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YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
5 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY applies to qualifying purchases of Suzuki outboard motors sold and delivered to the retail purchaser, for pleasure (non-commercial) use only, from April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022. See Suzuki Limited Warranty for additional details. Suzuki, the “S” logo, and Suzuki model and product names are Suzuki Trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2021 Suzuki Marine USA, LLC. All rights reserved.
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877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JANUARY 2022 3
HUNTING & FISHING IN ALABAMA & THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE
8
12
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CONTENTS
Alabama’s Land-Locked Stripers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 by Frank Sargeant Weird Ways to Bag Big Bucks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 by John E. Phillips Secrets to January Crappie Fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 by Charles Johnson Are Lithium Marine Batteries Worth It?. . . . . . . . . . . 20 by David Strickland Where to Find Ducks Others Haven’t . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 by Charles Johnson Getting Over the Wintertime Fishing Blues . . . . . . . 28 by Captain Bobby Abruscato How to Move Your Gun Safe Safely. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 by Stephanie Mallory How to Prevent Sea Sickness While Fishing . . . . . . 36 by William Kendy How to Create a Habitat Management Plan. . . . . . . . 40 by Great Days Outdoors Choosing the Best Pond Aeration System. . . . . . . . 44 by William Kendy 8 Ways to Lose Money Selling Land. . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 by Joe Baya Land Loan Interest Rate Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 by Great Days Outdoors
In Every Issue
28
4 JANUARY 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
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Best Bets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 by William Kendy Camphouse Kitchen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 by Hank Shaw New & Cool Gear for Outdoorsmen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 by William Kendy From the Commissioner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 by Chris Blakenship From the Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 by Charles Sykes Paddle Fishing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 by Ed Mashburn Coastal Outlook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 by Chris Vecsey Pier & Shore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 by David Thornton Regional Freshwater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 by Ed Mashburn Prime Feeding Times, Moon, Sun, and Tide Charts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Pensacola Motorsports Trophy Room. . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Great Days Kids Corner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Fishing Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 by William Kendy A Great Day Outdoors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 by Jim Mize
Big Swamp Creek Lodge and Hunting Investment
Leaf River Barndominium Hunting & Timber Retreat
This beautiful 130 +/- acres has some of everything, located in Southern Dallas County, Alabama near 5 Points, South of Orrville Alabama. Has paved road frontage, power, and county water. Beautiful cedar lodge with 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms and a loft lodge. Barn with RV hookup. 4 food plots, creek, and a large dove field that could easily be converted into pasture. Planted pines. This property will make a family happy for generations to come.
This rare waterfront opportunity between Lucedale and Hattiesburg has it all: river frontage, road frontage, camp, equipment shed, diverse timber, and fantastic hunting. Make long lasting memories with friends and family in the custom barndominium camp, boat, float, or fish the 3.3 miles of Leaf River frontage from one end of the property to the next, enjoying large sandbars and scenic views along the way, fish or hunt ducks on the internal oxbow lake, or use the intricate network of roads, trails, and wildlife food plots for riding atvs, horse riding, nature rides, or hunting the abundant deer, turkey, dove, duck, and other game present. The timber value is strong, boasting a diverse mix of mature pine saw timber, various ages of pine plantation, and hundreds of acres of mature hardwood.
Dallas County, Alabama, 130+/-Acres
Greene County, Mississippi, 860+/-Acres
FL Panhandle Listings
Alabama Listings COUNTY Autauga Autauga Baldwin Baldwin Baldwin Baldwin Baldwin Barbour Barbour Barbour Barbour Barbour Bibb Bibb Bibb Bibb Bibb Blount Blount Blount Blount Blount Bullock Bullock Butler Butler Butler
ACRES 114 110 710 113 44 39.43 39 1331 351 342 166.06 77 653 573 395 368 284 211 165 153 100 67 2436 92 394.47 151.05 2
COUNTY Calhoun Calhoun Chambers Cherokee Cherokee Cherokee Cherokee Chilton Chilton Chilton Chilton Chilton Choctaw Choctaw Clarke Clarke Clarke Clarke Clarke Cleburne Colbert Colbert Colbert Colbert Colbert Conecuh Conecuh
80 48 103 938 16.33 2 0.3 165 34 16 4.16 2.88 175 37 1450 620 176 66.42 8.9 65 72 54 49.8 20 18.84 119 31
ACRES
Conecuh Coosa Coosa Covington Covington Covington Covington Covington Dale Dale Dale Dallas Dallas Dallas Dallas Dallas Elmore Elmore Elmore Elmore Elmore Fayette Fayette Fayette Fayette Fayette Franklin
1 100 55 730 360 0.86 0.84 0.79 115 104 27 740 270 130 94 63 194 163 62 36.44 10 672 640 484 473 344 38
Franklin Geneva Greene Greene Greene Hale Hale Hale Hale Hale Henry Henry Henry Henry Henry Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Jackson Jackson Jackson Jefferson Jefferson Jefferson Jefferson
8 228 37 8 6 235.63 195.37 150 127 120 26 18 17 15 6 160 93 73 40 35 695 80 60 200 132.62 91 39
COUNTY
ACRES
Jefferson Lamar Lamar Lamar Lamar Lauderdale Lauderdale Lauderdale Lauderdale Lauderdale Lee Limestone Limestone Limestone Limestone Limestone Lowndes Lowndes Lowndes Lowndes Lowndes Macon Macon Macon Marengo Marengo Marengo
23 373 202 92 90 160 102.69 75 55.35 25 1.59 60 3.42 1.4 1.4 1.4 1083 1013 783 656 583 483 289 185 585 451.21 40
Marengo Marion Mobile Mobile Mobile Mobile Mobile Monroe Montgomery Montgomery Montgomery Montgomery Montgomery Perry Perry Perry Perry Perry Pickens Pickens Pickens Pickens Pickens Pike Pike Saint Clair Saint Clair
25 133 1800 308 260 167 160 191 353 250 150 116 91 619 610.57 270.21 240.75 240 430 356 180 150 121 400 9.2 585 304
COUNTY
ACRES
Saint Clair Saint Clair Saint Clair Shelby Shelby Shelby Shelby Shelby Sumter Sumter Sumter Sumter Sumter Talladega Talladega Tallapoosa Tallapoosa Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa Walker Walker Walker Walker Walker
281 128 60 142 79 75 74 64 2151 640 630 115 80 250 112 264 13 817 500 479 393 357 220 140.27 131.47 115 95.91
Washington Washington Washington Washington Washington Wilcox Wilcox Winston Winston Winston
1320 240 213 200 200 522 180 81 40 2.3
COUNTY
Calhoun Holmes Holmes Holmes Walton Washington Washington
ACRES 30 127 64 63 52 133 68
Over 700 more tracts across 47 states available...
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877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JANUARY 2022 5
BEST BETS
BEST BETS FOR JANUARY These are our top targets for hunters and fishermen this month! BY WILLIAM KENDY
GO FIGURE
Have you ever noticed that it seems that many trophy deer, turkey and fish (of all species) seem to be shot and caught at the oddest times and nonsensical circumstances? We practice with our guns and bows. We scout. We plant. We conceal. We take painstaking care to make sure we are on our stand an hour before daylight, downwind from our ambush site, scent free, not blinking an eye or moving a muscle, in head to tail camo and…zilch, nada, zippo. Then, as we are casually walking out for lunch at 11:30, a beautiful ten point just steps out in the open fifty yards from the car and says, “shoot me”. In his article,” Weird Ways to Bag Big Bucks” John Phillips shares some of the seemingly wacky and “off the wall” tactics that hunters have done to connect with whitetails.
VOLUME 26 ISSUE 1 JANUARY 2022
PUBLISHED BY: Great Days Outdoors Media, L.L.C. PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Joe Baya EXECUTIVE EDITOR Butch Thierry MANAGING EDITOR: William Kendy GENERAL MANAGER: Samatha Hester CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Wendy Johannesmann
SEA SICKNESS
Aside from running into bad seas and nasty weather, a boat and engine failure or running aground or out of gas, one of the most common ways to ruin a good day out fishing is to get seasick. It is one of those things that can afflict anyone for all kinds of reasons and it is something that is hard to plan for.
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MARKETING Jarod Bosarge
Great Days Outdoors (USPS 17228; ISSN 1556-0147) is published monthly at P.O. Box 1253 Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 Subscription rate is $30 for one-year, $54 for two-years, and $72 for three-years. Periodicals Postage Paid at Mobile, Ala. and additional mailing offices.
Sill, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of you getting stricken and pretty much incapacitated while out on the water.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Great Days Outdoors Media, LLC PO Box 460248 Escondido, CA 92046
In “How to Prevent Sea Sickness While Fishing ‘’ Eric Ramblas from West Marine shares some common sense tips on what and what not to do before venturing out, some of the different products to combat sea sickness and how to deal with it while on the water.
SUBSCRIBERS: All subscriptions begin the first issue for the month following receipt of payment, if payment is received by the 15th. Great Days Outdoors assumes no responsibility for delivery after magazines are mailed. All delivery complaints should be addressed to your local postmaster.
COLD WATER BITERS
While the weather in January can be cold, the crappie action can be hot and it is a good time to bundle up, crank up the outboard and fill your cooler with tasty slabs. The nice thing about crappie fishing is that they are found in just about every lake in the south and they aren’t especially hard to catch if you know just a few techniques. An additional benefit of cold weather crappie fishing is at this time of year they have the tendency to gather in large schools so when you hit paydirt, the fishing can be fast and furious. To get the inside track one the best ways to catch crappie in the winter, read Charles Johnson’s article on “Secrets to January Crappie Fishing” in this issue.
6 JANUARY 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
CONTACT US: EDITORIAL | JoeBaya@greatdaysoutdoors.com ADVERTISING | SamHester@greatdaysoutdoors.com SUBSCRIPTIONS | greatdaysoutdoors@pcspublink.com Great Days Outdoors Media LLC PO Box 460248 Escondido, CA 92046 877. 314. 1237 info@greatdaysoutdoors.com www.greatdaysoutdoors.com All rights reserved. Reproduction of contents is strictly prohibited without permission from Great Days Outdoors Media, LLC.
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877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JANUARY 2022 7
Alabama’s Land-Locked Vertical jigging is an effective tactic when the fish are in pre-spawn mode approaching the feeder rivers.
8 JANUARY 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
STRIPERS BY FRANK SARGEANT
d
FISHING
If hooking up with a 30-pound sportfish in a creek barely 20 feet wide sounds like your kind of fishing fun, head to Alabama’s lakes and rivers this spring and have a go at the landlocked striped bass. While the striped jumbos are also caught the rest of the year, the fact that they move out of the lakes into the feeder creeks and eventually to the head of those creeks where the water is sometimes knee deep makes them an unusually exciting spring target. Beginning in March and continuing well into April, the fish make a spawning run into the rivers, and though successful spawns are rare due to the short length of most of the streams, the fishing action is impressive. The action starts about the time the turkeys start gobbling—so keep an ear out! Stripers are a coastal species that normally migrate from saltwater into freshwater rivers to spawn—and their eggs have to suspend in current for about 72 hours to hatch. So a hatch in freshwater lakes where the fish are stocked is rare simply because the feeder rivers are just too short. Still, Alabama, like a number of other states, stocks hundreds of thousands of hatchery-reared baby stripers per year, and while many no doubt wind up as crappie forage, a whole lot of them survive to become 20-pounders and more. In prime lakes like Martin southeast of Birmingham and Lewis Smith near Jasper, striper guides sometimes report mass schools of hundreds of adults massed together in late fall over deep water. The fish are stocked into lakes in the Black Warrior, Coosa, Tallapoosa and Alabama River chains, but do best in deep, clear impoundments like Martin and Smith. In spring, all that have reached maturity head for the feeder creeks. While most fish you’ll catch here might weigh between 12 and 15 pounds, 20-pounders are an everyday catch and 30 pounders are always possible and they get WAAAY bigger. In fact, the all-tackle world record for landlocked stripers came from the Black Warrior River just northwest of Birmingham in 2013. James Bramlett of Dora caught an unbelievable football of a fish that weighed 69 pounds, 9 ounces to set the all-time mark with the International Game Fish Association (IGFA). With abundant food, stripers average gaining two pounds a year, so a three-year-old fish might weigh five to six pounds, a 10-year-old 18-20 pounds and be close to a yard long. They can live up to 20 years and weigh over 70 pounds— even more for coastal fish. 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JANUARY 2022 9
Alabama’s Land-Locked Stripers
At Smith Lake, stripers sometimes crash the action when anglers are fishing for bass.
Fish stocked in Lewis Smith Lake have been growing particularly fast since the illegal introduction of blueback herring into the lake over a decade ago. The fast-multiplying baitfish, considered an invasive species in Alabama waters, are now the primary forage fish in the lake. Millions of them thrive in the depths, providing a nearly endless food supply for the hungry stripers. The best way to catch these fish is to book a guide, since it’s a fairly specialized pursuit. On Smith Lake, Mike Walker at (fishing24-7guideservice.com) is one of the better known, as is Bill Vines, (stripefishingheadquarters.com). On Lake Martin, David Hare at (alexcityguideservice. com) puts his clients on hundreds of whoppers every year. David is also a frequent contributor to the Alabama Freshwater Fishing report, a Great Days Outdoors weekly podcast.—check it out here: (greatdaysoutdoors.com/lake-eufaula-fishing-report) . It’s also not difficult to catch stripers on your own when they’re in the spawning mode. When fish first head toward the feeder creeks in late March, they’re likely to linger for a time around bridges and flooded valleys where the water may be 40 feet deep or more. You’ll need a boat with a good sonar system, ideally one with capabilities like Lowrance’s LiveTarget system, that will not only let you spot the fish, but also see your lure going down to them—and approaching the lure just before your rod bows over! On these spots, a soft-plastic shad fished on a fitted head like the Storm Wildeye Swim Shad or the Tsunami Swim Shad in the six or seven inch size will do well fished vertically. Simply drop the lure down to just above the fish, then twitch it a few times and hang on. Vertically jigging a spoon designed for the tactic like several from Hopkins also works well, pull it up about three or four feet, then let it flutter down in front of the fish repeatedly. If you have access to live shad, it’s even more of a no-brainer; any hooked shad that gets within 10 feet of a striper in clear water is toast, immediately. Shad can often be netted in spring below dams throughout Alabama as they, too, run upstream to spawn. Nose hook them on 4/0 extra-strong circle hooks and add enough weight to get them down to the fish quickly. When a fish bites, they’ll usually hook themselves and then the fun begins. Once the fish move farther into the creeks, it’s possible to locate migrating pods by trolling jerkbaits like the Yo-Zuri Hydro Minnow LC, a 6.5 inch saltwater bait with extra-strong trebles that will hold the weight of a 20-pound fish. It’s best not to use your freshwater jerkbaits for this duty unless you replace the trebles with 3X strong wire trebles otherwise, you’ll likely lose the trophy of the day.
10 JANUARY 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
Alabama’s Land-Locked Stripers
Tow the baits just fast enough to bring out the wobble, typically about walking speed. It’s best to troll on the trolling motor, though quiet four-stroke outboards also do pretty well provided you put the lure well back from the boat. Where you hook one fish, you can be pretty sure others are close by and you can often connect by casting the jerkbait and either cranking it steadily or retrieving it with a stop-and-go action as in fishing for largemouths. Stripers also readily bust topwaters when in the creeks, so have a Super Spook or similar topwater ready to throw, as well. The usual walk-the-dog action usually gets the hits. They also like wakebaits like the Offshore Anglers Wake Bait which is best retrieved just fast enough to create a steady V-wake on the surface. It’s also possible to do well by running up the feeder creek as far as possible, then putting out live shad under a float that will suspend them a few feet off bottom. Drift back with the current, or use the trolling motor to ease along at one mph or so—when you get to a striper school, they’ll let you know. TAILRACE FISHING Dams on the rivers where stripers have been stocked also become hotspots in spring, and the fish stack up below the obstructions in their upstream migration. A nice thing about fishing the tailrace waters is that at the same time the stripers arrive, millions of shad also arrive and stack up in great schools along the walls of the dam, making them very easy to castnet. Catch a bucket of this free live bait, stick one on a hook, throw it out into the eddies of the current coming through the dam and it’s often instant striper, if a smallmouth or blue catfish doesn’t beat them to the bait.
Drifting shad around bluff walls, bridge pilings and anywhere else you see current breaks can also connect you with lots of stripers and other gamefish at this time of year. GEARING UP Stripers are big, heavy, strong fish completely out of the league of largemouths. However, if you’re not sure you want to chase them seriously, you can get started with your seven foot heavy-duty flippin’ rod, 5000-size reel and 30-pound-test braid, with a six-foot leader of 25-pound-test fluorocarbon tied in with a double uniknot. The fluoro is less visible, and also less likely to allow the lure to flip over and snag the line than the very flexible braid. If you get serious about chasing stripers, you’ll probably want to invest in a 7’6” heavy-action baitcasting rod designed for saltwater fishing, equipped with a 6000-sized reel. Again, use the no-stretch braided line and fluoro leader. Don’t forget a quality oversized, heavy-duty landing net—cheap, lightweight nets get torn up immediately when you try to scoop a 20-pound striper. (It’s possible to rip them as well, but a fish as heavy as some of these brawlers can be a real handful, highly likely to flop around enough to put a hook into your hand—better to net them.) STRIPER COOKERY Stripers are delicious on the grill, but like many fish, they taste best if they’re filleted, skinned and the red line cut out before cooking. Once that’s done, you can steak the larger fish or cut the smaller ones into four inch chunks and cook them any way you like to cook fish. My favorite is to brush on mayo then drop them on a hot grill until a fork easily penetrates. It is a great ending for a great gamefish.
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877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JANUARY 2022 11
The smell of peanut butter often is more than even an older-age-class buck can stand, and he has to check it out.
12 JANUARY 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
HUNTING
Weird Ways to Bag
Big Bucks BY JOHN E. PHILLIPS
Painting a tree stand white, putting a telephone pole in a field, using jars of peanut butter and pottying on a tree are just a few of the ways hunters attract deer to take them.
Strange deer lures will work to call in deer, especially in January and February when hunters have to think outside the box to take deer. Although an apple tree never had grown in the Alabama swamps where I grew up hunting, I watched one year as a hunter from New York loaded his pocket with apples when I hunted in the swamps near Aliceville, Alabama. He told me, “I’m not eating these apples. I’ll cut them up and put them out to attract deer”. I laughed and told him, “You’ll probably run off every deer in the county if you put out those apples, since they’ve never smelled them.” But when we arrived at the lodge for lunch, the apple man had taken a 250-pound buck with a neck swollen-up to twice its normal size and 8-1/2-inch-long tines. “I put those apples downwind of my stand, and the buck came in with his nose in the air, smelling `em. I waited until he’d eaten two apple pieces before I shot him,” he said. BUILDING A FIRE IN THE SNOW If snow falls during January in Alabama, consider building a fire to attract deer. Reason dictates that deer will run from fire and view fire as an enemy. However, the Cree Indians of Manitoba, Canada, have built fires to stay warm while hunting and to lure deer and moose to within bow range for years. I first saw this concept used while hunting in Manitoba’s Interlake Wilderness Area. A guide recommended this tactic to hunters who hadn’t filled their tags. Very negative about the idea at first, they tried it and returned to camp with a big whitetail. One hunter reported that the buck stared at the flickering fire that he partially could see behind the ground blind, and his brother took the 200+ inch buck.
ATTRACTING DEER WITH PEANUT BUTTER Many deer attractants and deer food contain roasted peanuts and peanut flavoring, but real peanut butter lures in deer too. Buy inexpensive jars of peanut butter with plastic lids that you can unscrew. Remove the paper/plastic covering on the jars’ tops. Put roofing nails through the lids to nail them into non-commercial trees about four or more feet off the ground. Cut the bottoms of the plastic peanut butter jars off with a knife. Screw the jars to the lids. The deer can stick its tongue or nose in the jar to reach the peanut butter, and the plastic jar shields the peanut butter from rain and weather. (Be sure to have the landowner’s permission to put nails in trees on the property). USING CHAINSAWS AND COMBINES In an area with daily logging during deer season, deer are accustomed to hearing chainsaws and eating small limbs, branches and other woody vegetation from the fallen trees. Hunters in these places have noticed that when the deer hear chainsaws, they’ll come there, knowing that trees and tender branches will drop, resulting in plenty for them to eat. In the Midwest, where farmers use combines to harvest soybeans and corn, if someone cranks-up a combine and pulls it out in a field, deer often come on the run out of thick cover. Once again the deer in those regions have learned that a piece of machinery running means there will be plenty of food spilled on the ground for the deer to eat. MAKING THE FAWN-IN-DISTRESS CALL Outdoorsmen have learned that the fawn-in-distress call can be one of the most-successful deer calls used to bring in deer. When a doe thinks a predator is trying to kill her young fawn, she’ll come running to rescue it. To call in an adult doe, you can use other calls like a rabbit squealer or any other type of predator call that sounds like a young animal’s bawling and screaming. If you need to harvest does off your property to keep your herd in balance, use these fawn-in-distress or rabbit-in-distress calls. 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JANUARY 2022 13
Weird Ways to Bag Big Bucks
When a hunter from New York told me he was cutting up apples to lure deer and putting the slices out in the Tombigbee River bottom swamps near Aliceville, he took a mature buck, although initially I thought he’d lost his mind. Although you might not have the opportunity to try this snow tactic in Alabama, I could understand building a fire in your blind to stay warm but never would have believed the smoke from the fire would lure in a buck.
Attaching a plastic jar of peanut butter to a tree where you hunt often will bring in bucks you may not have seen during daylight hours.
POTTYING AT THE TREE WHERE YOU HUNT “All mammal urine breaks down to ammonia, and deer will come to the smell of ammonia to investigate. Even real deer urine breaks down into ammonia, regardless of what type of preservative you put in it,” said Dr. Grant Woods, widely-renowned deer researcher. “Ammonia has a very-stout smell. It’s light and molecular in weight too, which means it will drift easily on the wind. When deer smell ammonia, they’ll come to check-out that smell.” “Try to use ammonia that doesn’t contain any pine scent or any other masking smell. Most researchers who, when deer hunting, relieve themselves while they are still in a tree, make sure they leave urine on the tree trunk and the tree limbs. Then as that urine breaks down to ammonia, its smell will be carried out into the woods and attract deer,” he said. TAKING DOES Many deer hunters and biologists think there’s no more effective way to call in a buck than to shoot a doe first. Some estimate that up to 25 percent of the time that a hunter harvests a doe before he takes a buck, mature bucks will come to investigate. Be sure not to leave any human scent when going to your tree stand. Then don’t get out of your tree stand immediately after you’ve shot the doe. The bucks seem to be drawn in by the smell of a dead doe, even if she’s not in heat. LURING WITH A TREE STAND Other hunters swear that putting up tree stands can lure in deer. For example, when your tree stand bangs against a tree, you’re breaking limbs and shaking leaves. You’re often grunting and moaning from the exertion of putting up the stand too. From a distance, you may sound like a buck fight to a deer. PAINTING YOUR TREE STAND LADDER WHITE A friend of mine used white paint leftover from painting a room at his home to paint his wooden tree stand. Two days later, he returned to that stand and harvested a nice buck that was staring at the white ladder and cautiously walking to it. A wildlife biologist told him, “White-tailed deer are very curious, and anything that’s different in their environment will attract their attention.” USING A TELEPHONE POLE One of my son-in-law’s friends had a nice buck coming from a different direction every day in an agricultural field to feed. His friend used an auger to create a hole big and deep enough to set-up a telephone pole with a camouflaged blind high on it. He waited two weeks, climbed up the pole and took that buck with his bow.
The sound of a chainsaw lets the deer know that trees are falling and groceries for them soon will be falling to the ground.
FLAGGING Western hunters lure in antelope by flagging, and some deer hunters say this tactic lures in deer too, especially if the deer are out of range. If a herd of deer is at the other end of a field from you, try to identify the lead doe. Make sure she’s not looking your way when you flag her. Stick your hand out from the side of a bale of hay where you’re hiding. Move your hand up and down quickly a couple of times to get the doe’s attention, before pulling your hand back behind the bale of hay. She may think she’s seen a deer’s tail out of her peripheral vision, or that action may even spook her. But you may be able to call deer to within 25 yards of you with this method. UTILIZING ESTRUS OR BUCK URINE “Straight estrous urine that hasn’t been through the doe’s vent has little
14 JANUARY 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
Weird Ways to Bag Big Bucks
or no effect on buck deer. Apparently, only after the urine passes through the bacteria in the doe’s vent does it have the attractive ability to lure in bucks during the rut,” Woods said. Also, tell a buck a story with buck urine that he’ll believe. Be as scent-free as possible. Get close to the area where you think the buck’s bedding or holding during daylight hours. Pour buck urine along the edge of a deer trail to allow the scent to be carried by the wind into the area where you think the buck’s living during the daytime. Every day, go to the same trail, and pour out the same buck lure at the same time. At night, that buck holding in the cover often will go to the place where you’ve poured out the buck urine, paw the ground and leave his urine to tell this intruder buck to leave. After following this same routine for three or four days, tie a drag rag to your boot, soak it with buck urine, and walk to your tree stand near the spot where you’ve been pouring out the buck urine. Plan to reach the place you’ll hunt 45 minutes before the time you’ve been pouring-out the buck urine daily. Let the woods settle down, and make several, low, deep grunts on a grunt call. Be ready, since that nocturnal buck in the thick cover may come looking for you in these last minutes of daylight, and then you can take him. No deer attractant always works to call in every deer it should. However, under certain conditions, these unusual tactics have worked in the past to lure in deer and may for you. To learn more about deer hunting, you can go to John E. Phillips’s hunting books, available in Kindle, print and Audible at www.amazon.com/author/johnephillips or https://www.amazon.com/John-E.Phillips/e/B001HP7K6O.
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Recipe and image courtesy of Allrecipes.com
Braised Wild Boar with Sauerkraut Prep: 15 mins • Cook: 3 hours • Total: 3 hours 15 mins Ingredients
• • • • • •
2 (20 ounce) cans sauerkraut, drained 3 pounds wild boar roast 1 large onion, quartered 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed 4 carrots, cut into 2 inch pieces 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle beer
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). 2. Pour one can of sauerkraut into the bottom of a Dutch
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oven. Set the roast on top of it, then arrange the onions, potatoes and carrots around the roast. Cover with the remaining can of sauerkraut and pour in the beer. Cover with a lid. Bake in the preheated oven until the roast is extremely tender, about 3 hours.
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877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JANUARY 2022 15
Secrets to January Crappie Fishing BY CHARLES JOHNSON
Target piers near deep water for wintertime crappie.
16 JANUARY 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
FISHING (Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in GDO in 2018. Since that Charles Johnson has passed and is sorely missed).
Reservoirs all across Alabama offer a multitude of areas for great crappie fishing during the winter months before the spawn. While some folks are trying to fill the last slot on their buck tags, others are filling their freezers with fish. January weather can be a little unpredictable at times, but it still can be a good time to catch wintertime slabs. During what most consider a cold month, crappie fishing can be hot. There are several different methods for crappie fishing before the spring thaw. They are cold-water fish, so water temperatures in the 40- to 50-degree range aren’t a problem. In the winter months, white crappie will be concentrated around some type of structure, while the black crappie will hang out somewhat deeper in the creek channels. Both species can be easily caught by knowing a few secrets. WARM-UP TO ELECTRONICS Most boats for crappie fishing have at least one or more liquid crystal display (LCD) or color graphs. These units also can incorporate a global positioning system (GPS) in the same unit. You can even use a simple sonar or a graph to find creek channels and ledges. “We use three Lowrance sonar units and two GPS units on the boat,” says David Stancil of Oxford, AL, a crappie-tournament pro since 1995. The LCD sonar and GPS units assist anglers in identifying specific spots on a lake that hold schools of winter crappie waiting on the spawning weather. When some are caught, the boat position can be stored in the GPS unit, and the angler can return to that same spot the next day, week or month to fish again. “I have a sonar and a GPS on the front deck, another GPS and sonar on the console and the third sonar at the rear deck,” Stancil explained. “The sonar units assist in locating the ledges and the drop-offs, as well as indicating the water depth, while the GPS displays the boat’s position and speed.” Most of the newer sonar/LCD units have water-temperature readouts directly on the screen. Water temperature is the driving factor for these fish moving into more shallow water during the transition and the upcoming spawn. LOCATE WINTER CRAPPIE Reservoirs all across Alabama offer a multitude of areas that will hold crappie during the winter months before the spawn. River channels, creeks, and ditches are used by crappie like highways to move from deep water to spawning flats. They generally will hold near deeper water, while waiting for the water to reach its ideal temperature for spawning. Crappie fishing anglers new to a lake should start at the mouth of a creek and fish their way up the creek. These schools of fish will be in about 10 to 12 feet of water near the channel ledges and may move-up in the creek to a depth of around four to six feet on warmer winter days. Sometimes smaller batches will hold around underwater flats with sparse cover. Topographical lake maps can save a lot of cruising time when searching for crappie. A quality lake map will have contour lines indicating the water depth. The map also will show flats and channel bends where they will stage during the colder months before moving up into more shallow water for the spawning process to begin.
Some maps may label likely spots to locate spawning areas. Pinpoint these sites on the map, and move out to a little deeper water to search for schools of crappie. Review the opposite page of the map to see if any crappie fishing tips are offered. Some map makers include tips and lure selections from local guides that will help point the angler in the right direction. On later editions of certain lake maps, GPS coordinates will be listed for specific underwater structures, creek and river intersections and maybe even some community holes are known to hold crappie in years past. SURF CHANNELS A technique called spider fishing can put fish in your boat during the winter months. This method of crappie fishing gets its name from what the boat looks like with long crappie poles hanging out the front and the back. Each angler uses three or four rods that can be anywhere from around 7 to over 12 feet in length. These rods hang over the boat and give the appearance of spider legs. Crappie fishing rods or poles used in spider fishing usually are telescopic, can be compacted for transport and then easily extended once on the water. The rods are generally light action with very-limber tips. Almost any small reel can be used for spider fishing, but most anglers use spinning reels. “I like six pound test line on all my reels,” says Terry Whaley of Cedar Bluff, Ala. “The lightweight line allows the crappie jigs to have more action.” Whaley and his partner use small crappie jigs trolled around creek channel drop-offs to locate fish holding in deeper water just off the spawning grounds. The jigs used are either 1/32- or 1/16-ounce in weight. Varying the jig weight allows the lures to be at different depths when the boat’s moving. The spider-fishing technique involves using an electric trolling motor to move the boat in search of fish. “I prefer to fish around ledges from about 6- to 9-feet deep in January,” Whaley advised. “You also can control the jig depth by the boat speed.” After catching that first fish, the angler will have some idea about how deep the fish are holding and how fast to move the boat. Some days the crappie may be more aggressive, which will allow for faster-trolling speeds. If the fish are biting slow and easy, slow the boat down to a crawl. With these limber poles, there’s no need to set the hooks on the fish. Crappie have paper-thin mouths, and with the light-tip action of the rods, the fish usually will hook themselves when they strike. When a strike occurs, all the fisherman has to do is lift the rod tip and play the fish to the boat. Mention crappie jigs, and you have to discuss color. Crappie jigs are made in almost any color and combination imaginable. Every crappie angler has his or her favorite color, and some can’t be swayed. “We generally fish with pink jigs,” Whaley mentioned. “But we also use pink/chartreuse or blue/chartreuse combinations.” Whaley suggested that soft-plastic bodies offer more action. Also, the different-colored bodies can be swapped out easily, if the crappie get really picky toward one specific color. When casting, Whaley likes the marabou-type crappie jigs instead of the soft-plastic grubs. Sometimes these fish can become color-shy. So, changing to a different jig head or body color can produce a few more strikes in the same section of the water. The concept of spider fishing is to cover as much water as possible to locate schools. Once you find them, work the area back and forth from opposite directions, noting the depth at which the crappie are caught. 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JANUARY 2022 17
Secrets to January Crappie Fishing
Slow-troll creek channels to search for wintertime slabs.
USE PIER PRESSURE FOR SUCCESS Anglers searching for wintertime crappie fishing may not give much thought to fishing around piers. However, these fish like to hang around wood, and piers near deep water will hold several crappies hugging the pilings and the cross members. Also, dock owners may plant brush or other structure around the boat docks to attract other species of fish, and crappie will join with them. “I look for boat docks in water about 13- to 15-feet deep,” explains Josh Bean of Bynum, AL. Bean fishes regularly on the Coosa River and Tallapoosa reservoirs. Many lakes along these two river systems have an abundance of piers, docks, and boathouses. Not every dock will hold crappie, and certain docks are more likely than others to produce some slab action. “In January, I’ll start fishing docks on or near the main-river channel,” Bean emphasized. “Generally, the older docks will hold some crappie.” Over the years, Bean and his fishing partners have learned where to target the crappie holding on dock pilings. He prefers to skip a small jig as far up under a pier as he can cast. Larger posts or pilings and where cross braces tie-in are the first choices for presenting the jigs. “Once you catch a few fish from a certain spot, you can return to that same pier later and catch one or two more,” Bean mentioned. FISH LURES FOR DOCKING Two generations ago, anglers owned at least two minnow buckets, and there was no question as to what the bait of choice would be for crappie fishing. A few anglers might have chunked a jig or two, but diehard anglers baited-up with minnows. If you want to start a healthy debate to a downright squabble, try to mention which bait or lure is the best for taking crappie. When dock fishing, Bean uses a small jig tied to an ultra-light spinning rig. A 1/16-ounce jighead with a red Gamakatsu hook tipped with a white Bass Assassin curly-tailed grub is the ammo at the end of Bean’s line. He skips the jig as far back as he can under the dock. “Many times the jig will bounce off a post or a brace, so I’ll super-glue the jig body to the head,” Bean recommends. “This saves a lot of time from having to re-thread the grub back on the hook.” 18 JANUARY 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
Wintertime crappies aren’t really aggressive but will strike slow-moving baits. Bean suggests using a slow retrieve when casting a jig under and around docks. After the cast, he lets the jig settle with a six to an eight count before starting the retrieve. The strike will be a subtle bump or tap. “Sometimes you have to let the jig go down a little deeper before starting the retrieve,” Bean suggested. “Some days we catch them near the top, and on other days, they may be right on the bottom.” Bean uses an ultra-light spinning reel attached to a 6-foot-long light-action rod, spooled with 4-pound-test monofilament line. This set-up allows Bean to make more-accurate casts under docks to specific points. Heavy line kills the action of the jig, while the lighter line allows the jig/grub combo to appear more lifelike. Don’t wait until the spring rush to try your luck at crappie fishing anywhere in the state. Start the New Year on the right track by putting some slabs in your freezer this winter. Contact Information Bass Pro Shops 1-800-227-7776 Berkley 1-800-237-5539 www.berkley-fishing.com Cabela’s 1-800-237-4444 www.cabelas.com Lowrance www.lowrance.com Net Bait Lures 334-382-3080 www.netbait.com Vicious Fishing 1-866-645-0024 www.vicious-fishing.com Zoom Bait Company www.zoombait.com
Secrets to January Crappie Fishing
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Recipe and image courtesy of by Indiana Mommy Cooking From the Heart Land www.indianamommy.com
Crappie Fish Cakes Ingredients
•
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1 to 1 ½ pounds crappie or other fish diced if raw and shredded if already cooked • 1 egg • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise • 2 cups fresh breadcrumbs possibly 1 cup dried, but you will have to check consistency • 1 teaspoon paprika • ½ cup diced onion • ½ cup diced bell peppers • 1/8 cup diced celery • 1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic • 1/8 cup chopped fresh parsley • Dash of hot sauce • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice • Salt and pepper to taste • ½ cup panko bread crumbs • Oil for sautéing vegetables and for cooking the cakes. I prefer avocado oil. Instructions 1. Sauté onions, peppers, celery and garlic over medium heat until softened, about 10 minutes. Allow to cool. 2. Combine the fish, egg, breadcrumbs, paprika, mayonnaise, fresh parsley (hold a little back for garnish), hot sauce, lemon juice, salt, pepper and the cooked peppers, onions, celery and garlic. Mix until well combined. 3. Using a trigger release scoop, scoop out each portion and form into a patty shape. In a dish on the side, season the panko with salt and pepper. Place the fish cake on one side into the panko, then flip it over and coat the opposite side. Do this for all of them until your batter is gone. 4. Next preheat a skillet over medium heat with avocado oil (or the oil of your choosing). Brown each side of the fish cakes and cook until the internal temperature reaches a minimum of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. 5. Serve with your favorite tartar or remoulade sauce, fresh lemon wedges and sprinkle with fresh parsley. 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JANUARY 2022 19
ARE LITHIUM MARINE BATTERIES WORTH IT? BY DAVID STRICKLAND
There’s a Lithium battery to fit just about any application
20 JANUARY 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
LIFESTYLE Benjamin Franklin coined the term battery in 1749 when he linked several glass jars together and formed a capacitor. Three decades later, Luigi Galvani noticed a frog’s legs twitching when dissecting a frog with brass and iron instruments. His friend, Alessandro Volta, believed it had something to do with the differing types of metal. Two decades of testing led Volta to produce the first modern battery, known as the voltaic pile. He made it from copper and zinc discs separated by fabric soaked in a brine solution. However, Volta’s design was prone to leaking and needed better housing. So in 1801, William Cruickshank created a trough design structure, which is still used in some battery types today. In 1859 Gaston Planté invented the first rechargeable battery using lead and lead dioxide plates immersed in a sulfuric acid solution, and his basic design is still in use today. Planté’s original design has two main variants: multiple thin plates for starter batteries and fewer thicker ones for deep-cycle applications. THE TROLLING MOTOR REVOLUTION Fast forward to 1967 in Beaver Lake, Arkansas, the first BASS Federation tournament hosted by Ray Scott. This event marked the beginning of the expanded use of battery-powered trolling motors and fish-finders and the need for dependable, rechargeable batteries to power them. Today’s larger, heavier bass boats use 36-volt trolling motors, two power poles, multiple live wells, and up to five electronic graphs. Throw a radio and several speakers in the mix, and suddenly the need for a dependable power source is obvious. LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES Fundamental research using lithium as a replacement for lead in batteries began in the 1950s. Further developments through the ‘60s and early ‘70s led to increased efficiency with use at ambient temperatures. Exxon released a commercial model in 1977 and soon realized that the wire connection at the anode became unstable due to a chemical reaction between the battery terminal and the connector. This buildup resulted in excessive heat and was responsible for an increasing number of fires. After experimenting with different catalysts and anode materials, these new prototype batteries were closing in on a tremendous breakthrough for the worldwide battery market. Further developments led to the first successful commercial Li-ion battery by Sony in 1991. In 2019 the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to three scientists, John B. Goodenough, M. Stanley Whittingham, and Akira Yoshino, for their work in developing the lithium-ion battery. MARINE LI-ION The past 30 years have seen remarkable progress in the battery industry, and manufacturing breakthroughs have led to more efficient and longer-lasting batteries for boating and many innovative electronics. In addition, the newer technologies have allowed for increased electrical capacity that can handle the increased use of the latest integrated electronics and onboard marine appliances. There are now numerous Li-ion battery manufacturers competing in the marine battery market. In addition, they offer a remarkable variety of battery sizes and warranties unheard of in the traditional lead-acid battery world. The newest Lithium marine batteries (LiFePO4) use different construction materials that make them safer, environmentally friendlier, with a longer life span, and at a lower price.
TWO MAIN TYPES OF LITHIUM MARINE BATTERIES Although continuing research has led to the development of six different types of Lithium batteries, there is currently a clear winner when choosing a new marine battery. Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries have a longer life cycle than standard lithium-ion. LiFePO4 batteries are also more stable at higher temperatures, which makes them more forgiving if accidentally overcharged. Additionally, LiFePO4 Batteries can handle extended storage periods with minimum voltage loss. Their only drawback besides the initial cost is that cold weather hinders their recharging. However, most major suppliers now offer a battery warming circuit to overcome this charging issue. WHY SWITCH FROM LEAD-ACID TO LITHIUM? For years, lead-acid and AGM batteries have dominated the marine industry because they’re readily available, relatively cheap, and easily replaceable. However, the primary issue is that these batteries don’t hold a charge for very long, are prone to acid leakage, require more maintenance, and weigh near 300 pounds for a typical four battery setup. The lifespan of a lead-acid battery depends on how well you maintain the battery. On the other hand, lithium-ion batteries only require the correct charger to optimize their performance and lifespan. Many new batteries even offer a phone app to monitor your new battery, and most have a built-in BMS (battery management system) to monitor the charging process. So, with near 100% DOD (depth of discharge), a 50-70% weight reduction, short charging times, and warranties up to 11 years, the time to replace those heavy lead-acid batteries might be sooner than you imagined. Below are a few things to consider if you’re thinking about making the switch to a newer Lithium battery for your boat. SIZING Some of the first Lithium batteries offered for sale were smaller than the standard sizing used in the traditional battery market, and battery boxes, holders, and connectors had to be modified. Today’s Li-ion marine batteries come in standard sizes that make the swap much more straightforward. WEIGHT Lithium is the least dense and, therefore, the lightest metal known. That’s why the newer Li marine batteries are 50-70% lighter than their lead-acid counterparts. POWER The voltage output of traditional marine batteries slowly decreases as they discharge. In addition, routinely draining a deep-cycle lead-acid battery below 50% will result in poor performance and premature failure. Lead-acid batteries will typically last twice as long if taken down to only 50 percent, the depth of discharge (DOD) recommended by most experts. WHAT ABOUT COLD WEATHER? Some LiFePO4 batteries have a built-in heating system that activates during charging in cold weather. When charging, the heating system automatically switches on if the ambient temperature is below freezing and deactivates when no longer needed. The heating system does not use power from the battery but utilizes the charger’s current. OPTIONS The typical setup in modern bass boats before LiFePO4 batteries was four 100 amp lead-acid batteries. Many owners opt for the same configuration by using four 100 amp Lithium batteries. But, because the LiFePO4 battery can 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JANUARY 2022 21
Are Lithium Batteries worth it?
Bass Pro Steve Bishop swapped out three 12v lead-acid batteries that weighed 168 pounds for a 65 amp 36 Volt Lithium Pro weighing 49 pounds including charger.
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Are Lithium Batteries worth it?
provide full power to near 100% of discharge, many opt for four 40-60 amp batteries for weight and cost savings. There is a third option where one 36 volt Lithium battery is used instead of three 12 volts wired in series. The main advantage to this setup is fewer connections and freeing up a little space. There may be a little cost-saving, but the main benefit is less wiring. MAKING THE SWITCH Many lithium batteries are drop-in replacements, meaning their case is the same size as the comparable lead-acid battery. However, you may need additional components to complete your installation. The correct battery charger is required to maximize Li-battery performance and lifespan. Additionally, lithium batteries don’t display any warning signs they’re about to die, so you may also need to add a BMS (battery management system) if not equipped. Fortunately, most top brands have BMS circuitry built into each battery, and many send data via blue-tooth to your phone. Most of these changes are relatively straightforward; however, be aware that any wiring mistakes or faulty connections in your electrical system can be dangerous. So, if you are not confident in switching to lithium marine batteries on your own, get some professional assistance. IS UPGRADING A MARINE BATTERY TO LITHIUM WORTH IT? Lithium-ion batteries are more expensive than their lead-acid counterparts. However, you’ll enjoy the benefits of a significant weight reduction, increased efficiency, added safety, and a longer lifespan. In other words, once your batteries are in place and connections are secured, they are considered “maintenance-free.”
When you compare the cost of lithium and their significantly longer life span, the price tag is about equal and possibly less expensive per hour of use than conventional lead-acid batteries. So, is it worth the initial cost for lithium batteries? Your budget and the importance of lighter, longer-lasting maintenance-free power are the deciding factors. Most kayak fishermen and other small boat operators answer a resounding yes when asked about the value of a lightweight, long-lasting, dependable, fast-charging battery. These new batteries are not limited to marine use, and they are making inroads to replace the portable power in campers, golf carts, bicycles, cars, side-by-sides, and even airplanes. They are also a critical component in the expanding fields of solar and wind power. Below are a few companies that offer LiFePO4 marine batteries. Check out their sites or give them a call to compare prices and options. Contact Information Dakota Lithium Dakotalithium.com (855) 743-3279
Relion Relionbattery.com (844) 385-9840
Battle Born Batteries Battlebornbatteries.com (855) 292-2831
Lithium Hub Lithiumhub.com (704) 360-9311
Lithium Pros Lithiumpros.com (865) 688-2083
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JANUARY 2022 23
Where to Find Ducks Others Haven’t BY CHARLES JOHNSON (Editor’s note: this article is reprinted with permission from an earlier issue of GDO. Charles is no longer with us)
Secluded water holes such as small out-of-the-way ponds are among the places where ducks can be found. Most duck hunters around the state focus on large open water areas or massive fields to hunt waterfowl. These areas are sometimes more crowded with hunters than with ducks. Ducks and geese coming into these types of areas have heard every call and seen every decoy on their trip southward. Duck hunters may prefer the big water or big fields to set their decoys and blinds. However, small out-of-the-way places can offer plenty of waterfowl action. Many of these “pothole” locations around the state have good waterfowl numbers and receive no hunting pressure. The hidey-hole spots are closer than you may realize. Waterfowl shooters should not dismiss smaller water holes. We sometimes get caught up in the assumption that bigger water means more birds. While there may not be as many ducks on a small pond, the shooting action can be fast and furious. A duck hunter on the right hole can quickly bag a limit. 24 JANUARY 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
LOCATING YOUR HIDEY-HOLE Ducks feed in and around water. Hunters should seek out small farm ponds or areas of flooded timber. Heavy rains in December can create a hidey-hole just about anywhere. The trick is to sort out the locations that have ducks coming in. Keep in mind that ducks migrate throughout the winter; one day here and the next gone. The only exception is the wood duck, which generally hang out in the same areas. “It doesn’t take a lot of water to hold some ducks,” explained Hunter Johnson of Eastaboga, Ala. “I found a small pond just off a creek and the water was only about a foot to two-feet deep.” Johnson said the area was perfect for wood ducks since they could fly up and down the creek and drop by the small water hole. Oaks and other trees provided food and cover. The area was secluded enough that the ducks felt safe there. One of the best ways to locate some small ponds or water holes is by looking at satellite photos of your planned hunting area. Creeks or sloughs off a river channel can be seen easily on a map. Look for wide spots or turns that can break the current flow. Ducks don’t like to feed in strong currents. Scouting for ducks is not something most waterfowlers would think of,
HUNTING
but it can make the difference in a good hunt or just wading around in the water. When scouting a potential area, duck hunters should arrive early in the morning or late afternoon. Look and watch where the ducks are going to and coming from. Try to locate the wood ducks’ roosting sites and position yourself along the flight path. There may not be as many ducks, but waterfowl hunters can get closer for more shooting action. Hunters may want to try a local farm pond if the ducks are present. Most farmers are willing to allow a few duck hunters on their pond. Waterfowlers should be polite when asking the landowner about hunting. Once you get permission, let the landowner know when you will be hunting. HIDEY-HOLE SETUP Choosing the proper location is critical on small waters. Know which direction the ducks will approach from and the position of the rising sun. If conditions warrant, a blind can be set up or maybe a shooting spot can be brushed in to help hide the hunters. “On small water areas a blind is a good idea,” Johnson commented. “The ducks can come in pretty close, so wearing full camo will keep them from spooking too soon.” Erect the blind at least a few days before hunting the area to allow the ducks to become accustomed to the change. Johnson recommended that
the blind on a hidey-hole be low profile where the hunters shoot while sitting on a stool or bucket. The less movement when the ducks are close in, the better. Ducks have very good eyesight and complete camouflage is a must when hunting waterfowl. There are special camouflage patterns for duck hunters, but anything to break up your silhouette and help you blend into the surroundings will work. Do not wear anything that is reflective or bright in color. Dull browns or greens will work if you don’t have any camo. “Don’t look directly at the birds coming in,” Johnson explained. “They can easily spot movement and will veer off before coming into range.” DECOY DEPLOYMENT On small waters, decoys can be beneficial in attracting ducks just like in wide open lake areas. Only a few decoys are needed to get the ducks attention on mudhole-size ponds. Around a dozen or so decoys in a wood duck or mallard pattern should suffice. Also, a few feeder decoys are a good addition. “Too many decoys in a small area don’t always work out,” Johnson commented. “With a lot of decoys on the water, the ducks coming in may see the area is too crowded and there is no room to land.”
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JANUARY 2022 25
Where to Find Ducks Others Haven’t
Also, Johnson advises changing out long-range, extra-full choke tubes. He says a modified or even an improved cylinder will work best on the birds coming in at close ranges. The blind set-up shooting position should present a typical shot range of less than 30 yards. Hidey-hole duck areas won’t produce for an all-day shootout. However, these small out-of-the- way areas are a great place to bag some ducks early before work or when time is limited. Important Contact Information Ducks Unlimited www.ducks.org Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources www.dcnr.state.al.us/hunting Google Maps www.maps.google.com Remington Hyper-Sonic Steel www.remington.com Winchester Steel Shot Ammunition www.winchester.com Mossy Oak Camo www.mossyoak.com Carry Lite Decoys www.carrylitedecoys.com
Depending on the overall size and shape of the hidey-hole pond, usually a few decoys grouped together will suffice. Be sure to place the decoys where they are visible to approaching ducks from a couple of different directions. Another decoy spread is to set the decoys in a horseshoe shape or leave a large opening between pairs. As the ducks approach, wait until they are in shotgun range. In most instances the shooting will be rapid. Discuss ahead of time with your hunting buddies which section of the pond each will cover. In the early morning light, ducks will be coming in with afterburners on and they will hit the brakes to land on the water at the last second. SHOOTING TIPS Shotguns in 12 gauge with magnum shells are still in order for out-of-theway duck holes. Guns capable of shooting 3-inch to 3 1/2-inch length steel shotshells will put down more ducks than lighter versions. Steel pellets, heavy shot or other loads approved for waterfowl need to be in the magnum category. “The ducks will be moving in fast,” Johnson pointed out. “Steel shot in the number four size will give a good pattern for the close-in birds.”
26 JANUARY 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
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Getting Over the Wintertime Fishing
Blues
BY CAPTAIN BOBBY ABRUSCATO
28 JANUARY 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
FISHING While trailering to the launch for a late fall charter, I heard an ad on the radio from a boat dealership offering a special on “winterizing your boat”. The implication was that the boat would be winterized in order to be put up and not used during the winter months. My thought was “huh, I wonder why anyone would want to do that here on the Gulf Coast. Way up north, sure, but with the fishing opportunities available here, I as well as many other gulf coast inshore anglers, would want access to my boat.” Let’s explore the winter saltwater inshore fishing opportunities that we have available to us. The most sought after game fish on the central gulf coast is the speckled trout. Winter fishing for speckled trout is about as opposite as… well the seasons of summer and winter. Summertime trout fishing is open water structure with primarily live bait. During the winter, speckled trout can be found in the tidal river systems that line Mobile Bay and the Mississippi Sound. During the coldest winter days in said river systems, trout will be found in the main river channels and ledges of the channels. On these days, in water deeper than about eight feet a soft plastic on a jig head will get it done. Be sure to use a heavy enough jig head to stay in touch with the bottom- usually no more than 3/8 ounce will work. Drift the channel with the wind or current and use subtle vertical motions with the rod tip to impart action on the jigagain paying close attention that the jig is bumping the bottom. There is no better fin-fish imitation for fishing ledges and flats than the Slick Lure from Pure Flats LLC. When in water depths of seven feet or less, be sure to have this lure tied on. It has been proven that there is no right or wrong way to work the lure (which is another testament to the effectiveness of the lure), so don’t be afraid to try various presentations. The one common theme by anyone that has been successful with it, though, is to stay in touch with the lure no matter how you work it. The bite is unmistakable, but you still have to “stick” the fish when you get a bite. With both a jig and the Slick, you’ll be dramatically more successful at both detecting bites and hooking fish by using either braided or fluorocarbon line rather than monofilament. The reduced stretch of the flouro or braid is the key. There are occasional pre-front periods during the winter where we have some warm days that are also overcast. During a two or three day stretch of these conditions, try venturing out to the flats adjacent to the river channels. Often the trout will move up with the higher water levels and warming water. Top water plugs, Slick lures and shrimp imitations Like GULP or Vudu shrimp under popping corks will be the go-tos here. Look for bait activity and/or slicks and drift or troll towards them while casting. Have an anchoring device like a Power Pole ready and if you get a bite, stop the boat. Oftentimes, you can get multiple bites from one area if you don’t spook the fish. Redfish are another year-round staple on the central Gulf Coast. They make a fantastic target species during the wintertime, which I guess is why I catch so many more during the winter. Reds are immune to the water temperature ranges in our area; thus there is very little change in tactics required in order to catch them throughout the year. The best areas for slot and rat sized reds are all of the small tidal creeks off of the bays and rivers that border the Bay and Sound. Especially look to the creeks that have grass or oyster bottoms as those hold the small crustaceans that the reds eat when the other forage is scarce. If you accidentally hook an oyster shell in one of the areas, take a quick look at the shell; often you find small crabs and worms on the shell. That’s what the reds are living on. For reds you’ll never find a more effective soft bait than GULP. GULP is made from a water based fishing attractant that really appeals to the reds. Because
it is water (versus petroleum) based it disperses much better when immersed- and that is what makes it work so well. It is available in many shapes and colors, but for reds, I prefer the shrimp or crab shapes. Use a popping cork for the best action as it allows the lure to be fished over the shell and drifted if you are in a current situation. Bull (oversized) redfish are certainly trip makers anytime of the year and the winter of course is no exception. The bulls will be found along the beaches on the south side of the mainland. This works well during the winter as the predominant wind direction has a northerly component. This flattens the near shore Gulf side making it easier to see schooling reds. It also is better on the anglers as the gulf can get pretty nasty when the wind gets some south in it. Look for reds from Perdido pass to the west end of Dauphin Island with big concentrations usually around Alabama’s legendary Dixey Bar. The bar runs north to south starting at the tip of the Fort Morgan peninsula and paralleling the east side of the ship channel to about even with the light house. To fish Dixey Bar, figure out the direction of the drift based on the wind and current while making note of fish activity in the form of diving birds and slicks. Start drifting across the bar while casting soft baits on jig heads like GULP. Make the casts perpendicular to the drift direction to cover the most water. We like to get multiple hook ups so when someone gets a bite, we cast in the same direction. Typically this will result in doubles or triples which is the real fun part. Everyone is ducking and diving trying to keep from getting tangled. We call it the Dixey Bar shuffle and it is a sight to see! Another fun day of wintertime fishing can be had by making a visit to some of the structure in the near gulf. There are numerous gas rigs as well as wrecks and reefs. There is also the Sand Island Lighthouse which makes a very scenic background for a fishing trip. All of the structure holds a variety of saltwater species including redfish, sheepshead, white trout, ground mullet and black drum. Fresh shrimp and/or squid will catch any of these species and the best way to fish most of the structure is to use a simple Carolina rig with a #2 or #4 Kahle hook and enough weight to get the bait to the bottom. It’s about as easy of fishing as it gets, but the action can be phenomenal. Sheepshead are the target species during the winter for many near shore anglers and many have it down to a science. Sheeps are crustacean feeders, so you’ll need shrimp or some type of crab for bait. Here is a neat way to get bait that is in unlimited supply and is free. Try scraping barnacles off of a piling, etc while holding a net beneath the scraper caching the barnacles that fall. Pick out the larger ones- you’ll get plenty and use those for your sheepshead bait. The scraping of course chums up the sheeps and the barnacles are natural forage for them. It’s a great idea to wear a life vest anytime on the water, but never as important as during the winter. Water temps are at the lowest and you’ll most likely have heavy clothes on. A fall in the water with all that clothing would make it difficult for even Michael Phelps to swim for very long. We wear the fanny pack inflatable life jackets. They are very unobtrusive and will save your life if you fall from the boat with heavy clothes on. Yes, think twice about that winterization if you fish on the Gulf Coast. I assure you that you’d be missing out on loads of fun if you put your boat away for the winter!
Important Contact Information Captain Bobby Abruscato A-Team Fishing Adventures www.ateamfishing.com odepot@bellsouth.net
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JANUARY 2022 29
Getting Over the Wintertime Fishing Blues
SUPPORTING THE LOCAL ECONOMY & ECOLOGY
BY MICHAEL HULTQUIST
Recipe and image courtesy of Michael Hultquist (www.chilipeppermadness.com)
Admiral Oysters are now available for retail by the dozen at Bon Secour Fisheries, Inc. in Bon Secour, Alabama. Fresh, raw oysters can elevate any event. From a simple, nutrient dense appetizer at home to a shucking party with friends, Admiral Oysters will steal the show.
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Blackened Sheepshead with Basil-Lime Cream Sauce Prep: 25 mins • Cook: 10 mins • Total: 35 mins
Ingredients • Olive oil • 4 6-ounce Sheepshead fillets • 1 teaspoon paprika • 1 teaspoon cayenne • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic • 1 teaspoon dried basil • Salt and pepper to taste • 1 jalapeno pepper sliced into rings • Lime slices for serving • Avocado slices for serving if desired • ½ cup crema or sour cream • Juice from half a lime • Zest from half a lime + more as needed • 1-1/2 tablespoons finely chopped basil For the Cream Sauce • ½ cup crema or sour cream • Juice from half a lime • Zest from half a lime + more as needed • 1-1/2 tablespoons finely chopped basil Instructions
We are located near Fort Morgan AL, in an untouched wild stretch of beach that will be immune from development. The site has witnessed centuries of history including the Battle of Mobile Bay as Admiral Farragut charged into the Bay with the iconic line “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead”. That motto comes in handy on cold rainy mornings and when the winds get high!
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30 JANUARY 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
1. Heat olive oil in a large pan to medium-high heat. 2. Season the whitefish fillets with the cayenne, paprika, garlic, basil and salt and pepper. 3. Sear the tops of the fish in the hot pan for about 2 minutes, then flip and sear another 2 minutes. Add a splash of water and cover. Cook another few minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and moist within. Do not overcook or it can become dry. 4. While the fish is cooking, add the jalapeno slices to a hot pan with a splash of olive oil and crisp them up. It should take a couple minutes per side. Remove from heat.
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JANUARY 2022 31
Selecting the Best Surf Fishing Rod
Recruit at least one friend, or better yet, two friends to help you safely move your gun safe. 32 JANUARY 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
LIFESTYLE
How to Move Your
Gun Safe
Safely
BY STEPHANIE MALLORY If you’ve ever moved a large gun safe, you know it’s not easy. Home safes can be very big and heavy, so moving them can be both cumbersome and dangerous. Gun safes can be as large as a refrigerator with many of them weighing between 200 to 800 pounds (or much more), which means it’s a task for more than one person, and moving one requires much planning and the right equipment. Corey Meyer, co-founder of Steelhead Outdoors, a manufacturer of fine modular take-apart gun safes, says a lot of considerations should be made when planning to move a safe. But when you have apprehensions or you plan to move a very large safe, you should take the wise route and call a professional safe mover who can do the job safely and efficiently. People have been seriously injured and even killed when moving safes, not to mention, they can also do serious damage to their home’s floors or door facings if they don’t move the safe carefully and correctly. Meyer says he and longtime friend Charlie Pehrson founded Steelhead Outdoors in 2016 when their search for an American-made gun safe that was adaptable, easy to move, and offered a respectable level of fire and theft protection ended up fruitless. Since they couldn’t buy it, they decided to build it themselves. They design Steelhead safes with the goal of creating a safe that you could and would want to take with you from one home to the next for generations to come. “Two people can assemble and move our safes without any special equipment,” Meyer says. “When it’s time to move, simply take it apart and take it with you. You deserve a safe that is ready for your next adventure, wherever that takes you. Our safes are customizable and configurable, and most are built to order, so there’s an option for every one and every room.” If you don’t yet have a Steelhead Outdoors modular safe and you need to move your current safe to a different room or different house or building, there are several steps you should take to prepare for the move. “The complexity of your move is going to depend on the size and weight
of the safe and the landscape,” Meyer said. “If you’re just moving it to another room, the task can be rather simple if the safe is a size that can be easily handled. If you’re moving it to another house or location, the task can be much more complicated.” MOVING YOUR SAFE TO A DIFFERENT ROOM First of all, when preparing to move a safe, ask friends for help. Get two additional people to help you, especially if the safe is large and heavy. Make sure your helpers are physically up to the task. You certainly don’t want one of your buddies getting hurt. Next, you’ll want to make sure the safe is prepped for the move. Empty your safe of all its contents to make it lighter and to protect the items stored inside. Also, clean the safe of dust and debris so it will be easier to grip. Secondly, remember that the door can be removed from many safes to make them easier to fit through a door frame. “A safe’s door is often it’s heaviest component, so removing it and moving it separately can make things much easier. If you’re not sure if your safe’s door is removable, call the manufacturer to ask,” Meyer said.. Next, plan your pathway and make sure it is free of clutter and obstacles and make sure the safe is narrow enough to fit through the doorway. You’ll also want to make sure you have on good footwear, such as closed-toe shoes with gripping soles, so you won’t slip when moving the safe. You should also wear work gloves that can give you a good grip on the safe as you move it. “You can use rollers, moving panels or sliders if you’re moving the safe to another room. But, be careful with the door thresholds. People often don’t consider that the weight of the safe can damage the thresholds,” he noted.. If you rent or borrow heavy-duty hand trucks for moving the safe, make sure it can handle the weight. You’ll need to be able to tell the rental company your safe’s weight and size so you get the best equipment for the job. If you use hand trucks, which have a platform that is flush to the ground, you’ll be able to slide it under the safe. When it comes time to 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JANUARY 2022 33
How to Move Your Gun Safe Safely
move the safe, make sure it is closed and locked. You’ll need to drape it with a thick moving blanket and secure it with straps to the hand truck.
The Steelhead Nomad Model 38 is the perfect safe for larger gun collections.
With your friends’ assistance, carefully and slowly tilt the safe up and push the hand trucks underneath the safe. Secure the safe to the hand trucks with rope or ties and slowly move it to the desired location before untying it and sliding the hand trucks out from beneath the safe as your friends help support and position it. MOVING A SAFE TO A DIFFERENT HOME OR BUILDING “We’ve heard a lot of people say, ‘When I sold my house, I asked the family who bought it if they would like to pay me $500 for the safe.’ They’d rather just buy a new safe for their new home than try to move their old safe from their old home, especially if it’s a very large safe. And, I can’t blame them. Without help and proper equipment, moving a safe to another building can be quite daunting,” Meyer said. Meyer pointed out that moving a safe on carpet or flat ground to another room isn’t all that difficult. The problem comes
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How to Move Your Gun Safe Safely
when you’re moving a safe from flat ground onto a piece of equipment or truck – that’s when it can tip over and injure someone or do a lot of damage to your floor. “People get hurt when trying to get a safe onto a flatbed trailer,” Meyer explained.. “It can get tippy in such a situation. Once you get the safe outdoors, it’s best to have some sort of power equipment, like a tractor, forklift or a moving truck with a lift gate to lift the safe. Once the safe is on the truck or trailer, be sure to cover it in blankets and secure it with straps. Some moving trucks have tie downs on the inside walls of their trucks. Make sure you use those tie-downs to keep the safe securely in place.” Just remember, when it comes to moving a large gun safe, you’re not going to want to move it repeatedly, so make sure you plan well the first time so you don’t have to move it again. If you follow these steps, you can move a large gun safe safely, but if you feel hesitant or can’t access the equipment or help you need, contact a professional safe mover. You can also reach out to local piano movers, who may also move safes on the side. There’s no point in risking your safety or damaging your home when you can hire a professional to do the job safely and efficiently. Important Contact Information Steelhead Outdoors www.steelheadoutdoors.com
Moving a large safe requires much planning and preparation.
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36 JANUARY 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
FISHING
How to Prevent
Sea Sickness While Fishing BY WILLIAM KENDY Way back when, before sliced bread, I went bluefish fishing on the Atlantic out of Ocean City, New Jersey. This was my initiation into ocean fishing. The first day out I was just fine. I didn’t booze it up the night before, got a good night’s sleep, ate a normal breakfast, had lunch and some beers on the boat, caught a bunch of fish and all was great. The second day the weather and wave conditions were pretty much identical to the first. I followed the same routine and went out on a much bigger boat than on the first day, which one would think would be more stable. We headed out for another grand day on the water. Then, for no apparent reason, I got seasick and I have no clue why. Maybe the fishing gods decided to take me out of the loop. Who knows why. What I do know is that everything around me was spinning. It was one of the most God-awful experiences I ever had. I felt like telling someone to either drug me into unconsciousness or just flat out put me out of my misery. I’d even sign a hold harmless agreement. Being from the Great Lakes region, I’ve boated and fished some large, deep and sometimes problematic lakes, like Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Superior, Lake Erie and even large Lake Nipigon (in Ontario) in some pretty challenging weather and wave conditions. I’ve been in the very turbulent and rough water beneath the Mackinaw Bridge between Michigan’s upper and lower peninsula where lakes Michigan and Huron meet. I’ve fished in the Pacific. Not once did I have even a touch of what happened to me on that relatively calm day on the Atlantic. So why do people get seasick and what can you do to prevent it? To find out, GDO interviewed Erik Rimblas from West Marine on a Northwest Florida Fishing Report podcast. West Marine carries a number of products that work on seasickness and has information on it’s website (www.westmarine.com). The very first question out of the chute is what exactly is seasickness and what causes it? According to Rimblas, seasickness is basically a disagreement between what your body is feeling with what your eyes are seeing, combined with
what is happening in your inner ear, which is the area that is sensitive to and controls your balance. “Your eyes are telling your brain that the ocean isn’t moving and everything is ok. You can see the horizon or you can see things standing still but your body is still feeling all of this motion,” Rimblas explained. “There is this portion of your inner ear which is the part of your body that controls balance and that is what is taking this physical input of you not moving around. Your eyes are telling your brain that you are not moving around and that disagreement and misalignment between those two senses is really what causes you to start getting queasy.” What steps should you take to not get seasick? #1 – Don’t Party too Much the Night Before “Fishing and boating are very social activities and many times that activity starts the night before you go out and one of the key things around preventing seasickness is being adequately hydrated and some of the activities you do the night before are contrary to that,” Rimblas said. “Staying hydrated is super critical.” #2 – Be Rested. “Be rested and in a state where you can handle the physical activity,” Rimblas noted. “Waking up in the morning after maybe a couple of hours of sleep and jumping into the boat to go fishing are things that can trigger, or at least make it a little easier for someone to get seasick.” #3 – Don’t hang out all the time “down below” inside the cabin and try to keep your eyes on the horizon. “Make sure that you are on the outside of the boat as much as possible and keep your eyes on the horizon to avoid that disagreement between what your brain is getting from your eyesight and what your body is feeling from the boat,” he said. “Depending on how you feel, it may be a good idea to lay down but make sure you can lay down in a place where you can see outside and the horizon.” #4 – Get your Sea-legs Rimblas said that while it sounds kind of silly, getting your “sea-legs” is important. 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JANUARY 2022 37
How to Prevent Sea Sickness While Fishing
seous then ginger based products, including ginger beer (believe it or not), can help settle your stomach but they are not going to do anything about what is going on in your head.
“Doing that thing where you are moving with the boat and kind of keeping your body in rhythm with the motion of the boat particularly when there are some pretty good seas is a pretty big deal,” Rimblas explained.
One relatively new product that does work once a person starts to get seasick is a “relief band” which looks like a watch and emits an electronic pulse in varying degrees of intensity. It has been proven to be effective for some people.
Rimblas advises people who are concerned with getting seasick and decide to “medicate up” using over-the-counter products like Dramamine and Bonine should make sure that they take the meds in advance of the fishing adventure. Some drugs will make a person drowsy and taking them in advance negates that side effect. He emphasizes that waiting to pop a pill when you start to first get seasick is a wasted effort.
“This little thing has five different settings and sends a tiny electronic pulse and you can put it on after you start feeling motion sickness and it actually starts to melt away that feeling and it is an FDA approved proven product,” he said.
“Taking those medications 24 hours in advance is probably a little bit outside the window but definitely, the night before or a few hours before the trip but no less than that,” Rimblas said. “They do not work once you start feeling sick. They are prevention medication and they are pretty consistent.”
One of the things fishermen (or boaters) who tend to get seasick can do to negate or even thwart that alignment between what you see and what you feel issue is to go to the most stable parts of the boat that aren’t pitching up and down, which means stern and even mid-ship.
Rimblas clarified that there are basically three different groups of seasickness medications. There are the over-the-counter products, prescription products, such as scopolamine patches and herbal and natural products and other treatments including acupuncture. He says that the scopolamine patches are fairly strong and can work for up to three days but part of the side effect price tag is that they can make you drowsy.
Finally, if you are feeling like you are going to be sick and throw up, don’t fight it. You won’t get issued a ticket for pollution for upchucking over the side of the boat. It happens to the best of us, nobody will think less of you and, more importantly, you will feel better immediately. You may even feel good enough to salvage your trip and catch some fish.
Let’s say you do everything wrong. You go out on a bender the night before you get just a few hours of sleep, you don’t have a good breakfast and you aren’t well hydrated.. You didn’t take any “pro-active” meds, like Dramamine or Bonine in advance. To add to the mess you have a hangover. Still you board the boat and head out. In a bit, miles from shore and too late to turn back, you start to not feel so good.
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Rimblas said that if you’re getting an upset stomach and starting to feel nau-
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How to Create a
Habitat Management Plan BY GREAT DAYS OUTDOORS
40 JANUARY 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
LIFESTYLE
It has been said that, “If you don’t know where you are going then any road will take you there”, and that old adage pretty much holds true when it comes to habitat management planning for your property. That all important written habitat management plan is not a quick and easy job. It is a balance between what you, as a landowner, want, what you need and all of that is based on what is best for your specific property. In order to do it right, depending on your objectives it may entail utilizing a wildlife biologist, a forester, different contractors to handle timber, food plot planning, etc. and requiring a number of participants to tie it all together. It also needs to be decided and firmed up well in advance of implementation. Brian Shepherd is president of Brush Clearing Services, a company that works hand in glove with property owners to implement habitat management plans and provides a number of services to help property owners realize their goals. “You need to put together a team prior to implementing anything on your property because we’re (BCS) at our best when we are working closely with a landowner, a biologist and/or a forester,” Shepherd said. “We have a plan in place, have the maps and we know exactly what we are going to do prior to us going in and doing it and it makes our job so much easier. We know we are doing what the doctor prescribed and are doing what is right for the resource and the objectives of the landowner as well.” As one goes through life, circumstances, situations and objective change, what seems to be important today suddenly isn’t that important a few years down the road and other priorities arise. It is important for landowners to keep “fluid” in terms of managing their property. That may be clear cutting, selective cutting, mulching or a plethora of other services and that is where BCS comes into the loop. What they think they need today may be not what they actually need, now or down the road. Shepherd shared an example of a landowner with a significant tract who had a stand of 70-foot-tall pine which were preventing any sunlight from penetrating the forest floor and basically creating a “biological desert”. He wanted to use mulchers to make it look good aesthetically but that mulching would have left a “biomass” of between six to twelve inches thick which defeats the whole purpose allowing sunlight to penetrate the forest floor and new growth to occur.
An integral part of a habitat management plan is to determine what to plant, where and when to plant it in order to deliver the optimum benefit to wildlife and enhance the esthetics and value of the property.
“We immediately got our habitat specialist involved and he went in and cruised the entire property and put together a five-year habitat management plan, mapped it out completely and the timber company came in and cut all of the fuel load out and removed it from site,” Shepherd said. “We came in with our mulchers and cleaned up the leftover tops and stumps and got the soil disturbance we wanted and got immediate response from the good grasses and weeds we wanted to release.”
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JANUARY 2022 41
How to Create a Habitat Management Plan
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www.ccaalabama.org 251-478-3474
How to Create a Habitat Management Plan
“This is a prime example of what a landowner thought he wanted versus what really needed to happen in order to meet his objectives but also to do what was best for the environment,” Shepherd added. Shepherd pointed out that managing your land is somewhat of a juggling and balancing situation depending on the size of your property and your management goals. For example, if you are solely interested in timber production and creating wildlife habitat is way down the line of priorities, that calls for a totally different management plan then if you are trying to accomplish both a commercial goal and maintain healthy wildlife habitat. The size of property also comes into the mix. “If you are wanting to do both habitat and produce an income from your property it definitely can be done,” Shepherd noted. “You have to remember that when we lay out these habitat plans we treat a piece of property like grandma’s quilt and we want different stages of timber and different age classes and successional growth.” “The size of the property has a lot to do with it. Realistically how much can you do with 100 acres to achieve both and you may be limited. You can still grow some timber on it and also concentrate on wildlife and habitat but you are not going to get the timber production return,” Shepherd said. Shepherd stresses the importance of “getting boots on the ground” and not only walking the property but getting into the meat of the deal and putting together an inventory of the property’s assets. The extension of that is a plan and may be three, five or more years out and Shepherd pointed out that landowners shouldn’t be frustrated if they don’t have the number of financial resources to do everything within the time that they want to.
“Remember you are developing a piece of God’s creation and trying to maintain and manage it and you want to take your time and slow and steady wins the race,” Shepherd said. “You really don’t know what you have until you have a plan in place and just because you have a plan doesn’t necessarily mean you have to build that house tomorrow.” Shepherd explained that when you take the plunge to develop a habitat plan, that means having a habitat specialist, habitat biologist or forester who is going to inventory your property. That means identifying classes of timber, ages and you will know how much bottomland hardwood, upland hardwood and pine and everything will be compartmentalized and give an estimate as to the dollar value of the assets. That allows you to determine, based on the analysis, the best management plan to implement for whatever the terms is and it gives you an idea of potential revenue during that term. “That’s when you can start really breaking down and peeling back layers to determine what your starting point is to maximize habitat, wildlife and timber,” Shepherd said. “So at least the landowner will have an idea going forward, of possible future income coming out of this that can go back into his habitat plan and make wildlife management improvements going forward.”
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Choosing the Best
Pond Aeration System BY WILIAM KENDY
44 JANUARY 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
FISHING The term “aeration” basically means “to introduce air into a material” and that “material” includes water. The problem is that there is a basic misconception as to the actual benefit for the owner of a freshwater sport fishing pond. Norman Latona is president of Southeastern Pond Management. SE Pond offers services that cover the waterfront of pond development and management including ecosystem analysis, management programs, pond construction, liming, fertilizing, fish inventory assessment, removal processes, stocking of forage and game fish, maintenance and more. They cover the Southeast and do projects in other areas such as Illinois and as far west as Arkansas and Texas Latona pointed out that there is a misconception about aeration in terms of exactly what it is, what it does and when it is actually necessary. “For most of the ponds we deal with, from one acre up to several hundred acres, the vast majority don’t need artificial aeration in order to survive and thrive,” Latona said. “Artificial aeration in aquaculture and fish production operation may be a requisite, but it really isn’t in “classic fish pond management” designed for fishing.” Latona went on to explain that the average well limed and fertilized pond with bass, bluegill and forage fish has about 300 to even 400 pounds or fish per acre. When you look at aquaculture (the breeding, rearing and harvesting of fish and other organisms in a water environment) that number can increase to thousands of pounds of fish per acre. It is a whole different ball game. “When you ratchet up the density of fish per acre from hundreds to thousands of pounds that increases the biological oxygen demand (BOD) on the water. You get more and more critters vying for oxygen and more waste material being produced that consumes oxygen in the decomposition process,” Latona said. “It isn’t even apples to oranges; it is apples to concrete blocks.” Latona points out that aeration of any pond is expensive. In order to impact the dissolved oxygen over an acre of water that is several feet deep it takes about one horsepower per acre of pond. Plus, there is the cost and operating expense of the equipment. While a pretty little fountain out in the center of the lake that shoots water up eight, ten or more feet may look great, it only moves a little bit of water a great distance but in terms of aeration, it really isn’t doing anything. True aeration moves massive amounts of water a very short distance and is effective in adding oxygen to a large body of water and that is where the concept of thermal stratification and “Destratification” comes into play. Destratification is a process in which the air or water is mixed in order to eliminate stratified layers of temperature or plant or animal life and it is different from aeration. It’s not really adding oxygen to the water, it is a systematic way to increase the amount of water in a pond that has oxygen in it. “Everyone who has jumped in a lake or a pond in the summer knows that while your feet feel chilly the water around your chest feels like bath water and that is thermal stratification,” Latona said. “Warm water is less dense than cold water so it sits at the top of the water column getting heated up by the sun and it insulates the colder and more dense water below. Those layers don’t mix and the colder water has less oxygen. The point where that two layers separate is called the “thermocline”, and in the summertime below that line, the water is colder and is more or less devoid of dissolved oxygen. That means fish can’t live there. One of the phenomena of a thermally stratified pond is that you may experience a fish kill in the hot summertime after a big cold windy thunderstorm. “You have a string of hot summer days and all of a sudden you get a massive cold-water thunderstorm with lots of cold water coming out of the sky and a bunch of wind all in a very
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JANUARY 2022 45
Choosing the Best Pond Aeration System
short period of time and it forces a mixing of the layers,” Latona said. “The result is that the mix of water overall has too little oxygen for fish to survive and, boom, you get a fish kill.”
cabinet running 24/7 for approximately $30-$50 a month. While the cost of the system is dependent on a number of different factors, it isn’t exorbitant, considering the scope of the investment you have in your pond.
“As a result, folks think that they need to have aeration and the truth of the matter is the top layer before the thunderstorm came blowing in was saturated with oxygen and an artificial aeration system wouldn’t have done anything to prevent the fish kill.”
Latona tells pond owners that the cost of installing a destratification system is dependent on the shape and design of the pond, the water depth (the deeper you locate the stones the more efficient they are), the bottom contour with an eye out for deeper holes and other variables.
While summertime is the most common season for a fish kill, a kill can occur in the fall when the weather takes a turn for the worse.
“It gets a little bit tricky in terms of design and it is hard to say what the actual cost will be but in general but I’ll say this typically, you’re talking about a couple of thousand to get you started and three, four or even five thousand bucks for the destratification system and that will get you a long way,” Latona said.
“Sometimes we see them in the fall when suddenly the air temperature drops 30,40 and even 50 degrees and the water on top just cools down so rapidly and gets denser and it starts to sink,” Latona added. The solution is a destratification system. Here is how it works. Hooked up to a shoreline mounted compressor, normally housed in a centrally located protective cabinet is plastic tubing which is run to various strategic locations in the pond. They are hooked up to airstones, similar to what you see in aquariums except much larger. Air is pumped to the stones which breaks it down into millions of tiny bubbles and when that air makes its way to the surface it is displacing water and creating a gentle current. “It looks just like a kind of a boil about the size of a truck bed and what we are doing is taking that cold water at the bottom and forcing it to the top and taking the warm water at the top and forcing it down to the bottom and creating a current effect which effectively eliminates pond stratification,” Latona said. “It eliminates the ‘turnover’ and we aren’t really adding oxygen to the water but we are moving water and equalizing the oxygen content from top to bottom.” In addition to the efficiency of a destratification system Latona says that for a ten-acre pond you can run a rotary vane compressors, in an insulated steel
call o t e m Ti
After all is said and done, what about fishing in a pond that doesn’t have stratification? Is it easier to catch fish or is it harder? When you equalize the oxygen levels across the water column that means that fish have a wider habitat. You could catch fish in five feet, 10 feet or, depending on the pond, even deeper. Does it enhance your angling experience or does it make it more challenging? Does it make the fish harder to target or does it congregate them in some cooler water with good oxygen levels? “It’s probably a different answer for every pond and lake and the challenge is for the fisherman to figure it out,” Latona concluded. Contact Information Southeastern Pond Management www.sepond.com/ 1-888-830-POND
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8
Ways to Lose Money Selling Land
BY JOE BAYA
48 JANUARY 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
LIFESTYLE As a land sales professional, I am continuously involved in listing, selling and buying large acreage land parcels. In doing that I get involved in helping landowners make legitimate and viable decisions as to how they are going to sell their property, how they are going to value it, price it, market and present it and I do all I can do to make sure that they realize the highest and maximum return they can while at the same time offering real value to the buyer. Unfortunately, and I see these patterns over and over again, there are some things that people do that result in a loss of revenue when they sell their property. Here is a list of the top eight ways I see sellers lose money. #1 – Not Pricing Accurately. While I do my best to give sellers a fair and accurate assessment of what a property is worth, many have a tendency to put in too much “fluff” into the asking price. For example, they may add in 20% to give themselves negotiating room. In theory that makes sense because “you can always go down in price” but in reality buyers view the property as being overpriced. Why don’t they just offer less? You might say. that qualified prospects will typically just move on to something more reasonable as opposed to risking offending you with what might be considered as a “lowball” offer. Pricing accurately and negotiating little is the key to selling quickly and for maximizing value. Another way sellers lose money through inaccurate pricing is by not understanding the time value of money. For example,I’ve seen sellers spend 6 or 12 months more on the market waiting for a 5% difference in price. What could they have done with those funds in that time frame to get that money to work for them? Could they have invested it in another asset or paid off some debt? Aside from the stigma that buyers have with properties that have been on the market “too long” you may miss other opportunities to make your money work for you. 2. Not Understanding Tax Consequences It is important to understand the tax consequences of selling. Some people get worried about having a large tax liability and wait to sell or never sell at all. By doing so they may miss out on a really good market with high demand, like we are experiencing right now. Many do not understand the possibilities to defer taxes through a 1031 or reverse 1031 exchange and still others think they will have a large tax liability while they may have no tax liability at all through a step up in basis. While I recommend you speak with your tax professional about your unique situation, all too often sellers are missing out on opportunities because they simply don’t understand the reality of the current environment. One of the major concerns sellers have is “Capital Gains” tax. In a nutshell, if they inherited property, they may have the incorrect idea that they would pay tax on the whole sales amount, which isn’t true. The reality is that a seller only pays tax on the gain between the value of the property when you inherited it and what it is sold for. So, if you inherited property with a value of $1,000,000 and you sold it for $1,250,000 you only pay tax on the $250,000 difference. And if you execute a 1031 or reverse 1031 exchange, you can defer these taxes and roll them into a new property. 3. Not Understanding the Market (That You’re In) It is easy for a property owner to look at the local market area and find another piece of property that sold for a certain price per acre and make the assumption that since it appears to be similar to his and is in close proximity, that he should price it the same. That perception doesn’t always work because all rural land parcels aren’t created equal and each has different attributes and components of value that contribute to the justification of the price per acre. It may have a lake or pond, a new construction cabin, multiple high end shooting houses and all of those components figure into the value. The development potential, geographic characteristics, and even proximity all 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JANUARY 2022 49
8 Ways to Lose Money Selling Land
contribute to the value of a parcel. If you have a parcel that does have development potential but is priced in a way that doesn’t “leave any meat on the bone” to allow a developer to make improvement and profit then it most likely isn’t going to sell quickly. Similarly, if you have a flat tract where 100% of the land is usable and another that is hilly and only 60% is usable there will be pricing variance. The flat tract offers more developable land depending on what the intended use is. Working with a land professional who is familiar with your area will prevent you from over, or under pricing your property and leaving money on the table come closing time. 4. Not Formalizing Leases If you have agricultural land that is income driven and you have a relationship with a farmer it is important to formalize that lease. If you have income driven buyers, before they pay a high dollar, they will want to know that a multi-year lease is in place with an index to keep that income growing and keep that relationship in place. If everything is established and in order before the property goes to market a landowner can make up to 20-30% more. Regarding non-agricultural rural land leases, the lease pricing is contingent on a number of factors. A landowner may be willing to accept a lower hunting or recreational lease payment if the lessee is making improvements to the property, such as food plots, road and firebreaks, clearing, shooting houses and even keeping an eye on the place to insure all is right. There is nothing wrong with this strategy, just make sure it is spelled out so the next buyer can see the value in what is there and make confident steps towards the purchase. 5. Messing up Your Aesthetics Not everyone buys rural property just to make money and “curb appeal” is important. The better a parcel looks and the more management options it
50 JANUARY 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
offers, generally means a higher price per acre. Clear cutting timber is a prime example of harming (if not destroying) the aesthetics of a parcel and throws a monkey wrench into the mix. First off it removes the choice of the buyer to make a property management decision in terms of the timber and the resultant effects on the terrain.. Secondly, the buyer is going to have to pay for site preparation and possibly replanting. Finally, the stark reality is first and foremost, most people just don’t like to look at a clear cut. All of that means you can lose several hundred dollars an acre off the selling price. In most cases, if you are selling timberland you can make more money selling your trees on the stump than you can in clear cutting and selling the dirt. Having said that, sometimes it isn’t inappropriate to do some cutting and thinning of your timber to enhance its appeal to buyers, especially in areas that are transitioning from traditional timberland to more of a larger rural residential track area that offers good highway access. That may necessitate some thinning, chipping and even mulching to make it have more of a park feel. Having limited access to a property is like having a house with no doors so making sure that roads are well maintained, trimmed and that things look good is money well spent and has a solid return on your property investment. 6. Over Improving the Property Just about everyone who buys land has a dream of that “cabin in the woods” or that hunting lodge with a giant fireplace and porches for all their guests. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this, but landowners should understand that this is not the field of dreams and if you build it, they will not necessarily come to buy it. It is important to understand what types of improvements your property can support.
8 Ways to Lose Money Selling Land
Just because you want a five bedroom lodge on your 40 acres doesn’t mean that there is a market to sell this kind of property. If you build a 2,000 square foot lodge for $200 a square foot, it’s important to understand that $400,000 just caused your 40 acres to increase in price by 10,000 per acre. Certain markets can handle this type of improvement, but an improvement of this stature is much better suited to 400 acres or even 1,000 acres where the cost is spread out over more land. While a really awesome improvement like this might be exactly what a particular buyer is looking for, typically the prospects with the means to purchase this also want more acreage. Over improving a property and then trying to get that money back in a sale is a common way sellers spend way too much time on the market and ultimately may never see that money returned. 7. Not Marketing and Advertising Nationally Whether you have a basic tract of land, a rural homestead or even a highly improved parcel, by not marketing it properly, be it on the local, state and even national level, can cost money and time. Right now, there is a mass exodus out of states. A current example are the people leaving California and relocating to states like Idaho which is experiencing an increase in real estate values as a result. So, it makes sense to expose your property images, specifications and value to markets outside of the local area. A buyer who just sold their small home in a suburban neighborhood now has the funds to invest and your property with 100 acres and a nice reasonable cabin is in his price range. He can get it for what that postage stamp size home sold for in the metropolitan area and it represents value. Still, that buyer may be 500 miles away so this is your opportunity to reach out to him.
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Make sure that your marketing articulates the value of your property with good photography and video, broad coverage and targeted media placement. That may entail a cost but once again, as in capital improvement to your property, is money well spent. In addition to getting the word out in a positive and aggressive manner it is important to work with a company that has a wide network of professional agents across the country. 8. Not Negotiating Well When it comes down to negotiating the real estate transaction it is critical that you have a skilled professional agent and negotiator in your corner to pursue your best interest and make sure that nothing is left on the table. Certainly, you haven’t come this far to see a deal die at the table. Land professionals negotiate deals almost every day. They know the wording to keep a deal from falling apart and the visual and verbal cues that can tell you if a purchaser is serious or bluffing. Most importantly they are unemotional. As with accurate pricing, so often landowners are tied up in the memories of a property. That isn’t just a field, that’s the food plot where my child got their first turkey. You don’t want this at the negotiating table. I’ve seen landowners lose their temper and ultimately cost themselves 10’s of thousands of dollars. I’ve also seen them unwilling to counter-offer because they were scared to lose the buyer when in reality they were in a great position to do so and get the deal. It is imperative that you work with a skilled negotiator who you trust to work with your best interests at heart. We strive to never lose money in any deal and also find mutually beneficial deals for both buyers and sellers. If you keep the above points in mind, you’ll be well on your way to a sale where everyone walks away satisfied.
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877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JANUARY 2022 51
Land Loan Interest Rate Update BY GREAT DAYS OUTDOORS
First South Farm Credit (FSFC) has been financing rural land since 1916. Since it was founded over 100 years ago, FSFC now has grown to over 40 branches with 9,000 members and serves the “Deep South” in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi.
develop his property or its habitat or the amount of wildlife there. If you’re playing in the dirt, we want to be in there with you, as long as you’re improving the value of the dirt, which is the collateral of the loan,” Hart said.
As an affiliate of the national Farm Credit System, a network of borrower-owned lending institutions, First South Farm Credit specializes in providing credit for farming operations that include crops, livestock, land, and timber. FSFC is also chartered to help with financing lifestyle farms, rural home sites or rural land tracts for enjoyment or investment purposes.
But wait, it gets better.
As a rural lender, First South Farm Credit basically lends money to people for pretty much anything that they want to do “in the dirt”. That could be row cropping, growing timber, raising livestock or farming for wildlife. It doesn’t stop there. FSFC can assist a property holder in enhancing the value of the land. That includes things such as improving timber stands, clear-cutting, clearing roads, planting green fields, building ponds and planting trees and shrubs to improve green areas and cover for deer and turkey. It even encompasses lending money for controlled burns and planting of grasses and grain crops for things such as quail development and assisting in constructing access roads. “First South Farm Credit can make construction loans and, if needed, can turn those loans into long-term loans. Some landowners are building secondary homes, hunting cabins or lodges, and others want to put their primary residences on 20 to 30 acres” says Taylor Hart, the branch manager of First South Farm Credit in Opelika, AL. “Perhaps that person wants to sit on his or her back porch and look at a pond and we make loans for pond construction as well.” “First South can make loans for anything a landowner wants to do to 52 JANUARY 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
In addition to its extensive experience in agricultural and land financing, one thing that sets First South Farm Credit apart from other lenders is that they are a cooperative. When you borrow money from FSFC, you become a member and that means you own part of the business. That ownership entitles you to share in the profits through their Patronage Refund Payment Program. In other words, First South Farm Credit gives its customers, who are actually owners, money back. While it can’t guarantee payments back to you or the exact rate of return, as long as it remains profitable and well capitalized, FSFC is committed to sharing its profits and has made patronage payments for the past 26 consecutive years. As of December 10, 2021, a lot of land loan rates are still in the 4’s. However, we are starting to see some long term rates in the low 5’s. Stated rates are dependent on an individual’s credit rating, terms of the loan, collateral value, and other deciding factors. In addition to financing land, FSFC can also finance both new and used tractors and other equipment and implements. Call one of our branches for current interest rates and terms. First South Farm Credit has sixteen (16) locations in Alabama. You can call 1-800-955-1722 or visit their website at FirstSouthLand.com to find the location nearest you – and to start the conversation about financing your land.
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877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JANUARY 2022 53
BY HANK SHAW Photos by Holly A. Heyser
Roasted Mushrooms with Garlic When life gives you lots of meaty mushrooms, you could do worse than make roasted mushrooms with garlic, rosemary or some other herb. Nothing fancy or complex, so you can really taste the mushrooms. Prep: 15 mins • Cook: 35 mins • Total: 50 mins Ingredients
•
2 pounds fresh, meaty mushrooms (see above for types) • 1/4 cup olive oil (or melted butter) • Salt • 1 tablespoon garlic powder (or 2 tbsp minced fresh garlic) • 2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary (see above for alternatives) • Black pepper to taste Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Wipe the mushrooms down with a damp cloth to remove any dirt. Trim any nasty looking bits. Cut large mushrooms into chunks. 2. Toss the mushrooms with the oil, then the salt and garlic, then arrange on a sheet pan in one layer. Roast in the oven for 15 minutes. 3. After 15 minutes, move the mushrooms around so they brown evenly. Put them back in the oven. After another 10 minutes or so, you will need to check on them every few minutes until you see the level of browning you want. Different mushrooms will require more or less time. 4. When the mushrooms are ready, return to the bowl and toss with herbs, maybe some more oil or butter, and lots of black pepper. Serve at once. Notes If you want to add a bit of sweetness or acidity, drizzle some balsamic vinegar over the mushrooms at the table. Keys to Success • Don’t crowd the mushrooms too much, or they won’t brown at all. Most varieties will give off a lot of moisture, so they need space. • You can add all sorts of herbs at the end, or red pepper flakes, or lemon zest. This is where you can play around with it. • You can also use this recipe as a base, leaving out the herbs at the end. Make this, then sauce the roasted mushrooms as you like.
54 JANUARY 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
CAMPHOUSE KITCHEN
Venison Shepherd’s Pie Recipe Prep: 20 mins • Cook: 1 hour • Total: 1 hour 20 mins Ingredients POTATOES • 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced • 1/2 cup half and half, or buttermilk • tablespoons butter • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, about 3 ounces • Salt FILLING • 3 tablespoons butter • 2 pounds ground venison, or other meat • Salt • 1 large yellow onion, chopped • 2 carrots, peeled and cut small • 1 parsnip, peeled and cut small (optional) • 1 cup peas (optional) • 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced • 1 cup red wine, or malty beer • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard • 1 tablespoon tomato paste • 1 cup venison stock, or beef stock • 1 teaspoon dried thyme • 1 teaspoon dried sage2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary • 2 teaspoons Maggi sauce (optional) • Black pepper to taste • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions POTATOES 1. Set a large pot of water over high heat, add the potatoes, and bring to a boil. Simmer until tender. Drain the pot, then return the potatoes to the pot. Turn the heat to low. Let them steam for a couple minutes. 2. Add the remaining potato ingredients and mash it all well. You want the potatoes to be delicious, and fluffy. Set aside for now. FILLING 3. Heat the butter in a large, wide pan over high heat. When it just barely starts to brown, add the venison and brown well; salt it as it cooks. Take your time here, because you want good browning, not just gray meat. Remove and set aside. 4. Add the onions to the pan and some more butter if you want. Brown the onions well, too, over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, parsnips and garlic and cook for another couple minutes. 5. Set a large Dutch oven or similar pot over medium heat. Preheat the oven to 400°F. 6. Add the browned meat and onions to the Dutch oven, plus all the remaining ingredients — except for the last 1/2 cup of shredded cheese. Stir well and bring to a boil. Boil this down, stirring often, until the mixture is wet, but not soupy. This should take 5 to 10 minutes. 7. Pour the meat mixture into a 9×13 casserole dish or other similar baking dishes. Leave about 1 inch space for the potatoes. cover the casserole with the potatoes and make the surface irregular, which will make nice brown marks. Sprinkle that last 1/2 cup of cheese over the top. Bake until everything is pretty and browned, about 25 minutes.
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JANUARY 2022 55
NEW & Cool gear BY WILLIAM KENDY
Alps Outdoor Z Deluxe Dove Belt
The Alps Outdoor Z deluxe dove belt is perfect for all upland game hunting. Constructed of rugged 600D fabric it sports two adjustable and removable “hold-open” shell pockets for easy and quick shell access, a large game pouch with a TechMesh bottom to allow condensation to drain easily and a 2-inch webbing waist belt with a durable SR buckle. Available in solid brown or Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Habitat. Suggested Retail Price: $69.99 www.alpsoutdoorz.com
CZ Introduces New 600 Series Rifle Line
Built to deliver outstanding accuracy at an affordable price, the series includes four models incorporating a wide range of stock materials, barrel profiles, action lengths and cartridge combinations. The cold hammer-forged barrels 1-MOA (or better) accuracy at 100 meters and are threaded and suppressor-ready. They feature an adjustable trigger, 60-degree bolt throw, two position safety and the ability to swap calibers using an optional conversion kit. Suggest Retail Price: $749.00 - $1,199 www.cz-usa.com
Don’t Forget the Kids
The Crocs Kids Classic Realtree All-Terrain Edge Camo clogs have a rugged outsole and an adjustable turbo strap which ensures increased traction and support. The lightweight yet rugged Croslite™ construction makes them easy to clean, quick drying and easily packable. These “easy on-easy off” clogs offer adjustable heel straps for a snug fit, ventilation ports for breathability and water shedding and 360-degree comfort. Suggested Retail Price: $34.99 www.crocs.com
Steelhead Outdoors Offers Vault Doors for Safe Rooms
The Steelhead Homestead Vault Doors collection as an alternative to modular gun safes for people who want to create a safe room in their home. Available in two standard sizes the models include full 7-gauge steel construction on door and frame (3/16 inch thick), easy access emergency and a panic room lock. Both mechanical and electronic locks are available along with standard and custom colors and accents and other extras. Suggested Price: Starting at $5,500.00 www.steelheadoutdoors.com
NESCO VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer
From fish to fowl to venison, the VS-12 can extend the shelf life of food up to five-times longer than traditional storage methods. It features a 130-watt double vacuum pump for maximum air extraction to prevent freezer burn. It has three seal settings; dry, moist and double making is easy to preserve various types of food and it’s normal and gentle vacuum pressure option keeps softer food safe and undamaged. Suggested Retail Price: $99.99 www.nesco.com
56 JANUARY 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
NEW & COOL GEAR FOR OUTDOORSMEN
Stay Outside Longer with ThermaSeat
The “Heat-A-Seats” from ThermaSeat provides low-maintenance warmth between your bottom and the ground, stand or even boat. It’s insulated soft closed-cell foam retains and reflects body heat while staying silent, even in sub-freezing conditions. The Heat-A-Seat is available in a variety of camo and solid combinations, including Mossy Oak and Realtree patterns. Suggested Retail Price: $10.95 www.thermaseat.com
Angler’s Fish-N-Mate Cart
The Angler’s Fish-N-Mate® cart carries 8 rods and feels, one 48–72-quart cooler, 1 smaller cooler, 1 tackle box, lawn chairs, umbrella and whatever you can squeeze into it as long as it doesn’t weigh over 150 pounds. It comes equipped with a detachable handle, 16” inch tires (options available), stabilizer legs, vinyl rod tube covers, a food-grade cutting board with removable bucket. The corrosion-resistant, anodize-aluminum frame weighs only 34 pounds. Suggested Retail Price: Starting at $329.00 www.rodrack.com
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The Groove Belt™ is good for the office, the woods, the boat, the backyard, and everything in between. Just adjust it once and forget about it. It has the perfect amount of stretch giving you the most comfortable all-day fit. The buckle is constructed of strong A380 aluminum with neodymium magnets for easy “snap-on, snap-off” use. The proprietary webbing includes Stiff-Tech™ which eliminates belt folding in your belt loops. Suggested Retail Price: $50.00 www.groovelife.com
New On-line “Shopping Mall” for Hunting Equipment
If you are looking to buy and sell used and even new hunting equipment, look no further. The Hunting Exchange is a new on-line service that can help you find what you are looking for, from boots to bows and arrows, decoys, optics, treestands and blinds and more. Plus, if you have hunting gear that you want to sell, listing and selling it online is easy and safe. For more information go to www.hunting-exchange.com.
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Hunt Alabama’s WMAs; Stay at Alabama State Park
One of the most common reasons people limit their hunting activities is a lack of land to hunt.
BY CHRIS BLANKENSHIP Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources
A solution to that dilemma is to consider hunting on public land. The Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, State Lands Division and the Forever Wild Land Trust (FWLT) offer hunting opportunities on more than 750,000 acres of land across the state through wildlife management areas (WMAs) and public hunting areas. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), through the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, State Lands Division and the Forever Wild Land Trust, owns 366,670 acres. ADCNR manages 345,323 acres of federally owned acreage through
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cooperative agreements with the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tennessee Valley Authority and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Roughly 38,000 additional acres are privately owned acreage managed through “In-Kind” lease agreements. These areas are financed with funds derived from hunting licenses and a federal excise tax on firearms and ammunition. To hunt WMAs, some of the most productive public lands in the state, you will need a valid hunting license and a WMA License. You also are required to either use the Outdoor AL WMA Checkin app or retain and complete a daily permit from the check station or one of the information kiosks located at major entry points (see WMA map for kiosks and check station locations). When using the
FROM THE COMMISSIONER Outdoor AL WMA Check-in app, a signed paper WMA-Area Map Permit is not required. If using one of the paper daily permits, also having the signed WMA-Area Map Permit is required. A Wildlife Heritage License is valid in lieu of resident State Hunting and WMA License for small game hunting, excluding waterfowl. Each WMA has its own set of rules and season dates. Go to www. outdooralabama.com/hunting/wildlife-management-areas and scroll down to find the hunting areas you are interested in. Click on that area and you can download the map and hunting regulations and seasons. Another great aspect of hunting public land in Alabama is that you can usually find a beautiful Alabama State Park nearby. If you want to hunt in the northwest corner of the state, you can stay at Joe Wheeler State Park with its lodge, cottages and cabins. The park is only a short drive to numerous public hunting areas, where you can pursue everything from white-tailed deer to waterfowl. Near Joe Wheeler is Lauderdale WMA, a 20,344-acre area with big game and small game hunting; Freedom Hills WMA, a 33,539-acre area with big game and small game hunting; and Black Warrior, the largest WMA in the state at 91,263 acres with big game and small game hunting. For waterfowl, head to Swan Creek and Mallard-Fox Creek in Limestone, Lawrence and Morgan Counties. In the northeast corner of the state, hunters have numerous options of where to stay and where to hunt. Lake Guntersville State Park, with its new camper cabins as well as lodge, chalets, cabins and campgrounds, and DeSoto State Park, with hotel, regular and primitive camping cabins, chalets and campgrounds, are within easy driving distance of James D. Martin-Skyline WMA, a 60,732acre property in Jackson County near Scottsboro. For waterfowl and small game hunting, try Crow Creek, Crow Creek Refuge, Raccoon Creek, Mud Creek and North Sauty Refuge. Another of the larger WMAs in the state, Choccolocco in Cleburne County with 56,838 acres, is near Cheaha State Park, which sits atop the highest point in Alabama. Cheaha offers a hotel, chalets, cabins and campgrounds.
near Rockford, and Tim Gothard-Yates Lake Public Hunting Area, a 5,616-acre area in Elmore County. Situated in the heart of the wild-game rich Alabama Black Belt, Roland Cooper State Park near Camden has six new “tiny house” cabins for rent as well as five two-bedroom cabins. Not far away from Roland Cooper is the Lowndes WMA, a 15,920-acre property near Whitehall, that has plenty of deer, feral swine and small game to hunt. Barbour County WMA in southeast Alabama offers top-notch hunting for whitetails and small game on the 28,214-acre property. And it’s an easy drive for lodging to Lakepoint State Park on beautiful Lake Eufaula. Lakepoint offers lakeside cottages, 29 cabins and a 101-room lodge for a comfortable stay on your hunting trip. In the southwest portion of the state, hunters have a variety of game to pursue from deer to feral swine to waterfowl. The MobileTensaw Delta-W.L. Holland WMA covers 51,040 acres of coastal habitat. Nearby Perdido River WMA has small game and big game hunting on 17,337 acres in Baldwin County. You have easy access to both WMAs when you stay at Meaher State Park on the Battleship Parkway (Causeway). Meaher offers four cabins that overlook Ducker Bay as well as 61 RV campsites. Go to www.alapark.com and check for special rates for hunters at some of Alabama’s most spectacular state parks. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of our many opportunities to hunt public land and stay in comfortable lodging facilities at our beautiful Alabama State Parks.
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If you want to try your luck at Mulberry Fork WMA, a 35,620-acre property in Tuscaloosa and Walker counties, you can check out the campgrounds at Lake Lurleen State Park with its 91 modern campsites. Oak Mountain State Park, the state’s largest at 9,940 acres, has 10 cabins and 84 modern campsites and offers easy access to William R. Ireland Sr.-Cahaba River WMA, a 35,559-acre property in Bibb and Shelby counties with small game and big game hunting, and Hollins WMA, a 28,802-acre property in Clay and Talladega counties with small game and big game hunting. Choose Oak Mountain or Lake Lurleen if you want to hunt Oakmulgee WMA, a 44,500-acre property in Bibb, Hale, Perry and Tuscaloosa counties with plenty of white-tailed deer and small game to pursue. If you have an RV or travel trailer, Wind Creek State Park has ample space for you during hunting season. With 586 camping sites, it is one of the largest public camping areas in the nation. Plus, it’s within driving distance of Coosa WMA, a17,486-acre tract
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877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JANUARY 2022 59
A Roadmap for Conserving Alabama’s Wildlife
“There can be no greater issue than that of conservation in this country,” Theodore Roosevelt, 1912.
BY CHARLES “CHUCK” SYKES Director of the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF)
This month, I asked Traci Wood, Habitat and Species Conservation Coordinator, to tell you all about the Alabama State Wildlife Action Plan, SWAP, which will begin the revision process next year. Here is what you need to know about the SWAP and what it does for Alabama.
collaborate to reach the conclusions that form the basis for the SWAP. The SWAP becomes a roadmap for all conservationists to follow to keep common species common and to prevent species of concern from becoming threatened or endangered — and costly to protect.
WHAT IS A SWAP? A State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) is a management plan for conserving fish and wildlife species in decline along with their habitats. It is designed as a proactive approach to management that helps to prevent those species from becoming further imperiled or federally listed as threatened or endangered.
The 2015-2025 Alabama SWAP identifies 366 species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) that are considered endangered, threatened, or at-risk and actions needed for their recovery. An additional 251 species fall under a “watch list,” which is a designation of moderate conservation concern. The SWAP identifies specific measures to take for research, restoration, management, and recovery to address the threats to each SGCN and its habitat. The ultimate goal is to conserve and improve the status of all these species, prevent listings under the Endangered Species Act, potentially down-list species, and keep common species common. This proactive approach is the most practical and cost-effective way to address long-term wildlife conservation issues. The SWAP has sparked partnerships for propagation and reintroduction of federally listed species, prioritized sensitive habitats for protection, supported private land longleaf pine restoration efforts, and implemented stream restoration projects. It also guides numerous research projects.
As mandated by Congress and approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, each state fish and wildlife agency must review and rank the status of all its wildlife and identify priority conservation actions for species considered in greatest conservation need. This review includes game and nongame species from mammal, fish, mussel, snail, crayfish, amphibian, and reptile taxa groups. Every ten years, experts throughout the state gather to review and update the status of these taxa groups. Leading scientists, conservationists, private landowners, and other citizens all
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FROM THE DIRECTOR By focusing on conserving the natural lands and clean waters that provide habitat for wildlife, the SWAP has important benefits for people too. These same habitats that provide food, space, and shelter for game and nongame species also provide for agricultural uses, irrigation, drinking water, clean air, and forestry needs to enhance quality of life for us all. Further, whether fishing, hunting, photographing, hiking, kayaking, or observing wildlife, Alabamians derive many hours of enjoyment from wildlife-related recreation. So, we should all care about the status of all wildlife. WHY DO WE NEED A SWAP? Alabama holds a central role in the conservation of North American biodiversity by surpassing all eastern states in plant and animal diversity. Alabama is home to approximately 4,500 species, including 420 birds, 166 amphibians and reptiles, and 64 different mammals. Alabama is first in the nation in freshwater diversity with more than 800 species of freshwater fishes, mussels, aquatic snails, and crayfishes; our Mobile-Tensaw Delta is even known as “America’s Amazon” by many. We have a proud tradition of caring for our diverse array of fish and wildlife that are important to our economy, traditions, and communities. Unfortunately, Alabama also has the third highest number of threatened or endangered species in the nation. Our land and waterscapes are threatened by continual habitat loss and fragmentation and impacts from disturbance, diseases, and exotic species, all of which has led to the loss of over 100 species. Over 125 species are federally listed as endangered or threatened. This means conservation managers, private landowners, and outdoorsmen and women are faced with endless challenges to manage more than 1,200 species of wildlife in Alabama. With the SWAP in place, conservation managers, researchers, private landowners, and wildlife enthusiasts have direction and a powerful tool to address the many challenges our wildlife faces. Through this proactive fish
and wildlife conservation, we can better ensure that future generations have the same opportunities to enjoy the many benefits of healthy fish and wildlife populations that we have enjoyed — and Americans’ dollars are saved by addressing threats to wildlife before expensive “emergency-room” actions are needed. HOW IS SWAP FUNDED? Habitat and management programs identified in the Alabama SWAP are paid for with federal funding made available to state fish and wildlife agencies through the State Wildlife Grants (SWG) Program. Federal funding for the SWG Program is mandated annually through Congressional appropriations and allocated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. For Alabama to receive our portion of those funds, we must have in place an approved SWAP. In addition, WFF must provide a 35% non-federal match of the federal funds received. Since WFF does not receive monies from the Alabama general tax fund, revenue from the purchase of hunting and fishing licenses serves as the non-federal match. Before you ask, “why are hunter and angler dollars being used for this?,” keep in mind that the SWG Program not only pays for research and management projects for non-game species, but it also ensures species such as the American Black Duck can have a hunting season; the Shoal Bass can sustain a creel limit; prescribed burning for longleaf pine habitat can take place to provide quality habitat and foraging for turkey and gopher tortoises; land is acquired to protect rare species, but also to be used for hunting; aquatic recovery efforts help to provide clean water; and native grasses are restored for grassland bird species including quail, just to name a few ways sportsmen and women benefit from the SWG Program. Our hats are off to you, the hunters and anglers, for contributing to the management and protection of ALL wildlife and aquatic species in the Yellowhammer State! To view the Alabama SWAP and a SGCN overview, visit https://www. outdooralabama.com/research/state-wildlife-grants .
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251-433-3696 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JANUARY 2022 61
Chilly Weather Kayak Fishing-
How to Dress for Comfort
Kayak anglers can be comfortable in coldest gulf Coast weather- if they rig and dress right.
The duck hunters were happy, but I was not. On this combined “cast and blast” trip, the cold front which had blown down from Canada to the Gulf Coast had brought lots of ducks for the hunters to shoot, but the cold had also brought a north wind that cut right to the bone and made kayak fishing a misery.
BY ED MASHBURN Photos by Ed Mashburn
At least, if I had not been prepared for cold weather, it would have been a misery. But I had brought several layers of warm clothing and most importantly, I had brought a lightweight pair of neoprene waders which would keep me dry from the chest down. A light waterproof jacket kept my arms and upper body dry and warm so I was ready to fish and get after the redfish. When arranging gear for cold weather kayak trips, the most important element is to keep in
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mind one simple rule: If the paddler is dry, the paddler will be warm. If the paddler gets wet, the paddler will be miserable. HOW TO KEEP DRY Although getting some water, sometimes quite a bit of water, on a kayak angler during the hot and humid seasons of the year is not such a bad thing. Getting even a few drops of water on the kayaker during cold weather is not so much fun. The best thing that kayak anglers can do to keep dry is dress properly. Cool water and cool weather are not conditions for blue jeans and tee-shirts. Any sort of clothing that will absorb water and hold it will go a long way toward making a winter kayak fishing trip a miserable experience. I have found that a pair of cheap, lightweight neoprene chest waders such as those used for wade fishing by freshwater trout anglers in cold, cold-water work very well to keep water away from the kayaker. These waders don’t need to be the most expensive and most durable neoprene waders. Some of those high-end waders can run into hun-
PADDLE FISHING dreds of dollars. We just want cheap, light, inexpensive waders. These very lightweight neoprene waders allow kayak anglers to move easily and they don’t present a problem even for anglers who use pedal-drive kayaks for their fishing. Wearing these waders will create dry conditions from the feet to the upper chest, and these waders also provide a certain degree of insulation to cut cold breezes. Kayak anglers can find a set of thin neoprene waders for less than $100 at most sporting goods outlets. For a set of water-resistant outerwear that gives good value, but does not include foot coverings, a set of rainproof dry wear from FroggToggs is a good bet. These lightweight outer garments are thin, don’t provide much insulation, and to be fully waterproof will need to be used with high boots to shed water, but they are much better than regular outdoor wear when it comes to shedding water and keeping an angler dry. A pair of warm socks underneath the waders and a pair of light fishing pants underneath the waders will work in even the coolest of Gulf Coast conditions. For the upper body, I like a soft undershirt with a hooded sweatshirt under a waterproof jacket. These shirts and jackets will hang over the upper part of the waders, and the angler will have nearly total protection from drips and waves which might come aboard. Of course, over the waterproof jacket we will want our PFD, and cold weather is when having the extra insulation of the PFD is a very good thing. And in case of a disastrous fall-out or tip over, the PFD is of vital importance in cold water. It doesn’t take long for hypothermia to set in when a paddler becomes a swimmer, and a PFD can enable the kayaker to make it to shore safely. FEET- DRY AND WARM When my feet get cold, I am cold all over. I hate to have cold feet. For me, and I suspect lots of other kayak anglers, a key point in keeping cold weather kayak fishing comfortable is to make sure the feet stay dry and warm. The best thing kayakers can do to keep feet warm is to wear a thick pair of wool or wool-blend socks. Wool, even when wet, has good insulation qualities, and is far superior to cotton or other materials for socks.
can be difficult. Gloves help, and there are many good brands of fishing gloves which will help keep hands dry. I can’t operate a spinning reel at all when I’m wearing gloves of any kind. So my hands tend to get wet, and they absolutely tend to get cold. I have had luck with wearing a solid – no finger tips cut out- glove on my left hand while my right hand, the one I use for casting, goes bare. At least, this cuts the misery of cold hands while fishing in half. But I have found a cheap chemical hand warming pouch such as is often used by hunters in cold weather works very well when I’m on the water. I put the activated and warm pouch in the pocket of my waterproof jacket where the warmth tends to heat my belly and when I need some warmth for my right hand, I just slip it into the pocket and grab the warm pouch for a while. FIRST AND LAST Although winter fishing can present some difficulties for kayak anglers, we need to keep in mind that some of the best fishing of any year happens in cold weather. Big redfish don’t mind the cold, and sheepshead and black drum will be inshore and willing to bite when it’s cold outside. Even speckled trout can be caught in deeper holes in creeks and rivers. But if we keep in mind the most important point of winter kayak fishing, it’s not really bad at all to be on the water in a kayak. The most important part? Keep the angler dry and the angler will be warm.
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When I dress for the cold on a kayak trip, I pull on my socks, then I pull on the neoprene waders, and over all, I have a pair of shoes. Just about any kind of shoe will work. I’ve used sneakers, and I always buy a cheap pair a couple of sizes too large so I can wear the shoes over my thick socks and the stocking feet of the waders in comfort. Don’t lace the sneakers up too tight. We don’t want the shoes to compress the socks and waders too much. Wearing wool socks, neoprene waders and sneakers allows kayak anglers to step in the water while launching or pulling the kayak without getting wet. HANDS- A PROBLEM Now, keeping our hands dry and warm while kayak fishing in cold weather
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Gulf Coast Fishing Outlook
Captain “Wild” Bill Hancock shows of a chunky winter trout.” photo courtesy Bill Hancock
Happy New Year’s!!! At the turn of every calendar year, it should be a priority to start it right and to me, that means time on the water bending rods. Winter fishing patterns can be difficult as the weather can turn from freezing in the morning, to warm and springlike by afternoon. Time on the water, year-to-year logging and listening to tips and techniques from other seasoned anglers will lead to a better new year. MISSISSIPPI Winter fishing in MS state waters usually means hitting the backwaters and probing the creeks, bayou’s and coastal rivers. Captain Bill Hancock of Reel Outlaw Charters out of D’Iberville, MS knows the drill well.
BY CHRIS VECSEY
“As we all know January fishing can be challenging with the weather fronts every week. However, there are usually a couple of good weeks in January where you can find good fish in the bayou’s and rivers,” Hancock pointed out.
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Hancock doesn’t waste time covering every square inch of the waterways, heading straight for key spots and looking for particular structures. “I look for deep water near turns and bends. I’m talking water with depths of eight feet or more,” Hancock explained. “In this situation I prefer to fish a falling tide which is usually mid-morning. A soft plastic on a 5/16 jig head is what I use most of the time. Darker colors such as a Matrix Shad Avocado is a great choice. “ A reality to winter fishing, especially with artificial lures, is putting on the breaks when retrieving and Hancock echoes this cold fact. “January fishing can be very productive if you slow down your presentation. Early in the day I painfully crawl the soft plastic along the bottom feeling for any bump or tap,” he said. “Sometimes the fish will just pick it up and all I feel is the line gets heavy.”
FISHING OUTLOOK The cold may mean slow and deep, but as the day progresses, fish will tend to become more active. Hancock likes to make adjustments as the sun rises in the sky. “Once the day warms up I’ll switch to a jerkbait and look for suspended fish. In winter I fish jerkbaits with a long pause in my cadence. Look for deep water pockets and mud flats on points where the sun warms up the bottom,” Hancock noted. Hancock may make many changes through the day but still follows a few principles to lead to cold water success.
both inshore and offshore. Pensacola Bay will be loaded with prime targets, but the huge schools of bull reds will be hard to ignore. Running and gunning finds the fish, but be courteous to other anglers and avoid running straight into the middle of the schools, sending them deep. Casting into the frenzy with spoons, large curltail grubs and various other baitfish imitating lures or flies will get bit. When fish are deep they can be located trolling deep diving plugs and watching the depthfinder. Side-scan sonar is particularly helpful for this technique.
ALABAMA New Year’s along the Alabama coastline is very similar to Mississippi; colder water, lethargic fish and slower presentations.
In the rivers, there are many species to be encountered. Speckled trout, redfish, flounder, sheepshead, striped bass, etc; all can be found in a day of working the lower river mouths and upper bay structures. Various artificial lures that imitate shrimp, finger mullet and menhaden will get the job done as will using the real version. For sheepshead, shrimp will work but live fiddler crabs are even better. You can fish these on a Carolina rig or dropshot rig fished tight to piers, bridge pilings, bulkheads and other assorted inshore structures.
Speckled trout and redfish will be top targets throughout the mobile delta system along with the numerous creeks and coastal rivers. Soft plastic lures like the Matrix Shad and Slick lure will be top choices as well as hard bodied jerkbaits and twitchbaits like the Rapala RipStop and Yo Zuri 3D inshore twitchbait. Slowing the cadence of your lures will lead to better results on the average winter outing.
Offshore, bottom fishing will provide plenty of fun but be aware of what species are in season. Working natural bottom areas from state waters out to depths of over 300ft will produce a wide range of species, with grouper being a crowd favorite. Live baits like cigar minnows, blue runners (hardtails) and pinfish will be top choices. Jigging with “butterfly or “slow pitch” style jigs will also do very well.
On warmer days, topwaters will prove effective as well, often in the middle of the day. Watch for warmer spells between fronts to lead to better topwater outings. Many anglers will still opt for live bait, with shrimp, croakers and small menhaden being top picks. It pays to fish live baits at various depths, from freelining, to suspending with a slip float. Keeping your tackle box stocked with a full range of rigging options means being able to rig for the strike zone, wherever it is that day.
As far as blue water fishing goes, the Okaloosa County Fish Aggregating Devices” (FADS) will produce tuna and other pelagics when warmer water currents sweep through. Live baiting is tops when it comes to tuna around the FADS and other pelagics will respond as well.
“These fish will be hungry but at the same time they are still lethargic and move very slow. The bite will be light, you just have to be patient and slow down your cadence,” he said.
Bull redfish will be a reliable target throughout the month. They can be found looking for birds on the surface or finding bait schools or fish on your depth finder. If surface fish aren’t present, troll deep diving plugs like the Rapala X Rap Mag 30 or a spoon/planer combo at speeds of three to four knots and in anywhere from 15-30 feet of water. Once located, it’s a ton of fun to break out the lighter tackle and cast to the schooling fish, which will usually be in large numbers. Bucktail jigs and large paddletail grubs will produce plenty of XL sized reds. Winter weather can be brutal, but there will be opportunities for offshore runs and January can be a very good time to make longer runs for tuna and wahoo. Both will be found around platforms in depths of 250 to 500 feet. The key is staying in tune with current offshore water conditions and knowing where to go. A subscription to an online satellite imaging service like Hilton’s Realtime Navigator, can keep you “in the know”.
Swordfishing will be a viable option through the winter months as well. These prized fish will be available day and night at areas like the spur all through the month. Fishing whole squid, bonito strips and other natural baits at depths of 1000-1400 feet during the day will draw strikes. At night, stagger baits from 50-400 feet from the surface as you drift through the dark. Whether you fish in through the day or soak baits at night, finding schools of bait prior to fishing will tip the odds in your favor with hungry broadbills.
Important Contact Information Hilton’s Realtime Navigator www.hiltonsoffshore.com Reel Outlaw Charters Captain Bill Hancock 601-807-5811
Tuna will also begin to stack around the “lumps” and be taken by various means, with chunking being the main tactic. Around the platforms, trolling ballyhoo and live baiting will account for many yellowfin, but the most excitement comes from throwing topwater poppers on spinning tackle, when the opportunity arises. Trolling the rigs around the 50 and 100 fathom lines will be the best way to put wahoo in the fishbox. Deep diving plugs like the Rapala X Rap 30 and Nomad DTX are proven ‘hoo catchers. Pull these at speeds of six to eight knots at various distances from the rigs. FLORIDA PANHANDLE The emerald waters of the panhandle will offer loads of variety this month, 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JANUARY 2022 65
Pier & Shore Fishing Outlook
East Side Rail Anglers Photo by Milton Rittelmeyer
Presentation becomes more critical as there are far fewer fish in the surf zone to potentially check out your bait in mid-winter. Typically, we can expect the water temperature in the surf zone to fall through the lower 60s this month. Though surf temperature often varies along the beaches, and tends to be a few degrees higher near the mid points between passes relative to the larger bays. There the water is often a few degrees cooler because the bay is shallower. January weather ranges from cold and clear, to rainy and windy (cold or warm), or even foggy. We can hope to have mild temperatures with light winds at least for some part of the month. BY DAVID THORNTON Photos by David Thornton
Even though the pelagic species (jacks and mackerel) are long gone to south Florida, our resident fish species of the Emerald Coast region can heat things up when conditions get right. Pompano are at the top of the list of target
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species for surf anglers even in mid-winter. While sheepshead may well be the favorite quarry of pier and jetty anglers this month. Both groups though have a common by-catch of Gulf kingfish (“whiting”) which even get more attention at times when cold weather and predators push large schools to seek refuge around the beachfront sandbars and piers. Dolphins, sharks, “bull” redfish and loons often patrol the beaches too, looking to make an easy meal of the smaller drumfish like croakers and whiting. Keep in mind, these smaller cold-blooded fish are even more affected by cooler water, so they tend to swarm to the sheltering sandbars and piers. Still, finding the right time and place to fish is critical for angler success. As it seems 95% of the fish are. TIDE IN KNOTS Low tide in the late morning hours this month
FISHING OUTLOOK means shore anglers often have to cast farther distances to reach deeper water holding their target fish. Casts longer than 200 feet from the beach may be necessary, as the fish they seek may be even outside the longshore sandbar. In many places, that sandbar can be over 100 yards from shore, placing it out-of-reach for light tackle or even most typical Gulf Coast surf fishing gear. (See “Selecting the Best Surf Fishing Rod” GDO mag Dec 2021) To reach such “Olympic” casting distances, anglers may need to go with longer rods (over 12 feet), add another ounce or two of weight, use thinner braided lines, use only synthetic baits, or don some waders to walk out some of the distance. Even a few yards can make the difference at these times between the sweet smell of success and the stench of being skunked. Surf anglers really should look for other locations that offer fish-attracting beach structure closer to shore and into easier casting distance. Still, the “easiest” venues to fish, may well not be the best for “catching”, unless you just like to socialize. Like on the pier sometimes, when fishing is slow. That’s when savvy anglers will try something different than just soaking the same baits on the same rigs right next to other unsuccessful fishermen. Why repeat a failing formula? When you can find a better location, or bait, or presentation that gets fish on your hook? Timing is another critical key to catching fish in mid-winter. Of course fishing during the lighter wind periods between storm systems may be easier for the angler but water clarity, temperature and tide, along with the amount of sunlight should be considered when choosing your time and place to fish. Many days with stronger incoming afternoon/evening tides offer good fishing options closer to shore. In fact, the last hour of daylight (after sundown) may be the best fishing time of the day. On the beaches, fish may well feed closer to shore in this scenario. Coupled with the proper location, like in the mouth of passes and bays, especially along jetties and seawalls there should be fish feeding in the afternoon as the relatively warmer Gulf water pushes inshore. Relatively warm afternoons can be a good time to catch sheepshead (on live shrimp or fiddler crabs). As well, there can be some solitary red or black drum looking for a meal as they scour the bottom.
colored floats or bead attractants, with synthetic bait may entice a reaction strike. Just keep in mind, the colder the water, the less active fish will generally be. Also, the less effective the “longer-lasting” formula of Fishbites (in the blue package) may be. The “fast-acting” formula Fishbites (in the red package) is intended to dissolve better in water temperatures below 70 degrees. Colder water is when beach ghost shrimp are often far more effective than any other bait. So bring along your shrimp pump and some Magic Thread to secure these fragile baits on the hook better for casting. A little extra time and expense, but it really is worth the effort. Of course wind direction and speed influences the wave heights surf anglers have to deal with. The tide direction and strength can have an impact on the size of the waves and swells too. Generally, an incoming tide will add a foot or two to wave heights in the surf zone, while an outgoing tide decreases wave heights a little due to the increased “drag” from relatively shallower water. The period of the waves can be a second or so faster or slower due to the tide strength and direction as well. This also creates rip currents that set up feeding zones for the fish which may be visible to the anglers by “reading” the water. Look for a zone of “nervous” or “ripply” water which indicates the area and strength of the rip. Then fish around the edges if it is a strong current, and nearer the center if it looks weak. Though spotting these regions are as subtle as observing the tide changes, they greatly influence the characteristics of the bite available to the surf fishers at a given point in time. So, even January offers our shore bound anglers plenty of fish catching opportunities when they adjust to the short amount of daylight, the weather, and our cool Gulf waters. Watching, and planning around changes in the weather and water will bring you more success and enjoyment while venturing into our great days outdoors! This large pompano (released) really made Robin Martin‘s day in January 2020.
Schooling fish like blues, Little tunny (“bonita”) or even speckled trout can be caught in these active tidal current areas during the afternoon, even after the sun sets. Jigs and small spoons work well for bluefish and bonita, but hard baits like MirrOdine, small Rapalas, or Yozuris, and even topwater plugs work for trout too. THE BOTTOM LINE During colder water periods, bottom feeding fish like pompano, sheepshead, whiting and other drumfish are often on the prowl for ghost shrimp. VERY fresh penaeid shrimp may still get the attention of these fish, but frozen shrimp often do not. It may have something to do with scent dispersion in colder water. Experience has shown frozen or “less than fresh” shrimp are usually not nearly as effective this time of year. In general, presentation becomes more critical as there are far fewer fish in the surf zone to potentially check out your bait in mid-winter so you will want your presentation to appear as attractive to them as possible. Appealing to their senses of sight, smell and taste in due order. Often in calm water, a natural presentation (just lying on the bottom) with a Fishfinder rig looks more natural and garners more bites. While during active wave days, double drop pompano rigs with brightly 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JANUARY 2022 67
REGIONAL FRESHWATER Fishing Outlook BY ED MASHBURN Photos by Ed Mashburn
Crappie will be getting into pre-spawn patterns and anglers can catch some very good fish.
ALABAMA WATERS
MILLER’S FERRY Joe Dunn, from Dunn’s Sports, says that the best technique for cold weather crappie at Miller’s Ferry is bottom bouncing for them. Put a one ounce sinker at the end of the line and then put a 1/0 hook about 18 inches above the sinker. Put a live minnow or a soft tube body on the hook, and then tip the hook with a minnow. The preferred colors of the plastic jig will vary from day to day, but sometimes having the little extra attraction of the soft plastic jig can make a big difference. Bounce this rig right on the bottom and feel for bites which may be pretty soft this time of year. One thing that Dunn advises crappie anglers to be aware of is that if a lot of current is moving through the lake, the crappie may relocate to the larger sloughs and creek to get out of the strong current. “The largemouth bass will be found not too far from their spawning areas, but they won’t be up in spawning water yet. Secondary ledges and 68 JANUARY 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
points up the big sloughs can be good. In January there can be a good crank bait, spinnerbait and chatterbait bite in eight to ten feet of water,” Dunn said. If we get a few warm January days, the bass will pull a little shallower, but they are waiting for steady warmer water in their spawning areas. As far as colors and patterns for Miller’s Ferry cool weather bass, Dunn tells us that ninety per cent of the time at Miller’s Ferry, bass lures need to be in some kind of shad color and pattern. “Toward the end of the month and going into February and March, crawfish will start to emerge, and then a crawfish pattern is good,” he noted. SIPSEY FORK Randy Jackson of Riverside Fly Shop says that in January, there can be a good midge hatch, and often stoneflies and blue wing olives will also start coming off/. This can produce some very good fly fishing for the
FISHING OUTLOOK rainbows. “From January to March is a good time for nymph fishing on the Sipsey Fork. The nymphs all have different configurations, and the flies to match them have bread heads and some have wire to help sink them quickly,” Jackson said. “Other natural imitations sink slower. The fish will tell an angler what sink rate and color they want.” One good thing about fishing the cold waters of Sipsey Fork is that when the air temperatures get as cold as they ever do in Alabama, the water is still the same temperature it was in summer. The trout don’t care how cold it is, either. The river stages and water flow will vary depending on the amount of rainfall and water released from the Smith Lake dam to maintain the desired lake level above. Spinning gear anglers will have good luck with bubble-rigs using the same flies that fly rod anglers use. Four-pound test line works best for the sharp-sighted rainbow trout. Riverside Fly Shop will be running float and wade trips all through January, and since the river is stocked well every month, there will be fish eager to bite. MOBILE DELTA “What we’re looking at, if the upper and middle Delta has flood waters, the bite shuts down. On the lower Delta, cold fronts combined with strong north winds can produce phenomenal fishing because the low waters concentrate the fish in creeks adjacent to the bays. South of Gravine Island is a maze of creeks which will help concentrate the bass. Navigation at this time can be a problem, but the low water helps show anglers where the deepest water of the creeks and channels lies,” advises long-time Delta angler and guide Captain Wayne Miller. In January the water will be in the 50s, and medium to deep diving crawfish pattern crankbaits can be very good. Plugs that run three to eight feet deep are good. Anglers might try a jig and shaky head for a slower presentation. Darker colors are good and work well most days. Anglers should look for creeks with deeper water and some tidal movement. LAKE GUNTERSVILLE In the cool conditions of January, bass anglers should work Guntersville along the bigger creek channels and the old grass line. Anywhere that narrows the creeks down and creates pinch points is a good place to look. “In January, there will be a pretty good crank bait bite, Rat-L-Traps will be good, and jerk baits will also work. These hard baits should have some red or chartreuse accents on them. Red is always good at Guntersville “ says Captain Jake Davis from Mid-South Bass Guide Service Davis says that the bass will generally be holding in eight to twelve feet of water but that there will be some shallow bass in Guntersville at nearly all times and all conditions. Crappie will be schooling up on the bridges- anglers can have good luck with big crappie using small jigs and live minnows around the bridge structures. Fish the shadow lines of the bridges. According to Davis, a good thing about January fishing on Guntersville is that most fishing trips won’t need to start until late in the morning. and
that during this time of the year afternoon fishing after the sun gets up and warms the water a little is best. EUFAULA Hawks Fishing Guide Service Captain Sam Williams has been connecting fishermen with fish for years on Eufaula. “1/16 oz jigs in chartreuse, pink and white are all good colors to use, but each day is different, and the bigger fish will soon show their preference for color. Slow trolling with multiple rigs is probably the best way to find where the crappie are holding now,” Williams advised. Anglers should look for the best concentrations of crappie in Sandy Branch, Taylor Creek, White Oak Creek, Barber Creek, and Cowwikee Creek. All of these creeks offer lots of cover for crappie and work the drop-offs and ledges in these creeks. White bass will be very good in the open main lake body. Try trolling with deep running crankbaits to find the actively feeding schools, but be ready. Very often some very big hybrids and even some really big stripers will be mixed in with smaller white bass. Slowly worked soft plastics will be best for bass on Eufaula right now. The bass will be bunched up in creek channels, so when they are found, it can be very good fishing. WEISS LAKE “About the second week of January, we start our spring season. We will be long-line trolling for some great crappie,” says veteran Weiss Lake guide Captain Lee Pitts. The lake is still at a low-winter level, so the fish are funneled into the bigger creeks and tributaries to the main lake body. The crappie are getting ready to spawn. Big Creek, Cowan Creek, Spring Creek and Little River are some places to look for early season crappie. “The crappie will winter here in these creeks, and we’ll catch crappie fairly shallow- five to eight feet deep,” Pitts said. Pitts likes 1/12 oz Bobby Garland Mo-Glo jig heads with Baby Shad Swimmer soft plastic bodies. He advises crappie anglers, “ Don’t move the jigs too fast or with too much action.” Blue Grass, Ice Out, and Monkey Milk are all good crappie jig colors. Weiss bass are generally slow and lethargic in January, but on warm days, they can move to four to six feet of water with wood cover, and they will be active then. Some very good advice from Pitts- “Anywhere there’s riprap in the water, that’s a good place to find winter bass.” Both spots and largemouths will be on roadbeds, bridges with riprap, and shad pattern crank baits are good. This is also a good time for slowrolled spinner baits worked around the rock structure. WILSON LAKE According to Captain Brian Barton of Barton Outdoors, in order to find the biggest catfish, anglers will need to use electronics to find the deep-water holding cats- these will be fish in 60 to 70 feet of water. Drop a skipjack or big chunks of shad to the deep fish and give them time. Finding schools of shad is crucial this time of year- the fish we’re after will be around the shad. Most shad schools will be holding at 45-55 feet of water and the bigger fish will be working below them.
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Regional Freshwater Fishing Outlook
Crankbaits are always a good bet for cool weather bass.
The bass at Talquin will be moving up in the creeks by the end of the month, and anglers can have good results fishing with spinnerbaits and swim jigs. Crappie will be very good in January, also. Anglers looking to fill the ice chest with big slabs should try trolling in the mouths of creeks. A variety of 1/16 oz. jigs in different colors will work well. The weather will be the determining factor of where the crappie will be. If we have a warm, mild winter, the crappie will go on the spawning beds earlier in the month. The traditional hot months for crappie spawning on Talquin ranges from early February to late March. Catfish will be consistently good at Talquin in January in deeper water.
Important Contact Information Capt. Sam Williams Hawks Fishing Guide Service 334-355-5057 www.hawksfishingguideservice.com
Fishing sunny bluffs- mostly on the north side of the lake- can be very good in January. The sun will warm up the water on these bluffs, and this can draw the big fish to the warmer water to feed. Even if the really big catfish are hard to find and catch this time of year, anglers can count on catching an ice chest full of delicious cold-water catfish below the dams now.
FLORIDA WATERS
WAKULLA RIVER “It’s a matter of getting on the river and getting after it,” says Bill Goodroe of Wilderness Way in Crawfordville, Florida. Warm January days can be more pleasant for anglers who go on the Wakulla, and January is pre-spawn for the bass there, so they are usually feeding. Goodroe recommends frogs, trick worms, and particularly wacky worm rigs drifted past the massive weed beds and drop offs. The water level of the river can vary somewhat with the state of the tide down at St. Mark’s where the river joins the St. Mark’s River emptying to the Gulf. The usual best tides to fish up on the river will be spring tides where the water backs up all the way past the Highway 98 Bridge. A falling high tide can be very good, also. Bass anglers who fish below the Highway 98 Bridge should expect to encounter some good sheepshead and redfish which will jump on live shrimp or soft plastic jigs. LAKE TALQUIN Jeff DuBree of Whippoorwill Lodge on Lake Talquin says that January is traditionally a good month for the big bass. “They are feeding up for the spawn which begins here in February. Fishing in six to twelve feet of water with big live shiners can be good,” he said.
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Capt. Lee Pitts 256-390-4145 www.pittsoutdoors.com Randy Jackson Riverside Fly Shop 17027 Hwy 69N Jasper, AL 256-287-9582 Riversideflyshop.com Joe Dunn Dunn’s Sports 334-636-0850 33356 Highway 43, Thomasville, Al Capt. Jake Davis Mid-South Bass Guide Service 615-613-2382 www.midsouthbassguide.com Capt. Brian Barton 256-412-0969 Brianbartonoutdoors@aol.com Bill Goodroe\Wilderness Way 850- 877-7200 3152 Shadeville Road Crawfordville, FLA 32327 Captain Wayne Miller Mobile-Tensaw Delta Guide Service 251-455-7404 Millewa12000@yahoo.com Jeff DuBree Whippoorwill Lodge 850-875-2605 Fishtalquin@gmail.com
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MOON & FEED TIMES
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FLORIDA TIDE CHARTS
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MISSISSIPPI TIDE CHARTS
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Pensacola Motorsports
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Dustin Bedgood got lucky with triple tails
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You didn’t see it coming. Neither did the fish.
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Mark Connor has a handful with a bass that has it’s mouth full
Terry Meier and friends and a nice yellowfin tuna
Kenny Lowe with a lunker
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KID'S CORNER
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Reese Bedgood snuggling with a nice redfish
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Anniston Reynolds, 8, with a broken arm killed this fine buck
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FISHING TOURNAMENTS NEAR YOU
Fishing Tournaments
near you
Stanly County Big Bass Bounty
Format: A CPR (catch-photo-release) online “virtual” tournament in which bass are photographed on an approved measuring board along with an Event Identifier Card then uploaded via the Fishing Chaos App. Minimum length: 15.00” Number of Fish: 1 Number of Photos Scored: There’s no limit to the number you may submit; fish with lower scores are automatically replaced by those with higher scores. The score of your largest bass will remain on the Monthly and Overall Big Bass Leader Board at end of competition and your Best Five for the year long Leader Board. January 1, 2022 - October 31, 2022
Fairhope Fishing Team “Angler of the year” CPR tournament Angler of the year tournament. September 24, 2021-May 20, 2022
Baldwin Strong Tournament Series 2021-2022
The Baldwin Strong youth fishing tournament series is an online (CPR) catch, photo, release fishing tournament for anyone 18 years old and younger. A CPR tournament is a length-based tournament format quickly growing in popularity where participants capture a photo of the fish on a bump board or measuring device and submit the photo to the tournament. The Token is required to be visible (written on hand or paper) within all photos submitted (NO PHOTO EDITING ALLOWED) The tournament series will consist of 8 month-long tournaments from October 2021 to May 2022 with competitive categories and prizes each month with the Master Angler awarded at the conclusion of the tournament! All participants are encouraged to log every fish caught, as we will have random prize giveaways. October 1, 2021-May 31, 2022
MBKFA Winter Specktacular 2022
This is a CPR (Catch, Photo, Release) event. The tournament will run from 5:00am through 5:00pm on January 22, 2022. This will be a total length, 3-fish aggregate of your longest 3 speckled trout. Guaranteed payout for top three spots! January 22, 2022
For a full list of tournaments, rules, and prizes, check out https://app.fishingchaos.com/tournament 80 JANUARY 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
Advertiser Index A-Team Fishing Adventures . . . . . . . . 3 Admiral Shellfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 ADCNR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Advance Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Alabama AG Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Alabama Farmers CO-OP . . . . . . . . . 71 Alabama Liquid Fertilizer . . . . . . . . . 53 Bay Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Bluewater Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Boaters List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Brush Clearing Services . . . . . . . . . 35 Buck’s Island Marine . . . . . . . . . . 22, 51 Camper City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 CCA Alabama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Clutch Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Coast Safe & Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Cold Blooded Fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Deep South Crane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Dixie Building Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Farm Credit of NW Florida . . . . . . . . 50
Fiber Plastics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 First South Farm Credit . . . . . . . . . . 50 Fishbites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Fishing Chaos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Geico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Hilton’s Offshore Charts . . . . . . . . . . 23 Hunting Exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Hydraulic Crane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Killer Dock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 MDH Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Midway Lumber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 National Land Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Paradise Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Pensacola Motor Sports . . . . . . . . 76-77 Photonis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Ricciardone Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Sams Bait & Tackle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Slick Lure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Southeastern Pond Management . . . . 7 Southern Seed & Feed . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Test Calibration Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
War Eagle Boats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Winter Crappie Challenge
FISHING TIP
BY WILLIAM KENDY
While the weather may be frosty that doesn’t mean that crappie aren’t frisky and hungry. They might not have to eat as much or often as they do in the warmer months but there is still a bite. While the tactics for crappie are pretty standard throughout the seasons (depending on the location of the fish and the spawn) the weather does have a role in getting skunked or cashing in. In January, the temperatures can dip pretty low and the wind can be a challenge and an outright pain. It does without saying that you have to dress in layers and make sure you have a waterproof and windproof jacket along with the requisite gloves and headgear. To get the inside expert scoop on how to catch crappie in winter I reached out to Lee Pitts, a well-known expert crappie guide on Lake Neely Henry, Lake Weiss and others in northern Alabama. From January to March, Pitts pretty much concentrates on crappie. First off Pitts uses eight-to-12-foot rods strung with four-to-six-pound test line. He prefers Viicious Hi-Viz panfish line. He utilizes Lews speed spin light spinning reels.
In terms of where to find them Pitts said that creek channels and rivers are top spots and vertical jigging with minnows and fishing with live bait in 18-24 feet of water can pay dividends. For those diehard January crappie anglers that like to use artificial lures, Pitts opts for Bobby Garland Baby Shad in blue grass, Cajun cricket and chartreuse colors and Garland Slab Slayers. Pitts said that in the winter crappie will bunch up in pre-spawn and hold to cover so you can have good results by slow long line trolling in feeder creeks with deeper water pulling a 1/16- or 1/24-ounce jig. Despite the colder weather, one of the benefits of winter crappie fishing is the fact that you don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn to be on the water.to fill your cooler. Sleep in just a little, go eat a hearty breakfast and make take along some hot coffee.
Important Contact Information Captain Lee Pitts www.pittsoutdoors.com leepitts@live.com (256)-390-4145
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A GREAT DAY OUTDOORS
How to Tell You’re Freezing it, so you need to recognize conditions conducive to its development. Here are a few clues that tell you it’s really too cold to hunt. For instance, you know it’s cold if all the hunters are trying to partner with the Sterno salesman. BY JIM MIZE Hypothermia is no laughing matter, yet in a number of ways, it’s a funny ailment. For starters, it doesn’t have to be freezing for you to be freezing. Hypothermia occurs when your body cools to the point that key organs cease to function properly, something which happens to me routinely but my doctors write off to old age. Yet for normal people, this can begin when your internal temperature declines as little as a few degrees. Another oddity of the ailment is that it’s not always obvious to the victim. The challenge, therefore, involves avoiding something you might not readily detect. So how do you tell if you have hypothermia? For starters, let’s talk about some of the signs that signal you’re freezing.
Also, you know it’s cold when coyotes stop marking their territories for fear of getting stuck. Furthermore, you know it’s cold if you think you saw Sasquatch in your driveway, when in fact, it was the mailman in a Snuggie. You know it’s too cold to hunt should you brave the weather to sit in a duck blind and call in a flock of migrating penguins. As if these signs don’t tip you off, there’s one more you should look for. That’s when the Polar Bear Club takes their annual dip using a hot tub. But even with clues such as these suggesting you stay home, some hunters insist on going out anyway. So for these folks, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
For instance, as the body cools, it begins to shiver to generate heat. So if you’re shaking harder than a hula dancer on a Hawaiian cruise ship, you might be freezing.
For starters, avoid overexposure. I’ve been known to achieve this by staying in bed. Temperatures as warm as fifty degrees Fahrenheit can contribute to hypothermia, especially in damp, windy conditions, or as I like to describe it, sleeping weather.
Many victims of hypothermia experience clouded thinking. For some of us, this can happen at room temperature. I think what the medical experts have in mind is more clouded than normal.
To keep your body heat in, experts recommend wearing layers. They call it dressing like an onion, which means you have many skins, not that you cause people’s eyes to water.
One of the next symptoms is that confusion sets in. Oddly enough, it’s not unusual for hypothermia to cause the victim to begin removing clothes, a fact rarely missed by non-hypothermic hunting partners.
Also, it has been proven that most body heat is lost through your head. So either wear a hat or go ahead with that toupee purchase you’ve been thinking about.
One expert I’ve read advises outdoorsmen to watch for the “umbles” and the “ivers”. These would include grumbles, fumbles, mumbles, stumbles, quivers, and shivers. As you might guess, one reason hypothermia can sneak up on you is that it comes in degrees, particularly colder ones. Hypothermia is easiest to treat by avoiding
Also, some individuals are particularly prone to hypothermia. These include people who naturally generate less heat, such as children, the elderly, and skinny dippers who don’t watch the weather channel. Oddly enough, your diet can affect your tendency to develop hypothermia. Alcohol should be avoided unless you plan to light it. The same goes for coffee. But if you can light your coffee, you have worse problems
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than hypothermia. One myth is that spicy food can keep you warm. Let’s debunk that here and now. If you load up on burritos with Texas Pete and refried beans, you still run the risk of freezing. If anything, it makes hypothermia a bigger threat because no partner in his right mind will let you back in the truck. Another precaution some recommend is to appoint a leader in your hunting party to watch for symptoms, preferably a leader with common sense. The only drawback to such a plan is that any qualified person would have had sense enough to stay home. Despite the warnings of dangerous weather and signals for the onset of hypothermia, many outdoorsmen plow on through and get themselves into trouble. In the event someone in your group develops hypothermia, the general idea is that you have to find a way to raise his body temperature. In mild cases, you could probably achieve this simply by talking politics. Should the victim be wearing wet clothes, the first step is to replace these with dry ones. Moisture wicks away body heat faster than your last paycheck disappears in a gun shop. In some cases, you will have to use your own body heat to regenerate the victim. One method commonly suggested is that both of you remove your clothes and get inside a sleeping bag. Generally, this works best without witnesses. All in all, prevention of hypothermia is undoubtedly the best route. And if you need a little motivation on that front, just let that last image of you and your hunting buddy together in a sleeping bag simmer a little bit. That ought to be motivation enough. JIM MIZE avoids hypothermia by hitting the alarm clock and pulling a quilt over his head. You can find his award-winning books of humor at www.acreektricklesthroughit.com.
IMPORTING UNPROCESSED DEER COULD SPREAD CWD IN ALABAMA LEARN MORE AT OUTDOORALABAMA.COM/CWD
GAME CHECK IS MANDATORY FOR EVERY DEER HUNTER All hunters are required to report their deer harvest using Game Check, which will help the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources effectively manage wildlife for generations.
Check your harvest at OutdoorAlabama.com/GameCheck or by using the official ADCNR mobile app Outdoor AL Search OUTDOOR AL on your app store!
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