Indiana Outdoor News April 2015

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VOL. 2015 • No. 4

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APRIL, 2015

MICHIGAN CITY ANGLER CATCHES STATE RECORD WHITEFISH

SPRING TURKEY PAGES 3&7

SHED HUNTING PAGE 6

PATOKA SECRETS PAGES 8&9

MICHIGAN CITY -- Dan Rostecki didn’t catch what he was after while fishing from the Michigan City pier on Saturday, March 28, but he did haul in a state-record lake whitefish instead.

“I was out there brown trout fishing on the bottom and thought I had one,” Rostecki said. “It ended up being a whitefish. It’s the first one I’ve ever caught. It was really, really a bonus.”

A record bonus no less.

DNR State Record Fish Program coordinator Jamie Smyth certified the record catch on Monday. Rostecki will receive a certificate and patch from the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife as recognition of the record.

“Congratulations to Dan on his record catch,” Smyth said.

“Since this one came so early in the year, perhaps it’s a sign that we’re in for a great year of fishing in Indiana.”

Rostecki’s catch from Lake Michigan weighed 5 pounds, 8 ounces and topped the previous Indiana record by more than a pound. He had an inkling it might be a contender after a friend caught one a week earlier that weighed 3 pounds, 6 ounces.

“She said something a couple days later about the record being 46,” Rostecki said. “That’s crazy.”

Rostecki used squid and nightcrawler for bait.

Indiana’s Youth Turkey Season is April 18-19, and the reg-

Dan Rostecki was fishing for Lake Michigan trout from the Michigan City pier when he caught and landed a 5 lb., 8 oz. whitefish, which has been certified as an Indiana state record. www.myfishfinder.com photo.

“It’s a good combination for brown trout,” he said. “The squid has a nice oil smell, and the brown trout kind of dial in on it. My friend caught a couple last week using it and a couple more this week.”

Lake whitefish is a relatively new category in the DNR’s State

ular spring turkey season is April 22-May 11. The Eric Corey Foundation is offering two special Turkey Tracks hunts this year for young adults with mobility challenges-- one in Angola and another in Starke County. Visit www.turkeytracks.org for more information. 11-year-old Kyle Bartolini from Portage, is pictured above with his very first turkey taken on a 2012 Turkey Tracks hunt. His guides were Seth McIntire (L) and Eric Fier (R). www.IndianaOutdoorNews.net photo.

WEST BOGGS LAKE RESTORATION AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

Continued on Page 5

DNR STOCKING TROUT FOR STREAM OPENER, APRIL 25

BEHIND THE BADGE PAGE 10

WALLEYE PAGE 11

THE LAST THOUGHT PAGE 15

DNR REPORT - This spring, the Indiana DNR will stock more than 55,000 trout throughout the state in time for stream trout season, which starts April 25.

The state’s 2015 trout stocking plan and list of stocking locations is at wildlife.IN.gov/3622.htm.

Traditionally, the state has stocked only rainbow trout in all locations except the Brookville Lake tailwater on the Whitewater River, where brown trout are stocked in addition to rainbow trout. New this year, the state also will stock both brown and rainbow trout in LaGrange County, in the Pigeon River and the Oliver Lake chain.

Other changes for 2015 include more fish at Morsches Park in Whitley County and changes to stocking locations along the Little Kankakee River in LaPorte County.

The state’s annual trout stocking plan involves 18 lakes and 19 streams.

Trout can be harvested year-round on Indiana lakes.

Trout can be harvested in Indiana streams between 6 a.m. on the last Saturday in April and Dec. 31.

The daily bag limit on most lakes and streams is five, and only one can be a brown trout. In general, the minimum size limit is 7 inches.

The size limit to keep a brown trout in the Brookville Lake tailwater and on Oliver, Olin and Martin lakes in LaGrange County is 18 inches.

Certain sections of Little Elkhart River, Cobus Creek and Solomon Creek in Elkhart County are catch-and-release-only trout streams, and anglers there must use artificial lures.

The spring stocking of inland lakes with trout could be delayed because of the late ice thaw. Some stream stockings might also be canceled or delayed due to rain or flooding. The DNR will issue a news release and post changes on the trout stocking website if information changes.

Additional information on regulations is at fishing.IN.gov.

LOOGOOTEE, IND -- Ater being drained almost completely last year for a restoration project, West Boggs Lake in Loogootee is full again, several months ahead of schedule.

West Boggs, estimated by many to be Indiana’s best trophy bass lake, was drawn down to about 10 percent of its normal volume last fall so that biologists from the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife could renovate the lake’s fishery. The lake had been invaded by gizzard shad, which had stunted bluegill growth and caused bass numbers to decline.

Last November, the first phase of fish stocking was completed. The fish stocked included 462,476 bluegill, 195,245 redear sunfish and 104,374 largemouth bass fingerlings.

A total of 816 adult largemouth bass that lived in the lake before the renovation were also restocked. The bass had been salvaged by anglers in the spring during tournaments and in the fall by biologists using electrofishing. Fifty-five adult channel catfish were also returned.

The lake is open to boating and fishing, but DNR fisheries biologist Dave Kittaka said anglers should keep in mind that the vast majority of fish are only a year old.

COMPLIMENTS OF:

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INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

April 2015

April 2015

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS Ž 2015Š

Page 3

Watch, Listen and Adapt for Season-Long Turkey Hunting Success

JOSHLANTZ Evergreen, Alabama's Eddie “The Turkey Man� Salter is one of the world's most experienced turkey hunters. Over nearly 50 years of observation, Salter has refined his skill set through trial and error to learn what works in the turkey woods and why.

Most of the time. “Old Tom Turkey plays by his own rules,� says the Plano-Synergy pro, who may hunt a dozen different states each spring. “Just because I can puff out my chest after fooling one doesn't mean the next one's going to come the same way,� he continues.

Yes, the Turkey Man is quick to admit that no single strategy works 100% of the time. It's what keeps him coming back to the field spring after spring, searching for the next unique experience or observation that will make him an even better hunter the next time out.

Humility is an important trait in any hunter, and Salter maintains his through ample lessons from the birds he loves, as well as a sincere appreciation for the opportunity he's been given to hunt turkeys for a living and to share his knowledge with others.

I had the opportunity to shadow Salter and his cameraman, Mike Miller, on a challenging hunt in the hills of central Kentucky during filming for Salter's popular Turkey Man television series last spring. Two things quickly became apparent over the course of our two-day hunt. First, Salter never

gives up. If there's a tom in the neighborhood, he'll work that bird ten different ways until he either puts it down or pushes it into the next county. Second, Salter - a two-time world champion - is the finest turkey caller I've heard. His ability to effectively vocalize all manner of turkey sounds - with or without an actual call - is truly remarkable. Miller is an incredible caller as well, and the team worked in tandem to light up every bird within earshot. “Calling is an important skill a turkey hunter needs to have,� says Salter, “but it's more important to know when to make those sounds.

Anyone can learn to call, but if you want to kill turkeys with regularity, you've got to listen to those hens and jakes and toms in the field and watch how they interact together,� he adds. “There's no substitute for experience.�

While every turkey-hunting situation is different, the Turkey Man has strong views on how hunters can, and should, adjust their strategies throughout the spring season.

Early Season Most turkey hunters believe the opening days of the spring turkey-hunting season offer the best chances at taking a bird. This is probably true in most cases.

Turkeys that haven't been hunted in months can up the odds for success, but an abundance of weather-related variables can easily turn what should be prime turkey killing days into disappointing outings that often leave less-experienced hunters scratching their heads.

If opening day arrives on the heels of typical spring weather, hunters can expect toms to be fired up for breeding yet frustrated by hens that aren't quite ready. These are great conditions for the turkey hunter, as toms will be close to the hens and establishing dominance.

These are birds that can be expected to respond favorably to effective calling - especially the less-domi-

nant toms. “You're mostly hunting satellite toms in the early season,� says Salter, who often hunts from a portable ground blind during this period. “You've got a lot less cover at the start of the season, and a blind is a key tool,� he continues.

Turkeys are often less vocal now, too. “Silent birds can be on top of you before you know it during the early season,� he says. “A good blind set up is going to conceal your movement when repositioning your gun towards the old tom that seemed to pop out of the ground right next to you like a mushroom,� he concludes. Of course, a ground blind also provides welcomed comfort and protection from early spring's unpredictable weather.

Most seasoned hunters agree that weather is the single largest variable in early season turkey hunting. “So many times in a cold early season, the birds don't crank up when you want,� says Salter, who recently experienced this very challenge during the opening days of Alabama's 2015 spring turkey season. “Go to areas with a lot of sign that you know birds are using and try to deer hunt them a bit,� he says. “Use a couple decoys and try a little calling, but don't be surprised or concerned if they don't gobble,� he advises. “Have patience and move on to a different location after an hour or so. Pack a lunch and hunt all day if your state allows it. You'll probably stumble up on one,� concludes Salter.

When it comes to early season decoy strategies, Salter prefers a single Avian-X breeder or feeder hen and a single Flextone Thunder Chicken jake. “I don't like big, fluffed up decoys or a lot of them,� says Salter, who appreciates the relaxed posture of the Avian-X hen's head, and the feather-like fan that moves in the wind on the Thunder Chicken jake. “Those small details help put birds at ease and can make a big difference whenever you hunt,� he says.

Deciding how much or how

The Turkey Man, Eddie Salter, was successful on this late season Kentucky hunt, not solely because of his expert calling, but because he adapted his calling to what this tom wanted to hear. Josh Lantz photo. little to call can only be learned through experience, and is a critical consideration during the early season. “When toms are sorting out their pecking order during the prebreeding period, you can have great success with aggressive calling,� says Salter. But it's important not to overdo it right out of the gate. “Guys have a tendency to keep hammering away, especially when turkeys aren't gobbling, but that isn't always what the birds want to hear,� adds Salter.

Instead, Salter suggests starting with three or four little notes and building up gradually. “Wait a minute after those soft initial purrs or yelps, then apply a little more pressure,� he says. Salter will repeat this process a couple more times, getting louder and extending his sequence each time. “By the fourth time, I'm screaming 10 to 12 notes at them... feeding calls and throwing some cuts in, too,� says Salter, who often rustles leaves with his hand or a branch between calling sequences to simulate

scratching and add realism. “Mix it up, and wait different periods of time between calling. Hens have a lot of personality, so put feeling into your own calling,� he suggests.

Salter's point about each hen being - and sounding - different, was proven on our Kentucky hunt last spring.

We were set up on a ridge of oaks attempting to call in a stubborn tom from the next ridge over.

Salter and Miller were each working slate and mouth calls simultaneously, playing off of each other and the live birds in the area with the precision and artistry of Duane Allman and Dickey Betts jamming the bridge to Jessica in 1972.

During a brief pause, the world's worst turkey caller started yelping down slope from us and out of view.

Out of cadence and more grunt than yelp, the calls sounded like someone working very hard to

Continued on Page 7

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INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

MORE TROUT STOCKED AT GREENE COUNTY ’S MIDLAND LAKE DNR Report -- Anglers in Greene County and nearby areas might want to target Midland Lake, just south of Jasonville in Hillenbrand Fish & Wildlife Area.

Last week, the DNR stocked 1,000 rainbow trout for the second year in a row at the 22-acre reclaimed strip pit.

In 2014, trout that previously went to Island Lake in Minnehaha Fish & Wildlife Area were moved to Midland Lake. The reason for the move was that a state lease on a section of Minnehaha that included Island Lake expired.

Midland Lake has a paved boat ramp and ample shoreline access. In 2014 the DNR expanded the parking area and improved the ramp.

Additional trout stockings in the area have also been done at Airline Pit in GreeneSullivan State Forest and Maple Park Lake in Terre Haute.

The daily bag limit for rainbow trout is five.

Trout can be harvested year-round on all inland lakes except Airline Pit. Trout season is closed on Airline Pit from March 15 to April 1.

To fish for trout, anglers need a fishing license and an $11 trout privilege stamp. The inland trout program is funded through the sale of trout stamps.

KENTUCKY ’S BOBWHITE RESTORATION EFFORTS A MODEL STRATEGY KNOXVILLE, TN -- The Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources' new five-year benchmark report on their 10year bobwhite restoration plan is evidence that large-scale habitat restoration is not only possible, but it is the answer to the bobwhite decline and should be viewed as a model, says National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative (NBCI) Director Don McKenzie.

Kentucky used basic habitat renovation techniques, but on a large scale. Not only did they primarily use prescribed burning and herbicide applications, but also plantings of native grasses and wildflowers, mowing, disking and cattle grazing. In the state's five formally monitored quail focus areas, bobwhite increases ranged from 14% in the Livingston County Quail Focus Area to 779% in the Hart County Quail Focus Area in the first five years.

"Kentucky's approach is what the states have agreed, through NBCI, is the appropriate approach to genuine wild bobwhite restoration on a landscape scale," said McKenzie. "Prior failures in numerous states have been typified by small-scale efforts that lacked proper implementation, maintenance and connectivity.

Bobwhites require larger-scale, continuing habitat efforts across multiple states to be successful long-term on America's landscape. Kentucky's efforts reestablish native vegetation and replicate or mimic the way people managed that vegetation in earlier times when bobwhites were abundant. I would urge anyone interested in bobwhites -- or the suite of songbirds or other wildlife species that depend on this kind of habitat -- to study Kentucky's report and take its lessons to heart."

"We couldn't be more pleased by the progress in the first five years of the plan's implementation," said John Morgan, Kentucky small game program coordinator. "Tremendous teamwork by department staff and partners made what many believed to be impossible, possible. Our short-run goals were to establish proof-of-concept that habitat at the right scale can work, and to generate a feeling of hope among Kentuckians. We think we accomplished those objectives, but we have a long way to go to restore bobwhite to meaningful levels across the Commonwealth. " "Our charge going forward is to get involved, get inspired, and get dirty," said Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Commissioner Gregory K. Johnson. "You will find we have been very successful in areas where we focused on quail habitat creation, enhancement, and restoration on larger landscape scales," said Johnson. "Nothing worth doing is ever easy; this is worth doing."

Biologists say in the case of Livingston County they attempted to manage too much -40,813 acres -- as a focal area to be able to show quick results in just a five-year period with available resources. They have scaled the focus area down to 6,000 acres and made the remainder of the 40,813 acres the state's first NBCI Bobwhite Focal Landscape.

Biologists say success of the Hart County area was tied directly to large-scale habitat improvement -- nearly 3,000 of the 19,827-acres of the total focal area -- brought about by landowner participation in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), which makes annual payments to landowners who voluntarily retire acreage ... and, in this case, destroyed non-native fescue grass and re-planted native grasses and wildflowers. Biologists say it's the largest grasslands restoration in the state's history.

Other focus areas included: the 2,855-acre Shaker Village Quail Focus Area, a 150% increase; the 21,860-acre Peabody WMA Quail Focus Area, a 56% increase; and 14,517-acre Bluegrass Army Depot Quail Focus Area, a 52% increase.

The sixth of the state's focal areas, the 14,416-acre Clay WMA Quail Focus Area, was not part of formal monitoring efforts during the first five years, but biologists say covey flush rates have jumped 300% since 2010.

April 2015

FORD HOOSIER OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE WINS RECREATION AWARD DNR REPORT -- The DNR’s annual Ford Hoosier Outdoor Experience was honored recently by the Great Lakes Park Training Institute (GLPTI).

The event won a 2015 Park, Facility and Recreation Program award from the institute at its annual conference at Pokagon State Park. GLPTI is an Indiana University initiative through the school’s Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands.

The Ford Hoosier Outdoor Experience is Indiana’s largest, hands-on, outdoor recreation event. Hosted at Fort Harrison State Park, the two-day event features 50 activities and 120 partners. It is organized by the DNR and Indiana Natural Resources Foundation (INRF).

Approximately 20,000 people attended the event in 2014. The event’s goal is to introduce attendees to new outdoor activities that they may have never tried before. Activities range from fishing to riding off-road vehicles.

“Our goal is to share our love of outdoor recreation with our visitors and reaching 20,000 in one weekend is a remarkable accomplishment made possible by the generosity of our sponsors and the hard work of DNR employees,” INRF executive director Bourke Patton said.

This seventh annual Ford Hoosier Outdoor Experience takes place this year on Sept.

19 and 20. Information is at HoosierOutdoorExperience.IN.gov.

MERCURY MAKES LIST OF BEST EMPLOYERS FOND DU LAC, Wis. – Mercury Marine, the world leader in commercial and recreational marine propulsion and technology, has been named one of America’s Best 500 Employers for 2015 by Forbes Magazine. The global marine manufacturer ranked No. 82 on the list announced by Forbes in partnership with Statista.com.

“We are honored to be recognized on the Forbes list of America’s Best Employers,” said John Pfeifer, Mercury Marine president. “It is a real tribute to our employees whose talent, dedication and commitment are the foundation for our success. The culture of our company is paramount to our success and it resonates globally throughout the entire company. This honor was made possible with the support of our community and the partnership we have with our customers and stakeholders.”

In 2014, Mercury Marine celebrated its 75th anniversary by receiving the Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Award as well as its fourth consecutive Green Masters Award.

In 2015, the company has already launched four new engines and continues its steady pace of product introductions.

“The Mercury brand continues to grow in the global marketplace,” said Pfeifer. “Our success is directly correlated to hiring and retaining world-class employees and giving them the tools to manufacture & service industry leading products and take pride in developing a product we truly believe in. Through our hiring process, we continue to offer the opportunity for our employees to succeed by creating opportunities to grow and succeed within the company.”

Over 20,000 employees at companies with at least 2500 people were surveyed for the America’s Best Employers List. The survey was conducted with global digital data collection partners who use innovative technology and proven sampling methodologies to facilitate a deep understanding of consumer opinions and behavior. Participation in the survey was voluntary, and respondents were recruited from thousands of sources to maximize reach and representation.

This month’s puzzle on Page 13

April 2015

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

2016 BASSMASTER CLASSIC TO RETURN TO GRAND LAKE TULSA, Okla. — The world championship of bass fishing — the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro — will return to one of its most popular destinations in 2016, B.A.S.S. as the event’s Oklahoma hosts announced today.

And for the first time, the “Super Bowl of Bass Fishing” will be conducted in early March instead of February.

“The 2013 Classic was such a The 2016 Bassmaster Classic will be moved to March and return to tremendous success, we couldn’t wait to return to Tulsa and Grand Oklahoma’s Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, where Cliff Pace of Petal, MS won Lake O’ the Cherokees with our in 2013 with a weight of 54.12 lbs. Bassmaster / Darren Jacobson photo. premier event,” said Bruce Akin, B.A.S.S. CEO. “With the support we’ve received from our hosts and our bass fishing fans throughout the region, we’re expecting an even better turnout next year.”

Hosts of the 2016 Classic will be Tulsa Regional Chamber, VisitTulsa, Grand Lake Association and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa.

“We’re so excited to finally say the Bassmaster Classic is coming back to Tulsa,” said Ray Hoyt, president of VisitTulsa. “We worked our tails off in 2013 to ensure this event was a huge success because we wanted to show our partners at B.A.S.S., and other major league events, what a great place the Tulsa region is. We wanted another Classic the minute the 2013 event was over, and today we can finally say it out loud: The Classic comes back in 2016. A huge thanks to our regional partners, especially Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, for their support in making this a reality.”

Since 2006, Bassmaster Classics have all been held the third or fourth weekend in February, but the 46th championship has been moved to March 4-6, 2016, to better accommodate anglers’ and sponsors’ preseason schedules and other industry events.

“If moving the event improves odds of good fishing weather, that’s a bonus,” Akin added. “But we proved in 2013 as well as the recent Classic on Lake Hartwell, S.C., that freezing temperatures don’t hamper the anglers’ fishing success, nor do they hurt attendance.”

The Tulsa Classic in 2013 recorded the second highest attendance in history, with more than 106,850 fans visiting one or more of the Classic venues. The attendance record of 137,700 was set at another February Classic, the 2009 event in Shreveport-Bossier City, La. Hoyt said the economic impact of the first Tulsa Classic was $22.7 million.

As in the first Tulsa Classic, the BOK Center will house daily weigh-ins, and the Cox Business Center will hold the Classic Outdoors Expo. Takeoffs each day will be from Wolf Creek Ramp in Grove, Okla. As many as 5,000 fans braved freezing temperatures to watch the Classic anglers set out on competition days in 2013.

Cliff Pace of Petal, Miss., won the Classic championship title that year with 54 pounds, 12 ounces of bass for three days of fishing. A total of 55 anglers will qualify for next year’s event through the Bassmaster Elite Series and other Bassmaster circuits during the coming 10 months. Total purse will be more than $1 million, with the winner receiving $300,000.

Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees was completed in 1940, when Pensacola Dam on the Grand River impounded 46,500 acres. Previous Elite Series events there have been won by Mike McClelland and Kevin VanDam in 2006 and 2007, respectively.

Akin said moving the event to March will minimize scheduling conflicts with boat and sports shows typically scheduled in January and February, yet it will still be early enough in the year to serve as a kickoff of the fishing season. Manufacturers in recent years have been using the Classic Outdoors Expo as the venue to introduce exciting new products to the bass fishing world.

NORTHERN INDIANA TAILWATERS

BOATU.S. RELEASES 2015 TOP TEN BOAT NAMES

GOOD BETS FOR WALLEYE

DNR REPORT -- The coming of spring marks a surge in walleye fishing opportunities in river tailwaters below major dams throughout northern Indiana.

River walleyes begin to migrate upstream by mid-March in search of spawning habitat. Where blocked by dams, they congregate in large numbers.

“Avid walleye anglers have fished these areas for years,” DNR fisheries biologist Neil Ledet said. “We want to encourage other fishermen to give it try.”

Hot tailwater locations include the Tippecanoe River below the Oakdale Dam near Monticello, the St. Joseph River below the Elkhart Dam in Elkhart County, and the Salamonie River below the Salamonie Dam in Wabash County. Anglers also should try two hot spots in Fort Wayne. They are the Maumee River below the Hosey Dam and the St. Joseph River below the dam at Johnny Appleseed Park.

Walleye fishing can be more productive when water levels drop after a period of runoff. The increased flow triggers walleye to move upstream, and the declining flow helps concentrate them.

Walleyes are not built to swim against a strong current for long periods, so anglers can find them on the edge of eddies, behind boulders or anything that provides a break from current. Anglers also should look for areas of slow current near the bank, especially after sunset.

Ledet suggests fishing with white or chartreuse lead-head jigs, or suspended jerk baits with rattles. Walleyes are most active on overcast days and the first couple hours after sunset and before sunrise.

Some walleye anglers wade, which can be treacherous during high flow. Most areas can be fished from the bank.

“Serenity” has been named the #1 boat name for the second year in a row with the release of the 2015 list of Top Ten Boat Names from Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS). It is also the name’s tenth appearance on the popular list of boat names issued annually since 1992 by the recreational boat advocacy, service and safety group.

“Calm, peaceful and untroubled is what boating is all about for so many boaters,” said BoatUS spokesman Scott Croft.

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Serenity Seas the Day Andiamo Aquaholic Second Wind Island Time Happy Ours Journey Serendipity Relentless

Learn more about the services and advocacy provided by BoatU.S. at www.BoatUS.com.

Page 5

FISH STUDY PLANNED FOR LAKE WEBSTER DNR REPORT -- Prompted by concerns that fishing may be declining at one of northeast Indiana’s most popular fishing spots, DNR biologists will study the fish and fishing activity this year at Lake Webster in Kosciusko County.

Best-known for its muskie fishing, the 774-acre lake draws anglers from throughout the Midwest and supports several guide businesses. Guides say muskie catches have dropped in recent years, although last year was reportedly better.

“It’s been 10 years since we’ve taken a close look at Webster’s muskie fishery,” said Jed Pearson, DNR fisheries biologist. “It’s time to check it again.”

Pearson has overseen the Lake Webster muskie program since the late 1970s. He and his crew will set traps in the lake and nearby backwater area in April to estimate adult muskie numbers. They also will conduct a summer-long angler survey to monitor fishing effort and catches.

In June, Pearson will survey the entire fish community.

The results will be compared to previous surveys and will guide any management changes.

The DNR stocks about 3,800 muskie fingerlings in Lake Webster each year. They typically measure 8-10 inches long when released.

The fingerlings come from eggs taken from adult muskies captured each spring at Webster. They are reared in state hatcheries.

Although the spring catch rate of muskies remains high, biologists have noted a decrease in young muskies.

“The percentage of muskies less than 36 inches long has dropped in half during the past 10 years,” Pearson said. “Last year we caught only one muskie less than 30 inches.”

Reasons for the decline are unknown. It is possible that adult muskies are preying on newly stocked muskies, especially if populations of other forage fish such as gizzard shad have declined. Other factors could be changes in hatchery production techniques and declines in habitat quality.

“We’ll have a much better idea of what’s happening after this year and make adjustments if needed,” Pearson said.

DNR FISH & WILDLIFE HONORS EXCELLENT EMPLOYEES INDIANAPOLIS -- The DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife recently honored several employees with Awards of Excellence for 2014.

Awards went to Winamac Fish & Wildlife Area property manager Tony Carroll, LaSalle Fish & Wildlife Area laborer Bob Gasior, Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) program specialist Doug Nusbaum, and the team of employees involved in restoring West Boggs Lake in Loogootee.

Carroll, who started the year as assistant property manager, helped guide Winamac through the unexpected death of its secretary and the departure of the property manager. Carroll worked long hours and took on additional responsibilities to make sure Winamac ran smoothly. He was eventually promoted to property manager.

Gasior was the only full-time employee left at LaSalle after the property manager retired. Gasior

ran the property until a new manager could be hired, then helped the new manager get up to speed.

Nusbaum is an erosion and sediment control expert known for his ability to build partnerships with conservation organizations outside DNR. In 2014, Nusbaum administered a construction project on Prairie Creek in Boone County, a logjam removal on Pigeon River in LaGrange County, sediment removal on Round Lake in Whitley County, and a stream bank stability project into in Lake County.

The team award went to 42 people involved in the West Boggs Lake project in Loogootee. They were led by fisheries biologist Dave Kittaka. Last fall, the lake was drawn down to about 10 percent of its normal volume so that biologists could renovate the lake’s fishery. The lake had been invaded by gizzard shad, which had stunted bluegill growth and caused bass numbers to decline.

Record - Continued From Cover Record Fish Program. The first year it was included was 2012 after DNR fisheries biologists determined an increasing number of lake whitefish in Indiana waters of Lake Michigan required establishment of a daily bag limit of 12 fish.

Scott Nieman set the initial record at 3.05 pounds in 2012, and Donald Hans topped it later that year with one weighing 4-6.

According to Ken Schultz’s Fishing Encyclopedia, the average size for lake whitefish is in the 1- to 2-pound range. Different accounts put the line-catch world record at 14-6 or 15-6, but the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website cites one weighing 42.67 pounds caught in Lake Superior in 1918.

“Traditionally they are found in northern Lake Michigan,” said Brian Breidert, Lake Michigan fisheries research biologist for the Indiana DNR. “We’re starting to see a bit of a range expansion and have for about the last four or five years. Illinois is starting to see them as well.”

Indiana’s Record Fish Program began in 1963 and now recognizes 52 species. Visit dnr.in.gov/fishwild/3577.htm for more information on the record fish program and the companion Fish of the Year contest.

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INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS Ž 2015Š

SHED HUNTING I have been training my yellow lab, Annabell, to find and retrieve shed antlers for almost a year. I had a great laugh a couple days ago when I let her go outside for a "potty time" and she came back to the house with an antler in her mouth. I was SO PROUD! Her first real antler on her own. I praised her, "good girl, bring it here!" I was so pleased...until she got closer and I saw it was the antler off of my 3-D target! At least she has learned to recognize antlers by sight; I hope she does as well with the real thing.

There are various reasons why we search for these cast off crowns. I started about 20 years ago, and every year it seems I become a more avid shed hunter.

I'm not the only one, shed hunting has become so popular that guided week-long shed hunting vacations that include food and lodging can cost $2,500 or more. Don't let that

Seeking the Crown: The Hunt for Shed Antlers scare you because sheds can be found in your own hunting area for free.

There are numerous reasons why searching for shed antlers has become so popular - it's the perfect way to expand your interest in whitetails, it's good exercise and it's a perfect time to take a jab at "cabin fever." It's a great family participation sport and can be a great way to learn something that may help you get closer to a mature buck the following hunting season.

Not to mention that big sheds can bring in big buck$...pun intended.

Shed hunting is also valuable for helping formulate management decisions like which bucks should go on your hit list. It also helps in estimating the buck population and age of the animals that made it through the hunting season.

It's a challenge to understand the life and movements of a specific buck and when I find a shed I

feel like I'm one step closer. I get more excited, however, to know that his rack will be more impressive next year, with greater mass, longer beams and maybe extra tines.

My main reason for going on these searches is to learn more about my hunting area and the patterns of the animals. Finding shed antlers can make you a better hunter by showing you which areas mature animals utilize. Late winter through spring is a valuable time for seeking out the travel patterns of mature bucks. With the foliage off of the trees, sign you never saw last fall can seem blatantly obvious.

When should you begin the search? On a lease I used to have in the Turtle Mountains of North Dakota I've seen bucks drop their antlers as early as late December, but that's early. Most deer hold their racks through January and begin to drop during February and March. Around my home it's usually the second week in March when most bucks "go bald." If you wait too long, newly growing weeds and grasses will make the search more difficult and mice and chipmunks will have a chance to gnaw on them for the calcium and phosphorous.

While deer may shed both of their antlers within seconds of one another in the same spot, don't expect that to happen often. Once, while walking a tract I used to hunt in Manitoba, I found a matching pair of 5x5 sheds stuck upsidedown, side by side in the snow. It was like the buck placed them there for safe keeping. Sometimes

you'll discover just one and sometimes you'll find both, and sometimes you'll find them close by one another and other times the matching half might be a half mile or more from the first.

You might get lucky by just taking an aimless stroll, but you're better off to have a plan. Begin searching areas where you've seen deer during the winter before.

Prime locations will be winter food sources, swamps with conifer trees for thermal cover and heavy cover adjacent to leftover agricultural crops. Thick stands of conifers, south-facing hillsides, freshly logged areas, ravines and stream bottoms that offer some protection from cold winter winds are all good bets for shed hunting. Make sure to check fence crossings where an animal might jump across and jar the antler loose as it lands on the other side.

Always bring binoculars they can save a lot of leg-work. If you see something that looks like

April 2015

By Todd Amenrud

an antler far away, you can often cut down excess walking by examining it through your optics. Most youngsters love to hunt for sheds if given the opportunity, so bring your kids or a neighborhood youngster - the more "eyes" the better for this task.

While searching for these "discarded bones," make sure to always be on the lookout for rub lines, scrapes, trails and other sign as you walk through their territory.

These key pieces of information can make you a more knowledgeable hunter and help you bag the buck that carried the antler the following fall.

Would you like to learn more about improving your hunting and get discounts on the products you need? Learn from the experts by joining the new Mossy Oak GameKeepers Club at www.gamekeepersclub.com. Or call 662-4959292.

April 2015

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

Page 7

Turkey Season Fast Approaching

BRANDONBUTLER It's time to get serious about turkey hunting. By now, my neighbors are used to the strange sounds coming from my yard as I practice yelps, clucks, gobbles and keekees. The camouflage blind next to the house is something I'm sure they're ready to see go away, and to their sure delight, it's moving to the turkey woods this weekend. I couldn't be more excited.

Indiana's 2015 spring turkey season is April 22 - May 10.

Hunters are allowed to kill one bearded or male turkey. Hunting hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise until sunset.

Finding a place to turkey hunt in southern Indiana isn't difficult at

all. Most public land in this half of the state has a healthy population of birds. The Hoosier National Forest consists of roughly 200,000 acres of public hunting ground and has a ton of turkey. The numerous state forests dotting the southern half of our state are also prime turkey hunting destinations.

Yellowwood State Forest, Morgan/Monroe State Forest, and the Jackson/Washington State Forest are three examples of public forests that produce many turkeys every year.

It is always important to keep in mind when turkey hunting, especially on public ground, that some of the turkey sounds you hear may actually be other hunters using calls to sound like a turkey. Always be 100 percent positive of your target before pulling the trigger. A dark-brown, fanned out gobbler and a camouflage clad hunter who's sitting down look a lot more alike than you could ever imagine, especially in the heat of the

moment.

If you have never been turkey hunting before and have no idea how to go about it, but would like to learn, then you should the DNR's Hunt, Fish Eat: Wild Turkey workshop in Indianapolis on April 1. This event takes place at Fort Harrison State Park from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The workshop will teach participants all the rules and regulations of turkey hunting, how to safely and effectively fire a gun and how to use the right equipment to be successful.

Youth Season Youth turkey season is my favorite weekend of the year. My oldest daughter, who is nine, has developed a love for turkey hunting. Youth season weekend is our special time to share together in the woods. Watching her develop as a hunter over the last couple of seasons has been the most rewarding experience of my hunting career.

T h i s Watch, Listen, Adapt: Continued From Page 3 year, Indiana's special youth sound like a hen turkey, but failing miserably. The three of us, moderately amused, looked wild turkey at each other with stunned faces. Thirty seconds later, a live hen turkey - completely norhunting season mal by all other accounts - cleared the ridge and proceeded to continue with her unconvenis April 18 and tional and entertaining yelping. She busted us and ran away when someone began laugh19. To particiing. pate in youth wild turkey Late Season season, hunters Conditions change in the late season, and must be hunters should adapt their set-ups and calling strateyounger than gies accordingly.

18 on the day Breeding is winding down at this time, and many dominant hens will be nesting. But while these older gals are laying and sitting, a number of younger hens will still be out and about broadcasting their availability to suitors. Those are the birds hunters need to observe and mimic. The toms are listening. Are you?

Salter says it's usually a good idea to tone down your calling during the late season, but recognizes that hunters should continue to let the birds tell them what they want. “If they aren't doing a lot of calling, I'll stick with those softer purrs, clicks and yelps,” says Salter, who carries and uses a pack full of calls during this period. “I like to try a bunch of different calls later in the season… just for variety… to try and find that one he'll key in on,” he adds. “If I can get a tom to answer, then I'll stick with that one call he likes, but won't be too aggressive.”

Gobbler calls can also become effective hunting tools during the late season. Such a call can be used for shock gobbling birds on the roost, but also excels when used in conjunction with a mating yelp. It's a deadly combination that can bring a jealous old tom running in to look for a fight. But gobbler calls can serve another purpose in the late season as well.

“Gobblers will switch gears at some point late in the season and look to buddy up again,” says Salter. “A call like Flextone's Thunder Gobble is underutilized, especially late in the game when toms become more interested in each other's company again,” he says.

The physical hunting environment also changes throughout the season. An increasing amount of foliage on the ground and on the trees makes visibility - for both turkeys and hunters - more challenging as the season progresses. But the heavier vegetation can also be an asset. “We often need to cover more ground in the late season, and the increased cover makes mobility and concealment easier,” says Salter, who recommends leaving the ground blinds at home at this time of year.

“I'll work paths, trails and clearings where I can see more, but tuck into available cover using my turkey pack,” says Salter, referring to his Tenzing TP 14 Turkey Pack, which has a fold-down padded seat and unique spring-loaded legs to create a comfy backrest. “I can set-up anywhere with that pack in seconds and don't need a tree or a log to lean against… It's been a real game-changer, for me and a lot of other turkey hunters,” he continues.

The late season provides another key advantage for the turkey hunter, the importance of which cannot be overlooked. There's simply less competition from real hens.

“If you find a tom that isn't henned-up, he'll likely be sucker for the proper calling and set-up,” says Salter, who tends to stick with his hen and jake decoy set-up throughout the late season. “Toms seem to make more mistakes during the late season,” he says, “and seeing that single jake with a hen is just something he's not going to be able to brush off. He's coming in; so let him make the mistake, not you. Watch what he likes, then keep doing it and you'll get your bird.”

The most successful turkey hunters avoid mistakes by watching, listening and adapting their strategies accordingly - throughout the course of a single hunt and over the changing conditions and circumstances of an entire season. Still, everyone makes mistakes. The key is racking up enough experience to realize errors right away and make immediate adjustments.

Spend enough time in the woods and the birds will show you what they want.

This pair of Monroe County gobblers fell victim to a well timed double on opening morning of turkey season a few years back. Photo provided. of the hunt. Each youth hunter can take a bearded or male wild turkey.

Jakes are legal. This bird does count as the youth's one turkey limit for the entire season. Youth hunters may use any legal shotgun, bow and arrow, or crossbow.

Someone 18 or older must accompany youth hunters during their hunt, and they must not pos-

sess a firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow while in the field. If the adult plans to call the turkeys they need to have a turkey license. Also, if the youth is using an apprentice license, the adult must have a license. Otherwise, the adult does not need to be in possession of a license.

See you down the trail…

Page 8

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

L

ocated just south of French Lick and West Baden Springs at the intersection of Dubois, Orange and Crawford Counties, the 8,800 acre Patoka Lake is one of eight Indiana reservoirs designed and constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Young by lake standards, Patoka was opened to the public in August of 1980. Here you will find expanses of calm, sapphire waters protected by rolling hills and dense forests.

Such beautiful waters deserve beautiful surroundings. There is very little private development on Patoka Lake. Instead, it is encircled by over 25,000 acres of state and national forest lands.

There are four separate State Recreation Areas -- Lick Fork, Jackson, Tillery Hill and NewtonStewart -- in addition to portions of the Hoosier National Forest and other federal lands controlled by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. All of these lands are public and offer great amenities like a 1,200 footlong beach, nearly 600 camp- sites in three different camp- grounds, ten public boat ramps, and miles of hiking trails. All of this wild land is a mecca for wildlife.

Eagles and Ospreys soar overhead, while deer and wild turkeys feed along the shoreline.

Patoka is a boater’s and angler’s dream. One of the cleanest and leastcrowded lakes in the nation, Patoka Lake is known for its great fishing for largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill,

April 2015

Fishing & Fam

World Class Houseboat Vacat redear, smallmouth and trophy striped bass, but may be best known for its exceptional crappie fishing.

But Patoka’s angling story has gotten even better over the past few years.

Five years ago, you see, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources began stocking walleyes into Patoka’s productive waters. And today, some truly remarkable catches are being made.

If all of this sounds good, get out your calendars and start planning your summer getaway. Chances are you’ll get to Patoka on a single tank of gas, and I haven’t even told you the best part yet.

The Place to Be on Patoka Lake Jeff and Shellie Dukes own and operate Hoosier Hills Marina -- a clean and friendly place tucked neatly into a cove on the west end of Patoka Lake.

Hoosier Hills has everything you’d expect from a full service marina, plus a lot more. They offer rental slips from 20- to- 80-feet, small boat rentals, fuel, a convenience store and -- their most-recent addition -- Patoka Lake Pizza and Wings, a welcomed addition on the lake serving great pizza, wings, sandwiches and breadsticks. Just hail them on channel 69 on your marine

radio and your order will be ready in no time!

Perhaps the best part of Hoosier Hills Marina, however, is their fleet of beautiful and well- appointed houseboats. Think total-ly self contained cabin right on the water. Then add an outboard motor. Hoosier Hills Marina offers affordable houseboat vacations on a fleet of clean and comfortable, self- contained houseboats ranging from 58-feet to 72-feet in length.

Economical and easy to operate, each houseboat contains all the amenities of home -- comfortable beds, multiple bathrooms, full kitchens, gas grills and entertainment systems. Tow along your own fishing boat or rent one from the marina and you’ ll be experiencing Patoka Lake in the very best way possible.

There is something truly therapeudic about sleeping on the water.

Fish or play all day, then anchor in a secluded cove for a peaceful night’s rest like you haven’t had in years.

The best part? The kids can have their own bedrooms.

Patoka Lake is never crowded, but there are a lot fewer visitors to the area after Labor Day. Combine this with September’s beautiful weather and productive fishing and

April 2015

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

mily Fun Off the Hook!

tions, Crappie & Walleye Fishing at Patoka Lake it’s a great time to plan a late-summer Patoka getaway. Hoosier Hills offers some super money-saving specials after Labor Day, so it is never too early to begin thinking about scheduling some family fun while your kids are on fall break.

While the houseboats are easy to operate and the Hoosier Hills staff will go over all aspects of their use and operation, many visitors prefer to keep the houseboats dockside and use them as sta-tionary, floating cabins. In recognition of this, Hoosier Hills will rent houseboats as floating cabins after Labor Day at a great rate. They will also consider renting them as dockside floating cabins during the spring and summer based on availability.

There is a lot of room on these boats, so think about sharing the experience (and the expense) with friends or extended family and a good deal gets even better. Rent one of Hoosier Hills’ versatile fishing boats for an additional $50/day, and your vacation package is complete!

Patoka Lake Fishing Update I spoke with Jeff recently about Patoka’s unique fishery. He said the bass, bluegill and white bass fishing has remained consis-tent, and also mentioned

that the striper fishing is good too.

April, September, October are good months for striper fishing, as they often follow the shad into the creek arms where they can often be found busting the schools of bait on the surface.

Jeff told me that this spring has already provided some great crappie fishing on Patoka, with multiple catches of 1-1/2 to 2-lb. crappies being made in March. While the crappie action slows a bit in the summer, Jeff expects this fall to be as good or better for giant crappies as it was this spring. He suggests fishing ten feet down over trees and stumps with crappie jigs tipped with minnows or small plastics.

Of course, the biggest angling news at Patoka is its booming walleye fishery.

“We’ve seen folks catching a large number of fish in the 24-26inch range”, says Dukes, “with several fish between 25 and 28-inches also being caught that are tipping the scales at up to 8- pounds”. Sounds like the place to be if you are looking for heavy walleyes in Indiana.

Patoka’s walleyes can be targeted and caught year-round.

Unique Area Attractions As if this beautiful piece of water and its first class outdoor recreation weren’t enough, a number of exiting attractions lie just minutes from Patoka Lake’s shores.

The French Lick Hotel and Casino, and the historic West Baden Springs Hotel lie just to the north in historic French Lick. Exciting caves including Wyandotte Caves, Bluespring Caverns and Marengo Caves are also nearby and beg exploration. And the Holiday World Amusement Park -- another national attraction -- is only a short drive south of the lake.

Spring, summer and fall each offer their own unique opportunities on Patoka Lake, and a houseboat getaway from Hoosier Hills Marina is the best way to experience this Indiana outdoor jewel -- a recreational dream with great fishing and great wildlife viewing, without the crowds. This largely undiscovered region of the state has so much to offer.

Give Jeff and Shellie a call today at 866- 678-3313, check out their website at www.hoosierhillsmarina.com, or e-mail them at hoosierhills@netsurfusa.net.

Page 9

By LANCEDAVIDSON

Page 10

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

April 2015

The High Cost of Deer Attractants ALANGARBERS During the 2012 deer hunting season Indiana Conservation Officers Bryan Knoy and Lance LaBonte saw a dramatic jump in deer baiting cases. In a normal year an officer might make two or three cases. The total for 2012 was 21 cases for Morgan County alone. Neither ICO could explain why. It may be confusion over the regulations, increased peer pressure on hunters, increased availability of attractants, use of attractants on hunting shows, or just plain ol' hard work on the part of the ICOs. The topic of deer baiting always sparks a lively conversation among hunters. Some are for it, others are against it. To make matters worse, the laws governing baiting deer change from state to state, so while baiting deer in some nearby states is legal, in Indiana it is not, To blur the issue further, not everyone agrees on just what baiting is. Is growing a food plot baiting? Is hunting near a farmer's salt block baiting? To make it more confusing, many stores sell commercially produced deer bait in their sporting goods section. Swamp Donkey, Deer Cain, and Stump Licker are just a few of the names that drive visions of massive bucks flocking like sparrows to a bird feeder. They give the appearance that it must be legal to use for hunting, because everyone sells it.

The regulation states, “It is illegal to use bait … to take deer. Bait is considered any product that is transported into a hunting area and placed there for animal consumption.

Baits can be in the form of salt, mineral blocks, prepared solid or liquid, or piles of apples or other food that is intended for the animal to eat. An area is considered to be baited for 10 days after the removal of the bait and any affected soil.”

That means it is legal to hunt in an apple orchard, you just can't bring the apples with you. You can hunt over a corn field, harvested or standing, but you can't bring corn with you. While it is legal to feed wild game and provide a salt lick, all traces of the salt, minerals, corn, etc., must be removed 10 days prior to hunting. That means any soil that still has traces of salt must be dug up and removed. Any tree stump that had salted or sweetened liquid poured over it must be removed, including the ground around it.

Just like while fishing, baiting doesn't guarantee success, but it generally improves the odds of seeing deer. Most seasoned hunters know the laws and abide by them, but some still want to have that ace up their sleeve.

It doesn't matter what the reason is, baiting is grounds for citation. ICO Knoy and Labonte work hard to stop it. One of their cases involved a landowner that was having issues with trespassers. While checking their woods the property owners spotted a couple of illegally placed tree stands. They called the Indiana Department of Natural Resources for assistance. ICOs Knoy and LaBonte responded. While investigating the tree stands, they found where the hunters had been using bait to bring in deer.

Working with the landowner the ICOs decided to leave everything as it was and start monitoring the area. It was firearm season for deer hunters, one of the busiest times for an

ICO. Knoy and LaBonte worked opposite shifts, so that between the two of them they were able to make repeated visits to the site at all times of the day. The hard work paid off and they caught the hunters. As the hunters were questioned, one of them admitted to shooting a deer over the bait during archery season. Both hunters knew the regulations but wanted that extra edge. Both men were cited and fined.

Often, its younger hunters that bait. They feel pressured by other hunting friends to produce a deer and the lure (pun intended) to use bait is hard to resist. Other times, its older hunters that have spent a lifetime of hunting in ways contrary to the game regulations that get caught time after time. Unfortunately they teach the same bad practices to their children and grand children. Sometimes they even use their grandchildren as an excuse.

“I approached a southern Morgan County man before deer season, as he was dumping out a pile of corn in front of a ground blind,” LaBonte explained. The man told LaBonte that he was dumping the corn so his grandson could watch deer. The ICO explained to the man that it was not legal to hunt over bait. The man told LaBonte that he knew the regulations and stuck to his story that the blind was just for wildlife observation.

A few weeks later ICO LaBonte checked the ground blind. It was then archery season.

The man was in the blind - alone - and hunting. The man was cited and fined.

So how do ICOs find people baiting wild game? Often landowners will find that poachers have left bait on their property and report it. Sometimes a poacher's mouth will get them in trouble as they brag to family, friends, Facebook and even in online hunting forums about their astounding success at seeing deer. Many hunters don't appreciate someone abusing the resource and will call in a tip to the IDNR hotline. (1-800-TIP-IDNR) Occasionally, the poaching is found by old-fashioned police work which requires putting boots on the ground and busting brush. Good ICOs have a “feel” for places that might attract baiting and poaching. While investigating such areas they may find baiting going on.

From that point, it's just a matter of checking and rechecking the location until they catch the culprit.

The best advice from ICOs? Rely on natural attractants such as cover, water, and native foods, and don't waste money on high-priced attractants, court fees, and fines.

April 2015

WALLEYE FISHING Post thaw... It's unquestionably the most epic time of transformation among the Ice Belt states and provinces. Water temperatures are on the rise, but not nearly as rapidly as the air. Luckily, it only takes a one degree increase in water temp to wake up lethargic walleyes.

So why do some anglers motor back to the launch with a livewell full of fish while others return empty netted? Oftentimes, it boils down to trolling speed; using lures that can achieve peak performance at low speeds; and holding those baits in a relatively shallow strike zone.

Pro Troller Few on God's green earth are more adept at trolling for walleyes than Mark Brumbaugh. Since his budding teenage years, the

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

Troll High and Slow for Springtime Success Arcanum, Ohio angler has called the vastness of Lake Erie home. An accredited professional competitor, Brumbaugh has taken top honors in tournaments on some of the biggest bodies of water in North America.

And trolling has been his top technique for nearly every one.

The moment the boat landings are free of ice, you can bet Brumbaugh will be launching his Lund Pro-V and plying big water for 'eyes. “The mistakes I see people making most? They troll too fast, and their baits are swimming below the fish,” Brumbaugh asserts.

“As long as you use lures that have a wide-wobble when trolled slowly, and keep them within the top ten feet of the water column, you'll catch fish.”

Brumbaugh's favorite ploy is pulling floating bodybaits with

Walleye Pro Mark Brumbaugh trolls big water after ice-out from his Lund fiberglass Pro-V. Water temperatures are slower to rise than the air temperatures, so even if it's warm and sunny, bear in mind that cooler lake temps call for slower presentations. Photo courtesy of Lund Boats.

deep-diving lips, like Reef Runner's 300 Series Skinnysticks, at .06 to .09 MPH. Lures with flat sides, like the Skinnystick, produce mega flash as they flip flank to flank. And rarely does Brumbaugh let out more than 30 feet of 10pound-test Trilene XT behind his inline planer boards, keeping his lures within ten feet of the surface.

If planer board aren't in play, switch to shallower-running versions of similar bodybaits. Look for lures like Rapala Shad Raps, Smithwick Suspending Super Rogues or Strike King Lucky Shad cited to run from 4- to 10-feet expect to troll them 60-feet or further behind the boat to achieve that depth-range.

“The biggest walleyes are almost always in the upper few feet of the surface,” asserts Brumbaugh.

“This is where the water is the warmest, and, where the forage is.”

In Lake Erie's Western Basin, for example, he'll target walleyes suspended in 20 to 30 feet deep adjacent to reefs known to host spawning rituals. “No matter where you're fishing, it's the deep water nearest where walleyes spawn that are best,” he adds.

Such basics are transferrable to natural lakes and reservoirs such as Indiana’s Monroe and Patoka, as well as large river systems such as the St. Joe: search for pre-spawn walleyes in 20 to 30-feet of water; specific fish elevation within the water column varies by location.

Slow, Slow, Slow Your Boat Looking to land more walleyes than ever during early spring? Just slow it down.

Trolling is the best way to

Page 11

By Mitch Eeagan

Bodybaits and spoons with flat sides, like this Fin-Wing spoon, produce a lot of flash when trolled at slow speeds. Photo courtesy of Fin-Wing. cover a lot of water in a short period of time, and when you do, fish near walleye spawning grounds. Be sure to troll at less than one mileper-hour and use lures that wobblewell.

Spoony Tunes Although they are known to excel later in the season, one lure that doesn't get fished enough in early-spring is the spoon; this is because most spoons have to be trolled faster than 1 MPH to achieve the proper wobble.

One spoon, however, that excels at slow speeds is Keweenaw Tackle Company's Fin-Wing. Like a flatsided bodybait, the Fin-Wing has, well, “wings,” which keep it riding high in the water column at slow speeds, not to mention igniting amazing flash.

One old-school tip for getting any spoon down just under the surface is to attach a 1/4- to 1/2-ounce rubber-core sinker about 8 to 10 feet in front of the lure. The weight will not damage light line like splitshot or snap weights, either.

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INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

April 2015

Oxbows: Fishing Off the Beaten Path

BABEWINKELMAN If you're one part fisherman, one part detective, and one part bushwacker, then this article is for you. Having those characteristics can put you on fish that few anglers will ever have the pleasure of battling.

Here's a story that demonstrates what I'm talking about. A few years ago there was an amazing crappie bite on a smallish lake not far from where I live. I heard about it, and of course I wanted to get in on the action. But the word had gotten out so much that everyone and their brother was out there beating up on those fish. I really didn't want to join that army.

So I did some research on the lake and saw on maps and satellite images that it had a tiny feeder creek and an outgoing flowage that spilled into a big wetland. Tracing the feeder creek up, I noted that there was a spot about 15 miles away (and in the middle of nowhere) where the creek made a sharp sweep and formed almost an oxbow lake. Not big at all. Maybe 100 yards wide and 300 yards long.

I figured: if that creek was swimmable by crappies, then surely some of them must have migrated up. And if the oxbow had enough depth, then there could be a mother load in there! Consulting a plat book, I found that the only

CATFISHING Talk to a fisherman about fishing during or very near the spawn and they will likely think of bass or panfish, not catfish.

There might not be a more exciting time to be a catfisherman then during the spring. If you know where catfish spawn you could find yourself in the middle of some very fast-paced action.

You are likely to find cats entwined among tree roots near the shore, undercut sections of the bank, near fallen trees, stumps and brush, and near other structure in shallow water. It does not matter if it is natural structure like I mentioned above, or man made structure.

When trying to determine where spawning cats will be try to find areas of water between one and five feet in depth. The best places are going to be the shallowest and the toughest to get to.

The best catfishing normally takes place the two hours before and after dawn. The exception is when the water is dirty or muddy.

Such conditions often mean fishing will be good all day long. Warming air temperatures are best. Stable temperatures are better than falling temperatures. As long as the weather is not changing you can expect the cats to bite all day long.

One method to catching spring cats involves getting in the middle

access into that water was via private land. So I found out who the property owner was and called him up. A nice guy. He granted me permission and told me the best way to get back there, on an old cow trail that hadn't been used in years. Oh, and he also said I was "probably wasting my time" because he didn't think there were any fish in it.

The next day I pulled my truck and Aluma trailer over where the landowner had told me to park - off a dirt road next to an old rickety gate. On the other side, I could (sort of) see the cow trail that would wind back to the oxbow. He wasn't kidding about the trail being unused for years. Muddy, brushy, terrible... I wondered if I'd make it!

After unloading my 4-wheeler from the Aluma, and strapping down all my gear, I was off! It was an adventure my friends, but after getting stuck and unstuck a couple of times, I finally made it close enough to walk in the rest of the way.

Upon arriving at the water's edge, I was thrilled to find good footing on the bank. Judging by the lay of the land and how the water's depth dropped from shore, I was pretty certain this little waterway had some decent depth. To check it, I performed a simple little test: I set my slip bobber to 5 feet and made a long cast. The bobber stood up.

That meant it was at least 5+ feet deep there. I reeled up and re-set it to 10 feet. It still stood up.

Excellent! I kept doing this until I determined that there was roughly 14 feet of depth out at my longest cast distance.

From there I set my slip bobber to be about a foot off the bottom (13 feet) and hurled out a REAL cast with a fat waxworm on my feather jig. A few seconds later

a sound caught my attention. A "swirly-water" sound to my right. I looked over to see the remnant ripples of a swirl about 15 yards down the bank. Was it a fish? A muskrat?

I didn't know, but the sight of it made my confidence soar! 'Oh please let that be from a fish' I begged.

When I brought my eyes back to my bobber, it wasn't there!

I slowly reeled up my slack line and set the hook. BINGO! Fish on! Right away I knew it wasn't fighting like a crappie. Nope, instead it was a jumbo perch. And I mean JUMBO! Wow, I was so excited I could barely stand it. I felt like a little kid.

As the afternoon trickled on, and without leaving my initial boot prints, I caught fish after fish after fish. Crappies? My objective? I only caught two. They were keepers. 9-10 inchers, but perfect eaters.

I also caught a limit of huge bluegills! They were so plentiful that I only kept the orange-throated males. A few decent largemouth bass pounced on my jig too, along with a northern pike that went about four pounds.

But the heyday was on those big perch. Holy smokes did I clean up on perch! Fortunately I had the foresight (and hope) that I'd catch fish in that oxbow, so I brought my Yeti cooler with ice that kept my catch fresher than fresh.

When I got back to the road, and after loading all my gear back on the Aluma, I paused to look down that cow trail as I closed the owner's gate. I smiled as I thought about all those boats choked into that little lake 15 miles away - connected by a small creek to this secret oxbow. Without being part detective and part bushwacker, I would have never discovered that

Fishing Spawning Cats of catfish spawning grounds.

Because these hideouts are in the middle of some of the thickest, nastiest areas along the shore your equipment has to be strong enough to get the job done. A long, heavypower rod is a must. A rod that carries its mass throughout, all the way to the tip, is best. Do not use anything less than 30-pound test.

Forty is better.

Each spot you come across that has the potential to hold fish should be checked. To keep from spooking fish, approach each likely spot using a trolling motor if using a boat. If a cat is in the hideout it should not take very long before it gobbles up your bait. Use plenty of weight in strong current.

As soon as a cat bites you have to set the hook hard enough to cross the cats eyes. Do not delay in getting the fish out of the thick cover and into open water. Even the best line cannot withstand a few twists around a logjam and a 30 pound cat pulling against it.

Catfish have spent a long, cold winter waiting for the temperature to warm up. Now that they have, the fish will be looking for food and a place to spawn. Spawning season is not short lived, lasting up to a month. There is plenty of time to catch these aggressive fish.

Remember that spawning cats are a lot like spawning bass, mean-

“Hidden” oxbows are often overlooked by anglers and harbor fun surprises. spot.

I would tell you exactly where that spot is. But hey, the fun is in finding your own secret fishing hole. Isn't it? So start exploring my friends. And when you discover yours, keep it under your hat and off the beaten path.

Good Fishing.

Babe Winkelman hosts "Good Fishing" and "Outdoor Secrets," the most-watched fishing and hunting programs on television. Tune in on NBC Sports Network, Destination America, Velocity, Time Warner Sports Texas & New York and others.

Visit Winkelman.com for air times and more information.

By Jason Houser

ing there are normally only two fish per bed. A male and a female.

Once you catch one or two, move on to the next likely location.

Patience is a key factor when fishing the shoreline for spawning cats because of all the snags you will encounter with limbs, stumps, brush, logs and other debris. If you do not have the patience for fishing the shoreline for spawning cats, consider slow drifting or anchoring in deep water near spawning areas.

Such areas are easier to fish and can still be productive, but not as good as the thick, shallow primary spawing areas.

Finding a good spot is going to require you to do a lot of searching.

Once you find an area on the river or lake holding cats, mark it. I am willing to bet that each place you find cats also has a good food source nearby. If the spot is as good as you think it is, there will be more cats ready to move in.

Cats are not finicky eaters.

However, if you find an area holding shad or bluegills there are sure to be fish nearby on the prowl for an easy meal.

Catfish use their whiskers as “feelers” as they search for food.

Because their whiskers are a few inches above their belly it only makes since that your bait presentation be a few inches off the bottom instead of directly on the bot-

Spawning cats can provide fast springtime action when you find them.

Make sure your gear is up to the task. Photo provided. tom.

The most popular method is using a three-way swivel with an 8inch long drop line with a sinker attached. The second line is for your bait. Make it longer than your sinker line, but not so long that it drags on the bottom.

One of the best baits for spring cats is cut bait. Cut bait is nothing more than small fish like bluegills, suckers and shad. Depending on the size of the fish you have for bait you can either cut them into bitesize pieces or leave them whole. A lot of times I catch bluegills at a local creek between 2 and 4 inches in length and use them as bait leav-

ing them whole. I use a big hook, normally a 1/0 circle or wide-gap hook.

Other options are night crawlers, leeches, stink bait and even chicken liver.

Once a catfish picks up your bait it will almost immediately suck it in. if you have ever shiner fished for largemouth bass you know that you have to wait several seconds before setting the hook after the bass picks up the bait.

This is not the case with catfish. As soon as a catfish strikes, drop the rod tip, reel in any slack and set the hook with all you have. After all, it might be a catfish like no other.

April 2015

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

Page 13

April’s Best Hunting & Fishing Times...

Indiana Outdoor Calendar April 2015 Apr. 11: Icebreaker Team Bass Tournament at Lake Wawasee. Email rangerman250@gmail.com for more information Apr. 11-12: NRA Pistol Instructor Course at the Hammond Cabela’s store. Call Shaun at 708-724-3716 or visit www.blackhawkdefense.com for more info Apr. 17-19: Eric Corey Foundation Angola Turkey Tracks Hunt. Visit http://turkeytracks.org/ for more information Apr. 18-19: Youth Wild Turkey Hunting Season Apr. 22-May 10: Spring Wild Turkey Hunting Season Apr. 24-26: Eric Corey Foundation Starke County Turkey Tracks Hunt. Visit http://turkeytracks.org/ for more information Apr. 25: Stream Trout Fishing Season Opens Apr. 26: Outdoor Cooking Workshop at Paynetown State Recreation Area (Lake Monroe). Pre-register at bit.ly/campcookapr2015 May 2: Cabela’s Illiana Bowfishing Tournament. For more information please visit www.illinoisbowfishing.info May 2-3: Hoosier Coho Classic Fishing Tournament. Information and registration at www.hoosiercohoclub.org

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Fishing Quality / Notes

5:00 5:29 5:59 6:29 7:01 7:34 8:12 8:54 9:40 10:33 11:30 2:00 2:45 3:27 4:06 4:45 5:23 6:03 6:44 7:28 8:16 9:07 10:01 12:34 11:52 1:55 2:30 3:01 3:31 4:01

10:53 11:35 ----12:34 1:18 2:03 2:51 3:57 4:32 5:26 6:20 7:16 8:11 9:07 10:02 10:57 11:52 12:12 1:08 2:05 3:02 3:58 4:52 5:45 6:34 7:21 8:07 8:50 9:33 10:16

4:47 5:42 6:39 7:35 8:33 9:30 10:28 ----------------12:33 1:38 2:48 3:58 5:10 6:22 7:33 8:43 9:48 10:50 --------10:56 1:17 12:48 1:44 2:40 3:35 4:31

--------12:19 1:02 1:47 2:32 3:20 4:09 4:59 5:52 6:45 7:39 8:32 9:27 10:21 --------12:48 1:43 2:38 3:33 4:25 5:17 6:06 6:53 7:39 8:22 9:05 9:48 10:31

7:29 7:28 7:26 7:25 7:23 7:21 7:20 7:18 7:17 7:15 7:14 7:12 7:11 7:09 7:08 7:06 7:05 7:03 7:02 7:00 6:59 6:57 6:56 6:55 6:53 6:52 6:50 6:49 6:48 6:47

8:08 8:09 8:10 8:11 8:12 8:13 8:14 8:15 8:16 8:17 8:18 8:19 8:20 8:21 8:22 8:23 8:24 8:25 8:26 8:27 8:28 8:29 8:30 8:31 20:32 8:33 8:34 8:36 8:37 8:38

Fair Fair Poor Poor Fair / Full Moon Fair Fair Fair Fair Poor Poor Fair / Waning Half Moon Fair Fair Fair Fair Good Good Good / New Moon Good Fair Fair Fair Poor Poor Fair / Waxing Half Moon Fair Fair Poor Poor

• A variety of Hunter Education courses are offered around the state this month. For details, visit www.in.gov/dnr/lawenfor/4812.htm.

• Check http://www.ducks.org/indiana/events/ for a complete list of Ducks Unlimited events throughout Indiana this month.

• Check http://www.nwtf.org/indiana/hh_banquets.html for a complete list of National Wild Turkey Federation banquets in Indiana this month.

www.INDIANAOUTDOORNEWS.net

A Marketplace for the Outdoors Enthusiast!

GET RESULTS! Place your ad in the ION Outdoor Directory.

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DOWN

1. A wildlife's favorite area 8. To travel seasonally in search of food 10. A very good catfish bait 11. Name for the sea bass 12. Top breed of retriever 14. A hunters camo 15. To get the bait to the fish 17. A game hideaway 19. Female deer 21. Appendage on back of turkey's leg 23. A top commercial fish 25. The Hawaiian goose 26. Trapped for the fur 28. Field area where quail are found 31. Used for bait at times 33. Treats a hide 35. Old gobbler that stays to himself 36. A method of fishing 39. A darting bait, jigging ___ 42. Their grouping is called a covey 43. Name for a young Atlantic salmon 45. Where the ice fisherman keeps the hook 46. A loaded shotgun cartridge 47. Species of geese

1. A small game predator 2. Inside diameter of a gun barrel 3. The wild boar 4. A duck species 5. Knife used for cleaning fish 6. Wild pig will ____ for food 7. The tusker 9. Game runways 13. A type bullet, ____ jacket 15. A bow scope protector 16. A Rocky mountain game 18. A food fish, ____ snapper 20. The license cost 21. An aid to aiming bow or gun 22. A dry fly, _____ pillow 24. A type of sight 27. Deer mating periods 29. Name for the brook trout 30. The fur seeker's gear 31. Outdoorsman bed 32. A species of deer 34. Largemouth frequent this water level 36. A grouse 37. A breed of setter 38. The eagle's claw 40. Arrows and shells 41. The wolf 44. The slippery swimmer

Answers on Page 4

Page 14

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS Ž 2015Š

April 2015

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Costa’s new hybrid sport metal, Loreto, honors its namesake with laidback style. It features a medium fit aviator frame shape, built with quality MonelŽ metal, integral hinges and durable nylon arms. Optically adjustable no-slip silicone nose pads, and hypoallergenic rubberized temple tips offer a “forget-they’re-on� fit. Frame colors include palladium with white temples, gunmetal with black temples, rose gold, and gunmetal with crystal temples.

A second new sport metal style, Palapa, features a smaller, squareshape lightweight frame. It also offers optically adjustable no-slip silicone nose pads and integral hinges for a durable, comfortable fit.

Frame colors include palladium, gunmetal, rose gold, and the new palladium with crystal red temples.

Both Loreto and Palapa can be customized in a full array of Costa’s patented color enhancing polarized 580G™ or 580P™ lenses. The styles, which feature a six-base lens curve, can also be fitted with Costa Rx lens technology. “Loreto and Palapa are sharp-looking styles built to enjoy life on the water,â€? said Chas MacDonald, president of Costa. “They’re lightweight but strong, smaller but sturdy, and ready take on whatever adventure you can throw at them.â€?

Loreto and Palapa start at $199, and are available online at http://www.costadelmar.com.

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The new Retro Series Big Hooter Owl Call from Hunter’s SpecialtiesŽ can help hunters stay in the hunt by locating closedmouth gobblers.

The Big Hooter is a reed call with a select maple barrel and chamber for consistent sound and tone. It is easy to use and one of the loudest barred owl calls on the market.

As a part of the World Champion series Retro Calls, the Big Hooter is once again helping hunters put their tag on a big gobbler this spring.

The Big Hooter Owl Call sells for a suggested retail price of $16.99.

For more information about other Hunter’s Specialties products, log onto the Hunter’s Specialties website at www.hunterspec.com.

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For 2015 the Winchester Repeating Arms SX3 Long Beard Turkey model will be available in the new Mossy OakŽ Break-Up CountryŽ camo pattern. Available in 12 gauge 3 ?�, the new SX3 Long Beard Turkey autoloading shotgun features a pistol grip stock and comes with a Briley Invector-Plus Long Beard extra full extended choke tube.

The SX3 Long Beard features a synthetic stock with textured gripping surfaces. The back-bored barrel and Invector-Plus Choke Tube system delivers a consistent and reliable shot pattern. The 24� barrel is easy to swing in tight brush.

The proven Active Valve gas system cycles a wide range of loads. Quadra-Vent Ports vent excess gasses for cleaner operation. The SX3 Long Beard also features an Inflex Technology recoil pad to help reduce felt recoil. For long-term reliability, the SX3 has a hard chrome-plated chamber and bore that are resistant to wear and corrosion.

The SX3 Long Beard comes with a TRUGLOŽ fiber-optic front sight with adjustable rear sight. To easily mount your favorite optic, the SX3 Long Beard comes with a Weaver style cantilever rail design. Three interchangeable comb inserts and three recoil pad options let you fine-tune the shotgun’s fit.

Suggested Retail: $1,269.99.

For more information on Winchester Firearms, please visit www.winchester-guns.com.

The new 2015 Ram 1500 Rebel brings a one-ofa-kind off-road design to the full-size truck segment. “Offering an off-road-style package on the Ram 1500 has been on our to-do list for some time but the right combination didn’t present itself until now,� said Bob Hegbloom, President and CEO — Ram Truck Brand, FCA US LLC. “The Rebel drops right into a core segment of the truck market with unique design cues and can-do attitude backed by Ram Truck engineering.�

Rebel features an all-new grille with prominent billet silver “RAM� letter badge. The blacked-out Rebel grille tops a completely new black off-road front bumper design with a durable powder-coated surface, billet silver skid plate, new front tow hooks and new LED fog lamps. Black bezel bi-functional projector headlamps with LED marker lights lie beneath an aluminum, twin-snorkel sport hood.

Rebel’s blacked-out front-end continues on the flanks, where black Power Wagon wheel-arch moldings, flat-black badge, mirrors and lower body panels create a distinctive trail-ready presence. The new trim features a two-tone paint scheme with black as a constant on the lower body, front to rear.

The Ram 1500 Rebel features an all-new 17-inch aluminum wheel. Among the most elaborate designs found in mass production, the new one-piece wheel incorporates matte black painted accent pockets and multi-angled surfaces linked to the Rebel’s off-road bias.

Continuing around to the rear is a bold new “RAM� stamped tailgate with blacked-out lettering. The “Rebel� and “4X4� badge emphasize the truck’s uniqueness. The rear bumper is also treated with durable black powder coating with flared cutouts around dual chrome-tipped exhausts. Tail lamps incorporate black bezels to match forward lighting.

Rebel includes an optional backup camera, providing a better field of vision when maneuvering. A new tri-fold tonneau cover is embossed with the Ram logo.

The Ram 1500 Rebel will be available in five colors, including: Granite Crystal Metallic, Bright Silver Metallic, Flame Red, Bright White and Brilliant Black. Both monotone and two-tone paint options are offered.

Inside, Rebel is every bit as brawny and rugged as it is outside, featuring dramatic, industry-exclusive seating elements.

High-durability technical grain vinyl seats are finished in Radar Red and Black with Sedoso fabric inserts embossed with the Toyo tire tread pattern, matching the Rebel’s actual footprint. Standard heated front seats feature Light Diesel Gray accent stitching, Radar Red Ram’s head embroidery on the headrests and Black with Light Diesel Gray Rebel nameplate embroidered on upper seat bolsters.

The all-black instrument panel, door armrests and logo-embossed center console armrest cover are topped with two-tone Radar Red and Light Gray accent stitching. The center stack and console are finished in Iron Gray Metallic paint giving a cast-iron appearance. An all-new center console bin incorporates a cellular phone/tablet holder with molded insert allowing for various-sized devices. Radar Red anodized vent rings, door accent rings, door trim spears and center console trim ring add color detail to the interior. The Rebel’s heated steering wheel is wrapped with semiperforated black leather, accented with Radar Red X-stitches.

Deep all-weather rubber floor mats with contrasting Radar Red Ram’s head help contain dirt, snow and debris.

The Rebel’s trail-running capability gets a boost with 1.0-inch raised ride height for improved off-road approach, departure and breakover angles. Bilstein supplies front and rear shocks with unique tuning and a new steering calibration is matched to the Rebel’s increased ride height, while a softer rear stabilizer bar provides improved dynamics. Beefy 33-inch (LT285/70R17E) Toyo Open Country A/T all-terrain tires are mounted to the all-new 17-inch silver and black cast aluminum wheels.

The Rebel takes advantage of Ram’s exclusive air suspension system with a 1.0-inch factory suspension lift, which not only helps to clear the 33-inch tires but also contributes to additional ground clearance. A modified alignment of the independent front suspension appropriately adjusts tire angle and aluminum lower A-arms absorb the load.

The combination of larger tires and a suspension lift yield best-in-class ground clearance of 10.3 inches, and a new stability program calibration takes Rebel’s modifications into consideration.

Rebel is available exclusively as a crew cab model with 5-ft.-by-7-inch bed length. Both 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and 5.7-liter HEMI powertrains are offered, as is a choice of either 4X2 (HEMI only) or 4X4 configurations. RamBox is optional.

Both the 3.6-liter V-6 and 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engines are available with a rear anti-spin differential, which turns both rear wheels in tandem when increased torque is applied – helpful in off-road driving conditions. The design automatically unlocks the differential for normal on-road driving, allowing the wheels to spin independently for improved drivability.

The class-exclusive eight-speed automatic transmission (TorqueFlite 8) is standard equipment with the Rebel’s 3.6-liter V-6 Pentastar and 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engines, improving drivability and enhancing fuel efficiency.

Rebel goes on sale early in the second half of 2015. Visit www.ramtrucks for more information.

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With the explosion in the popularity of archery and bowhunting, especially among women and youth archers, finding equipment that fits the person using it is critical. That is where the BlackOutÂŽ Intrigue Compound Bow Package fits in.

Designed for archers with a smaller frame, the BlackOut Intrigue can be set up for a wide range of shooters, with draw lengths from 23 to 30 inches, and draw weights from 20 to 70 pounds. Both settings can be easily changed to adapt the bow to growing skills or growing archers. It’s fast too; capable of speeds up to 313 fps.

The BlackOut Intrigue has the same high-performance features you’d expect from the BlackOut brand. Designed with the engineers at BowtechŽ, the Intrigue sports a 31-inch axle-to-axle length, making it very compact. You’ll notice the forgiving 7-inch brace height and 80-percent letoff.

Combine those features with a solid back wall and what you get is a bow that is very forgiving and easy on the shooter, in one accurate package. The range of adjustability allows the bow to grow with the shooter’s abilities.

The Intrigue is lightweight, too, weighing just 3.9 pounds loaded with accessories. The package comes with a 3-pin Apex sight, shoot-through rest, Octane stabilizer, an installed peep sight, D-loop and wrist sling. Combine these accessories with the features of the bow, and you’ve got a tremendous amount of value packed in what may be the perfect archery package. The bow is available in right- and left-hand models and comes in RealtreeŽ Xtra camo with your choice of purple or red accents.

Whether to increase the enjoyment of bowhunting or to experience the fun of target shooting, finding the right bow that fits the archer using it is the vital step in getting the most out of the sport.

With the BlackOut Intrigue, finding the right bow that fits has become a whole lot easier. Get one for you, or your growing archer, at http://www.basspro.com/BlackOut-Intrigue-Compound-BowPackage/product/14110106270225/ or your nearest Bass Pro ShopsÂŽ store. Price: $399.99.

April 2015

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

Page 15

Catching Goliath

The Last Thought MIKESCHOONVELD It might have been the biggest fish I ever caught.

Regardless, the captain estimated the weight at 250 pounds (my biggest weighed catch was 242) so it was in the same ball park.

My fishing partner had caught one 10 minutes earlier which weighed by the captain‚s estimate, 350 pounds. Mine was somewhat smaller. Neither were put on a scale. Both were released.

They are now called Goliath Groupers, a name change that occurred several years ago from their previous name jewfish by politically correct fish-namer people. There are dozens of species of groupers in the world, the Goliath is the largest that swims the Altlantic Ocean, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico.

Reportedly, it can grow to 8 feet in length and weigh a thousand pounds. (Mine was just a pup.)

Goliath Groupers are very structure oriented fish, congregating around reefs, coral outcrops and sunken ships. They are also very easy to get on the line.

Being at the top of the food chain, they basically bite anything they want and aren’t that picky.

Reportedly, they are very tasty. I can‚t attest to that unless some of the Filet-O-Fish sandwiches I bought at McDonalds 30 or 40 years ago were Goliaths.

Reportedly, they were.

By late 1980s the species was so over fished by commercial harvesters Goliaths were in danger of going extinct.

Historically, the humps, reefs and wrecks offshore where Goliaths congregated were hard to find. When Loran-C became available, the Goliath haunts became a bit more accessible and when GPS was invented, any mope with 100 bucks and an Internet connection could find them.

In 1990 the harvest of Goliaths was made illegal. In fact, it’s illegal to even lift one out of the water. If you hook one and get it boat side, the captain or mate will hold the leader to allow you a photo op, then cut the line

or remove the hook. As if I could hold a 250 pounder up for a snapshot, anyway.

I fished with a captain from Islamorada who told me of the time he had a film crew on board doing a fishing show and the star angler hooked and brought a Goliath to the boat. There were dozens of hooks in the fish’s mouth so they slid the fish up onto the swim platform and quickly removed almost 50 imbedded hooks. A few days after the show aired, a Florida Fish and Game Commission officer showed up at his door and handed him a ticket even though the footage showed the now hookless fish released and swimming back to the depths.

The captain of the boat from which I was fishing told us he was catching one or two Goliaths each day. Once we were anchored over a sunken shrimp boat 10 or 12 miles offshore of Sanibel Island, he pulled out the big gear. It was summer, hot and humid. It took about 10 seconds for Doug to hook the first one and 10 minutes to get it pulled from the depths to the boat. But it wasn’t just 10 minutes of pulling.

As the fish swam around down below, Doug was dragged repeat-

Goliath Grouper numbers are up and if you hook one, hang on! They are big! edly from one side of the boat to the other, slamming thighs and knees into the rail, arms nearly stretched from their socket.

Winching on the big reel was like cranking a boat onto a trailer.

I know because 10 minutes later I was bruising my thighs and knees on the same rails, having my arm muscles, tendons and ligaments stretched and ended completely exhausted by the fight. When my fish was unhooked, the skipper turned to us and asked if anyone else wanted a turn. “Not me,” I said. And

no one else volunteered, either.

“That’s why I only catch one or two per trip,” said the captain. “I can’t get anymore volunteers.”

There’s an increasing number of commercial and sport anglers now lobbying to allow a limited harvest of Goliath Groupers. Big fish eat little fish and in lots of popular fishing spots populated by Goliaths, the number of little fish that anglers are allowed to catch and keep are dwindling due to Goliath predation. Want to go? Contact www.

Kingfisherfleet.com.