and miss the plug and refuse to give me another pass @ the plug. Frustrating but that’s the reality of top-water lure fishing.

Summer-time, top-water smallmouth bass

Smallmouth bass are funny and picky fish at times. It has been my experience during the summer months on the Susquehanna River, that smallmouth’s’ will respond better to a smaller (3-3 1/2″ ) W-T-D- type bait under stable weather conditions. They only seem to give the bait one shot and will not pursue them with multiple strikes. Now when you have an approaching weather front or thunderstorms with a falling barometer taking place, that’s the time to put away the small surface plugs and bring out the big guns. Now the bigger bass will aggressively attack plugs in the 4 1/2 – 5″ sizes that are splashing, popping and walking 6-12″ side to side in an aggressive manner. The strikes are absolutely vicious, heart-stopping attacks with multiple strikes the “norm” until hook-up. Many times I’ve purposely worked the plugs extra fast to entice multiple, savage strikes. All smallmouth bass anglers should have the thrill & excitement of experiencing this type of fishing.

My younger son Brian w/a Susquehanna “football” smallmouth bass

Custom Wooden W-T-D- plugs

I have manufactured my own type of wooden Walk-the-Dog plugs for the past 20 years. I became very frustrated with the available, commercial plastic models. Their inconsistent action and inability to attract strikes during windy conditions gave me the need to create my own type of W-T-D surface plugs. The special angle and depth of the nose cup is similar too but different then a popper. This creates more fish-attracting splashing sounds on the zigzag retrieve. They also have a fixed, internal tail weight and are balanced to sit on a precise angle in the water.(they do not stand straight up). I make 4 basic colors in 2 sizes- all have pear colored bellies.

These medium size plugs- 3-3 1/2” are the most popular w/anglers

,br />Key words: Top water plugs,Walkin’-the-dog, Smallmouth bass surface plugs

River surface plug fishing for smallmouth bass

Walkin’-the-Dog Surface plug fishing is a post from: DelawareRiver.net

Authored and written by: Al Winco

www.wincoscustomlures.com

*What is it?* How do I fish it? *How do you rig it?

The float’ n fly rig is a 1/16-1/8 oz. sparsely tied jig made from craft hair that is suspended beneath a surface float which is usually fished @ 12’ depths. It is a specific technique for winter time anglers that originated in the clear, cold water lake of Dale Hollow Reservoir in Tennessee. They use fixed bobbers,9-11 ft. rods and 4-6 pound test line. This technique will catch both smallmouth and largemouth bass. I’ve modified the tackle and rigging techniques for ease of use in our northern waters that is equally productive. The float ‘n fly is associated w/Lake fishing but has also been productive for me in the river fished specifically in reverse current and reduced current pools.

IF YOU REALLY WISH TO LEARN THE FLOAT ‘N FLY TECHNIQUE -REMOVE all other lures ,rod & reels out of your boat and fish nothing but the Float ‘n Fly all day.

1-Spinning tackle, 6-8 pd test line(depending upon water clarity) and a 6-7′ light to med. light action spinning rod (I use a 20-30 ft. section of 8lb. test -Stren, Clear Magnathin line ,joined to 10lb. test Sufix braided line w/a double uni-knot.

My personal favorite rod is a 6’8′ Shimano Crucial -Medium light/Fast action 4-8lb. line lure weight 1/16-1/4 oz.

2-Rigging- Tie a single uni-knot/bobber stop ,up 6-15 feet from the end of your monofilament leader 1st. Slide a round or faceted RED-plastic bead up your line 2nd. Then slide a 1″ diameter Thill -“Day and Night Slip float 3rd. Tie your desired Float’ n Fly pattern to the end of your leader last

Bobber stop knot-

http://www.steelheader.net/knots/float_stopper.htm

Thill-day and night slip floats-

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_30560____SearchResults

Faceted plastic beads-

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_2059____SearchResults

I tie my own bobber stops using 17 lb. monofilament and the illustrated knot above. The plastic bobber stops have broken on me too many times in cold water temperatures. The wire stops and pre-tied Dacron stops are not recommended since they inhibit casting distance. Pull both ends of bobber stop-knot very tight and trim the tag ends very closely or it will inhibit casting.

YOU CAN ADD A SMALL SPLIT –SHOT 1 FOOT ABOVE YOUR FLOAT’N FLY . THIS WILL KEEP THE END OF THE FLOAT FROM JAMMING AGAINST IT AND INTO THE EYE OF THE JIG.(that will keep the fly from sinking)

4-To start fishing, set the bobber-stop @ 1 foot shallower then the depth of the water you are fishing.

If your slip bobber does not stand straight up, your bait is on the bottom and you need to set the stop shallower (you want the fly suspended 1 ft from the bottom-minimum)

5-Fish slack water and reverse pool areas as well as productive wintering holes in rivers. I like points, ledge and rocky high spots and/ or deep –water bluff walls in lakes

6-The retrieve:

Cast out, wait for the slip-bobber to stand straight up-start a series of 3-6 short wrist movements causing the top of the bobber to tip over to the waters surface and then stop so that the float stands straight up. Pause(15 seconds to 1 minute) and repeat the sequence. Sometimes just shaking the bobber in place will trigger a strike.

7-I have witnessed smallmouth bass hit during the series of wrist manipulations as well as the pause. I have had smallmouth and largemouth bass play with the FnF like it was live bait and then pull the float completely under the surface. You should set the hook when any different movement is noticed in your surface float. If your float suddenly goes horizontal, reel up your slack and set the hook immediately-the bass has taken the fly and is swimming at you.

It is best to experiment and develop your own successful routine / retrieve w/out overworking the fly

8-Don’t make the mistake of staying in one pool or spot too long fishing the Float ‘n Fly. If a smallmouth bass is present and wants it, they will take it the first or second time they see it presented in the proper fashion.

9-Some folks prefer to apply fish attractants to their fly. I’ve caught plenty of bass with and without an attractant. You’ve got to be willing to experiment. The bass as always have the final say.

10-The Float ‘n Fly can be equally effective for largemouth in lakes during the cold -water periods (60 degrees down to ice- up)

11-Pike and pickerel will also take the Float ‘n Fly.

Here’s a picture of a March-2008 5pd. 10 oz. Float ‘n fly Smallmouth bass-Water temperature-42 degrees

Look closely and you’ll see the faceted red bead and slip bobber on top of my index finger and the fly in the top of the “smallies” mouth. The only indication of a hit was the vertical slip bobber went to a horizontal position during a pause in the routine of working the fly.

Don’t be surprised if one of these “Golden Bass’ inhales your Float ‘n Fly.I set the hook when the slip-bobber went horizontal and this Bugle gave me quite a battle for 5 minutes before I even saw her. It took an additional 5 minutes to finally bring her to the net

Here’s the pic of my 1/8 oz F’nF patterns I tie using natural mallard flank.

My custom tied Float ‘n Fly’s feature-

1- epoxy/powder painted jig heads-3d eyes

2-Undulating craft hair

3-Mustad 1/0 Ultra-point-point ,black chrome(BLN) hooks

4-Kevlar thread sealed for durability

Fishing the Float’n fly for Smallmouth and largemouth Bass is a post from: DelawareRiver.net