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Fishing

Berkley PowerBait: Which Should You Use?

With so many artificial baits to choose from, it can be hard to know which ones are worth trying and which ones should be overlooked. Berkley PowerBait has been around for many years, but because there are so many options of artificial tackle to choose from, there are still many fishermen who have yet to…

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Best Fishing Canoe

Best Fishing Canoes of 2021

For some, fishing is a way of life. If you’re among this group, or even if you’re just a hobbyist, then you might be interested in the unique experiences offered by a fishing canoe. A canoe is a great way to slow things down, and an accessible way for anyone to head out on the…

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Flambeau Tackle Box

Flambeau Classic 3-Tray Tackle Box Review

Tackle boxes are a great way to keep all of your fishing gear organized, especially if you are one of those anglers who enjoy trying a little bit of everything if nothing seems to be going right. Tackle boxes have changed over the years. They used to be plastic with open, unorganizable compartments, but now…

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Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass: Ultimate Guide

Did you know that there are about 800 freshwater fish species in North American waters? Out of all these, Largemouth Bass (also known as Micropterus salmoides) just so happen to be the most popular among anglers. A five-year survey conducted by the U.S Census Bureau, in conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS),…

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Ballyhoo Fish

Ballyhoo Fish 101: Ultimate Guide

There’s a good chance you have seen ballyhoo fish and likely not realized it. Ballyhoo fish are small halfbeak fish that skip across the water when being chased by predatory fish. Even though this helps the ballyhoo fish to escape, it also brings attention to other predatory fish nearby. This is bad news for the…

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Drown and suffocate are often used interchangeably when they really have two different meanings. To drown means to die from a lack of oxygen through inhaling water, typically due to being submerged in water. To suffocate means to die from lack of air or being unable to breathe. While they are similar emergencies that both relate to not having enough air, they are two completely different causes of death. This is why a fish technically can’t drown in water, but they can suffocate. Do Fish Actually Need Oxygen? When we hear the word “oxygen,” we typically think of it in its gas form in the air, but oxygen isn’t limited to just being found in the air. Oxygen is found in water (it’s the O in the chemical compound for water H2O), which is often overlooked because oxygen is not commonly associated with liquids as much as gases. Regardless, because fish are living organisms, they need oxygen. They just don’t need to get it in the same way we do. Fish get oxygen through water, and they can become sick if the water surrounding them is not oxygenated enough. Do Fish Have Lungs? Fish don’t have lungs the same way we do. Instead, they have gills. Gills are located on each side of a fish’s head shortly before coming to the first pectoral fin. The set of gills have blood capillaries which act as an oxygen receptor. When the capillaries receive the oxygen in the gills from the water, they absorb the oxygen into the bloodstream and trade it out with the excess carbon dioxide found within the fish. So, while fish don’t have lungs, they have a respiratory system similar to ours. What Are Labyrinth Organs? Labyrinth fish are finned freshwater fish that are in the Perch classification. They are called labyrinth fish because they have a labyrinth lung-type organ that allows them to breathe air. How Do Fish Breathe and Get Oxygen? Fish breathe by absorbing oxygen from the water through their gills. If there is not enough water to pass through the gills, the body of the fish (mainly the bloodstream) won’t get the oxygen it needs to survive. This can cause the fish to suffocate even while it is in water. If you are fishing in cold or deep water, it can be common to catch a fish that has a full swim bladder when it is pulled onto your boat. A swim bladder is an air bladder that contains oxygen and allows the fish to maintain its depth in the water. The swim bladder ultimately creates buoyancy and allows the fish to remain in the same place with little effort. When catching and releasing a fish that has a full swim bladder, the fish may not be able to return to the depths of water it was in before it was caught. This can ultimately lead to the fish being unable to get enough oxygen through its gills, causing the fish to suffocate even after being put back into the water. Some fishermen recommend squeezing the air from the air bladder to ensure the fish can return to the depths it was in before, as well as absorb the amount of oxygen it needs to survive. Can Fish Actually Drown? No, a fish cannot technically drown, but it can die in water due to suffocation. There are many reasons that this can happen. Reason #1: Damaged Gills Gills to a fish are like lungs to a human. We need them if we want to breathe, and damage can make breathing more difficult. A fish can suffocate if it has damaged gills because the gills won’t allow enough oxygen to enter the body and replace the carbon dioxide. Reason #2: Live Plants Taking Up Oxygen This is related mostly to aquarium fish. If you have many live plants in your aquarium, you may be inadvertently suffocating your fish. Live plants can take up oxygen and reduce the amount of oxygen found in the aquarium, so you’ll need to find ways to add oxygen back into the aquarium to protect the fish. Reason #3: Overcrowding This is another condition related to aquariums. If you have too many fish in your fish tank, your fish won’t be able to get the adequate amount of oxygen they each need. This can cause your fish to suffocate. Fish Suffocation and Drowning: Understanding the Difference and How it Happens Fish need oxygen to survive, and they get their oxygen through the oxygen in the water. When a fish dies in water due to a lack of oxygen, it is not considered drowning. Drowning occurs when your lungs fill with water and cause you to stop breathing oxygen. A fish needs to absorb water to be able to breathe, and they need that water to have oxygen. When the water doesn’t have oxygen, they suffocate, just like humans suffocate when we don’t breathe enough oxygen. So, while a fish can’t die from drowning in water, it can die from suffocating in water due to a lack of oxygen. How Do Fish Gills and Their Other Organs Work? Fish gills work by following this simple step-by-step process. 1. Fish absorb water through their mouths, gills, and other openings in the body. 2. The gills take the water and separate the oxygen from the carbon dioxide. 3. The oxygen from the water goes into the bloodstream of the fish and replaces the carbon dioxide in the bloodstream. 4. The absorbed water then exits the body of the fish through the other side of the gills and goes back into the water. The water's oxygen level must be higher than the oxygen level in the fish’s bloodstream for it to absorb oxygen. Signs of Low Oxygen in Water Having an aquarium is a great way to add enjoyment to your home. Low oxygen in the water is often a common issue among many residential aquariums. If you’re afraid your aquarium may have low oxygen, examine your fish for any of the following signs: ● Rapid gill movement/labored breathing ● Lethargic ● Eating less or not at all ● Staying at the top (surface) of the water more than usual or for most of the day These are tell-tale signs that there is low oxygen in the water. Failing to fix this will eventually cause your fish to suffocate. How to Improve Oxygen Levels in an Aquarium If you suspect your aquarium has too little or too much oxygen, you can fix it in the following ways: 1. Only stock the aquarium with the maximum number of fish allowed (or less). Too many fish will decrease the oxygen levels in the aquarium. This is why it is important to have no more than the maximum number of fish within the aquarium (the less, the better!). 2. Use long aquariums rather than tall aquariums. Oxygen is generated on the water's surface area, so the more surface area there is, the more oxygen will be created. 3. Use a bubbler, stream, or any other water movement tool within the aquarium. Bubbles are filled with oxygen, which is an easy way to get oxygen back into the tank and circulated throughout the water. 4. Make sure the temperature in the aquarium is correct. Aquariums that are too warm will typically have less oxygen than aquariums that are too cold. This can seem tricky, especially if you have an aquarium full of tropical fish. We recommend using a fan or an air chiller for those times when the temperature in the water creeps up higher than it should be. Conclusion The next time you hear someone say that fish can drown when they don’t get enough oxygen, you can tell them that it’s not that the fish drowned from lack of oxygen; it’s that the fish suffocated from lack of oxygen.

Can Fish Drown in Water?

Drown and suffocate are often used interchangeably when they really have two different meanings. To drown means to die from a lack of oxygen through inhaling water, typically due to being submerged in water. To suffocate means to die from lack of air or being unable to breathe. While they are similar emergencies that both relate to…

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Plano 3600

Plano 3600 Review

There’s a good chance that when you envision a tackle box compartment, you likely see the Plano 3600 tackle box. It is the go to storage box for anglers and boaters alike, which is why it continues to be successful today. Plano makes multiple sizes in their Stowaway utility boxes ranging from their 3400 series…

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Apex Elite

Ardent Apex Elite Baitcast Reel Review

Baitcaster reels are often intimidating because of the method required to stop the spool from spinning when casting the line. It’s not uncommon to experience backlash (often called bird nesting) when learning to cast a baitcaster. Backlash occurs when the line continues to cast while the spool has stopped spinning. This causes a tangle known…

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About the Abu Garcia Pro Max

Abu Garcia Pro Max Low Profile Baitcasting Reel Review

Any fisherman who uses a baitcaster reel knows that Abu Garcia makes arguably the best baitcaster on the market today. Abu Garcia makes a variety of baitcaster models, including the Ambassadeur, Revo, and Black Max models, just to name a few. Today, we’re going to focus on the Pro Max model and dissect the ins…

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Best Tasting Freshwater Fish

Best Tasting Freshwater Fish to Eat

If you like to fish for food, then taste is always going to be one of your top concerns. In this article, we’re checking out the tastiest freshwater fish! Fishing is a sustainable and natural way to gather your own food, and few things are more satisfying than serving up a meal made with fresh…

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Best Waterproofing Spray

10 Best Waterproofing Sprays

A boat is a big investment, and you want to do everything in your power to keep that investment safe. In this article, we’re checking out an oft-overlooked product for keeping your boat safe and dry – waterproofing spray. Waterproofing spray is an essential tool for extending the life of your boat cover. We’ll start…

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Best Pocket Flashlight

Best Pocket Flashlights of 2021

A pocket flashlight is a handy tool when you need a little light on-the-go. If you’ve ever had to work in dark, tight space, then you know what a lifesaver this little tool can be. In this article, we’re checking out the best pocket flashlights on the market. We’ll give you a full buyer’s guide,…

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Sabiki Rig

Ultimate Guide to Sabiki Rigs and How To Use Them

The Sabiki rig is a cutting edge fishing technique that was first used for baitfish angling in Asia. Sabiki rigs have grown to be known as flasher rigs by a great section of the fishing community. They are the absolute fishing tackle and are now employed all over the world. The rig consists of flies…

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Best Headlamps of 2021

Adventure does not end with the setting of the sun. The real adventure starts in the dark. In which case, you will need a reliable source of light. A headlamp is a must-have tool for adventure in the dark. Or even to easily access the not-so-well-lit parts of your home. Whether you are an avid…

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The Best Bug Repellents of 2020

The Best Bug Repellents of 2021

A boat is a great investment that should bring joy, fun memories, and epic tales of conquests and escapades under normal circumstances. Whatever the motive for being on that boat, it is never to be invaded by pirates. Once they take over the boat, you are at their mercy, and your luxury cruise suddenly changes…

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How to Tie Braided Fishing Line to Monofilament or Fluorocarbon

How to Tie Braided Fishing Line to Monofilament or Fluorocarbon

Have you been wondering how to tie a braided fishing line to monofilament or fluorocarbon? There is a very good chance that you have; every avid angler asks themselves such questions. There is also a very good chance that the very next question you asked yourself after that is, “why do I need to learn…

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How to Tie Braided Fishing Line

How to Tie Braided Fishing Line

What are the key properties that come to your mind when you think about the ideal fishing line? For the most part, you will probably use words such as strong to describe its features, which means it doesn’t break easily even when dragged across rocks and other underwater debris. It also gives little stretch, which…

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Thermocline - Everything You Need to Know

How To Find The Thermocline For Better FIshing

What is Thermocline? To understand the thermoclines, you need to understand the term fully: it’s a combination of two words, “thermal,” which means heat, and “cline,” which means a layer of degradation. Thermocline is a transitional barrier or layer of water in which the water temperature changes rapidly and is very different from the warmer…

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Best Spinning Reel

Best Spinning Reels of 2021

Fishing is a wonderful hobby that everyone can enjoy! Even if you know the perfect time to fish, you cannot catch anything if your equipment is not up to par. One of the most crucial parts of your fishing equipment is the reel. Without the best spinning reel, your chances of catching a fish are mediocre….

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Pflueger President Spinning Reel Review

A spinning reel is a must-have for all anglers, regardless of their experience levels. It is the first thing that pops to mind whenever you think of fishing as it has helped many to learn the basics of fishing. It is very critical to angling since it is the gadget that enables you to pull…

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The Humminbird Helix 7

Humminbird Helix 7 Review

Among the first things you will learn as a fisherman is that you need a lot of stealth to have the edge over the fish. Ideally, you should spot them before they even realize you are in the neighborhood. This requires planning as the water is their territory, and they have a huge advantage over…

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Best Thermos

Reviewing the Best Thermos of 2021

When you hear the word “Thermos,” the brand Thermos may come to mind. However, if you skip the technicalities, people often use the word thermos to refer to a vacuum flask intended to keep beverages at the desired temperature for long periods. Many turn to this wonderful bottle when they want to enjoy a drink…

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Best Boonie Hats for 2021

The people of Australia know a little something about surviving in the wilderness. Australia offers some of the harshest wilderness in the world. There are scorching hot summers. There are endless deserts. There are raging seas, and wild animals aplenty. So when Australians make gear for surviving outdoors, you can count on it to be…

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Garmin Livescope Review

Garmin Livescope Review

When it comes to GPS and fishing technology, very few companies can compare to Garmin International. Not only do they offer excellent fish finding gear and have done so for decades now, but they also give you tech that is easy and fun to use. One of the most outstanding pieces of fishing equipment in…

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Abu Garcia Black Max

Abu Garcia Black Max Review

A fishing reel is one of the most important components of the fishing rod. It is the connection that brings the catch from the water to the boat or the shore. Since its invention by the Chinese years ago, it has been adopted worldwide to the extent that the modern fisherman is paralyzed without it….

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Flounder vs Halibut

Flounder vs Halibut – All You Need to Know

Avid anglers almost always have an internal competition going among the different “catch of the day” categories. This competition always goes something like this: which is better, red snapper or white snapper? How about largemouth bass vs smallmouth bass? You get the gist; the comparison is between the different types of fish that compare closely…

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How to Fish - A Beginners Checklist

How to Fish – A Beginners Guide

Have you ever wondered what the fuss is all about? Why billions of people across the globe go fishing every now and again? After all, they could just walk into the nearest fish market and buy some of the best and freshest fillets around? Why, then, would someone take the time to learn how to…

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Humminbird Helix 5

Humminbird Helix 5 Review

The Humminbird Helix 5 series has several fish finders that have been upgraded over the years. The number 5 is an indicator of the size of the screens at 5 inches. All of them have Dual Beam PLUS Sonar, SwitchFire Sonar, and a limited 1-year warranty from Humminbird. The most advanced of them all is…

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Garmin Striker 4 Fish Finder Review

If you are new to fish angling, you might be wondering why people are spending so much money buying different kinds of fishing equipment and gizmos instead of just putting up a sign that says “Gone Fishing” and getting on with it. The reason behind this is simple: these gizmos make fishing that much more…

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PENN Slammer 3

PENN Slammer III Spinning Reel Review

The PENN Slammer III is a spinning fishing reel suitable for heavy-duty fishing both at the shore or from a boat.  It was first released to the market in 2016 and has since gone through several upgrades to make it even more efficient. In 2016, the PENN Slammer 3 won the iCast Awards for best…

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