http://www.fishingclub.com RSS feeds for North American Fishing Club 60 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3565/slopping-for-big-bass#Comments 7 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3565 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3565&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3565/slopping-for-big-bass Slop as it is referred to by anglers, is when vegetation forms a large blanket like coating over the water.  There are several forms of vegetation that can create these vast regions of slop fields.  Lily pads that were once scattered across the water have taken an area by storm and now have other forms of vegetation filling in the open water pockets that once existed.  Duck wart is another example of vegetation that can make up some prime areas for slop fishing.  These areas look like a sea of green floating a top the water.  Duck wart can either be very thin or thick, based on how much vegetation is bunched up below.  The other forms of slop are either grass lines that been folded over and are now lying across the top of the water and the last sloppy area are areas where the wind blows any form of debris into a secluded pocket or corner.  bgustafson Wed, 01 Aug 2012 14:38:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3565 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3562/i-cast-fishing-with-max#Comments 1 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3562 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3562&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3562/i-cast-fishing-with-max Finally, I make it home to the family. My children have missed me most of the summer. It is a part of my job that I really don’t like. We spent a day having fun. The kids and I went to the Wickliffe Indian Burial Mounds State Park. We learned about Indian culture and how they lived. Max and Caroline were shocked to see ancient fish hooks. Caroline said, “Daddy there is no way the Indians had fish hooks! They look like some of yours.” I replied, “The Indians did make their own hooks. They were made out of bone.” The other feats of engineering were amazing too. Pottery, arrowheads, and drills took us back to those days. Max topped it all off with a perfect statement from a six year old, “Daddy, can we go back to the air condition now?” So we packed up and headed to Ya Ya’s Island. It is an indoor playhouse with club houses, blow-up slides, and tons of fun things for the kids to do. bgustafson Mon, 30 Jul 2012 17:24:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3562 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3552/my-fly-tying-invention#Comments 2 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3552 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3552&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3552/my-fly-tying-invention It was 3 a.m. and I was tying up a batch of #6 Red Winged Polyfluffers. I was in a hurry because in just 5.762 hours I'd be in the middle of the largest Red-Winged Polyfluffer hatch anyone had ever seen. The problem was that every time I wanted to whip finish my fly, I had to pick up the whip finish tool. Now, I've never learned the hand-whip, so I need the tool - but the extra time spent picking it up and putting it down was a drag. Who has an extra 2.34 seconds out of each hour these days? Not me. bgustafson Thu, 19 Jul 2012 13:49:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3552 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3532/saving-the-day#Comments 0 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3532 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3532&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3532/saving-the-day Sometimes, things just don't go your way. It happens to everyone and there's often little we can do about it other than try to adjust our plans and our attitudes. Take my friend Hal for example... bgustafson Thu, 12 Jul 2012 16:46:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3532 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3529/21-days-on-the-road#Comments 0 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3529 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3529&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3529/21-days-on-the-road This was a 21 day road trip. It has been so intense that my wife reminded me that I was only home three days in the month of June. I worked hard, gambled on decisions, and ended up with the Bassmaster Classic in view! I had a successful turn of events and I am proud of the outcome. bgustafson Wed, 11 Jul 2012 13:52:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3529 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3528/video-games-for-bass#Comments 0 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3528 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3528&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3528/video-games-for-bass The electronics that are on an angler’s boat today may look like a big screen TV when passing by boaters look at your fishing rig.  Some may even say that today’s electronics is like playing a video game with the amount of detail and information they relay back to an angler. bgustafson Tue, 10 Jul 2012 18:17:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3528 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3518/crossing-the-border-canadian-border-iii#Comments 1 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3518 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3518&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3518/crossing-the-border-canadian-border-iii  Actually, crossing the Canadian border is a very simple process and well worth the effort to experience true wilderness and world-class fisheries. With that in mind, here are the basics of prohibited and restricted items entering Canada, see links below for a complete list. bgustafson Mon, 02 Jul 2012 16:35:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3518 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3514/the-fifth-rule-of-fly-fishing#Comments 1 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3514 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3514&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3514/the-fifth-rule-of-fly-fishing It was a hot, early summer day in May and I was standing in the Davidson River near Brevard, North Carolina. I was trying my best to look like I knew what I was doing. I was casting over a pod of trout that you could easily call “monsters” by anyone's standards and in the clear, cold water I swear I could see the biggest one in the back of the pod smiling at me. He wore a sort of fishy smirk, like he knew I didn't have a shot at tempting him or any of his buddies into biting. bgustafson Wed, 27 Jun 2012 18:38:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3514 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3511/dredging-the-bottom-for-big-bass#Comments 8 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3511 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3511&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3511/dredging-the-bottom-for-big-bass A Carolina-rig is a great technique for anglers to use to target deep water structure that is holding bass.  A C-Rig as it is commonly referred to is also a great way to determine what the bottom content is and what structure is available on the bottom of the lake, which is why tossing a Carolina rig is a great way to dredge the depths of any body of water. bgustafson Mon, 25 Jun 2012 15:49:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3511 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3504/get-what-you-pay-for#Comments 1 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3504 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3504&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3504/get-what-you-pay-for My first pair of fishing waders looked like something out of a 1970's horror movie. You know, some guy standing on a pier cleaning fish, wielding a huge knife – his brown rubber waders covered in blood? pcosgrove Tue, 19 Jun 2012 17:30:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3504 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3501/texas-swing#Comments 0 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3501 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3501&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3501/texas-swing  The Texas part of the Elites Series was not a good thing for me, Toledo Bend was the lake. Summertime angling on this historic lake deals with structure fishing. This is my favorite way to fish. You sure could not tell by my bottom of the barrel finish in this event.  The benefit of the trip was making new friends and seeing old friends at the Skeeter Owners Tournament held at Lake Fork. bgustafson Thu, 14 Jun 2012 19:48:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3501 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3499/wanted-fishing-buddy#Comments 2 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3499 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3499&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3499/wanted-fishing-buddy  Anyway, we fished all day that day – nearly 12 hours of hard-core bass fishing. We caught fish too! Bass, bream and even a few crappie maybe. It's been a while now since that first trip and it's hard to remember the exact number or size of the fish. I do remember one thing though... bgustafson Thu, 14 Jun 2012 14:34:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3499 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3481/the-trouble-with-fishing#Comments 8 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3481 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3481&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3481/the-trouble-with-fishing  Ah, fishing! That most relaxing and pastoral of past-times. A hobby, a sport, and a recreation all wrapped up in one. Who could ever possibly lament such a thing? I could. I'll tell you why, too. bgustafson Tue, 05 Jun 2012 17:20:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3481 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3478/staying-organized-and-ready-to-fish#Comments 0 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3478 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3478&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3478/staying-organized-and-ready-to-fish  Ever since I began fishing, I have always kept my tackle organized and in a very easy to find manner. Today, as a tournament fisherman I have found that an organized tackle box is one of the most important things to help maximize your time and efficiency on the water. bgustafson Mon, 04 Jun 2012 13:56:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3478 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3475/27-days#Comments 1 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3475 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3475&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3475/27-days  Every angler has to make sacrifices. Whether it is economic or family, there is a sacrifice from each dedicated angler. Time away from home is the hardest part for me now. My seven year old daughter and six year old son get all my attention when I am home. bgustafson Wed, 30 May 2012 16:50:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3475 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3471/crossing-the-line#Comments 0 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3471 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3471&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3471/crossing-the-line  This is the second of a three part blog on Crossing the Canadian Border, here we discuss who can’t enter Canada.  bgustafson Fri, 25 May 2012 14:44:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3471 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3453/out-of-my-element#Comments 6 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3453 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3453&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3453/out-of-my-element  Saltwater fishing shallow water flats is a part of the fishing game I don't know much about.  I've seen the shallow water television shows where fisherman site fish for redfish, Tarpon going acrobatic 10 feet in the air, and screaming drags from sharks.  I was excited to do this style of fishing; it got my blood and adrenaline flowing at an all time high.  bgustafson Tue, 08 May 2012 21:33:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3453 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3450/crossing-the-canadian-border#Comments 3 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3450 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3450&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3450/crossing-the-canadian-border  I’ve been crossing the Canadian border three or four times annually for almost 25 years and I’ve learned, through the school of hard knocks, some tips you can use to keep a border agent from digging through your underwear this summer. bgustafson Fri, 04 May 2012 14:30:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3450 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3438/meet-eric-haataja#Comments 4 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3438 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3438&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3438/meet-eric-haataja  A few things about me: I decided to guide fulltime 10+ years ago and it was the scariest decision I've ever made as an individual. bgustafson Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:11:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3438 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3426/the-florida-swing#Comments 0 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3426 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3426&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3426/the-florida-swing One week before the Elite Series started…I did not know if I would compete… pcosgrove Fri, 30 Mar 2012 18:26:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3426 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3346/classic-boundto-work#Comments 4 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3346 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3346&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3346/classic-boundto-work This time I don’t get to take my dancing shoes… pcosgrove Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:12:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3346 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3338/preparation-meets-success#Comments 2 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3338 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3338&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3338/preparation-meets-success The clock is ticking down for my first event on the Elite Series. I am ready to get in my Skeeter and Fish! The start of the season is the beginning of travel, long hours, and not much sleep. It is what I love to do. pcosgrove Fri, 17 Feb 2012 21:45:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3338 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3328/the-life-of-a-weekend-bachelor-bass-pro#Comments 3 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3328 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3328&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3328/the-life-of-a-weekend-bachelor-bass-pro What's a bass pro do when he's got the whole weekend to himself? Find out from nice guy/bass legend Mark Menendez! Jim Edlund, Web Editor Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:10:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3328 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3317/leave-bail-open-keep-bait-in-strike-zone#Comments 2 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3317 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3317&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3317/leave-bail-open-keep-bait-in-strike-zone Closing your bail too soon pulls bait away from cover NAFC Social Media Editor Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:30:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3317 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3314/teach-a-kid-to-fish-#Comments 2 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3314 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3314&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3314/teach-a-kid-to-fish- Outdoor activities help kids make better life decisions. Let’s all do our best to take a kid fishing at least once this fishing season. I will pledge my energy and resources to take a child fishing from outside my family this season. Will you? Jim Edlund, Web Editor Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:24:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3314 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3308/target-grass-flat-edges-now-for-redfish--debbie-hanson-blog#Comments 4 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3308 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3308&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3308/target-grass-flat-edges-now-for-redfish--debbie-hanson-blog Oyster-bar edges are good now too NAFC Social Media Editor Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:53:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3308 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3298/tourney-wins-not-enough-to-get-sponsors#Comments 2 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3298 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3298&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3298/tourney-wins-not-enough-to-get-sponsors You’ll need a good resume and business plan to get sponsors for your fishing career NAFC Social Media Editor Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:25:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3298 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3294/bass-tournament-wins-begin-with-research--at-all-competition-levels#Comments 0 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3294 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3294&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3294/bass-tournament-wins-begin-with-research--at-all-competition-levels Fishing locally or nationally, success starts with work NAFC Social Media Editor Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:41:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3294 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3295/economy-and-my-elbow-on-the-mend-mark-menendez-blog#Comments 1 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3295 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3295&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3295/economy-and-my-elbow-on-the-mend-mark-menendez-blog Ignore national media negativity, economy is improving NAFC Social Media Editor Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:04:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3295 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3286/how-my-big-brother-caught-a-state-record-walleye#Comments 2 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3286 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3286&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3286/how-my-big-brother-caught-a-state-record-walleye Nick and Dad went out of their way to keep the fish alive, with Nick holding it upright in the cooler until his hands went numb NAFC Social Media Editor Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:38:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3286 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3263/read-this-blog-get-paid-to-fish#Comments 9 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3263 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3263&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3263/read-this-blog-get-paid-to-fish Want a sponsor? Pitch what you can do for them. Jim Edlund, Web Editor Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:33:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3263 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3260/prepare-mind-body-and-gear-for-season#Comments 1 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3260 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3260&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3260/prepare-mind-body-and-gear-for-season Pro Mark Menendez details his preparation for the season. Jim Edlund, Web Editor Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3260 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3251/getting-the-ride-ready-and-getting-ready-to-ride#Comments 4 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3251 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3251&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3251/getting-the-ride-ready-and-getting-ready-to-ride Bass legend Mark Menendez offers tips on how to start the 2012 fishing season right! In his first NAFC blog Mark also promises readers the nitty gritty of his upcoming 2012 tournament season ... what works and what doesn't!  Jim Edlund, Web Editor Thu, 05 Jan 2012 21:11:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3251 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3248/catch-10-pound-bass-now-in-south-texas#Comments 0 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3248 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3248&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3248/catch-10-pound-bass-now-in-south-texas Find a channel ledge that tops out shallow then drops deep NAFC Social Media Editor Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:51:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3248 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3244/plan-now-for-big-brown-trout-opening-day#Comments 3 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3244 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3244&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3244/plan-now-for-big-brown-trout-opening-day Two pals have lost a trout I plan to catch on opening day Jim Edlund, Web Editor Sat, 31 Dec 2011 09:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3244 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3224/moving-waters-in-a-fishermans-canoe#Comments 0 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3224 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3224&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3224/moving-waters-in-a-fishermans-canoe I have a passion for fishing the moving waters of the upper Midwest. I first launched a canoe on the Zumbro River Labor Day weekend in 1985 and I was hooked! Jim Edlund, Web Editor Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3224 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3221/catch-florida-bass-now-on-swimbaits--winter-bite-is-heating-up#Comments 2 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3221 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3221&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3221/catch-florida-bass-now-on-swimbaits--winter-bite-is-heating-up Now is also a great time to catch big bass on top! NAFC Social Media Editor Wed, 21 Dec 2011 18:06:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3221 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3217/take-a-kid-at-heart-fishing-making-memories-with-grandpa-rae#Comments 0 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3217 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3217&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3217/take-a-kid-at-heart-fishing-making-memories-with-grandpa-rae Pass on your passion for fishing to others, no matter their age or experience NAFC Social Media Editor Tue, 20 Dec 2011 04:17:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3217 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3190/guest-blog-extreme-angling-for-cold-water-bass#Comments 0 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3190 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3190&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3190/guest-blog-extreme-angling-for-cold-water-bass Fishing slowly is the first trick, because bass are lethargic in cold water. NAFC Social Media Editor Mon, 05 Dec 2011 22:51:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3190 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3106/pssta-secret-only-pennaz-will-share#Comments 0 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=3106 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3106&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/3106/pssta-secret-only-pennaz-will-share Let’s focus on how a bait sinks because this info WILL substantially impact your ability to catch fish.  Jim Edlund, Web Editor Thu, 13 Oct 2011 10:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3106 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/2946/croker-joker#Comments 0 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=2946 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2946&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/2946/croker-joker                   croker joker... Man i was fishing in cardinal asstates murky water area and man iv never cough somany croker....all i was uses was some shrimp man they loved it ...NO bobber just a  once waight and a small hook and pronto your readdy to fish you odda try it some times.. but rememb er to let the bait sinkall the way to the bottom emmy123 Mon, 23 May 2011 17:31:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2946 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/2916/new-lake-no-problem#Comments 0 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=2916 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2916&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/2916/new-lake-no-problem Tomorrow I leave for the Minnesota Walleye/Pike Fishing Opener and truth is I have no idea what lake (or river) I’ll be fishing at sunrise on Saturday morning. It’s not that I’m not willing to do the necessary homework; I can’t. No one has been able to fish yet, so there is no intelligence on hot bites, depths, baits, etc., available. However, that doesn’t mean I’m not without tools. Two key items to look at early in the season are water clarity and average lake depth as both offer clues to fish location and their activity levels. In almost all cases, the best fishing is found in the warmest water early in the year, at least for cool-water species like bass and walleye (trout species are another story). So while deep, clear lakes are spectacular fishing spots, shallower lake with darker waters are usually better now. Once on the lake, my plan is to target shallow water areas near spawning habitat. In the case of targeted walleye this weekend, I’ll be looking for shallow gravel, current like stream inlets (if available), and rocky points. I’ll be bringing live bait rigs, jigs, cranks and slip floats, and between the four something will produce enough fish for our planned fish fry Saturday night. Game planning can be a great way to increase success anytime during the year. And the more you know about the fish you pursue, the better you’ll be at finding them. Jim Edlund, Web Editor Thu, 12 May 2011 15:20:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2916 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/2909/arkansas-amazing-white-river#Comments 0 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=2909 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2909&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/2909/arkansas-amazing-white-river In many ways, the White River mirrors life itself. Its starts small and pure, a mountain stream that bubbles with energy. Yet, as it winds farther down its incredible 720-mile course, it grows wider and slower, like everyone who passes through middle age. The upper reaches of the White support a solid black bass fishery, but the stretch I’ve come to love starts below the mighty Bull Shoals Dams in north-central Arkansas and runs through the town of Cotter. Like other premier tailwater fisheries, the water is clear, cold and stable year-round, providing world-class habitat for trout. In the case of the White, both rainbows and brown thrive here. When I fished there, catching numbers of rainbows from 10 to 15 inches was a easy as floating a ball of Berkley Powerbait through a pool. But we also targeted big browns throwing jerkbaits and white marabou jigs, and landed several. The White holds massive fish. Rainbows to 19-pounds, 1-ounce have been caught here, and in 1972, a 31-pound, 8-ounce brown caught here rocked the trout world. Incredibly, bigger browns have been caught since. The fishing here is superb year-round, which means head there whenever the time works for you. If pressed, however, my favorite time are the months of November-January when the water tends to run a bit high and colored, making it a bit easier to fool big, smart fish. There are many operations that cater to trout anglers who fish the White. During my short stay there this week, I was the guest of Moose and Tina Watson, owners of the luxurious White River Inn (www.TheWhiteRiverInn.com). This bed and breakfast is perched 300-feet above the river offering stunning panoramic views of the Ozark Mountains that, in a lifetime of travel, stand out. The White River Inn is a luxury, all-inclusive resort. Pricing includes everything from the moment you arrive, including lodging, all meals and drinks, tackle and guide service; there’s even a well-stocked fly-tying bench.  To learn more, give Moose and Tina a call @ 870-430-2233 or visit their website.   Jim Edlund, Web Editor Fri, 29 Apr 2011 16:54:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2909 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/2721/pennaz-post-what-you-need-to-know-about-ultraviolet-tackle#Comments 0 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=2721 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2721&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/2721/pennaz-post-what-you-need-to-know-about-ultraviolet-tackle Can something you can’t see help you catch more fish? An emerging trend in the fishing market is the growing popularity of lures that reflect ultraviolet light. And you thought color selection was tough before! UV light is outside the visible range for humans; however, there is evidence that fish see it. More importantly, fish seem to react positively to lures coated with UV reflecting colors and coatings. For now, the biggest buzz is coming from the trout and salmon folks. Companies like Blue Fox, Storm, Worden’s and Luhr Jensen, all manufacturers with big footprints in the in the trout and salmon market, are offering models in UV finishes. And other companies like Do-It Molds, Pro-Cure and Fish Vision offer products that allow anglers to add UV to any lure or terminal tackle items. According to guide Rick Kennedy of Tight Line Guide Service in Grass Valley, California, who is quoted in the February 2011 issue of North American Fisherman magazine, there is something to this UV trend. “I ignored the UV stuff for quite a while, “he told author Mark Hicks. “I finally tried some stuff last season and must admit there’s something to it.” Kennedy targets kokanee salmon (landlocked sockeyes) on Stampede Reservoir and finds when the fish turn off only his UV setups continue to produce. But that doesn’t mean anglers who target other species are ignoring the UV option. Bass pro Byron Velvick of Texas fishes UV baits offered by Tightlines UV, a manufacturer of UV soft plastic bass baits. Also experimenting with UV baits is walleye pro Eric Olson of Minnesota who fishes a number of Storm Baits with UV finishes (like the Hot’ N Tot and Wiggle Wart), especially when targeting walleyes in silt-laden rivers.   The fact that UV is visible to much greater depths than colors like red and orange, may give anglers increased odds of attracting fish. I know this is something that deserves great research…preferably on the water!  -- Steve Pennaz, NAFC Executive Director NAFC Social Media Editor Fri, 25 Feb 2011 21:22:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2721 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/2722/pennaz-post-growing-monster-pike-a-case-study#Comments 0 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=2722 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2722&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/2722/pennaz-post-growing-monster-pike-a-case-study For the past 15 years the state of Minnesota has been conducting a study on 23 lakes in the state to see if special regulations designed to protect some northern pike from harvest would help maintain or even increase the number of large northern pike in those waters. Due to their aggressive nature, pike are vulnerable to overharvest. Very few fish in state waters survive the 10 years or so it takes for them to reach 35 inches and trophy size fish measuring 40 inches or more are extremely rare. Test net results show the vast majority of pike now found in the state are less than 20 inches in length and very abundant—as many as 800 pike per 100 acres of water.  And pike 24 inches and larger? Only 60 fish per 100 acres of water! A long-running big fish contest run by Fuller’s Hardware Store in Park Rapids, Minnesota, documented the decline of big pike in the state. Back in the 1930s, the average fish entering in the contest weighed 10.1 pounds; by the 1980s the average size had dropped to just 6.8 pounds. Amazingly, 29,541 big pike were entered in the contest during over a period of almost 60 years that ended in 1987. Harvesting smaller pike, in most cases, would benefit fisheries overrun with runts, yet few anglers are willing to keep them, so the big pike take the brunt of the angling pressure. Te state estimates that 20 percent of the large pike available are harvested each year. As a fan of giant pike (a 40-incher makes my knees wobble!), I support the state’s mission to increase the number of large pike. For one, a healthy population of large predator pike helps keep populations of small pike and stunted panfish in check, improving age and size structures in those waters. Also, the more big fish there are in a system, the better the odds of me catching a couple! Minnesota used two slot limits, one requiring all pike from 20 to 30 inches to be released and the other targeting fish from 22 to 30 inches. Of the five test lakes, three showed increased numbers of larger pike during the 1989 to 2003 study. In one study lake, the percent of pike more than 20 inches increased from 7 percent of the population to 39 percent during the study period. Results in other study lakes helped the state to determine that special regulations that reduce pike harvest do help grow more big pike. That’s exciting to know because it gives fisheries managers and anglers a powerful tool---knowledge---to help us better manage our fisheries. Minnesota is still a great destination for trophy pike. A few years back on famed Red Lake, two of us short-line trolling Black Bomber Long-As landed 12 measuring 35 inches or longer (the biggest a strapping 44 inchers) in just three hours. With top end potential like that releasing big fish is easy. -- Steve Pennaz, NAFC Executive Director NAFC Social Media Editor Fri, 18 Feb 2011 21:33:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2722 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/2723/pennaz-post-what-the-x-is-a-tiger-bass#Comments 0 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=2723 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2723&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/2723/pennaz-post-what-the-x-is-a-tiger-bass In my blog last week I highlighted a study conducted by the Illinois Natural History Survey that found some bass are genetically predisposed to biting while others are impossible to catch. In the study, which lasted nearly two decades, biologists found after three generations of selective breeding they could create two types of bass: high-vulnerability fish and low-vulnerability fish, with vulnerability defined by a bass’ propensity to take a lure. The fact that catchability is a heritable trait, at least in largemouth bass, is astounding. And what’s even more astounding is that at least one hatchery company, American Sport Fish (www.americansportfish.com) is offering bass that were bred not only for improve catchability, but also for their potential to grow to large sizes. Of the two main subspecies of largemouth bass, the northern strain is known to be easier to catch than the Florida strain. However, as most anglers now know, the Florida strain can grow to much larger sizes. The two subspecies have been known to interbreed. In fact, the current, 22-pound, 4 ounce co--world record caught by George Perry in southern Georgia more than 75 years ago was thought to be a northern/Florida hybrid. For years American Sport Fish, who supply fish for private pond owners throughout the South, bred Florida-strain bass for their clients, and even though they grew to large sizes, pond owners weren’t always thrilled because the fish were so tough (at times, seemingly impossible) to catch. So owners Barry Smith and Don Keller began a selective breeding program designed to improve catchability of fish. For 12 years they selectively bred two strains of bass, one a super-aggressive strain of northern bass that they now call the Gorilla bass. The other was a cross between the Gorilla bass and pure Florida Strain bass from females that grew to 13 pounds or more. They call this F! hybrid a Tiger bass. Per the company, the Tiger bass has incredible growth potential (15 as young as 8 years old have reached 15 pounds), and tend to be highly catchable. Interesting stuff! -- Steve Pennaz, NAFC Executive Director NAFC Social Media Editor Fri, 11 Feb 2011 21:36:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2723 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/2724/pennaz-post-fish-catchability-genetically-determined#Comments 0 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=2724 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2724&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/2724/pennaz-post-fish-catchability-genetically-determined When you fish with a biologist like Dr. Hal Schramm, terms like “heritable” and “fecundity” tend to creep into the conversation. And that’s okay because he usually follows it up with an explanation using language I understand. Fecundity is a fancy term used to describe fertility…the quality or power to produce abundantly. No further explanation needed… Heritable is a bit tougher to explain, unless you listened in science class years back. Certain traits like eye color, height, hair, etc., are genetically pre-determined, and therefore are considered heritable. Old news? Yes, but the fact that fisheries scientists like Schramm are finding a fish’s catchability might be genetically predisposed is new!  The idea there may be distinct populations of fish, some easy to catch, others hard, is amazing. In his Research Update column for the February 2011 edition of North American Fisherman magazine, Dr. Schramm highlights a Missouri study that found catch rates of largemouth bass in pond declined with continued fishing. The same thing was found on remote rivers in New Zealand. Even limiting anglers to one day of fishing every two weeks “caused a significant decrease in the catch rates of brown trout and a significant increase in the wariness of brown trout to the presence of anglers,” write Schramm. The fact that fishing pressure shuts down a bite is not news to most anglers. You’ve seen it as have I, even in remote waters when the target is pike. But that’s when Dr. Schramm dropped the bomb. He highlighted the results of a long-term study (almost two decades in length) conducted by the Illinois Natural History Survey that showed catchability of a fish is an inherited trait! Adult bass in a small impoundment were fished for a summer. Each time a fish was caught it would be marked so it could be identified later. When the lake was drained, those bass that were marked (caught) multiple times were then stocked in a separate pond to spawn. The bass that were not caught at all (or caught infrequently) were stocked in a different pond, also to spawn. This process was repeated for three generations, after which the scientists found that the catch rate of “high vulnerability” fish remained consistently high while the catch rate of the “low vulnerability” fish declined with each generation! Does this apply to species other than largemouth bass? Science will need to confirm this, but an educated guess would be yes. A bigger question is this: has catch-&-release come back to bite us? The answer is a resounding NO! Catch & release actually helps keep more catchable fish in a population and the helps keep catch rates high than they otherwise would be. Cool stuff. -- Steve Pennaz, NAFC Executive Director NAFC Social Media Editor Fri, 04 Feb 2011 21:41:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2724 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/2533/pennaz-loses-a-30-pound-muskie--on-tape#Comments 5 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=2533 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2533&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/2533/pennaz-loses-a-30-pound-muskie--on-tape Once, near Cordova, Alaska, a guide friend attached a whole pink salmon to my line using a 12/0 J hook. To be legal, we used a commercially-caught fish, so the 6-pound salmon was already dead when we lowered it into the silt-laden water. A bright red balloon attached about 8 feet above the salmon kept it suspended near the surface. There were no less than 9 salmon sharks in sight as we lowered the bait, none near the boat, but the sight of so many shark fins slicing the surface was a bit disconcerting. Still, I was surprised how quickly the first fish hit. The bait had drifted only 10 feet when the balloon disappeared with a splash and line began to leave the reel at a steady pace. Before setting the hook, I clipped the rod to a stand up harness. When I hammered the hook home, the shark exploded into a powerful run that slammed me against the gunnel and nearly out of the boat! An hour later I got a good look at my first salmon shark. It was built very similar to a great white with a thick mid section that thins out near the tail. Weight?  Very close to 500 pounds! Teeth? Nothing like a great white, but large enough to mess you up. I thought of that shark last Friday while dropping back a live 22-inch sucker minnow in to a clear, northern Minnesota lake that supports a great muskie population. The bait was so big that it I landed a walleye of similar size I would release it. Brian Blaeser was rigging a second bait for an outside rod. It measured 16 inches. To think that a freshwater fish could consume a "minnow" weighing three pounds or so seems absurd, but within minutes there was a long, dark shadow trailing the big bait, and suddenly it T-boned the sucker and took off in a rush. Scott Grieve quickly pulled the rod from its holder and fed the muskie line as it moved away. We had the sucker rigged with a quick-strike rig featuring twin trebles. This would allow us to set the hook before the muskie swallowed the bait. This greatly improves release rates on a fish that lives more than a decade and can be caught multiple times. My favorite muskie rod blew up in Scott's hands when he set the hook! It was kind of like bringing a taser to a gun fight. Scott held his own for a minute or two using what was left of the rod, but as he worked the fish close to the boat the lack of give worked against him. The hooks pulled just five feet from the net! The second fish we hooked also pulled the hooks, so when my turn came up with bite three, I fed the fish more line to give him enough time to turn the bait before setting the hook. The initial headshakes made it clear the fish was big. It also took line against a drag set tight so the hooks would pull clear of the bait at the hook set. The attached video shows the fight and the ugly things that happened at boat side. Losing a fish of this size (48 inches plus) is never fun. I noticed just before the fish began to roll on the surface it was hooked once, lightly, in the roof of the mouth and tried to lighten up pressure, but it was too little and too late. We did eventually land two fish, one a 46 incher that ranks as Scott's personal best to date and a 42 inches as darkness fell.  By the way, on this trip I tried a new soft planer board from a small Ohio company that did a superb job taking our baits away from the boat, a key in getting bit. We had several muskies into the spread that rejected our offerings, in part, because they were spooked by the boat. The planers are called Dualfins and I found them simple to use and deadly. You can check them out at www.dualfin.com. Steve FishingClub.com Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:17:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2533 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/2532/weights-with-a-mission#Comments 2 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=2532 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2532&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/2532/weights-with-a-mission "It' a once-in-a-lifetime thing that only happens every so often." Randy Moss I thought of Mr. Moss and his 2007 quote (offered after his no-look lateral Viking running back Mo Williams went for a 59-yard touchdown) when I first saw the new Sebile Soft Weight System. It's one of those great things that pops up from time to time. The Soft Weight System is series of Tungston/Gum Rubber weights that can be easily added, repositioned or removed to make on-the-water adjustments to meet fishing conditions. Six models are available: The smallest (sizes 1/0 and 2/0) weigh 1/64-ounce each; the 3/0 and 4/0 models run 1/48-ounce and the two largest (5/0 and 6/0) run 1/32 apiece. Weighted hooks have been around for a number of years and I absolutely love 'em. They offer superb snag resistance over front-weighted baits and their horizontal fall provides a different look for pressured fish. What makes the Sebile Weight System different is the adjustability factor. You can easily add or subtract these reusable weights and position to achieve specific lure actions. By moving the weights close to the hook eye, a bait will fall head-first; move the weights to the middle of the hook and the lure will fall horizontally, and by pushing them to rear of the hook and the bait will fall with a fluttering side-to-side action (see illustration). If you fish pressured waters like I do, I suspect the wheels are already turning...you already know that offering fish a different look is often the keys to catching more and bigger fish. These weights should now be in stores near you. If not, visit www.sebileusa.com for more information. Steve FishingClub.com Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:15:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2532 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/2531/the-transition#Comments 0 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=94&ModuleID=464&ArticleID=2531 http://www.fishingclub.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2531&PortalID=0&TabID=94 http://www.fishingclub.com/features/blogs/articletype/articleview/articleid/2531/the-transition At least in my neck of the woods, we are in that period of transition when open water turns to ice. The lakes are not yet frozen over, however the crust now present is too thick for a boat to blow through and too thin to support foot traffic or more. That means the boat now stays in storage while the ice fishing gear sits and waits. It was 10 degrees on my truck thermometer when I left home this morning. It was too dark to see much of the lake as I left, but the sheen of new ice was visible as I passed a shallow bay near the road I take each day. I've fished from a boat in temps a cold as 9 degrees before, once while fishing blue catfish midwinter in Tennessee and another time targeting sauger in Minnesota in either March or July (or both). In both cases we caught fish, but the action wasn't spectacular. Last winter, daughter Maddie and I brave temps of 34 below over New Year's weekend to chase mid-lake walleyes over a 22 -foot hump. Without wind and covered by a canvas fish house that featured a propane heater, we were toasty enough to fish without jacket or gloves, which made it easy to unhook the walleyes we caught...mostly eaters in the 15- to 17-inch range. We kept them in a bucket filled with icy slush so they wouldn't freeze. Fishing when the thermometer drops out can be a lot of fun, especially if you enjoy solitary pursuits. The next few weeks are going to be fun! Steve FishingClub.com Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:10:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2531