In nature, the slowest of a herd becomes a meal for swift predators. On the flip side, creeping motions are the secret to remaining camouflaged and concealed, while erratic gestures garner attention from hunters. When it comes to piquing panfish interest, a bait's motion must have an attractive... more »
Let's face it. Fishing new water is fun. Whether it's the lake around the corner you've been eyeballing for years, a fly-in adventure, or a new area on water you already fish, there's always a sense of wonder about places you've never dropped a line in before.... more »
Along the front of my ice-fishing sled there used to be a homemade tray. It wasn't fancy, but allowed for quick, easy access to a multitude of small lures, tools, and gadgetry, which I experimented with while on the ice. It only took a moment to change a little of this or spray on a little... more »
Anglers have a lot to look forward to during fall. Lakes are uncrowded and fish are usually hitting. I love being in the boat and enjoy every minute on the water. This time of year is always a bit depressing, though, as another open-water season is nearly over. It's time to put the boat away... more »
Many hunters are interested in what animals are on their hunting grounds, and a trail camera will help with the decisions of pulling a trigger or releasing an arrow long before opening day. Digital trail cameras have changed the way today's hunters scout for big game year round... more »
For millennia, generation after generation of birds have followed the same routes for hundreds, sometimes thousands, of miles from breeding grounds to wintering areas in the fall. The journey is repeated again in spring. Scientists have never completely solved this mystery of nature.... more »
I've been fortunate in taking coyote, deer, moose, and turkey during my years of hunting. My four brothers describe it less charitably as "dumb luck." Happy with my delusions, my thoughts turned to hunting the one big-game species in Ontario that I'd yet to harvest: the black bear.... more »
Over the years, spoons have continued to be the top lure for Great Lakes salmon and trout. The million-dollar question, however, which type of spoon is the best choice? A spoon that's "hot" one week or month can be replaced easily by a productive newcomer.... more »
Smallmouths are a curious breed. When riled up, their inquisitiveness can shift quickly to aggression. Yet, if subdued, getting them to bite is challenging. Seeing a bass scrutinizing a lure is frustrating, but it¹s also an opportunity. The trick is to retrieve the unproductive bait and cast out a new offering before the fish moves. This rapid changeup is the secret to getting a finicky bronzeback to strike.... more »
