There’s treasure in that ‘trash’
Bowfin an overlooked fish to target.
Illinois – Cory Yarmuth
Talking technology: Do we anglers have an unfair advantage?
(Photo courtesy of Rapala)Some say that technology is ruining our experience on the water. Others might just say the opposite is true. Either way, this is a losing battle between the two groups. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. However, that doesn’t mean you have to listen to it. Some would say that I am on the side of the…
Spring fishing and the moral dilemma of bedding bass
Spring is coming and so is some of the best fishing around. This means that Lake Michigan will be crazy with tasty coho and the tournaments for bass will be starting. This is an exciting time of year, but it also brings up a bit of a moral dilemma for anglers when it comes to fishing bedding bass. Targeting bedding…
Angler gift wish list should include sunglasses
I recently had a conversation with Dr. Gary Nesty about the importance of proper eye wear while fishing. Dr. Nesty is a practicing optometrist, as well as a tournament fisherman. I knew that I needed some first-hand knowledge to help me relay my point about the necessity of wearing proper eyewear. You are probably wondering why I would be bringing…
Traditional angler wonders: Is lead on the way out?
For the author, his homemade jigs offer the perfect profile topped off with a heavy wire Gamakatsu jig hook to keep those hard-mouthed bronzebacks hooked up.Every year I fish Lake Erie in search of monster-sized golden walleye. This trip is always topped off with some great smallmouth fishing action in the afternoons. These bronzebacks are starting to move up onto the shallow…
First hunt a treat for son – and his dad
As parents we often get caught up in school activities and any extra curricular activities for our children. This seems to take us over and we forget about what is important to us. We forget to make sure that we get our kids outdoors to enjoy what is around us. With hunting season just around the corner, we need to…
Salmon: Smoke ’em if you’ve got ’em
The process of smoking and preserving fish, or any other meats for that matter, is nothing new. It has been around for a very long time. However, many people find the process intimidating. The truth is just the opposite – smoking your catch is an easy and enjoyable process, and the results are absolutely delicious. I now prefer to smoke…
Water levels and the adverse effect on fishing
We have had a very wet spring and start to our summer. This, in turn, caused many lakes and rivers to overflow. In neighboring states this trend has continued throughout the summer and has caused some serious damage. Not only has this affected land-dwelling animals, but the fishing has suffered as well. You may not think that changing water levels…
Anglers shouldn’t forget to take a step back now and then
Tie on a float and hook and some live bait and enjoy the world around you.
An Illinois angler’s spring ‘go-to’ baits
(Photo courtesy of Vexilar)Even though Mother Nature doesn’t seem to want to give up its grasp on winter, we need to realize that it really is spring out there. The nights are cold and the days are finally starting to get warmer, and this is a sign that we should be getting ready for some good fishing in the weeks…
Lake Michigan salmon fishing is looking up for a change
Right now, it is not uncommon to get two- and three-man limits in less than two hours while trolling or even casting.
Angler pre-season thoughts: to keep or to replicate?
Cory Yarmuth (left) with a catch he decided to release and have replicated.As anglers we are all in search of those “trophy” fish. Some may deny it, but deep down, we all want to catch a fish that we can hang on the wall, remembering every last detail about that day and that catch. This brings up a great question…
Fishing line: Does it really matter?
How does it make a difference in the way you fish?
Winter can be tough on a fishing fanatic
Over the last several months, I have been bombarded by work and home obligations that have kept me from spending much-needed time on the water. But if I don’t pick up a fishing rod soon, I’ll go nuts. I can’t be alone in this plight. So how do others cope? Due to life changes over the last year, my world…
An angler’s dilemma: boat battery and winter storage
The most expensive part of my fishing gear sits on a concrete pad behind my garage. Yes, it is my boat, but it is more than just a boat. It is a very important tool that is cherished and not taken for granted. Just because you winterize your boat does not mean that the boat cannot still be utilized. There…
Illinois deer hunters can’t use centerfire rifles, but I bought one just in case
As a resident of Illinois, I have always been limited on what I can and cannot use for deer hunting. Illinois does not allow the use of centerfire rifles; however, I have always had a fascination with these firearms and broke down and purchased one. There may come a day in my future that an out-of-state whitetail hunt may come…
Lure colors to match your needs
The action of the lure is a major part of it, but if you don’t have a combination of that and the right colors, you are going to be left disappointed.
Do small baits mean small fish?
There are many times that downsizing your offering is just the ticket to put more fish in the boat.
Signs of good walleye fishing are in the air
Just because the air temp has dropped and the water is cold doesn’t mean that you have to hang up the waders and the spinning rods.
Big Lake Michigan kings are proving me wrong
I have been reading report after report of big kings being caught by anglers from Chicago all the way up to Milwaukee. Big kings, and in good numbers.
Fisherman’s cry: rain, rain go away
With all the widespread flooding and damage the rain is causing, it can certainly put a damper on things to come.
A special fishing bucket list for this angler
I’ve already achieved two, and it just makes me want more.
The Great Lakes and your fish consumption
We are all aware of the many advisories out there over some species and, with due cause, should be cautious.
Fuses — a boating angler’s ‘must have’
Don’t take shortcuts when it comes to electrical systems in your boat.
Fishing in waders: Getting back to the roots of fishing at its best
Wading is simple and gets back to the roots of fishing at its best. Very little tackle is needed to fish a river, and depending on your species of choice, you may end up catching more than what you bargained for.
Bedding Bass — do you really fish them?
It seems to all come down to environment and habitat. You need to think about what impact you can have on the spawning of these fish if you do pull them off the beds.
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