Barbs and Backlashes

Still waiting on the “hard copies” from the printer, but you can see the 2021 Fishing Guide here:  2021 Fishing Guide. Make sure to page through, we have made some format changes. There were not a lot of regulation changes.  This news release covers them: Anglers must be aware of fishing regulation changes for 2021 LINCOLN, Neb. – Anglers must be aware of fishing regulation changes that take effect Jan. 1, 2021, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. …

Mink are one of my favorite animals.  It has been a while since I blogged about them.  Reminds me of a story. . . . A few years back my cousin, son and I were winding up a day of ice-fishing on a snow-covered sandhills lake.  It was the day after a fresh snowfall, one of those rare days when the wind did not blow.  Everything was fresh, clean, white, brisk, and quiet; in short, a glorious day.  We fished …

I blog about this topic every winter.  Going to again.  Tired of hearing it from me?  Listen to what some of the best ice-anglers have to say.  Oh, I am frequently told all the good biologist work in some other state; there is one in this video, listen to him! Now, this is my blog, let me offer some comments. . . . First of all, “Right on!, What they said!”  My career as a fisheries biologist has spanned a …

Folks are always interested in tips that will help them catch more fish.  I stumbled onto this video and there are a whole bunch of great tips here.  I completely agree with several of these, picked up a new idea or three from others: Unfortunately, ice conditions from one corner of Nebraska to the other are very mixed.  Yes, there has been some safe ice, but even then I am hearing of thin or even open spots.  And this stinkin’ …

Some of you that fish ice tournaments may need a way to beat your competition to the hot hole. Or maybe you just want to get a jump on the weekend warriors? Could be you just need to beat your buddy to the tip-up? Well, I got an idea for you. . . . Notice “safety first”–make sure the ice is safe and wear your helmet. Not sure about the language in the subheadings, but I am guessing it says …

Spent some time with family over the holidays, not much family and not much time, but some.  One thing I know for sure during this whole coronavirus thing, I am safe in the field or on the water! So, I spent some time chasing roosters.  No, I did not see many, but some.  I did see a lot in a few spots where I could not hunt, naturally, but it is great knowing they are there!  Anyway, I finally was …

Yes, the stinkin’ coronavirus is still around, but we are planning to have ice-fishing workshops anyway! Virtual Discover Ice-Fishing events scheduled in January LINCOLN, Neb. – Anglers can learn the basics of ice-fishing or pick up a few new tips from experienced anglers at virtual Discover Ice-Fishing clinics in January. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the Nebraska Fish and Game Association will host classroom clinics via Zoom on Jan. 16 and Jan. 19. Due to COVID-19 concerns, there …

I guess some folks like to make resolutions for the new year.  I have never been one for doing that, why wait until some arbitrary date on the calendar?  “Just Do It”! But, a couple of co-workers and I had this discussion concerning our outdoor pursuits.  Many of us are very serious about our time in the field and on the water, and we are always trying to improve our skills.  Setting some goals or resolutions would be a great …

It is that time of year again.  Several have been asking about the annual fishing forecast. It is ready!  You can see it online, 2021 Fishing Forecast. I will always tell you that fish populations are dynamic, always changing.  Over time hot fisheries cool off and other fisheries heat up.  That is why the annual Fishing Forecast is so useful.  You better believe I am studying it, I do every year.  I hope you do too. Our demand for hard …

I am outta the office for the holidays.  However, that does not mean that I cannot post up a blog now and then. Merry Christmas from my family and our neighbors Margo and Todd! Hope you get a subscription to the Jelly of the Month Club! By the way, one Christmas I did get a subscription to the Jelly of the Month Club.  It was great! Now, before any of you go ballistic, the gift was not a bonus from …