Taking good pictures can be difficult. Not because it’s hard to take a “simple” picture. It isn’t. But in order to take a “good” picture you need to make some observations of the environment and do a little planning.

No matter what the subject of your photos is, the same principles apply. The subject needs to be the main image you see, the amount of light shouldn’t wash out or put the subject in a shadow and, of course, you shouldn’t move the camera and blur the shot.

All of that is the basic stuff, however there are a few tips that pertain specifically to taking pictures of fish that you might want to check out. An article that was featured in a previous “Paddle The World” newsletter, features 15 tips on how to take better fish photos. Check it out and next time you land that lunker, you can capture the ‘proof’ for those ‘fish story’ doubters.

The article archive of the web site PaddleTheWorld.com is a great place to find tips and information on a variety of subjects. And subscribing to their free monthly e-mail newsletter is a good idea for any paddler.

It is four in the morning, and I have never seen the boys so excited. We borrowed a larger inflatable fishing boat and extra lifejackets for my two sons. We are heading out on an adventure. Our plans entail a short road trip to our local dam that has some of the best crappie fishing around. My buddy Tom wouldn’t eat a crappie. He is sure it is beneath his refined taste, and he brags of his expertise fishing skills and his luck with bass. I, however, am pretty sure I am easily as good a fisherman as my pal Tom, and my taste buds sure like a good cornbread battered crappie.

Riding to the dam, I decided I needed to educate the boys so they would learn to appreciate this time. “Boys,” I said, “Zane Grey, my favorite outdoors writer, once stated, every fishing water has its secrets. A river or a lake is not a dead thing. It has beauty, wisdom and content. And to yield up these mysteries it must be fished with more than hooks and for more than fish. Strange things happen to the inquiring fisherman. Nature meets him halfway on his adventure.”

My little guy spoke up, “Daddy, will there be mysteries like aliens? Is that the strange things that we will see today?”

“Not likely son, Mr. Grey most likely meant that we need to pay attention to all the noises, all the sights, all the smells, and all the animals. You will see and hear things today you probably have never seen or heard before. Watch for that.”

My oldest son eagerly interjected, “I saw frogs and a turtle the last time I got to go fishing.”

The conversation continued as the boys imagined all sorts of varmints and critters they might spot today. The boys asked me why I liked to go fishing, and that took me back to my dad and grandfather, and the rest of the trip they listened intently as I told them of other fishing trips. They understood this was a family tradition that someday they would pass on to their children. Pride and smiles flourished as much as the new fishermen’s souls that were being cultivated.

We arrived and I showed the boys how I picked out the best spot. We looked at the clarity of the water, the type of cover, and even the temperature of the lake. If the water is warmer, the fish are more likely to be closer to the surface. If the water is clear they also are also more likely to not be as deep. Continuing to enlighten their fishing minds, I explained that in murky waters, the fish are more likely to be tighter together as their visibility is decreased. Understanding the season is important as well. As the season gets warmer, the fish migrate to shallow protected bays and coves. They will eventually spawn in these areas.

“Dad, what is spawning?”

Answering my oldest son, “That is when fish make babies.”

“Oh,” my son continued, “Dad, how did you learn all this stuff?”

“Many trips with grandpa and you will learn by many trips with me.”

“That sure sounds good. I like learning all this stuff. Do you think I will catch a fish today?”

“Son, we never know, but we sure hope we each catch many fish. If not, there is always another day.”

Arriving, unpacking and getting on the lake went quicker than expected. I was surprised how quickly the inflatable boat pumped up with only a small foot pump. This was a bigger boat than I had used before and it worked out very well. The boys eagerly followed instructions and baited hooks. Then we waited. Waiting proved to be the hardest element for the boys, but we found that a few stories helped to pass the time. In the middle of one of my yarns, the littlest boy got a bite. Instructions flew as the little guy hung on and was a real trouper. He listened well, and with a little help, he reeled in the first fish of the day. “What is it,” he screamed. “Son, you have your first crappie and he will be mighty tasty for tonight’s dinner.”

Hours passed before another fish was boated. Thankfully, my older boy got a bite. The little guy was issuing instructions like the new found pro, and luckily it was one of those days when the older brother kept his mouth shut and let the little guy beam with his pride of his new knowledge as the ‘expert fisherman.’ Both boys landing a fish made it the perfect day on the lake.

The author, Sam Wright is Kentucky born and bred. Sam lives with his wife and two sons and often enjoys the many lakes and rivers in his beautiful state. Sam occasionally writes about his adventures and enjoys sharing his journeys.

The blog is written by Jeff Carmichael, an avid and very successful fly fisherman. Jeff’ has been fishing since he was a kid and over the years has accumulated a vault of information and techniques that he’s decided to share with his fellow fishermen and women.

Jeff purchased a float tube a few years ago and enjoyed fishing from it so much that he wrote an article about float tube fishing for us. We published it in our monthly newsletter. Recently Jeff and I were talking about his desire for sharing his knowledge about fly fishing and decided to launch the new blog.

So far there’s only been a few posts, however, with the season upon us, Jeff will be posting regular reports on his fishing trips, as well as fly fishing tips, product reviews and sometime in the near future some “how to” videos.

Check out FlyFishingWithJeff.com. I think you’ll enjoy the reading and, most importantly, benefit from his extensive knowledge of fly fishing.

WD-40 or ‘Water Displacement #40′ was developed in 1953 by the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. They were searching for a solvent that would prevent rust and act as a degreaser to protect missile parts. It took several tries to perfect this ‘water displacement’ compound and when they succeeded with the fortieth formulation, they called it “WD-40″.

What many people don’t know about the product is that it’s basic ingredient is Fish Oil and hence, it attracts fish. It’s simple to use, just spray a little on live bait or lures just like you would some of the other, much more expensive, chemical compounds that are made for attracting fish. Be aware, though, that some state game laws prohibit the use of chemical laced baits or lures. However, most game wardens probably wouldn’t think twice if the saw a can of WD-40 in your boat. After all, it shouldn’t seem out of place since there’s so many practical uses for the product (i.e. It takes the sting away from fire ant bites and immediately stops the itch.)

So, now I think I’ll head down to the dock with my WD-40 and try to get those squeaks out of the boat rack. Maybe I’ll take my inflatable pontoon and fishing pole along, too (wink, wink).

A float tube or Belly boat is an inflatable flotation device used in fly fishing. They are basically a seat for a fisherman to sit in while he fishes a lake that is inaccessible by boat, and they generally allow a fisherman to fish more area on a lake than he would from a boat. Float tubes are also better for the environment because they are man powered by using a pair of fins or flippers, rather than gas powered. They are economical and come in a range of prices as low as $60.00. They have a compact portability fitting into a space no bigger than your average back pack. They can go from packed to lake worthy in less than 15 minutes depending on the type of air pump used. Many different styles offer different storage options, so where ever you go, your gear can go with you too.

One of the basic styles of float tubes is The Round Boat Float Tube made by the Creek Company. It looks like a doughnut with a back rest and a seat in the center. It is made of a 14 gauge PVC main bladder and has a separate backrest bladder; the outer cover is heavy duty 420 denier nylon, with a 20” interior diameter and 3 pockets for gear storage. It’s like having your own personal foot powered yacht. With its 225 lb capacity and fishing rod holder straps you don’t have to worry about losing anything to the water.  Its 6 pound weight makes it very portable and enjoyable to use on any lake fishing trip.

A different option would be to go with a U style boat like the Original U-boat Float tube, also made by the Creek Company. U style boats have an easier accessibility due to the open front style so there is no stepping into it. The tension straps keep the boat from collapsing on the water. The 14 gauge PVC main bladder and separate backrest bladder seat you higher above the water and give you a better maneuverability when you are on the water. The side pockets and one large rear top pocket give you plenty of storage space for everything you will need so you don’t have to get out of the water, multiple rod-holder straps for hands free use. It has a weight capacity of 275lbs, and weighs about 7 pounds so it is very packable. It is also designed to be carried on your back fully inflated so you can switch lakes without having to deflate it.

A pontoon style float tube is another option you could take when looking for stability, visibility, and safety as comfort and portability. The Kennebec Pontoon Float Tube has some very nice features like a Hydrodynamic hull shape for maximum stability, buoyancy, and tracking. It has a unique sculpted design, and a high back stadium seat with adjustable backrest for support and comfort. The horizontal rod holder assures that you’re not going to drop your rod as you get in or out of the lake, and the roomy armrest storage with additional pockets are a bonus for keeping other things as well as your gear in, plus the additional rear storage pocket and exterior mesh storage pocket make it easy to pull a day trip out on a lake. The Kennebec has a weight capacity of 300 lbs it has a 48” width and a 54” length. It is heavier than the Round boat at 12.75 lbs, but still reasonably easy to maneuver to those remote area lakes.

Shopping for a float tube can be difficult in some areas of the country. Float tubes for fishing are often easier to find in online stores than even the big outdoor sports retail outlets. All of the fishing float tubes I’ve mentioned in this article are available online at PortableKayaks.com.

Whatever style you choose; wherever you go fishing a float tube is a fun, affordable, comfortable way to enjoy and relax in the water. Always remember to fish responsibly, legally, and safely. Follow the proper channels find out if float tube fishing is allowed on the venue you choose to take, clean up after yourself and leave the environment as undisturbed as possible. There are some videos on YouTube that show some examples of fishing from a float tube, if you want to check them out.

Thank you, and happy fishing.