#SharkWeek Special Episode – Shark Fishing in Massachusetts (where Jaws was filmed!!) with Captain Greg Sears of Mass Bay Charters.
Category: Fishing
#HuntFishTravel 107 – Fishing in Boulder Junction, Wisconsin
Carrie and Rachel chat about the wicked weather the Midwest has been getting and then Carrie talks about her experience at White Birch Village Resort in Boulder Junction, Wisconsin for a writer’s weekend in the beginning of June.
Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 107 – Fishing in Boulder Junction, Wisconsin”
A Guide to Ice Fishing
The ice may be forming, but that doesn’t mean fishing season is over. Winter brings new opportunities to fishing-lovers who have never tried ice fishing before. This traditional pastime has its own set of rules and distinct culture, and will give anglers a new thrill at the experience of catching a fish through the ice. Continue reading “A Guide to Ice Fishing”
Video: Ice Fishing for Bluegill
On this episode of CookIN’ Gone Wild, Michelle sits down with a few friends to show us a few key tips for ice fishing and then she gives us a yummy pan fried recipe!
Continue reading “Video: Ice Fishing for Bluegill”
Outdoor Writers Crowned Third Annual Mercer Muskie Madness Challenge Champions
Duo overcomes challenging fishing conditions and unfamiliar waters to capture coveted title
Press Release: Mercer, WI (10-21-14) —
57 passionate muskie anglers converged in the tiny town of Mercer in Wisconsin’s north woods last weekend to compete in the Third Annual Mercer Muskie Madness Challenge, an open muskie tournament sponsored by the Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce, The Turtle Flambeau Flowage Association and Gateway Lodge to benefit Wounded Warriors In Action (WWIA). Continue reading “Outdoor Writers Crowned Third Annual Mercer Muskie Madness Challenge Champions”
Kayak Fishing: Finding the Perfect Fish Friendly Kayak
Withlacoochee River – North Florida Coordinates XY: 30.464334, -83.224044
I have always been a passionate outdoor woman. This being said, there are some things I enjoy more than others: Fishing being one of them.
During my “formative” years, I had heard that the best fishing occurred off shore – yes, that nebulous, mystical place on the outer limits of the Florida coastline that I had only rarely visited as a child and never as an adult. Continue reading “Kayak Fishing: Finding the Perfect Fish Friendly Kayak”
Proposed Wisconsin Trout Regs Aim to Increase Angler Opportunities
MADISON – The public will have an opportunity to provide input on proposals to simplify existing inland trout fishing regulations and provide more quality trout fishing opportunities at 10 public meetings that will be held throughout the state beginning Sept. 3. Continue reading “Proposed Wisconsin Trout Regs Aim to Increase Angler Opportunities”
#HuntFishTravel 074 – Fall Walleye Tactics with Marble-EYE Slayers
Fall is hunting season. Yes, we know. But it’s also the best fishing season too! This week we are talking to pro tournament anglers Jeff Otis and Scott Ludwig. They are going to let us in on some of the fishing tactics the pro’s use so we can all catch dinner too!
Plus Rachel got a new dog, listen in to the story of how she came to be a new dog owner. Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 074 – Fall Walleye Tactics with Marble-EYE Slayers”
Lake of the Woods “Pay It Forward” Charity Event and WalleyeFest 2014 announces Entertainment Line Up
Baudette, MN Lake of the Woods Tourism in conjunction with Walleye Master Charity Events just released the entertainment line up for the main stage in Baudette on Friday and Saturday night, August 22 -23.
Friday evening, under the tent on Main Street in Baudette, Bruce Neumann and Tiki D will take the stage. With music of an island Continue reading “Lake of the Woods “Pay It Forward” Charity Event and WalleyeFest 2014 announces Entertainment Line Up”
If You Can’t Beat ‘Em – Eat ‘Em – How to Clean and Prepare Invasive Carp
It’s no secret that folks along the Mississippi river and its tributaries are fighting a war with invasive carp. Not only are many states and municipalities at war with the carp, they are having one heck of time finding any effective weapon.
At this point there just isn’t anything that has been truly effective in stopping the invasion of these dastardly fish. Because they are not only invasive but injurious it’s pretty much open season on them in any water where you can find them and they are the most frequent target of many bowfishers. Continue reading “If You Can’t Beat ‘Em – Eat ‘Em – How to Clean and Prepare Invasive Carp”
Harvesting Your Own Nightcrawlers
My kids are getting to the age now where taking them fishing is becoming a fun favorite past time, but getting expensive. I was recently at the local bait shop to pick up some fresh night crawlers for the day on the water and I almost had a heart attack when the kid behind the counter said “3 dozen worms at $2.50 a dozen….umm let’s see that will be $7.50 please“. Are you kidding me? 2.50 A dozen? So I jumped online and googled live fishing bait, yes I google everything and was shocked to see how big the earthworm industry has grown. Continue reading “Harvesting Your Own Nightcrawlers”
How To Find Fish For Bowfishing
There is perhaps no sweeter phrase to a bowfisher than that of “Fish are up!” In the world of bowfishing that means that the targeted rough fish (carp, gar, drum, bowfin etc.) are in the shallows, or in water where they are easily seen and easily shot. Continue reading “How To Find Fish For Bowfishing”
Bowfishing 101 – Bowfishing Equipment for Beginners
Imagine that you could combine your love of archery with your love of fishing. Bowfishing is just that that, archery and angling in one fun package! Bowfishing is the perfect way to keep your archery skills intact and continue enjoying bringing home food for the table between hunting seasons. Continue reading “Bowfishing 101 – Bowfishing Equipment for Beginners”
Sturgeon Camp 2014
Spending several days with a group of buddies, getting up at the crack of dawn and heading out into the frigid Wisconsin temps to try to kill a really big animal….could be an interchangeable description for either Deer Camp or Sturgeon Camp. Continue reading “Sturgeon Camp 2014”
Review: Bobber Down Fishing Guide Service, Mercer, Wisconsin
The Turtle Flambeau Flowage (46.084662,-90.188828) is about as north as you can get in Wisconsin. Full of Bluegill, Bass, Muskellunge, Northern Pike and Walleye, we had no doubt this 13, 545 square acre flowage would produce. Continue reading “Review: Bobber Down Fishing Guide Service, Mercer, Wisconsin”
#HuntFishTravel 049 – Saugers and Walleyes on Lake Wisconsin
In this episode we’ll be chatting with Joel Ballweg, a fishing guide from SE WI, in our interview we’ll discuss tactics for catching more fish, a special metal line used for trolling, and you’ll find out if I actually caught anything!
Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 049 – Saugers and Walleyes on Lake Wisconsin”
The Carp War – Fighting Invasive Carp One Arrow At A Time
It seems like we’ve been bowfishing for the invasive carp a long time now – even though to many in the outdoor world bowfishing is a seemingly new and trendy sport.
For those of us that are river rats – it’s not a sport.
It’s a war. Continue reading “The Carp War – Fighting Invasive Carp One Arrow At A Time”
School of Fishing is in Session – Taking the Kids Fishing
Last weekend was boy’s weekend and that meant fishing! So we woke up early had a great breakfast of Apple Jacks for the boys and coffee for me. Loaded up all our gear and headed to my hunting partners farm where we have a great stretch of river to fish. After a short walk down the bank path, the boys talking a mile a minute about who’s going to catch the most and biggest, we hit our first spot to try. Continue reading “School of Fishing is in Session – Taking the Kids Fishing”
Gear Review: Fishing Baitz – Bass Worms & Pro Series Lizards
Recently I arrived home from work to a parcel full of soft plastic baits from Fishing Baitz. There was a mix of colours from watermelon, red flak, June bug to salt n pepper just to name a few. The first package consisted of 6“ Bass worms and the second package 6“ Pro Series Lizards. Both packages are extremely well package which is important to any soft plastic fisherman, no one likes leaking oils sliming up and bleeding through into their other baits. These baits are poured extremely well; there is no extra flashing anywhere on the bodies or tails. Even colour mixing and transition from body to tail. Great glitter and shine throughout. The Pro Series Lizards have long action legs none of which rip off easily and supply extreme action in the water. Continue reading “Gear Review: Fishing Baitz – Bass Worms & Pro Series Lizards”
How to Catch Snapping Turtles in Wisconsin
Hello outdoors world! Welcome back for the next installment of “The Willes Way”! Thank you for stopping by and giving it a read. In this blog, I will be talking about one of my all time favorite summer past times.
Imagine this. The sun sets as you sit on the shores of a 48 acre lake in the forest of northern Wisconsin. The sky is a stunning shade of red and the water is like glass, providing a perfect canvas for the reflection of the sky and trees. As the light dwindles more and more, you realize that you can no longer see in the water, and all the bluegill that where seemingly stack up in the water in front of you, now seem to be in hiding. The sky goes black. You fire up your flashlight that you have in you front pocket and shine it in the direction of the water. And then you see it! This large menacing creature slowly pulls itself along the sand bottom in search of its next meal. The call rings out to the others in camp and everyone comes running to see it. “TURTLE!” The shouts are heard by all in the vicinity. Now comes the time of reckoning. What do you do? Do you watch it? Do you try and catch it? The choice is all yours of course. So what are you going to do?
Continue reading “How to Catch Snapping Turtles in Wisconsin”
Pepper Fish Keys – Finding Trout on the Super Highway
Pepperfish Keys – Gulf of Mexico
COORDINATES XY: 29.5241245314, -83.3737724004
I arrived at my launch point, a small bridge located on a road aptly named, “Unknown Road” at the upswing of the tide. My fishing buddies, having arrived ahead of me, were busy capturing bait and, in general, preparing for the short kayak trip via Cow Creek to the Gulf and Pepperfish Keys.
This was my first trip to Pepperfish. Many of my fellow fishing enthusiasts had spoken favorably of the location and had touted its prolific trout population. On more than one occasion, I heard the statement “The trout practically jump in the boat, Fay!” Well, we shall see…. Continue reading “Pepper Fish Keys – Finding Trout on the Super Highway”
Worm Stealers, Fishing the Backwater Lakes of the Mississippi River
Fall is my favorite season; it’s all about hunting, my birthday, great fishing and HalloIen. Winter, which comes in at a very close second, is ice fishing, sturgeon spearing and winter cabins. Spring is third and is all about turkey time and spawning time.
While summer is technically my least favorite, this season tends to generate some of the best memories. To me summer is all about fishing and camping. Campfires, smores, lakes, brats, relaxing, rivers, visiting etc.
I have truly grown to love my tent. For the last few years I’d thought about buying a camper but to be honest with you, since I am only comfortable pulling one or the other behind my truck; I’ve decided a fishing boat is the way to go. I’d be happier tent camping in one of the amazing parks here in Wisconsin and trailering the boat behind in hopes of finding that perfect fishing lake or that perfect sunbathing sandbar.
Continue reading “Worm Stealers, Fishing the Backwater Lakes of the Mississippi River”
#HuntFishTravel 044 – WI Free Fishing Weekend
In this episode we’ll be talking about a CarrieZ Wild Ones blogging casting call, we’ll chat with the WI Lt. Governor about the upcoming free fishing weekend coordinated by the WI DNR and then I’ll share a rant I couldn’t help but write about Memorial Day Facebook Status Updates.
Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 044 – WI Free Fishing Weekend”
Salmon Complete Circle of Life In Oregon’s Deschutes River
A while back, we told you about the re-opening of Oregon’s Deschutes River to migrating fish for the first time in 40 years. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) was a partner in the engineering of a unique 273-foot underwater tower and fish collection station at the Round Butte Dam, which allows fish to migrate to and from the Pacific Ocean.
Now that they are able to get past all three dams in central Oregon, the numbers of Chinook salmon, steelhead, and kokanee (landlocked sockeye salmon) taking advantage of the new system is growing.
Continue reading “Salmon Complete Circle of Life In Oregon’s Deschutes River”
Fond du Lac Area Visitor’s Bureau Welcomes the Outdoor Industry with Open Arms
“All that visit the Fond du Lac area will be warmly welcomed to a convenient Lake Winnebago destination with a versatile, affordable experience.”
C’mon in…
Serving as the base hub for the largest inland lake in Wisconsin, Fond du Lac undoubtedly offers the outdoorsman a wide variety of recreational opportunities.
Last fall the Fond du Lac Area Visitor’s Bureau rebranded itself, and has been making headlines in the outdoor industry. Due to the efforts of the handful of employees at the Visitor’s Bureau, it has become a hotspot for the outdoor communicator looking for the next great story.
Continue reading “Fond du Lac Area Visitor’s Bureau Welcomes the Outdoor Industry with Open Arms”
Sturgeon Spearing Season Kicks Off With a Celebration of This Prehistoric Fish
The Winnebago System Sturgeon Spearing Season kicks off tomorrow and anglers are giddy in anticipation of the ultimate cold weather hunt.
Wisconsin Sturgeon Spearing is a tradition handed down or attracting new spearers dating back eighty years.
Continue reading “Sturgeon Spearing Season Kicks Off With a Celebration of This Prehistoric Fish”
Late Season Ice Fishing
by Bob Jensen
Hard to believe, but it’s already time to start thinking about end of the season ice-fishing. In the southern stretches of the ice-fishing zone, the end of the season bite will start soon: In fact it has probably already started. In the northern regions the season can extend to early April, even mid-April in extreme seasons. Wherever you fish through the ice, there are several good reasons to get in on this late season ice-fishing. First, why should you get in on this late season ice-fishing action? Probably the best reason is that the bite can be really, really good-and the weather can be a whole lot more comfortable than in the dead of winter.
There are times when the wind is calm and the sun is shining and it’s a warm day. You’ll be out there in a long underwear top and a hooded sweatshirt, jeans and bibs: That’s all you need to keep comfortable.
Walleye and pike season closes to ice-fishing in some states, but you can still catch perch, crappies, bluegills, and the like. Continue reading “Late Season Ice Fishing”
#HuntFishTravel 029 – Ice Fishing Techniques
In this episode we’ll be talking about a fish called Wahoos and the Playboy Playmate that fishes for them, Becoming an Outdoor Woman in Michigan and then we’ll have an interview with Jeff Kelm of Hardwater Angler.com and we are going talk some serious ice fishing.
This week’s Guest Spot is written by Steve Johnson contributor to the Fishing Wire.
Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 029 – Ice Fishing Techniques”
Two Best Ice Fishing Presentations – Bottom Pounding and Bottom Scrounging
When fish are low in the water column, smart ice anglers know that bottom pounding and bottom scrounging are “go-to” presentations. Truly successful ice fishermen, however, know when to pound, when to scrounge, and when to combine the two to catch more walleyes, perch, bluegills and other gamefish. Here’s how to determine the best presentation every time.
The flasher is beginning to show fish, but they’re just not committing. Jon Thelen brings his bait up out of the hole, shifts the knot position on the jig eye and drops his it back to the bottom, but employs a decidedly different presentation than he used to draw in the fish. It doesn’t take long for him to convince one of the walleyes to bite.
Like most veteran ice anglers, Thelen spends quite a bit of time with an ice jig or spoon close to the bottom. Much of the fish’s food lives on the bottom, so fish of various sorts spend much of their time in the same neighborhood. Thelen is quick to point out, however, that not all bottom presentations are created equal, and it’s always important to consider what you’re trying to accomplish. Continue reading “Two Best Ice Fishing Presentations – Bottom Pounding and Bottom Scrounging”
Wading 101 – 7 Tips For Safe Wading
Whether it’s trout or bass you’re chasing, here are a few tips to make your freshwater wading experience a better one.
1. Plan your route.
2. Consider if wading is necessary. Wading alerts your presence to fish – would bank fishing be possible?
3. Keep your balance. If you lean into the current and suddenly lose your balance the
Continue reading “Wading 101 – 7 Tips For Safe Wading”
Sturgeon Spearing aka Dinosaur Wrangling in Wisconsin
For most of us, the word sturgeon conjures up images of great plated bottom feeders, ancient and slow moving they seem to be a cross between a catfish and a dinosaur. Their nickname is “living fossil” and were almost wiped out in the 19th century, fishermen slaughtered them by the thousands, considering them a nuisance when they tore the nets with their sharp bony plates.
A sturgeon can live for more than 100 years and grown to 10 feet long, many weigh more than 100 pounds. Continue reading “Sturgeon Spearing aka Dinosaur Wrangling in Wisconsin”