Friday 29 November 2013

Hutan Amazon makin ternoda



SEORANG lelaki bekerja di sebuah lombong emas haram di hutan hujan Amazon.





HUTAN hujan Amazon di Brazil kini mengalami kemusnahan yang dahsyat. Hanya mereka yang menyaksikan sendiri dapat menggambarkan kemusnahan yang mengancam kehidupan di situ.
Kemusnahan dahsyat di hutan yang dikenali sebagai paru-paru dunia itu menyebabkan lebih banyak gas karbon dioksida dibebaskan ke atmosfera.
Menurut sekumpulan penyelidik yang diketuai Nacho dari Jabatan Ekologi Global di California, satu-satunya jalan untuk melihat sendiri kemusnahan tersebut adalah menerusi hubungan dengan penduduk tempatan.
Nacho telah berjumpa dengan penduduk tempatan iaitu Juan Doblas semasa melawat sebuah empangan hidroelektrik di Sungai Tapajós.
Melalui Doblas, dia diperkenalkan dengan seorang ahli sosiologi, Cirino sebelum dipertemukan pula dengan seorang petani bernama Derivaldo.
Cirino dan Derivaldo meminta nama mereka dirahsiakan kerana bimbang dengan ancaman pihak yang melakukan pembalakan secara haram.
Derivaldo memberitahu, mereka telah ditawarkan oleh pembalak haram itu wang berjumlah $20,000 (RM64,520).
Sekiranya mereka mendedahkan kegiatan haram tersebut kepada pihak berkuasa , Cirino dan Derivaldo mungkin berdepan dengan maut.
Lebih berharga
Derivaldo menyifatkan wang yang diterima itu sememangnya lumayan, namun memikirkan khazanah di hutan berkenaan lebih berharga, dia sanggup mendedahkan maklumat berkaitan perkara itu.
Jelasnya, pembalak tersebut akan membayar ribeirinho (penghuni hutan) sejumlah wang untuk mencari dan menebang pokok. Setelah ditebang dan dipunggah menggunakan lori ke kilang, pokok tersebut akan dijual dan seterusnya dieksport ke luar negara.


MATA gergaji ini dirampas pihak berkuasa di Hutan Hujan Amazon.





Derivaldo turut membawa Nacho menaiki sebuah motosikal melalui Lebuhraya Trans-Amazonian sejauh 20 kilometer sebelum memasuki hutan untuk melihat sendiri lori-lori besar yang dipenuhi balak.
"Pembalakan tersebut telah memberikan kesan negatif terhadap alam sekitar seperti hakisan tanah dan kebakaran hutan.
"Selain itu, kandungan gas karbon dioksida yang dibebaskan ke atmosfera juga meningkat sehingga 25 peratus setiap tahun," ujarnya.
Walaupun ketika itu hujan lebat, mereka tetap meneruskan pemerhatian tersebut.
Nacho membawa sebuah kamera dan lensa 24 milimeter. Tidak lama kemudian kelihatan dua trak memasuki kawasan hutan berkenaan. Malangnya, ketika asyik mengambil gambar, tayar motosikal mereka terbenam dalam lumpur menyebabkan kamera yang dibawa Nacho jatuh dan rosak.
Derivaldo sebelum itu, sempat mengarahkan Nacho untuk menyembunyikan kamera dari pandangan pemandu lori.
Setelah seharian berada di hutan itu, Derivaldo mencadangkan Nacho pulang ke rumahnya untuk berehat.
Bagaimapun, Nacho masih mahu mencari bahan bukti termasuk merakam lebih banyak gambar
"Mari kita pergi mendapatkan sesuatu. Apa yang saya tahu, pemandu lori hanya bekerja pada waktu malam dan pada siang hari mereka keluar dari kawasan hutan," kata Derivaldo.
Serbuan
Dalam pada itu, rakan pasukan Nacho, Ricardo Moraes dan Ibama telah menyertai satu serbuan bersama pihak berkuasa alam sekitar di hutan tersebut tetapi di lokasi yang berbeza.
Modus operandi serbuan itu mencari pembalak dan pelombong haram yang memusnahkan hutan atas kepentingan masing-masing.
Juan Doblas berkata, "Tiada undang-undang atau pihak berkuasa yang mampu menyelamatkan hutan ini sekiranya tiada perubahan radikal dalam pentadbiran pemerintah di Brazil.


PEMBERIAN geran kepada penduduk setempat mampu menghalangkan kemusnahan hutan di kawasan berkenaan.





Cirino menambah, "Pihak pemerintah perlu menguatkuasakan undang-undang selain menjalankan pemantauan secara berterusan bagi menangani pembalakan hutan secara haram. Selain itu, pemberian hak milik tanah kepada penduduk di kawasan berhampiran hutan juga dapat menangani perkara tersebut. Ia bukan sahaja menjadi ukuran keadilan sosial tetapi dapat menangani kemusnahan yang besar."
Keluasan hutan hujan Amazon merangkumi lebih 50 peratus daripada hutan tropika di dunia. Walaupun hanya 20 peratus daripada hutan itu telah dimusnahkan, ia masih menghasilkan kira-kira satu per lima daripada oksigen di dunia.
Kemusnahan hutan menyebabkan perubahan pada cuaca dunia. Suhu sekitar akan meningkat kerana ketiadaan pelindung yang menghalang pancaran matahari terus ke muka bumi.
Penghasilan gas karbon dioksida secara berlebihan juga menyebabkan pemanasan global dan perubahan iklim.
Fenomena itu dikenali sebagai kesan rumah hijau. Keadaan itu jika tidak dibendung akan mengurangkan jumlah taburan hujan atau mengubah corak hujan sehingga mewujudkan fenomena kemarau.
Justeru, sebelum keadaan tersebut semakin buruk, semua pihak perlu memainkan peranan dengan menyelamatkan hutan-hutan daripada pihak yang rakus.


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Bizarre Mystery Fish Identified: Species of the Week

 


(
Satyrich sea robin
This spotted armour gurnard (Satyrichthys rieffeli), sometimes called a type of searobin, may be the same species or at least closely related to a “mystery fish” caught in Borneo. Photograph by Jeffrey T. Williams / Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Fishes. License: CC BY Attribution-Noncommercial-ShareAlike
Earlier this week, an angler in Borneo caught an unusual-looking fish, which caused quite a stir online. Reported the Borneo Post:
The mystery fish has a large head and is covered with sharp spines on the top and bottom of its body.
Its body gets progressively smaller towards the tail.
The fish measuring over one foot in length has two tusk-like spikes near its mouth.
Sapar Mansor, 43, from Taman Ceria, Permyjaya, caught the strange creature in the sea near Tudan.
“This is the first time in my life that I have seen this type of fish. I brought it home to my wife and informed her of the rare catch,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.
To try to determine what type of fish Sapar had caught, Water Currents reached out to Zeb Hogan, a National Geographic contributor, fish expert, and assistant professor at the University of Nevada—Reno. Hogan wasn’t sure, but he reached out to Gene Helfman, a fish expert at the University of Georgia.
Via email, Helfman shared:
In all likelihood it’s a perestidiid armored gurnard, apparently in the genus Satyrichthys (good name, no?).  I can’t take it to species ‘cause there are a bunch of them (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satyrichthys).  They are generally known as armored gurnards and are closely allied to our triglid searobins.  Good photos at http://www.fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/2165 and a general treatment at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armored_searobin.  I think some folks still place them in the Triglidae.
Sapar’s wife, Siti Kadariah, told the Borneo Post that she intends to dry the fish and keep it as a memento. Her children have taken to calling it “armor fish.”
“It is God’s gift and I and my family will keep the fish,” she added.
Note: Although this fish ended up being a saltwater species, I am including it in this series because it was caught close to shore, and because it’s still an interesting mystery.


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Tuesday 26 November 2013

Build Your Own Canoe

 

The Flathead Lake freight canoe is easy to build and will haul piles of gear or a couple of passengers.
canoebuild-coverpic
 

Saturday 23 November 2013

Kolam Mancing Heritage, Ulu Yam

 

Kolam ini merupakan kolam yang terkenal di kawasan ini. Kami sempat menjenguk dan melihat pancingan yang macam mana ditawarkan oleh pihak pengurusan kolam ini. 
20131001_115520
Petanda yang menarik!
 
20131001_115736
Sebagai permulaan kolam ini merupakan kolam berbayar yang pertama setelah meredah jalan empangan Batu. Kolam ini terletak di sebelah kanan jalan yang menuju ke pekan Ulu Yam. Sekiranya anda telah menjumpai sebuah sekolah di sebelah kiri jalan anda telah terlajak dan perlu patah balik sedikit untuk menjumpai kolam ini.
Terdapat ruang untuk meletak kereta yang setimpal di kawasan kolam ini. Situasi ini mungkin berubah pada hujung minggu. Kolam ini beroperasi dari jam 8 pagi sehingga 10 malam pada hari biasa dan 24 jam pada hari Jumaat dan Sabtu.
 
20131001_115745 
 
20131001_115759
Ikan yang terdapat dalam kolam-kolam pancing disini adalah ikan Rohu, Patin dan Talapia. Terdapat juga ikan Haruan dan Raja (Peacock Bass), akan tetapi ia tidak dibenarkan untuk dipancing. Sekiranya anda dijumpai memancingya terdapat denda sebanyak RM 50.
 
20131001_115816 20131001_115832
Kawasan kolam pancing ini dijaga dengan amat rapi sekali. Ia bersih dan hijau. Kami berasa begitu nyaman ketika berada di sini. 
20131001_115858
Suasana yang nyaman
Suasana yang nyaman
Suasana yang nyaman

Secara keseluruhanya terdapat tiga kolam disini yang boleh dipancing. Kesemua kolam disini mempunyai tempat untuk berteduh sekiranya cuaca kurang baik. Air dalam kolam bersih dan sentiasa dikipas untuk menjaga kualitinya.
Sekiranya anda pemancing yang suka memancing di kolam begini tempat ini boleh diambil kira dalam pilihan tempat memancing anda. Walaupun apa yang ditawarkan amat generik akan tetapi suasanya bersih dan amat menenangkan. 
Suatu lagi fakta yang membezakan kolam ini daripada kolam yang lain adalah airnya berpunca dari sungai bersebelahan dengan kolam ini. Ini menjadikanya airnya agak bersih.
 
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Jenguklah dulu sebelum keluar memancing sekiranya anda berada di kawasan ini.
 
 
 
 

Grouper

by: Gary A. Anderson

Grouper, being one of the most prized fish in our Gulf of Mexico, are excellent table fare and awesome fighters. The most common targeted species are gag, scamp and red grouper with the occasional elusive black sea bass, which is often mistaken as a black grouper. These grouper, along with their cousin the black sea bass, inhabit natural as well as artificial reefs, wrecks, offshore mounds and ledges on the sea floor.

Grouper are best fished with live baits. Frozen sardines, squid, and cut baits work well but live squirrel fish and pinfish work best.


 
So if you are serious and want the best catch, you will do whatever it takes to fill your bait well with live baits prior to reaching your favorite haunt. Your best bait catching techniques might include chumming first and then cast netting or use of a sabiki rig.
The most recommended arsenal for catching grouper is a stiff rod, any reel which will hold 50 to 80 pound line, 12/0 circle hooks, 150 pound mono leader, an 8 oz. or better weight and a 100 pound snap swivel. Though I use a 3/0 straight hook so as I may set my own hook, instead of letting the circle do it for me, because sometimes the fish are finicky and will just mouth the bait, not inhale it.
Now that we have our bait and equipment, let s catch some fish! Anchoring on top of a suspected ledge, cheese hole, or spot on the fish finder, we fish vertically with the live bait. Drop a squirrel fish on one of these mules and it is usually an offer he can not refuse. Hold on tight and put your back into it, for this mule of the deep will do anything it takes to disappear back into his rocky home.
Florida fishing regulations for the Gulf of Mexico allow a daily aggregate bag limit of 5 grouper per angler. Gags must be 22 inches and red grouper 20 inches overall length. As always, take what you can realistically use and release the rest for future fishing trips. The fishing should be good right now because gag and red groupers spawn from February to April in the Gulf. Go ahead, get out on the water and try to get some of those mules of the deep and see why I call them mules? What a rip, what a trip!
 
 
Source:  Bigfishtackle
More Stories:  http://Gofishtalk.com

Ada Ikan Beraroma Buah-buahan dan Rempah

 

      

Ada Ikan Beraroma Buah-buahan dan Rempah
(Ilustrasi/Antara)

Melihat semakin sedikitnya masyarakat di Jepang yang mengonsumsi ikan, industri perikanan di sana melakukan inovasi dengan menciptakan ikan yang secara alami mengandung rasa dan aroma buah, serta rempah-rempah.
Sebagai negara kepulauan, masyarakat di Jepang memang dikenal senang mengonsumsi ikan. Namun sayang, selama dekade terakhir konsumsi ikan per orang di sana telah menurun sekita 20 persen.
Bingung dengan fenomena yang terjadi di kalangan masyarakatnya, membuat pemerintah di sana memutar otak untuk mengembalikan kebiasaan baik itu. Termasuk industri perikanan Jepang yang memutuskan perlu melakukan suatu tindakan untuk mengembalikan kebiasaan makan masyarakat di sana. Akhirnya, terciptalah inovasi `unik` ini.
Bila ada yang mengatakan inovasi ini melibatkan sesuatu yang berbau kimia, itu salah. Sebab, semua proses sampai terciptanya ikan beraroma ini melalui sesuatu yang alami.
Untuk membuat ikan beraroma ini, industri perikanan di Jepang memanfaatkan buah jeruk yang berbuah di sepanjang pantai Pedalaman Laut Jepang.
Dilansir dari lama Japan Today, Rabu (13/11/2013), para produsen ikan khusus ini berharap bahwa rasa dan aroma yang berbeda dan lebih enak, dapat membantu menghidupkan kembali penjualan ikan yang sempat lesu.
(Adt/Mel)


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Bass Hunter® EX 9 foot 6 inch Boat

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Bass Hunter® EX 9 foot 6 inch Boat


BOFS-186929 - Bass Hunter® EX 9'6" Boat
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Propolis: A Gift From Nature

      

 
honey beeAs the colder months are approaching and hats and scarfs are hung back onto the coat rack, immune boosting herbs and cold remedies find their place back onto the shelves of our green medicine cabinets as well.
Even though technically speaking propolis is not an herb, it holds a dear spot on the top of my list of herbal winter remedies. Not only do I keep it close at hand during the cough and flu season but, as one of the most versatile alternative medicines, it would also accompany me on my Robinson Crusoe island to which I could only bring five medicinal herbs to keep me healthy. And it takes a lot for a remedy to be invited on that trip with me.
How Bees Use Propolis
The word propolis comes from Greek pro=before and polis=city. Propolis, a gummy, sticky substance that is soft like chewing gum when warm and hard and brittle when it is cold, plays an essential role in the bee hive. Forager worker bees collect the sap and gum of tree barks and tree buds of conifers, birches, and poplar trees. They carry the sap home in their pollen baskets, blend it with wax flakes secreted from special glands on their abdomen, mix in some pollen and their saliva, adding enzymes in the process, and pass it on to other bees in the hive who put it to use.
Worker bees install carpets and even tunnels of propolis at the hive entrance to prevent disease from entering the hive and to inhibit fungal and bacterial growth. Bees use propolis to build structures and channels to direct the flow of air through their hive for proper ventilation.  Nursing bees varnish the interior of brood cells in preparation for the eggs. With its antiseptic properties, the propolis lining insures a microbe free environment for the rearing of the brood.
If a mouse, or other honey thief too large to be carried out, gets into the hive the bees will sting it to death and encase the dead body in propolis, protecting the hive from bacteria and odor. beehive
Constituents of Propolis
Propolis contains a varying list of complex chemicals. Its constituents and color, ranging from golden brown to reddish to almost black, depends on the tree source of collection. Propolis consists of roughly  55 percent resinous compounds and balsam, 30 percent beeswax, 10 percent ethereal and aromatic oils, and 5 percent bee pollen.
The powerhouse remedy contains 500 times more bioflavonoids than is found in oranges. Flavonoids have strong antioxidant properties and help to protect cells from free radicals and cell mutations.
Except for vitamin K, Propolis contains all the known vitamins. Of the fourteen minerals required by the body, Propolis contains them all with the exception of sulfur.
If you don't feel great about swallowing a lab produced vitamin pill on a daily basis, take 10 drops of propolis daily instaed to strengthen your immune system and supply your body with ample antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
When To Use Propolis 
Propolis can be used during acute conditions as well as a preventative and immune building remedy. Research has shown strong antimicrobial properties against various bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. It has even been shown effective against some strains of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Propolis is much more complex than a simple antibiotic and thus harder for bacteria to become resistant to. Even though propolis works against harmful bacteria, it does not destroy the friendly gut bacteria our body needs to function properly.
The many bioflavonoids in propolis have health-promoting effects on eyesight, the cardiovascular system, connective tissues, appearance of the skin, and the immune system. Propolis can help lowering the risk of atherosclerosis, cancer, arthritis, and gastrointestinal disorders. Other therapeutic applications include allergies, inflammation, respiratory infections, flu, cold, sore throat, viral infections, food poisoning, herpes simplex types 1 and 2, and ulcers.
Propolis can be applied externally to wounds, bruises, burns, acne, sun burn, irritations in the mouth, canker sores, and gum disease.
CAUTION: While propolis is generally safe and useful as a home remedy there is one exception: people who have an allergic or hypersensitivity reaction to bee stings or bee products (including honey), could react to propolis in the same way.
How to Use Propolis
Since propolis contains mostly alcohol soluble sap, resins, gum, and wax, and just very few water soluble constituents, propolis has to be extracted in 96% alcohol for maximum therapeutic effect.
Do not give propolis tincture to small children or people with a history of alcohol abuse. Use propolis capsules and propolis lozenges instead. Also, keep the high alcohol content of propolis tincture in mind when applying it to an open wound. It will hurt – a lot – for a few seconds.
Propolis is a powerful antiseptic and once the alcohol quickly evaporates, the remaining resin will form a liquid bandaid that keeps a small wound sealed and free of microbes. For larger wounds and burns a propolis cream or salve is a better choice. Another option is to dust the wound with a wound powder that combines raw propolis powder with other powdered antibacterial and wound healing herbs, such as goldenseal, echinacea, calendula, and oak bark.
You can find herbal tooth paste with propolis for daily dental hygiene. Dabbing propolis tincture on canker sores and inflamed gums can help heal infections and tighten gum tissue.
Use propolis tincture straight on the back of your tongue for a sore throat. Or find an herbal throat spray that combines propolis with echinacea and goldenseal for even broader antibacterial and antiviral action.
Take propolis with you while traveling and start taking a few drop daily before you get on an airplane.
How to Make Propolis Products
grinder useYou can make your own propolis products from raw propolis very easily.  The best source of propolis is – your local beekeeper! The best way to meet him or her is to look up your local bee club online (there is always a local beekeeper club) and go to one of their meetings. They will be delighted to welcome a newcomer and will love to share their passion with you. The majority of beekeepers have no use for propolis and throw it away after collection. Most likely somebody will gift you a chunk or you can buy a few ounces at a reasonable price.
You can also buy raw propolis online – but its not as much fun.
Raw Propolis Powder
• Break raw propolis chunks into smaller pieces
• Store the raw propolis in your freezer for 1-2 days until it is hard and brittle
• Use a cheap coffee grinder to grind it to a very fine powder and sift it through a fine strainer
(IMPORTANT: Do NOT use your Vitamix or any other valuable blender that is dear to you! It will be clogged with sticky propolis and very very hard to clean. I have an old coffee grinder that is dedicated to propolis and I don't use it for anything else)
• Store raw propolis powder in a dark, cool place and use it later to make other propolis based products.
Propolis Water Extract
• Take 10 grams of propolis powder and mix with 100 ml of distilled water (1:10) in a sealable jar.
• Let it stand for about 10 hours and shake as often as possible.
• Filter the solution through a coffee filter.
• The maze can be used to make an alcohol extract later.
• The resulting weak water extract has the taste and aroma specific to propolis and can be used as a mouth wash or gargle, or in external applications, such as eye drops or as a wound wash.
Propolis Tincture
The alcohol extract is the most common propolis preparation with maximum therapeutic benefits and it can later be added to other propolis preparations such as creams and salves.
• Fill a sealable jar half with raw propolis powder and fill to the top with 90 - 96% alcohol. You can use “Everclear” 190 proof grain alcohol, or another 190 proof alcohol from your liquor store.
• Shake and let sit for six weeks in a dark cool place. Shake the jar as often as you can remember.
• Filter the solution and store in dark tincture dropper bottles.
Et voila! Your own home made, powerful ally and defense against a long list of ailments and diseases.
Did I mention that I like propolis? I really, really like propolis.
With gratitude for all the blessings of this Earth,
Susanna Raeven
Susanna is an herbalist and medicinal herb grower, and owner of Raven Crest Botanicals, a small-scale organic herb farm nestled in the hills in upstate New York.


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The Underwater World of Freshwater Fish


Underwater World of Freshwater Fish
Man made fish cribs are definitely worthwhile to fish providing cover and shelter for juvenile panfish and baitfish, Most cribs are built using hardwood logs strapped together and filled with branches. They attract all large game fish.
The fishes world evolves around the ability to feed, reproduce and survive. Cover, Structure, Temperature and Oxygen are the key components. Understanding the waters of their world will help you determine the type of water and where they live.
Cover & Structure:These two terms are often confused as the same, but they are not. Cover is defined as a type of structure, natural or man made such as weeds, vegetation, fallen trees, docks, and swimming platforms. Structure is the physical characteristics of the water system; points, rock bars, islands, reefs, humps and breaklines. To understand the difference, if you completely drain the water only the structure will not move.
Breaklines & EdgesUnderwater World of Freshwater Fish
Courtesy of Fishing the North Country Publications
Anglers hearing or reading the phrases “fish caught off the first break” or “fish caught on the weed edge” may be confused as to their meaning. All active fish will relate to breaks or edges. Weed beds are like “aquatic neighborhoods” providing all stages of the food chain protection from predators or an ambush source for feeding. Breaklines (Breaks) are defined as an area of transition from one depth to another, one cover type to another, one water temperature to another, one water color to another, one substrate to another or any other transition that could influence fish behavior. Cover (weeds) next to a deep water breakline usually hold more fish than a shallow flat.

Humps and Reefs 

Underwater World of Freshwater Fish
Courtesy of Fishing the North Country Publications
Any mid lake underwater structure higher than the surrounding area can be classified as a hump or reef, they are among the most productive structures in lakes and flowages. Walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike and summer/autumn muskie are attractive possibilities. If weeds, boulders and ledges are present, this structure will be even better, producing more game fish.

Points and BarsUnderwater World of Freshwater Fish
Courtesy of Fishing the North Country Publications
Protruding shoreline points and bars offer a diversity in structure and are fish producers throughout the year. Key bottom components are, inside turns and drops offs. Add cover such as submergent and emergent weeds, drowned wood, brushpiles and manmade cribs and you have a top attraction for all gamefish.
Wood and Weeds
Underwater World of Freshwater Fish
Courtesy of Fishing the North Country PublicationsDrowned wood, laydowns, brush plies composed of fir, pine, oak and maple typically lasts for years. By contrast birch, aspen and popple provide cover for two to three years before decomposing to remnants. Drowned wood is terrific cover. The more complex the branches below the surface the better for fish. More branches more cover for a game fish to ambush prey. Finding “good” drowned wood means finding walleye, smallmouth bass and muskie.     
Weeds and weedline edges are important throughout the fishing season as they are used for spawning in spring; shelter, cover and foraging in summer/fall and feeding in winter for all game fish. Fishing the weeds always keep in mind the “cover within cover” principle – weed points, edges, deep weedlines, transitions from one weed species to the next, channels, clumps and inside turns among others.
Types of Weeds
The presence of aquatic plants is one of the best indicators of whether a lake or a stream will be a good producer of fish. Most aquatic life which fish feed upon requires these plants for food. Plants also provide a fishery with protective cover and life-giving oxygen. Aquatic plants are classified into floating, emergent, submerged and algae varieties as each type has slightly different features.

FloatingUnderwater World of Freshwater Fish Floating plants are not rooted and are free to move about the water’s surface. The main habitat for floating plants are backwater areas on rivers and streams where the current slackens and protected bays on lakes and flowages. In limited water movement area’s floating plants can be mixed in with other emergent and submerged plants forming what is commonly called “slop” by creating a surface mat that attracts largemouth bass, in deeper waters slop will hold northern pike and muskie. Fishing slop is extremely fun when the fish are on and you have the right set-up and lures. Fishing the slop requires heavy tackle and line to horse the fish out of cover. Baitcasting reels spooled with low stretch 17lb to 30lb test line, rods rated heavy with fast action are recommended. Lure choices include weedless soft plastics, worms and lizards using heavy sinkers to penetrate the thick vegetation, top water frog and rat imitations are excellent for surface slop fishing, there is nothing more exciting when a bass explodes on one of these. The common North American native floating plants are Duckweed, Bladderwort and Watermeal.
Emergent
An emergent plant are a rooted shallow water plant found along shorelines areas, which grows in the water but the stems stand above the surface. All emergent plants flower which allows the reproductive process through pollination by wind or by flying insects. Emergent plants provide an important function on the water’s edge that creates a network root system which resists erosion, where wave action and water flow might undercut banks and a barrier for shoreline sediment. These plants create habitat and food supply for many species of insect, fish, bird, and mammal. The most common North American emergent plants are Lily Pads, Bulrushes and Cattails.
White Water Lily PadsUnderwater World of Freshwater Fish The lily pad is a perennial flat leafed flowering rooted plant that grows in groups. For the most part they are found along shallower waters in sandy or soft bottomed areas. In clear water that can grow up to six to eight feet. The lily pad leaves are more rounded than heart shaped, bright green from 6-12 inches in diameter with a slit about the 1/3 of the leaf. The leaves float on the surface, the flower grow on separate stalks displaying brilliant white petals with a yellow center and are very fragrant. The flower opens each morning and closes as the sun goes down. A favorite habitat for largemouth bass. However many other species such as northern pike and muskies can be found in the lily pads as well.
Bulrushes
Underwater World of Freshwater Fish
There are several species of bulrushes known as reeds and pencil reeds. Bulrushes are perennial rooted grass-like plants and can grow to 10 feet tall in shallow water or in moist soils. Reeds generally grow on firm bottoms, bulrush grows in softer mud bottoms. The bulrush brownish flowers appears just below the tip of the stem. Reeds and bulrush provides excellent fish habitat and spawning areas for northern pike and, in early spring, provide nesting cover for largemouth bass and bluegills. Bulrushes attract marsh birds and songbirds. Seeds of bulrushes are consumed by ducks and other birds.
Cattails
Underwater World of Freshwater Fish
Cattails are found in marshes, ditches, shorelines, shallow areas of lakes, ponds, and slow streams, quiet water up to 4 feet deep. They have slightly twisted rounded leaves, and can grow to 5 or 10 feet in height. Cattails are easily identified by their fuzzy brown cigar shaped flower (called the catkin) near the top of the stalk. Cattails spread rapidly when the catkin releases the seeds blowing in the wind or floating on the water’s surface. The cattail habitat helps stabilize marshy borders of lakes and ponds; helps protect shorelines from wave erosion; northern pike may spawn along shore behind the cattail fringe; provides cover and nesting sites for waterfowl and marsh birds such as the red-winged blackbird, stalks and roots are eaten by muskrats and beavers.
Submerged
Submerged plants are completely underwater and are generally rooted in the bottom sediment. If flowers exist, they may extend above the surface of the water. Submerged plants exchange carbon dioxide for dissolved oxygen during the periods of photosynthesis which provides a relatively stable source of oxygen for a water based ecosystem. Submerged weeds make up the majority of fishing cover (weed flats and weedlines) that will attract most all species walleye, bass, pike, muskie, trout and panfish. The submerged weed family consist of hundreds of species many introduced or exotic that grow prolifically and are considered to problematic in many lakes, rivers and streams. An example of this is Eurasian Watermilfoil   

Most fishing articles relating to weeds refer to names such as cabbage, coontail, and eel grass. The following information is a guide for identifying the most common submerged plants that will attract game fish.
Claspingleaf Pondweed (Cabbage)
Underwater World of Freshwater Fish
This plant is known to anglers as cabbage and has over 50 varieties in North America. Cabbage is both a deep and shallow water weed that has broad leaves and a brittle stems. They vary in colors from brownish red called tobacco cabbage to a light green leaf. Cabbage is the preferred choice of many large game fish and the most productive. Cabbage is also known as pike weed, muskie weed, and celery.
Coontail
Underwater World of Freshwater Fish
Coontail or also know as hornwort, is a dark olive green bushy submerged perennial plant that grows in clumps or dense colonies that forms a canopy type cover in shallow water. The tips of branches are crowded with leaves giving it a “coontail” appearance. The submerged colonies of coontail provides excellent habitat and cover for bait fish as well as other wildlife species (e.g. amphibians, reptiles, ducks, etc.)which attracts most predator game fish. The fruits of coontail are consumed by ducks and it is considered a good wildlife food.
Eelgrass
Underwater World of Freshwater Fish
Eelgrass is a rooted shallow water plant found in flowing water. It has long, thin, ribbon-like leaves (1/2 – 3/4 inches wide) that are commonly 3 to 4 feet long. The vein pattern in the leaves of eelgrass is very distinctive and resembles celery. Eelgrass forms dense colonies dominating other submerged plants to grow. The submerged portions of eel grass provides dense underwater structure as an excellent habitat for bait fish and invertebrates. Northern pike and bass favors eelgrass during the summer months. Other common names include: Tape grass and wild celery.
Elodea
Underwater World of Freshwater Fish
Elodea is a rooted multi-branched perennial submerged plant that grows in cool fertile water to depths of approximately 10 feet. It is identified by its deep green color with 3 to 4 leaves attached directly to the stem. This weed develops quickly and provides good early season action, it attracts bait fish and bass along with other large game fish. Elodea has no known direct food value to wildlife but is used extensively by insects and invertebrates. Other common names include: Waterweed and walleye weed.

CabombaUnderwater World of Freshwater Fish
Cabomba also know as Fanwort is a long stemmed multi-branched submerged perennial plant similar to coontail and milfoil. It grows in tight beds over large areas, growing to within a foot of the surface. Because of it’s dense cover it provides habitats for micro invertebrates which in turn are used as food by bait fish and other wildlife species. Cabomba has little known direct food value to wildlife
Eurasian WatermilfoilUnderwater World of Freshwater Fish
Eurasian watermilfoil is a perennial submerged plant native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. It was introduced into the United States in the late 1800′s through the Aquarium Trade. Spread westward into inland lakes primarily by boats and also by waterbirds, it reached Midwestern states between the 1950s and 1980s. Today it is considered one of the most aggressive and invasive plants in the U.S. because of the dense colonies which it forms. This dense floating canopy will inhibit important native plants from growing. In shallow areas the Eurasian watermilfoil can interfere with water recreation such as boating, fishing, and swimming as well. Eurasian watermilfoil can spread from seeds or by fragmentation (A single segment of stem) that can take root and form a new colony. Fragments clinging to boats and trailers can spread the plant from lake to lake. Eurasian watermilfoil is a non-native and should not be spread.

Algae
Algae are a basic water plant, some are composed of tiny single cells that float or suspend in the water giving a green, brown, or at times a red color to the water known as “bloom.” Others are multi celled that forms a thin and stringy or hair-like dark green slime commonly know as pond scum. While still others resemble submerged plants but without a true root system this is known as sandgrass. Algae although primitive, provides benefits to water systems by stabilizing bottom sediments and giving cover for small animals such as aquatic insects, snails, and scuds, which are valuable fish food.

PlanktonicUnderwater World of Freshwater Fish
Planktonic algae, are floating microscopic single celled plants usually existing suspended in the upper few feet of water often reaching bloom proportions during the summer months based on temperature, light, nutrients making the water appear brownish or pea soup green.

Filamentous
Underwater World of Freshwater Fish
Filamentous algae are multi-celled that form into a mat of long chains or threads called filaments that resembles wet wool. Filamentous algae starts growing along the bottom in shallow water appearing fur-like, attaching to rocks, drowned wood, and other aquatic plants. As the production of oxygen increases it will float to the surface forming large mats, known as “Pond Scum.”  Filamentous algae has no direct food value to wildlife.

Chara (Sandgrass)
Underwater World of Freshwater Fish
Chara is the most advanced plant of the algae family though often confused with submerged plants. Chara commonly know as “sandgrass” is gray-green, branched with no root system, it grows in short thick mats, covering the lake bottom like a carpet. It can grow to depths of 30 feet, but is more common in shallower water. The stems/branches are brittle and hollow with rough ends, when crushed it emits a foul musty garlic like odor, often why it is called muskgrass or skunkweed. Sandgrass is beneficial promoting water clarity and lake bottom stabilization. During the mid summer through fall, walleyes and perch will be found on sandgrass flats.

Water Temperature:

Temperature of the water is important because of its affect on water chemistry and thermal stratifications. Chemical reactions during higher temperatures increase the biological activity. Fish, aquatic insects, zooplankton and other aquatic species all have preferred temperature ranges. As temperatures get too far above or below this preferred range, the number of individuals of the species decreases until finally there are few, or none. Another important example of the effects of temperature on water chemistry is its impact on oxygen. Warm water holds less oxygen than cool water. The temperature preferences of common game fish are shown below, but fish are not always found in water of the preferred temperature. If food is more abundant in warmer or cooler water that’s where fish will be located.
· Bluegill 73-77
· Brook Trout 52-56
· Brown Trout 57-61
· Bullhead, Brown 74-78
· Carp 75-84
· Channel Catfish 74-78
· Crappie 68-73
· Chinook Salmon 53-55
· Coho Salmon 54-55
· Flathead Catfish 80-85
· Lake Trout 48-52
· Largemouth Bass 71-76
· Muskellunge 63 -67
· Northern Pike 62-71
· Rainbow Trout 56-62
· Smallmouth Bass 68-72
· Steelhead 58-60
· Stripped Bass 70-74
· Walleye 67-72
· White Bass 74-78
· Yellow Perch 66-70

Oxygen:
Fish and other aquatic organisms require oxygen to live. Fish breathe as water moves past their gills and microscopic bubbles of oxygen gas in the water called dissolved oxygen absorbs into their blood stream. Oxygen in water is produced during photosynthesis (The process in which plant life converts carbon dioxide in to oxygen during daylight hours) Other sources of oxygen include the air and inflowing streams. This is why moving waters rarely have low oxygen levels.
Seasonal Effects on Water Systems:
During each season in natural lakes, flowages, reservoirs, and ponds fish movement is keyed by two major factors: Water Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen. Throughout the year fish will inhabit the zone that is closest to satisfying both these needs. To understand the relationship that happens on water systems, it is important to know the seasonal changes that occur.
In early spring before ice-out on Northern lakes and flowages the water temperature on the bottom reaches around 39 degrees, the remaining ice melts from the sun and wind warming the surface water to 39 degrees. As the water temperature and density is consistent from top to bottom this occurrence is called “Spring Turnover” Fish may be anywhere, but will migrate to the shallows as temperatures warm and new aquatic plant growth takes place adding additional oxygen to the shallow water.
As the surface temperature rises warmer lighter surface water starts to separate from cooler heavier water below. As the water temperature increases the wind will not have an affect on mixing the water. This begins the process of Thermal Stratification on lakes, flowages and reservoirs, typically with water depths greater than 15 feet for small lakes and 30 feet for larger ones. Because of this property the water separates into layers of distinctly different density caused by differences in water temperature. Shallow lakes, rivers and streams will not stratify into layers as the entire water is mixed by the wind or current.
Underwater World of Freshwater Fish
The upper layer (epilimnion) is warmer, lighter and most buoyant water that is circulated by the wind as it renews the oxygen supply. Many game fish use and stay in this layer during the season as plant life and oxygen is abundant and as preferred temperature dictates for each specie.
Next is the middle layer (metalimnion) which includes the thermocline. This is the transition zone where the temperature drops very fast. Schooling fish will use this layer as light and oxygen is present. Finally, the lower layer (hypolimnion) which extends from the thermocline to the lake bottom. Water temperature remains constant but lack of oxygen levels in this layer may cause cold water species to suspend into the thermocline during mid to late summer.
As early fall approaches cool nights and wind will lower the surface temperature. This causes the margin between the layers epilimnion and metalimnion to be less distinct. The hypolimnion layer remains intact and without much oxygen. Fish will move shallower during this period. During mid fall the surface temperature cools even more and begins to sink. As the temperature in the mixed upper layers equals that of the hypolimnion; the wind easily mixes the entire water column causing similar temperature and density throughout thus the water temperature and dissolved oxygen will be constant in all depths. This is known as “Fall Turnover”. Fish will be scattered during this period. In late fall the water continues to cool as the surface temperature drops below 39 degrees it becomes lighter and floats over the deeper warmer water. Fish will be deeper at this time period.
With the beginning of winter early ice forms, fish may be found at any depth but will relate to first ice feeding periods in shallow water using the remaining live weeds. As ice and snow becomes thicker it reduces the sunlight, the plant life ceases starting the decaying process that consumes oxygen. Fish will remain in the mid to upper water column. In late winter as the ice and snow becomes the thickest the water will have it’s lowest oxygen content. Fish locations will be harbored around moving open water, springs or the upper layer that has the highest oxygen content.
Underwater World of Freshwater Fish
Water Classifications:
Each water system possesses a unique “personality”. Important elements that make the basis for physical characteristics are: Water Source, Fertility, and Geographic Location. Lake water sources are classified into four types. Seepage, Groundwater, Drainage and Impoundment.
The water source and fertility is important in determining water quality, all water system levels increase from rain and decrease from evaporation. Run off (land that drains towards the lake) carries nutrients into the water providing a higher fertility level where it fuels algae blooms. Algae is the basic link in the food chain. Lakes with moderate to high fertility produces the largest fish crop. Lakes with low fertility (sterile) surrounded by rocky shorelines and nutrient poor land which inhibits algae blooms produces lower fish production.
Seepage lakes and ponds that rely on rain as there main water supply with limited water exchange (lack of stream inlets & outlets) will be susceptible to acid rain, and high mercury content. On lakes that the major water source is Groundwater or Spring fed, acid rain amounts will be diminished and will contain low to moderate fertility levels.
Drainage lakes (stream fed and drained) fertility levels are higher and water exchange rate takes place more rapidly. These lakes will have quality nutrient rich water and fish populations.
Impoundments are man made lakes, also called reservoirs and flowages created by damming a stream or river system. Most Eastern and Western reservoirs tend to be very deep (over one hundred feet) while Midwest and Southern reservoirs are shallower. Impoundments seldom lack oxygen in the depths due to water level fluctuations created by the dam causing moving water and current.
Geographic Location is another indicator of water type and quality. Lakes are divided into three categories known as trophic states. Oligotrophic – Mesotrophic, and Eutrophic. These categories reflect depth, basin size, shape, nutrient and clarity levels.
Underwater World of Freshwater Fish
Oligotrophic Waters: Mostly found in Eastern Canada and Northern States from Minnesota to Maine. Oligotrophic lakes are clear, deep and cold located in rocky geography. Sparse weed growth and lack of large algae blooms make these lakes low in nutrients. The fish populations ( cold water types: Lake Trout, Char, Northern Pike) are lower but have a food chain capable of sustaining a trophy fishery. Because of the slow growth rate due to the cold climate it is recommended that catch and release is used.
Eutrophic Waters: Predominately found in the Southern United States although there are many in the North. Eutrophic lakes are small, shallow, weedy with cloudy water and a mud basin, usually located in farm land areas where nutrient rich soil is abundant and run off causes frequent algae blooms. The fish populations ( warm water types: Bass, Sunfish. Cat Fish, Rough Fish) are vulnerable to winterkill (iceover) in the Northern States from lack of depth and oxygen.
Mesotrophic Waters: These lakes are found anywhere in North America but primarily are located in the Northern States and Southern Canada. Mesotrophic lakes are fertile with moderate weed growth, water clarity is clear to stained with the basin consisting of gravel, rock and sand. The diversity of water depths and nutrients can support cold and warm water fish populations ( Bass, Walleye, Perch, Northern Pike, Muskies, Catfish, Panfish, Trout) Considered a good fishery for multiple species.
All lakes at one time thousands of years ago formed as Oligotrophic waters (early lake life), as the aging process occurs aquatic plants and animals die, their remains form a layer of organic properties on the lake bottom. As this layer increases the lake becomes shallower allowing the sunlight to warm the water. As plant life becomes more abundant the lake moves into the Mesotrophic period (mid lake life). Eventually as the lake bottom fills from nature and the affects of man the lake will become Eutrophic (old lake life).
Underwater World of Freshwater Fish
Ponds & Pits:
There are millions of ponds in the U.S. some are built for agricultural use, others for irrigation or erosion control. Nature provides ponds by beavers damming small streams. Most ponds are shallow and if stocked warm water fish such as Largemouth Bass and Bluegills are present.
Pits are results from strip mining, gravel pits and quarries that fill with water after their operations cease. Generally pits are much deeper than ponds in some cases over 500 feet. Pits can hold a wide specie range of fish; deep cold water pits: (Trout and even Salmon) shallower pits: (warm water Bass, Catfish, Crappies, and Bluegills).
Underwater World of Freshwater Fish
Rivers & Streams:
North America is blessed with an abundance of flowing water. There are 3.24 million miles of river and streams in the U.S. alone – enough to circle the world 130 times. Rivers begin rather unpretentiously. They are lazy. They follow the force of gravity until they find the most convenient way to flow downhill. This is governed by the topography of the area in which they flow. In time, the river begins to modify this landscape until it creates a valley. The average river system, if viewed from above, looks like a many branching tree. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of small rivulets flow into slightly larger branches, which in turn flow into tributaries. Eventually the water makes its way into the main body of the river, flowing to its final destination a lake or sea.
All freshwater species live or utilize rivers and streams. Ocean run Salmon travel miles up a river to spawn from which they where born. Walleyes and White Bass make spring “runs” to their spawning grounds. Water temperature is a major factor for spawning and what species inhabit the river.Cold water streams and rivers will be best suited for Trout, Steelhead, Salmon and Grayling. Warm water streams and rivers are home to Bass, Walleyes, Catfish, and Carp.
When fishing a stream or river the mechanics of moving water (current) provides structure and cover as in a lake with weeds, cribs, and rock bars. Most rivers and streams have riffle-run-pool fish holding habitat.
Riffles:  Known as rapids, shallow fast moving water over rocks rubble and boulders. Small minnows and game fish use this area for protection from predators. Large gamefish will feed in this area during dusk and dawn.
Runs: This section follows the riffle (rapids) current is slower than the rapids and not as turbulent. As the current flows it excavates a deeper channel as it slows it circulates forming a pool.
Pools: Also known as holes, this is the deepest area of the river or stream. A major fish holding area.
Plunge Pools: Located at the base of dams or waterfalls. As water falls it erodes the base of the stream or river creating a dug out. This is also an excellent fish holding area for feeding as food is presented from the force of the current.
Eddies: Any land point, island, sharp bend,large boulder or obstacle such as logs or bridge pilings that reduces the current. Eddies form upstream and downstream. Fish will stage in front of and back of a eddie, always work both.
Undercuts: As rivers and streams have bends, turns, and oxbows the current flowing will increase on the outside bend and on slow in the inside. This forms undercuts along the shoreline that will hold fish.
 
 

Thursday 21 November 2013

River Monsters The Movie




Much awaited docudrama movie starring Jeremy Wade coming to cinema on August 2014.

Saturday 16 November 2013

How to Tie Flies for Fly Fishing

       

If you love fishing in general and fly fishing in particular, here is a little guidance on how to tie flies for your personal use or for sale as a side income.
By Stuart Silverstein         
        
Silverstein Fishing Flies
A selection of ten popular fishing fly design styles.

ILLUSTRATION: MOTHER EARTH NEWS STAFF
Tulikivi provides a “green” cost-effective heating solution because it uses less wood to heat the sa...
I first learned to tie flies when I was a boy of 13. After watching a man up the street create beauties with such magical names as Parmachene Belle, Silver Doctor, Cowdung, Rio Grande King, March Brown and Black Ghost, I couldn't wait to make my own attempt at this old craft. Every Sunday afternoon for several weeks I carefully observed by mentor in action, then finally took the plunge and invested $5.00 in a fly-tying kit.
The quality of those original supplies was poor, but I didn't care . . . I only wanted to get my hands on the fur, bright feathers, and glittering tinsels and combine them into enticements for trout and salmon. When I wasn't actually in the process of tying a fly or fishing, I would often sit mesmerized just admiring the raw materials: raffia grass from Africa, silver and gold tinsels from France, rabbit skins and glossy rooster plumage, to name a few.
My initial efforts were very sloppily executed, but the fish didn't seem to notice. With just a little practice I was soon able to make a few of the simpler trout baits quite proficiently (and to sell them to local fishermen).
At present I tie flies only for myself and for friends who go trout and salmon fishing here in Maine but, in the near future, I plan to start selling my creations once again to earn some extra money. It's an absorbing and profitable craft at which you might like to try your hand.

What is Fly-Tying?

Fly-tying is basically a method of securing various materials such as furs feathers and tinsels to a fishhook. The resulting fly may or may not imitate an aquatic creature which fish feed upon: A Royal Coachman doesn't look like anything you'll ever see swimming in the water, whereas Roche's Dragonfly does . . . and they both catch fish.   

The Skills You'll Need

Although a hand-tied fly looks like a complicated creation, it's actually put together in an orderly, step-by-step process that can be mastered by anyone able to form a knot in a piece of thread. You needn't even be a fly fisherman, though it certainly helps.
The best fly-tier I know—and one of the most outstanding in the United States—is Lou Stanford of New Haven, Connecticut. Lou is a massive, 300-pound construction worker with fingers as thick as the pipes he welds on the job . . . but he can produce the most delicate, aesthetically pleasing baits any fisherman could hope to own.

How to Learn

The best way to learn to tie flies is to have a master of the craft teach you. Such people flourish wherever trout or salmon are caught, and can be found even in cities like Chicago, San Francisco, and New York . . . so ask around and you'll find someone to start you off. If you live near West Forks, Maine, stop in and see me. I'll be glad to give you some lessons.


If you can't find an instructor, the other possibility is to get a manual and follow the directions. In fact—though I can hardly recommend the use of a book alone—you'll need such a guide even when you have someone to help you.
A few of the texts I use include: Professional Fly-Tying, Spinning and Tackle-Making Manual and Manufacturer's Guide by George Herter. This guide is very complete, even a little overdone. The condensed version is more to the point and less confusing for the beginner. Flies by J. Edson Leonard, published by A.S. Barnes, New York. A complete manual with a list of 2,200 patterns. Noll Guide to Trout Flies and How to Tie Them, published by Davis-Delaney-Arrow, Inc., New York. Beautiful color plates of flies and materials, but not very much how-to information. Nevertheless, because of the illustrations and the low price, every fly-tier should have a copy.

Fly-Tying Materials

Here are the basic supplies you'll need when you begin to practice your new craft:
VISE. Not the heavy workshop variety but a most handy tool that clamps securely to a table and holds a hook firmly in place while a fly is being formed around it. Buy the best you can find . . . the Thompson vise is of excellent quality.
SCISSORS. Purchase two pair of good steel scissors that taper to a fine point. One should be very small and the other have blades about 3 1/2" long.
DUBBING NEEDLE. This small tool is used for numerous precision jobs such as removing cement from the eye of a hook or releasing feathers that may have been tied down by mistake. You might try a hatpin, or make a substitute by embedding a needle in a wooden dowel.
BOBBIN. A little gadget that conveniently holds down your tying silk as you work on a fly. Some craftsmen don't use a bobbin, but it might make matters a bit easier for a beginner.
HACKLE PLIERS are a type of small, spring-action forceps which are used to turn hackle feathers around a hook. Not all fly-tiers use this tool but the majority who do wouldn't be without it.
FLY-TYING CEMENT comes in small jars and helps hold bits of material together.
FLY-TYING WAX. Unless your tying silk is prewaxed, you should coat it with this substance to add strength and adhesion.
ASSORTED FEATHERS, FURS, SILKS, TINSELS AND HOOKS. Caution: never purchase any feather or fur which comes from an endangered species, even though such materials may be for sale. Unfortunately, many fly patterns call for supplies like condor quills and polar bear hair and other substances which are now definitely "off limits" . . . you'll see what I mean when you look through the catalogs. Although it's currently illegal to sell many of these products, some may still be offered, and I urge you to be very careful when making purchases. Always use substitutes if buying the real thing may jeopardize the future of a species.


Read more: http://www.motherearthnews.com/diy/how-to-tie-flies-zmaz73mjzraw.aspx#ixzz2kuNvFi00