Barbs and Backlashes

Several weeks ago I blogged about “Scary Stuff” and how a little thrill now and then keeps us alive.  In our outdoor pursuits, knowing there are big, bad predators out there is what makes the “wild”, well, wild.  It is what makes it worth the time spent there. I get the same feeling on the water.  There are monsters there too and most of the time we cannot see them.  When I finally make contact, my eyes get wide, I …

A month ago I blogged about a Nebraskaland story that highlighted Fort Robinson as Nebraska’s Fishing State Park.  Justin Haag wrote that story.  At the time it was published, I knew there was a companion story to come.  Well, it is here.  This one reviews the history of the waters and fisheries around Ft. Rob, and the Crawford Fish Hatchery.  Justin did a great job and it is a great story.  Follow the link and read it! Fort Robinson Exceptional …

I guess daylight savings time ends this weekend. Whatever. Don’t forget to turn your clocks back an hour Saturday night.  That is a relatively easy task for most of us, but a little more work for some: Sorry, I could not resist.  I thought it was funny. I wonder if they have to move the cars at Carhenge in Alliance? The old Bauer homestead and my grandparent’s old place are both located north of Alliance.  My grandmother was not a …

You know I love big fish, big fish of any species, but especially big, bad, predator fish.  Nebraska is blessed with a variety of fish, including a variety of large predator fish.  Two of our largest, apex predator fish would be flathead catfish and muskellunge. Flatheads and muskies are not found in every Nebraska water, but we do have some excellent fisheries for both species.  Obviously, flatheads and muskies are two very different fish.  Or are they?  Having fished for …

Spreading another news release around. . . . If you have a boat, any kind of boat, this is very important! Check boats, lifts, and docks for invasive aquatic hitchhikers as weather cools LINCOLN, Neb. –Nebraskans are urged to check boats, boat lifts and docks for invasive species when removing them from water bodies for the winter. Aquatic hitchhikers like zebra mussels can live up to two weeks out of water, and several lakes across the Midwest are first noticed …

It is the end of October, Halloweeney is Sunday.  I guess that means it is time for all things scary.  Earlier this month I speculated about the reasons we like a good scare now and then, Scary Stuff. Since then, I have seen a few discussions of spooky experiences outdoorsfolks have experienced while out in the “wild”.  Might as well throw in my $0.02-worth. . . . I have spent a lot of time on the water after dark, quite …

I am hoping many of you dismiss this blog post. First of all, this blog is pretty much going to be a link to another blog.  You can follow the link if you wish, or blow it off.  The choice is yours. Secondly, you will see the article is about fishing in Canada.  You can ignore that because obviously, it will not apply to the waters you fish in Nebraska. You might be even more inclined to dismiss it when …

From time to time I like to blog about some deep, science-stuff.  I do not do it often, because I do not want to be boring.  On the other hand, I know many of you have at least a passing interest in fisheries science and the work done by pointy-headed, fisheries biologists. There is an overwhelming amount of scientific literature documenting everything related to fisheries science and the almost infinite number of fish species.  Unfortunately, there is so much it …

Are you lucky?  Do you believe in “luck”? I have started many fishing seminars by stating that there is no such thing as “luck”.  Those anglers who seem to always catch fish are not “lucky”.  They know what they are doing. If you wish, “luck” has been defined as the residue of hard work, or where preparation meets opportunity.  I suppose those definitions of “luck” could apply to fishing. What about things that bring good luck?  Lucky charms?  What about …

One of the challenges of blogging about the outdoors, about hunting and fishing, is every year the same seasons roll around.  The same topics are timely at the same times, year after year, after year.  I am a huge fan of fall fishing and fish open water harder in the fall than I do any other time.  I have blogged about that many times.  Going to again. The calendar says we are moving into late October, but let me tell …