FFA Today – June 24, 2009
June 30, 2009
A look at our final two STAR winners and Florida students learning about soil science.
How to Build a Bird Aviary
June 26, 2009
A bird aviary is an enclosure or unit that is used to house birds. It is mostly constructed and kept outdoors. Constructing a bird aviary is fairly easy but there some certain factors to consider when deciding the location or place to put the bird aviary.
A bird aviary has to be constructed in a way the keeps the birds protected from snow, sunlight, thunderstorms or rain, intruders should not access the aviary easily, it should be away from noisy roads and avoid placing it under a tree because certain unwanted things may fall into it. The size of the aviary should be constructed in a way that it can accommodate an extra number of birds in the future when need arises.
The size of the aviary will depend on size of birds. It should have equal panels and a gate should be included to make its easier for the birds to enter. The aviary should be big enough to have a view of the surrounding area; the recommended size of the panels should be a two by four of equal size, these panels should be fastened together with galvanized nails.
Perches should be placed inside the aviary where the birds can roost on at night usually they are made of wood and can be got from any bird shop. The perches should be many to provide a place where the birds can make a nest. The roof should be constructed with materials that will keep the inside of the aviary dry and the feeder should be placed in a way that it does not interfere with the birds while flying around the aviary.
The floor of the aviary should be easy to clean, ceramic tiles or concrete can be used for the flooring. Sand or wood shavings can be put on the ceramic or concrete tile to create comfort and warmth. A wire mesh should be used on each panel to avoid your birds from flying away usually a double wire mesh should be sufficient. It is important to note that when building the aviary with wood, take into consideration the type of wood you are going to use, there are some trees that are poisonous to some different type of birds. Building an aviary does not require expertise and information on the steps to take and the materials one can use to build one can be easily accessed from the internet.
How to Use Polyglow to Make Your Boat Shine
June 24, 2009
There are loads of boat wax products on the market. Of these products many are used to restore aged gelcoat. The problem is that they wash away and do not last very long. But only one product can add shine to your boat and last an entire year and that is Poliglow. What is different about Poliglow is that is only requires to be applied every 12 months and does not need to be reapplied. Poliglow is sold in a two part kit that contains Poly Prep, an applicator and the Poliglow product.
Fiberglass over time is like a sponge it keeps absorbing. Unlike wax where you remove from the boat, Poliglow adds to the boat. Poliglow will not come off with soap, not even with compounds. It is also extremely easy to apply. Just wipe on. You do not have to rub or buff the boat. PoliGlow is not a boat wax, but rather a boat plish. It is a protective clear coat that has been proven time and again to have a shine 5 times that of the best boat waxes on the market.
Each kit is ideal for a thirty foot boat that can be used for approximately 3-4 applications. Poliglow can be also be used on any fiberglass surfaces like RV’s, trailers and airplanes.
This is the best product out there for fiberglass restoration. Poly Glow comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not satisfied with Polyglow simply return it within 12 months.
Original Post: Fishing Guide
How to Use Polyglow to Make Your Boat Shine
Raising Chickens – Why Not?
June 22, 2009
Theres something nice about keeping your own chickens and its no wonder that so many people choose to keep a few chickens.
Those chickens will keep you supplied with fresh eggs each day, and possibly even enough to sell on to local shops, or at the local market.
They are one of my favorite foods, without a doubt. You can beat the taste, and you can have so much variety with eggs. The common uses are of course, boiling, frying and poaching. But there are so many other applications, in baking cakes, quiches etc.
I live in the city and I am a regular consumer of eggs. I get mine in the local grocery store or supermarket. They are OK I guess, but have you ever tasted real free-range eggs?
I usually spend a weekend in the country with my mom, every five or six weeks. And she always seems to have a supply of “free free range” eggs at the ready. She gets them from a local farmer who calls to the door. Now these eggs are about as far from battery eggs as it’s possible to get.
And those eggs always pass the taste test – they get my vote every time. The taste is far superior to shop eggs – even top those ones marked as “free range”.
I suppose that I have this discerning taste because I was reared on delicious eggs like these. On the farm where I grew up, we kept our own chickens, and I think I got the taste for the “down-home” eggs. It never leaves you!
And you know, keeping a few chickens is no big deal ” if you have a reasonably-sized back garden, you can build your own chicken coop and start your own egg-laying factory.
But its not as if the chickens are just there to turn out the eggs, day in and day out! Personally speaking, I like chickens and I would find it difficult not to get attached to them.
I’m not joking when I say that I could watch chickens for the longest time. They are just so amusing – whether it’s the way the look at you and at each other, or the noises they make.
Each one has their own particular traits – some are loud and and boisterous, while others are more laid-back, or timid. And when they lay an egg, they let you know, loud and clear!
Not to mention some of the beautiful colors they come in ” such as the Blue Andalusians, Golden Campines, or just a plain white Leghorns.
You can treat them as pets if you wish, but they will keep laying eggs anyway. I can’t think of another pet that will give “something back” to you!
3 Tips to Catching More Bass
June 15, 2009
Did you know that 90% of anglers are making the same mistakes when fishing big bass that prevent them from catching big bass. A few things that anglers are doing wrong are as follows:
1) They are not fishing for big bass in the right spots.
The best places when fishing big bass to fish at is somewhere near structure. Most likely, bass will be found around fallen trees and docks. During the spring,or spawning season. Bass are spawning in the shallows, so they can be found there as well.
2) They are not fishing for bass with the right bait.
You can fish with live bait or fake bait (Lures). Live bait works best, because will lets face it, they are real. But lures work very well too. You also need to know what types of lures and what colors, which depends on the clearness of the water.
3) They are not fishing for bass during the right time.
The absolute best time to be fishing is in the early morning, right before the sun rises. At this time, the bass are very hungry. But note that if there is a full moon, then the bass are least likely to be biting because with the light from the moon they have been feeding all night.
I have struggled for a long time to catch big bass. I had no idea how to catch them. I could not find them, then once I found them, I could not catch them. I knew I was doing something wrong. So I spent a lot of money on special lure kits and gadgets that I thought would help, but it did not.
It was not until I came across, but then I learned the secrets of fishing big bass from CatchBassGuide.com
Read more of my story of how I learned the right way of fishing big bass.
Ryan has been an active fisherman for years. He primarily fishes for largemouth bass. Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/fishing-articles/3-tips-to-catching-more-bass-970443.html
Original Post: Fishing Guide
How to Catch Bass When They Are Spawning
June 15, 2009
Largemouth bass spawn in the spring. They spawn in the shallows, when the water reaches around 60 degrees. When searching for a spawning location, bass tend to find ones where it is shallow and well protected. Usually within 10 feet of the shore or so, bass will find there spawning area. When fishing largemouth bass be sure to start wishing where the sun hits the shallows the most. The water will be warmer there.
Spotting Nests
When fishing largemouth bass when they are spawning, search in the shallows for their nests. Their nests are usually white or black patches on the bottom. It really all depends on the lake floor itself. Remember to look where there is more sun and about 10 feet out. The bigger largemouth bass will be deeper and usually spawn first.
Baits to Use when Fishing largemouth bass during spawning
The best bait to use are plastic baits, like plastic worms and gitzits (best for when the bass are not striking). Also, good types of baits to use are top water and spinner baits.
When bass are in heavier cover, be sure to use any type of jig bait. I personally love to take a gitzits bait and use the drop shot rigging. It’s a personal preference of mine.
Also, be sure that when you are fishing in heavy cover to weed guard your bait as much as you can. This will save you time, and money as it has caused many anglers to lose their lures.
Fishing largemouth bass during their spawning season is the time to catch them.
Ihave been fishing since I was 5. I have read many books and guides for throughout the years, but I always came up short on the line. The largest bass I ever caught was about maybe 3 lbs or so. Until I found the a bass fishing guide. After reading it, I was applying everything I learned and within a couple days I landed in my first hog! It was amazing! I couldn’t believe it. Everything I was missing and didn’t know, the guide taught me it all.
I have struggled for a long time to catch big bass.I had no idea how to catch them. I could not find them, then once I found them, I could not catch them. I knew I was doing something wrong. So I spent a lot of money on special lure kits and gadgets that I thought would help, but it did not.
It was not until I came across, but then I learned the secrets of fishing big bass from CatchBassGuide.com
Read more of my story of how I learned the right way to catch big bass at Fishing Bis Bass and Catch Big Bass.
Ryan is an avid fisherman, who primarily fishes for largemouth bass. Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/fishing-articles/how-to-catch-bass-when-they-are-spawning-970672.html
Original Post: Fishing Guide
How to Catch Bass When They Are Spawning
Teach a Child how to Fish
June 14, 2009
Teach a Child how to Fish
Get Them on Fishing, not drugs
Children should all grow up fishing. Dad or Mom starting them out and teaching them what to do so they are hooked, on a positive sport and not drugs or bad habits. Some where along the line, families forgot about generational teaching; Grand Dad teaching Dad, Dad teaching you and you teaching your children. Fishing is such a positive way to spend time together and share ideas on moral issues and other aspects of what it means to have real fun without going against the ways of nature. Children love to fish if they are started off with a positive fun experience; we see it every day here at: FISHING at Country Cove Village although, not unlike most of us, work and family situations prevent fishing as much as the Children would prefer to
So, what was it that Dads can do to make a difference? Let me give you a few tips.
First off, start them young. Get on the bank at as young an age as you possibly can. Obviously though you need to exercise parental consciousness about their safety. Whatever you do, DON’T plan on any fishing yourself, because here at FISHING at Country Cove Village that’s just what parents do or at least one of you will tend to the children baiting, helping them learn to cast and play it in and then unhook the fish. If fishing is going to happen, the fishing will be done by the kids with your help! This lets you pay attention to them and not ignore them while you fish. I see too many parents getting frustrated with children who are “getting in the way” of their fishing; but once the child has learned the basic it quickly become a fun competition for all of you.
Secondly, make sure you plan the first trips to someplace that you can actually catch a lot of fish such as: FISHING at Country Cove Village. At this point, it does not matter what kind or how big, just make sure they can catch some. A small child’s patience is very short, and waiting 30 minutes for a bite will turn them off in a hurry. You may need to go to a small pond where the Bluegills are biting on just about anything and everything and remember, this is for them, not for you. At least not at the start, but then stand back and soon they’ll be teaching you, ready or not, it’s in their nature.
As they fish, Brag and Cheer about every fish they catch. Make an exciting experience out of it. Take lots of pictures.
Once you do this several times, they both boys and girls will be trying to take you fishing; like just about every day.
Remember though it is your parental responsibility to make sure that in that day of excitement, they do not get to hot or have too much sun; that will turn them off of fishing for it will make fishing equal discomfort in their minds.
As your child grows older, make sure they get their very own fishing gear to fish with. They need “their own” rod and reel, tackle box, and fishing hat, you know how important yours is to you. Of course, as he ages, those items will escalate in price, but it is worth the money, believe me. Then one day they will start buying their own special need gear!
We see on the news every day about kids of all ages doing really stupid things and getting in trouble with the law because their parents are just too busy for them. Get your children hooked on fishing and you will never have to worry about them or what they are doing because they will be fishing.
By: Pastor Brady
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/fishing-articles/teach-a-child-how-to-fish-944618.html
Original Post: Fishing Guide
Largemouth Bass fishing with a fly rod
June 13, 2009
So you want to go Largemouth Bass fishing with a fly rod. Well put away those trout flies 10 to - whatever. This isn’t spring sipping. No afternoon sunlit hatches. Little Baetis (Blue wing olive) or Heptageniidae (Light Cahill) match the hatch with 14s - 22s.
We’ll be throwing size 2 black deer hair mouse patterns, flashing a hen and peacock tail . Splashing down like an Apollo space capsule. Looking like dinner for a week.
In my Bass years I have found that when top water fishing “Bass like big meals” Although Bass generally hunt by sight they are aided by a unique ability to feel small vibrations through their “lateral line” a sense organ that runs just under their skin down each side of their body.
When fishing a mouse I want this organ to vibrate like my cell phone. Then the Bass will take a look around and see the meal just sitting there looking tasty.
Bass are not timid little fish. I’ve caught little ones no bigger than the mouse almost. Every time I do I tell it “go tell dad your mad”.
The point is be ready. a lot of the time the mouse barely hits the water and “bam” you’ve got a fight. But when this doesn’t happen let the mouse sit there for a moment. Stunned, “what happened”, “gotta get to land”, “I’m in the wrong place at the wrong time”. Short jerks enough to put the water in motion then sit. I call it “jerk, motion and sit”.
This is a big fly and I don’t mind a splash down, but I want a less noisy lift off. So when picking up, lift your rod tip high and get some line off the water. Slowly pull back your rod then life the fly out with a quick back motion. Its a technique but it will allow you to make a quieter exit.
Some of the patterns I use for spring Bassing:
Hook size/Pattern
2 Mouse, black or purple
2-6 Dahlberg strip diver, chartreuse
2-6 Near nuff frog
2-6 Sheep/rabbit streamer
2-6 Bumble bee popper
6 Peacock woolly bugger
2-6 Electric leech
6 Fruit cocktail
2-6 Mickey Finn
There are dozens of patterns. These are the ones that work for me in the North East. But I think they would work almost anywhere.
To get these flies out there you will need to know what kind of water you will be fishing. For Largemouth Bass fishing on medium sized lake or pond. You will want to use 8 foot to 9 foot medium action to fast action fly rod. A 6wt or 7wt will do the trick. These rods will have the power necessary to throw and lift a large fly. Remember will are throwing flies the size of motor homes.
Your fly line should be a matched 6/7 weight, floating, and weight forward. Forget about Bass tapers for now.
For a leader you want 9 foot knotless taper 1x. When you get your leader. Tie on a piece of 1x tippet about 15 inches long to your leader. The added length will give something to tie your fly to without shorting your leader each time you change flies. This also protects your leader because it’s the last 12 - 18 inches of leader that takes the most abuse.
For a sinking fly use a 6 foot knotless sinking leader with a 1x tippet. Same deal tie on a piece of 12 inch 1x tippet as well.
With the 1x tippet you are fishing at about 12 pound test and you can fish size 2 - 6 with it. You can also ties on 2x - 3x this will extend your fly size range 2 - 12. A good rule of thumb for tippet size to hook size is divide the hook size by 3 and that’s the tippet size to use. So take a hook size 12 divide by 3 and get 4 so 4x is about right for this fly. Take it with a grain of salt and use experience and judgment.
Also remember a knot weakens the line strength and decreases the pound test of the line.
This is a basic setup and will get you started on top water Largemouth Bass fishing.
Largemouth Bass fisherman.For basic and advanced information on bass fishing with a fly rod visit:http://www.why-bass.blogspot.com Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/fishing-articles/largemouth-bass-fishing-with-a-fly-rod-945584.html
Original Post: Fishing Guide
Largemouth Bass fishing with a fly rod
What Floats Your Boat?
June 12, 2009
If you’re serious about the fishing game, and I assume you are, there’s a very basic reality that needs to be applied. If you cannot get to where the fish are because you have the wrong boat, what good will it do to impress your friends with just a nice boat ride? So many people buy overpriced boats that are basically just status symbols while those small drawers are catching all the fish.
I am speaking of how much water your boat draws. In what depth will it float and not rub bottom? The problem is this, of a norm; your best fishing is going to be in about 1.5 feet of water. Heat and cold can change this point, but the overall rule is around 2 feet max. This means that your boat cannot draw too much water.
Of all the boats I have had in my life, Majek stands out as my choice. These boats draw the least amount of water with the best float and maneuverability. You can load a Majek up with people and gear and still only draw inches of water. Their streamline build, along with their width vs. depth buoyancy, makes these crafts my choice to get where you need to be to catch your limit.
Now, this is not to downgrade other good manufactures. Majek is just my choice. If you buy any boat, just remember to pay close attention to how much water it will draw when fully loaded. Remember, that little old man in that little old boat may be loaded with fish!
Captain Mike Scott is a retired Texas Gulf fishing guide and commercial fisherman. As Mike puts it “If you really want to catch your limit talk to me.” Please feel free to contact Mike for any fishing questions through AlphaLane.com or by using his site email in the AlphaLane search page. Use Mike’s CID which is 119 or simply search on category ‘fishing’. Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/fishing-articles/what-floats-your-boat-945589.html
Original Post: Fishing Guide
When The Water’s Flat
June 12, 2009
The wind lays and not even a ripple disturbs the surface. I am prone to get very excited when I see this condition. This is because it’s floundering time! Gigging flounder, in South Texas, is most definitely not your ordinary fishing experience. There’s nothing quite like this!
It is amazing what comes into shallow water at night. The fish feel protected, under the dark canopy of night. This makes them adventurous and chance taking, something in our favor. They cruise the shallows and somewhat blinded by your floundering lights.
There’s an art to gigging flat fish and this sport I highly recommend. When you spot your prey, be slow to break the water with the gig. This allows no sudden change in pressure, which is a flounder’s way of sensing trouble. Let the gig move into position slowly over the fish and then strike. Be ready for a quick response because a five-pound flounder can literally pull the gig right out of your hand!
Another thing to be aware of, is that not all flat fish are flounders and you may not be able to distinguish between stingray and flounder in the shadows. I have lost gigs to rays as big as a coffee table. The whole bottom seemed to explode when I mistakenly gigged the wrong fish!
A grand advantage to night gigging is it tells the story of where the big reds are. You see more redfish feeding at night than at any other time and be assured that if they are thick at some bank you are floundering at night, that is where they will be the next day. So, just come back for the second course in your boat and cast into huge schools of redfish. Flounder and redfish for dinner, not bad for a night’s work!
Captain Mike Scott is a retired Texas Gulf fishing guide and commercial fisherman. As Mike puts it “If you really want to catch your limit talk to me.” Please feel free to contact Mike for any fishing questions through AlphaLane.com or by using his site email in the AlphaLane search page. Use Mike’s CID which is 119 or simply search on category ‘fishing’. Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/fishing-articles/when-the-waters-flat-945591.html
Original Post: Fishing Guide
