fishing

On warm weather spring getaways fishing can be a great way to get out on the water and do a little something different. Sportfishing can be a very rewarding activity if it is done correctly the first time. After the first outing on the high seas, the rest is normally smooth sailing. First, find a local saltwater fishing club or a lodge. You can typically find ads for these in a phonebook, by word of mouth, or on some forums online. However, be prepared to cough up a fair amount of money, as charters can cost up to $150 per person. Next, call the company and find out what kind of boats they have available for day or half day rental. When fishing in a group, a 35-foot boat should do just fine.

Depending on the target species, types of bait can vary greatly. Try your luck with cut mackerel or pogies, available at most local bait shops. If going fishing without a guide, you will definitely have to get your hands dirty preparing bait. The preparation of cut bait is fairly simple. All you have to do is cut a baitfish into three or four pieces depending on the size of the target species. Next, put a hook into the piece of bait so that the hook goes around the spine of the fish. Remember to put a weight of about 1 ounce on the line about 2 feet closer to the rod tip than the bait. Recommended line strength is about 30 pound test.

Cawdor Castle, one of Scotland's greatest estates which dates back to 1380, is the centerpiece of a beautiful new book focusing on the very best of Scottish style. Highland Living: Landscape, Style, and Traditions of Scotland (Flammarion, $39.95) by Stéphane Bern and Franck Ferrand with photographs by Guillaume de Laubier opens with a foreword by the castle's formidable mistress, Angelika, the Dowager Countess Cawdor (above). Born in Bohemia and raised in Africa, the exotic beauty was a fashion editor at Vogue and directed a marketing company in Paris before marrying the late Hugh, 6th Earl Cawdor and 24th Thane, and falling in love with the Scottish Highlands. In 30 years at Cawdor she has given new life to the legendary estate while preserving its historic heritage and way of Highland living.

At the heart of Scotland lies the legendary Cawdor Castle, best known for its literary connection to William Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth, the title character of which was made Thane of Cawdor. With its rich history, vibrant grounds and deep lochs, ancient, stony ruins, stewardship of revered traditions, and completely sustainable existence, the Cawdor estate, occupying over 49,000 acres, exemplifies the essence of the Highlands. Its magnificent interiors are filled with glorious antiques and handcrafted furniture, tartan accessories, hunting trophies and painted landscapes. Kilts and bagpipes, salmon and fly fishing, grouse shooting, hunting dogs, Land Rovers, shotguns and Barbour jackets, the shady realm of the Big Wood, thematic gardens, windswept moors, haggis and Scotch whisky are all part of life at the storied Castle.

Microsoft founder Bill Gates, the world's richest man, has reportedly purchased Irma Lake Lodge in Wyoming, a 492-acre ranch that once belonged to Western legend "Buffalo Bill" Cody, for $8.9 million. The deal was done via Gates' investment manager, the Cody Enterprise reports. The Shoshone Forest borders the beautiful property (above) on two sides and the terrain varies from open knolls to thick conifer forests, aspen groves and rocky outcroppings. Dotted across the ranch are four lakes and three picturesque ponds.

Named by Buffalo Bill after his youngest daughter, Irma Lake is the largest body of water with approximately 12 acres. The estate includes a 15,000-square-foot contemporary log cabin-style main residence (below) with with expansive open spaces and patios, a five-bedroom guesthouse, stables, Buffalo Bill's original cabin, a caretaker's house, and a dairy cabin. In addition to amazing views, there are several species of fish to be found on the property as well as "some of the finest big game hunting the west has to offer."

After failing to sell parcels of his 6,000-acre Pecos River ranch in New Mexico, actor Val Kilmer has now listed the entire estate for $33 million. The 49-year-old star, who recently announced that he may run for governor of New Mexico next year, says he's listing the property so that "someone who has the time and the finances" can maintain and preserve it, the Wall St. Journal reports. Back in 2006 my colleague Deirdre Woollard reported that Kilmer was offering an 1,800 acre parcel for $18 million.

The ranch, which features six miles of trout fishing, canyons, pine forests, a stable and a rock quarry, is about 25 miles southeast of Santa Fe. The main house is a 5,600-sq.-ft. log and stucco contemporary with four bedrooms. There are also two one bedroom guest houses and a two bedroom foreman's house. The star of The Doors and Batman Forever assembled the impressive property, which remains largely unspoiled, about 13 years ago.

Perhaps a true sign of luxury living is buying land that will be protected instead of developed. You'll soon have your chance to bid on such a parcel as The Adirondack Chapter of the The Nature Conservancy has announced the listing of 90,500 acres of pristine forestland for sale in upstate New York. The timberland previously belonged to paper company Finch, Pruyn and Co. and, according to listing broker LandVest, "represents the first time in more than a century that these lands have become available on the open market."

The parcels will be available by sealed bidding in 5 sale blocks in acreage ranging from 1,691 acres to almost 60,000 acres. All are subject to a strict conservation easement, though eventually some of the land will be open for hiking, hunting, fishing and other outdoor adventures. See more images that will make you want to flee your desk upon viewing at LandVest's listing page.

Robert Wells, heir to the Fiesta Dinnerware collection (so embedded in the American consciousness it even became the topic of a recently produced off-Broadway play), has bequeathed $9 million to The Nature Conservancy. His attorney cited Wells's respect for the Conservancy's "wide footprint" after traveling to places like the Chilean coasts, New Zealand and Alaska.

Twenty percent of the gift is earmarked for local conservation efforts in Wells's home state of West Virgina, specifically in the Central Appalachian Mountains. The bulk of the bequest will go towards global programs on behalf of the nature-loving recreational fisherman. The first date he took his wife on in the early 1950s? A 4:30 am catfishing expedition. Carolyn Wells also left a significant gift to the Conservancy following her death in 2005.

Love fishing? Book yourself a spot on the luxury ship Atmosphere for a fly fishing trip along the Chilean wilderness coast. Priced at $15,000 - $25,000, it's the most expensive fishing trip in the world and has plenty of fun luxuries to make that price tag worthwhile. Covering Patagonia by air, land, and water, several different kinds of boats and even a helicopter equipped with all the toys will whisk you away to remote rivers and lakes for dream fishing excursions -- or if you're not in the mood for that you can stay on the ship for awesome food, a massage, and maybe a whale watching excursion instead.

Via Gadling

I don't know about you but I am completely obsessed with the show "Deadliest Catch" that profiles crab fishermen. The Crab Catch package at Hastings House on Salt Spring Island in Canada won't be quite so dangerous but you do get to experience a crab fishing expedition with crab fisherman, Gary Le Marchant, on the 24' Welbury Bay crabbing boat. Guests will be given rain slickers and issued a crab fishing license. Gary will offer a hands-on workshop on crab information including a lesson in crab cleaning. The next night, guests will be treated to an evening of crab cooking instruction with chef Marcel Kauer who will demonstrate the best way to cook and dress a crab. The two-night/three-day Crab Catch package runs from May 1 to September 30, and is priced starting at $650 CAD per person (based on double occupancy). The package includes continental breakfast daily, afternoon treats, the crab excursion, a four-course Chef's dinner of crab specialties and each couple will receive a recipe book and measuring tool to take home.

Sport fishermen are a breed unto themselves, each holiday offers the chance to hook that one fish that dreams are made of. For those in pursuit of the big one, a new game lodge has been developed to offer a pleasant vacation while fishing in the abundant waters off Costa Rica. The Bahia Escondida Big Game Lodge in Golfito is situated in Algo Mas, the former management home of Chiquita Banana, which offers accommodations for six. The Lodge also has the services of a personal chef and a concierge so that you can focus on the fish. But if you are interested in the fishing, you are going to need a boat. The 51-foot Whiticar known as Shamrock is guided by Captain Tommy Lynskey into prime areas to catch sailfish, tuna and marlin. A five-day, four-night package includes a private charter from San Jose, four nights at Algo Mas and three days of fishing on Shamrock for $10,900 for up to six guests.

The latest yacht from Hatteras is this sleek 72-foot long model which has a wider salog area for more space for socializing. To keep you occupied in the salon there will be a 42-inch plasma television and an optional sunkien bar. The ship also has a formal dining room, a full-beam master stateroom several guest cabins and a galley with a walk-in pantry. Large enough for cruising but not so large as to be unwieldy she makes a good choice for those interested in a luxurious and dependable craft. With standard engines the boat will have a top speed of 23 to 25 knots and is scheduled to debut in the fall of 2007.

Power and Motoryacht has a review of Ocean Alexander's new 98 Cockpit Motoryacht. The 101-foot yacht has four stateroom and crew quarters. The reviewer was particularly taken with the healthy amount of cold storage (a stand-up Sub Zero, several drawer-style fridges and a freezer in the engine room) and with how the boat handled. It provided a smooth and quiet ride. The boat is designed for a comfortable traveling party and sells for a base price of $5.995 million but expect to pay a bit more for the bells and whistles like a hot tub.