Nomad Fishing Company

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4 Essential Items You NEED For Your Next Fishing Trip (And Are Probably Forgetting)

Have you ever been fishing before? Fishing is a fun and unique activity that people of all ages love. Sure, it can be challenging and even down-right frustrating at times when you’re waiting on your next big catch, but fishing also has a very relaxing atmosphere attached to it. It can be very peaceful sitting out in a boat in the water listening to the sounds of nature. One thing that you must do to help ensure for a more peaceful and relaxing fishing trip though is to be prepared well in advance. Make sure you have everything you need. Preparing for a fishing trip can be a long and sometimes overwhelming process. There are many items you need to remember to bring. Here are 4 of the most essential items you need for your next fishing trip (and are probably forgetting).

1. Fishing License – It would be great if you could just show up wherever there’s a body of water, whip out your fishing rod, and start fishing. However, things are never quite that easy. You will need to get a fishing license if you want to fish. This is due to wildlife preservation rules and regulations. Fishing licenses can help protect the fish population because the money used from fishing licenses goes directly to the park or area you are fishing. This allows them the resources they need to protect the fish and the environment. You can obtain your fishing license at various outdoor hunting/fishing shops.

2. First Aid Kit – It’s always better to be safe than sorry. A first aid kit is essential to have with you on any fishing trip. It should contain plenty of bandages in a variety of sizes, gauze, alcohol swabs, an ace bandage, Neosporin, and other basic medical supplies. You may also want to include medication such as Tylenol and medication for sea sickness in case someone gets a headache or feels nauseous. Having this first aid kit available can help to save you from having to stop home for a minor injury like a small cut.

3. Warm Clothes. Many first-time fishers make the mistake of assuming they don’t need warm clothes when they go fishing, especially during the summer months. However, you have to remember that when you are out on the water it can get 10-20 degrees cooler than it is on land. It can become very chilly on the water especially at night. Be sure to bring some warm clothes with you such as a jacket and maybe even a blanket to cover yourself with if it does get a bit too cool for you. It’s always better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

4. Fishing Landing Nets. To an experienced fisher, bringing fishing landing nets is obvious. However, newer or amateur fishers have a tendency to forget this essential fishing item. They know to bring the fishing rod and string, sure, but they forget that they will need a net for capturing their fish. These fishing landing nets are great for securing your catches so that you can remove your hooks and tackle your fish. Be sure to bring one made of the finest quality materials to ensure maximum durability and stability. Handmade ones are your best bets, plus you’ll be supporting a local fisher or fishing company, too!

What are your favorite forms of fishing gear and accessories? What are the top items you never leave your house without during a fishing trip? Leave a comment letting us know! 

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Why Real Fishermen Use Handmade Landing Nets

Not all fishermen use landing nets, but watch the serious pros and you will notice that none of them cast without one of these nets at their side. And for those who do use landing nets, there are a wide variety of options available, from low-quality starters to serious handmade nets. So what makes these nets so important, and what makes a quality handmade one so much better?

For starters, let's look at what a landing net is used for. It is employed during the most crucial moments of fishing – when you have a fish on the line and have nearly got it in hand. The last seconds of reeling in a fish and then landing it are crucial, and it is not too late for a fish to break the line or get off the hook—especially when it starts thrashing as it exits the water. There is no more disappointing feeling than losing a good catch seconds before you would have had it in the boat.

A landing net helps you keep it under control. As you real the fish in, you reach out with the landing net and simply scoop it up out of the water—the fish virtually cannot escape. At this point, even if the fish comes off the line and thrashes around, it will be secure in the net and firmly yours for the taking.

A landing net also helps once you have the fish in the boat or on the dock, so that you can keep it under control as you cut the line and remove the hook. The fish cannot flap or slip away, and will be easily deposited in your ice chest for safekeeping. This is why pros use landing nets and it's part of the reason they seem calm, smooth, and in control.

If you're investing in a landing net, a handmade net offers several advantages:

It Looks Better – With a real hardwood shaft made of maple or oak and a handmade waxed net, each of these landing nets is a work of true craftsmanship that looks better and feels better in the hand.

It's Stronger – Many landing nets are made with cheap plastic or aluminum handles. Plastic breaks easily and aluminum is prone to dinging or denting. Additionally, the netting itself is made of premium materials and will not tear easily.

It Shows Your Dedication to Your Sport – A true fisherman invests in the best tools for the job. A handmade landing net is a source of pride and satisfaction.

How regularly do you use a landing net when fishing? Our landing nets are handmade of maple and oak, and come with a wax finish on the netting for long-lasting performance. At Nomad, we take pride in offering quality fishing gear that will make your day out a great one! Check out our site today!

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4 Fishing Mistakes To Avoid

Spending the day out on the water enjoying your favorite pastime of fishing can be relaxing, fun and rewarding plus when you have a few friend out with you, the experience is even better. But the worst thing that could happen is not catching fish which defeats the purpose of being out on the water. Sometimes the reasons behind a fishless trip are due to some common mistakes that some fishers are guilty of. Check out these four common fishing mistakes to avoid during your next trip out!  

1. Worn Line

Fishing line is one of the most basic and essential components you need to catch some fish but some anglers are guilt of using old and worn line on their reel. While everything else you have is of good quality like your bait and lure, worn fishing line can ruin your game. You certainly could get some bites but if you ever try to reel in a monster bass or another large fish, don't be surprised if the line snaps. This unfortunate event can be a moral killer so make sure your fishing line is new!

2. Incorrect Hooks

Not everyone knows that hooks can make the difference in your catch because there is a wide variety of hooks to choose from. With different shapes, styles, designs and sizes, you should choose appropriate hooks before arriving to your favorite fishing spot. Determine what kind of fish you plan on catching and which hooks work the best. Additionally, if your hooks are rusty, corroded and dull, they may not attract fish when they hit the water.

3. Bare Hands Handling

After wrestling with a fish up to your boat, you need to be extra cautious when taking it off your line. Even if it put up an exhausting battle, they still have plenty of bite left when they are out of water. With this in mind, handling fish with your bare hands can lead to some painful consequences! Have a pair of protective hand gear to avoid bites, prickly scales and anything else that might cause harm to your hands.

4. Frequent Lure Change

The thing about fishing is patience and timing which means you just have to wait it out for a bit before you recast your line. However, if you constantly change your fishing lure and frequently recast time after time, you'll likely scare any fish nearby and they will swim away to calmer waters. Stick to just a few homemade fishing lures throughout the day and avoid the time consuming task of constantly changing them and recasting.

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Fishing Tricks & Tips

Now that the weather has gotten more favorable, fishers everywhere can enjoy the water to catch some great fish! While every fisher has their own fishing strategy, some tips and tricks could help you out on the water.  Check out these tips, tricks and advice that you could use on your next fishing trip.

Freshwater Tips

Like in any body of water, your skill and tactics will be different because it requires a certain style of fishing. Nonetheless, these tips can help you when your freshwater fishing!

When you're on a lake or river, hang out where the water goes from shallow to deep because fish typically congregate in this area and look for food.

Cast your lures near the coastline for a higher chance of bites.

Early in the morning around sunrise is often the best time to fish.

Shiny fishing lures and custom jigs attract certain fish in the dark waters.

Bass Fishing Tips

If you're going after largemouth bass, check out these pointers to help you improve your catch.

Luckily the spring season is in full swing which is the prime time to hunt bass in pre-spawn. Typically pre-spawn occurs when water temperature is between 55 to 65 degrees and this is when male and females move to shallow areas. You can spot them right from the shore so be patient and careful when casting so they don't scatter.

The sunshine plays a role in where the bass are because if it's bright and shiny, they will seek shelter but when it's cloudy, you can expect them to be out and about. Depending on what the weather is like when you take the trip, fish near their sheltered areas during sunny days and on cloudy days you should be good to go.

Time Of The Day

Now the biggest factor in your game is the time of day because the early mornings and last few hours of the evening are generally the most active. Of course there are plenty of other factors to take into consideration like stealth and weather, but try to start off early to grab some great catches at the beginning of the day!

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Getting Ready For Spring Fishing

Just about everyone who loves to fish is probably excited that spring is near because that means a new fishing season is about to begin! As the water begins to warm up and the weather becomes a little better, fishers everywhere need to start preparing themselves for a great season. With that being said, is your boat, fishing gear and mind ready to take the plunge? Check out these tips that will help you set up a great fishing season this spring!

Inspecting The Boat

If you're a fisher with a boat, you'll definitely want to inspect it before you set sail. While your boat may have been in winter storage, it has been months since it has sailed the open waters and conducting a thorough inspection before launch is highly recommended. It is better to discover a problem now and fix it on land rather than having that problem occur on the water.

First, you'll want to start from the front of the boat and work your towards the back, checking every component from top to bottom. Inspect the underbody for any damage and if you didn't clean off the barnacles before storage, now is a good time to scrape them off. Additionally, be sure the engine and propellers are in good working condition. And last but not least, test on-board electronics like the radar and GPS.

Gear & Equipment Check

The most basic fundamental of spring fishing preparation is making sure you have the right equipment and gear! Perhaps it's time for you to upgrade your gear and start looking for new fishing lures for sale, landing nets, rods and more. The right equipment makes the biggest difference and new fishing gear could help you increase your catch. When you inspect your old gear and begin searching for new replacements, trust fishing gear that has been tested in the field because this can give you real-world fishing confidence. Some products on the market have gone years without real testing which can diminish its claimed performance.

Take the spring fishing season in stride by preparing yourself, your gear and your boat before the first excursion.