Stay active this winter with your fishing. I know there are many reasons why you have set aside your favorite past-time the last few months this winter. The biggest reason, and probably the one I hear the most, is "It's too cold". While that may sound valid, I have to say, you are missing out on some great fishing action. If you are dressed properly, the chill of winter can be defeated and there are some fish in the water waiting to be caught. Sure, we have all heard about wearing lots of layers, but take these additional tips into account and let me help you stay warm on your next fishing trip.

The most important parts that need attention are head, toes and fingers. I always have a couple layers on my head. Layers on your head? Since body heat escapes from your head, it is the most important of all places. I always keep a ball cap and a hood from my sweatshirt on top of my head. Whether I'm fishing or running your boat, it is important not to let yourself get a chill and these layers will help. I also wear a neck scarf that is primarily used in skiing. The neck scarf keeps wind from blowing into my chest. The area around your neck is vulnerable and one that is typically neglected.

I have two pairs of gloves that I wear on really cold days. The first pair of small thin gloves with no covering over my finger tips never comes off - I use a larger pair over top of them when my fishing technique allows or when I am running up and down the lake.

The final most vulnerable spot is the feet. I use a minimum of 2 pairs of socks. It is better if you wear all cotton socks on the outer layer and some moisture-wicking socks on the inner layer - this helps keeps moisture off your feet. I always stuff the legs of my thermal undergarments into the top of my socks for extra protection.

Now get out there, stay warm and enjoy the winter fishing!

Follow Kurt Dove at www.kurtdove.com

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A venting/fizzing tool is a tool that helps you release trapped gasses from a fish's over-expanded swim bladder. Many venting/fizzing tools are available today, they are similar to a 16 gauge syringe with the plunger removed. It is an important tool that you will want to add to your tacklebox.

Many marine and freshwater fish have a gas-filled organ, called a swim bladder, that controls buoyancy and allows a fish to maintain its depth in the water column. When a fish is brought quickly to the surface from the depths, usually greater than 60 feet, the change in pressure can cause the gas in the swim bladder to expand. An over-expanded swim bladder can rupture causing gasses to escape and continue to expand in the fish's body cavity.

Look for the following symptoms when you reel a fish in from deep water:

• A bloated belly
• Bulging eyes
• Stomach protruding from the mouth
• Intestines protruding from the anus

If a fish exhibits any of these symptoms, the fish is probably in a hyper buoyant condition and needs to be vented/fizzed. This condition can usually be confirmed if the fish cannot right itself when it tries to swim.

To vent/fizz a fish execute the following procedures:

• Moisten your hands
• Place the fish on a flat surface and hold in place gently but firmly
• Insert the venting tool at a 45° angle under a scale in an area about 1 to 2 inches behind the base of the pectoral fin
• Insert the venting/fizzing tool into the skin just deep enough to release the trapped gas (you'll hear the gas escape or "fizz" out of the tool)
• Remove the venting tool and release the fish with the head at a downward angle (the first kick from the tail fin will propel the fish downward)
• Clean your venting/fizzing tool

A venting/fizzing tool should not be used if a fish appears normal, not bloated, and appears able to swim down to habitat depth on its own.
Read More

Learn More Tips at www.RecycledFish.org

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• Angler Registry Outreach Toolkit
• Angler Registry Program
• How Surveys Work Fact Sheet
• Query Catch and Trip Data

Our featured guides and charters are selected from our Online Fishing Guide & Charter Locator - each one offering a discount to BoatUS and BoatUS ANGLER Members.

To search for a guide or charter for hire in your area simply go to www.BoatUSAngler.com/guides

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Question:
My boat sits on the trailer for months at a time. A buddy who was visiting says I run the chance of having what he called "flat spots" on the trailer tires as a result. What are flat spots and is this something I should be worried about?

Answer:
Flat spots occur when the tires sit in the same position for a long period of time. It is more prevalent in Bias Ply tires. They will usually go away when it warms up and tire is used frequently again, although you may experience "thumping" for a period of time. There may be permanent damage depending on the overall condition of the tire. It is recommended that you block your trailer in a manner that takes the weight off of the tires during long-term storage (2+ months). It is even better if you can take the tires off and store them in your garage or basement. Tires are susceptible to degradation from UV rays so it is best to cover them or store them inside. It is also recommended to lower the air pressure.

Click Here to submit your questions to The Trailering Guys

Need to ask our Bass Fishing or
Gulf Coast Fishing experts a question?

Click Here to visit the "Ask the Experts" homepage

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Planning a fishing trip in the coming year? Use these tips to help you and your fishing buddies have the best trip possible.

1. What are your fishing priorities? Identifying your priorities is one of the first things you must do to plan a great fishing trip. Just saying you want great fishing is not good enough; you need to be more specific. Great fishing may be perceived differently by each person in your fishing party. One person might be happy with catching 15 fish per day, while another might be expecting 25 fish per hour. So, you need to decide this up front.

2. What type of fish do you want to catch? While this may seem obvious, it is something that needs to be discussed. One person may want to fish for grouper and snapper, while others may want to go bass fishing. Since grouper and snapper are salt water fishes, this will really disappoint the bass fisherman as bass are fresh water fishes.

3. What is the weight of the fishing line you be using? Depending on the type and the size of fish you want to catch you will need to buy fishing line of the right weight. If the line is too light, it will snap when the fish is "fighting" with you when it gets hooked or when you haul onto dry land.

4. What is the mode of your fishing trip? Some anglers simply enjoy catching many fish (most any size) hoping to get a few big ones. Other fishermen prefer to catch the biggest fish they can find through minimizing the number of fish caught. You need to decide which is more important to your fishing group... many fish that are not the biggest or less fish which gives a greater chance of a huge one. It should be noted that there are many places where you can do both... catch lots of fish and get some big ones.
Read More

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BoatUS ANGLER's 2009 "Catch of the Month" contest has ended. We would like to thank all who participated and we look forward to next year's contest.

Each monthly winner received a $50 Visa Gift Card as well as lures and gear from our sponsors. One Grand Prize has been awarded in each category, (freshwater and saltwater), in a drawing from all winning entries. Our Grand Prize winners will also be featured in the Spring issue of BoatUS ANGLER Magazine.

Here are the Grand Prize Winners:

Freshwater Entry Grant Olsen Alpine, Utah (15 lb. Tiger Muskie)	Saltwater Entry Henry Miller Jacksonville, Florida (51 lb. Redfish)

Click Here to View the Photos from 2009!

Tips for taking great photos -

• Choose the right composition - Be aware of background clutter that might detract from your subject.
• Fill the frame with your subject; be careful not to cut off anybody's head or the fish's tail.
• If you are not removing the fish from the water, cradle its upper body in one hand, keeping your fingers out of the gills, with your other hand grip the tail and then position the fish at an angle.
• If removing the fish from the water for photographs, have things ready before removing it. Take a few quick shots and return the fish to the water - never keep a fish out of water longer than you can hold your own breath.

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The Professional Anglers Association is continuing its PAA Payday Program for 2010, a tournament bonus program with potential bonuses ranging from $250 to $1,000 paid to winners of an even longer list of sanctioned bass tournaments when the anglers are PAA members.

PAA President John Crews said the organization is proud to continue such a beneficial program for their members.

"This idea started as a way to pay money back to our members," Crews said. "The program grew our membership and we paid out more than $15,000 in the first year. We hope our members keep winning and we keep growing."

For 2010, the PAA Payday Program continues to have multiple levels. The Weekend Winners program includes Fishers of Men, Team Trails, BASS Weekend Series, ABA and many more events. Those events pay $250 to the winner of a regular season event as long as they are a PAA member before the event. The Advantage Winners program pays a $750 bonus to the winners of certain regular sanctioned events, which include BASS Opens, FLW Stren Series, and others. Advantage winners must be Advantage level members. Current dues are $50 for General, $150 for Advantage, and $400 for Tour level membership.

The list of sanctioned events will be continually updated on our website. The PAA is constantly considering tournament trails for the PAA Payday Program.

For more information on the PAA Payday Program and interest in having a tournament trail included or for general information about the Professional Anglers Association, visit their website at www.fishpaa.com, or contact the PAA office at 270-527-2030.

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BoatU.S. Wave of Fortune Contest Ends
NC Boater Wins $25,000!

A boater from North Carolina is $25,000 wealthier thanks to the BoatU.S. Wave of Fortune Sweepstakes. Mr. Kerry Watts of Charlotte, NC, has won the grand prize capping off the yearlong event. Watts earned one sweepstakes entry last spring after a boating friend urged him to join BoatU.S.

"I needed insurance for my boat and my friend who grew up in boating asked me, 'Why would you not insure your boat with people who only specialize in boats?' Now, he's asking for half of my winnings," chuckled Watts.

An avid boater, Watts says he has owned his 21-foot Chaparral bow rider for 12 years, but wishes he could take some of the winnings for a down payment on a new 25-foot Cobalt cruiser. However, the out-of-work residential land developer admits that the money will come in handy paying the bills. Read More

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Take advantage of BoatUS Member savings up to 50 percent off the brochure fare on departures from February 2010 through the final sailing of the season in April 2010.

You will sail on Star Clippers flagship, Royal Clipper, and enjoy all the amenities and activities that you would expect on a private yacht and with only 227 guests, you won't be part of a crowd on your vacation. Be sure to book early to avoid disappointment and get the cabin and sailing of your choice. Don't miss the boat! Click here or call 800-477-4427 today and ask for the "BoatUS Desk" to take advantage of these special Member offers!

Don’t forget to take advantage of great rental car rates from our partners Hertz, Budget and Avis. Click here to learn more

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