Uncategorized Archives

When and Where do Crappie Spawn?

by Ben

When Do Crappie Spawn? Crappie spawn in the spring. During the spring, crappie move from their deeper water lies to shallow breeding areas. Spawning activity starts when temperatures approach 10C (50F) – 15C (60F). Activity increases as the temperature does, with peak breeding activity around 20C (68F). The onset of ideal temperatures vary year to … Read more

Can I Use Braided Line Fly Fishing?

by Ben

can braided line be used as fly fishing backing

Braided line was a favourite of mine back in my spin fishing days. I loved the sensitivity it gave due to lack of stretch, especially when vertically jigging. Naturally, I wondered if braided fishing line had a place in fly fishing? Unfortunately, it doesn’t work very well as a leader or tippet material. You can … Read more

5 Unique Turtle Fly Patterns

by Ben

Turtles are not a prey item often considered by fly anglers. Even though adult turtles are mostly left alone, many fish will opportunistically feed on young turtles that they can swallow whole. As seen in the video below, perhaps we shouldn’t be so quick to dismiss turtles as prey items. Anyone make turtle flies?!?! from … Read more

How to Fly Fish for Walleye in Rivers

by Ben

Fly fishing for walleye. It’s not something you hear about that often, but it can be done! There are select few anglers that purposely target walleye while fly fishing (and even fewer that wade for walleye). This is a shame, as these fish (also known as pickerel in some areas) will readily take many fly … Read more

20 Different Fish Species to Fish for in Ottawa

by Ben

Ottawa offers some great fishing. There’s a large variety of fish species that make their home in the cities waterways, many in the heart of downtown! If you’re interested in fishing in Ottawa, I’ve listed below all the commonly targeted species in the Ottawa area, in addition to some not-so-commonly targeted species that swim in … Read more

Deer Hair Jointed Swimbait Fly

by Ben

A while ago I was thinking about how widely used and effective Rapala’s are in spin fishing. Why not make a fly fishing equivalent of those jointed lures? The result of my efforts is the fly you see above. The lip is made of deer hair soaked with hard as nails nail polish. I think … Read more

How to Dig, Prepare, and Cook Clams

by Ben

What type of clams are found on Prince Edward Island I dig my clams on PEI, but the information on how to dig clams written here can be used anywhere clams are found. The species of clam listed here are found throughout most of Atlantic Canada and the North Eastern United States of America. There … Read more

How to Humanely Kill, Store, and Prepare Fish

by Ben

There’s multiple ways to kill a fish to eat. Some are quick and clean, some not so much. The specific method of how to kill and store a fish may vary by species, but there are some fundamental practices that are true with all types of fish. The specifics on whow to kill a trout … Read more

Glass Bead Blood Worm Fly (With threadless version)

by Ben

Blood worms are the larval stage of certain species of chironomids, which are present in most bodies of water. There are many chironomids that remain in larval form throughout the winter, making them an excellent winter fly pattern. This blood worm pattern is about as simple as fly tying gets, and you’ll be able to tie a … Read more

New Facebook Page for TheJighead.com

by Ben

The Jighead.com now has a Facebook page!

I rarely talk about the actual website in posts, much preferring to stick to the topic of fishing, so I’ll keep this short and sweet. I thought followers of the blog might like to know that there is now a Facebook page for thejighead.com which can be found in the link above or in the “follow me” buttons on the right hand side. I’ll be posting any new posts from here on the page and most likely some other interesting fish related stuff I find around the web as well. I’m also active on Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest (when relevant).