Combining Fishing AND Hunting?

It may seem a little strange to carry along a rod and reel when you go on a duck hunt, and you may get a few funny looks, but it's not a bad idea. If you can only get out a few times a year, or even if you can get out whenever you want, make the most of being in your duck blind for extended periods. You may not always catch a lot of fish, but you may well catch enough to convince you to always have a rod and reel with you. Some of the best fishing can be accomplished while you're already patiently waiting for your bird. You also have bait right there -- you can take the liver from the ducks you catch and bait up the hook.

There are a few more things that rod and reel may come in handy for, like catching bullfrogs. Not the most mature of hunting, but if you've never caught a bullfrog using a Texas-rigged plastic worm; you don't know what you've been missing. Sometimes you'll have to sneak around so you don't spook the bullfrog and sometimes you may have to make a really long cast to the corner of the water to get that worm a few feet from the bullfrog. Watch the bullfrog stuff that worm into its mouth with his foot and then it's only a matter of setting the hook and the bullfrog is yours.

Of course, some exceptionally handy ways to use the rod and reel may surprise you. Say you shoot the bird from the blind and it falls into the body of water, far out of the reach of any limb laying around. Well cast your line using a heavy hook, and reel your catch into reach!

Hunting, A Positive Influence For Teens

Picture this: the first season a teenager gets to go hunting, he's finished his safety courses and he's chomping at the bit. The excitement is palpable, you can feel his excitement from across the room, getting all packed up and ready to go, this is it!

Chances are, he's far more excited about actually killing the animal than hunting it. Here's the point where a positive influence is so important. Boys (and girls, let be fair) get so excited about the hunt, they hardly have time to think about the fact that they're actually going to learn something. First, as all hunters worth their weight know, hunting is not all about the kill, there are bigger reasons we love to do it. It's about observing nature, learning patience and learning about safety and ethics.

Hunting is also about being more attentive. The longer you're in the woods, the more things you will see, hear and even smell. Going hunting is the thrill of the wait, the ability to hone all your senses and maybe even pick up a passion or two about the environment, or land development. Things that can and likely will at some point affect the hunt itself.

Learning these lessons as young people can lead down many different career paths as well. Careers in science, wild life conservation, even film making and photography. This is all complied from years of hunting, being in the great outdoors and spending time with people you care about and who share your passions.

The most rewarding of all is the ability to watch your child pass the love of hunting down to their children. By teaching our children to hunt, not only is there the benefit of many years of hunting enjoyment, there is the sense of history to be gained.

Walleyed Pike, White Eyed Destinations

The fall season means that "walleye chop" is going to be the norm at the lakes in central Minnesota, a time for celebration by anglers of all ages. No where else is the state fish pursued as vigorously as in the waterways just north of the Twin Cities.

Walleyed Pike, actually a perch, must be one of the most intimidating freshwater fish in North America. The huge, reflective eyes are used to see prey items in deep or turbulent water, and give the animal it's bizarre name. The large mouth is full of teeth to snap up unwary smaller fish, or, as the angler hopes, a plug or two.

Unlike true pikes, Walleye's cruise in search of prey, sometimes in packs, searching for a school of baitfish. Chances are, if you hook one fish, you can catch more in the same location, though there are limits on just how many can be pulled out of the water and prepped for the table.

The walleye is not a great fighter, but is very tough to reel in, it goes against the pull with a dogged persistence. It really shines, however, on the plate. Many people consider it to be the best tasting freshwater fish, if not just the best fish, period.

Luckily for the angler, the Walleye is common in many of the lakes in Minnesota, from the small municipal ponds to the Great Lakes in the north. It is particularly searched for game fish in the boundary waters just below the Canadian Border. Many of these lakes are private, and you may need to obtain a guide to take you to the best spots. The little lakes surrounding the Twin Cities are open to the public, and you can pick up some good angling tips from the people standing next to you.

Blackened Fish Fresh from the Stream

Fishing is not only a way to enjoy the outdoors, but also a way to get some very fresh fish to eat at the table, or even better, right out of the pan, streamside.

In your kit of tackle, you should always carry some spices like salt and pepper, in case you run into a situation where you might be lucky enough to dine on your newly cleaned catch. It goes without saying that you are going to need a good field pan to stick over a stove or your campfire, a seasoned cast iron skillet works just perfectly.

Gut and clean the fish, but leave the skin on. Season the sides with what you have, one simple additive to carry along is soy sauce, heck, you can just use the packets from your local take out joint. Let the fresh fish soak for ten minutes or so while you warm up the pan. If you drip some water into it, sizzling should occur right away. This is the perfect time introduce the fat. If it is summer, and you can't bring along some bacon, don't forget the hunter's friend: Spam. While the fat is needed for the fish, you can have some crackers and spam bits while you are cooking the main dish.

Grease in the hot pan? Good! Place the fish flesh side down and stand back from the steam that is going to rise up. It should only take a few minutes until the outer surface of the meat is charred, and the whole fish cooked through, ready to serve, right next to the babbling brook. If you have something cold, open it up, and relish a dish that many people have never tried, blackened fish right from the water.

Water Tank Bass

With only a day or two off, you can't go jetting around the globe in search of good bass fishing, but you can drive just out of town and find some really fantastic spots with a map, a tube, and your tackle.

Cattle water tanks offer some really great opportunities to hook a lunker, and they virtually circle every city and town. Head out to one of the farming districts, and just start looking for those little dinky bodies of water. You might be surprised with what you pull out!

These small tanks are often overlooked by bass fishermen who are glued into their expensive boats, out to hit the big water, and this is why they hold so much opportunity for the avid bass angler.

With just a tube or small float, you can get down into these ponds and jig down right to where the ignored bass sit waiting, unfished by the people roaring past with their high dollar outfits.

Salty artificial worms with a standard weed hook are the way to go for the real big ones, just drop them down, and lightly bounce them across the bottom silt. Don't be surprised if you get a hit on your first try, these fish have never been angled.

Spoons and plugs are just about useless in the small confines of the tank, but popping plugs can mimic a frog well and bring out even the most reluctant bass from its hiding place. Make sure to use a high test line, as snags are going to be frequent while you are jigging up and down.

Next time that you are out driving on the highways of America, make a note of where you find these little tanks, or even better, just pack along your bass setup for an hour or two of fun fishing at a tiny lake.

Hunting with Hawks

It has been called "The Sport of Kings". Falconry, or the use of trained raptors for hunting has been around us for centuries, for the gathering of food and as a pure sport.

You don't have to just watch birds of prey on the television though, by reaching out to your local falconry association, these hunting birds can be within an arm's reach. Most falconer's are more than happy to take anyone out with them into the field so they can experience the amazing hunting styles of various raptors.

Hunting for rabbits is usually done with hawks, such as the Red Tailed hawk or the even more gregarious Harris's. These birds think of nothing once aroused to game, but latching onto a rabbit as fast as possible. A lot of gun hunters are surprised to see just how many rabbits can be taken in a field by a competent falconer and hawk working together. A yield of 6-10 rabbits in a short afternoon is nothing too surprising.

If duck is more to your taste, then pair up with a longwing, such as the fastest bird in the world, the Peregrine Falcon. By diving on it's selected quarry, the falcon hits the duck at over 100 miles per hour, driving it to the ground in a flurry of feathers. This embodies the thrill of hunting in a spectacular fashion, sure to leave an impression on the people lucky enough to view it.

Quail and grouse are easily taken by Goshawks, a long tailed bird with a fierce glare, that cruises through the dense forests in pursuit of prey. The tail helps it swerve around obstacles with precision that can't be matched by anything else on the planet, overtaking even the nimblest of animals.

For a change, hang up the rifle, and visit your local falconer.

Trout on the Rise

The state fish of Arizona is also one of the rarest trouts on the planet, but recent work involving the reintroduction of this beautiful gamefish to the cold streams of the White Mountains has resulted in a growing population and the ability for anglers to once again pursue the toughest of fish to catch.

It may not be the largest of the trout family, but it makes up for the size in beauty. The flanks of the fish are a vibrant gold, fading to the red near the gills, and speckled all over. When you pull it out of the water after a fifteen minute struggle, the angler just has to admire one of nature's finest creations.

The females top out at around 6 pounds, but a more common weight of those caught is in the 2-3 pound range. They are also very suspicious fish, and harder to get on a fly than the rainbow trout that share the same streams. The fishing may actually be increasing the rise in the native Apache trout population, as more rainbow trout are caught and removed from the streams, giving the native species the ability to restock naturally.

Look to use Royal Coachmen flies in the spring and summer as the best lures, moth larvae are another favorite of the guides in the White Mountains. Yes, it may be in Arizona, but pack cold weather gear, it gets very cold in the high reaches. Summertime lows are often just above freezing, and a nice cold rainstorm can ruin your day if you aren't prepared.

It's nice to think that by going sportfishing, you may actually being an asset to a very rare fish's comeback, and once again these dappled beauties will grace the rivers of Arizona.

Panfish Fly Fishing, Fun with the Lightweights

"Bigger than a mouthful is a waste", no truer words were ever uttered, especially when it comes to fish that are good to eat. Panfish, so named because they are small enough to always fit in a pan, make up some of the most desired game fish in the world.

Who can't remember going out looking for sunfish on a Saturday morning, no books to study, and a summer breeze moving your spincasting line around as you walked down to the lake? Panfish exist in virtually every county in America, whether naturally or by introduction, and with their spunky style of fighting the line and equally great taste after they are caught, are wonderful for the novice or expert angler to pursue.

The most common of these panfish, of course, is the popular sunfish. Although half or less the size of a smallmouth bass, these little dynamos put up an fight that is second to none, and since they can breed in cold or warm fresh waters, have expanded to the entire continental United States. Many local man made lakes are also stocked with these fish, to provide urbanites with a chance to experience the thrill of angling.

Light tackle is perfectly acceptable, from small spinning setups to fly rods, and even though the fish are small, they will take on larger lures and bait meant for bass with ease. Z-ray and Red Devil spoon are among the most popular lures for panfish, along with salmon eggs for bait.

Don't look down at the size of the panfish, what they may lack in pounds, they make up for in fight and in taste.

Searching for the Northern Pike

Break out the needlenose pliers and a good set of gloves, we are going pike fishing! Second only to the muskellunge in size, the pike is the ultimate in freshwater predatory fish, it is semi-social, breeds quickly, and attains an adult size of over three feet and 50 pounds.

We've all heard the tales of "killer pike" attacking people, dogs, cats, and anything else crazy enough to wander into a Minnesota waterway...pure nonsense, of course, but folk tales abound in regards to the mysterious pike.

The dappled green and yellow body is perfectly suited for slowly drifting through the weedbeds in search of a tasty morsel to snap up, and the streamlined cigar shape gives them the ability to accelerate quickly.

The attack of a pike is so fast, many an angler doesn't even have time to react to the sudden yank on the line. The sharp teeth make quick work of anything not attached by a good steel leader, so unless you want to lose a bunch of plugs, make sure you use one.

Plugs have long been the favorite lure to use for pike of all types, Rapala being the most popular. Pike have extremely good eyesight, and an enhanced sense of smell in that bony head of theirs, so the more lifelike lures are often the most successful.

Unlike their heavier cousin, the Muskie, pike can be taken often by trolling using spoons also, but remember that these are ambush predators, so you need to keep the retrieve fast. If a lure is moving too slowly, it will be scoffed at.

Braving the mosquitoes in search of the rapier thin pike can make for one of the best fishing trips of an angler's life, and if you master the skill of filleting the bony fish, the best tasting too.

Muskellunge, the Ultimate Freshwater Fish

"Aww, look at the ducklings, mom!" This is a common sight on the northern border lakes of Minnesota. Slurp. One of them is missing, and the speckled predator below slips away silently back down into the cold, clear water. The Muskellunge is truly a fish that looks fearsome, and has a reputation for being one of the most elusive, yet sought after, freshwater game fish.

The largest of all the pikes, the "Muskie" is a heavily built, streamlined predator of cold waters in North America, with a long jaw filled with pointed teeth used to grasp prey items, up to and including small mammals and birds.

The solitary nature of the adult pike means that you don't fish for muskellunge as much as stalk them, carefully planning where you are going to move your boat, and where to place your first cast.

Weighing in as much as 60 pounds or more as adults, tackling the Muskie takes a lot of tackle, so to speak. Heavy bait casting setups are the standard, with large and long plugs being cast out or trolled. Like most pikes, the muskellunge is an ambush predator, typically sitting camouflaged in a reed bed waiting for something interesting to swim by. Crunch.

Make sure you obtain a guide for a good muskie trip, they are possibly the most elusive of all freshwater fish, and trying to find them without assistance can be an exercise in futility. Some anglers go for decades without hooking one, but they have a muskellunge on the line, all that time spent disappears, and the challenge of landing on of the largest freshwater gamefish becomes a memory that will last a lifetime.

Peacock Bass in Central America

The largest of the Cichlid family of fish can be hunted down in central and south America, the mighty Peacock Bass. It is not a member of the actual bass family, and you'll find out just how much they live up to their reputation the first time you get on hooked.

Also a popular fish to keep as a pet (you need a big tank, though), the Peacock Bass is a prized sport fish. The vibrant colors offset a fighting attitude that is second to none in the field of sport fishing. This fish has the aggressiveness of a Muskie, the endurance of a Walleye, and the looks of Rainbow trout...add that all on to the perfect whitefish flavor of the meat, and you may very well have found the perfect sport fish.

They only grow to a couple of feet in length, but have a much more muscular body than the north American bass species, and a huge mouth with nice sharp teeth. Be prepared to lose some of you lures when they crunch down on them, as the cichlids don't suck in food items like a largemouth, but actually bite down on them.

Rapala's, large spoons, and Lazy Ike plugs are probably going to be your best bet for catching these monsters, along with a healthy rod and reel. If you don't use a leader, you're going to regret the loss of your lures, Peacock bass have a reputation for chewing through monofilament like soft cheese.

A trip down to sultry Brazil can only be topped off by a guided visit to a Peacock Bass fishing area, but bring the bug repellent, those mosquito's will make you flinch, right when you get that perfect strike.

Tequila and Bass, What a Combination!

Who would think that the country of spicy food and cold cervezas could also host some of the best bass fishing on the planet? Mexico is a dream destination for many sport anglers, especially those looking for trophy sized largemouthed bass.

Throughout central Mexico, large lakes are a haven for the bass fisherman, often with luxurious resorts placed on the banks of the water. Guides are usually required, but don't worry, they show you to the best seasonal spots right away, saving a lot of time cruising with your fishfinder on. It is not unusual to pull a series of ten pound largemouths on a single excursion, with a good guide.

Typically, top water lures are used in combination with a bait casting setup, though some of the more adventurous fishermen will attempt a spin reel combo. These fish are well fed all year round, and fight like crazy, don't underestimate the power of an irritated double digit bass. Since they have little or no cool down period, the bass spawn most of the year, and the guide will keep you away from the egg laying grounds. This rotation of fishing means that the population is very stable, and when you find a lodge that you like, you can be guaranteed of good fishing for decades to come.

Frog popping lures are a big favorite among bass fishermen in Mexico, but those salty jigs do a number also. The water is clear as a bell, and you don't need to worry about weed hooks too much.

Flying down south of the border is a great way to enjoy your vacation, and when you mix some world class fishing in, you better make sure remembered to pack the camera!

Lake Minnetonka

Known as a popular resort destination, Lake Minnetonka is also the favorite destination for any fisherman seeking to catch northern pike.

Located west-southwest of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Lake Minnetonka covers 14,000 acres and is famous for holding dozens of fishing tournaments each and every year. While the northern pike is the fish of choice, the lake is loaded with yellow perch, sunfish, largemouth bass, walleye, bluegill, crappie, and muskie as well. The muskies, in particular, grow rather large and are often targeted with bucktails, surface lures, and spoons.

Even novice fishermen should have no trouble bagging a northern pike or two. They're very aggressive fish, always eager to bite lures and bait. A typical northern pike will weigh between two and three pounds, but trophy pikes weighing more than 20 pounds have been hauled from the lake. Northern pike are recognizable for their dark markings on a light background and their rounded tailfins. Best of all, they make for good eating. Their chunky, white fillets are the equal of walleye.

There's also a very interesting legend surrounding Lake Minnetonka. Numerous area residents have seen an enormous sturgeon reported to be more than 10 feet in length lurking within the lake. The gigantic fish has even been given the nickname "Lou." So if you can't catch any northern pike or muskie, maybe Lou will give you a nibble.

Tips for Moose Hunting

Hunters looking to tackle big game will find a worthy foe in the moose. The largest of the deer family, the moose has seven different sub-species, four of which can be found in North America. The Alaskan moose is the largest of them all, reaching weights of 1800 pounds. And despite their somewhat awkward, gangly appearance, moose can run up to 35 mph and swim and scale steep hills with relative ease. While their eyesight is poor, they have extremely acute hearing, capable of picking up sounds across incredible distances.

The easiest way to undertake a moose hunt is to book accommodations with one of many Canadian lodges specifically catering to hunters. It's up to the hunter to make sure he has all his proper gear. Your list should include a gun, ammunition, sling, knives, thermos, binoculars, compass or GPS, moose call, a small chainsaw, maps, rope, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit. A few of the preferred weapons of choice are a .300 Winchester Magnum 180 or a 7mm Weatherby Magnum 150.

Once fully equipped, there are two main ways to hunt moose: still hunting and stand hunting.

Still hunting is when the hunter slowly and quietly walks around the areas known to have moose. Always keep the wind in your favor. And it helps to go after a rainfall, since the wet ground will soften your approach.

The more popular hunting method is stand hunting, which involves taking a position over a favorable area where you can watch for moose without being detected. Choose your position near recent moose dropping trails, eaten brush, or visible tracks. Scouting the area ahead of time will prove beneficial. Preparation and patience are the keys to a successful moose hunt.

Turkey Hunting Tips

With Thanksgiving approaching, hunters everywhere will be hoping to catch their turkey dinners. But bagging a wild turkey isn't as easy as it seems. Here are a few tips to ensure a successful hunt.

Preparation matters. Scout the area ahead of time. Knowing the daily routine of the turkeys, from where and when they eat to where they tend to wander, will make the hunt that much easier.

Before embarking on your pursuit of the prized gobbler, make certain you know your gun and ammunition. Test fire on a pattern board to know the exact extent of your shooting range.

Calling is the best way to attract turkeys. Learn as many different calls as you can. Diaphragm, tube, aluminum, and box calls will all be effective under different circumstances, and sometimes there's little rhyme or reason for it. And always start with a soft call first and build up to more aggressive yelping. Too strong too soon can scare turkeys away. Also, try to get as close as possible before calling, preferably within 70-100 yards.

Another tactic is to mimic a turkey fight with a combination of contentious calls. Fellow turkeys will often respond quickly to the sounds of a fight.

Wear as much camouflage as possible. Turkeys have keen eyes and can spot careless hunters.

Lastly, use the buddy system. Have one person call and the other shoot. Position the caller 40-60 yards behind the shooter. Focusing on the caller will leave the turkey an easy target for the shooter.

Tips for Catching Trout

Trout fishing is an enjoyable, pleasant pastime that can be as relaxing as it is challenging. Trout are intelligent fish. It takes some skill and technique to get the job done.

Unless tackling giant Brown Trout, extremely light gear and bait is preferred, favoring speed and quickness over strength. Small lures are also the way to go.

If you're wading out into the water, pay special attention to your clothes. Wear drab colors. Bright or busy clothing can alert the trout to danger and send them swimming to safety.

Trout have a superior sense of smell. This means you'll have to be very careful when baiting your hooks and lures. Make sure your hands are clean. Any scent can be transferred to the bait and potentially spook wary trout.

The trout's unquestioned intelligence makes it a particularly clever foe. It's essential to prepare all bait to look as natural as possible. Trout will sense if something is amiss. They can spot a sloppy fly or lure a mile away.

Never grease your leader. It can cause it to float and cast a shadow that may frighten the trout.

Fish both pools and currents. Keeping the fly from sinking or dragging in the running water will be tricky, but it can result in more bites.

Make your first cast your best cast. Trout will often go after the first lure to land in its feeding zone. If you keep all these tips in mind, lots of trout will follow.

Lake Texoma

Lake Texoma, as its name would indicate, straddles the Texas and Oklahoma borders. Its surface covers 89,000 acres, drawing fishermen from all over the country to test its extensive waters. In fact, Lake Texoma is the second most popular lake in the United States, welcoming an estimated six million visitors a year. And those visitors always leave impressed. It's widely considered one of the premier fishing lakes in the Southern United States.

Striped bass are Lake Texoma's calling card. The lake was stocked with them during the 1960s, and it remains one of only seven inland American lakes where the striped bass continue to reproduce naturally. These striped bass typically check in between 12 and 20 pounds, feeding almost exclusively on large schools of shad. The largest striped bass ever pulled from the lake weighed a staggering 35.12 pounds.

Lake Texoma is also famous for its catfish, which tip the scales anywhere from 5 to 70 pounds. A blue catfish weighing an astounding 121.5 pounds was caught a few years ago, temporarily establishing a new world record.

The waters of Lake Texoma also contain several other species of fish, including white bass, black bass, bluegill, pike, gar, sunfish, drum, and crappie.

But if you're going to fish Lake Texoma, be aware of its peculiar set of rules and regulations. Texas and Oklahoma fishing licenses only permit fishing in certain areas of the lake. To fish the entire lake, you'll have to purchase a specific Lake Texoma license.

Lake Tohopekaliga

Bass fishermen searching for their next vacation spot should look no further than Lake Tohopekaliga in Osceola County, Florida. Known as Lake Toho to the local residents, Lake Tohopekaliga is the county's largest lake and the most popular of the Kissimmee Chain. The lake spans 42 miles in diameter and covers a total area of 18,810 acres.

Lake Toho is known for its largemouth bass. The freshwater game fish is a staple of Florida fishing thanks in part to its rapid growth rates. Lake Toho is made for bass fishing. First, it's relatively shallow, keeping many of the fish near the surface. Just as importantly, various forms of aquatic vegetation cover a large portion of the lake. These underwater beds can grow up to 12 feet from the lake floor to the surface, creating a welcoming habitat for bass. Such vegetation communities at the mouths of Shingle Creek, Goblets Cove, Lanier Point, and Little Grassy Island will prove particularly beneficial to anglers.

The best fishing is done during early morning hours and late in the evening. Veteran Lake Toho bass fishermen have had success with all sorts of lures and baits, with many favoring golden shiners as their preferred live bait. Spinnerbaits, lip-less crankbaits, and plastic worms have also snared their fair share of catches.

If you tire of hauling in bass, head over to the vegetation around Brown's Point, North Steer Beach, and Big Grassy Island. All three areas are known to be hotbeds for spawning bluegill.

Fishing the Northwest Territories

Canada is a fisherman's paradise. The lush landscapes and untouched natural beauty is a wonder to behold, especially in the Northwest Territories. Assuming you can handle a little cold, grab your rod and reel and head north of the border for some unforgettable sport.

Great Bear Lake has to be seen to be believed. Situated on the Arctic Circle in the Northwest Territories, Great Bear Lake is the largest lake entirely in Canada, the third-largest lake in North America, and the seventh-largest lake in the entire world. It covers 12,028 square miles and has an average depth of 236 feet, although it runs to depths of 1,463 feet. The lake has produced many of the current world fishing records, boasting a gigantic fish population in both number and size. The frigid climate limits the fishing to between early July and late August.

Another gem of the Northwest Territories is Great Slave Lake. It's not uncommon to find trout weighing 30 or 40 pounds. And the fish have plenty of space to hide, as the lake is the deepest in North America, measuring 2,015 feet deep. The fishing season runs between mid-June and mid-October.

Kasba Lake is found in the northern Canadian wilderness above the borders of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, although a portion of it extends beyond the Northwest Territories and into the territory of Nunavut. Kasba Lake is almost a million acres in size and contains similarly massive trout. Fishing these three lakes will test your muscles and your mind.

Big Bear Lake

Located in the gorgeous San Bernardino Mountains in Southern California, Big Bear Lake is the perfect spot for serious fisherman. The region got its name from California statesman and politician Benjamin Davis Wilson. In 1845, Wilson was pursuing a band of marauding Indians though the mountains and discovered a natural game reserve full of black bears. Wilson christened the area Big Bear Lake, although today the once abundant bear population has become virtually extinct. But there are still plenty of fish to be had.

Big Bear Lake has 2,971 surface acres and 22 miles of shoreline, providing countless possibilities for the astute angler. While the South shoreline is mostly private, the public is welcome all along the North shoreline, and the lake is open all year round, except when frozen over. Because the lake sits at an elevation of 6,743 feet, it receives significant snowfall in the winter months, making it unique amongst its Southern California surroundings.

Fishing Big Bear Lake is free of charge. Boat permits are required, but launching is free at several ramps on the North Shore. And there's no shortage of campsites, docks, and marinas. Once you've picked your spot, you'll find the lake full of Trout, Bass, Catfish, Carp, Crappie, Bluegill, and Sunfish. The fishing is best during early morning hours or late evenings, particularly during the early Spring and Fall/Winter months since the cool water keeps away most boaters and skiers.

South Dakota - "The Pheasant Capital of the World"

South Dakota has long been a terrific tourist attraction with its rolling plains and Mount Rushmore. However, for passionate pheasant hunters there is only one "Pheasant Capital of the World" and it is the state of South Dakota.

Pheasant are so abundant in South Dakota that it is not uncommon for the state to register nearly 2,000,000 roosters taken by licensed hunters annually. This number is nearly twice what any other state can claim.

In fact, pheasant are so populous in the state that the Chinese Ring-Neck Pheasant, which was introduced in 1898, is the official State Bird. The males of this beautiful bird, which average about 3 pounds each, are highly colorful, sporting iridescent green-blue or purple heads and necks. A solid white collar around the neck gives the species its name. The upper parts of the males' bodies possess a very rich bronze and brownish red coloring with various black, brown, and white markings mixed in. Females have more muted coloring, as with most species in nature.

Much of the pheasant hunting is on private land and there is no shortage of lodges and ranches offering very affordable hunting packages that include meals, lodging, and guide services if you want them.

The pheasant hunting season begins in late October each year and with the solid support of the state, the government of South Dakota provides 1.4 million Conservation Reserve Program acres to enhance the bird population, pheasant hunting will continue to be incredible for the foreseeable future.

Many pheasant hunters swear that there is no place on earth like South Dakota to both bag plenty of birds and also bring home plenty of stories to pass along for generations to come.

Far Northern Fishing Paradise

Have you ever caught and released 1,334 arctic trout, Atlantic salmon, catfish, pollack, ling cod, and arctic char over a 10 day period? Neither have I, however a couple of fishing writers on a trip to Northern Norway did exactly that and say that it was some of the most memorable fishing days of their lives.

An hour north of the Norwegian city of Tromso located 200 miles north of the Polar Arctic Circle is a fisherman's paradise. The fjords are literally bursting with both freshwater and saltwater fish of the species listed above as well as others. Fishing waters are abundant as well with the wide collection of bays, rivers, lakes, and inlets there are virtually endless possibilities to wet a line and experience an apparently unending variety of fishing techniques.

During the summer months the temperature average a fairly steady 50 degrees Fahrenheit and because it lies so far north there is almost constant sunshine -- so not only are the fish abundant but you get extra hours to fish.

While most of the fish caught in the area will be under 10 pounds, it is not uncommon to land several 20 pound fish in a row.

Along the coastline of Norway one of the most common species is the coalfish which can easily top the 20 pound mark and travel in shoals so that once you get on a spot where they are biting you can literally wear yourself out reeling in fish after fish.

All things considered, for the avid fisherman who yearns for a varied and productive angling experience, there are likely to be few other places in the world offering a trip as productive and enjoyable as visiting Northern Norway.

An Overview Of Learning Successful Bass Fishing

Many people invest many years of their lives and large sums of money in pursuit of bass. In fact, according to a recent article in Time Magazine, Bass Fishing is the fastest growing outdoor recreational sport worldwide. There are so many aspects involved in successfully locating and landing this tasty and feisty fish that one short article could never cover all of the details. However, below are a few of the basic skills that most professional bass fishermen say that learning will help anyone to catch more fish, more often.

First on the list of methods to catch bass is similar to the same way that generals suggest that one goes about winning a war: "know your opponent". In other words, the more that you can learn about bass, including their habits, food choices, habitats, and breeding cycles, the better your chance of landing one.

Of course, all of the knowledge in the world won't do you any good if you don't also have the proper equipment. Try a variety of gear, fishing rods, fishing reels, various lures, and baits, to see what is most effective for the water that you are fishing in.

A boat and accompanying electronics such as a high quality fish finder can help you to significantly increase the odds of catching bass. However, bass are often so plentiful in so many waters that bank anglers can learn to successfully locate and catch them as well.

Reading about the habits and preferences of bass, talking to experienced bass fishermen, trying various types of equipment in different circumstances, and a fair amount of patience will go a long way in teaching you how to catch trophy bass. That said, there is absolutely nothing, no special bait or high tech fishing rod, that is going to take the place of experience so get out on the water as often as you can. It is also a good idea to keep a journal of what worked well on which water on specific days.

Hooked On Fishing - Not On Drugs®

The Future Fisherman Foundation, whose motto is "Investing in Tomorrow's Anglers" is promoting its 15 year old educational program dubbed, "Hooked On Fishing - Not On Drugs" which is aimed at helping to keep young people from getting started on illegal drugs by teaching them the basics of safe angling, with a large dose of life ethics added to the mix.

Through a combination of mentoring young people to help them learn about the importance of conserving our natural habitat to ensure that there are opportunities for positive hunting and fishing experiences for many generations to come and teaching general life skills the program has been very effective and is in use in some 30 states currently.

There are three primary areas of focus that are taught to children through this program including Conservation Ethics, Angling Skills, and Social Skills.

With the emphasis on safety and teaching the children how to teach others, the angling skills section does more than just teach young people how to fish. It also encourages them make it a regular part of their recreation and to include their family and friends in the fun. One nice benefit of the program is that several large manufacturers of fishing gear are supporting it and offer significant discounts on gear to help new fishermen get started.

A key component of the "Hooked On Fishing - Not On Drugs" program is the teaching of young people about the importance of resource conservation both in their local communities and on a world-wide basis. The overall point of this section of the program is help kids develop responsible attitudes about our outdoor resources and the opportunities that they afford our society.

In addition to the above skills, children are able to develop a sense of self confidence, problem solving skills, patience, and a better ability to positively interact with their family and friends as well as strangers that they come across while pursuing their new angling hobby.

Fishing is Big Business

Fishing has been a favorite pastime of people probably since the beginning of time. Originally, fishing was required of our more primitive ancestors as a way of acquiring food, and thereby ensuring their very survival. As the times have changed and technology has allowed most of us to get most of our food from a supermarket rather than via hunting, fishing, or growing our own, angling still remains a popular recreational activity.

As the numbers below indicate, fishing is also big business.

There are 50 Million anglers in the USA who invest more than 75 Billion Dollars annually into the sport; or approximately $1,500 per year, per angler. - (Time Magazine - October 3, 2005)

This total does not include the costs for fuel, lodging, and meals. In 2005 the overall approximate value of sportfishing in the US is estimated to be $116 Billion Dollars annually. – (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; American Sportfishing Association)

"5.2% increase in anglers in 2005" – (National Sporting Goods Association)

"6.3% increase in anglers in 2005" – (The Sporting Goods Manufacturing Association)

“The typical angler has a larger annual income than the average U.S. citizen.” – (American Sportfishing Association)

Average Household Income: $50,586.00 - (Field & Stream Magazine)

Median Household Income: $53,450.00 – (Bassin' Magazine)

Average Household Income: $64,800.00 – (Bassmaster Magazine)

Average Household Income: $76,966.00 - (Bass Times Magazine)

Average Household Income: $85,800.00 - (In-Fisherman Magazine)

77% of Anglers will spend the same amount of money or more than last year

85% of Anglers say another household member also fishes - (Bassin' Magazine)

48% of Anglers say that magazines are the biggest influence on buying decisions

Several sources report that up to 55% of anglers have spent between $200 and $300 on a single fishing reel, that 49% have spent that amount on a single fishing rod, and that 41% of anglers have spent “more than” $300 on fishing gear in a single day.

One third of all anglers are women - (American Sport Fishing Association)

Since food is so readily available today and fishing continues to grow in popularity among all age groups, it seems obvious that people fish because it is fun.