SYMETRE SY4000FI Shimano Fishing Reel

The Split shot rig is a finesse version of a fish finding rig along the lines of but not quite the Carolina Rig. Too many anglers dismiss this method as being too slow or a small fish method. The truth is that it is a deadly finesse method that can cover water as efficiently and as quickly as the Carolina rig. The split shot method also is a great way to catch limits of keeper sized bass. What tournament angler could dispute the success of that? Split shotting is a fairly shallow water finesse technique that works best in depths under 20 feet. It can be worked deeper but the sensitivity decreases as the depth increases. For anglers who arent confident in their worm fishing abilities, the split shot rig is actually nothing like traditional worm fishing.

This method is a cast and crank method that can be more easily compared to crank bait fishing than to worm fishing. The tiny 4inch curly tailed worms are in constant motion on the bottom so it might be even more effective than cranking because the bait stays in the strike zone longer. However simple this may sound, you can increase the effectiveness of the technique by seining the bottom. By this I mean using different casting angles and boat positioning to essentially saturate a grid or area. This way you can potentially present the bait to every fish within a determined area.

Not Just Another Carolina rig

The Split Shot may resemble a Carolina rig but it is different. To tie the rig you must eliminate the bullet sinker. Instead, you just crimp a piece of shot, two or three feet above the Texas rigged bait. I most often distance the shot about 18 to 24 inches above the bait. It is important to use only round shot without the tabs. The tabs will always catch on the weeds and foul the rig. Use size 2 or 4 shot. Make sure you dont fray the line when you crimp the shot down on it. I prefer softer shot to prevent damaging the line. Water Gremlin, makers of weights and sinkers for fishing has introduced its Bull Shot. This is a bullet weight or conical shaped weight with a new twist. Like its famous squeezable split shot weights that crimp on to the line, Bull Shot weights have the same premise. Here you can place your bullet weight above the hook in any desired length. Just squeeze it on and it will stay in place. Gone are the days of multi knot rigs. It is a quick and easy way to rig up your soft plastics. This may be the best alternative if avoiding weeds and snags are your concern. The pointed shape comes through snags with ease and takes this rig to a new dimension.

This is a true finesse rig. Using this rig requires an angler to scale down his/her tackle. A four-inch bait is about the largest an angler should use. Employ a size 1/0 or size 1 Aberdeen style hook. Rig the bait on the seam. This along with the Aberdeen hook is a straight shank style and creates a keel to prevent the bait from rolling thus eliminating line twist. That is the key to the natural swimming motion of this bait. Fine diameter line and light spinning gear are necessary for this technique. I use a 6 or 6-6 foot ML spinning rod and 6lb test for this technique.

Employ the split shot rig when fishing in depths shallower than 20 feet. Any deeper and youll lose contact with the bait. The split shot retrieve is slow and steady. Maximum bottom contact is essential. You simply have to keep the weight in contact with the bottom. This technique is perfect for locating concentrations of bass. Especially when coordinated to cover a specific area from multiple angles. Because the bait is always in motion, wind won't hamper its success. Wind can put a serious damper on regular worm fishing such as a Texas rig. The split shot rig is less affected by wind because you are constantly moving it.

Split shotting is deadly when fishing used water. If I'm fishing behind another boat, chances are that I am throwing a split shot rig to the water that has already been covered by that boat. The split shot method excels in heavily fished waters. That is the beauty of this method. One area in which this method excels is locating fish around uninteresting areas. Most anglers will beat visible cover or structure they see on their LCDs to death. While you can catch fish in these places on split shot rigs, the rig may be better suited for use in boring areas without heavy cover. These boring areas are usually passed over by other anglers and they likely dont receive any exploration because those anglers cant see anything attractive to hold bass.

One particular day I was on an 85 acre pond that was hosting a bass tournament by a local B.A.S.S. chapter. The water was crowded with 15 or so boats and all of the water was used up. Immediately I rigged a split shot worm and I proceeded to catch a limit of decent bass. From what I heard, the participants didnt fair as well. This proved to me how valuable an option this rig is. It took fish in water that was used by skilled anglers. This rig is a good choice when trying to locate fish on an unfamiliar lake. It is often the first tactic I'll try on new waters. When a cold front is passing through the split shot may be the only bait that gets consistent attention from bass.

Anglers must learn to recognize the strike on a split shot rig. It differs from the telltale tap-tap of the Texas rig. The split shot bite tends to feel like a mushy sensation or the feeling of added pressure on the line. Bass do tend to hold onto the bait a bit longer than traditionally rigged worms. The lack of a sliding weight for a bass to feel in its mouth likely is the reason. This set up is just more natural. As with many of the techniques in this book, it might be best to learn what the rig feels like being retrieved unimpeded. Because you will be bumping of bottom with it, you may be in for a tough time recognizing strikes. Just remember that hook sets are free and if you feel anything out of the ordinary, swing on it. One caution with this rig, because you are using light line, try to sweep set the rod sharply to one side of your body. I utilize a set similar to the Slider sweep. You do not want to pop your line by setting too hard with the tiny line. Bass seem to hold on to the bait because of the weightless feeling coupled with the small amount of slack line between the split shot and the bait.

Hand poured worms along with standard grubs, reapers and lizards work well on a split shot rig. One of the best worms for this is the Curly Tail worm from Robo Worm. This is made specifically for the Shot techniques. This is a tiny 4 inch worm that features some wicked hand poured colors. It has a curly tail that is rigged tail down to offset any line twist by being inline with the keel that the Aberdeen hook creates. The worms are scented and salted and bass simply do not drop once they once them up. Ive been using some of the new Cyberflexx baits that really float high off the bottom on this rig. They are very effective and this is a good way to seine the water. The floating bait opens up another dimension to the split shot rig. Now you can cover water above the bottom. This is helpful when fish are suspending a few feet off the bottom.

Anytime is Split Shot time

An angler should recognize the best times to use this method. I use it as a fish finding tool on unfamiliar waters. If you put an easy meal in front of any bass, it is going to tell you something every time. Obviously, if you are simply patterning fish incorrectly, the rig may not be of use to you. If you use it where they live, it will draw a reaction and usually quickly at that. I initially target, sloping primary and secondary points with the rig. From there, I move to small shallow humps, sand bars and depressions, flats and sandy bottom areas. Perhaps one of the best places to utilize the split shot rig is on bare or nothing banks. These areas visually dont look as sweet as say a submerged log jam or weed bed. For this reason, they are often overlooked and passed by most target fishing anglers. The truth of the matter is that bass will be in these areas and often it is because the bottom offers something that the target angler doesnt even know is there. The rig also works well when pulled over shallow flats, sloping points, sandy banks, boat launch ramps and sandbars. Try it in non-traditional fishing spots. Locate bass daily migration routes and try this rig. Many times when fish are spooky, traditional baits wont raise a strike, the split shot rig may be just the ticket to catching a bass with lockjaw. Target spots that other fishermen ignore; bare banks, swimming areas and shallow sandy flats are among the choicest of areas.

Gear Breakdown: Split Shot Rig

Rod: Kistler California Series 6-9 ML Drop Shot rod

Reel: Shimano Sustain 1000FB

Line: Super Silver Thread 6lb

Hook: Gamakatsu size 1 or 1/0 thin wire straight shank

Bait: Robo Worm 4 Curly tail worm

Craig DeFronzo has written over 300 articles that are bass fishing related within the past decade for several of the top bass fishing web sites and periodicals. He is the author of over 12 books and eBooks on bass fishing and is the creator of Micro Munch Tackle. He started a small bait company based on the belief that unique custom tackle would be more appealing to bass that are continuously bombarded by the same commercial baits every day. Custom baits and lighter tackle have helped him achieve success in competition. For more information on custom handmade baits and more articles and Craig's ebooks visit http://micromunchtackle.com/

shimano fishing

SYMETRE SY4000FI Shimano Fishing Reel

Selecting the right spinning reel can be a difficult thing to do. That's why I decided to write a quick article on spinning reel selection tips. There are some simple things that you can look for that can make all the difference. Because having a decent spinning reel is great, however having a spinning reel that wont perform properly is a terrible experience. And the last thing that you want is for your spinning reel to malfunction in the middle of fighting a trophy fish. I've had this happen, and the profanity laced tirade that followed would have made a long shore man blush. Use these simple spinning reel selection tips, so that you don't have to go through the same experience.

1. Match Your Spinning Reel To Your Rod - Whenever a spinning reel is purchased, on the packaging it says what weight it is: ultra light, light, medium, or heavy. You want the weight of the reel to match the weight of the rod, and you want the weight to match the type and size of fish that your fishing for. For example, if you're fishing for trout in small rivers and streams, you want to use an ultra light spinning reel and rod. Light action would be the heaviest in trout fishing situations such as these. This is also a great reason to not buy combination sets with the rod and spinning reel sold together. In most cases these combination sets are made with very cheap rods and spinning reels. It's better to purchase the two separately, so that you can get the feel and balance that you desire, and will work best for you.
2. Stick With A Quality Manufacturer - Many people attempt to save a little money by choosing an unknown manufacturer. This is not a good idea. Some quality manufacturers would include; Diawa, Pflueger, Okuma, and Shimano. Any one of these manufacturers would be a wonderful choice. And you don't have to break the bank either. In fact, a quality spinning reel should be able to be found for well under 50 bucks.
3. Pay Attention To The Number Of Ball Bearings - The more ball bearings a spinning reel has, the less play it will have in the crank. This makes a big difference to those of us who like to fish with live bait in the flowing waters of both rivers and streams. I like to have no "play" in my handle. In other words, when I turn the handle, I want the bail to immediately turn. I like to have no "play" at all. This normally means that I want at least 6 ball bearings in my spinning reels. Pflueger makes some quality and affordable spinning reels, for anyone who might be looking?

The bottom line is that these spinning reel selection tips should help you make a very informed decision, as to which spinning reel is right for you. Remember, a quality spinning reel should be able to be found for under fifty bucks. Breaking the bank shouldn't be necessary. Another great tip is to clean your spinning reel before the beginning of every fishing season. Remember, the last thing you want is for your spinning reel to malfunction while fighting a fish.

Trevor Kugler
Co-founder of JRWfishing.com
Trevor has more than 20 years of fishing experience, 15 years of business experience and currently raises his 3-year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country......Montana.

Quality Spinning Reel Choices - http://www.jrwfishing.com/fishing_rods_reels.html

shimano fishing

got snook? Kids T Shirt 2T thru Youth XL

Great looking 100% cotton shirt. Please refer to our sizing chart for measurements.This design also available as a men's or women's tee shirt, and a men's hoodie and sweat shirt in our other amazon.com listings.

A land where you can hope to snag a hundred lb sailfish using unique gear, where sports fishing charters are available for a wide range of cities located along the coastline (Miami, Pompano & Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, to name a few) and great fishing adventures an everyday story - that's the South Florida sport fishing trip for you!!

The Gold Coast in south Florida sport fishing trips area does live up to its name and provides fishermen many opportunities to reel in big Barracudas, Swordfish (known as the gladiator of the sea) and other species like the Mackerel, Kingfish and Amberjack. Of course, those looking out for different fishing holiday with customized fishing gear and tackle routine can rest their claims for fun on hoping to reel in the mighty sailfish - with a record 110 lbs of baggage it carries, it makes for a fine fishing tale!

Inventive anglers are known to play their best lures to snare a sailfish, as old hand at the fishing reel: Captain Vinnie LaSorsa of the GoodFellas Fishing Charters fame is known to do - sailfish reeled in by kite! The kite reeled in a mighty sailfish to Captain LaSorsa and crew-members who'd been luring the fish with live bait hanging from fishing kites, which had suspended hooks skimming the top of the waters; this action created rippling sound waves that attracted the big fish (tuna is also susceptible) and thus the story was told.

However, fishing for the big ones like the Sailfish and Tuna does call upon a huge amount of energy for the fisherman and a hearty breakfast is recommended before setting out to sea - for the sailfish is the hardiest saltwater fish to capture. Those who are not convinced can move on to grappling with sharks on the reel, we say!

And if you take us seriously, then it's Captain Mark the Shark, located out of Miami Beach, that you need; he knows all the varieties - be it the Hammerhead, Bull shark, or the Thresher, he's one skipper that has the reputation of holding a world record for reeling in these predators of the sea.

On the score of fishing tackle, when on a South Florida sport fishing trip, you can take the expert guidance of an experienced fisherman to differentiate between the different kinds of fishing rods, reels and baits best suited for deep sea fishing in waters known to him. These are namely, Penn Formula 2-speed reels, Black Bart Extreme Breakfast Teaser lures, saltwater fishing rods from the Shimano Tallus family and the Illand Black Hole lure. So, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing gear and fishing holes both when on a South Florida sport fishing trip that can be limited to a day-trip or a close-to-shoreline one (e.g. Fort Lauderdale has fish a couple of mile off the coastline).

Thus, we find that booking a South Florida Sport fishing trip is not only the best way to get some outdoor angling fun but more great tips can be added to the avid angler's fund of knowledge by looking up the The South Florida Sport Fishing magazine and women to have their own contest here, called the Senorita Shootout. This is organized in Miami and Fort Lauderdale and women are known to catch all species of fish - from Blackfin Tuna to kingfish and the Wahoo. All types of timelines available for charters!

Abhishek is an avid Fishing enthusiast and he has got some great Fishing Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 116 Pages Ebook, "Fishing Mastery!" from his website http://www.Fishing-Masters.com/772/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.

shimano fishing

Rapala Collectibles Limited 1st Edition Fishing Figurine 'Jim's Bait'

Rapala Collectible First Edition Figurine named Jim's Bait. Jim's Bait is part of the Tackleshop Series. This figurine comes with it's own Certificate of Authenticity and in it's original box. It can either lat flat or hung on the wall. It is 7 inches wide. This work is issued in a strictly limited edition of 3000 after which the master mold will be destroyed to preserve the integrity of the edition. Get them while you still can, before it's too late! NOTE: THIS DOES NOT COME WITH A DISPLAY STAND (ON THE BACK OF THE BOX IT SAYS IT COMES WITH A STAND BUT IT DOES NOT)

Top Water fishing for Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass is my passion! Its great fun and exciting to watch the bait getting annihilated right before my eyes!

Unlike other Bass fishing techniques, top water fishing is in a 'league' of its own. It is all sight and sound. Taking your eyes off your bait could mean a lost fish. Don't worry; the sound of the water exploding when the Bass engulfs the bait will wake you, pronto!

In my opinion, top water Bass fishing requires two basic rod techniques and two fishing styles- the twelve o'clock and the six o'clock.

The 'twelve o'clock' technique is with the rod in front of you, tip to the sky. The 'twelve' o'clock is great for thick, tough Bass terrain which requires weedless top water baits such as frogs or rats. A medium heavy or heavy 6'6" or 7' rod will suffice. I like the 6'10" Quantum Tour P.T heavy action, but it is the length here that shines for good castability. Cast it out and work it back slowly over the thick of it. Pumping or twitching with this rod technique will help keep the bait free of debris. Walking a weedless cigar shaped bait, such as Snag Proof's Water Demon, will work just as well using the twelve o'clock method. Just remember to twitch front to back while reeling in slack line. Work the Buzz bait with the same rod positioning. The only exception is a medium action 6'6" to 7' rod. You really want elasticity to get the Buzz bait out there and a good back bone to get the fish to the boat.

In the 'six o'clock' rod technique, the rod is in front of you with the tip just above the water surface. This is a great method for open water and somewhat weedless circumstances. 'Chugging' the cup faced baits and 'walking the dog' with cigar baits are a snap with this technique. Hold the rod like a golf club, directly in front of you, with the rod tip down above the water surface. The positioning is comfortable and can save the back from aching afterwards. It requires a smaller rod. How much smaller depends on the height of the angler plus the height of the casting platform from the water surface. For example, I am 5'6" tall and for me a 5' rod is perfect for the 'chugging' or 'walking the dog' of surface baits. A medium action 4'9" Shimano Crucial is a good choice for a rod if your height is in my range.

Working the rod at six o'clock requires just a slight twitch of the wrists for 'walking the dog'. This technique also puts the angler in a good position for power stroking the rod and really pushing water to wake up the Bass. When a fish takes the bait simply pull up to set the hook and bring it home!

Everyone has their own methods and techniques for fishing top water. These simple rod tactics work for me, but whatever feels right for you is what is important here. Through trial and error I have found that the 'twelve' and 'six' o'clock rod positioning gives me the best results. As far as reels go, well, that depends entirely on the individual angler. For my outings, a 6:2:1 gear ratio baitcast is my choice. You be the judge!

Visit Nic DiGravio at http://www.probassfishing.ca

shimano fishing

SYMETRE SY4000FI Shimano Fishing Reel

Before I get into this, lets just understand that I consider any jig 1/4oz or larger to be heavy. Catch 10,000 bass or so on a 1/16, 1/8 and 3/16oz jigs and you would also. When fishing heavy jigs, I abandon the realm of spinning tackle and move up to stout bait casting gear. This is necessary to transport your offering to nasty places and to get it back. I normally do not skip with a bait casting rod. It can be done but you must have an extremely educated thumb to prevent backlashes. I use Shimano reels exclusively. I go with either a Scorpion 1001 or a Calais Antares 101.

Contrary to many other anglers, I do not use a very heavy line 10 or 12lb line fills the bill for me and can handle most situations. I like Hybrid line. Gamakatsu G-Lock is also very good for flipping. I have used Vanish fluorocarbon and I like it also. It has great abrasion resistance. I only tie my jigs on with a palomar knot. I feel this is the strongest most reliable knot anyone can tie. I rely on Kistler Helium rods. I prefer a medium action rod. The lighter line and medium action rod make this a light line method when compared to the 25 and 20lb test many guys are using. Ive been doing a ton of flipping with a 6-6 ML rod and Scorpion 1001 reel. I usually do not go above a 3/16oz jig but it is a dynamite combo. It is sheer fun. Ive never broken a rod while fishing jigs.

Targeting Bass

I can flip, I can Skip, I can pitch. Which is best? Do what works for you. I am more effective skipping with a spinning rod so I usually do not skip with bait casting rods. My presentation is a cross between flipping and pitching. It is a kind of under hand lob low to the water that may be skipping-like in reality. When the bait hits the water, there is very little disturbance.

I am always searching for targets to hit. I will drop jigs into places many guys wont. You cant worry about losing a bait. If you do, you will handicap yourself mentally. Putting jigs in tough places can mean the difference between catching a horse and casting practice. I hit my targets from many different angles. This gives the fish a presentation it may not have seen. I see far too many guys drop a jig on a stump once or twice only to move on. I do not fish my jig back to the boat. Once I feel I have saturated the target, I reel in and cast again.

Strikes range from a mushy weighty feeling to an unmistakable chomp. I learned to fish jigs by forcing myself to only take them with me while fishing. I learned early on to discern what the jig felt like on the end of my line. Anything lighter or heavier was surely a bass. This is what I have come to name Weighing the line. I learned what a 3/16oz jig feels like in the water. This strategy has helped me learn complex techniques and has definitely made me a better, more consistent angler.

Lets talk about hook sets. If you are fishing a jig correctly, you will have very little slack line. It is a contact bait in which an angler must know what it is doing at all times. This makes for instantaneous hook sets and excellent sensitivity. If you feel something out of the ordinary, swing on it, hook sets are free. I set my hook hard over my right shoulder. It is violent, it is lightning quick and it gets the job done. I notice that very few anglers get the gist of the hook set in most applications. There is no pussy footing around here, set it like you mean it or go home empty handed. There really is no style to it, just speed and power.

Detecting a strike will come as a natural feeling in time and with practice. The time it takes you to detect a strike and swing on it is the difference between hooking up and getting beaned in the head by your jig. A jig is made of metal and silicone. A bass will rarely hold on to it for a long period of time. Scent and salt may help increase the odds by a half second or so but it is important to set up as soon as you detect the strike.

Rattles

Rattles may give the angler an advantage when the water is murky or cold. I prefer to fish without rattles 95% of the time. When I use them, I prefer the strap type of collar so the rattles hang down in the skirt. This way they do not impede with my hook set. One little trick I employ is to add a small piece of sponge on the hook shank. I spray it with a bit of garlic or craw scent. I think it at least gives me the confidence to be more effective.

A jig is a contact bait. It is built be used in nasty places and it is strong enough to wrestle big bass out of them. Many guys make the mistake of not attempting to penetrate deep into cover with them. By failing to do this, they decrease their chances for success. Youve got to get into the places where these fish live.

Although I am a light tackle jig guy by nature, Im smart enough to realize that heavy jigs definitely have a place in my arsenal. On the other side of it, dont just use heavier baits. You will be pleasantly surprised when you tie on a light jig n pig.

Craig DeFronzo has written over 300 articles that are bass fishing related within the past decade for several of the top bass fishing web sites and periodicals. He is the author of over 12 books and eBooks on bass fishing and is the creator of Micro Munch Tackle. He started a small bait company based on the belief that unique custom tackle would be more appealing to bass that are continuously bombarded by the same commercial baits every day. Custom baits and lighter tackle have helped him achieve success in competition. For more information on custom handmade baits and more articles and Craig's ebooks visit http://micromunchtackle.com/

shimano fishing

shimano fishing

shimano fishing

All avid anglers will find the need for the perfect sport fishing boat a difficult to pass up idea and so we are here to help you narrow down this search for you by guiding you through the deal of where to find it and what factors to consider.

Do not hurry over making the final decision as you should invest time into the hunt for the ideal sports fishing boat into which, you will also be sinking in good money; thus, look closely at the different categories of fishing boats, the facilities that come aboard it and the various sleek and practical designs for your needs. There are a few basic types of sport fishing boats in the market and depending on the kind of fish you are aiming to catch, you can decide on the vessel that will best meet your sailor?s needs for those particular waters!

Some popular categories of Sport Fishing Boats include:-

1. Boats for Freshwater Fishing
2. Boats for Offshore saltwater fishing
3. Boats for Inshore saltwater fishing
4. Bass Fishing boats
5. and Float tubes

From the above mentioned category of sport fishing boats, the most practical and versatile range of boats are the Freshwater kinds; these can be used in all kinds of fresh waterways and help you avoid the cost and manageability of owning a large boat. Typically made of Aluminum or fiberglass, these boats weigh less and are easy to operate for shorter fishing trips while the offshore saltwater sport fishing boat is heavier, with stronger motor force backing it. This variety has many models, including an electric and a convertible one; the inshore saltwater vessel, on the other hand, is great for fishing Bonefish, Snook, redfish, Tarpin and others and consist of one outboard motor with a an option for a deck.

Coming to the category of Bass fishing boats: these are best suited for more experienced anglers and reserved for contests as such, riding low on waterways and moving with a speed that requires experts to cast lines that win them tournaments with a timely catch! These come with dual platforms to make quick work of casting a line! Float tubes are simple floating devices with space for a fisherman?s seating and that allows for partial submersion into the waters, so the angler can steer around a limited area easily and also have access to an air chamber.

What amenities to look out for in Best Sport Fishing Boats

While there are many types of sport fishing boats, from basic to budget to luxury models that can be designed according to buyer specifications, the wide range of boating accessories (fishing chairs, deck stackable gear, easy store motors and Digi- depth finders etc.) increase the value of the particular model! Other features in best sport fishing boats may include latest music playing and swimming platforms, stowage areas under seats and the floor, built-in insulated coolers and covered patios and decks on the boat!

Top of the Line Sport Fishing Boat Makers you can depend on for quality products include big names like L.L. Bean, Attwood, Bennett Marine, Pelican, Luhr Jensen, Redington, Centurion, Quantum, Ed Curmings, Shimano, Tohatsu, Berkley, C.E. Smith, T-H Marine, Sevylor and Berkley.

Also check out the customer service options these leading manufacturers offer on range of boat designs and convenience of delivery.

Abhishek is an avid Fishing enthusiast and he has got some great Fishing Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 116 Pages Ebook, "Fishing Mastery!" from his website http://www.Fishing-Masters.com/772/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.

shimano fishing

Shimano Tiagra 80 W Big Game Fishing Reel Cover New

Keeping your tackle safe and secure is very important to fisherman. This gear was designed to help you prevent any unnecessary loss of tackle during a day on the water. Protect your reels with Shiamno's new neoprene reel covers. All sides made of neoprene to help absorb the bumps and scratches. Design allows for reel covers to be mounted while the reel is on or off the rod. All sides made out of 5mm neoprene # Gold logo and stitches over shiny black fabric match the color of Tiagra reels and Tallus rods.# All reel covers fit perfectly to specific size of Tiagra reels.

Currently there are many types of bicycles available. Even so, the standard safety bicycle design developed in the 1800's is the basis of our current bicycle designs. The types of bicycle most commonly used today are mountain bikes, cruisers, touring bicycles, racing bikes, BMX's and utility bikes. The class a bicycle falls in hinges on a number of elements; style of construction, number of passengers, gearing and propulsion.

Mountain bicycles were intended for trail and mountain riding where the terrain is tough. The frames are constructed to resist the rough treatment of riding in natural settings. In addition, special tires and gearing make it easier for riders to get the power they require to keep moving.

BMX bicycles are another unique style. These cycles usually have little 16 - 24 inch traction treaded tires. They are small framed, making them easier to maneuver and much faster. BMX bikes are usually used for racing and even for doing fantastic tricks.

Racing cycles are designed for road cycling and they are all about speed. They're light weight and have excellent handling. Racing bicycles use drop handlebars, positioned lower than the saddle. This puts the riders body in the best possible aerodynamic posture. The closeness of the derailleur gear ratios permit the rider to pedal at the most effective cadence.

Touring bikes are unique in that they have racks mounted on them to carry the riders gear. These racks are attached to the frame of the bicycle in front and back. The wheel base is also longer than on a standard bike, which makes it able to carry more weight. Also, features such as wider tires and additional water bottle mounts are commonly incorporated.

Tandem bicycles carry two or more passengers at once. Tandem refers to the way the seats of the bicycle are set up, and not to the number of passengers it will carry. All the passengers of a tandem bike pedal, providing power. In most tandem set ups, the front rider controls the steering just like in a standard bicycle.

Low rider bicycles are normally home-built, extraordinary customized bikes. They have normally got an old-school curled banana seat with a extremely tall sissy bar. Ape-hangers are the norm for handlebars, giving the bicycle a "chopper" look & feel. They're normally chromed to the limit and have glittery, high spoke-count wheels.

Recumbent bikes & trikes are designed so that the rider is reclining back in a low-statured position. Also commonly referred to as 'bents. The seat supports the passengers back and the legs are extended forward to the pedals. The seat and pedals are usually at the same height. Tires used on recumbents are commonly smaller and farther apart than they are on an upright bike. Recumbents can be guided using either over- or under- seat steering.

There are other types of human powered vehicles referred to as "bikes" too. Though they are not technically regarded as bicycles, they work on the same general principles. They include unicycles, tricycles and quadracycles. Fun to ride, no doubt, none of these styles are used very often.

Despite the multitude of bicycles that are commercially available, there are always those that want to construct their own. Building a bicycle, trike, or tandem at home is fun and not awful hard. In fact, nearly anybody with a can-do attitude, a a couple of tools and some simple instruction could build a decent bicycle.

Bike building can be done in a shed or garage and it's an excellent small project. For individuals that want a custom-made bike without the custom built cost it's an excellent choice. The bicycle you make could bring back a old-time style or lead the pack into the future of bike construction.

Whether you decide to ride a factory built bicycle or a unique custom bike, the important thing is to get out there and ride! Next time, we'll discuss the important topic of bicycle safety.

For more information about Do It Yourself Bicycle Building, visit: http://biblioflip.com

K.L. "Vin" Hayes guides a team of autonomous authors and investigators. Over the last decade, they have worked in concert to produce quality digital reissues of vintage documents & books as well as original works. Vin specializes in how-to information that includes a wide variety of matters such as hunting & fishing, hobbies & crafts, self-improvement, construction and a great deal.

shimano fishing