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Late winter fishing versus late spring fishing?Ok, our recent weather was more like early summer, but it was technically still winter.Late last spring I met Captain Pat Kalmerton, owner of Wolf Pack Adventures, on a salmon fishing charter.It was under his tutelage last year that I finessed salmon numbers too wild to comprehend in to the boat.I had blisters to prove my hard work.I had to borrow warmer clothing to stay warm while accomplishing my task!Pat made my very 1st fishing experience more than enjoyable and I’ve stayed in touch with him.Fast friends found from fishing.As you might sense, I like alliteration!
Anyway, I’m always looking for outdoor adventures to get on film for my TV show – “The Outdoor Angel” with Mary Kay.While taking in the Milwaukee Sports show, I noticed Captain Pat was giving a seminar.Of course I juggled my agenda so I could see my good buddy.His infectious smile and calm manner make him the perfect charter captain!While catching up he mentioned how hot the walleye fishing was on the Fox River in Green Bay.Days later we were toying with the idea of actually meeting on the water again.I had a grueling 5 day schedule, which felt more like a criss-cross country tour.But I knew what fun would be in store and we made it happen.
Now my biggest dilemma would be what to wear!Those who know me know that I do not leave the house dressed in a t-shirt and tennis shoes.I don’t care what the occasion, I will be decked out in some type of bling and high heeled shoes.This fishing trip would be no different.I chose to break out the fishouflage (camo with a walleye pattern – how apropos), denim capris and a peep-toe canvas wedge sandal.Of course my crystal koi ring adorned my finger.A little lipstick and I was ready to make the trek to the Frozen Tundra a.k.a Green Bay.The forecast was sunny and 80’s, highly unusual for March in Wisconsin.There should have been a foot of snow and the threat of another blizzard.
I recently read that a Beloit, WI man had broken the Illinois State walleye record on the Pecatonica River in Winnebago County.So I figured this Illinois girl (Wisconsin transplant!) would break the Wisconsin state record.The closer I got to the home of the Packers the more the excitement built for several reasons.Namely, fishing with Captain Pat again; bringing in a State record breaking walleye and a visit to Lambeau Field.Well, two of my three goals were achieved.I did fish with the Captain and I did visit Lambeau so you now know I didn’t make history on the Fox.Although some of the other anglers might disagree with that, which I’ll get to.
Boat gassed up, check.Fishing license, check.Look on Captain Pat’s face, priceless.He was taking in my cleverly chosen outfit with envy.I don’t think he had read the weather section of his paper that morning.He was wearing snow pants!A fully fledged one piece zip up snow pants with suspenders that I used to dress my boys in for play.Rubber high top boots and a wool vest completed the look.I called him on the attire and he defensively stated they were NOT snow pants; it’s a Frabill storm suit.Ok, fine, let him think what he wants, but I’m older, therefore wiser.I’ll just shut my mouth now before I “accidentally” fall out of the boat.I feel I have such rapport with Pat that I can tease him like this.Goodness knows he dished it out to me!
Word obviously had spread among the finned creatures that a broad from Illinois was here on a mission.The bite action had slowed from the previous day, but I kept my eye on the prize.I was bottom bouncing, and not because it was choppy and I had the tiny little padded seat to fish from!I let out my line until it hit bottom then brought it up and let it drop back down.You would think the same repetitive motion would become tiresome.Not with angling.It becomes addictive just like I imagine the slots in Vegas are.The next one will be the big one.I was leery if I really was feeling the bottom.But next thing you know I have a fish.After reeling it in I needed the requisite pictures to prove what I’d done.This is where I may have made history.
If you haven’t fished, (you need to contact Pat with Wolf Pack Adventures and rectify this) you don’t realize how slimy they are.It’s become a running joke between a friend and me that we are dainty.I am anything but dainty and certainly not helpless.But I was holding my fish for the pictures and it squirmed and wiggled which caused me to scream and giggle before dropping it on the floor.The river was quiet until I caused commotion.I’m sure there were comments among the other anglers in surrounding boats about the silly girl wearing high heels and squealing because of a squirming fish.I needed to redeem myself and fast.
When women put their minds to something, look out.I was back in action.I was looking for the big one.And what do you know?I found it.I reeled and just knew from the weight on the end of my line, I would be making a call to the DNR to register my fish.I excitedly worked my rod.I told Captain Pat to ready the biggest Frabill net he had and sure enough I saw my prize.This was a monster fish.It was huge and I was elated.Again, I think I broke the code of silence but how could I contain my excitement?I saw the beauty and wanted to jump up and down, but I hadn’t brought a change of clothes and knew I’d land in the water (high heels – remember)!
I had my phone ready, but 1st wanted to capture the moment on film.I noticed the smirks coming from Captain Pat and my camera man.I knew the wind was blowing and messed up my hair, but how mean at a time like this to be pointing out I needed a root touch up.We had a giant walleye to deal with.I posed like the good little angler beaming from ear to ear.I wondered why they weren’t getting the DNR on the horn.Men!?!Well, at this point the joke was on me.I did have a monster fish, but not the startling stunner I thought.It turned out I was holding a giant CARP.Rearrange a few of those letters and that’s what I had.But the excitement that drifted out over the water from my boat to the others had the anglers believing that I did have that trophy walleye.As we made our way back to the launch at the end of our day (L) other anglers were hollering out what a beauty they witnessed me with.They didn’t get a close look and of course it was all catch and release because of the spawn, so I will take this little secret to my grave.I don’t care that it was a carp.It was still a gigantic fish, and that’s what I’m all about, the BIG fish.I may be picky when it comes to my fashion, but not when it comes to my fish!
Make sure to contact Captain Pat Kalmerton and book with Wolf Pack Adventures for a great time.Check out my facebook page (and click like!) – The Outdoor Angel with Mary Kay and listen to me on www.harvardradio.net on Mondays from 4:30 – 6:30 pm.The Outdoor Angel with Mary Kay will be seen on Charter Media starting in May.
Where Do I Start?
On a regular basis, I am consulted by fly fishing “newbies” on what gear is necessary before making that initial cast to a rising trout. Although, the question appears simple by nature-once at the fly shop, it becomes a tangled mess of rod, reel, line, backing, flies, leaders, tippet, floatant, floats, waders, wading shoes, vest, clippers, net, weights, etc….WOW. If you enter without an idea of what basic materials are necessary, you will find the process daunting, not to mention a very quick way to lighten up the wallet. So, what’s really needed?
Of course, you must have a rod and reel, but just this purchase alone has the potential to strike you with a bill for $100 to well over $1,000. Two differing schools of thought exist on what route to go when picking out your first fly rod/reel. Many individuals argue that you need the top of the line equipment; for without it, I guess they believe that you will be stuck on the bank with the inability to fish. Sure, expensive rods tend to be more user friendly and perform better than their less expensive comrades on the rack, but to be honest, you won’t be doing any double hauls your first season on the water. A second issue arises when for one reason or another, you decide that fly fishing isn’t for you. Now you have a very expensive, dust gathering, piece of graphite, sitting in the closet until the summer yard sale season arrives. My suggestion on this topic revolves around the second school of thought. Buy cheap on the rod/reel, focusing what money you have to put forth on accessories. Search eBay, local fly shops, and the large retail stores for affordable fly rod outfits (rod, reel, backing and fly line). Both St. Croix and Redington offer complete setups that you won’t need to rob the bank before purchasing. The beauty of this route is that once you have decided that fly fishing is your new sport and a new, more expensive outfit is necessary, give that beginning outfit to a friend or child along the stream and promote your new found love.
Like I said earlier, focus your available funds on the accessories. Without the proper flies, leaders, etc, even the top of the line fly rod will send you home with broken dreams. Many fly fishing magazines can be found in shops along the Northeast. These magazines are the life blood of any beginning fly fisherman because of their focus on the different hatches throughout the year. Your benefit will be the ability to narrow down your scope of flies needed, taking the guess work out of “what’s hatching.” With flies in hand, only a few accessories remain before you’re ready to hit the stream.
Tapered leaders and a good float dressing are, in my opinion, two of the most essential products that will determine your success. The float dressing, when applied to your dry fly, ensures that the fly sits on top of the water-keeping it in the active strike zone for rising fish. Although many different variations exist, I find a powder shake dressing works the best and maintains the true intended nature of your fly’s appearance. Any local fly shop will have some variation of this product. The last, and most important, stream side accessory is a tapered leader. Perhaps I am biased in my opinion (seeing I am the world’s largest producer of hand tied leaders), but a quality hand tied, tapered leader will make your day on the stream more productive. Typically, most fly shops have a wall allocated to fly fishing leaders; different brands, styles, lengths, tippets, materials…etc, but in the end, there are only two different styles-extruded and hand tied. Extruded leaders are machine made through a single piece of monofilament being run through a cutter and reduced in size from the beginning (butt section) to the end (tippet section). Although, this style of leader is by far the most readily available and used, I find it sub-satisfactory when fishing. Due to the machined process, with no real points of differing diameters, most extruded leaders tend to crumble upon layout. What you will find is that the butt section of your leader lays out upon the water, but the mid section and tippet section tend to “bunch up” into a pile, making a very un-natural drift that most rising trout will shy away from. On the other hand, a quality hand tied leader-whether made by yourself or bought from a quality producer-completely stretches out (turns over) and gives you the best opportunity to place your dry fly into a rising trout’s strike zone. After changing numerous flies, you will also have the ability to determine if a new tippet is needed. Hand tied leaders allow you to see the distinct length of each section, giving you an easy way of seeing when the tippet is beginning to get “used” and becoming too short for proper fly drifts. A quick google search of the “who’s who” in fly fishing will show you that most ardent fly fisherman prefer hand tied leaders over anything else.
As you can see, the beginning fly fisherman faces many choices before he has the ability to hit the stream, but I believe that my 25+ years streamside developed a very simple approach to the materials needed for a successful outing. Don’t get fooled by the “corporate” push to have two of everything and the best of the best. How many of us bought a Ferrari for our first car?
About the author: When not at his desk tying leaders for fly shops and Trout Unlimited Chapters throughout the world, Chris can be found fly fishing the northeastern United States in search of freshwater species ranging from steelhead to northern pike. His quality products can be found in 100s of fly fishing shops as well as his website, www.christopherfaveflyfishing.webs.com.
Steelheads
With the great early spring weather we’d been having I thought it was a cinch to pick my outfits for fishing on the Muskegon River.I would be heading to Muskegon MI to meet/fish with Jeff Bonin of Rapture Trolling flies.I carefully selected my travel attire and was on the way.It proved to be a very easy drive, especially once we hit Michigan and the 70 mile hour limit!I guess I didn’t realize that once we reached Jeff Bonin’s house I’d be heading directly to the river.I wasn’t counting on that, or the sleety snow they’d had that morning.Jeff took one look at me and said I could wear his wife’s neoprene waders and waterproof boots.I wondered what was wrong with my olive green boots.It surely couldn’t be the high heel or open toe!He appeared to have a stunned look as he took in my camouflage Capri’s and sequin top.Like I said, I’d picked the perfect travel attire!
With me layered up for warmth (it was upper 30’s, not the 80’s I’d planned on) we got under way.I had some big fish to catch.But 1st a slight detour; I needed a MI fishing license.Logistics taken care of and back on the road.The boat launch was filled with many truck/trailer combos.I secretly hoped these anglers weren’t taking my prize fish for themselves.I was taking in the scenery as we made our way to one of Jeff’s favorite spots.The Muskegon River is beautiful and I can only imagine it under more ideal weather conditions.It was time to get down to business, but not before some instructions from my guide.We were going to be trying 2 different methods to catch the steelhead.1st up was the bobber.I felt more comfortable doing this because it had the visual aspect to “help” me.I took a bit to determine whether the swift current was taking the orange thingy (technical term) under or it was a fish.They had been taunting me all afternoon by jumping out of the water.They were showing off but I wasn’t going to fall for their bait, they were going to take mine!
I finally hooked one and attempted to get it in the boat.I say attempted because I wasn’t successful.At least I’d hooked it and there were plenty more fish in the “sea”.Again, I had one on the line, but that’s as far as it went.What was going on here?I noticed other anglers (sounds better than fishermen!) having the same issue and they do this all the time.I wasn’t discouraged yet.Maybe we needed to try the bottom bouncing.With the new rig up maybe my stats would change.Once I got the casting down and line going where I actually wanted I wondered what I was “feeling”.I felt the bouncing on the bottom but wasn’t sure when a fish was toying with my hook.I jerked the rod when I thought it felt different and voila!Another one bites the dust.Not really dust obviously but I remember that song growing up and thought it sounded good!I did as instructed and for the 3rd time lost the fish.When this scenario played out for the 4th time it hit me like a ton of bricks.I did not have my go to piece of fishing equipment.My crystal Koi ring was in my bag – in the trunk – of my car – back at Jeff’s house.I have worn this every time I’ve fished and always had success.Granted I’ve only fished a handful of times, but each has netted me success.The ring would be the 1st thing I put on for tomorrow’s adventures!
We were to get an early start to be on the water at 1st light.I was surprised at the number of boats already on the water.Even guys standing along the shore in waders.We again motored to Jeff’s spot and got set for the day.My 1st cast, with the bobber, was good.I hooked it AND got it in the boat.I’d caught a 4 pound female.I pointed out to Jeff that I had my fish ring on but he gave me a skeptical look.What do men know about fishing and fashion?!The fish weren’t jumping and showing off like the day before but I had set the tone with cast out, fish in.Jeff knows how to read the river and he was talking with buddies of his in the next boat over.He knew the area they were in was a hot spot.He explained that we were filming for my TV show, The Outdoor Angel with Mary Kay, and asked if we could slide in front of them.They readily agreed and took advantage of the time by firing up the grill and making brats.The delicious smell wafted over the river and I was tempted to climb into their boat for a snack myself!But I soldiered on and was back to bottom bouncing.
I didn’t want the guys to think they had given up prime fishing for some silly girl, so I put all my effort into making it look like I knew what I was doing. The men visited while I kept doing what I was getting good at (?).At least I thought so!Sure enough I’d show them how it’s done.Not really, but a girl can dream can’t she?I think back and wonder now if I really did feel the bite and set my hook, or if it was just dumb luck.I don’t believe in luck so what else could it have been?I now had a fish on and what does Jeff do?He starts up the motor.Was he bored by my lack of skill and ability to land the big fish?Maybe he wanted lunch and it was time to head back.Give a girl a chance, let me at least try to get this one before we leave.Little did I know that we’d have to “chase” the fish.It wouldn’t be as easy as reeling it into the boat.So, under Jeff’s guidance, I kept the line taut and the rod angled to keep pressure on my fish.We were now heading downstream, after what seemed to be bigger than my earlier catch.Didn’t have to fire up the motor for that one!Maybe this would be a record breaker.That is always my goal; to bring in the biggest fish possible!
This steelhead was a fighter.It was desperately trying to get away from the girl with a fish ring (sounds like a movie title!) but I was going to win.I’d had enough torment the day before.At one point it was near the back of the boat, heading toward the motor.Sushi for everyone!I had to get my rod out and away from the boat.I maneuvered back and forth in the boat as Jeff gave instruction.Now it was heading for the anchor.The camera man helped guide my rod, but put down the camera (still running) UPSIDE DOWN.I look like I’m standing on my head trying to catch a fish.Quite a feat, even for me!I could see the monster on the end of my line.Jeff had the net ready and I wasn’t going to let it get away after coming this far.I was doing everything in my power, except jumping in and grabbing hold.I did have neoprene waders on and I know how to swim!My steelhead was lying alongside my earlier catch and it was HUGE, over 3 times bigger at 14 pounds and approximately 30 inches.
We anchored at the shoreline to get the requisite pictures and film the TV show close.I seem to have trouble holding these LARGE slimy creatures when they start to squirm.Inevitably I drop it or I shriek and it lands back in the water.At least I could more easily retrieve it if it landed on shore!Pictures with my ear to ear grin say it all.
That night we decided to do a fish boil featuring my MONSTER steelhead.In addition to being my guide, Jeff would also be my guest chef.A cooking segment is going to be incorporated into the show and this was perfect.Chef Bonin had his “secret” recipe which tantalized my senses.I couldn’t wait to dig in.I don’t think I’ve ever had fish as fresh as what we were about to delve into.It certainly didn’t disappoint either.In addition to being quick and easy, it’s a healthy meal, minus the melted butter.But after all the key lime pie I ate, do I really seem concerned with the healthy aspect??I worked hard though and deserved to treat my taste buds!
Our after dinner entertainment would come from my new found passion, fly ties.I couldn’t get over all the beautiful colors, and I’m all about color.We went into Jeff’s inner sanctum to create a little magic.He showed me how to tie a fly and it looked rather easy.With my colors chosen (3 that remind me of a great pair of shoes I own) I got to work.I was tying an egg fly and of course it was captured on film for the show.I haven’t seen it but I’m sure anyone who knows how to do it is having a good laugh at the way I messed up.My egg fly was very colorful and not really the shape of an egg.It was loose and uneven.I will leave the tying to the experts of Rapture Trolling Flies.After all I have BIG fish to catch (and fry!).When I catch a giant using my fly tie, who will have the last laugh?Just wait, I’ll show them a silly girl can do just as well!
UON HUNTING ARTICLES
Rice, Tornados and Snow...
My buddy Billy shot me a text stating that he wanted to make a trip to Northeast Arkansas almost two weeks earlier than I really like to go. I usually like to go down there somewhere around the week of or just right after Valentines day. I have been making at least one trip to Arkansas to chase snows since 1999 and in the last 13 years I have learned that the peak migration is somewhere around this week in mid February.
The last few weeks of January back here in Southern Illinois we were seeing major migration of snows. We had enough snows around , and our duck season was so poor , we had been chasing after white geese for the last two weeks. We are seeing so many geese here I started making phone calls to check on the status of the geese in Arkansas. The fist week of February all of the reports were the same , GET HERE NOW ! There was only one problem with that , Arkansas late youth season. Regardless we make plans to head off to the land of rice fields and hopefully snow geese.
As February 9 th gets closer and closer my goose reports change daily. Some are coming back good others bad. Most are telling me geese are here one day gone the next. With the sunny days with temps. In the high 50’s and a stiff south wind I don’t wonder why ,The geese are on their way back home. Ready or not here we come !
Now that plans are set in stone finally the day rolls around ! My brother Josh and a friend Jeff and I meet at my house to load our gear into Josh’s truck and head off for 4 days of goose killin. After a little more work and several cuss words we got the 50 dozen Sill socks ,layout blinds , and other gear into the truck and we are on the way 2 hours later than we wanted. The plan was to put in some miles do some scouting for the morning and just maybe kill a goose or two today. My friend Billy and 3 other guys will meet us in Jonesboro sometime that evening .
With 3 hours and a few hundred miles behind us we are in goose country looking for a good concentration of light geese for us to hunt over the next several days. We had seen several groups when in Illinois but only one small flock since we hit the Arkansas state line. I was not saying it but was worried that we should have went north instead of south. Any snow goose hunter knows to consistently kill snows and blues you have to go where they are period. There are several documented cases of geese getting up one day in South Texas and two days latter be in Saskatchewan . I was starting to seriously doubt this whole trip when we saw a large group of geese in the air.
We start seeing more and more flocks of geese in the air so we start to follow them to where ever it is they are wanting to feed today. A short ride later finds us looking at several fields that are holding SEVERAL thousand snow blue and speckle belly geese .
After we knock on a few doors we have a name and a phone number of the farmer that owns the field .His workers tell us that since we are hunting “them white geese” that he wouldn’t care if we hunted ,but call him in case he leased it out, just leave the deer alone.
We drive down the road a few miles to check on some old hunting areas that always hold geese and have been good to us in the past and we find just what we wanted , even more geese . We re secure permission to hunt a farm that we have hunted in the past . Even though we have permission to hunt and know where some geese are I want to have a back up plan for our back up plan. It is always best to be on the X when hunting snows but my plan for tomorrow was to set up our spread in between the two large flocks of geese and catch them going back and fourth .
Just about an hour before dark while on the way back to town we stopped to watch a field of geese fill up for the evening. They seemed to be milling closer and closer to a levee at the other side of the field. Closer inspection reveled the geese were not only close to the levee , they were on it ! With cover in the form of an abandoned fish pond converted to rice field we could get close to the unsuspecting geese to kill several. Josh was not for he plan at all. These geese are the ones we are counting on being in the very near area in the morning and jumping them now may risk blowing them to another county. The sheer number of geese in the field is impressive , 20,000 conservatively . Jeff don’t seem to want to jump them up either. I plead my case to the two of them, but neither are wanting to go , but I do.
After all my pleading the others don’t want to sneak on these geese so I’m gonna go after them alone. I grab my SX2 and a shell belt and I’m off down the deep ditch. A quick assessment finds that if I crossed over the levee to my right I could almost run along the rice field and get on these birds fast and unseen .
I quickly make my way to the end of the first compartment in the old fish ponds and I’m still a good 100 yards from a major concentration of geese . So I slowly and carefully belly crawl up the side of the levee and down the other. I take a quick look and could shoot now and kill birds ,but I want to see how many I can get. With the geese feeding comfortably ,and the fact that I’m alone I press on to a area of the field that has more birds. I push on with my goal a dark bush that I can easily see without looking up to much.
I arrive at my spot and get into position for my shot. I slowly make my way to the top of the levee and there are geese less than 20 yards away and unaware of my presence . If you have never heard he sound 20,000 plus snow geese feeding I cant explain it to you ,if you do it’s a sound you don’t soon forget. The low roar combined with the squawks and “honks” is unreal. I get up on my knees with my upper body still very close to the ground so I can get a good head rake with the first shot and then raise to shoot at the ones leaving when it happened, I was busted. I immediately point my gun at the leaving hoard and emptied it into the leaving flock.
Geese fall dead onto the ground and several fall out of the flock as the leave.I take off after the ones that are up and running ,looking back hoping that Josh and Jeff are coming to help but they are by the truck JUST WATTCHING ! ! I chased4 or 5 waaaaayyyyyyyyy across the field only to see there are others getting away. After it was all said and done I had 17 geese in the back of the truck. I have now shed blood ,now I can relax and enjoy myself !
0430 the next morning came all to early but the rest of our crew was there and we were off . Billy brought 3 guys with him. I had hunted with 2 of them Camren and Jimmy and then a friend of his ,Mike. The forecast was for less than snow goose whether. Clouds , rain , wind and cold .
We arrived at the field I had picked to hunt and started setting decoys. The down wind side was a bare rolled mud field and the one we were actually in was tall rice stubble. We formulated a plan to make a “Y” shaped spread with the open mouth pointed down wind. The cold wet wind at our backs as we set up made it plain miserable . The shape of the decoy spread slowly formed and then fell apart as 7 guys all “thought” they knew the plan. ,but anyway at the end of it all we had 50 dozen Sillosocks and 15 dozen SoftShell decoys that Jimmy had got a real good deal on.
The first few flocks of the day did exactly what I thought they would do , look at us ,get 50 yards down wind and slide off to the right side of the spread. In my experience snow geese, especially small flocks , will NOT fly over decoys.
After several flocks doing the same thing it was obvious they didn’t like the spread not “just being snows” We made some adjustments to the spread and they seemed to work in a little closer but not fully committed. We had one or two down when around 0900 the other guys couldn’t sit anymore. They went out to find an easy jump shoot while we stayed put. Although we saw several thousand geese flying around that morning a few things were against us . The main thing was the weather. The other was we were just not where they wanted to be. Around noon we picked up the spread and went our separate ways to scout and formulate a game plan for the next day. We ended up finding several more geese and one easy sneak where I killed 25 while the other guys looked on. The other group ended up with 20 in a jump.
The next morning brought more favorable weather for snows it was much colder highs in the 30’s and 20 mph wind with 35 mph gusts. We were setting up in a field that Billy had gained permission the day before. The plan was to set only the Sillosocks in a “boomerang” shape and set the blinds in the middle, slightly to the left.
We could hear geese roosting across the road from us as we were setting up. As the day gets closer we work faster . Just as we finish up and Josh and Billy go park the trucks, we got busted. The geese across from us get up and head off to where ever they are going as we are finishing up brushing our blinds. We should have shot at several of them but lay there in awe of 1000’s of geese climb higher and head off in the distance.
Early on we got a few to decoy on close and had a few on the ground ,but we were missing some chip shots. With the wind at a steady 20-25 mph we decided the wind was blowing our shot off its mark she we adjusted accordingly and gees began to fall when we shot.
Somewhere around 10 Billy and the others were getting edgy ,they wanted to go jump shoot so they were up and gone leaving Jeff ,Josh and I to defend the decoys. Not long after we had action again. With or kill pile growing we were having a good time killing pairs and singles coming to our decoys ,but they were acting just like snows circle and circle and give an opportunity that needs to be taken when offered . Several times at the “next low pass” call the geese would go on to greener pastures. At one point Josh and I were both out gathering up cripples and got caught hiding by a fuel tank while a rather large group started to work the spread. We were watching with anticipation while the tornado formed above our decoys. Then with no way of knowing what was taking place Jeff sat up and shot a goose that got closer than he should have.
At one point during the morning I was hungry and needed my snacks and lunch out of the truck. On my way back to my blind, right behind my blind in fact I tried my best to hide while the fist tornado of the trip formed I was helpless laying behind the blinds with nothing but some chips and PB&J sandwiches ! I moved a decoy or two to help cover me and grabbed a flag. laying there we had geese from 10 feet off the ground to as far up as you could see. There were flipping and circling us before we had geese walking in the decoys I did manage to work my gun out of my blind and not get busted. Then the shot was called and several geese out of the cloud hit the ground. After some hooping and hollering we were gathering up geese when another flock came. And then another. At one point Josh got caught out in the decoys and had to just watch the show. For a good 5 minutes I could not keep my gun loaded. Several times the greed was more than I could stand and should have called the shot sooner than I did but its hard when while yes we do have birds landing in the decoys but also a mile high and coming in fast.
In an hour we were in the vortex of 4 tornados of snow geese. It was simply amazing stuff dreams are made of and what snow goose hunters crave. I did get a minute to text the other guys and tell them what they were missing. I got a text back that simply said “We Know”. It seems while they were out and about they saw the cloud of geese in the sky and followed it straight to our spread. I don’t really know how many the 3 of us killed ,but I do know if the other guys were there we would have killed a ton.
Over the next few hours we shot geese. We drew a few smaller groups and of course the pairs and a few singles. The number of specks that jus came right in was amazing . At one point I saw one of the guys in the group that was very sure of his marksmanship skills raise up and shoot a single snow out of a group of 6 specks ! There were many times the shot should have been called sooner ,there were many times that we should have NOT waited for that next pass ,but a good time was had by all. At the end of the day we had more than 40 (exactly I don’t remember) that we decoyed in . Not all of them were juvies, actually most of the ones we killed were adult birds.
The next day brought colder temps but not as much wind. We had lost 3 members of our group so we had a little more work to do that the previous days. While we were seeing birds ,and got to watch them get up off the roost as we did the day before they were not close enough to decoy. Yesterday afternoon we should have got out and scouted a new field or two. While we had several in the area we could have hunted we were back in the same one . I personally don’t like to hunt a field more than 2 days in a row we all thought we could pull it off.
With our sore bodies from the last three days and a three hour drive in front of us we decided to call it a day around 10 with only 2 dead geese. We started the almost hour and a half chore of picking up decoys . When we were all packed up there were no regrets in picking up early. Thus ended our snow goose season in Arkansas.
We had some good times with old friends and new. We got schooled a few times , a few more times we should have shot , a time or two we should have held off from shooting but over all it was a very successful trip. Over a hundred geese killed in 2 full days and a few ours out of 2 more days was not bad. Yes there have been many trips were we killed more ,but we accomplished what we came to do , decoy some of the wariest waterfowl in North America.
UON BOWFISHING ARTICLES
Getting Started in...
Spring will be here soon and with that comes breaking out the bowfishing gear for another year of carp stickin’. For my first article I will go into what it takes to get started in this highly addictive sport.
First thing we will go over is choosing a bow, This is the subject of much controversy but in my opinion the best bow for bowfishing would be an older recurve with a draw weightof between 35 to 50 lbs. A lot of the guys you see out bowfishing will be using their hunting compound bows which is also fine to use, the only difference is that with a recurve you can get the quick shots off that take just a little longer with the compounds. Best thing to do is use what your comfortable shooting whether it be a garage sell special or a top of the line Oneida. You can get a bow from under a $100 all the way up to $700 or more.
After you get your bow chances are it won’t be all set up for bowfishing so next you will need an arrow. The arrows for bowfishing are quite different than those used for hunting, instead of the wood, aluminum or carbon arrows you will be using a heavier fiberglass arrow. The added strength fiberglass gives the arrow helps when you miss your targets and hit a rock or anything else that’s at the bottom of the waters you will be shooting in. Also your bowfishing tips are also different than those used in hunting, instead of blades the points have barbs to make sure the fish won’t get away after the shot. There are a number of different points available on the market some that the points screw completely off and some that the points are just unscrewed a couple turns and the barbs reverse allow the arrow to be removed from the fish.Also the nocks you can use regular nocks or if you do a lot of night fishing or you would like to see where your arrow goes once its shot, we use Firenock lighted nock systems. Once shot the nock lights up enabling you to follow your arrowed fish. For the whole set up of arrow, point and safety cable system will run between $10 and $30 depending on what kind of point you decide on.
The Safety Cable systems are almost a must for safety reasons cause there is always that chance of the dreaded snap-back. I will get into the rigging of your arrows in a later article, showing how to do so and what to use.
Now lets talk about the reel. There are three basic styles of reels for bowfishing.
1.The hand reel, which screws into your stabilizer or tapes to your recurve is the cheapest of the three styles. It doesn’t have any way of retrieving the arrow so you have to hand wind the line onto the spool. This type of reel costs $10 to $20.
2.The normal Fishing reel or spinning reel is also another way of retrieving your fish. Just make sure it has strong line on it, I would suggest 100lb test for fish in southern Illinois. Now Texas or other places with alligator gar and things like that will probably be more likely to use 400lb test line. To attach this style of reel to your bow you will need to use a reel seat. A reel seat will screw right into your stabilizer hole, and the reel will attach to it just like a mini fishing pole off the front of your bow. The Zebco 808 is specially made for bowfishing and will run you around under $50.
3.AMS has come out with a retriever that is somewhat like a fishing reel except there is not bail to open, there for no snapped line if you forget to push the button before shooting. Once shot you must pull a trigger and then begin reeling in your arrow. This style runs between $60 and $80. And comes with 130lb test line.
For less than $200 you could be set up to enjoy one of the fastest growing, most addictive outdoors sports today BOWFISHING!
If you have any questions about bowfishing or how to get some products, feel free to message me and I will help you in the right direction. We are also starting a new bowfishing club in Southern Illinois called the Bowfishing Association of Southern Illinois or BASI for short. We will be affiliated with quite a few archery clubs already in the area.
We will be holding many shoots at different lakes and rivers in southern Illinois, and a lot of events in the area. If anyone is interested and/or would like to join BASI you can contact me at e.giles@mchsi.com or visit us on www.bowfishingillinois.com
Winter Time Bowfishing
Bowfishing during the winter time, why would you do that?! Cold weather, iced waterways, and dangerously low waters are just a few of the reasons why most don’t go out, but winter time offers a whole new challenge and opens many more opportunities to stick big fish! Dereck Depew and I went out on our local river on a cold December night and had no idea what we were getting into. Before we knew it we were surrounded by fish. Gar, Buffalo, Common, and Grass carp were everywhere and it took us no time to fill up a bucket with fish. After a great outing we continued to explore the river over the next few weeks and quickly realized that we certain underwater terrain held more fish than others and some certain spots held big fish. We are going to give you a few ideas of what to look for when wintertime bowfishing.
First, make sure you know what your boat is capable of. On our setup we run a surface drive WITH POWER TRIM! Have an instant ability to trim up your motor is very important. The river we run is 50/50 rock and mud. We know that as long as the boat will float we can make it through it. A jet drive also works well for hard bottoms but you must run on plane to get through the very shallow. Next don’t run your boat in unfamiliar areas during the winter. Just because you know the water like the back of your hand during the summer, doesn’t mean you can run the same spots in the winter. Underwater boulders and sunken debris are now exposed. Also wear waders. Someone should always wear waders. If you get stuck or you need to clean out the grate on a jet, waders will be very important.
Second are spots to look for. We had no idea to what to look for when we first went out, but we used our knowledge from summer to find fish. BUT, the fish were nowhere close to the same spots as summer. The first thing to look at is underwater jetties. High mounds of rocks always produced large schools of fish. Next, where the direct bends in rivers; the furthest point of the bend always had fish. The spot that produced the biggest fish was the hardest to get into. This is the spot where knowing your boat and having waders was most important. The headwaters of shallow, swift currents produced the most! We shot big buffalo and grass carp in knee high water. We found many spots along our main river to have exciting nights. We were unsure if this would apply to lakes and other waterways, but after going to Duck Creek, we were greeted by the same success. We found similar spots to our local river and shot a ton of bowfin. In the marsh of duck creek we were very happy to have a Prodrive Surface drive motor due to the underwater vegetation.
Third, have fun and stay persistent. Persistence is key to being successful during winter. Most will get discouraged when their honey hole has no fish. Use the tips I told you and you will be shooting fish during winter in no time! Good Luck!
