Sunday, May 10th, 2026

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Sportsmen Since 1968

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Sunday, May 10th, 2026

Breaking News for

Sportsmen Since 1968

Steve Sarley

Anglers not the only thing changing in fishing

I recently wrote about some changes in the behavior of a couple of professional fishermen. That got me thinking about all the other changes in the sport of fishing.
The changes in fishing tackle and equipment boggles my mind. Rods are more sensitive, reels are faster and more reliable, baits catch more fish, and the list goes on and on.

Anglers not the only thing changing in fishing Read More »

Some aspects of fishing and ‘social media’ don’t mesh

The world seems to be changing faster and faster and I am having a hard time keeping up with the changes. I’m trying not to be an old fuddy-duddy and buck the future while I still live in the past. I swear I am not. It’s just that things change so quickly!
Let’s talk about professional tournament fishing. I was recently made aware of a change that I can’t put my arms around. I just don’t understand it. I hope this change was just a blip on my radar and will not be a trend that spreads like wildfire.

Some aspects of fishing and ‘social media’ don’t mesh Read More »

Chiggers: An itch you just can’t scratch enough

I was on a plane one time, talking to a married couple who had moved from Illinois to Arkansas. The husband was singing the praises of his new home and told me, “The best thing about where we live is that there are no mosquitoes!”
His wife interjected, “Maybe you ought to tell him about the chiggers.” I asked what chiggers were and she told me that they were bugs that bit far worse than mosquitoes and were the most horrible bug on Earth. Hmm! I never heard of them. Until now.

Chiggers: An itch you just can’t scratch enough Read More »

‘Fun in the sun’ requires some common sense

There is an incredible amount of sun-resistant clothing on the market. If you didn’t read the label, you’d never know it was sun-resistant. The clothing is very stylish.
It doesn’t have to be scorching hot to get a sunburn or even be exposed to extremely bright sun. You can get a bad sunburn on a day when it is gray or hazy outside. The sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays penetrate the overcast skies.

‘Fun in the sun’ requires some common sense Read More »

Anglers can get a boost from proper eyewear

Two summer tips I’d like to offer are that you should definitely be using polarized sunglasses when outdoors, and always be armed with a good-quality sunscreen.
I always wear polarized sunglasses and preach that practice constantly to fishermen who do not wear sunglasses. Polarized glasses are the best protection you can use to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. In addition to eye protection, polarized lenses also improve your fishing.

Anglers can get a boost from proper eyewear Read More »

We are fishermen – not the same as fish experts

I am sure that everyone is aware that legally you can only use fish for bait that are caught in the same body of water where you are fishing. That goes for panfish and game fish – and for seined minnows, too. The intent of the rule is to prevent the spread of invasive species.
For example, flathead catfish love to dine on bluegills. Although you can use bluegills for flathead bait, the bluegills have to be caught from the same body of water that you will be”flatheading.”

We are fishermen – not the same as fish experts Read More »

Illinois loses another great angler, great man in Walt Koch

I was recently shocked to hear about the passing of Captain Walt Koch of the Red Rock Guiding Service. Koch passed away on April 28 at the age of 77.
I was fairly close to Koch at one time but grew apart about three years ago. I don’t know why but the blame is mine. Koch did nothing to cause the breakup.

Illinois loses another great angler, great man in Walt Koch Read More »

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