GoneFishingAndHuntingWithJimmy.com

Great Hunting Tips

2007-11-17T14:23:00.001-08:00

Cut back your shooting lane during the summer months. This will have the best impact on deer if you do it right before the season starts up.

When hunting from a tree stand, get yourself situated in the stand before you bring your weapon into the stand. Tie a rope length that is longer than the stand is high, carry the rope up with you and then tie it to the stand (depending on stand type) or yourself. Once you are situated and the stand is secure, pull the weapon up to you. Please make sure if your weapon is a rifle that it isn't loaded, just in case it falls back to the ground as you're pulling.

Have you ever had an issue while looking at a deer through your scope? You know, you have it in view, then you look through your scope and you can't see it. Well, keep both your eyes open when lining up the shot, this will eliminate the problem.

Here's a quick one, but it's very handy; make a few scent bombs to place around your stand. You can use a few 35 mm film canisters filled with cotton balls and your favorite scent. They travel well, not taking up much space and they seal tight.

Use a topographic map to scout the area you want to hunt. You'll be able to see trails and roads leading in and out, you'll also be able to better figure out potential bedding areas and water sources. Doing this before you go will help you know where to look and what to expect.

Fishing with Live Worms

2007-11-16T23:31:00.000-08:00

Fish love worms. Those night crawlers are full of protein, and they’re easy to eat. They don’t have bones or hard edges that could scrape a fish’s throat. Fish are also drawn to the squirming of live worms. This is why fish will often go for the worm before anything else. It’s just too good to pass up!

It’s just too bad that the humble worm is so often overlooked in the world of fishing. A squirmy worm is more messy and troublesome than plastic bait, and not nearly so pretty or artful as a handmade fly. But the worm can be very effective bait if you know how to use it right.

The mistake many people make is that they try to thread the worm onto a single hook. No matter how natural you try to make it appear, your worm will probably end up looking like a mushy ball of some kind to the fish. Also, if you only hook one end of the worm, it will be prone to breaking off. You don’t want that.

The solution is to use a set of gang hooks. This will be two or more hooks tied together, almost literally a “gang of hooks.” You can buy them online or tie some hooks together yourself. Either way, it’s the best way to present a worm to the fish. It will look more realistic.

If you want to catch more fish, you can’t go wrong with a worm that’s threaded right. Even a plastic worm will get results.

Largemouth Bass Fishing

2007-11-15T23:30:00.000-08:00

The largemouth bass goes by many names. These names may include but are not limited to green trout, black bass, bucketmouth, bigmouth, and lineside bass. If you are unsure of what a largemouth bass looks like, they have dark blotches that make up a horizontal stripe running down each side of the fish. The top jaw goes back beyond the eyes hence the name "largemouth".

With the average bass weighing in between 1 and 3 pounds they can possibly weigh up to 22 pounds. The largest one on record came in at 22 pounds, 4 ounces, 38 inches.

The largemouth bass is a meat eating predator. When they are small they will feed on plankton, bugs, smaller fish, frogs and crayfish. A full size bass can hold as many as five sunfish in its mouth.

As the state fish of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Florida, the record holder was caught in Montgomery Lake in Georgia. Sport fisherman will get a fight when hooking one of these. Most fisherman will use plastic worms, crankbait and spinnerbait to land a largemouth. When hooked it is not unusual for them to perform acrobatic leaps across the water.

The best chance of finding a largemouth bass will be if you avoid the fast current waters and fish the slow or still water. They often will make brush, stumps or fallen trees and logs their home and frequently inhabit a shoreline where rocks are abundant.

If you are the competitive type, there are many bass clubs and tournaments you can fish in. Most of them are catch and release though so if you want to keep your fish you may want to reconsider this option.

Fly Fishing: An Overview of the Different Kinds of Flies

2007-11-14T09:30:00.001-08:00

Although fly tying came about as a practical way to deceive and catch large fish such as trout and salmon, it has become an art unto itself. Even a purely functional fly can be a thing of beauty for its colors and textures, while others are almost indistinguishable from real insects and aquatic creatures. The latter are usually collected for display, never to be used.

There are different kinds of flies meant to attract different kinds of fish. Some flies are imitators, made to resemble insects as close as possible; some are attractors, since they rely on shape or color to arouse a fish's curiosity or aggressive tendencies. Here's a general overview of the different types of flies:

Terrestrial: This type of fly is meant to imitate an insect that has accidentally fallen into the water. It could resemble an insect that is dead or drowning. Examples include crickets, grasshoppers, etc. It can be either submerged under water or floating on the surface.

Dry: A dry fly will resemble an insect that naturally floats on the surface of the water. They may be attached to a light hook so that they float better, or they might be made with a bit of cork so that they stay buoyant. Dry flies may need to be dried from time to time.

Wet: The wet fly is submerged under water. It's usually made to mimic aquatic insects, drowned (or drowning) insects, or small aquatic creatures such as leeches.

Streamers: These kinds of flies are meant to provoke an aggressive response from the fish. They often resemble an injured minnow or some other baitfish.

Nymph: Fish often prey on aquatic nymph insects that are in the process of emerging into their adult form. Examples include mayflies, damselflies, and dragonflies.

Responsible Fishing

2007-11-13T12:51:00.001-08:00

All fishermen should do their part to protect and care for our rivers, lakes, and other waterways. By practicing a few simple rules, we can ensure enjoyable fishing for years to come.

First, never litter. Take along a trash bag or garbage can so all refuse can be properly discarded. Tossing garbage into the water is inexcusable. Put trash where it belongs.

Always pay attention to the rules and regulations governing the area in which you're fishing. Check the regulations ahead of time. Certain places have restrictions on the size, number, and type of fish you can keep. There can even be limitations on the type of bait and fishing gear allowed. There are even more rules if you're using a boat. Respect the laws of the land.

Along those same lines, never fish in a restricted area. They're usually off limits for a reason, often serving to protect wildlife and vegetation. Sometimes it's to even protect your safety, so obey all posted signs and warnings.

When using a watercraft, pay particular attention to its proper maintenance. In some lakes, you'll be required to clean the watercraft after leaving the water. If the appropriate steps aren't taken, your craft can spread potentially dangerous conditions or non-native species, like the Zebra Mussel, to the next body of water your boat visits. If you're good to the fishing environment, the fishing environment will be good to you.

Destination, Destin FL

2007-11-12T16:51:00.001-08:00

Destin FL has some of the most variety in fishing in the country. Of all the variety you can have in your fishing trip, one thing's for sure, none of it will be ice fishing. You can fish year round in Destin and yes it does get cold, but you won't need to pack an ice pick.

Destin has been named Best Beach in the South for four years running by Southern Living magazine. With over 500 vacation rental homes, condos and cottages, there are plenty of places to stay while you are there.

While all of this is nice, you may be wondering about the fishing itself. Well the options for fishing are abundant in the Emerald Coast waters. You don't need a boat because there is plenty of great fishing off the beach pier and jetty. Fishing in this way is best between April (when the first Pompano arrive) through October, this is when the best sport fish are caught. Besides Pompano you'll also catch these other fish Whiting, Channel Bass, Sheepshead, Blue Runner, Bluefish and more. Blue crabs can also be found along the shore.

If you're a die-hard and just can't imagine fishing without a boat, you are in luck. Deep sea fishing is also available and you'll never forget the experience. Most of the fishing fleets in Destin specialize in deep sea bottom fishing. The bottom fishing is fantastic year round off the shores of Destin. You can expect to catch Trigger fish, Snapper, Grouper, Amber jack and Cobia. Boats are available for half day, full day and even over night charter. There are even party boats that can hold 25 to 105 people.

All this and more is waiting for you in Destin, FL. It's easy to see why Destin should be your next fishing destination.

Safety Tips For Coyote Hunting

2007-11-11T16:51:00.000-08:00

It seems as though Coyote hunting is not nearly as talked about as any other animal hunting. This is interesting considering the speed with which the coyote seems to spreading its habitat. A member of the dog family, the coyote used to be found mainly in the Northwest part of the United States. Due to human expansion and settlement, the coyote has adapted very well to these changes and has spread much further across the land.

When hunting coyote it is very important to be aware of wind direction at all times, the coyotes sense of smell is highly developed and should not be ignored. Keeping this in mind, set up with the wind at your face or ideally with a cross wind with enough room to see any coyotes that might be approaching. You may also want to set up with the sun at your back, making it more difficult for them to see you. Position yourself in the shade if possible, with the sun at your back, shadows will be in front of you, this is a bonus.

As any hunter already knows, ensuring that your camouflage matches your surroundings is also important. Equally important when hunting the coyote is to ensure that you face is camouflaged and all skin is covered. Human skin is very reflective and coyotes will spot you if it isn't covered. Stillness is another important part of this type of hunt, dedicated eyesight is something coyotes are known for and the slightest move on stand can give you away.

Always use the buddy system. Take turns calling, separating yourselves by 8 - 10 feet, backs facing. This way, what one doesn't see, the other will.

Fishing and Hunting Tips and Places

2007-11-10T16:50:00.000-08:00

You know you’re a true outdoors man if you lie awake at night anticipating for weeks ahead the hunting season or the upcoming fishing trip you planned with your buddies. And lest anyone try to convince you otherwise, hunting and fishing aren’t for just the granola, outdoorsy types. John James Audubon, a famous scientist and artist in the 1800s once said, “Hunting, fishing, drawing, and music occupied my every moment. Cares I knew not, and cared naught about them.”

If this echoes your own sentiment, it’s important to follow some of the following hunting and fishing tips to not only enhance your experience in the great outdoors, but to preserve yours and others’ safety.

If you’re determined to catch the fattest, juiciest goose to surprise your wife by pulling it out of the freezer for Christmas dinner, using decoys is more effective than most people realize. It might seem old fashioned, but just remember that geese can’t tell the difference between wood and flesh from a distance, and so using larger decoys will often help in attracting geese from further distances.

If your wife is constantly complaining about the state you leave her cutting boards in after bringing home a fresh catch of trout from the river, instead of wishing she could forget about the fishy smell emanating from her dishware and focus on your amazing abilities to bring home dinner, she’ll be a lot happier if you squeeze a little lemon juice onto the cutting boards periodically. This will keep the smell fresh and keep her from relegating you to the couch at night.

When you arrive at your hunting destination, you’ll be more successful if you start hunting as soon as you step out of your car. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that deer will somehow magically only be in places where you aren’t making camp. If you do things right—not talking too loudly, closing car doors gently—chances are likely that you’ll snag a buck not 20 yards from where you’ve parked.

To find some pristine fishing territory, Idaho has some fertile ground, such as Little Salmon River in Orohno, Hells Canyon on the Snake River in Salmon, and Upper Salmon River in White Bird. If the names don’t encourage you, try it out for yourself to see if they’re merited.

There are great hunting grounds all across the country—not only in the west with the Utah Uintas and California Sierras, but also in the east where Pennsylvania offers some great game land, such as Raccoon Creek State Park, where some new area has just been made available for hunting and Washington and Greene Counties actually have an overpopulation of deer this year, so you can have your pick.

Northern California Offers Great Fishing Opportunities

2007-11-09T10:39:00.001-08:00

The avid fisherman may be wondering where the best spots are to continue the sport as the weather gets colder around the nation. Lake Shasta, in Northern California, comes highly recommended by those who live on it as a great place to bring in some fish even as the fall heads towards winter.

Lake Shasta affords the opportunity to land a variety of fish. There are salmon around, but experts say that the best salmon are deep in the water this time of year attempting to spawn. If you catch a salmon too near the top, it’s probably a fish that won’t be ready until next season. A salmon that won’t get tossed back is going to be at the bottom of the lake. However, the spotted bass fishing at Lake Shasta is excellent, according to local fishing companies. A variety of baits types have had success bringing in the fish recently, including crankbaits and plastic worms. Trout, including rainbow trout, are also being hauled in from the lake in recent weeks.

Fly fishermen looking for some action in the area should investigate both the McCloud River and the upper Sacramento River. The highlight of these rivers is the trout indigenous to the area. Adding to the native fish, the Fish and Game Department has spent the past ten years increasing the fish population. While the majority of the introduced fish remain on the smaller side, there are plenty to be had. And the wide array of fish species makes fishing in this Northern California region extremely exciting.

How to Catch a Bass

2007-11-08T10:38:00.000-08:00

Make no mistake about it, bass are a fun fish to catch. Chasing after a bass and understanding its habits can really be similar to fighting a relentless enemy eye to eye. Some fishermen like to spot their bass of choice, and play the sort of mind game only a man upon the water can understand. But if you want to bring home a few fish every time you cast that rod, there are a few things about bass that you might want to know.

Bass love to disappear near submerged rocks and islands, so they are best found near some sort of underwater hiding spot. The best way to find out where bass are hiding is to study a map of the lake you are about to discover. Look for creek channels and long points on the map. Bass can be easily understood because they stick to the same habits throughout the year, which makes them easy to track. This type of fish loves to swim back and forth from deeper waters to shallow waters, and during the fall season bass will always be found amidst shallow water. Another good idea is to watch the surface of the water for bubbles that will appear on occasion. Bubbles on the surface indicate that a school of bass have begun to feed upon minnows, which will cause quite a raucous.

Bass are really interesting fish, and it is easy to spend more than one afternoon searching a lake for the perfect bass spot. Usually bass stay near anything that is underneath the surface of the water, so try a few hidden spots before heading out into the middle of the lake. Once you begin to understand the patterns of bass, catching them will become much easier. Remember to allow other fishermen space on the lake, and don’t try to crowd someone else’s spot. Also, if you happen to pass fishermen in a small boat, resist the temptation to rev your engine and cause waves – this is really quite rude to do.

Where to Find Great Bears

2007-10-15T10:32:00.000-07:00

Do you love the call of the wild? There is nothing quite as exhilarating as hunting down a large bear. Bears tower over human, they lash out with large teeth and sharp claws, and they are often great fun to hunt. There is a real art to bear hunting, which is why many people are not successful at this sport. But, if you want to try your hand at hunting the great bear, here are the best spots on earth to find them.

· Montana: traveling to Northwest Montana in search of a bear is a one stop bear hunting spot. There are few guided tours in this area, but if you have the right equipment and a willing attitude, Montana is great for spot-and stalk hunting (the only kind allowed).

· Wyoming: the Bighorn Mountains have a nice bear population, and bears here are as wild as they get. If you decide to head up into the Bighorn Mountain range, take careful note of the state’s hunting rules and regulations, since they can be quite strict. You may also want to hire a guide, and plenty of them can be found throughout the state.

· Manitoba: 30,000 bears roam this Canadian province, but if you are not a resident you will have to hire a guide (required). Black bears can be seen throughout Manitoba forests, and the area has been known to simply breed an extensive bear population.

· British Columbia: B.C. is another Canadian province that is a literal paradise for any hunter. The last bear count in B.C. was around 150,000, and the best bears can be spotted near Prince George and Vancouver Island. Canada requires non-residents to hire an experience guide, so start your vacation planning early.

Bear hunting is not for everyone, and this type of sport can be particularly dangerous. But, if you love a great hunting thrill and the excitement of watching a six foot black bear stalk you as you stalk it, these great bear spots will be right up your alley.

A Scotland Hunting Trip

2007-10-14T11:53:00.000-07:00

Looking for that once in a lifetime hunting trip? Are you dreams filled with game of all kinds simply spilling out of forests and jumping out of water? Well, Scotland may be the place for you if you love to come home with trophies every single time you pick up a gun, or cast a fishing line. Those that study the art of hunting and fishing think of Scotland every time a trip is planned, but only the lucky ones actually have the opportunity to visit this hunting Eden during their lifetime.

You will find deer, grouse, pheasant, geese, woodcocks, salmon, trout, hares, rabbits, and a whole slew of other animals throughout Scotland, but the best part is the number of accommodations that Scotland has to offer its worldly hunters. Forget about lodging in a small cabin without any modern amenities, Scotland is for hunting kings with a taste for opulence. You can either book a hunting tour, or contact a lodge directly for your hunting vacation needs. The following two suggestions are examples of the type of lodging offered to Scotland travelers:

· Scottish Hunting Lodge: this exclusive resort was once the home of Princess Royal, the daughter of King Edward VII. This lodge has everything that you could ever want including some of the best hunting and fishing grounds in Scotland. In order to make a reservation at this hunting destination, you will have to call a local booking agent and make a reservation.

· Countrysports: this travel planning website will help you to set up your Scotland hunting vacation. They take care of equipment, licenses, accommodations, transportation, and anything else that you could want in the way of your hunting trip. Contact Countrysports for your exclusive hunting excursion today (www.countrysports.co.uk).

The next time you think of luxury hunting, think of Scotland. Castles, acres of land, an abundance of animals, and a true love of the hunting sport. Scotland is a hunter’s paradise, are you willing to be part of this natural haven?

Southern Quail Hunting

2007-10-13T11:52:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been quail hunting? Quail hunting is popular throughout the southern United States, and it has been a favorite southern past time for centuries. A few decades ago, only the truly elite could be found hunting quail, and the bird is actually considered a delicacy to this day. If you want to try your hand at quail hunting, head south and scope out the following destinations.

· Owl Creek Lodge: in the heart of Alabama you will find the Owl Creek Lodge and all it’s natural splendor. The lodge itself is comfortable and cozy, but the lodge guides will show you all the best quail hunting spots on the property. Trained guides will take your group on a hunt the old fashioned way, and you can even enjoy an afternoon barbeque back on the lodge grounds. You must call the lodge in advance in order to find rates and book a hunting trip, so visit www.owlcreeklodge.com for more information.

· Senah Plantation: have you ever wondered what it might be like to wander through 13,000 acres of beautiful wood and manicured lawn while hunting dogs race at your feet? The Senah Plantation in Georgia offers hunters an experience like no other with many professional guides, trained dogs, and the best property that anyone could ask for. The lodge itself is cozy, rustic, and a great place to grab a warm drink after a day of hunting. For more information and to contact local guides, visit www.senahplantation.com.

· Shadow Oak Plantation: this plantation has hunting in its veins. Dogs have been roaming this property for centuries, and professional guides coupled with a top notch lodge means an unforgettable hunting vacation. Not only will you be able to find and shoot an abundance of quail, the lodge will prepare, package, and freeze your catch for the trip home – what more could you want? You can find the Shadow Oak Plantation in Nashville, Georgia, and you won’t be sorry when you book this lodge for a few nights. Visit www.lotsplantation.com for further detail, photos, and contact information.

Flock to the south in order to catch some great quail. From rustic lodges to plantations steeped with history, the southern United States is the best place to go when you want to hunt the old fashioned way.

Cape Cod Deep Sea Fishing

2007-10-12T11:50:00.000-07:00

The waters of New England are stocked with a massive amount of fish, and some of the best fishing can be found deep within the ocean. Though there are plenty of deep sea fishing spots throughout New England, Cape Cod is known all over the world for its excellent fishing potential. Unless you have your own vessel, you will need to charter a boat in order to capture some prize winning fish. Below you will find some well known Cape Cod deep sea fishing charters that are available to the general public.

· Rockin’ Robin Fishing Charters: this fishing boat leaves from Rock Harbor and heads up Billingsgate Shoal, which happens to be world renowned for its striped bass. The vessel itself if a 30’ Boston Whaler, and captain Glen Southwick is more than willing to accommodate anyone from beginners to advanced fishermen. For two people, you can charter Captain Southwick’s boat for $475 (4-5 hours). Trips run from June to September yearly, visit www.rockinrobinfishingcharters.com.

· Sea Charters: if you want to catch some truly amazing tuna, sail with Sea Charters. Captain Charles Gallagher has been navigating the Cape Cod waters for nearly thirty years now, and he knows where all the best spots are. Your vessel, the “Lisa Marie,” is thirty feet of pure fishing frenzy that any fisherman will more than enjoy. For a four hour cruise, Sea Charters charges $430. To book a trip visit www.fishing-capecod.com.

· Sue-Z: all aboard the “Sue-Z” for a deep sea fishing adventure that you’ll never forget. Captain Tom Traina has been sailing the waters off of Cape Cod for nearly thirty years, and he also holds a U.S. Coast Guard Masters License (that means he knows where the secret spots are). You will find Bluefish, Swordfish, and Tuna on captain Tom’s route, and those who have sailed the Sue-Z come back time after time. The captain charges $475 for a four hour trip, and he navigates the waters until early November (www.sue-zfishing.com).

If you want to catch a bit of fresh New England air, and a great fish, Cape Cod is the place to go. Simply book your trip in advance, call up the captain of your choice, and spend your vacation on the open seas.

An amazing trout fishing escape at Georgia Mountain Retreat

2007-10-11T19:02:00.000-07:00

The Georgia Mountain Retreat offers a complete fishing getaway for avid trout and fly anglers. Set in a large bed and breakfast styled manor, this retreat is locally known as Rebekah Stewart’s Brigadoon. The house offers brilliant amenities including two romantic suites in the main house and two large cabins to the side. Recently added, the cabins feature two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fireplace and a kitchen area. In the main room of the manor the ceilings rise over thirty feet and are complemented by hard wood floors, a lounge area and a grand piano.

Set near the beautiful and scenic Soque River, this retreat features over two miles of private access to the Soque. Since the majority of land surrounding the river is privately owned, fishing is prohibited without written permission from the owners. Due to the lack of any real fishing, the fish are well stocked, large and healthy. This place is a fly fisher and trout lovers dream. Anglers have recorded catching brown trout that measured thirty inches or more.

Rebekah Stewart’s Brigadoon is also a great getaway for couples seeking a romantic weekend. Especially if you plan your visit there during the autumn leaf change. Even though the location is rather remote, there are several small eateries nearby. If your significant other enjoys fishing then this may be a wining situation for any angler trying to combine both a romantic vacation with their passion to fish. Regardless of the time of year you choose to visit the Brigadoon, you are sure to return home with several large trout in tow and fond memories.

Fishing for Flounder at Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, VA

2007-10-10T19:41:00.000-07:00

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel in Virginia is one of the best places you can go to fish for flounder. In 2005, there were 902 awards given out for flounder weighing seven pound or more. An additional 35 awards were made for flounder measuring more than 25 inches. The trend continued in 2006 which saw another 892 awards handed out for trophy flounder catches.

The flounder are well stocked on this 17 mile stretch of deep waters, which house thousands of the hungry fish. Anglers have changed their bait tactics due to the fish thriving on plenty of naturally supplied nutrients. Instead of using drifting cut bait, more anglers are employing the methods of using live bait over a structure. The result is large catches of record size flounder, and many a happy angler returning home with bragging rights.

Flounder fishing has become so popular at Chesapeake Bay in the past five years that the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament cited it as one of the best places to catch large flounder in Virginia. The fish have become so healthy at this fishery hotspot that many anglers will release a catch if it doesn’t weigh in at more than seven pounds.

The best place around the bay to catch the elusive flounder is near the bridge pilings, where the larger flounder like to hang out in the deeper waters. Many anglers are seen nearby these pilings dropping live bait anchors from boats and pulling in large quantity catches of big game flounder. The many scattered rocks around the Bay also house schools of flounder, making fishing in this Bay an easy task.

Fishing for Large Mouth Bass on Lake Anna

2007-10-09T19:40:00.000-07:00

Located in North-central Virginia, Lake Anna provides exceptional winter Large Mouth Bass fishing. Due to the lakes immense popularity during the summer fishing season, the best time to go is during the early winter months. This lake is a hotspot for the Bass, especially during winter, because the North Anna Nuclear Power Station is located nearby and discharges warm water into the lake. This in turn attracts many of the Large Mouth Bass drawing them into the region.

During the months of April through September, Lake Anna is crowded with anglers, which makes a winter trip here ideal because the lake is almost empty during these colder months. Even though many a local knows how good the bass fishing is during the winter, they often choose to fish other places, leaving plenty of good areas for any angler to cast a line. The weather can be rather harsh during the cold months, which is another reason this lake is void of anglers during this time. However, local anglers report that their largest catches have always been during these colder months, especially when the temperature drops below 40 degrees.

Another great place to fish when at Lake Anna is Sturgeon Creek, where you will find plenty of Bucketmouths. The Pamunkey River arm also feeds into the lake and if you follow it upstream there is an also great Bucketmouth fishing. If you are strictly looking to catch Large Mouth Bass, local guides suggest you fish near the power plant at Dike No. 3, where the warm water is discharged and the most bass conglomerate.

Fishing for Stripers in Virginia at Smith Mountain Lake

2007-10-08T19:39:00.000-07:00

The great state of Virginia plays host to some of the best Striper fishing in the United States. For decades anglers have been casting lines at the popular Smith Mountain Lake. The best time to of year to fish for Stripers here is in the month of March. This is when the Stripers make their way upstream towards Hales Ford Bridge as they try and migrate to Cedar Keys. Many anglers report that they make large catches during this time of year weighing between 10-25 pounds.

For the past thirty years this 20,000 acre area, fed by the Roanoke and Blackwater River, has been massively populated with Stripers. The lake is so well stocked that the catch rules dictate your Striper must be a minimum of twenty inches or longer, or you have to release it back into the lake. Due to the immense popularity of this lake, the state of Virginia has also recently imposed a maximum two catch limit for Stripers per day.

Many anglers will catch Stripers and release them even if they are twenty inches, because they are seeking that hard to catch thirty pounder. Another reason this lake is well stocked is due to its lack of free flowing water. When the Stripers migrate to spawn each year, most of their young die off, and the remaining young hatch in the lake, restocking it.

If you are looking to do some serious Striper fishing at Smith Mountain Lake, your best chances of success are during the months of March, April, and May. If you are coming from out of town there are several small and scattered lodges and motels that offer affordable rooms. Even if you can’t make it out to Virginia during the prime months, the other nine months of year still provide ample pickings of large Stripers at Smith Mountain Lake.

Five of the best places to trout fish in Wisconsin

2007-10-07T19:37:00.000-07:00

The Kinnickinnic River is located 30 minutes east of Twin Cities. This river is considered by most locals as one of the best places in Wisconsin to fish for trout. The river is maintained by three private organizations who keep this river serene and well stocked with hundreds of thousands of trout. Thanks to the efforts of Trout Unlimited, the Kinnickinnic River Land Trust, and Western Wisconsin Land Trust, this river boasts a class one trout rating and has around 8,000 trout per mile. A few hours on the shores of this river will net any decent angler several large trout, and is a hotspot for many fly fishers as well.

The Namekagon River flows northward towards Lake Superior and is well stocked with brown and brook trout. A favorite place to fish for five U.S. presidents over the years has given this river fame world wide. There is even a legend that Jimmy Carter’s wife used to come here and go fishing without Jimmy.

The Kickapoo River West Fork features twenty four miles of fresh water. Surrounded by rolling, grassy hills and farms, this river is a very pleasant place to spend the day. The waters are rich with several different kinds of trout and are well stocked. There are even Amish settlements nearby that sell fruit and hand made clothing.

The Pike River is a Wild Wisconsin river, and is flourishing with brown and brook trout. The river twists and turns and is laden with rapids and waterfalls. This makes for a great fishing adventure, and can be fun to go rafting in as well.

The Black Earth Creek is considered to be on the better places to fish in the United States. Well stocked with all kinds of trout, mainly brown and brook. Due to its close location to Madison, WI, the river has been faced with many environmental issues lately. Nearby developments and commercial expansions threaten to close this river if something is not done. For the time being however, anglers can enjoy top rated fishing.

Three great fishing spots in Wyoming

2007-10-06T19:36:00.000-07:00

Bighorn Lake: Considered one of the best places to go fishing in Wyoming. In the late 60’s the government built a large dam in order to reroute water from Bighorn Canyon, which in turn created an enormous man-made, fresh water lake. Consequently this created a perfect environment for the fish to flourish. This lake is well stocked with a wide variety of fish including brown and rainbow trout, Black Crappie, Catfish, Burbot, Small Mouth Bass, and plenty of Yellow Perch. Due to the immense population of the fish, and the wide array of species, this lake has become a very popular fishing spot.

Bighorn River: Located near Manderson, Wyoming, this river boasts some of the best trout fishing in United States. What makes this river so great is that it lies downstream from the Bighorn Dam. This creates a tail water river that is rich in nutrients. Because there is an over abundance of food for the fish to eat, it is well stocked with rainbow and brown trout. Some of the largest trout ever caught in Wyoming were caught in this river. Since most anglers prefer Bighorn Lake, there are always plenty of open spots to cast.

Cloud Peak Wilderness in Bighorn National Forest: You will have to don a backpack and get your camping gear out, but who doesn’t want to go on a wilderness adventure. If you are up for it you will be happy to find that this remote area is dotted with many little streams and brooks that are packed with wild trout. Due to lack of humans, the fish are much easier to catch and do not scare easily. If you like to camp and fish, you are sure to catch a great many when fishing in Cloud Peak Wilderness.

The top three big game animals to hunt in North America

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No. 1, Moose: The biggest of all deer, moose also have the largest antlers, which make for a great wall trophy. You can find Moose all over the North American Continent, but the hunting permits can run in excess of $10,000. The best time to hunt for Moose is during their mating season. Males are easily fooled by simple calls and frequently will engage other Moose to fight for mating rights. This makes taking them down very easy to do. It also provides the successful hunter with both a prize of large antlers, and hundreds of pounds of meat they can freeze and cook later.

No. 2, Caribou: If you are looking to hunt big game on a small budget then Caribou may be the big game you seek. Permits can run three to four thousand dollars depending on where you choose to hunt. One of the best places to find these deer is in central Canada. The population there is number at hundreds of thousands and you will be able to get a much better price on your tags than in the United States. Caribou also boast the fourth largest antler size of any deer, so they make a great trophy too.

No. 3, Dall’s Sheep: One of the more expensive types of game you can hunt in North America. Dall’s Sheep are considered a very attractive game but finding them is difficult as they live in the more remote regions of North America. They have a beautiful white coat, their meat is tender like lambs meat, and their curving elaborate horns are sought after by many trophy hunters. Unfortunately the popularity of these big game animals has risen significantly over the years. Soon there will be limited places you can hunt them, and expect to pay high prices even now. The cost of a good Dall’s Sheep hunt can run from $8000-$35,000 depending on what region you decide to hunt.

5 Best Big Game Hunting Values

2007-10-04T15:13:00.000-07:00

Big game hunting costs money, let's be honest, usually a lot of money! Here we'll highlight not only the five best big game hunts, but also at affordable rates. Some of these choices may even surprise you and make all your friends envious in the "National Geographic" style pictures and trophies you'll have.

Moose:

Moose hunting seems to be one of the best values for your money hunts in North America right now. Moose are exotic and have the largest antlers of any of the "deer", and they can be found in forests from coast to coast. Unfortunately, moose tags are difficult to come by and are usually available on a draw-only basis. This hunt is fairly involved and may cost upwards of $12,000, but it is so worth it.

Caribou:

You'll want this to be a fully guided tour and it'll run between $4,000 and $6,000. The best advice is to be sure to book with a reputable outfitter with good references. The hunt is definitely an adventure and having the experience of chartering a bush plane is a thrill. Because the industry is so young, the chaff hasn't yet separated from the wheat.

#3 Dall's Sheep

I know, what's a sheep doing in the top five? Well, it is an extremely affordable hunt and the Dall's sheep is considered one of the most beautiful sheep sub-species and it lives in the most remote locations on the continent. Do a little research and find yourself a good outfitter, it's a hunt you'll never forget.

#4 Black Bear

No matter how you slice it, black bear hunting has always been a bargain. They can be hunted from coast to coast, to coast, from Arizona to the Arctic. For the first-time traveling hunter, a black bear hunt is a good choice. It's not real expensive; it's not very time consuming and best of all, the heart pounding action is hard to beat. Not to mention a bear skin rug is a beautiful thing to own!

#5 Muskox

These shaggy left over from the Ice Age live in one of the most god forsaken places, but it is strangely beautiful. The muskox is the poor man's polar bear hunt and odds of tagging one are near 100%. This hunt could set you back as much as $6,000, but come on, who has a muskox head on their wall?

Aluminum or Carbon Arrows?

2007-10-03T15:11:00.000-07:00

While both aluminum and carbon arrows have their benefits, it seems the popular choice seems to be leaning towards carbon arrows. Whatever you are choosing to shoot this fall, make sure that you practice with your arrows and broadheads religiously before heading out into the woods, and don't forget to ensure your broadheads are razor sharp.

The state of modern bow hunting is astonishing, from the trade show in January, to your local sporting goods stores and even magazines that have been showing up in mail boxes all across the country. It's astonishing because the arrows, broadheads, and accessories are continuously developing to levels that would have even left Ishi, Saxton Pope, Art Young, and Fred Bear shaking their heads in amazement!

While new bows are brought out each year, in the most mind bending manufacturing race we've seen, the most crucial factor remains properly matched arrows and broadheads. Which brings us back to the most current trend in this lethal one two punch, carbon arrows!

In a market that is virtually saturated with a plethora of varieties in arrow shafts manufactured by Easton, Carbon Express and Blackhawk, to name a few, carbon arrows seem to be preferred by a large number of bow hunters today.

“According to the statistics with Pope & Young, it’s swinging that way,” says Ken Witt, an Arlington, Texas bow shop proprietor and a veteran Pope & Young Club measurer. In fact, I think it has already "swung" that way. Let's take a quick look at just why that is.

Speed, along with better penetration for starters. Due to the carbon arrows smaller diameter, this in turn provides improved durability and more consistant tolerances.

“Field points and broadheads don’t shoot the same as a general rule,” Witt said. “That’s why you have got to shoot and practice with your broadheads.”

Vermont's Hunting and Fishing

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Vermont's waterways are home to some of the very best freshwater fishing in the United States. The many cold water brooks and streams harbor an abundance of rainbow, brown and brook trout. Vermont's wide lakes and ponds offer terrific opportunities for bass, walleyes and other species.

In April, Vermont's trout fishing season opens and continues straight through October. Vermont's winters leave the fish with veracious appetites and they'll bite most anything that moves. Over 5,000 miles of lucrative fishing waters are made possible by the rushing flow of spring water from the mountains. The trout is abundant in these streams and brooks throughout the valleys of Vermont.

If you're up for more of a sporting challenge, then you may want to try fishing the more than 500 lakes and ponds for walleye and northern pike. Vermont is fast becoming known for its bass fishing as well, although it is restricted to catch and release until the second Saturday in June.

If hunting is more your thing, then Vermont is also the place for you. Its unspoiled woods, lakes, and ponds, coupled with its abundance of game, make Vermont one of the top hunting destinations in the North Eastern U.S.

Hunting opportunities are everywhere; white-tailed deer, moose, wild turkey, black bear, wood cock, water fowl, and snowshoe hare are popular in the fall season. May offers a fantastic wild turkey gobbler season, making it the best turkey hunting in all of New England.

Finding a place to hunt in Vermont is like shooting fish in a barrel with over 800,000 wild life conservation acres open to public hunting. Then there's the scenery of the beautiful Green Mountains.

News on Brownlee Reservoir Chukars

2007-10-01T15:09:00.000-07:00

If you are heading out to the Brownlee Reservoir in the Rocky Mountains, you may want to know that the numbers of chukar are dropping along this popular Idaho-Oregon border spot. It is still worth taking a shotgun.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game released a press report titled “Brownlee Chukar Count Nears Record Low.” Due to the drought conditions this year, the normally very healthy chukar population has been dramatically affected. During the annual survey only 506 chukar were counted in 70 groups spanning a twelve mile block. This basically translates to 42 birds per square mile in groups of approximately 7 birds. Compared to the 10 year average of 1,412 birds in 112 groups, averaging slightly more than 117 birds per square mile.

While the numbers are far from what the regulars are used to seeing, it's really all relative. Another popular chukar hunting area in Lucky Peak, near Boise Idaho, not too far away, the ten year average there had been 26.6 birds per square mile.

So, even in an off year, the Brownlee Reservoir isn't such a bad place to chase chukar and gray partridge; it just won't be what the region's hunters are used to. During a normal year and with far better conditions, there is plenty of chukar to be had. And with all things considered, this too shall pass.

As a sides note, chukar can be easily recognized and located by their call and they will come down to the water. They are named because of their call and it is quite a distinctive series of "chuks"!