Lately a larger part of the population has adopted big-game fishing as a weekend activity. Sharks have become a favorite target, especially in northeastern waters. Their fearsome meat-eating style incites the great North American game fisherman or fisherwoman to prove themselves against this ancient creature of the deep.

A booming shark sport fishing cottage industry has been created featuring many tournaments and contests, and bringing to the dock thousands of blues, makos, tiger sharks and bull sharks ready to be “steak cut” or filleted for a weekend barbeque. Makos & black fin sharks are the best eating.

In this article we are covering the more common and widely available sharks. What applies to these more common sharks also applies to the more regional species such as the great white, hammerhead, bull shark, white tip, and black tip.

Our article covers the blue shark, mako, and tiger sharks. These are the most numerous of popular game shark fishing found in North America, which include, great whites, and hammerheads.

Blue Shark Fishing
The blue shark, preferring cool to temperate waters, is found throughout northeastern waters in summer months. Blue sharks are most prevalent off the coast of Long Island and New England, and they range as far south as Virginia, Maryland, and the Carolinas. Pacific blues are found as far north as Alaska, and have been consistently spotted in Chilean waters.

Blues do not generally hunt for larger mammals and such prey — they can often be found trailing whaling and shrimp boats feeding on waste and bait discards. Yet they are among the most aggressive of all sharks when provoked, and have been known to attack humans when in this state.

Mako Shark Fishing
The Mako shark has an uncharacteristically idiosyncratic-like diet (for a shark) and is extremely tough to land after hooked. They are definitely a game fish for saltwater fishermen who know what they’re doing and have some experience. The penalty for inexperience in this case can be serious injury. The mako is heavily desired among veteran anglers from Montauk to the Sea of Cortez — no other shark possesses or displays the jaw set and teeth of this brute force shark.

Adult mako sharks are world class predators. The mako comes in two versions, the long fin and short fin. Both subspecies range through the tropical and warm-waters of the Atlantic and Pacific. The short fin, however, will often hunt inshore, which makes it the far more common prey of boat captains and charter fishing trips.

This shark is one of the more dangerous sharks to swimmers, surfers and surf fishermen. It also seems, from available evidence, to be the more widely distributed mako, occurring in the Atlantic from Cape Cod to Argentina, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, and in the Pacific from the Columbia River in summer to California coastal waters and as far south as Chile year-round.

Mako have been spotted in the Gulf of California. The long fin mako is a rarer species that favors the open seas of the Caribbean and Pacific. Few long fin mako have ever been caught off the Atlantic coast or Gulf of Mexico. The mako ranks among the most dangerous of sharks. Experienced fishermen everywhere always approach them with the greatest of care. They are furious when hooked, and although their 20′ and 30′ jumps are exciting, makos will often try to ram or leap into the enemy’s boat.

– No shark should be brought boat-side or onto the deck until it is completely exhausted –

– A living shark brought close to overconfident fishermen can cause serious injury.–

– A wounded Mako, like all other large sharks, can bite with strength until drawing its very last breath.

Bait for Sharks
- The shark is widely available to the sport of fishing, because its omnivorous appetite shows little discrimination for artificially rigged bait. They’ll eat anything!!! Use cut bait for sharks, in particular any oily, scented fish e.g. barracuda, mackerel, and oily chum.
Use a slab of kingfish or barracuda under a balloon or bobber & then suspend the slab of bait into the oily chum. Stagger your baits as to shallow level, mid level bait, & deep set bait.

Fishing Tackle
- Heavy conventional, stiff rods. Conventional reels and big hooks. Bring a variety of hooks 5/0 to 10/0 to use depending on the size of the sharks. J hooks or Circle hooks will work just fine.

How to Find Sharks
- Anchor your boat in channels and around rock piles & reef edges. Throw out your chum bag & you shouldn’t have to wait too long for the sharks.

To get more shark fishing tips and resources please visit ExcitingSharkFishing.com

Frustrating as it is, carp fishing is awesome. Carp are really good at sucking in and blowing out suspicious baits. It’s such an excitement to see the whole action in a fraction of a second as you hang on for dear life while the reel is trembling with a loud noise.

Carp happily devour on the surface as long as you keep the pellets, biscuits, chic peas, bread, and re-hydrated corn coming in, and these are inexpensive baits as well. Just attach them to the hooks, most preferably the bread. Have the biscuits softened by dipping it in the water for about 2 minutes, then, place them in a sealed sandwich bag for about an hour. Since different brands have different textures, just experiment to know which is firm enough to cast. Another way to hook baits is super gluing the pellet into the shank.

Once they get into feeding, let them feel comfortable around the bait. This gives more opportunity for the fisherman since they begin to not feel picky. This tactic can be useful for zig rigs.

As soon as they’re feeding, cast the bait but make sure not to drop the bait directly onto the feeding carp. Cast away from the feeding area then slowly draw it in position. While the bait is till hanging, keep the food coming in so as to keep the carp from going away.

How to Set-Up?

Use a hair rig to increase your chance of catching. As carp taste food first, if they don’t like the taste, they won’t come near it.
You may also use a Spider Line, 50 lbs test, then use a leader material that fits the situation.
Thread the bait on the baiting needle and hook the hair loop. You may also use foam dipped in a flavor as this enhances the attractiveness of the bait.
Also make a baiting needle by just straightening a long shank hook. Slide the bait on the shank, then slide the bait from the needle onto the hair.
Using a float is also an advantage because it adds weight for further distancing and the location is easily identified.
Don’t forget the controller float rig. A leader can be used which is attached to the swivel to its mainline of at least 3 feet length with a 10lbs Drennan double strength. A low diameter mono will do just as long as it floats well enough for visibility.

As experts say, it is not the bait that catches the carp but the method in which the bait is introduced. Pre-bait everyday, in one spot for a few days. This makes the carp think that there is a regular source of food for them and by word of mouth? there’ll soon be a school of fish around. Just be patient and it will all work.

To get more carp fishing tips and resources please visit ExcitingCarpFishing.com

Careful planning and preparation is all it takes to make ice fishing the greatest time of your life or the worst. Easy? Take a look at the following tips and see how prepared you are to catch those fish!

Buy early

Make a list of the supplies you used last season and replenish them early. Make sure you get all those Glo-Buster Bluelights or Lindy Tazers. All you need to remember is four words: wise up, stock up.

Check the hole on the ice floor

Simply put, make sure the hole is clean. Chips or chunks of ice could cause entanglements in one’s fishing line and could make you catch fish or literally break your chances of getting any, as these could sever the line therefore losing your chance of getting that trophy of a lifetime bluegill. Remember to keep the hole clear of any barrier.

Fish more, get the big four

The bait you simply cannot go on without: wax worms, minnows, assorted PowerBait, maggots. It is best to keep these bait separated and as much as possible alive using coolers such as a small Coleman.

Clean em all up

Inspect and clean the rods and fishing reels you are going to use. Q-tips are best for taking out the nicks in every nook and cranny of your ice rod. Non-freezing oil for lubing fishing reels is advisable.

Heat up

Do not forget to bring those heaters and pounds and pounds of propane cylinders. One cannot fish comfortably if he or she is as cold as the fish under the ice. ice fishing should be fun and feel comfy too.

House up

The ice is harsh and cold but it doesn’t mean you have to feel that too. Ice tents should be cleaned out as well by putting over a light coat of lubricant at the joints. If there is any wear or tear, it is best to contact the manufacturer in order for them to send out the appropriate repair kit, as deemed necessary.

Gear Up

Better be safe than sorry, make sure you get a set of lifeguard spikes as well as a safety rope. Also, to feel less of the cold and at the same time be cool, pick up a fishing coat from the Carhartt Extremes Arctic Jacket. Avoid frost bits on your toes and feet, the best shoes are the Irish Setters Versa Trax to keep you warm all over.

To get more ice fishing tips and resources please visit Howto-Ice-Fishing.com

Strange that stocks is the word on everyone’s lips and there is so much written about them. Why is that so, one wonders when bonds are far less risky and the returns you earn on them are not to be scoffed at.

It’s probably the thrill that stocks bring in their wake. It invokes the gambler in a person. Worse, if it were to go up due to some market movement, the one who bought the stock is absolutely convinced that he has a lucky streak or that he is extremely discerning. However, one has to face up to the fact that a stock is a volatile commodity and there are times when the swings can be quite upsetting.

Bonds are by and large the old faithfuls ?reliable, even boring. You have the corporate AAA or the government bonds that pay an unexciting amount and you have the higher paying 15% bonds which could turn out to be junk bonds. Sure, there is the element of risk here too but it is far lower than playing the stock market where you don’t often know which way the wind blows.

You need more money to buy a bond. You could get one for a price that could be equivalent to a hundred $10 shares in a company. You also have a choice of mutual funds ?these are funds that invest in bonds. There are specific programs and you could ask your broker for those details.

Unlike stocks which can be bought and sold ever so quickly, bonds are not as easy to sell. You cannot do online trading in bonds like you do with stocks. You might need to make a call to do so and the commissions you have to pay too are usually larger. They are not traded by all brokers and you will have to ask your broker to list out the options.

From a short-term point of view, bonds are not as volatile but you do find changes when there are interest rates changes or certain other economic triggers. With bonds, you get a coupon rate unlike the dividends with stocks which could be subject to the management’s fancies. This coupon rate is a rate that is fixed when the bond is issued and in case you want to sell it, this is what the buyer will also look at. You also have a maturity date on the bond and on that date, the total amount for which the bond is made out has to be paid to the bond-holder. The amount of time to maturity is another factor that affects a bond’s sales price.

The government has a much stronger influence over bonds than stocks and their policies ?whether it is regarding lending rates or any other economic decision as well as any legislation that affects economic policies or insurance or banks.

If you want a reliable factor to be present in your portfolio, don’t put all your eggs into the stock basket ?a healthy mix with the reliability of bonds thrown in, is always preferable.

To get more bond investing tips and resources please visit Bond-Investing-Tips.com

Bipolar is a disorder which has many definitions. It indicates a state of mind where the person experiences extreme variations in mood. It is also known as manic depression where deep depression follows high elation and this is an alternating process. This type of depression can have very lasting effects on the individual and on the family. It is characterized as manic episodes following depressive episodes.

Simply put, here is a disease that affects every aspect of human behavior - thoughts, feelings, perception and of course over all behavior. The reason for these mood swings, according to experts, is due to malfunctioning electrical and chemical elements in the brain. There is an opinion that it may be hereditary and if someone in the family had it or any other mental disorder, then chances are that you may also get it.

Medication is available but patients are not always comfortable taking them. The prescription medication is very often passed over in favor of alternative therapies or supplemental medication.

Research has shown that fish is very effective in treating bipolar patients. It is the omega 3 content in certain fish that is found to be an effective remedy. An intensive research was carried out on thirty bipolar patients which was a double blind study and placebo controlled. The aim was to compare the efficacy of omega 3 versus placebo or olive oil treatment for bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder has been defined as a neuropsychiatic illness with a high morbidity and mortality rate. The preliminary studies showed that omega 3 had a better performance and the result was seen in the form of longer remissions. This was done based on the severity of symptoms on a four point scale. Studies are still on and researchers are looking to produce some new classes of psychotropic compounds that would work as effective mood stabilizers.

Herbal supplements are preferred over the prescribed drugs but it has to be pointed out not all herbs are meant for bipolar treatment. There are some herbs which can make the condition worse and there are others which will react if taken along with certain drugs. So if you are considering herbal medication and are also on some regular drugs then do check with your doctor first.

Another important aspect to keep in mind while undergoing treatment for bipolar is diet and your nutrition. It is very important that your body gets the right nutrients at the right time. Holistic physicians prescribe thiamin, magnesium and B complex for depressive episodes.

It is a good idea to talk to your rabbi, priest or pastor instead of therapists. The role of the religious community is now being given due regard in terms of involvement in medication and psychotherapies. Prayers and spirituality make up this line of treatment.

There is yet another avenue that can be considered by those who stay at home a lot. These are called expressive therapies where you can join an art group or painting, sculpting or whatever your hobby is. You are sure to find a therapist in your locality where expressive and art therapies are undertaken. If you are looking for movement then try a dance class where you can allow your feet to tap out a rhythm all on their own. Put in all the emotional, cognitive and physical facets to your dancing and let your spirit soar.

If dance is not your thing but you like music then try a sound therapy class where soft soothing music will help your treatment. The stimulation of body chemicals will result in improvement in breathing, pulse rate, blood pressure and flow and posture changes.

Traditional therapies or even those based on cultures like acupuncture, yoga, reiki and shiatsu are all healing arts and these operate on the overall state of wellness of the individual comprising the emotional, spiritual and the physical. An imbalance in the forces in your body will result in an illness.

Ideally speaking, a combination of all these therapies - right diet, art therapies, pastoral, omega 3, traditional and art therapy and maybe the imbalance of forces in the body might be the answer.

What has to be remembered is that if you are on prescribed medication, don’t stop that and check with your doctor if you have any problems. Confirm that you can safely use alternative medication with prescribed drugs.

To get more bipolar disorder tips and resources please visit That-Bipolar-Disorder.com

To the world, Asia has made the contribution of martial arts. Bruce Lee is the best example of this. He was first a martial arts master and then a Hollywood star. Martial arts have always been a favorite with movie makers and even now there are films like House of Flying Daggers and Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon to name just a few.

Japan is where you will find a rich history of this sport but China is what comes to mind when anyone says martial arts. Modern Japan conducts tournaments and promotes this sport in a big way abroad and at home. The Japanese have an old heritage of contact body sport and they are very athletic as a race.

Aikido is one such sport that is promoted by the Japanese. The word Aikido is derived from three words where Ai which means joining, Ki which means spirit and Do which means way. This tells us that we are not just talking about a sport in the physical sense of the word but it emphasizes the philosophical and spiritual development of the student and this was given a lot of focus by the proponent of Aikido who was called Ueshiba.

Aikido dwells on the theory of using harmony to defeat the opponent rather than violence. It aims to catch the opponent where he is the weakest and then the aim is to divert his attack or then immobilize him but not to kill him. It is this theory that makes Aikido beautiful to watch and it is very positive in nature. Of the people fighting there is a minimum of one who is looking for harmony and he performs the movement with grace and elegance. There are calculated moves but they exude an air of finesse and grace that is not feminine in nature but one which exudes peace. The sport is also called the art of peace and it is known to have some very positive influences on its practitioners and on those who choose to learn this sport.

There are some techniques involved in Aikido. The first is Ikkyo where the opponent is controlled by using one hand to hold the elbow and the other at the wrist. This step will aid in pinning the opponent down. Nikyo is the next technique where an adductive wristlock will help you twist your opponent’s arm and cause some pressure on the nerve. Sankyo is the third where tension is sent upward - arm to elbow to shoulder.

Aikido does not only mean developing your physical strength but also your mental strength and capacity to effectively defeat the opponent. Perfecting this art requires hours of practice and strict discipline. Those who want to get into this field must do their best and they must try and perform it to the best of their ability.

To get more aikido tips and resources please visit That-Aikido.com

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