Barbs and Backlashes

I know this news release previously went out.  There has been some discussion about this already and some questions answered.  However, I have also learned that just the time you think everyone has heard the news about something, well, they have not.  So, I am going to send this around again: Wildwood WMA east entrance, ramp to close temporarily for boat access project Wildwood Wildlife Management Area’s boat ramp and east parking area will close temporarily for a boat launch …

I laugh sometimes at all the jargon that applies to fishing.  Listen to yourself sometime! Lure names alone are stimulating.  You have your Hula Poppers and Rat-L-Snakies, Lazy Ikes, Royal Coachmen, and Whopper Ploppers.  Jerkbaits refer to how an artificial lure is properly fished, and not necessarily the guy on the end of the rod. What in the world is “bottom bouncing”?????  And, “walking the dog” ain’t what you think it is and has nothing to do with canines. Shockingly, …

We are in the middle of summer, but that does not mean I have quit fishing!  In fact, I have been out and about the state a couple of times over the past two, three weeks.  As always the fishing gear went with me, and I grabbed some time on the water when I could! Spent one afternoon wading and casting for some bass in the sandhills.  No, all sandhills lakes did not winterkill last winter. I purposely had my …

This was mentioned in a news release last week.  Let me publicize it some more here: Research seeks answers to Missouri River fishery decline after 2011 flood Biologists are continuing to tag and track walleye and sauger in the Missouri River and Lewis and Clark Lake between Fort Randall and Gavins Point dams as part of an effort to understand declines in the fishery following historic flooding in 2011. Since 2021, 201 fish have been tagged in the river and …

In many parts of Nebraska the “D” word has been used frequently in the past year or two–“drought”.  Even now some parts of the state have had less than the amount of precipitation we usually see.  However, other parts of the state have been blessed with significant precipitation for several months now. What is unusual about all of this is that the “rain shadow” I learned about in some meteorology class has actually been reversed this year!  You have heard …

Fish identification can be a challenge.  There are a hundred some species of fish in Nebraska.  Anglers may catch maybe forty-some of those species.  That does not seem too daunting, but it gets complicated by the fact that any species of fish can come in a variety of sizes and coloration is highly variable.  For that reason, it is useful to know identification characteristics other than coloration or “looks”.  However, it is true that we learn different species simply by …

I want to mention something new being offered to our Nebraska hunting and fishing permit holders.  Many of you probably already received an e-mail on this, but in case you did not notice. . . . You can purchase a collectible “hard card”: Collectible Hard Cards Make Life Easier! As a lifetime hunting or fishing permit holder, we thought you’d like to know about a convenient, collectible new option that’s only $6: all lifetime permit and stamp information can now …

You all know this was a holiday week, and like many of you, I was “outta the office” for much of the week.  Then I had some “technical difficulties” making a blog post.  As a result, I just posted yesterday, going to follow that up with another one today.  Like I will tell you with everything I post, you can take it or leave it. It is the end of a short week.  I am going to keep it light.  …

We are in the middle of the application period for paddlefish snagging permits.  Consider this a reminder: Apply for a paddlefish snagging permit Experience the thrill of landing one of Nebraska’s most unique fish species! Apply for your chance to snag paddlefish in Nebraska from July 1-14. Here are some things you need to know: -An angler must be 12 years old by Oct. 1, 2023, to be eligible to apply for a snagging permit. -The application period opens at 1 …

Heading out the door for a few days off to celebrate Independence Day.  I am going to post a video to commemorate the occasion.  Warning:  If you do not like firearms and fireworks, you will not like this video.  But, if you are like our family, you will be  celebrating by lighting some fuses and pulling some triggers! If you do not care for that, maybe this is a little more your speed? ‘MERICA!!!!!!  Is this a great country or …