When Scuba Diving, the scuba mask is your window into the underwater world. Choose the wrong mask to buy and instead of a big, clear, beautiful view of the ocean environment you'll end up with an obscured, cloudy, leaky irritating source of discomfort.

If you're serious about Scuba Diving here are 5 things you need to consider when evaluating scuba masks: Design, Materials, Color, Volume and Fit.

Scuba Mask Design

scuba masks have a few different design elements to consider. The first and most obvious design element is the number of "windows" or lenses which make up the viewing area of the scuba diving mask.

Single Window Masks have one large viewing area on the front of the scuba mask.

Two Window Masks have two separate lenses, one in front of each eye.

Three Window Masks will be similar to the Single Window Masks, having one large lens in front of both your eyes, with the addition of two small windows on the sides of the mask for peripheral vision.

While at first it may seem that more windows is always better, that is not always the case. Visibility when Scuba Diving is limited in even the best Dive Spots. Even on those perfect days when you can see 100-150ft you'll likely be spending most of your time viewing things up close and right in front of you. Side Windows on a scuba mask allow light to come in from the sides which can be a distraction, especially in shallower dives on sunny days. scuba masks with Side Windows will generally have larger internal volume due to the fact that the space required for the side windows means that the front windows(s) will most likely be positioned further from your face.

I generally prefer a Single Window scuba mask as they tend to give the best straight ahead view, however there is a situation when a Two Window scuba mask would be the right choice, if you intend on replacing the lenses with corrective lenses. While it would be possible to have a custom lens made for a Single Window Mask, many Two Window scuba masks have corrective lenses pre-made for various prescriptions.

scuba mask Materials

The Materials used for constructing a scuba mask should be a factor in your purchasing decision. Most modern masks are made with silicone skirts, however some are made using natural rubber. If you happen to have an allergy or some other aversion to either of those materials then you want to be sure of what you're getting, especially when ordering online.

The lens material is the other consideration, it will likely be either tempered glass or plastic. Glass will be a bit heavier, but I highly recommend it over plastic for its greater optical clarity and resistance to scratching. Plastic lenses will likely be less expensive, but they can become dull from small scratches and can yellow relatively quickly, both of which would detract from the enjoyment of your dive. So, in short, go for glass, but make sure it is tempered glass because tempered glass is MUCH safer in the event of glass breakage.

Color of the scuba mask

Choosing the color of scuba mask to buy is a functional decision, NOT just a fashion decision. Please resist the urge to buy a mask because it matches your wetsuit or BCD as tempting as that may be.

The color of the skirting is the most important. Many scuba dive mask have clear silicone skirting. Clear skirting sounds like a good idea, after all it should let it more light right? Yes it does let in more light, unfortunately that isn't as good as it sounds. The light which enters through clear skirting tends to scatter randomly, which ends up causing lots of reflections inside your mask and leads to a very distracting, annoying experience. I suggest going with a solid color, the darker the better from a vision standpoint.

Internal Volume of the scuba mask

The Internal Volume of a scuba mask is the amount of empty space inside the mask which is filled with air while you are wearing it. Choosing a Scuba Diving Mask with Low Internal Volume is an important consideration for the following reasons:

Equalizing your Mask is easier - The larger the Internal Volume of your scuba mask the more amount of air you will have to add in order to equalize.

Clearing your mask is easier - A mask with a larger internal volume means it holds more water and therefore takes more air to evacuate the water, so a mask with smaller internal volume is easier to clear. This should be especially desired by any divers whom dislike the process of clearing their mask.

How the scuba mask Fits

Everyone's face is shaped differently. Cheek bones and nose size/shape have a big effect on how well a scuba mask fits. Some masks fit only a select few while other masks seem to provide a nearly universal fit. Finding one which fits you well can be a challenge.

The Scuba Mask I'm currently using is one which seems to fit most people, and it is the first mask I recommend when someone asks me what mask to buy for scuba diving or snorkeling.

I absolutely love this mask as it combines the elements described in this article which make up the ideal mask for recreational scuba divers. It's a great mask for Snorkeling as well. You can see the mask here: http://scubadivers.me/mask-to-buy/

If you end up trying it out please come back to my site and leave a comment, I'd love to hear your experience and know that I was able to help out a fellow diver. Happy diving!

My site also provides some additional tips for determining how well a mask fits even if you're stuck on dry land.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scooter_Dixon

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When thinking about Florida saltwater fishing, redfish is probably the first species to come to mind. Especially along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico on the western border of Florida, saltwater fishing is based around the population of redfish.

While many people are of the belief that redfish tend to disappear during the cold of winter, this is actually a time when you can catch more of them with a little diligence, since fewer anglers are out looking for them. The redfish will simply move from the inshore flats to river and creek mouths and may actually travel miles up the freshwater river alleys, leaving their saltwater habitats behind for the season in search of warmer temperatures.

One place where Florida saltwater fishing for redfish flourishes in the winter months is at oyster bars. Apalachicola Bay is the heart of fishing on the west coast, and here you'll find a number of oyster bars, including Dry Bar, the largest one in the bay. One thing you really must be aware of, however, is that you'll need a shallow boat to fish the area properly, and it is best to do so during high tide to avoid bottoming out.

You may also want to study the surrounding area for landmarks prior to going out because, especially with the changes to the landscape due to the recent hurricanes, you may have difficulty finding your way out and back.

Florida saltwater fishing near the sandbar can help to find not only redfish but also trout now that some of the sandbars have been moved or broken apart. The same can be said of oyster bars that are covered over and sunken wrecks that were moved and shattered. While these movements have made it difficult for knowledgeable anglers to resume Florida saltwater fishing as before, the bits and pieces of these old locations have resettled, creating new homes for saltwater fish.

The Dry Bar, mentioned above, was affected little by the hurricanes and remains much as it was previously, making it a popular spot both for anglers and for fish that know they will find the shelter they desire here.

During the winter, Florida saltwater fishing for reds is best if you follow the trend into the shallow bay where the water is warmer and up into the Apalachicola River, where redfish hang out during the cold months (not that Florida is ever really freezing, but waters do tend to get much cooler in the winter, causing the fish migration). There are over 150 oyster bars in the bay, so you can rest assured that, with a little patience and perseverance, you are certain to locate a few reds, even in the winter time.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best saltwater fishing information possible. Get more information on Florida saltwater fishing here: http://www.asksaltwaterfishing.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Eggertsen

Photo Source: Florida Fisherman

When you embark on any kind of trip or excursion, you'll need some sort of expert information in order to prepare yourself for the trials and tribulations you may experience along the way. Of all the various things you can do, leaving for a trip without saltwater fishing tips could be devastating, leaving you without any knowledge of the best techniques and locations so that your trip is fruitless. However, if you equip yourself with tips prior to setting sail out to sea, you'll have a great time and return home with an incredible catch.

Start by choosing the type of fish you wish to target. For example, let's say that you are looking for redfish. These are found readily along the Gulf Coast in the Gulf of Mexico. These beasts enjoy the shallows, so you won't need to target deep waters. In fact, before going out, you may want to find an extremely shallow bottom boat so that you can float the marshy areas close to the shore, looking for redfish lying near the surface of these waters

Other tips refer specifically to striped bass. If you are targeting these popular saltwater fish, you may want to plan a trip to Chesapeake Bay in Virginia in the early or mid spring. They tend to gather here after a long winter further south, near Florida, to spawn and then head north as far as Maine, making the New England states another great location to fish for striped bass.

Some tips reflect mainly on technique for catching a specific type of fish. For example, consider for a moment the flounder. These flat fish like to stay close to the bottom of the sea or ocean in which they are residing and park themselves usually near underwater structures such as reefs and sunken wreckages. Flounder also prefer cooler temperatures, so you'll find that most saltwater tips for catching flounder will direct you away from warmer climates like Florida and further north where the waters stay cooler. Most tips found on flounder will also recommend mullet as bait, with mud minnows and live shrimp being the best backup.

You may find tips on the best locations to produce fish in general without targeting a specific species. For example, in the winter, when fishing is not as easy or productive, most tips will point anglers to warmer areas, such as the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean south down near Florida for the best catch available. This is because many saltwater species migrate down to the warmer waters to wait out the cold prior to returning to their natural habitats for spawning in the spring.

About the Author

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is commited to providing the best saltwater fishing information possible. Get more information on saltwater fishing tips here: http://www.asksaltwaterfishing.com

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Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Sure-Fire Saltwater Fishing Tips For Ocean Anglers