Using passes and pulls to set lines on the Great Lakes
Great Lakes anglers were, and still are, very successful without line-counter reels.
Outdoor Wanderings by Mike Schoonveld
Citizen science reveals salty findings
High concentrations of road salt can be detrimental to aquatic ecosystems.
When catching Asian carp becomes profitable
If commercial netters eliminate Asian carp in Kentucky waters, what happens to the netting operations when the fish are gone?
Ebikes: egads or e-welcome?
The popularity of ebikes is creating some confusion for traditional bicyclists riding on public lands.
Indoor ranges are popular shooting venues
More than 15 million shooters across the country take advantage of indoor shooting ranges.
Why don’t weather men study falling stars?
Biologists study biology and sociologists study societies but meteorologists don’t necessarily study meteors.
Snipe or woodcock? The stripes tell the story
It can be tough to tell the difference between a Wilson’s snipe and an American woodcock.
Bottom-dwelling algae is a side effect of invasive mussels
The invasion of zebra and quagga mussels in the Great Lakes is impacting more than just the food web.
Gridlock threatening Straits of Mackinac
Political gridlock seems to be tactic used by both Republicans and Democrats. It’s happening right now with Line 5.
Lamprey control has billion-dollar return
Feds need to continue to fund the war on Great Lakes lamprey.
Check twice when fueling your boat
With a rise in the amount of ethanol being mixed with gasoline, make sure you use either alcohol-free gasoline or, at most, E-10.
Tough lesson for a lure-buying addict
I used to walk into a tackle shop wishing I was rich enough to buy one of every lure they were selling. I knew one of those lures would be the “one,” that perfect lure, the lure no fish could…
The perfect fishing knot
What’s a good fishing knot? That’s simple. If you tie a hook on the end of a fishing line with a simple or perhaps a complicated series of twists, turns, loops and laps; hang a worm on the hook; catch…
What’s sinister about baby’s breath?
Invasive species often have ugly, dangerous, often xenophobic-sounding names. Even if a person had never heard of a sea lamprey, its name sounds like a customer you wouldn’t want to meet. The red swamp crayfish could be an escapee from…
The secret to jumping from one phase to another in our outdoors pursuits? Having enough room for storage
The first step a person with a problem of some sort has is to admit that he or she has a problem. I’ve always had a problem (actually, a series of problems), and they were always related to having too…
Voluntary labels can stave off government regulations
Is it time for non-motorized watercraft to have some sort of identification prominently displayed?
Going ice fishing, and taking the pooch along? Practice safety first
Dogs are a man’s best friend, but if your pup goes everywhere with you, including ice fishing, be sure to follow these tips to ensure its safety.
Easy steps to fishing rod line guide repair
I use the winter months as a time to sort, inspect and maintain the rods, reels and other gear I use and abuse spring, summer and fall. This way, I have everything ready when the water softens in the spring.…
Flat Earth, CWD and other science
New research at Lousiana State University points to a bacterial connection to chronic wasting disease.
On the ice, dial up common sense, personal responsibility over 911
Cell phones and 911 service have, no doubt, saved countless lives since they were invented. But they don’t take the place of personal responsibility and common sense. It often seems that as we rely more on technology, it’s at the expense of responsibility and common sense.
Want a sharp knife? Don’t let it get dull
A sharp knife is a valuable tool, but what's the secret to keeping your blade sharp?
Be septic smart
I was once told by a person who ran a “roto-rooter” type business that a septic tank at a private home would never clog up or wear out if the homeowner treated it right. Of course, he was in the…
Outdoors recreation is ‘big recreation’
This isn’t a blog about how expensive fishing, camping, hiking or participating in other traditional outdoor recreation has become. Compared to most recreational pursuits, it’s affordable. No wonder it’s so popular and its popularity is why it’s become “big recreation”…
About This Blog
Mike Schoonveld has been a freelance outdoor writer for 25 years and has been a columnist for Michigan Outdoor News since the paper’s inception in 2000. Mike’s first love in the out-of-doors is Great Lakes salmon fishing, but he enjoys all kinds of fishing, is an avid hunter and trapper, and frequently participates in a variety of other outdoor activities.
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