Barbs and Backlashes

You hard-core bass anglers likely will know that the 2016 BassMaster Classic is happening in Oklahoma this weekend.  The Classic is a huge happening each year, especially for bass anglers, but in many ways for a lot of the North American freshwater fishing world.  Once again this year, Rapala has been teasing us with a promised announcement and huge “splash” for a new bait.  Regardless if you liked last year’s Shadow Rap or not, their marketing strategy worked because for at …

My ice fishing season ended in literally a week this year; we were on 13+ inches of hard ice, and a week later it was not safe.  It was much too short.  My son and I were left with a feeling of unfulfillment–we needed just one more trip, just one more big fish.  I suppose you could say we have that feeling at the end of every ice season, but we felt it even more this year. I have not …

On the Nebraska fish and fishing “front”, I have several things I want folks to know about right now.  So, in no particular order. . . . Brady Interstate Lake Boat Ramp In the past year we have completed some new boat ramps and angler access improvements on several interstate lakes in the North Platte area.  One of those was the interstate lake at the Brady interchange.  There are some “finishing touches” that need to be done on that ramp …

I know spring fever has exploded into an epidemic.  You might as well feed it some more! . . . Are you kidding me?  Roland Martin and Jimmy Houston both????!!!!!  “Oh Son!” and “Hee hee hee“! Dick Turpin too?  I may never be in our Nebraska Game & Parks Commission booth when I am supposed to be working–I will be listening to the seminars! In the middle of it all, booth #1225, you will find our Game & Parks Commission …

I love to see Nebraska waters on fishing shows, and every time I find one I can share with you, you can count on my doing just that.  The most recent one I am aware of is by The Next Bite TV.  They did an episode last year on McConaughy highlighting a very unique presentation for catching walleyes, a presentation that originated in Nebraska!  Here is is, watch it, watch it all! The anglers in the show are professional walleye …

I have a busy week ahead of me, and I will not be in the office for a lot of it.  So, before I head out the door, I wanted to let you know about his event that will be happening in York Wednesday night.  With the weather we have had recently, everyone will be chomping at the bit to fish, and this event Wednesday night will help at least a little bit as we talk fishing!  If you are in …

Just for the record, this weather stinks!!!!  I have not had nearly enough ice-fishing this season!  WARNING:  DO NOT stroll up to me and start a conversation by stating how nice the weather is right now.  Growling and Grumbling will be forthcoming.  If you are the “blue bird of happiness” because of this February warm spell, just keep right on flying past me. Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming. . . . I highly doubt that there will be …

I suppose most of you have no idea about this, but the world ice-fishing championship is being held in the Ukraine even as I type!  How in the world do I know that?  Well, I know because we have one of our own, a Nebraska angler, on the USA team, Rob Greer!  Rob stopped by my office early last week, he was getting some errands done before he and the rest of the USA team headed overseas.  I can tell you …

A week ago I told you about a Nebraska fishing organization, the Nebraska Walleye Association, and encouraged you to attend a meeting, check it out, JOIN! I have another Nebraska fishing organization to tell you about this week, Nebraska’s chapter of Trout Unlimited.  Nebraska Trout Unlimited is holding their annual banquet this coming Saturday at Anthony’s in Omaha.  Again this is a great conservation organization, Nebraska’s own TU chapter, and the banquet is a great event.  Yes, it is a …

I have one thing I want to note here on my blog before the weekend.  The weather is getting warmer and the extended forecast does not look good for us ice anglers.  However, I am sure there are going to be guys on the ice this weekend.  I am sure many already saw this news release, but I want to spread “the word” as much as possible–do not want anyone showing up and finding they cannot get to the lake …