Cleaning Your Shimano Fishing Reel

By Derek Gatehouse

Cleaning your reel is important I'm afraid, if you want it to last, and to continue to perform. And nothing is worse than hooking that big one, only to have problems with your rod or reel. Not to mention it'll last a lot longer if you clean it once in a while!

You're reel really only needs cleaning once or twice a year--twice if you're in salt water often. Reel cleaning is not difficult but you do need to do it right. Let us begin with the tools required:

* one clean towel

* a small screwdriver (typically it's a Phillips head)

* a small bottle of reel grease, not WD-40 (WD-40 can leave residue which attracts dirt. Use a high quality reel oil and grease)

* a few Q-tips

* a couple of paper towels

Firstly, remove your reel from the fishing rod. Use some paper towels to completely wipe it down.

Now you need to remove the handle of your reel. This is usually done either by removing a screw that might be there on the handle itself, or else by winding the handle in a backward direction. With the handle off, sit it down on a clean paper towel.

Now make sure that the reel is lying in such a way that the screws that hold it together are exposed. Then remove these screws (usually there are between three and five) and place them next to the handle. This should expose a small plate which can now be removed. Remove that plate and put it next to your screws.

You should now see inside the reel. Clean any dirt you see in the reel with one of the Q-tips. Next, put a few drops of your reel grease on each of the gears.

Note: More is not necessarily better here! Too much grease will clog everything up. You really only need a tiny bit of reel grease to do the job properly.

To reassemble, simply reverse the above process. Put the plate back into place and screw in the screws. Before reattaching the handle though, add some grease to it as well. Finally, re-install the handle.

About the Author:

Derek is serious when it comes to Shimano fishing. For more information on the best prices available online, visit Shimano reels.

The Many Attributes of the Garmin Handheld GPS Oregon 400c

By LaZinnia Manley

Garmin like other electronic manufactures keep making their products more technologically advanced at a more affordable price. The Garmin Handheld GPS Oregon 400c is one of their latest handheld gps unit releases. It features a touch screen that is readable in direct sunlight as well as in total darkness. The screen is comfortable to read at a diagonal length of three inches

The touch screen of the Oregon 400c is protected with a protective covering. This prevents the screen from cracking if the unit is dropped. The software used in the Oregon 400c is very innovative and yet easy to use. The Colorado 400c is a rugged receiver and can be used for any type of adventure. It also is water proof.

The Garmin Handheld GPS Colorado 400c is also especially useful for those who spend quite a lot of time on the water and want to keep in tune with the surroundings, the unit also features enhancements like BlueChart G2. But sadly, as of the time of this release, only the marine places in the US and the Bahamian Islands are integrated into the unit.

Just like its predecessor, data can be shared in a wireless manner between similar units. This makes it easier to share information regarding the way points and points of interest to friends. One other feature which has found its place in the Garmin Oregon 400c Receiver is the support for Geocaching GPX files. This in turn eliminates the need for manually entering the coordinates and roaming around with paper print outs of the locality.

With the Oregon 400c you can share your favorite photo's with other Garmin users. The Garmin Handheld GPS Oregon 400c's size make it easy to carry in a pocket or on a belt clip or holster.

The Garmin Handheld GPS Oregon 400c receiver includes the patented HotFix prediction algorithm as well as WAAS. The Oregon 400c gives positional data even under adverse conditions like heavy tree cover of deep canyons.

The Garmin Handheld GPS Oregon 400c has Micro SD card slot for using the latest SD cards for preset maps. It also includes an electronic compass as well as a barometer allowing you keep up with weather and even plotting it on a graph if you wish.

The Garmin Handheld GPS Oregon 400c is one of the latest gps receivers to be released and is a high level receiver with all the latest technology included for your enjoyment and forays into unknown territory. Give one a try on your next adventure.

About the Author:

The Garmin Handheld GPS Oregon 400c is one of the latest and most technologically advanced GPS units on the market today. It will make any outdoor adventure more enjoyable and unique.

Get Mississippi Cruise Critics To Help You Choose The Right Vacation

By Anthony Herbert

When looking for that perfect Mississippi cruise, there are all sorts of reviews covering the various options, including those given by professional cruise critics. Specialized critics give an exceptional viewpoint on cruises that you cannot get by reading customer reviews. You can learn a lot by reading their opinions.

The review of a competent Mississippi cruise critic will include all the important facts to measure up the offered trip to similar ones. Whether it is the accommodation, the food, the sights or the excursions that you are mostly interested in, here you will find your answers.

You will usually be able to get a lot of details about the lodging from Mississippi cruise critics. This includes the size of the cabins, the quality and fittings of the bathroom, and the decoration and quality of the cabins overall.

Even if you decide not to book a specific trip as described by a Mississippi cruise critic, reading it will still be very instructive as it will allow you to check on what kinds of amenities are considered normal and usual for a certain kind of travel package.

Expert critics explain about the tipping policies on the ship and give an estimation as to whether they are acceptable or not. If you are a rookie cruiser, you could follow the established patterns without questioning whether the Mississippi cruise ship that you have chosen has a good tipping policy.

A Mississippi cruise critic's comment may just make the difference between you choosing one of two comparable offers. One thing that you may want to watch out in the reviews are payment and cancellation terms, as these will be usually described and can vary a lot from trip to trip.

Another thing that you will get a lot of information about when reading the comment of a Mississippi cruise critic is the quality and abundance of food served on board. You will be able to sample your way through a cruise's menu even before having set foot on to the boat.

While these are often optional, Mississippi cruise critics will usually participate in shoreline trips too, to give you a better idea of the additional activities that you can expect to be offered during the voyage.

The Mississippi cruise critic will comment on the short onshore trips in detail, allowing you to decide whether or not you will want to join them. This is especially important for extra, paid for excursions, as you may not want to participate in all.

Mississippi cruise critics can help you to understand all the advantages and disadvantages of taking a certain ship. Their personal judgment is usually easy to sort from the facts they give on the cruises. For that reason, you can learn much about your Mississippi cruise from them.

About the Author:

MississippiCruiseGuide.com is the premier resource for Mississippi cruises on the Net, with information on subjects such as how to prepare for your cruise, as well as on booking the trip, cruising through several states, making the most out of the cruise - click the links above to find out more!

My Favorite Fishing Trip

By Derek Gatehouse

I've written hundreds of fishing articles over the years. Funny thing is, although this article is about the best fishing trip I ever went on, I'm not sure it actually belongs in the fishing category.

It wasn't the sunny weather or the terrific fishing or even the idealistic location that made this such a wonderful trip though. It was my fishing partner. This you see was quite possibly my final fishing trip with my first born son.

I can still see his face when he caught his first perch at age five; smiling ear to ear while hiding the nervousness of what he might have to do about a very squirmy fish on his hook.

And now he is his own man, and a fine one at that. There are a million things a 21 year old could be doing instead of sitting in a boat with the old man, but I was grateful he didn't see it that way. If this was indeed to be our last trip together, I couldn't have asked for a better time. We seem to change out there on the lake, our fast paced life far behind us. We weren't even father and son, just two guys enjoying a slower pace, beautiful nature, and good conversation.

It seemed we could more easily talk about things we had trouble with at home. His desire to find his own place, to make movies one day, to move to a warmer year round climate. He told me of his plans to travel the world. And I gladly sat and listened to it all; no judging, no advising (okay... not much advising). Knowing how brief this would all be, I just sat and gladly listened to him.

It's funny how fishing and time distort each other. For me time just stops out on the water. The "real" world disappears. There's only that moment, and I wished I could freeze the moment forever.

What a cruel joke of nature that our principal job with our kids is also the toughest one: to let them go. To teach them to be self sufficient and well adjusted, and then let them fly away. My wife and I are so happy that we learned early on to stop and appreciate the "moment" as they happen. Time really does pass too quickly.

And on the afternoon of our last day, when he caught a perch, we shared a knowing glance. A nod it seemed not only to the past, but to our changing roles and a new life chapter. And I'm happy to say, he still smiles ear to ear when he catches one.

For all I know there will be more fishing trips; it may not have been our last. But he's leaving us now, striking out on his own, and it very much felt like the end of a life chapter. And though bittersweet, I am unbelievably grateful to have managed this spontaneous trip.

So if you're lucky enough to fish with your kids, remember to cherish the moments. Teach them, yes, but just sit and watch them too. Time does not, as it turns out, stop out there on the lake.

About the Author:

Derek Gatehouse is quite passionate when it comes to fishing. To see Derek's main fishing website, which carries Shimano reels, please go to Shimano Fishing.

Decoding Boat Propeller Terminology

By Todd Alan

If you have never needed to look for a boat propeller in the past, and have only started out, all the jargon that is associated with a boat prop can leave you quite confused. However, once youve familiarized yourself with the associated language, looking for a boat prop can be quite easy.

The parts of a boat prop: The normal boat propeller is made of either three or four blades which surround the hub. The hub, in turn, connects the blades of the propeller to the engines drive shaft. The blades are angled in the way that enables them to screw through water, thereby moving the boat ahead. The leading edge refers to the end of the blade that cuts through water, and the opposite side is referred to as the trailing edge.

A spline, while technically, is not a part of the propeller, refers to the drive shafts teeth. Hubs are designed in a way that allows them to fit shafts with given numbers of splines.

The features of a boat prop: Boat props are classified by their diameter and pitch, and this is often displayed as 2 numbers (in inches), such as 15.5 X 12. One can usually find this stamped on the props hub. The 1st number refers to the props diameter (which would be double the distance from the blades end to the hubs center). The 2nd number refers to the props pitch. The pitch refers to the distance that the propeller can theoretically travel through with every revolution. A prop with a 12 inch pitch could travel around 1 foot with a single revolution. Pitch is often looked upon as a theoretical figure because a prop pitch can experience slips in varied real world scenarios. A slip refers to the difference in ratio between the actual distance that is traveled and the props given pitch. This slip can be varied under similar conditions, an example being that an efficiently planned boat could experience only a 10 percent slip, where as a heavy work boat could experience as much as 80 percent slip.

Rotation of a propeller can be right or left hand, and most boat propellers come with right hand rotation. Left handed rotation is generally found aboard boats that require heavy steering wherein the motors torque is countered using double engines.

A cupped blade refers to the special treatment wherein the prop blades trailing edge is curved. This helps increase performance levels under specific conditions.

The rake refers to the blades angle from the hub. A negative rake indication shows that the blades are pointed forward (towards the boats front), and this is generally done to strengthen high end props.

Before you start, it is important that you note down your engines specifications, such as make, horse power (HP), model, etc. and your existing props details like its material (steel, aluminum, etc), diameter, pitch, and number of blades. You can then comfortably embark upon your hunt for a new boat prop.

About the Author:

The top source for information on boat props.

30 Sailboat Adventures

By Douglas Malat

I always thought you can't do much with a 30 sailboat but sail around the bays, with an occasional hop to a not so far away harbor. I was wrong.

Racing sailing completely changed my weekends and the way I felt about my sailboat. I converted my friends into crew members and got set to win races. Sometimes races were around buoys and others were around island, but either way, it was important to be familiar with the tides and winds. Understanding tides and winds is key to winning the race

At times, you'll find yourself up against the tide. Then you'll want to find the lighter side of the tide. When the tide is with you, you'll want to find the strongest part to give you a boost in speed. The same goes for the winds. Closer to shore, the warm land generates winds that blow onshore. It's better to ride with them than to sail in the middle of the bay where the winds are not as strong. A mere 3 knots difference can be all you need to beat out your competitors.

When I first started racing, the more experienced racers stole a trophy from me many times. One time, we had a close call pulling past the last buoy to the finish line when a sailboat turned away to find stronger winds and quickly zipped past us. Over time, you learn more and more about racing; where to pick up extra speed and how to put your sails to work for you. My racing days were both exciting and frustrating. Races lasted a few hours to a few days. Always a challenge.

I've taken my 30 sailboat through some races with very high wind conditions. They might not start that way, but I've been in some wild ones where crew on other sailboats had to have helicopters remove them for broken bones and other various things. I have been on a race and won a trophy for third for actually drifting the best during the race; there was no wind for 2 hours and for some reason the current grabbed me better, thanks to my deep keel or wide beam. I was certainly happy to take third place! So the more I raced, the more familiar I became with different wind and sea conditions. Where my 30 sailboat rode the best, pulling top speeds without heavy effort on the crew or the boat! You get to feel that groove where you are ripping yet comfortable. It's a combination of your boat's best point of sail, with a mix of using the sailboat's lines and characteristics to its advantage.

About the Author:

Captain Douglas Malat is a co-creator of YachtAuthority.com, a website where you will find great selections of racing sailboats for sale in your area.

New Times With Old Town Kayaks

By Toby Johns

Forging our ways across the waters has been a method of travel for thousands of years. Old Town Kayaks has been around since the twenty-first century, fashioning kayaks since 1940. Originally inspired by the canoe of the Native Americans, Old Towne began manufacturing kayaks with sealskin design, as well as wood and canvas.

In the 1950's, Old Town began making their kayaks out of lightweight fiberglass. Now, as we enter into more modern times and contemporary technologies, Old Town produces their kayaks using durable PolyLink3 and SuperLink3. But with all these choices and styles, how can a person figure out which kayak is right for them?

Kayaks are considerably different in their design from canoes. They let you quickly and easily maneuver in the water through the use of double-bladed paddles. A kayaker typically travels faster and closer to the water's surface for greater stability. If you are in the market for a new kayak, take careful consideration of what you're going to be using your kayak for. The weight, capacity, size and cockpit, as well as the materials used in the design are all critical to your final decision.

If you're solely interested in recreational kayak use, there are a plethora of models that provide user-friendliness and are ready to plunk down into the water. Also, day-touring kayaks have great tracking ability; they're stable and highly efficient. Kayaks with open cockpits are built for quick and easy entry and exit. Families and sportsmen will enjoy the day tour models.

If there are two of you preparing for to kayak, you may wish to consider a tandem model. Tandem kayaks are great for couples, and are very suitable for all kinds of bodies of water. Fishing kayaks are lightweight, stable, and have features that enhance the experience of fishing and kayaking simultaneously. Both models have the same type of construction, such as shock cord deck riggings, cockpits, deck hatches and handles for carrying.

Constructed in Maine, Old Town kayaks are manufactured by a company that fully cares about producing kayaks that fit everyone's taste and style. While shorter kayaks tend to be lighter and have greater maneuverability, longer kayaks provide a pleasurable experience in cruising and travel in open water. Longer kayaks are also preferred over shorter kayaks for overnighters and day trips. Wider boats are ideal for photographers and fishermen becuase they provide a more stable experience. Narrow boats are preferable for those planning on farther excursions. When considering the purchase of Old Town kayaks for sale, also be sure to check out the bottom layer of the boat, which is also an important component to consider.

Old Town kayaks are produced from a variety of materials including 100% recycled plastic, polyethylene and a variable layer boat. Flared sides allow the kayak to work optimally while sitting deeper in the water. It is interesting to note that kayaks vary with the sides that are built. When the sides of a kayak is curved inward, the design is called a tumblehome design, typical of a narrow kayak. When you need to improve tracking over water, the V-bottom kayaks may be the ideal choice for you. Flat bottom kayaks will make your journey more comfortable through calm waters. Shallow arch bottoms work best in choppy waters.

Among the models made by Old Town, Maine include the Digio 106 Angler. Lying low in the water, this kayaks allows fishermen to navigate silently through the water. This model includes rod holders. Another angler model is known as the Vapor 12xt with day well, and even includes storage for your GPS and iPods. You can travel just about anywhere in this kayak! The Adventure and Cayuga series are great kayak models for those looking for day tours. These models are set up with features that make them terrific choices for overnight excursions.

Old Town kayaks have been around for decades and plan on lasting well into the new century. Priding themselves on their understanding of the native peoples craftsmanship, the company intends to thwart the competition with their high quality and easily affordable merchandise.

About the Author:

Before heading out on your next river or sea voyage, why not choose Old Town kayaks, for the best in kayaking adventures and family fun. Old Town kayaks can be found at OceanandFishingKayaks.com. Along with Old Town kayaks, you'll find other great kayaking brand leaders like Hobie, Dagger, Perception and Pelican brands, as well.

The Benefits of Using The Garmin Handheld GPS 60 Receiver for Navigation

By LaZinnia Manley

[1:7:T] The Garmin Handheld GPS 60 is truly built for adventure. Worldwide travelers as well as sportsman can enjoy the GPS 60 features. The GPS 60 comes preloaded with a worldwide city database. This makes the GPS 60 suitable for overseas excursions right out of the box.

The Garmin Handheld GPS 60 is very reasonably priced for a gps unit set up for worldwide use. It's display is a monochrome screen readable outdoors even under extreme conditions. You can travel the world using the GPS 60 with confidence.

The Garmin Handheld GPS 60 is waterproof and will not malfunction because it rains or is used in wet outdoor conditions. Whether you are traveling in far away places or hunting or fishing at your usual favorite spot, the GPS 60 will give you reliable readings.

The Garmin Handheld GPS 60 features a grayscale display that is generously sized and readable in direct sunlight of in total darkness with the LED back light. You get dependable readable data with the GPS 60 day or night.

The Garmin Handheld GPS 60 receiver delivers reliable data up to 28 hours on a set of batteries. Most day outings don't require battery changes but as a precaution I would always carry a spare set for those occasions requiring extra batteries.

The Garmin Handheld GPS 60 is WAAS enabled allowing it to be accurate to within 3 meters anywhere you venture. WAAS ( Wide Area Augmentation System ) was developed by the FAA to augment the GPS system for more accurate positioning assisting aircraft in flight and landing.

The Garmin Handheld GPS 60 is preloaded with celestial data such as the moon phases and sunrise and sunset times and tidal data. You can also check on the best times for fishing and hunting. With it's geocaching features you can engage in the sport with ease. Indoor and outdoor games are preloaded to keep you from being bored when you have idle time. Using the serial or USB ports allows you to upload or share up to 500 different locations or destinations with the one MB of data storage available in the GPS 60.

The dimensions of the Garmin Handheld GPS 60 receiver make it easy and comfortable to carry. It weighs seven ounces with batteries installed. It's outside measurements are 2.4 inches x 2.4 inches x 1.2 inches. Batteries are not included in purchase price,

About the Author:

The Garmin Handheld GPS 60 unit is preloaded with worldwide cities streets and points of interest. It is ideal for traveling overseasas well as fishing or hunting in your favorite destinations.

Boat Seat Fabrics And Textiles Explained

By Frank Gehry

Boat seats are an important part of your vessel, whether you use it for fishing, sunbathing, leisure, or to transport your friends out for a picnic in the middle of a lake.

Upholstery is the most obvious constituent element of boat seat materials, but other parts, such as the rigid framing structure, should not be overlooked either. Not only will the regular upkeep of your seating ensure that its quality is maintained, it will also make sure that the looks of your boat or yacht are maintained.

If your boat seat materials are damaged, such as fabric that is ripped or faded, or broken interior frames, your boat's value will decrease. Also, it could be harder to maneuver or live onboard of the vessel, which is of particular concern for yachts and sailboats.

Regarding the boat seat materials most commonly employed in the frame of seating, stainless steel or pressure-treated wood are the most common ones, with fiberglass being a close third. Luxury boat seats on the other hand are often built entirely in prestigious teak wood.

Boat seats based around a steel frame should of course be using stainless steel, or rust will damage your seats in the long term. Marine plywood is also an alternative, but it needs to be pressure-treated and waterproofed.

As for the upholstery, please note that not all boat seats are entirely upholstered. Some are, some are covered with foam-based material that is glued to the base, while others come in a hard-seating combination of wood and steel.

Hard seats, as well as other kinds of seats, often come accessorized with boat cushions for better comfort. Different fabrics are available for both upholstery and cushions, mostly depending on whether its use will be in-cabin or outside the cabin.

For outdoor use, fabrics that will stand up to sunlight and to infiltrations of salty water are a must. The most common material is marine grade vinyl, although it is not necessary the more comfortable one.

Heavy duty waterproof fabrics, nylon and leather can be viable alternatives, especially on high end boats. In the cabin of a boat, fabrics and leather are more common.

When shopping for the right boat seats, you need to make sure that the materials durable and long lasting. With your input and the above information, local boat parts manufacturer or supplier will be able to determine which fabrics are suitable for your boat seats and which are not.

About the Author:

Whether you want to refurbish old seating or install new seats, here is the place to start BestBoatSeats.com covers all your boat seat needs, with tips and information. Just follow the links to find out more!

The Five Hottest Ocean Kayak and Fishing Kayaks Brands Revealed

By Toby Johns

With the emergence of the warm summer months quickly upon us, many weekend adventurers find themselves yearning to get out on the water for some fishing. This is a terrific activity as fishing provides so many folks with the relaxation time they so fully deserve. While there are those who enjoy getting out on the water in speedy, motorized watercraft to fish, an equal number prefer the calm peacefulness that can only be appreciated through kayaking. There is something that is, perhaps, addictive in the sport of sea or fishing kayaking that enthusiasts can't get enough of.

If you have never been kayaking out on your own, then you will want to make sure you have an experienced kayaker with you. Although kayaking is typically a calm ride, there are some pitfalls you'll want to keep your eye on. You may even prefer to wait on buying your own kayak until you get the knack for riding and paddling in one. This will give you the chance to know for sure that kayaking is a sport you'll want to invest your recreational time in. Getting this practice under your belt will also help ensure that you'll get familiarity in knowing what to look for when shopping for your perfect kayak.

When heading out on the waters the first few times you will want to make sure that your experienced friend is walking you through the ropes, and everything that you need to know. If you feel as though you do not have someone to whom you can turn to for this matter, then it is time to seek out a professional. There are many places that offer personal coaching on how to kayak. You can rent their kayak and then hire an instructor for a few hours. By going in this direction, you will be sure to acquire everything that there is to know about this fun and relaxing water and fishing experience.

Once you've learned all there is to know, you can then pass your knowledge onto friends and family so that they can enjoy the fun with you. They can also get their own kayaks and go out with you for some valued, quality time on the water. Either way, kayaking provides adventures that all can enjoy amongst their friends and family. In no time, you'll be on your way to looking like professional kayakers, and you'll wonder how you ever fished before learning how to paddle a kayak.

Selecting a kayak is a process that begins by considering the lifestyle of you and your family. Kayaks are like many other modes of transportation: There are a wide assortment of models and styles from which to choose. The type of kayak you choose will be largely based on how you plan to use it. Let's take a look at the five hottest brands on the market today. These brands offer a great mix of high-adventure styles. You'll find kayaks that fit nearly every performance requirement--from maneuvering the rapids to a calm ride across the lake to a relaxing day of trout fishing.

1.) Old Town Kayaks. What does a company named the Old Town Canoe Company know about kayaks? Just about everything. Old Town is the oldest and largest canoe and kayak manufacturer, dating way back to 1898. With a much-deserved images for quality, Old Town is known best for leading the kayaking business in craftsmanship and innovation. Old Town's kayaking line includes safe, stable sea kayaks, tandem kayaks, touring kayaks, exciting recreational kayaks and, of course, fishing kayaks. Old Town is known for combining modern materials and stylish contemporary design forms to their traditional, time-honored paddle craft. No wonder Old Town leads as a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and sportsmen/sportswomen.

2.) Perception Kayaks. When the Great Outdoors calls, Perception Kayaks answer. Perception is a world-class kayaking company that has been creating cutting-edge kayaks since the 1970s. In fact, they pioneered the introduction of the plastic kayak. By using the latest innovative technologies, Perception has moved ahead of the competition by attending to the wants, needs and desires of a new generation of kayaking champions. Perception kayaks are ubiquitous in the touring and recreational kayak line. They also include a wide selection of sporting-rec and sit-on-top kayaks to meet the needs of the most seasoned kayaking enthusiasts. Now, nearly 30 years later, the same enthusiasm that developed the first line of Perception kayaks now drives the creation of today's hottest, sleek, new and innovatively-designed kayaks.

3.) Dagger Kayaks. The story of Dagger begins with a few paddling buddies who worked tirelessly in a small shop with a dirt room floor to create the ultimate in world-class kayaks. Today, Dagger kayaks are a kayakers favorite. Dagger is renowned for creating the highest quality kayaks available. Dagger kayaks are rough-handled and tested by a collective group of kayaking pros known as Team Dagger before their products are released to the public. Those who choose Dagger kayaks can rest assured that their kayak met the highest standards before Team Dagger was willing to give it their stamp of approval.

4.) Hobie Kayaks. A proud heritage of water craft spawned the ubiquitous brand we now know as Hobie. Their motto is that 'their mother was a sailboat and their father was a surfboard'. Hobie applies this philosophy to their water craft design in order to create the most innovative, awe-inspiring kayaks available today. Hobies expertise and technology redefines the industry standard. Consider their MirageDrive pedaling system. This unique system allows kayakers to paddle with two underwater flippers that are somewhat analogous to a penguins fins. Hobie kayaks employ a seamless, roto-molded, polethylene construction, making them closer to guided missiles than typical traditional kayaks of years gone by.

5.) Pelican Kayaks. Now going into their 40th year, Pelican International is recognized as a leader in producing affordable, high-quality water craft products. Pelican now produces hundreds of boats"from pedal boats and fishing boats to canoes and, of course, durable and affordable kayaks. The company has been a leader in the development of exclusive technologies that set benchmarked standards of excellence for impact resistance, and for products' ability to regain shape after violent impacts, as well as their UV-protected exteriors. Pelican targets the recreational user, and are an excellent choice for the outdoor enthusiast looking for a balance between quality and affordability.

For those who do not have any experience with kayaking yet, you may not fully understand what the fuss is all about. It is important to point out though, that once people take their first fishing trip on a kayak, they suddenly see the light and understand what everyone has been talking about all along. Kayaking in the ocean, river, or lake is just an all around wonderful time. Since you are not able to move at incredible fast speeds, you are forced to take your time and take in all of the scenery around you. With our lives being so hectic in the first place, there is no reason to do anything else other then move slowly and truly relax out on the water.

About the Author:

Contributing writer, Toby Johns, is an avid kayak fishing enthusiast, and reports for Ocean and Fishing Kayaks.com. For more information on the wonderful pastime of kayaking, or to learn more about the top fishing kayaks, inflatable kayaks, or ocean kayak models, come visit OceanandFishingKayaks.com today.

Pontoon Boats: More Than Just For Fun!

By Chinook Boats

Anywhere you go where there is water you can see people using pontoon boats for recreational activities. But some are using this floating castle for more than fun, they are using the pontoon for hauling and pulling things. Oceanographers can use a pontoon instead of a larger watercraft making is easier to get father out into the coral reefs of the ocean. This allows them to take photographs they once only dreamed about. Scientists needing to collect data and study animals for research have used the smaller pontoon boats with great success. Smaller fishing companies have used pontoon boats for their fishing crews saving them time and money by using the pontoon instead of a larger boat. With the pontoon they can take several members out at the same time.

Scientists have tried to get close to whale pods to study their daily ocean habits, but with large vessels it is almost impossible. By using the inflated pontoons they can get very close to the pods by anchoring the pontoon and quietly studying them. Using the inflatable pontoon allows the scientist to draw closer to a colony of seals or sea lions where a larger boat would be viewed as a threat to these animals. By gently trolling a smaller pontoon boat the sea lions and seals are not as stressed out or feel threatened with the noise and commotion. As an invaluable tool, the inflatable pontoon can be used to meet the researchers needs.

Many times scientists will dart dolphins with a tag while they are studying them. The tag allows the dolphin to be monitored and is also used for a tracking system. Using the smaller craft such as an pontoon boats to tag the animals is a great example of why scientist prefer the pontoon. Dolphins have actually come up to the pontoon boat to check it out, making the darting and tagging opportunity very easy. The dolphins coming up to the smaller pontoon and not feeling threatened is just another reason to use pontoons.

When a scientist goes to study marine life on a secluded island, a larger sea vessel isn't going to be able to dock safely. The rudders and motor would be torn apart by the rocky underwater terrain, so to solve this problem they will carry inflatable pontoon boats onboard. When a smaller pontoon is needed, they take about ten minutes to inflate and assemble; you can't get much more convenient than that. Once the smaller pontoon is assembled the scientist can then proceed to the island, gather the needed information and troll back to the larger vessel when they are done. This is another perfect example of when a smaller pontoon is needed, and without them some scientists hands would be tied and they couldn't do their job.

Ocean photographers the world over often use the pontoon boats to go into rough waters, because they are lighter and easier to manage. In addition to ocean photography, a pontoon can also be used in the rain forest to troll through the dense forest to travel from point to point. It is because of the extreme versatility, rugged design and durability, that pontoons are now utilized for many reasons other than pleasure.

About the Author:

Chinook Boats is a leading builder ofpontoon boats for a wide medley of applications. Each boat is custom designed and built with top quality materials to meet the customer's needs. Chinook Boats also builds recreational pontoon boats. You can see their entire product line of quality work and recreational pontoon boats by clicking on their website at www.chinookboats.com

Lake George New York

By LJ James

As a Biker I love to take long Rides on my 2007 Harley Davidson, Nightrain. Some times a trip to Connecticut where one has the freedom of choice to decided if they want to wear a Helmet or not is a great place to go. Often I head up to the NY Catskill Mountains, Where a Burger and a Beer at Nicks Waterfall House in West Conesville can be the perfect end to a day of Cruising threw the Mountains.

Then there is another of my Favorite places to ride to, The Lake George NY area. My Uncle has a small Cabin in the Mountains right outside of the town of Lake George where I often stay. The area has some great long and winding roads for riding, These roads will relax even the most stressed Motorcycle rider.

There is so much history to the Lake George NY area. While on a trip one year riding around with no real destination in mind, I found myself in front of Fort Ticonderoga (fort-ticonderoga.org). Being very interested in American History I had to stop in and take the tour. The Fort was built between 1755 and 1759 and has plenty of stories to tell. It had a big roll in the American Revolution. As I walked around the Fort the I could almost imagine I had traveled back to the 18Th Century, The things I learned reminded me of the sacrifices our fore Fathers made to secure the Freedoms we enjoy and let slip threw our fingers every day.

Another thing I like to do is ride on some of the less traveled roads. Riding on a road where you see nothing but Forests and small Waterfalls for miles is very relaxing. I like to search out small little Dinners and eatery's, Stopping at them and trying some of the foods they have to offer.

I recently met up with my Mother, Sister, Brother, Nieces, Nephew and other members of my family at the Lake George Escape Evergreen Resort Campgrounds (LakeGeorgeEscape.com), I found it a great places for me to relax for a few days. There where plenty of activities for the kids and many activities I could enjoy with the kids. In the resorts game room I won my Nieces and Nephew many prizes and I played (or maybe Battled is a more accurate word) Air Hockey with my younger Brother in the game room for hours. The resort has a pond and two pools to Swim in. Each week at the resort during the Summer has a thyme and while we where there it was Halloween week. The Camp Grounds has Nightly Hay rides around the Camp Grounds and since it was Halloween week my Brother came up with the idea of throwing out candy to all the kids as we took a Hay ride around the grounds one night. The Cherry on the top of this great resort has to be the on Grounds full service Tiki style Bar where most Nights they had a DJ to help keep the party going!

Many other things I have stopped to enjoy while riding around and staying in the Lake George area is White Water rafting, Hiking and many Trips to Six Flags Great Escape & Splash Water Kingdom. The park was known as Storytown USA when it first opened in 1954. As a Kid I used to love to watch the gun fights in its old western area known as Ghost town. The park may be much larger now and have many modern day Rides and attractions, but all the old Story town, Jungleland and Ghost town areas from the 50's and 60s are still there! Then of course there is the town of Lake George it self with many great stores for shopping including a new shop I found last year called DILLIGAF's. Many Arcades, Museum's, Para Sailing, Night Clubs and Many Places to eat including some Waterfront Restaurants. Now in my opinion no trip to Lake George can be Complete without a Paddle wheel Cruise on the historic and scenic Lake George itself. The lake is known as the Queen of American Lakes. There are Two maybe three Companies you can use, But I recommend you take your trip on the Lake George Steamboat Company's (lakegeorgesteamboat.com) Minnie-Ha-Ha. I have Pictures of me getting on this Boat with my Family that go back many years.

As Bikers We are always looking for Great places to ride to alone or with our friends and family that offer both great riding areas and many things to do. I have found Lake George to be a great area for both!

Maybe I will see you there! Your Bro L.J. James AmericanBikerX.com Listen to LJs Radio Show at BikerLowDown.com

About the Author:

LJ James does stories that show the differance between the way Motorcycle Clubs think and the thinking of Motorcycle Gangs LJ James helps at a Collection Agency

Use the Garmin Handheld GPS 72 Navigator on Land Or Water

By LaZinnia Manley

The Garmin Handheld GPS 72 navigator is a very flexible gps receiver for outdoor use. It is not only moisture proof but floats in water as well. It is marine friendly with all the marine data preloaded. It likewise has preloaded land data loaded so it truly is a dual use navigator.

The Garmin GPS 72 is WAAS enabled and is accurate within 3 meters anywhere you venture. This feature enables very accurate navigation. The WAAS system was developed by the FAA to make air navigation more accurate for airplanes. It is used by commercial airlines as well as the military.

With the Garmin GPS 72 Navigator's preloaded world wide maps you can view all of a cities navigation aids, such as cities, streets, points of interest, or local terrain. It's maps also include an area's marine navigation aids, which include buoys, beacons, and other navigational aids, including tide information, sunrise and sunset times, as well as a calendar.

The Garmin Handheld GPS 72 is a lightweight unit and measures 2.7 inches x 6.2 inches x 1.2 inches and weighs less than 8 ounces with 2 AA batteries installed. Battery life is approximately 16 hours. This is usually plenty for any day outings. The GPS 72 has a generous display size of 1.6 x 2.2 inches. The display pixel size is 120 x 160 pixels and utilizes a level four gray LCD light.

The Garmin GPS 72 is able to be programed with data you want to use such as points of interest and tracks. You can input as many as 500 waypoints and or 10 tracks of your choosing. You can input the location of your vehicle and camping spot on your adventure as well as saving fishing spots, hunting locations etc.

As with all Garmin Handheld GPS receivers, accessories are available for the GPS 72. You can choose holsters, straps, or clips to use with the GPS 72 receiver. Antennas, adapters and cables are available for using the GPS in your car if you so desire also.

Included with the purchase of the Garmin Handheld GPS 72 is a quick start guide detailing all the seperate functions of the GPS 72 receiver. You will also appreciate the wrist strap included with the GPS 72. Also included is a Marine database of the Americas for use with your GPS 72.

If you want a gps receiver you can depend on while on the water as well as on land then look no further than the Garmin Handheld GPS 72 navigator. It will serve you well on either and provide the data you need when you need it. It is dependable and you can expect a long service life for a modest price. Hunters as well as fisherman will love it as well as other outdoor adventurers.

About the Author:

The Garmin Handheld GPS 72 navigator is dependable and versatile. It can be used for hunting or fishing as well as for any other navigation use. This gps receiver is moisture proof and will float without losing it's accuracy.

Pontoon Boats: Not Just For Fun!

By Chinook Boats

Anywhere you go where there is water you can see people using pontoon boats for recreational activities. But some are using this floating castle for more than fun, they are using the pontoon for hauling and pulling things. Oceanographers can use a pontoon instead of a larger watercraft making is easier to get father out into the coral reefs of the ocean. This allows them to take photographs they once only dreamed about. Scientists needing to collect data and study animals for research have used the smaller pontoon boats with great success. Smaller fishing companies have used pontoon boats for their fishing crews saving them time and money by using the pontoon instead of a larger boat. With the pontoon they can take several members out at the same time.

A scientist will never get close enough to a whale pod to study their daily ocean habits in a larger vessel, so by anchoring a smaller pontoon with inflated pontoons, they can go out independently and get very close, which allows for up close observation. For the scientist, an inflatable pontoon is a requirement in some instances. When trying to draw closer to a colony of seals or sea lions, most of these animals view a larger vessel as a threat, while if the scientists come gently trolling in a smaller pontoon boat, the seals are not as stressed out or threatened by the noise and commotion. For researching purposes alone, an inflatable pontoon is an invaluable tool.

While studying the water life, scientists will dart dolphins with a tag for monitoring and tracking to gather other data. In order to do this successfully a small craft like the inflatable pontoon boat is preferred. It is not uncommon for the dolphins to swim right next to the pontoon boat making darting and tagging so much easier. There are many animals that are less threatened by a smaller pontoon and dolphins are just one of them.

If a scientist wants to go and study marine life on a secluded island, he wouldn't want to use a large sea vessel due to the problems of docking safely. The motor and rudders would be ripped to pieces by the rocky terrain underwater. To solve this problem, just carry an inflatable pontoon boat on board the vessel. It just takes ten minutes to assemble and inflate the pontoon. It doesn't come much easier than that. When the pontoon is ready the scientist will be able to travel to the island and gather their information then troll on back to the larger vessel when they are finished. Another perfect example of how using the smaller inflatable pontoon makes it possible for scientists to complete their job.

Ocean photographers the world over often use the pontoon boats to go into rough waters, because they are lighter and easier to manage. In addition to ocean photography, a pontoon can also be used in the rain forest to troll through the dense forest to travel from point to point. It is because of the extreme versatility, rugged design and durability, that pontoons are now utilized for many reasons other than pleasure.

About the Author:

Chinook Boats is a popular manufacturer ofpontoon boats for a large collection of applications. Each boat is custom designed and built with top quality materials to meet the customer's needs. Chinook Boats also builds recreational pontoon boats. You can view their entire product line of quality work and recreational pontoon boats by clicking on their website at www.chinookboats.com

Explore the Features of the Garmin Handheld GPS Colorado 400i

By Georgia Linstrome

If you are looking for a reliable GPS receiver that can provide highly detailed tracking within any state of the USA then you need not look any further than the Garmin Colorado 400i. This easily one of the very best Garmin handheld GPS receivers ever produced. This is thanks to its many amazing features that truly set it apart from other receivers on the market.

The touchscreen of the Garmin Handheld GPS Colorado 400i places a variety of tools at your fingertips. The Colorado 400i features a barometric altimeter, a picture viewer, electronic compass as well as other features. The Colorado 400i is an advanced gps receiver with all the latest technology.

The display of this GPS device bears repeating. The three-inch diagonal, color display is crystal clear and easy to read. This allows greater ability to properly read the screens, which, in turn, makes it easy to decipher your location. Yes, the quality of the screen display often motivates people to purchase this particular model.

The most interesting aspect of this Garmin handheld GPS receiver is the fact that is reproduces a number of the wonderful blue lakes the state of Colorado is so well known for. This is no minor attribute for the receiver to possess. No matter what you wish to do in the scenic atmosphere surrounding these many lakes, you can always rely on your Garmin Handheld GPS Colorado 400i to properly map out the vicinity. Of course, the map will be easy to read as the lakes and their surrounding vicinity are presented in crystal clear detail.

Anytime you adventure outdoors with a handheld gps you need a tough reliable unit you can rely on. The Garmin Handheld GPS Colorado 400i fits the bill for durable, reliable outdoor gps receiver. Not only is it tough but it is also waterproof. With the Colorado 400i you can spend your time enjoying yourself and not worrying about your handheld gps unit malfunctioning due to the elements.

The Garmin handheld GPS receiver also has another rather helpful benefit. It allows the sharing of routes, tracks, and even waypoints with other users in the Colorado network. Yes, you can send a route to someone by merely tapping the commands on the touchscreen.

The Garmin Handheld GPS Colorado 400i is small enough to carry in a pocket or hooked on a belt easily. It's size makes it comfortable to carry and use. It is also light weight and thin so not to be obtrusive. All outdoor devices are not so user friendly as the Colorado 400i.

The Garmin Handheld GPS Colorado 400i unit is one of the best gps units available today. It is useful for any outdoor activity and is a superb gift for that special person that loves outdoor adventure.

About the Author:

The Garmin Handheld GPS receiver Colorado 400i is an ideal handheld gps unit for any fisherman, camper or other outdoor adventurer. Garmin units are the most popular in the world.

Money Saving Tips For Fishing Trips

By Derek Gatehouse

When fishing, tackle can get expensive!

There are so many lures out there that it's hard, I admit, to resist adding one more to your tackle box every time you go into the tackle store. So, in the spirit of saving a little money, here are a few ideas.

Your Hooks and Lures

Fish are attracted to most lures or spinners. But most hooks today in the hook-swivel-split ring package are made from hard metal, which easily snags on logs and branches. This generally results in you loosing your lure. So what I do is change my hooks, as soon as I buy them, to a softer, snag-proof one.

People are sometimes concerned that their fish will get away with a softer hook, but this cannot happen. You see, when a hard hook snags a branch or log, it is the pointy tip of the hook that goes into the log. So when you pull, the softer hook can straighten itself out (this of course is where a harder hook will break). But when a hook is inside a fish, it is not the hook's tip that is being pulled on, it is the bend in the hook. And when you pull on your line in that situation, I assure you that your soft hook will not straighten and free the fish.

Usually I change the hooks of my lyres to a Gamakatsu Si-wash hook because it has a longer shank and open eyes, which makes adding the hook on to a split ring or a swivel really easy. Use pliers and close that eye after the hook is attached. Go ahead and grab a pack of Si-wash hooks when you're out buying lures next time. Just remember to match the size of your lure's hook to the Si-wash hooks.

Leader and Lines

You have so many things to consider when putting line to reels, and for me, Shimano can't be beat. They have every type of reel you can think of, for every fishing situation, including some very neat digital reels. And their prices suit everyone's pocketbook. I only use Shimano.

When you buy larger, one shot spools for re-spooling your reels, you typically pay between seventeen and twenty-two dollars for 220 yards. Now, most reels only hold 120 to 175 yards so, because you don't want to use the same diameter for leader as mainline, that extra 45 to 100 yards is waste! If instead you take your reels into the tackle store for re-spooling, you'll only pay for the exact amount of line that actually goes on to the reel. Re-spooling in this way will usually save you over 50%.

If you save your spools and have the tackle store spool the diameter you use most often for mainline, then, when you need new line, re-spool the reel with the bulk line. I like fifteen to twenty pound test.

About the Author:

Derek is passionate about Shimano fishing. For more information on the best prices you'll find online, visit Shimano reels.