Great Days Outdoors - July 2022 by TrendSouth Media

HOOKED ON™ SUZUKI TECHNOLOGY

YOU’RE GONNA NEED

A BIGGER COOLER RELIABILITY TO FISH ALL DAY WITH CONFIDENCE Among the many advantages of Suzuki’s proven technologies are simplified rigging and installation, silky smooth shifting, instant throttle response, enhanced performance, and superior fuel economy. With Suzuki Marine’s reputation for performance and reliability, you can rest assured your fishing day is going to make memories that will last for years to come.

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.

251.968.2628

6940A HIGHWAY 59 | GULF SHORES, AL 36542 HWY 59 @ COASTAL GATEWAY BLVD. 2 July 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237

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9/13/2021 2:46:43 PM

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877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // July 2022 3

HUNTING & FISHING IN ALABAMA & THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE

CONTENTS

Fishing for Crappie in Hot Weather. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 by John E. Phillips Ballistic Coefficient Explained for Hunters. . . . . . . . 12 by Josh Honeycutt Are Alabama Oysters Making a Comeback?. . . . . . .16 by Stephanie Mallory Dock Fish Cleaning Station Ideas for 2022. . . . . . . . 20 by Ed Mashburn Falconry Hunting - An Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 by David Strickland Texas Rig Fishing Fundamentals from A Pro. . . . . . 26 by John E. Phillips Selecting the Best Night Vision Goggles, Monoculars, and Binoculars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 by Josh Honeycutt Fish Mapping Explained. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 by Frank Sargeant Combining Land & Construction Loans in 2022 . . . 40 by Ed Mashburn How to Attract Deer to Your Property and Keep Them There . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 by Stephanie Mallory Selecting the Best Flounder Rig for Natural and Artificial Presentations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 by Frank Sargeant Choosing the Best Hunting Lease Insurance. . . . . . 50 by Josh Honeycutt Custom Fishing Rods: Buy or Build?. . . . . . . . . . . . 54 by Jim Ising Tips for Spraying Food Plots Before Planting. . . . . 56 by John E. Phillips Land Financing Interest Rates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 by Great Days Outdoors Staff Is the Recommended Prop for My Boat the Best?. . 60 by David Strickland

In Every Issue

4 July 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237

Best Bets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 by William Kendy Camphouse Kitchen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 by Hank Shaw New & Cool Gear for Outdoorsmen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 by William Kendy From the Commissioner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 by Chris Blakenship From the Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 by Charles Sykes Paddle Fishing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 by Ed Mashburn Coastal Outlook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 by Chris Vecsey Pier & Shore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 by David Thornton Regional Freshwater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 by Ed Mashburn Prime Feeding Times, Moon, Sun, and Tide Charts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Pensacola Motorsports Trophy Room. . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Great Days Kids Corner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Fishing Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 by Captain Mike Walker A Great Day Outdoors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 by Jim Mize

NEW

Small Pines Property

E C I R P

Black Warrior River Demopolis Hunting & Timber Investment Hale County, Alabama, 286+/-Acres

Choctaw County, Alabama, 2462+/-Acres

This rare waterfront tract is extremely unique. Located just 6.5 miles from Demopolis, The Small Pines property is an excellent timberland investment tract of land. The enjoy features like 1.7+/- miles of Black Warrior River frontage, a 23+/- acre internal property is a contiguous 2,461 acres, with public road frontage and an extensive lake, diverse timber stands of hardwood and pine plantation, multiple food plots, duck interior road network. The property has been intensively managed for timber producponds, an intricate road and trail system, scenic lodge or cabin sites across the property, tion for many years. Property characteristics include pre-merchantable planted pine, development opportunities for waterfront lots, strong potential conservation easement SMZ, and merchantable mixed pine/hardwood. The future for timber management on value, and fantastic hunting for the abundant trophy whitetail deer, turkey, ducks, dove, and this property is exciting given the competitive nature for forest products in and around other wild game this area is known for. There’s a rustic camp overlooking the oxbow lake Choctaw County. Multiple paper mills and sawmills are well located to receive timber that would be usable with a little TLC and a boat launch on Yellow Creek that accesses harvested from this tract of land. Additionally, wildlife populations in this area are the river is just 0.14 miles away, so you can be on the main river by boat quickly and conveniently. Power is available nearby off Yellow Creek Road and there is an additional excellent, which can provide additional sources of revenue through hunting leases. offset creek front 8 acres available just 0.4 miles away that fronts both Yellow Creek Road This property has a long history of active hunting clubs. and Yellow Creek if you wanted to put a camp there and keep the main property quiet during hunting season. Don’t miss your chance to see this versatile riverfront property.

Alabama Listings COUNTY Autauga Autauga Autauga Autauga Autauga Baldwin Baldwin Baldwin Baldwin Baldwin Barbour Barbour Barbour Barbour Barbour Bibb Bibb Bibb Bibb Blount Blount Blount Blount Blount Butler Butler Butler Calhoun

ACRES 372 114 80 80 75 688 518 101 54 48 1331 160 125 66 5 573 168 152 79 225 211 67 1.3 1.2 406 75 2 1.4

COUNTY Chambers Cherokee Cherokee Cherokee Chilton Chilton Chilton Chilton Chilton Choctaw Clarke Clarke Clarke Clarke Clarke Cleburne Cleburne Coffee Coffee Colbert Colbert Colbert Colbert Colbert Conecuh Conecuh Conecuh Conecuh

200.29 2230 2 0.3 256 197 68 58.27 4.34 2462 620 100 66.42 10 8.4 149 65 206 117 72 40 18.84 18 1 355 119 74 1

ACRES

Coosa Coosa Coosa Covington Covington Crenshaw Crenshaw Crenshaw Cullman Dale Dale Dallas Dallas Dallas Dallas Dallas Escambia Escambia Escambia Escambia Escambia Fayette Fayette Fayette Fayette Fayette Franklin Geneva

497 430 30 40 26 276.5 160 75.44 8 230 115 5701 2745 740 270 179 311 269.5 159 50 4 484 344 275 260 235 25 228

Hale Hale Hale Hale Hale Henry Henry Henry Henry Henry Houston Houston Houston Houston Jefferson Jefferson Jefferson Jefferson Jefferson Lamar Lamar Lamar Lamar Lamar Lauderdale Lauderdale Lauderdale Lauderdale

342 286 140 96 80 280 115 85 80 76.3 295 261 69 38 1000 227 180 160 128 210 202 143 47 19 102.69 75 36 25

COUNTY

ACRES

Lauderdale Lowndes Lowndes Lowndes Macon Macon Marengo Marengo Marengo Marengo Marion Marion Marion Marion Mobile Mobile Mobile Mobile Mobile Monroe Monroe Monroe Monroe Monroe Montgomery Montgomery Montgomery Montgomery

24.63 783 656 50 483 185 548 507 234 25 135 96 87 40 399 271.83 260 201 200 191 140 40 11 1 640 250 200 103

COUNTY Montgomery Morgan Perry Perry Perry Perry Perry Pickens Pickens Pickens Pickens Pickens Pike Pike Pike Randolph Russell Saint Clair Saint Clair Shelby Shelby Shelby Shelby Shelby Sumter Sumter Sumter Sumter

65.8 18.5 611 530 398.31 240 212.26 430 180 121 72 50 44 14 9.2 178 50 67 1.04 137 133 110 102 87 499 150 130 80

Sumter Talladega Talladega Talladega Talladega Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa Walker Walker Walker Walker Washington Washington Washington Washington Washington Wilcox Winston Winston

ACRES 17 250 30.4 13 1.01 800 600 381.56 341 281 120 115 95.91 80 430 280 213 150 121 10 213 2.3

FL Panhandle Listings COUNTY

Bay Washington

ACRES 264 133

Over 700 more tracts across 47 states available...

877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // July 2022 5

BEST BETS

BEST BETS FOR JULY These are our top targets for hunters and fishermen this month! BY WILLIAM KENDY

WEISS LAKE LARGEMOUTH SPOTTED BASS

VOLUME 26 ISSUE 7 JULY 2022

While Weiss Lake is known as the “Crappie Capital of the World”, according to the experts it offers some top notch largemouth and spotted bass in July. Very early in the morning anglers can catch fish in shallow water and around cover such as floating grass and structure. Once the sun starts to come out in force the fish migrate towards shadier areas. When fishing the weeds, topwater imitation rats and frogs fished on stout rods with 20–25-pound test line allows you to deal with big fish and the weeds.

PUBLISHED BY: Great Days Outdoors Media, L.L.C. PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Joe Baya EXECUTIVE EDITOR Butch Thierry

Fishing main lake ledges and hard humps where bass suspend, using deep running crankbaits, Rattle-Traps, jigging spoons, worms, jig and pork combinations and soft plastics will generate action

MANAGING EDITOR: William Kendy

Don’t forget the creeks that feed cooler water into the lake and, if they offer shade, you could be in for some hot and very cool fishing.

GENERAL MANAGER: Samatha Hester

JULY SURF FISHING ADVICE

Even though surf fishing off the Alabama Gulf coast may not be as action packed as during the earlier spring pompano run, there are still fish to be caught, as in speckled trout, redfish, ladyfish or even an occasional pompano. Since the weather at that time of year will be hot with scattered rainstorms, it pays to try to fish early in the morning, as in before sunrise and then later in the afternoon. According to surf fishing expert David Thorton, topwater lures like the Heddon Spook and Spook Jr. or the Rapala Skitterwalk are popular with specs and redfish. As the day moves along, a sinking MirrOlure can get response in deeper water, as can a lead head jig armed with soft plastic tails bounced along the bottom. When daylight starts to wane and it is low tide casting lures near drop-off edges of closer sandbars to schooling speckled trout can result in a good bite.

TIME TO GO CAMPING

Normally these Best Bets “write bites” are about saltwater and freshwater fishing and hunting. This month I figured that since hunting is temporarily off the table I would identify a few very cool places to go July camping. Gulf State Park – Located in Gulf Shores has access to the Gulf and Lake Shelby and offers fishing, swimming, kayaking and canoeing. Cheaha State Park is located East of Talladega in the Talladega National Forest and is the highest point in Alabama and the oldest park in the state, established in 1933. It offers modern and primitive camping facilities, hiking, mountain biking and amazing scenery and waterfall views. The 2,050-acre Frank Jackson State Park by Opp, (east of Andalusia) Alabama offers fishing on the 1,000-acre Lake Jackson for bass, bream, catfish and crappie lakefront camping, camper cabins and three miles of trails. For more information on Alabama’s 21 state parks contact www.Alapark.com/parks

6 July 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Wendy Johannesmann 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. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Great Days Outdoors Media, LLC PO Box 460248 Escondido, CA 92046 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. 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 // July 2022 7

Fishing for

CRAPPIE

in Hot Weather BY JOHN E. PHILLIPS

Your knowledge of warm-weather crappie and having the correct equipment will make you successful fishing in the summer. As the weather becomes hotter, crappie will be more predictable and generally easier to find and catch. To do that you must understand where to find them, how they move during the day, what tactics produce the most crappie and when you should avoid the sun to fish. KNOW THREE PLACES TO LOOK FOR SUMMERTIME CRAPPIE * Natural Sites – Rivers are ever-changing. When a river floods, and strong currents run through the river, the river will move underwater structure and create new crappie hot spots. “After a heavy rain and in warm weather, when many lakes are being drawn-down, usually a strong current will come through a river,” says Jonathan Phillips of Wetumpka, Alabama, a longtime crappie guide and tournament angler. “During those times, I’ll go out on the Coosa River and search for small, whirlpools (eddy holes) where the river pushes underwater debris into the banks, behind the stumps or to underwater ledges or sandbar breaks. The current, the brush and the debris from upriver will create new underwater structure where crappie like to hold.” * Bass Hideouts – Many bass fishermen create underwater structure in lakes across the nation to have these spots to fish during bass tournaments. However, even if you make a sign to sink with your structure that says, “Bass Only,” other species of fish will congregate there too, including crappie. If you’ll use your electronics, you may discover a number of underwater hideouts in different depths, and these sites even may concentrate more crappie than bass. * Hot Spots You Create – Many avid crappie fishermen sink their own structure. Tony Adams, who guides on Lake Eufaula, and Scott Jernigan, who guides on Lake Guntersville, are classic examples of people who sink structure to catch crappie. If you plan to fish for crappie all day, you need to have structure in three water depths. “Early in the morning, before the sun comes up, crappie will be in 3-8 foot deep water,” Adams said.. “As the sun climbs higher, the schools of crappie often will move out to 8-12 foot deep water. Once the sun’s high in the sky, crappie usually will go to the 12-20 foot deep water or even deeper. I sink structure like five gallon buckets with crepe myrtle in them that I’ve filled up the buckets with concrete, Christmas trees, cedar trees, river cane bamboo and structure I make from PVC pipe, in all three water depths to create places for my summertime crappie fishing.” USE DEPTH FINDERS TO PINPOINT CRAPPIE STRUCTURE Depth finders have become so sophisticated that you can pinpoint underwater structure, see crappie holding on that structure, count the number of crappie you see, know the size of crappie in the school and be able to follow and try to catch a really-big crappie you spot. Anglers never have had better devices available for finding and catching crappie than the Lowrance ActiveTarget Live Sonar, the Humminbird Mega Live Imaging and the Garmine LivepScope. However, just because you can locate crappie and the kind of structure and water depth where the crappie are holding, crappie there won’t always be biting.

8 July 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237

FISHING

In his War Eagle Blackhawk boat, Tony Adams easily can fish three or four people with plenty of room for them to move around, land crappie and rebait. 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // July 2022 9

Fishing for Crappie in Hot Weather

“I fish Eye Hole Jigs that allow me to put Crappie Magnets that hold scent in the eye holes of the jigs. Then the scent will remain on the jig much longer than if I put the Crappie Magnet on the hook of the jig,” Adams explained “I like the plastic grub on a jig in a color called Acid Rain made by Big Bite Baits Lure Company. These grubs offer three of the most-dominant crappie-catching colors: white, yellow and chartreuse. My favorite color for a jig head is either orange or pink. I fish Crappie Magnets or Slab Bites – both attractants with scent you can put in the Eye Hole Jigs. I like the silver-flake colors. “I’ll cast the 1/16-ounce Eye Hole jigs with attractant to the cover, get as close to the cover as I can and start slow-swimming the jigs back to my boat. I’ll also use these Eye Hole jigs when fishing deep structures in 12-30 feet of water,” he added.

Jonathan Phillips finds crappie hot spots made by current coming through the river that pushes brush up along the bottom where the current hits the banks, stumps, sandbars and humps in the river.

Perhaps the crappie don’t bite because they’re not hungry. While I was fishing for crappie with Scott Jernigan in May, he explained. “On the way to fish the other day, I passed by a McDonald’s where I could get a breakfast sandwich. I wasn’t hungry then, so I didn’t go in the drive-through to get something to eat. I believe crappie are the same way – even if you can find them – and I like the Lowrance ActiveTarget - and numbers of them, if they’re not hungry, you can’t catch them. However, you may return to that same brush top later in the day when they’re hungry and load the boat with crappie.” LEAVE SEED IN THE HOLE Jonathan explains that he’s careful to never catch all the crappie out of one spot he’s fishing. “I believe the crappie (the seed) I leave will attract other crappie to come and hold in the same region. I’ve learned that if I clean out a hole and catch all the fish, other crappie won’t move into that hole as quickly as they will when I leave crappie there to attract other crappie,” he said. DON’T GO TO A GUNFIGHT WITH A KNIFE – USE THE BEST EQUIPMENT AND BAIT If I were to buy a new crappie-fishing boat, I’d want to buy the best boat and the newest depth finder available. That depth finder would show the structure where crappie were holding and could tell me the distance I was from that structure and the school of crappie, and the direction I needed to cast or move to and/or stay away from the school to keep from spooking crappie and catch them. Luckily today, Humminbird, Lowrance and Garmin all have produced some of the most-sophisticated depth finders ever. To learn the equipment that one of the most-successful crappie fishermen I know, Tony Adams, uses, I asked Adams why he chooses the equipment he does for summertime crappieing. * Bait: If Adams’ customers want to cast and retrieve jigs, he’ll have them fish Eye Hole Jigs with plastic grubs like Big Bites’ Acid Rain (white, yellow and chartreuse) and Snot Rocket (yellow & white) and Bobby Garland’s Monkey Milk. 10 July 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237

Adams believes that adding scent in the eye hole of the jig seems to encourage the fish to bite more actively. The Eye Hole jig is a relatively-new jig. In the past, when anglers put Crappie Magnets or other forms of scent on their jig hooks, then after catching two or three crappie, that scent dissipated from the hooks. By putting a Crappie Magnet in the eye of the Eye Hole jig, the scent remains on the lure much longer and allows anglers to catch many-more crappie. “I like a light 1/16-ounce jig when I’m jig fishing for crappie because it has a slower fall than a heavier jig head does,” Adams noted. “Then the crappie has more time to look at the jig before it attacks. If I’m fishing in very-deep water or on windy days, I’ll use a heavier jig head to get the jig down quicker in the deep water.” ADAMS ALSO FISHES WITH LIVE MINNOWS. “Many of my customers like to see their lines jump and the tips of their poles bounce with live minnows. I’ll fish the style of crappie fishing that my customers want to fish to catch crappie. When fishing is tough, live minnows are hard to beat. Even when we’re fishing jigs, we may tip our hooks with live minnows as well as having a grub on the jig and scent in the Eye Hole jig,” he said. * Depth Finders, Buoys and Trolling Motor: “Knowing the different water depths that crappie will hold in is a critical key to finding and catching crappie,” Adams reported. “From the end of February through the rest of the year, I’ll use a Humminbird HELIX 12 Fishfinder with a transducer on the back of my War Eagle boat. I’ll ride over the places I’ve marked that have underwater structure. My depth finder lets me see the structure and know whether or not any crappie are concentrating there and at what depth.” Adams then throws out a buoy marker, so the lead on the end of his buoy line doesn’t fall in or near the structure he wants to fish to act as a guide to let him know where the structure and the crappie are located. “Then, when I use my Minn Kota Ultrex trolling motor, I can move up close to the structure and fish all the way around the structure,” Adams reported. “I’ve found that instead of trying to hold and fish only one portion of the structure, my customers can catch more crappie by being able to fish all the way around the structure before the fish stop biting, or we leave the structure because we’re catching too-many little ones.” * Line: Adams likes six pound-test, hi-visibility line when he’s fishing jigs and/ or minnows. * Adams enjoys his 21’6” War Eagle Blackhawk boat that’s been especially designed for crappie fishing to give a smooth ride and provides two seats for

Fishing for Crappie in Hot Weather

spider rigging and two seats for pole extensions. * Graphite Poles: Adams prefers the B‘n’M Duck Commander 10-foot poles. “These poles have super-sensitive tips and enough backbone to allow my clients to set their hooks and pull the crappie right into the boat without my having to use a net,” Adams said.

SUPPORTING THE LOCAL ECONOMY & ECOLOGY

Adams also likes the 10-foot pole rather than the longer poles because he says his customers have an easier time determining the length of line they need to let out to reach the water depths they’re fishing. “For instance, if we’re fishing a bottom at 20-feet deep, and the crappie are suspended 10-feet up off the bottom, my anglers can let their lines down from the tips of their 10-foot poles to the butts of their rods and know that’s 10 feet of line. The poles sit in Hi-Tek aluminum fishing-rod holders that hold the poles about two-feet up off the water. Then when my anglers let their lines down about two feet longer than the 10-foot poles, they’ll be fishing right at the same level as the crappie holding 10-feet deep are.” The summertime crappie fishermen I know want to be on the water just at first light or late afternoon to dodge the heat of the day. The crappie seem to bite best at these times.

Contact Information Tony Adams https://www.facebook.com/tony.adams.5477; Email: tony.adams@ marvins.com, Phone: 334-695-3003. Big Bite Baits https://bigbitebaits.com/ Bobby Garland Grubs https://www.lurenet.com/bobby-garland-2-hyper-grub B‘n’M Poles https://www.bnmpoles.com/products/dc-dt Crappie Magnets https://www.facebook.com/crappiemagnetlures/ Eye Hole Jigs https://eyeholejig.com/ and (https://www.facebook.com/eyeholejig/) Garmin LiveScope https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/591379

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.

Call 251.949.7411 for pricing and availability

Oysters grown at our farm are consistent in size and flavor profile. Frequent handling and wave energy at our unique location creates a sustainable environment in which our oysters thrive. This combination results in the perfect half shell presentation of the Admiral Oyster.

Humminbird MegaLive Imaging https://www.humminbird.com/learn/imaging/mega-live Hi-Tek Aluminum Fishing Rod Holders https://hitekstuff.com * Scott Jernigan https://www.facebook.com/scott.jernigan.31; Email: scott02jernigan@ gmail.com; Phone: 706-575-7239. * Lake Point Resort at Lake Eufaula for top accommodations and a lovely place to stay https://www.alapark.com/parks/lakepoint-state-park; 334-687-8011 * Lowrance ActiveTarget Live Sonar https://www.lowrance.com/activetarget/ * Minn Kota Ultrex Trolling Motor https://www.minnkotamotors.com/learn/featured/ultrex * War Eagle Blackhawk Boats https://www.wareagleboats.com/boats/categories/blackhawk-series

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!

Visit Us at AdmiralShellfishCompany.com

877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // July 2022 11

Understanding the ins and outs of ballistic coefficient, and what it means for rifle hunters.

Understanding ballistic coefficient is important, especially for those who plan to take long shots. (Honeycutt Creative photo)

Ballistic Coefficient

Explained for Hunters BY JOSH HONEYCUTT

12 July 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237

HUNTING The rangefinder reads 1,000 yards. Drops of sweat brewed by ballistic ignorance pool on your brow and fall to the ground. Then, a trigger pull, a report, and a miss. This process repeats, over and over, in part because you fail to understand one of the most important factors in long-range shooting, or any shooting at all, for that matter, which is ballistic coefficient (BC). Few know this better than James Eagleman. He is the COO and head instructor for Barbour Creek Long Range Shooting and Hunting School (https://www.barbourcreek.com). Before that, he served as a sniper and sniper instructor for 27 years. Since then, he has taught thousands of courses, and he’s perfected the ability to take difficult concepts and convey them in an understandable manner, including ballistic coefficient. Attendees get equal time spent on in-classroom learning and range time instruction. He’s even happy to walk you through a gun purchase, if needed. BALLISTIC COEFFICIENT EXPLAINED What exactly is ballistic coefficient? Ballistic coefficient is the measure of a projectiles ability to overcome air resistance during flight from the rifle barrel to the target. It also impacts how well that bullet performs upon impact. In general, higher BC numbers have less drag, which means the bullet moves through the air more efficiently. Therefore, if it resists drag better, it flies faster, drops less, drifts less, hits harder, and more. These things add up to better accuracy and performance. In other words, “it’s a standard of drag that’s assigned to a projectile based on its shape and sectional density,” Eagleman said. “It tells a ballistic program how much drag that bullet has against it and how much retained velocity it has while in the air. It helps the ballistic program run the algorithms for your dial up. So, again, it’s a standard of drag based on what the bullet looks like and the sectional density that’s assigned to a projectile.” Ultimately, ballistic coefficient affects downrange accuracy but it also affects other things, such as how well the bullet mushrooms, penetration depth, wound channel size, etc. UNDERSTANDING BULLET DESIGNS There are numerous bullet designs in relation to ballistic coefficients. Of these, G1, G5, and G7 are commonly referenced. There are others, but these are some of the most important. G1 and G7 are on opposite ends of the spectrum. As for G1s, these are flat-base bullets and have a two-caliber ogive. “G1 is old, from 1874,” Eagleman said. “G1s are flat-based rounds. We don’t hunt with those for long range. These are basically 600-yard-and-in bullets,”Eagleman said G5 bullets are shorter with a 7.5-degree boat tail and a 6.19-caliber tangent ogive. G7 bullets have 7.5-degree boat tails and a 10-caliber tangent ogive. “G7 is modern, and looks like a standard modern long-range rifle bullet, like a Berger or ELD series. You also have custom curve bullets,” he added. COMPARING MARKET OPTIONS When selecting a bullet, shooters should factor in several considerations. First is case use or intended purpose, such as competition shooting, recreational target shooting, or hunting. Another is design of the bullet and characteristics of the cartridge, which impact performance and capabilities, especially at longer ranges.

Of course, it can be difficult to compare advertised ballistic coefficient numbers between ammunition companies. This is in part due to advertised numbers being applicable to different yardages. With some companies, advertised numbers are associated with lower yardages, while others are higher. This can make it difficult to compare products in an apples-to-apples manner. “Just because the box of ammunition you bought says your ballistic coefficient is 0.296 G7, that doesn’t mean it’s 0.296 out of your gun,” Eagleman pointed out. “Remember, that steel barrel you have on your rifle, every time you shoot a bullet through it, it deforms the bullet, which changes the ballistic coefficient. Now, the standards that are out there, if it’s a reputable company, they’re going to give you good ballistic coefficients that are close. But you can customize them by running a custom curve. There are over 10, including an L Series ballistic coefficient, but again, for rifles, G1, G7, and custom curves.” To overcome this challenge, it’s important to do your own research, really dig in, and determine how various ammo offerings perform through your firearm. “You can get away with a G1 bullet (flat base, round nose) out to 600,” Eagleman said. “But you’re better off with the G7. You’ll get deeper penetration, larger wound cavity production, and you’ll get more retained velocity and energy.” MAXIMIZING EFFICIENCY For long-range shooting, you need a bullet with a high ballistic coefficient and a high standard. “For example, a Remington Core-Lokt bullet has a flat base and round nose,” Eagleman explained. “It’s going to slow down a lot faster at 600 than say a Hornady ELD-X. The ELD-X is going to cut through the air. It’s going to retain more velocity on impact, which gives you more energy. More velocity means more energy. So, higher BC will give you better performance at 600.” Under 600 yards, ballistic coefficient still matters, but not as much as at greater distances. It’s still part of the equation, but the effects aren’t as amplified as they are beyond that range. “Anything under 600 yards and there really aren’t earth-based effects, including station, pressure, temperature, altitude,” Eagleman noted. “Basically, spin drift and earth’s Coriolis are not even involved in those shots.” There is a little bit of angle, though. And wind can affect the shot, too. Slight wind can have significant impacts at 500-600 yards, and higher wind speeds can impact at 400-500 yards. “If you’re only shooting to 600 yards, you really don’t have to worry about a ballistic coefficient, other than you need to make sure you put the correct ballistic coefficient in whatever ballistic coefficient program you’re using to get dial ups, because you still must dial up at 600,” Eagleman said. “You’re still going to be dialing up 11 minutes, or something like that, whatever your caliber is.” Overall, ballistic coefficient should mean something to all gun hunters who tote rifles. But it should mean even more, and demand increased attention, for those who aim for long-distance targets. Become proficient in all things ballistic coefficient, and its application to your particular rifle setup, and you’ll be a much better shooter.

877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // July 2022 13

Ballistic Coefficient Explained for Hunters

Ballistic coefficient also impacts penetration, and bullet expansion, among other factors. (Honeycutt Creative photo)

Try us out in fresh water

Big-Time Boom Sticks Those who are looking for an excellent rifle capable of making long-distance shots should consider the BC1400 Precision Long Range Hunting Rifle (https://www. barbourcreek.com/bc-1400-precision-long-range-rifle). It’s crafted to tackle difficult shots, and pairs nicely with bullets that are designed with improved ballistic coefficient in mind. Each BC-1400 is shot for accuracy groups at 100, 700, and 1,101 yards. This gun also minimizes felt recoil and muzzle flip, which helps you stay on target, allows you to see an animal’s reaction to the shot more easily, and provides the ability to get back on target faster for follow-up shots. For those who are interested, get your BC-1400 in a variety of caliber options, including 6 mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 x 284, 7 Rem Mag, 7 WSM, 300 Win Mag, 7 BC Warrior, 28 Nosler, 6.5 PRC, 300 PRC, and 300 Rum. Pricing starts at $5,725. Check out the BC-1400 and additional offerings from Barbour Creek at (https://www.barbourcreek.com).

Contact Information Barbour Creek Long Range Shooting School 200 Self Rd. Eufaula, Al 36027 (334) 845-0000 www.barbourcreek.com

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14 July 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237 Speckled Trout Trout Speckled

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877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // July 2022 15

Are Alabama Oysters Making a Comeback?

BY STEPHANIE MALLORY

A healthy oyster population is essential to a healthy Gulf ecosystem. Images provided by Dr. Scott Bannon

16 July 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237

FISHING Are oysters making a comeback in Alabama’s Gulf waters? According to the numbers, they are. This is, of course, good news -- not only for those who enjoy dining on them -- but for the economy and the ecosystem along Alabama’s Gulf Coast as well. So, what are the numbers showing? The Marine Resources Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources reports that nearly 50,000 sacks of oysters were harvested this year, which is well over double the 2020-21 total of 22,070 sacks. (According to Alabama harvest rules, a sack is about 85 pounds of mature oysters in the shell.) The 2019-20 report showed 11,258 sacks were harvested, which is a remarkably strong rebound from 2018-19, when there was no season at all due to high waters that threatened increased bacteria levels in the area. SO, WHY DID THE NUMBERS INCREASE? Scott Bannon, Director of Alabama Marine Resources with Alabama’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, said that when it comes to oysters, things are looking up. “Alabama’s wild oyster population is in fair condition and improving. Improvement is a multi-faceted issue,” Bannon said. “Some things in nature are rebounding to levels they need to be. They are reaching a balance. Also, some practices have changed in how we address oysters harvest to catch maximum yield but leave enough to impact water quality.” According to Bannon, one reason this year’s season was so strong was because they opened some productive unexplored territory east of the usual harvest area. In addition, they refined a grid system that accounts for how many oysters are harvested from what waters. He pointed out that by utilizing the harvest grid system allowed the department to monitor small areas and close them appropriately for sustainability while keeping harvesters working more days. “We open harvest and close 500 square meter grids once the yield is met,” he said. “We move the harvesters to the next location and then the next to maximize harvest ability. When they leave and move on to the next session, the bottom is turned and the shell is exposed, which is good for the next generation of oysters. If oyster catchers work the bottom with tongs and move and disrupt the oysters, it brings fresh shells and rocks to the surface. Those remaining oysters and substrate provide a lot of surface area for the spat (oysters larvae) to catch onto and grow. This creates a healthier oyster bed.” THE ESSENTIAL OYSTER Bannon explained that a healthy oyster population is essential to a healthy Gulf ecosystem because oysters are the “foundational critter” in our waterways. “They hold a foundational function in the Gulf’s ecosystem,” Bannon said. “They filter and improve the water quality and are a food source for a number of marine creatures. In areas where there is a problem with sewage, they help to clean the polluted water.” Oysters also act as a meter for the water quality and health of the ocean ecosystem. Bannon explained that when researchers find an area that used to hold oysters but no longer does, they work to figure out why a die off occurred. “Oysters are resilient creatures,” he said. “The adults can close up and remain closed for a very long time.They can also survive up to three weeks out of the water. So, when an area is no longer able to hold oysters, it is indicative of a longer-term problem and it’s imperative to figure out why the

oysters have died off and there’s no regeneration.” The scientist explained that low dissolved oxygen is often the culprit. Fish and other critters depend on dissolved oxygen in the water to survive. In the bottom layer, the oxygen can become too low to support creatures like flounder, oysters, shrimp and crabs. Most of the creatures can leave the area, but oysters can’t. They just won’t continue to thrive. So, when an area that once produced oysters no longer does, something is wrong. WILD OYSTER THREATS Bannon said the challenge is to figure out the reason for the low levels of dissolved oxygen. “Perhaps the flow pattern changed because of a hurricane or erosion. Fortunately, when it’s a natural occurrence, the system will often rebuild itself,” he said.. Bannon pointed out that hurricanes Katrina and Ivan, followed by years of drought, negatively impacted the Gulf’s oyster reefs, and that’s one of the reason’s there’s been an oyster shortage in the Gulf in recent years. “Hurricane Katrina changed the salinity levels in the bay area around Dauphin Island,”Bannon noted. “Increased salinity means more predators for oysters. Then we had several years of drought, which means we didn’t have that flushing of flood tides and flooding from rivers to push predators off the reef. Oysters occur in bay areas because those areas get those freshwater events that push predators out of the area. When you don’t have those fresh-water events, the predation on oyster reefs is dramatic. You have to have enough oysters to overcome predators in a time period that allows them to regenerate. “Fortunately, we’ve gotten back into some normal weather patterns with springtime heavy rains, which causes rivers to flood and that fresh water pushes predators off the oysters and stabilizes salinity levels. This is the typical cycle that occurs on oyster reefs,” he added. Simple changes in geography can also cause issues for the oyster. “We built the Mobile Bay Causeway, which created limited areas where water flow exchanges. When we created the Theodore Industrial Canal, dredge material was used to create an island in Mobile Bay. These things changed the historic flow pattern. The deeper ship channel carries sediments differently. Increased shipping traffic and development in the Mobile Delta Watershed from here to Mississippi, and Tennessee over the last 50 or 60 years has changed things as well,” Bannon said. And we can’t forget the runoff from construction that pollutes the waterway. Bannon says fortunately people are better about dealing with runoff. “Now we understand that it is a pollutant. Anything above us flows this way and impacts the water quality. We now work to prevent creek runoff that can cause problems.” Despite the challenges throughout the Gulf, Bannon explains that many areas of the Alabama Gulf hold healthy oyster populations. “We are working to expand those historic reefs,” he said. STEPS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION And the Department of Conservation is working to improve the habitat and environment in areas that aren’t as healthy. He said there are some areas of Mobile Bay that were not holding oysters because the bottom layer was hypoxic (low saturated oxygen). So, they elevated the bottom by creating mounds of oyster shells to get the live oysters above that bottom layer so 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // July 2022 17

Join a clear cause — like one that’s removed 16 million pounds of waterway trash. Over the span of more than 20 years, Alabama Power’s Renew Our Rivers has grown into one of the nation’s largest river cleanup initiatives, removing over 16 million pounds of trash and debris from the Southeast’s waterways. Alabama Power is committed to protecting our river ecosystems for generations to come and invites you to join us in carrying out that mission. Contact mbclella@southernco.com for more information.

18 July 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237

Are Alabama Oysters Making a Comeback?

Oysters filter and improve the water quality and are a food source for a number of marine creatures. Image provided by Anthony Ricciardone

they are in oxygenated water. Citizens are getting involved as well. In areas like Little Lagoon in South Baldwin residents are raising oysters in cages under their piers for the sole reason of helping the water quality. “Once they reach a certain size, those oysters placed in public areas can be moved to a harvest site,” Bannon said. “They become spawning stock and create more oysters. Spat flow is from the northern end of Mobile Bay and goes south and west. Oysters that are alive and well in Mobile Bay, affect water quality, feed other animals and create larvae to be distributed further down in the system.” THE FARM-RAISED OYSTERS AND THE ECOSYSTEM Oyster farms are helping to improve conditions for wild oysters as well. And although they are not largely replacing wild oyster numbers because most farm-raised oysters are triploids, which means they are unable to reproduce, they are helping to keep the Gulf waters clean, healthy and balanced, which benefits all of the Gulf’s wild creatures, including wild oysters. “Farm-raised oysters are definitely helping to improve the water quality,” Bannon said. “The oyster farms suspend millions of oysters from cages in the water column that filter the water. Another benefit to farm-raised oysters is that the farms provide habitat for other marine wildlife. Spotted sea trout, black drum and red drum feed around the oysters and hang in these areas. Some farm-raised oysters end up on the bottom and continue to grow, filter the water and become a food source for other animals.” Anthony Ricciardone and Chris Head, co-founders of Admiral Shellfish Company, in Gulf Shores, Alabama, say their farm produces both sterile triploids and reproductively active diploids, which means some of the diploids reproduce and contribute to the wild population. “We create a lot more spat,” Ricciardone said. “We put a lot of oysters in the water.”

He also said that the structure used to operate their commercial oysters farm provides a lot of housing for wild spat, as well as habitat for marine wildlife. Head explained that Admiral Shellfish Company is also actively working to help improve the local reefs and increase the wild population of oysters. “We’ve housed a research project for the University of Auburn, which was basically working to get oysters to spawn in our area so they can rehabilitate our side of the bay as opposed to just the western portion of Mobile Bay,” he said. Ricciardone pointed out that the Admiral Shellfish Company farm also provides oysters to the state. “We set aside space on our farm and dedicate it to growing diploid oysters for the state to introduce into the wild population. And sometimes, when two of our oysters attach to one another and lose their market value, we donate those to the state as well,” he said. He said that most importantly, they’re out on the water every day paying attention to the conditions and health of the water and ecosystem and can report issues they observe to state biologists in a timely manner. “State biologists are only able to get out there on a set schedule, but we’re out there every day,” Ricciardone said. “We can alert them to changes or issues more quickly because we are on the water all day every day.” Bannon praises oyster farmers for their assistance in helping to improve the status and habitat of the wild oyster. “Our oyster farmers are not narrow-minded people,” he said. “Most have been in the fishing or science community for years. They’re not farming oysters just because they want to make money. They love working with marine life and doing things that make the environment, their products and the state better as a whole. They want to make sure all they do is contribute in a positive way.” 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // July 2022 19

Dock Fish Cleaning Station Ideas for 2022 BY ED MASHBURN

KillerDock stations simplify the dock structure and present an attractive scene.

20 July 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237

FISHING Catching fish is fun, and eating fish can be very rewarding, but something very important must happen between the catching and the plate. Fish cleaning can be a nasty, difficult and not at all fun operation or it can be a quick, efficient, and rewarding task. It all depends on the tools used for the cleaning of the fish. There’s no tool more important than the actual cleaning table and surface used. Many anglers are forced to use a rough, crusty, ancient and rotten deck surface or other such platform for cleaning their fish, and this is not the best arrangement. KillerDock has perfected the fish cleaning station, and this company can fabricate a modern, clean, and pleasant fish cleaning station regardless of a specific angler’s needs. Aaron Williamson of KillerDock provided us with some very helpful information for when we decide that we’ve had enough of that nasty old deck cleaning surface and ready for something much better. “The KillerDock fish cleaning stations are built in the USA with Marine Grade Aluminum and then protected with clear ceramic coating from SG Marine. The unique patented designs of the tables and canopies look more like art than simple structure, yet are strong enough to stand up to the elements. They are designed not simply to be a utilitarian place to clean fish, but to be a beautiful addition to your property, ” Williamson said. WHAT SIZES DOES KILLERDOCK’S STATIONS COME IN? Not every angler who cleans fish has the same dock and cleaning space, so a range of cleaning station sizes is important. The table model sizes start at the Upscale 3 1/2 which is great for 1 person, then the most popular Upscale 5 1/2 which is great for 1-2 people, and then the largest Upscale 7 1/2 which can fit 3 people at one time. The Slam canopy models utilize the same table sizing, but have a wider footprint for the canopy structure,” Williamson advised. “Both the Upscale and Slam fish cleaning stations can be designed with a Flat base or 90º base. This allows you to design the right station for your dock, pier, seawall, or patio,” he said. HOW DOES KILLERDOCK GET RID OF THE MESS? Of course, the biggest problem for any fish cleaning station is the mess left behind after the filets are processed. The best way to dispose of the leftover stuff is to simply put it back into the water where it came from. “There are three different ways you can design your KillerDock table top to drain,” Williamson said. One below dock draining (through the legs or pipe). Two, slotted table (through the slots on the back of the table) or three, drain inserts on the table with adaptors ready for 1 1/2” PVC for you to build to suit your situation.” FLEXIBILITY AND ADJUSTABILITY One of the biggest advantages of the KillerDock system of fish cleaning stations is the total adjustability of the system. These great cleaning stations can be constructed to fit nearly every possible surface and location. “In combination with the two different base types, this gives you many different combinations to choose from to fit exactly what you need. Do you want to mount on the edge to take up the least amount of space? The KillerDock Upscale can take up as little as 8”

of dock space. Or do you need to mount the station perpendicular to the water—but don’t want to spill fish guts all over your property? We have the right combination for you,” Williamson said. “The favorite of many at KillerDock is the combination of the Flat base with Below dock draining — which allows you to install in the middle of your dock, but still drains down through the dock without creating a huge mess everywhere.” SINKS ARE IMPORTANT A sink is a very important element of any efficient cleaning station. However, not all sinks are made and designed the same. “All KillerDock models can be designed with a 12”x18”x8” sink. And, all come equipped with a flush fit lid, so that you can still utilize the full area of the King Starboard cutting surface. This can be used as a place to put your filets — in bags, on ice, or in a saltwater bath,” Williamson noted. KILLERDOCK- MADE WITH BETTER MATERIALS The actual cleaning surface is crucial for efficient and healthy operations. An old, nasty wooden deck surface on which every gull in the Gulf has left its calling card is not a really good place to clean fish. Williamson says that here are a few different types of materials someone can use for a cleaning surface. “Some use stainless steel (will eventually rust), or granite (very heavy, and will dull your knives), or wood (impossible to clean, and will rot). KillerDock uses King Starboard® which is a high density polyethylene that is UV stable, chemically resistant, easy to clean, and won’t dull your knife. Many years later, if you want to replace it, KillerDock can send you a brand new one,” Williamson pointed out THE CLEANING STATION MATERIAL- IMPORTANT STUFF The actual structure of a good fish cleaning station is one of the most important elements. The support structure needs to be strong, solid, and weather-resistant, but it doesn’t need to be huge and bulky to take up important deck space. “Aluminum is about one third of the weight of stainless steel. This is very important when considering what to attach to a wooden dock, because the heavier it is, the more stresses it can bring to the wooden construction, “Williamson said. “Both stainless steel and aluminum are highly resistant to corrosion. Copper, chromium, silicon, and magnesium can be found in both stainless and aluminum, but stainless steel has carbon which means it will eventually rust. Aluminum can’t rust. It can oxidize, but our high-end ceramic coating bonds to the aluminum (not just on the surface) and protects it from oxidizing in the environment. Stainless steel is a good thermal conductor but aluminum is much better, as it takes twice as much energy to raise the temperature of aluminum as it does steel. It will disperse its heat faster than steel and therefore cool down faster. This is very important when considering that the fish cleaning station may be out in the hot sun much of the year, and you’ll need to touch it while using it.” Contact Information Killerdock.com 251-207-1743 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // July 2022 21

Selecting the Best Surf Fishing Rod Auburn University Students Win More Than $1 Million Bass Fishing

Hawks are given treats to release their prey (Photo by Shari Rettig)

22 July 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237

HUNTING

Falconry Hunting BY DAVID STRICKLAND

An Introduction

Have you ever seen a large hawk gliding along the air currents, then go into a steep dive? Or maybe an owl as it slowly descends and grabs something on the ground? Along with eagles, kites, and falcons, owls and hawks belong to a group of birds known as raptors. These large feathered predators are some of nature’s most visible and fascinating members and have intrigued humans throughout history. In addition, some birds in this group can fly 200 mph, while others have slain full-grown deer.

falconry license and permits are good for three years. Apprentice- Must be a minimum of 12 years of age, and if under 18, a parent or legal guardian is deemed responsible and must sign the application. An apprentice can have one trapped raptor in possession, and it cannot be a nestling but a wild-caught Red-tailed or Red-shouldered hawk less than one year of age (passager). Before a permit is issued, the applicant’s bird housing and equipment are inspected and certified by a representative of the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.

RAPTORS Raptor derives from the Latin word “rapere,” which means “to seize or take by force.” Raptors are birds of prey that feed on rodents, reptiles, amphibians, squirrels, rabbits, fish, and almost anything else they can overwhelm, though some also feed on carrion. Their claws and beaks are formidable weapons that make short work of their prey.

General Class- Must be a minimum of 16 years of age with parental or guardian signature if under 17.

Raptors that feed during the daytime are called diurnal. Those hunting at night are nocturnal, and crepuscular is the term that describes birds most active at dawn and dusk.

They must correctly answer at least 80% of questions during a supervised examination covering basic biology, care, handling, literature, laws, regulations, and other topics.

All diurnal birds of prey are termed “hawks” in falconry—whether they are falcons, hawks, or eagles.

May possess up to three raptors and may not capture more than two wild raptors in a calendar year.

These birds of prey have three main characteristics that set them apart from all other birds: • Powerful needle-like talons used to seize prey • A sharp hooked beak used to kill and eviscerate its meals • They are predators with a diet that consists almost entirely of meat

Master Class- These falconers have at least five years of experience at the general level.

Although all raptors share some similarities, their size, habitat, hunting style, and type of prey determine their classification.

They also may not take, transport, or possess any endangered species listed by U.S.Fish & Wildlife Service or the State except as provided by the Federal and State falconry permit regulations.

Because these birds are often at the top of the food chain wherever they live, they are considered bellwethers of their habitat. Therefore, scientists quickly seek out the root cause when their numbers suddenly decrease, or they have health issues because it indicates an ecosystem in peril. LICENSING Since most birds used in falconry are Federally protected, there is a strict process to ensure all birds will be cared for and handled according to national standards. Therefore, obtaining a falconry permit in Alabama is patterned after standards established at the Federal level. ALABAMA PERMIT REQUIREMENTS I spoke with Shari Rettig of The Alabama Hawking Association about falconry regulations. She stated that 78 people in Alabama are licensed to hunt using falcons, hawks, and owls, and each began their journey by serving a two-year apprenticeship. A $50.00 non-refundable fee must accompany each permit application. The applicant must be sponsored by someone with a valid General or Master

Applicants must have at least two years of experience at the apprentice level with a minimum of four months of involvement each year, verified in writing by the sponsor or another General or Master licensed falconer.

They are not allowed to possess more than five raptors and may not capture more than two wild birds in a calendar year.

HOUSING FALCONS Falconers use larger enclosures called “mews” to house their birds instead of cages. These pens can hold falcons, hawks, owls, or eagles and are large enough to accommodate perches, bathing pans, and other amenities for the birds. Some falconers like to keep their birds in their houses or separate buildings and then have another secure area called a “weathering yard”. This pen is outdoors and allows the birds to be in the sunlight and spend time in a more natural environment. TRAINING/CARING FOR THE FALCON Master falconer Edwin Brochin recommends that apprentice falconers release their first and second hawk. “Releasing your first couple of birds back into the wild accomplishes two things. First, it reinforces the training techniques needed to become proficient and helps overcome attachment issues,” Brochin said.. 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // July 2022 23

Falconry Hunting - An Introduction

His film, “The Falconer, Sport of Kings,” documents his journey in falconry, culminating in a trek to Mongolia to learn the techniques of hunting with Golden Eagles. Although some sponsors also recommend the release of an apprentice’s first bird, it is a personal matter and not a requirement. Capturing a young Red-tailed hawk from the wild requires patience and persistence. Many apprentices opt for the Red-tail as their first bird, and it must be a young bird within its first year. Therefore, the first order of business is locating an immature hawk. Then, a baited trap called a bal-chatri is placed within view of the prospective hawk. The live bait within the wire cage is kept safe by a barrier. Tiny nooses stick up from the trap, and when the raptor descends to grab the bait, its toes get caught in the snares. In addition, there are many required items and supplies the new Hawker must procure and learn to use under the guidance of their sponsor. HUNTING No one knows when or who was the first person to think of using a bird to help capture a meal, but historians agree it was long ago. Squirrels and rabbits are the most targeted species in Alabama, and hawker’s enjoy an extended season that ends March 31. Red-tailed and Harris’s hawks are the favored species for woodlands, but the longer winged faster birds like the Peregrine display their dazzling speed in more open areas. During the gun season, falconers may also hunt ducks and other migratory and resident bird species, with bag limits not exceeding three birds each day. FALCONRY IN STATE PARKS FOR SQUIRREL AND RABBIT Below is a list of state parks that allow falconry during squirrel and rabbit season. DeSoto, Joe Wheeler, Lake Guntersville, Lakepoint, Chewacla, Bucks Pocket, Lake Lurleen, Monte Sano, Oak Mountain, Paul Grist, Wind Creek, Frank Jackson, Cheaha, Cathedral Caverns, Rickwood, Meaher, and Blue Springs. Participating falconers must check in with the individual park’s management to learn about recommended hunting areas and other falconry program guidance. Alabama falconers must also have a current hunting license and valid falconry permit. WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS Falconry/Hawking is legal on all area scheduled WMA hunts for legally permitted falconers. In addition, falconers may take migratory game birds (not more than three a day) and resident game birds and small game on dates those seasons are open in each area. HAWKS USED IN FALCONRY The falconer’s traditional choice of bird is the Northern Goshawk and Peregrine falcon. Although they remain popular in North America and the UK, Red-tailed hawks and Harris’s hawks are more widely used, especially in Alabama. The temperament of the Red-tail makes them a more manageable choice for an apprentice as they learn to train and care for their new hunting companion.

24 July 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237

Mark Rettig with his hunting partner squirrel hunting (Photo by Shari Rettig)

The Harris’s hawk is the only raptor known to hunt in organized groups. This attribute allows multiple falconers to hunt in closer proximity than would be practical with other species. Also, Harris’s hawks have a higher success rate when pursuing most rabbit, squirrel, or game bird species, whether flown alone or in a group (cast). With their agreeable disposition and superior talents as a hunter, Harris’s hawks are now utilized by falconers worldwide. CONCLUSION Falconers have a special connection to nature that grows as they interact, care for, and train their magnificent raptors. Most Hawkers agree that the hunt is an exhilarating experience that doesn’t always culminate in a successful catch. However, a falconer’s permit allows them to interact with these magnificent wild creatures in ways seldom experienced by the general public. Taking care of a wild feathered predator requires a serious commitment, but it provides a deeper appreciation for these beautiful predators and a serious hunting partner. If you’ve been considering falconry and would like to know more, reach out to one of our state Hawkers or the Fish & Game Division and learn more about what it takes to begin the process. Information Alabama Hawking Association Alabamafalconry.com The Falconer - Sport of Kings (Movie) Edwin Brochin Roger Clay Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (251) 626-5474

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Image courtesy of Holly Heiser

Chinese Duck Noodle Soup Prep: 30 mins • Cook: 30 mins • Total: 1 hr Ingredients BROTH • 2 quarts duck stock, or other dark stock like beef • 3 tablespoons sliced fresh ginger • 3 star anise pods (optional) • Soy sauce to taste SOUP • 1 pound Chinese wheat noodles • 1/2 pound mustard greens • Salt • 1 roast farmed duck, or 2 wild ducks • 3 green onions, sliced thin • sesame oil, to taste Instructions

2. 3.

4. 5.

Set the broth in a pot and bring it to a bare simmer. Add the ginger and the star anise if using. Add soy sauce to taste. Trim the mustard greens to pieces about 4 to 6 inches long. Remove the thickest part of the stalks. Bring another pot of water to a boil, and add enough salt to make it taste like the sea. Get a bowl of ice water ready. Boil the mustard greens for 2 minutes, then plunge into the ice water to chill. Remove the greens and lay them on a kitchen towel. Now boil the noodles in the same pot; usually this takes 5 minutes, but follow the instructions on the package. Move the noodles to the bowl of ice water to stop them cooking. When they are cold, drain off all the water. Carve the roast duck. Carve off the breasts, then slice them. Carve off the legs and wings. If using a wild duck, leave them whole. If using a farmed duck or goose, separate the thigh from the drumstick of the leg, and the wing at its joints. Pull off the crispy, lacquered skin from the carcass and cut into bite-sized pieces. To serve, put noodles in everyone’s soup bowl. Arrange some mustard greens on one side. Sprinkle chopped green onion and drizzle some sesame oil on top. Arrange some duck, skin side up, on the opposite side to the greens. The moment you are ready to serve, ladle in the hot broth, taking care not to serve the pieces of ginger or anise pods. 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // July 2022 25

Texas Rig Fishing Fundamentals from A Pro BY JOHN E. PHILLIPS

Brandon Lester, believes that the Texasrigged plastic worm is one of the mostversatile ways that an angler can fish with many different types of soft-plastic lures.

26 July 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237

FISHING TEXAS-RIG FISHING FUNDAMENTALS FOR SOFT PLASTICS AND SWIMBAITS The Texas rig was one of the first ways to rig soft-plastics weedless and fish them without the lure becoming hung. Probably the first plastic worms were invented to mimic night crawlers or earthworms, but there also are soft-plastic lures that resemble crawfish, lizards, creature baits and baitfish.

Then you can lower your rod tip when the worm comes to a hole in the vegetation, in a blowdown or in any other open water where you want your worm to fall. You can put a somewhat-heavier weight on the worm’s front and swim it along lily pads, brush tops, riprap or underwater structure for bass. Or, use a heavier weight, and punch through matted vegetation where bass concentrate on sunny days to attack bait fish.

HOW TO TEXAS RIG A SOFT-PLASTIC WORM I believe there’s been more bass caught nationwide on some form of Texas-rigged soft-plastic lure than any other lure,” says Brandon Lester of Fayetteville, Tennessee. Lester fishes the Bassmaster Elite Series and Central Open Circuit, has been a bass pro for eight years, has qualified for seven Bassmaster Classics and has earned about $800,000 in tournaments.

CHOOSING THE PROPER TEXAS RIG WEIGHT The first two considerations are what type of cover you’re pitching or casting your worm to, and through what depth of water do you want to retrieve that worm. If I’m fishing shallow water and want to swim my worm on top of or near the surface, I’ll use a Mustad tungsten weight like a 1/8-ounce slip sinker to fish in water one to four feet deep.

Several different styles of soft-plastic lure hooks are available and include the extra-wide gap-style hooks, round-bend type hooks and straight-shank style hooks.

On main river ledges like on the Tennessee River chain, to fish that worm on the bottom down to 15-25 foot deep water, to stay in contact with the bottom, I may use a 1/2-ounce tungsten worm weight.

“On a six or an eight inch plastic worm, I’ll use a 3/0 Mustad Grip-Pin Big Bite Soft Plastics hook that’s a round-bend hook to create the connection between the bass and the angler,” Lester said.

Years ago, the only weights anglers could buy were lead weights. But tungsten weights give the angler a much-better feel of the bottom and the structure through which he’s fishing.

You must have the correct size and type of Texas rig hook whenever fishing a soft-plastic lure. There’s a grip-pin in this hook’s eye, a straight piece of metal that has barbs on its sides that keeps the soft-plastic lure firmly attached to the hook. The lure doesn’t slide down the hook when the bait’s being cast, becomes tangled-up in structure or is attacked by a bass.

If I’m fishing a plastic worm in 15-25 foot deep water, a tungsten weight, which is much denser than lead, will allow me through my rod and line to feel the differences in the bottom – whether its running across a mussel shale bar or a gravel, boulder, mud or clay bottom.

This small piece of metal also helps your bait swim straight as you retrieve it or work it through structure or along the bottom. This hook provides more clearance between the point and the eye of the hook. When an angler sets this hook in the bass’s mouth or jaw, its round bend creates a better and stronger hook set in my opinion that’s better than I get from other styles of hooks. HOW TO RIG A PLASTIC WORM ON THE GRIP-PIN BIG BITE HOOK Put the point of the hook about 1/4-inch from the plastic worm’s nose, and push the hook all the way through the worm forward toward the eye of the hook and onto the Grip-Pin. Then the hook will hold the worm in the correct position to come straight through the water. Next take the tip of the hook, and put it in the bottom of the worm, so the point is just below the worm’s top skin. Since the point of the hook is barely below the worm’s top skin, once the angler sets the hook hard, the hook will pop out and go quickly into the bass’s jaw. You can fish your Texas-rigged worm through almost any cover or bottom without the worm getting hung like it will if the point of the hook’s exposed outside the worm. Due to the Grip-Pin hooks, the fish usually can’t pull the worm down the hook. An angler can catch and release a bass quickly and only have to simply put the hook back in that same worm and keep on fishing. I’ve caught five bass before with the same plastic worm out of a school because of this Big Bite hook, and the way I Texas-rig it in my worm. HOW TO FISH THE ENTIRE WATER COLUMN WITH A TEXAS-RIGGED WORM If you don’t put a weight above the eye of a hook, you can cast the lure out and swim it on top of the water and/or through vegetation. If you place a small tungsten weight on the line in front of the hook, you can swim the worm on top of the water.

The tungsten weight enables me to feel even the lightest fish bite. Often, I’ve heard anglers say, “My electronics are my eyes under the water,” and that’s true. However, being able to feel the bottom and those light bass bites gives me a better picture in my mind of what type of bottom my tungsten weight is coming across. A tungsten 1/2-ounce weight also is smaller than a 1/2-ounce lead weight because tungsten is much denser than lead. When using a 1-1/2-ounce weight to punch through a grass mat to enable my worm to fall under the grass where the bass can attack it, I’ll have a huge chunk of lead up the line from my worm with a 1-1/2-ounce lead weight. But a 1-1/2-ounce tungsten weight is much smaller, slides through the grass mats easier than lead does and also appears much-more natural. HOW TO PUNCH MATS WITH TUNGSTEN WEIGHTS In the summertime, in lakes with an abundance of vegetation, punching holes in the vegetation with a weight lets your soft-plastic lure get through the grass into the places where bass hold. When I’m punching mats, I’ll use 60-pound-test braided line and either a 1- or a 1-1/2-ounce tungsten weight up the line. My hook will be either a 3/0 or a 4/0 Mustad Grip-Pin Max Flipping hook. I’ll usually fish a small, 3/4-inch, soft-plastic creature bait like a Rodent, a Wild Thang or a Beaver Texas style that will slide through the grass without getting hung. TEXAS RIG FISHING ON BLOWDOWNS, STUMPS, BOULDERS AND DOCKS Before I start pitching or flipping a soft-plastic lure to a blowdown, a stump, a boulder or a dock, I want to determine what part of that underwater structure offers the bass the most shade and/or the most cover to ambush bait. Generally, that’s where several bass may be holding. When fishing a blowdown by flipping a creature bait, a worm or any other type of soft-plastic, I’ll start fishing the very top of the tree down under the 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // July 2022 27

Texas Rig Fishing Fundamentals from A Pro

water. I don’t flip the middle of the tree to start with. I want to pick the bass out of that tree just like handpicked cotton, from the outside in. I start with the easiest bass to catch that are the least likely to get hung-up in the tree if I hook them on the outside limbs or up in front of the outside limbs. Then the bass won’t run back into that tree and spook all the other bass holding there, as well as the bass on the trunk of the tree all the way back to the shoreline. Many bass anglers won’t flip soft-plastic lures into the thickest parts of underwater trees because of their fear of success. “If I hook a bass in all those limbs, I’ll probably never be able to land it before it gets off my hook.” You’ll lose some bass but also catch some bass. If you don’t pitch your lure into that thick part of the tree, you won’t get the bites and have the option of catching or losing the bass. Follow these steps if you get a bite in any thick, underwater cover: • • • •

set the hook hard on the bass when it takes the bait; keep steady pressure on the line, and move your boat to the spot where the bass is hung-up; move as close as you can to the line; put your hand on the line, reach down under the water – maybe up to your shoulder – and grab your bass by the jaw to pull the bass out.

WHY TEXAS-RIGGING A SOFT-PLASTIC BAIT IS SUCH A POPULAR WAY TO BASS FISH The Texas rig is one of the most-versatile ways to find and catch bass. You can use the Texas rig to: punch grass; fish clear or dirty water; cast it; flip it; and fish soft-plastic swimbaits. I think this technique may have originated in Florida where there are large areas of grass. For texas rig fishing a swimbait, I use a 1/8- or a 1/16-ounce tungsten weight and a 5/0 Mustad Big Bite hook. I’ll use the hook to go through the nose of a soft-plastic swimbait, and turn the hook to put the hook into the swimbait and rig it Texas style. With this tactic you can cover a vast amount of water and catch some nicesized bass. The good news is that with Texas-rigged plastics youngsters and novice bass anglers can fish for bass without their lures staying hungup much of their fishing days. They simply can cast their plastics out, reel them in and catch a bass. HOW TO DECIDE THE COLORS AND SIZES OF SOFT PLASTICS YOU’LL FISH, AND HOW TO RIG THEM Colors of Soft Plastics: I select the color of soft plastic I’ll fish for bass Texas-style based on water clarity. In clear water, I prefer natural-looking colors like the dependable green pumpkin, watermelon and watermelon red. When you’re fishing muddy water, green pumpkin works there also, but you may want to fish dark colors like black, blue, Junebug or a lure with some chartreuse color in it. Being overwhelmed with the huge selection of colors available for soft-plastic lures is easy. However, if you use three or four basic colors like the ones I’ve suggested, they’ll often be the colors you’ll need for any situation. Sizes of Soft Plastics: Picking the length of the worm or other soft-plastic lures I’m Texas-rigging depends on the size of bass I’m targeting, and/ or the size of foliage where I think the bass will be feeding. During the summer months, I usually prefer a larger worm or soft-plastic lure. I may throw 10.5- or 11-inch plastic worms when the water’s hot, and the bass are feeding on big baits. 28 July 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237

BY SCOTT LEYSATH

Image and recipe courtesy of www.sportingchef.com

Fish Shellcracker Poppers Ingredients • 18 fresh jalapeno or small sweet peppers • 1 cup cooked fish broken into pieces • 2 green onions minced • 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped • 1 garlic clove minced • 1 teaspoon lime zest minced • 1 cup shredded jack cheese • 4 ounces cream cheese room temperature • 1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs Instructions 1.

2. 3.

Split peppers lengthwise and place on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 400-degree oven for 8 - 10 minutes or until peppers soften. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Carefully scrape out seeds. In a bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Stuff into peppers. Peppers can be broiled or grilled until the stuffing is warm.

Texas Rig Fishing Fundamentals from A Pro

One of the reasons that Brandon Lester prefers to fish a tungsten weight (left) to a lead weight (right) is because the tungsten weight is smaller due to its denseness and can penetrate cover better.

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Texas Rig Fishing Fundamentals from A Pro

But there are times in both the summer and the winter when the weather’s extremely hot or very cold when the bass aren’t very aggressive. During those conditions, I may fish a three or a four inch worm. The smaller baits will get you more bites generally. But the bigger lures usually will catch bigger bass. Hooks for Soft Plastics: If I’m fishing smaller baits like three to four inch worms, I’ll probably fish a 1/0 Grip-Pin Big Bite hook. On a 10.5-inch worm, I like a 4/0 hook; with a 12-inch worm, I’ll probably use a 6/0 hook. Mustad makes that Big Bite hook from a 1/0 size to an 8/0 size. You can match these hooks to almost any shape and size of soft-plastic lure you want to fish.

it in quickly. If I’m using a 10-12 inch worm, and especially if someone’s a novice fisherman, I’ll advise him to count to three before setting the hook. Swimbaits: If you’re Texas-rigging a swimbait, and your rod tip is at about the 10:00 position, when you feel the bass bite the bait, drop your rod tip down to about the 6:00 or 7:00 position, and take-up line as you’re dropping your rod tip. Then point your rod tip right at the bass and set the hook. Waiting to set the hook on a big bait like a swimbait gives the bass plenty of time to get the lure all the way in its mouth and turn either to the left or to the right before you set the hook.

Weights for Soft Plastics: The size of tungsten weight I use is generally decided by the depth of water I want to fish. However, I don’t want my weight size and hook size to overpower my bait.

Wait on this type of hook set because the bass may be coming up behind the bait, trying to inhale the bait. If you attempt to set the hook as soon as you feel the bass, you’ll pull that lure right out of its mouth because the bass is facing you with its mouth open.

If you’re fishing a three or a four-inch worm, don’t use a 6/0 hook or a 1-1/2-ounce tungsten weight because then the bait won’t look or perform naturally. On large worms, like the 11- and 12-inch worms, use a weight that will get your lure down to the water depth you want to fish but no heavier.

However, if you wait until the bass gets the whole bait in its mouth and turns, you’ll have a much-better angle to set the hook in the bass’s mouth solidly, than if you attempt to set the hook as soon as you feel the bass bite.

WHEN TO SET THE HOOK ON TEXAS-RIGGED SOFT PLASTICS Worms: Another question I’m asked is when to set the hook on a plastic worm or soft-plastic lure rigged Texas style. Generally, lure size determines when to set the hook when you feel the bite. For instance, if I’m fishing a three to four inch plastic worm, as soon as I feel the bite, I’ll set the hook because the bait’s so small, a bass can suck

Drop Shot Rigs: When fishing a drop-shot rig, anglers will hook a two to three inch worm on a drop-shot hook – either through the nose of the lure or rigging it Texas style. I prefer to fish a four to six inch plastic worm with a 2/0 or a 3/0 Mustad Grip-Pin Edge Finesse hook. Mustad designed this hook for finesse fishing with a perfect wire hook design. I’ll only be fishing 8-10 pound test line. Using this technique of Texas-rigging a lure, you’ll rarely miss catching a bass and will get a good hook set on that light line and wire hook.

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Texas Rig Fishing Fundamentals from A Pro

Pictured here is a Mustad tungsten slip sinker up the line from a Texas-rigged plastic worm and with the point of the hook just under the worm’s skin to make the worm weedless.

Carolina Rigs: I like to fish a Carolina rig on a mud or a gravel bottom, but this tactic doesn’t work as well when fishing in big rocks like riprap. It can get hung-up easily but will allow you to cover plenty of water quickly. You simply cast the Carolina rig out and drag the weight along the bottom. My main line will be a 17-pound-test fluorocarbon that I tie it to a three foot long, 15-pound-test monofilament leader. Although I’ve experimented with leaders from two to eight feet, the three foot leader seems to get the most bites. I typically use a 2/0 Grip-Pin Big Bite hook and fish a six inch plastic worm or a small crawfish-type soft-plastic lure with a Carolina rig. I like a barrel swivel to attach my main line to the leader and use a 3/4- or a 1-ounce Mustad Carolina Rig tungsten weight up the line with two glass beads beneath the weight.

“On the Texas-rigged plastic worm, I’ll put my Mustad Grip-Pin Big Bite hook in the head of the worm and push it through the soft plastic to the eye of the hook and onto the Grip-Pin to hold the worm in the correct position to come straight through the water,” Brandon Lester explains.

The two glass beads have two purposes: once that weight slides down the line, it hits the glass beads instead of the knot that’s tied onto the barrel swivel and protects the knot from failing; and when you’re dragging that Carolina rig over the bottom, those beads make a clacking noise that seems to attract bass. When anglers say, “Texas-rigged,” the words that usually follow are, “plastic worm.” However, you can use the Texas-style rig with many-other plastic lures. A Texas rig setup makes your lure more snag-proof. You’ll have a tough time finding a plastic lure that doesn’t perform better when rigged Texas style. It prevents most hang-ups that other lures can’t dodge.

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EVERY HOME HAS A FOUNDATION 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // July 2022 31

Selecting the Best

Night Vision Monoculars, Binoculars and Goggles BY JOSH HONEYCUTT

Taking on the darkness of night is something hunters, navigators, defense personnel, and other users oftentimes want or need to do. But they can’t accomplish that effectively without selecting the best night vision monoculars, binoculars and goggles. Here are some important considerations before dropping that cold, hard cash. NIGHT VISION DEFINITIONS TO KNOW Those who plan to choose between the best night vision monoculars, binocular, and goggles should first be able to understand the primary differences between these. Monoculars: Monoculars are handheld night vision devices that amplify light and make it easier to see your surroundings at night. These have a single tube. Binoculars: Binoculars are much the same as night vision monoculars. However, these have two tubes rather than one. Goggles: Goggles operate the same as night vision monoculars and binoculars. That said, these oftentimes come with four tubes (two feeding 32 July 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237

into each eye). This increases the user’s field of view. Definitions aside, Phil Otto, night vision equipment sales manager for Photonis Defense (https://photonisdefense.com), knows more about this industry than most. Here’s what he had to say about important questions relating to selecting the best night vision monoculars, binoculars, and goggles. Josh Honeycutt (JH): What are the major differences (pros/cons) between the monoculars, binoculars, and goggles? Phil Otto (PO): The major differences for what we offer will be the amount of image tubes that come on the device. Obviously, monoculars have a single tube. Binos have two, one to cover each eye. So, if you’re looking at getting in the door with night vision, a monocular is probably the way to go for most. You can go all the way up to a panoramic goggle, which has four, and gives you the widest field of view. Of-course, that would likely be for a professional user, or someone with a lot of disposable income. That’s the primary difference — how many tubes you want to incorporate. Obviously, as you go up, the price goes up.

HUNTING

Purchasing and using night vision equipment isn’t easy. Here are answers to some of your most pressing questions

JH: What are the primary factors to ask oneself when choosing the right night vision product? PO: The No. 1 consideration would be what’s your primary use for this. If you think you’re going to be more static in your use of this device, meaning a seated hunting scenario or stargazing, the monocular is going to do fine. If you think you are going to be dynamic, or on the move, you are going to want a second tube, which would get you into the binocular category. The big difference there is it’s just a more natural state of perception to have both eyes receiving information that’s relayed to the brain. So, when you use a monocular, one eye is looking at pitch black and unsure of what’s in front of it. The other eye is illuminated and can see a lot of what’s in front of you. So that does not create the most natural experience. That’s why I say, if you’re going to be dynamic, you’ll want both eyes covered. If you’re going to be static, a monocular is going to be fine. JH: How can consumers make better decisions on design differences for hunting, maritime use, defense and navigation? PO: As far as marine use, and navigation, I would go with a dual tube, or

a binocular setup. Again, I’m taking that as a more dynamic environment, and you’re using it as more of a safety device. So, I wouldn’t try to go the cheapest route at that point. If your navigation is more for casual hiking or camping, the monocular could probably do just fine. Realize that it might take a little time for your body to acclimate to operating, walking around, climbing, or whatever it is with a single tube. JH: What are the primary factors for durability? PO: It’s mostly the housing construction. That would be the first thing as far as a night vision device. If you think you’re going to be a little rough with the device or need to expose it to different environmental factors and conditions, the housing is the first thing. So, we offer the most robust night vision devices in the industry. With our PD Pro lineup, it’s an all-metal housing on every device. Our Vyper-14 is very similar to a PVS-14, but the chassis is reinforced polymer. That is rated to go onto a weapon up to a .308 and resist the shock of it. We don’t build anything that isn’t a robust system. After the housing, if you really want to get into the weeds and get technical, you can start pulling information on image tubes. Some of these can be found on the internet. But our tubes are built to withstand a higher 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // July 2022 33

Selecting the Best Night Vision Goggles, Monoculars, and Binoculars

shock value than the latest military standards. JH: As we go up in price, what are we paying for? PO: That can be a few different things depending on what you’re looking at. The most glaring and obvious is from a monocular to a binocular. You’re paying for two monoculars when you step into the binocular arena. The other will be the quality of the image tube. If you want the brightest tube that has the widest spectrum of photon detection, and the highest signalto-noise ratio, you’ll pay more the higher up the ladder you go, in most cases. Our tubes are well known for offering a high-level performance at a lower price point. We’re very consistent. What that means is that when a dealer buys image tubes for their device construction from Photonis, they can expect a tube within a range of performance and clarity that surpasses other competitors (on average). We hear that quite a bit from dealers that sell all types of image tubes. JH: Overall, when it comes to selecting the right night vision, what’s your best advice when sifting through the offerings? PO: Know what you’re going to use it for most of the time. Understand what your budget is. Try to get the best value for your budget. Find a reputable dealer. Give someone a call. Speak to them on the phone. Say, “I’m looking for the best value for my dollar. Here is what I’m going to use it for. Where do you think I should start?” Dealers are pretty savvy with night vision. They know quite a bit. They offer a lot of different options. To me, that’s a good starting point. Also, talk to folks who have night vision, and see what they like or don’t like about their purchase or experience. If you’re looking for the best value, look at the Photonis ECHO tube in any products that are loaded with that image tube. I think you’re going to see the value is better than the competition. What you get for your dollar with a Photonis image tube is, in my mind, top notch. I don’t think anyone really comes close.

Night Vision Scope Attachments Those who are looking for a night vision scope attachment, rather than something they hold, have different things to consider. The first is the platform itself. Oftentimes, night vision scope attachments are made for AR10 and AR15 platforms. It’s also important to determine whether this will be a dedicated nighttime rifle, or not. A great option for dedicated nighttime rifles is a static, in-line optic. It remains in this position unless you remove it entirely. At that time, it will likely lose zero. On the upside, this method tends to be slightly hardier and more shock resistant.

Optimizing the Hunt Those who decide to purchase night vision for hunting purposes should think about important aspects that pertain to them. “Our line of night vision devices allow — within certain parameters — the ability to hunt wild boars, coyotes, and other things that you can legally hunt at night,” said Sean Kirk with Photonis Defense, Inc (https://www.photonis.com/solutions/defence). One of these factors or parameters is weight, size, and bulk. It’s important to find something that’s lightweight but also well-built and durable. “When you’re carrying gear around, weight and size matter,” Kirk said. “You not only have thousands of dollars worth of gear but also a lot of weight. Rarely are you getting out of the truck and setting up right there. You’re packing or riding in. With other models on the market, size and weight are issues. Ours offers about a 40% decrease in weight and size [from other models]. It’s not as stressful on your neck, and not as heavy on your head.” Furthermore, while some hunters think thermal is the way to go, in most cases, that isn’t true. Night vision reigns supreme in most categories and situations.

Another option is a flip mount. This is great for switching back and forth between daytime only (without night vision) and night vision use. However, unless you buy a robust option, such as offerings by Photonis Defense, you risk a lesser build that isn’t as durable. While unlikely, it can lead to an optic that loses zero.

“A lot of hunters think they should have thermal,” Kirk said. “But there are some disadvantages to thermal. You might have brush in front of the shot that you cannot see when looking through the thermal scope, because you’re only seeing the heat signature of the animal. With a night vision device, you would be able to see and identify the animal, and anything that would impede the shot along the way.”

Read this article (https://greatdaysoutdoors.com/nightvision-scope-attachment-pros-and-cons/) for more information on night vision scope attachments.

Check out this article (https://greatdaysoutdoors.com/ night-vision-optics/) for more on selecting the best night vision optics for hunting.

34 July 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237

Selecting the Best Night Vision Goggles, Monoculars, and Binoculars

W E N

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877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // July 2022 35

Fish Mapping Explained BY FRANK SARGEANT

The “altimetry” or sea surface height is an indication of areas where fish-attracting upwellings occur, as well as barren downwellings.

Hilton’s Realtime Navigator has made offshore fishing far easier and more effective

36 July 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237

FISHING Almost two decades ago, Thomas Hilton started his in-depth study of how newly-available satellite data could be applied to offshore fishing, and began to incorporate that data into a service that became Hilton’s Realtime Navigator. “We started out advising just a few tournament anglers for one event,” recalls Hilton. “Those boats caught seven marlin between them. I knew then we had something.” Today, a subscription to Hilton’s is standard operating procedure for most bluewater tournament anglers and top offshore charterboat skippers who need to make the best use of their time on the water. “We’re now an online web service that provides our subscribers with “real time” data on the conditions that affect where offshore fish are highly likely to be on a given day and where they’ll be tomorrow,” Hilton said. “The salinity, upwellings, bottom topography, currents, temperature breaks, and chlorophyll—which affects water clarity—are all figured in with great access to the most current data.” Hilton often compares the various parameters his system reports to a poker hand, where each added element boosts the likelihood of catching pelagic fish. “We provide the most current data from the satellite services, so that anglers can get updates the morning of their trip, or can log in via a laptop and satellite phone to get current data while they’re offshore,” Hilton said. Most offshore anglers are well aware that offshore waters are constantly in motion. But Hilton’s system provides an easy-to-understand graphic system that allows anglers to quickly note the most desirable elements and where they intersect. Lateral currents, particularly the Gulf Loop Current in the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf Stream along the Atlantic Coast, provide gamefish highways and feeding areas that are well known, but the many smaller eddies that spin off these large flows are also highly productive for gamefish. Hilton’s system makes it easy to pinpoint these eddies. Upwellings and downwellings As water from the ocean depths rotates upward to the surface and then back toward the bottom and this movement is also important in locating gamefish. The upwellings bring nutrients from the sea bottom thousands of feet down to the surface, and this starts the food chain for plankton. The microscopic creatures are consumed by squid, shrimp and tiny fish, which are consumed by larger fish, on up the food chain to the giant blue marlin and bluefin tuna sought by anglers. Oddly, the upwellings show up as slight depressions in the sea’s surface, while the less productive downwellings, where nutrients sink, are slightly higher than the surrounding sea surface. The upwellings are easy to distinguish on Hilton’s charts, however—they show as distinct red imagery, frequently centered around a large eddy of clockwise-rotating water. There are also frequent temperature breaks, where warmer water pushed in from the southern seas meets cooler inshore waters or waters from more northerly locations. The different temperature waters have different densities, and so don’t mix. This creates very evident current seams along the intersections, and these seams frequently load up with Sargasso weed and other debris, which attracts small fish, which in turn attract larger fish. Temperature breaks can be particularly significant in fall, winter and spring, when the big game species are looking for warm water—they will avoid any inshore water where the water temperature is lower than 72.

In addition, Chlorophyll levels directly affect the color or clarity of the water. More chlorophyll means reduced clarity, resulting in the green tint of the nutrient-rich water from the beach out to several miles offshore in most areas. These waters are often productive for king mackerel, cobia and other species, but less so for marlin, wahoo and other pelagics. Farther out, where chlorophyll levels are low, the water becomes extremely clear and takes on the cobalt blue hue that the true pelagics love. This is where billfish anglers often go to score. Occasionally, tongues of this deep blue water swirl inshore, temporarily creating feeding zones that can be red hot for a few days, then disappear completely. Hilton’s allows locating these tongues and fishing their edges precisely. Salinity is another important feature monitored by Hilton’s Realtime Navigator. While salinity is fairly consistent in the deep-blue water far offshore, it changes rapidly nearshore, particularly where major outflows like the Mississippi River enter oceanic waters. King mackerel prefer water with 30 to 36 parts salt per thousand, so for those in search of a tournament winning king, fishing too near a freshwater inflow where salinity is low is likely to be less productive than staying in the prime zone. Kings are also known to favor some color in the water, probably because of the abundance of smaller fish in green water zones. Finding areas where the right salinity and chlorophyll readings intersect is easy with the program. All of this data is available at the click of a button, updated daily, on Hilton’s. WEATHER IS ALSO INCLUDED A wind-speed button shows wind direction and speed, and the highs and lows where the wind is coming from or running to. You can look at the forecast for the future—the weekend perhaps. Wave heights are also available, a major comfort and safety factor for those borderline days when going offshore might not be quite as much fun as the anglers hope for. Hilton’s service starts at $200 per year. It’s available for more than 20 locations in 36 regions including both U.S. coasts and many parts of the tropics. “You can more than pay for a year of our service with the fuel you save on one trip,” Hilton noted. “If you go directly to a productive area instead of spending hours looking for a good rip or color change, your fuel savings can be huge, especially for twin diesel boats or those with multiple big outboards.” Hilton pointed out that satellite data is very helpful even for those who don’t have a satellite link for getting new information while they are offshore. “You can see which way color lines and rips are moving and at what speed and you can navigate to where the hotspot will be on your fishing days, not where it was yesterday,” he said. “In most cases, the conditions take several days to change, and an eddy that’s moving in a certain direction will continue in that direction for some time.” Structure offshore is a sort of ace in the hole, he says. “Structure trumps all the other conditions in offshore water,” Hilton explained. “We’ve found that the bait stays around these structures even where the other conditions we monitor via satellite indicate that conditions are not the best. So they’re always worth a visit, and we keep very close track on where these structures are located—many of the movable rigs and drill ships move from week to week, and we monitor that closely.” 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // July 2022 37

Fish Mapping Explained

Chlorophyll readings are an indication of water color and clarity--most offshore fish prefer cobalt blue water, but seams where two colors meet are often productive for fishing.

Structure can also include natural breaks in the bottom, ledges or sea mounts that are universal fish attractors. THE PERFECT HAND According to Hilton, where the ideal conditions of current, water clarity, temperature and upwellings intersect with offshore structure, manmade or natural, the odds of catching pelagics go way up. “The idea is to get the perfect hand of all those conditions together, and then you’re giving your crew the best chance of success in the shortest time,” Hilton said. “If you go out there blind, you may miss a great trip by just a mile or so, never know it’s there, and that could have made your trip.” Hilton pointed out hat his service is widely recognized among competitive anglers as the go-to system for finding offshore fish. “Some of the best offshore captains on the big tournament circuits have been using our service for over 10 years,” Hilton said “We don’t provide analysis of what was yesterday—we provide the most up to the minute data that’s available from the satellite information, the absolute latest shots on the day of your trip. “You can save those charts to your system and then see your boat on that chart relative to the spots, click on the waypoints and navigate to them on your iPad or smartphone. We’re working to get this incorporated in some of the MFD’s in future, as well, so the captain can integrate all of it right there on the console,” Hilton added.. For details, visit the Hilton website at http://realtime-navigator.com 38 July 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237

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Combining Land and Construction Loans

in 2022 BY ED MASHBURN

A home in the country is a dream that can come true with the proper financing to obtain land and construction.

40 July 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237

LIFESTYLE The traditional pattern for many folks’ rural land and building construction efforts is simple: buy the land first and at some point later build the home or commercial structure. This pattern works well for some folks, but other folks already have building plans and designs in mind and they have no need to wait until a later date for construction. Many lending institutions are not comfortable with combined land/construction loans, and some require considerable efforts on the part of a borrower even if the institution is willing to do a combined loan, especially in rural areas. Still there are always options, and a good option for borrowers who need a combined land/construction loan is First South Farm Credit. FIRST STEP- FIND A LENDER “Many commercial lenders/mortgage companies do not feel comfortable financing land and/or construction in rural areas, says Taylor Hart, manager of the Auburn/Opelika Branch of First South Farm Credit. “If a commercial bank will do construction loans in rural areas they often will require the owner to survey out a smaller parcel for the home site which leads to added costs and time for survey and recording at the courthouse. This ‘subdividing’ can also cause the project further delays if the county requires it to go before the subdivision committe.” “First South has been financing rural America for over 100 years. We can do construction loans in rural areas on any size property and do not require a smaller tract to be surveyed out saving time and money. Keeping the loan ‘in house’ also helps with streamlining the process,” he explained. WHAT’S THE LOAN PROCESS FOR APPROVAL? A potential builder/ land purchaser will need to follow First South’s specific process for obtaining a combined loan which is designed to protect both lender and borrower. “We would need plans, specifications, and an executed contract from a licensed builder to be able to have an appraiser arrive at an appropriate appraised value. We can typically lend up to 85% of the appraised value of the total package of land and home,” Hart explained.. “Barndominiums-, some sort of combination of living quarters with a barn look- have become really popular lately and most commercial lenders are not comfortable with this type of construction. As a rural lender First South can provide construction loans on these as well. Most of our construction type loans are dealing with either homes, barns, or poultry houses (which would be commercial, and have their own different set of criteria),” he said. SO HOW ARE COMBINED LAND/CONSTRUCTION LOANS SET UP? Most land/construction loans made by First South follow more or less standard patterns. There are several options on setting up these loans. “We are able to do construction loans for up to 12 months, interest only if that is what the member wants. We then do a permanent longer term loan. We also have a program we offer that is done with one closing still consisting of a construction period followed up with the longer term mortgage. This is popular as rates are rising due to the fact we can get the rate and term locked down now instead of the end of construction,” Hart pointed out. “This process takes the risk of rising interest rates during construction out of the equation. First South likes to sit down with our members and tailor the loan to what fits where they are in life and what is comfortable for them. My suggestion is to call the First South office in your area to discuss options. We can lend with terms up to 30 years”. IS A COMBINED LOAN RIGHT FOR EVERYONE? When asked if there are folks who might not find a combined land/construction loan a good fit, Hart said that at the time of the land purchase, most people are not ready for a construction loan. “After securing the property then they begin the house planning process. In this situation we may end up with a land loan and a construction loan or mortgage. Based on what is best for the member, we can leave them separate or combine the two loans into one,” he added. A LITTLE PAYBACK NEVER HURTS For those potential borrowers who might not be familiar with First South, “First South is a co-op owned by our borrowers. As such, we pay a patronage refund back to our borrower/members once a year. Does your mortgage company pay you money back?,” he said. For potential borrowers who want to learn more about First South and its combined land/construction loans, a call to 1-800-955-1722 should get a potential borrower in touch with the First South Farm Credit office in their area.

877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // July 2022 41

How to Attract

DEER to Your Property and Keep Them There BY STEPHANIE MALLORY

Dunstan chestnuts are now widely considered the No. 1 food plot tree in America. Image provided by Iain Wallace

42 July 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237

HUNTING Want to attract deer to your hunting property and hold them there throughout the year? Food plot trees are the answer, specifically the Dunstan chestnut tree. Of course, typical annual food plot plants attract deer during the season they produce plants, but perennial mast-producing trees require less maintenance once established and they provide nutrition for deer and other wildlife for years and years to come. Iain Wallace is the CEO of Chestnut Hill Outdoors, a nursery and tree farm famous for supplying Dunstan chestnut trees. He says that although often overlooked, tree nutrition for deer and other wildlife should be considered essential to wildlife management. He explained that fruit and mast-producing trees ensure deer will return to your property year after year because they know there’s a consistent food source that they can rely on. When deer have access to fruit and mast-producing trees, they are less likely to wander too far away. According to Wallace, the key to holding deer on your property is planting trees that fruit and provide nutrition from early summer all the way into the early winter. And, unlike typical foliage-based food plot crops, trees don’t have to be replanted, tilled and maintained at certain times of the year to keep them producing. “After the first couple of years of planting and maintaining a food plot tree, it becomes a self-sufficient food source that will remain, possibly for the lifetime of the person who planted it,” he said. He points out that trees grow naturally, so the deer have evolved to seek them out and eat what they produce.. They also teach their young to seek them out. Wallace said that the key is planting the right assortment of fruit and mast producing trees so they’ll produce on a schedule that will attract deer throughout the year. For example, mulberry fruits come out as early as April. Then, berries such as black berries, blueberries, raspberries, bush berries, grapes and plums fruit into the summer. Apples and pears produce into the later summer and early fall. Persimmons and pear continue into the fall and chestnuts, acorns and oaks produce into the winter months and deer season. THE NO. 1 FOOD PLOT TREE If you only have the time and budget to plant one tree, Wallace says without a doubt, the No. 1 best tree to attract deer is the Dunstan chestnut tree. “Dunstan chestnuts are the perfect food plot tree,” he said. “This hardy, fast-growing tree has a vast growing range that stretches from Florida to Wisconsin. Chestnuts bear nuts in three to five years, compared to 10 to 20 years for oaks, and can produce up to 2,000 pounds per acre at maturity. Chestnut also produces nuts annually, whereas oak only produces nuts every other year.” For thousands of years, the American chestnut was the most important food and timber tree species in the Eastern hardwood forest. It was almost completely destroyed by a bark fungus accidentally introduced from Asia in 1904. Within 40 years, more than 30 million acres of chestnut trees were killed from Maine to Georgia and west to the Mississippi. This tragedy is recognized as the most major ecological disaster in American history. The blight wiped out groves and groves of massive chestnut tree forests, eliminating that food source for wildlife. “The American chestnut was the primary food source tree for wildlife – deer, bear, turkey, squirrel, and hogs,” Wallace said. “The chestnut forest could produce 2,000 pounds of mast or more per acre, more carbohydrate than an acre of corn. Chestnuts were the favored food in the fall for game, because the sweet-tasting nuts were high in protein, carbohydrate and had no bitter tasting tannins like acorns.” Fortunately, in the 1950s, James Carpenter discovered a live American chestnut tree in a grove of dead and dying trees in Ohio. He sent budwood to a well-known plant breeder, 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // July 2022 43

How to Attract Deer to Your Property and Keep Them There

Dr. Robert T. Dunstan, who took stock cuttings from the blight-resistant tree and crossed them with a Chinese chestnut which was naturally resistant to the blight. Carpenter then crossed the seedlings from the first cross back to both parent trees. These future varieties would eventually become known as Dunstan chestnuts, which are now widely considered the No. 1 food plot tree in America. NO. 1 FOR A REASON Wallace says these days, the biggest problem that chestnut orchardists have is that deer eat all of their harvest. “One grower in North Carolina was harvesting 10,000 pounds of nuts and harvesting every other day,” he said. “When he started picking up nuts every day, his harvest jumped to 26,000 pounds. The deer were eating two-thirds of his crop every night.” He said other orchardists have had to fence 50-acre orchards to keep the deer out. One grower in Illinois made more money leasing his land to hunters at $1,500 per week than he did from harvesting the nuts. This problem is no surprise to Wallace, who says chestnuts are chosen by deer over all other nuts because of their taste and nutrition. “They are high in carbohydrates (40%) and contain up to 10% high-quality protein. This highly nutrient-rich food source provides critical energy during the rut in the fall. Chestnuts also have no bitter-tasting tannic acid (tannin). Deer have thousands more tastebuds than humans and are sensitive to bitter-tasting tannins. Deer prefer white oak acorns over red oaks because they contain less tannin, and this is why deer prefer chestnuts over all acorns.”

Wallace said that the sweet taste of chestnut actually sweetens the meat of the animals that eat it. “In Spain, hogs are raised on chestnuts because of the excellent flavored meat it produces,” he noted..“Venison from chestnut-fed deer tastes like corn-fed venison, without the gamey taste of deer that feed on bitter-tasting acorns.” WHEN AND WHERE TO PLANT So, when is the best time to plant your trees? You really can’t go wrong by planting in the spring or fall, and you can even plant year-round in warmer climates if the ground doesn’t freeze. People usually plant trees in the spring when things start to green. While spring may be a great time to plant, planting in fall has some unique benefits as well. In the fall, plants start to go dormant for the winter. So, trees planted in the fall won’t need as much water and nutrients as they would in the summer, which makes them easier to care for. Roots will grow in those dormant months, establishing the plants in the environment. Wallace explains even more important than time of year and location, soil conditions are the key to tree health. “Trees need to be planted in well-draining soil to thrive. To know what type of soil you have, you should take a sample to your local ag extension office to have it tested.” The three types of soil are sandy, clay and sandy loam and each type has a different level of water retention. Fruit and nut trees can’t have standing water or they will get root rot and die. You must know if your soil will retain or drain a lot of water so you will know how much and how often you need to water your trees and shrubs. Sandy soil will drain, clay may hold onto water

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How to Attract Deer to Your Property and Keep Them There

and sandy loam is somewhere in the middle. Spacing your trees properly is also important when you are planning your food plot. Pick a location with six to eight hours of sunlight a day for planting. The edges of food plots are often a good choice. If you are planting in the forest, pick tree fall gaps or open areas where the trees can grow toward the sunlight. You’ll also need to be careful of spacing. Before planting, check the individual plant species for spacing requirements. Trees that require a pollinator will need to be planted close enough to their pollinator to sufficiently produce mast. Wallace says before you plant, study the movement of wildlife on your property and plant according to your goals. You’ll want to plant your trees where you want to drive your herd, such as along the edge of your food plot or along a high-traffic route to encourage even more movement. Planting near a water source is also a good idea, but don’t plant too close to the water as it can result in root rot. If you want to hold more deer on your property, consider planting food plot trees, especially the Dunstan chestnut and follow the tips above for planting times, spacing and location. With a little effort up front, you’ll reap the benefits for years to come.

Chestnuts are high in carbohydrates (40%) and contain up to 10% high-quality protein. Image provided by Iain Wallace

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Captain Richard Rutland is an expert at finding big flounder on Mobile Bay and surrounding Alabama coast.

46 July 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237

FISHING

Selecting the Best

Flounder Rig

for Natural and Artificial Presentations BY FRANK SARGEANT

Flounder are a favorite target for Gulf Coast anglers due to their table qualities, but are notoriously hard to catch at times. The Gulf has two species of flounder. The gulf flounder is found mostly on sandy bottom and in relatively clear water, mostly in the eastern Gulf. The larger southern flounder is found mostly on mud bottom in murky water, and is much more common from Alabama west and south. They also hang around riprap rocks, piers and docks, oyster bars and creek mouths. In late fall, they swarm to the inlets on their way to spawn off the beaches. The spawning migration is usually triggered by cold fronts after Halloween, and sometimes hundreds of the flatfish head out the inlets all at once in November. For years, this run was a target of savvy anglers, resulting in heavy harvest. Now, Alabama and other states have closed the season in November to protect these spawners and hopefully improve the fishery. Both flounder species are often sight feeders lying in wait on bottom partially covered with sand or mud with only their eyes sticking out. When a baitfish or a shrimp drifts by, they lunge out and swallow it. They also readily hunt down fishy scents brought to them on the tide. That means that live baits or lures with scent added boost the odds of connecting with a flounder dinner. Captain Richard Rutland from Cold Blood fishing is good at catching most of the species along the Alabama coast where he’s a well-known and respected inshore guide. In fact, he’s the go-to angler for the University of South Alabama when they need to capture fish for their research programs. In recent years, he’s been heavily involved in catching, tagging and releasing flounder for the Flounder Tagging project run by the University’s Marine Sciences research program. The study is a response to the apparent reduction in flounder abundance on the Alabama coast in recent years. Some of the fish Rutland has caught and assisted in tagging have been huge, with several over 6 pounds and a few approaching 10 pounds. So far, the program indicates the big fish, and most adults, leave the bays and coastal rivers in late October into December and don’t return until summer. So prime time to catch them in those areas will be July until early November. (November is now a catch and release month for flounder in Alabama, however.)

The fish hang around inlets and river mouths, riprap channels, oyster bars, docks and other structure all around Mobile Bay, Perdido Bay and Mississippi Sound except when they move offshore to spawn in late fall and winter. THE LIVE BAIT ROUTE Rutland says the best bait for flounder changes with the season. In fall and early winter prior to the spawning migration it’s finger mullet, hands down. He says throwing a castnet of the right size and design is essential in catching quantities of finger mullet. “They like structure so you can start around rocks. They also congregate in tidal rivers and pools, feeder creeks, marsh grass areas and even boat ramps,” he noted. Rutland says his rig is usually a customized Carolina Rig for fishing the mullet. “I use a 10- to 14-inch 20-pound fluorocarbon leader, with a half-ounce or less egg weight. For smaller mullet that are three to four inches long, we fish on a 1/0 Owner live bait hook and larger baits we use a 2/0 hook,” Rutland said. He hooks the baitfish at the back of the dorsal fin, just in front of the tail. That allows the mullet to swim freely. He suggests fishing the bait very slowly. “Turn the reel handle about once or twice a minute. Let the flounder take their time to come up on the bait,” Rutland advised.. FISHING JIGS FOR FLOUNDER Rutland says he finds a lot of flounder around steep banks, particularly areas where water is about three feet deep and drops quickly to as much as 20 feet. Artificials can work well in these locations. “I fish those areas with a 3/8-ounce Hogie jig head with a soft plastic or scented artificial bait because I feel the bottom well with that weight in most fishing situations, ”Rutland.said. Rutland likes to position the boat on the shallow side and cast out to the deep side. “Work your bait up that slope. That seems more effective than going from shallow to deep. I also keep my “hops” very short, probably coming off the bottom only four or five inches,” he noted.

877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // July 2022 47

Selecting the Best Flounder Rig for Natural and Artificial Presentations

Fishbites Fight Club scented and flavored lures now come in a variety of lure shapes and colors, and matching weighted hooks and jig heads are available. (Frank Sargeant)

For more information on Captain Richard, visit www.coldbloodedfishing.com or call 251-459-5077. MORE ON FISH BITES LURES Fishbites has recently expanded their lineup to include a variety of fully-formed Fight Club lures made of their famed Fishbites composite with scientifically-engineered flavor and scent. The original research for the product was done at the University of Florida by company founder Dr. William Carr. The company is now located in St. Augustine, Florida. Fishbites Fight Club Lures are made from the company’s patented Hydrogel matrix. These baits are more durable and flexible than other similar scentbased lures currently on the market, according to the company, and each bait is heavily infused with the company’s proven flavor/scent technology. Fishbites notes that the baits are not immersed in a solution so do not taint hands and boat decks as some scented baits do. The scent is not unpleasant to humans, as some scent baits can be, either. Kept in the sealed pouch, the lures can be carried in a tacklebox for months and still be ready to use. (The company warns against putting used baits back in with the new ones, however, as this is likely to cause mold.) They now offer a 6” curly tail grub, a 5” curly tail grub, a 5” flat-tail jerkbait with a belly hook slit, a 4” paddle-tail and a 3.5” shrimp. The grubs and jerkbaits all work well on the company’s new line of jig heads, which are equipped with sharp, strong Mustad Ultrapoint hooks. Use the lightest head that will consistently tick bottom where you’re fishing, the company advises. The shrimp, in particular, is a natural for a popping cork rig, where it

He also said that he just “ticks” bottom with the jig, raising it a foot or so, letting it drop to touch bottom, then raising the rod again and suggests using bright colors, pearl white, chartreuse, pink, electric chicken, and for body shape he prefers grubs with long curly tails. FISHING SCENTED LURES FOR FLOUNDER Rutland likes the scented and flavored lures produced by Fishbites, which is a prepared bait that has become legendary for catching pompano and whiting in the surf.

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The company started out making strip baits, but now makes a whole menagerie of swimming minnows with kicker tails, curly tails and pintails, as well as shrimp designs and more. “I’ve had good luck fishing with Fishbites Fight Club Curly Tails,” Rutland said. Sometimes he adds a second attracter, the Fishbites substitute pork rind with the odd name of “Bob’s Your Uncle” on the same jig. “While it sounds gaudy, you’ve got these two little curly tails going and it almost looks like a spinnerbait,” Rutland sadi. The fact that Fishbites Fight Club lures not only smell like food but also taste like it is an important factor in catching flounder. They tend to grab the front of the lure with their spiky teeth, hold it for a few seconds and then inhale it completely into their mouths. The taste of the Fight Club lures means they’re more likely to hang on, giving the angler a better chance to stick them. Rutland notes that setting the hook too soon may mean missed fish. “When you feel a bump, or the lure just stops, give it a second or two—that’s when the fish is eating it, so don’t set too soon,” he advised. 48 July 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237

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Selecting the Best Flounder Rig for Natural and Artificial Presentations

can be suspended 24 to 30 inches below the cork on a lightly-weighted hook. Popping the cork creates a fish-attracting disturbance as well as causing the shrimp to dart towards the surface, then flutter back down. It’s a deadly tactic around docks or riprap. The Fishbites Fight Club lures have a more solid consistency than most soft plastics, so getting some versions on the hook can be a bit of a challenge but once they’re in place, they stay put through multiple fish. The trick is to keep the lures in the package and keep the package sealed until you’re ready to fish. One tail can last for hours in most duties unless a Spanish mackerel or a bluefish comes along and cuts the bait in half. However, it’s likely the scent loses effectiveness after some time in the water, so a change anytime the bite slows is a good idea. For more on Fishbites Fight Club Lures, visit www.fishbites.com

Spinning gear and braided line is ideal for chasing flounder with Fight Club lures. Photo by Frank Sargeant

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Choosing the Best Hunting Lease Insurance Hunting land liability insurance is a thing of the future, and the present BY JOSH HONEYCUTT

Things have changed in the past few decades. Today, hunting land sales and leases are going at a premium. Even getting permission sees fierce competition. Hunters are having a hard time finding places to lease and gain access to. Part of that is due to high demand, but it’s also a product of reluctant landowners who fear liabilities.

While hunt clubs (leases) date back to the late 60s and 70s in the South, leases were not as common in the Northeast and Midwest. It’s definitely a newer thing there because there weren’t large tracts of land owned by timber companies, but things have changed in the past two decades. Competition is almost as fierce now in northern and midwestern states.

A NEED FOR PROTECTION While this insurance policy certainly isn’t limited to hunt clubs and leases, decades ago, these helped serve as the original inspiration for the program. And hunt clubs and leases were born in the South. It all started with the forest industry and timber companies.

INSURANCE FOR HUNTERS While leases might have sparked initial interest, this offering is open to those who own hunting land, lease it, and hunt by permission. Fortunately, even landowners can take out policies on their own land. Still, it’s important to create outlines on who can hunt and participate in activities on the property.

Leasing itself has been around since the 1930s, in the South,” said Sean Ferbrache, chief operating officer for American Hunting Lease Association. “Large forest companies and landowners allowed leasing for trappers to trap on their lands. Liability likely came shortly after that, so although I don’t know specifically when liability coverage came into prominence, I would expect the first time a trapper or lease was injured and blamed the landowner, liability insurance was likely necessary from that point on.”

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“Any type of land and any type of game can be hunted,” Ferbrache said. “Hunting leases are pretty broad, and most contracts/leases use the words recreation and access. To be clear on leases, you don’t lease the property or any claims to the ground. What you are leasing is the right to access the property.” “Any landowner or hunter entering into a hunting lease agreement or that has already entered in an agreement can and should purchase coverage

HUNTING

Those who’ve always wanted peace of mind can now get hunting liability protection. protecting all parties,” Ferbrache continued. “Our coverage provides protection for liability claims made by the hunter vs. the landowner and the landowner vs. the hunter. Any personal injuries caused by negligence from the other party or damage to personal property due to negligence is covered.” It is a good idea to call for information to determine what is and isn’t covered. That said, the insurance policy is underwritten by Glencar Insurance Company, which Ferbrache says has an excellent rating. “The thing I tell people all the time is that liability insurance of any kind never pays you,” Ferbrache said. “It always pays on your behalf. So, if you are sued or blamed for causing injury or loss of property, this coverage would pay on your behalf.” Landowners and hunters alike have some legal risks when using a property, even for recreational purposes. All parties involved can benefit from having a liability insurance plan in place. Don’t risk personal assets. It’s important to have a hunting land insurance policy. “Anytime you as a landowner allow others to hunt or recreate on your

property, you are accepting some risk,” Ferbrache said. “To alleviate that risk and to accept payment (lease) for access, your responsibility to your guests is heightened. Simple coverage will address your risk and allow you to permit access without fear of losing your assets.” LEVERAGE FOR HUNTERS A lot of hunters knocking on doors for leases and permission properties alike don’t use all the tools at their disposal. Hunting land insurance is a major tactic to convince a hesitant landowner. Getting a policy can help secure hunting permission on private landowners. “Talk to the landowner and make them understand that you sympathize with them and their concerns by purchasing a policy and naming them as additionally insured,” Ferbrache said. “Just think about why landowners say no. It’s almost always a liability concern and this overcomes that objection completely.” It won’t always work, but oftentimes, it’ll help close the distance. That’s good news for those who are working hard to find a place to hunt for family, friends, and themselves.

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Managing Wild Turkeys Through Teamwork Choosing the Best Hunting Lease Insurance

APPLY FOR COVERAGE AND CHEAP PIECE OF MIND For those who decide to move forward, the application process is very simple. Just go to AHLA’s website (https://ahuntinglease.org) and fill out the required forms. “We have taken tremendous steps to make the process as simple as possible,” Ferbrache said. “My philosophy is that even preparing to spend time on your passion, should be as painless as possible since it is directly related to your hobby or something you cherish.”

“To alleviate that risk and to accept payment (lease) for access, your responsibility to your guests is heightened. Simple coverage will address your risk and allow you to permit access without fear of losing your assets.” This includes even when sitting down to plan a hunting trip, buy licenses, purchase gear, or even securing an insurance policy for a lease. “It is all part of my passion for hunting,” Ferbrache said. “So, I don’t want anything in the hunting prep to be laborious or frustrating. I and my team want the process to purchase hunting lease liability insurance to be as quick and simple — while still giving confidence to the buyer — as possible.” Each year, the price of policies can vary slightly. However, the 2022-23 rates are certainly affordable. “Up to 499 acres is just $235,” Ferbrache said. “Rates increase $50 for every 500 acres after that. We do not charge an additional fee for landowners. Landowners can be added to our policy for no charge.”

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the money Up to 499 acres: $235spent on turkey permits, which is part of the licens500-999 acres: $285 ing requirement to hunt turkeys in Florida, goes into that fund. 1,000-1,499 acres: $335 1,500-1,999“Many acres:hunters $385 and NWTF members are heavily involved in 2,000-2,499raising acres:funds $435 for the wild turkey and its habitat by participating 2,500-2,999inacres: NWTF$485 hunting heritage banquets, whereby a portion of 3,000-3,499 acres: $535 those funds raised goes into the cost-share program,” Nichol3,500-3,999 acres: $585 son said. “Hunters’ purchases of hunting equipment also helps Etc. support wildlife conservation through the Wildlife and Sport federal grant funding “We are theFish only Restoration organizationProgram, that sendswhich your brings insurance certificate that to state wildlife management agencies such as the FWC.” proves you are covered, via email immediately following your purchase,” Ferbrache said. “If you get permission or sign a lease on a Wednesday, your landowner will be covered with effort a certificate in NWTF, hand the next FFS day and Through this combined from the FWC, and you can startFlorida hunting or hanging stands.” turkey hunters, the wild turkey population is healthy

and flourishing in Florida. And, if you’re a turkey hunter, then

Furthermore,you while thebeAHLA is focused generalspring outdoorsmen and must getting excited on because turkey season hunting lease coverage, also offers services. includesthe vacant and the youthit turkey huntother weekends areThis just around land insurance as well as guides and outfitters insurance.

corner.

For those who still aren’t sure of how leasing works, or why it exists, check outContact this information episode (https://www.youtube.com/ Information watch?v=dLlAz2Z9WeE&t=12s) of The American Hunting podcast. Contact the American Hunting Lease Program Association (AHLA) with questions. Wild Turkey Cost-Share Policies are underwritten Glencarof Insurance Company, Inc.Federation Florida StatebyChapter the National Wild Turkey (NWTF) Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Contact Information Florida Forest Service (FFS) Green Swamp Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Phone Number: 866-417-0867 Gulf Coastal Plain Ecosystem Partnership Email: info@ahuntinglease.org Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program Website: ahuntinglease.org

877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // July 2022 53

Custom Fishing Rods: Buy or Build? BY JIM ISING

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FISHING Anyone interested in getting their hands on custom fishing rods has likely wondered if building themselves was a viable option. Here’s a brief list of questions and answers that may help you reach a decision. Q: Are you handy?

If you answer yes to such questions you should try building your own rod. You will not match the skill of a custom builder on your first attempt but you will be on your way to high-functioning equipment at substantial savings.

A: Rod building requires the mastery of some special skills but it’s not rocket science. If you have limited tools and enjoy “tinkering”, you can probably build a custom fishing rod. Most importantly, a custom rod that does just what you want does not have to be a “work of art”. There are great rods in service that are wrapped in black thread with no frills of any kind. Think of them as “tools”. If you want your portrait woven into the butt wrap and your signature reproduced on the rod…maybe a custom fishing rod is the way to go.

Q: Okay, I’m in. What now?

Q: How will I ever figure out what to buy?

Anglers Workshop has a collection of videos from Flex Coat, the leading maker of rod finish. Roger Seiders is one of the best teachers in the industry and his videos are a pleasure to watch.

A: This is where most people give up when they should press ahead. There is a long list of retail dealers out there that would love to get your call. Rods require a sizable list of individual parts but on your first rod, think about prepackaged offerings. A handle “kit” will include the reel seat and matching cork or EVA grip set – all the parts for a handle. A guide “kit” will give you all of the CORRECT guides for your rod. Q: Is there an initial investment in equipment? A: The cost of equipment can be a deal breaker for someone who wants to see if they have what it takes. What if the answer after one custom fishing rod is “no”. The good news is your first effort can be cobbled together with items around the house right now. A rod turning lathe, for example, can be as simple as a cardboard box with “V”-shaped cutouts on either end to hold the rod while you wrap guides. Or maybe some old skateboard wheels bolted to a piece of plywood. Thread to wrap guides can be passed through a book to create proper tension while wrapping guides. A few plastic cups, a razor blade, cork reamers, throw-away brushes, sandpaper and some denatured alcohol for clean-up and you’re off and running. Here’s a “fancy” box wrapper. Then, all you need is a blank. Try a few of these sites and browse around. You’ll start to realize what your options are and be much more informed when you make the call. Also keep in mind that a custom rod builder has been down this road many times and will know exactly what to order based on the rods purpose and budget – that alone may be worth the money. • • •

Mud Hole Jann’s Netcraft Get Bit Outdoors

There are many more retail dealers but these will get you started. As mentioned, a dealer will be happy to help but you should at least be able to provide a starting point. For example, tell them you want to build a 7ft carbon fiber spinning rod for 15lb test braid to fish for bass. Most component dealers will instantly know what questions to ask to pull your order together. So will a custom rod builder.

A: The best course of action (with any hobby) is to begin by reading and watching videos. There is a wealth of information available. Below are a few spots to visit on your journey. Mudhole maintains the most complete selection of educational tools on the internet, basics to advanced rod techniques.

Here is a paperback written by Flex Coat that covers the entire process. Maybe the best $7 investment you can make. Here’s a broader overview from Terry Scroggins, pro bass fisherman. For a broader understanding of guides and how to use them, Anglers Resource, the North American agent for Fuji Rod Components has an in depth review of all sorts of guides as well as unique software to help you position guides on your blank. At the end of the day, some fishermen are cut-out for this sort of project, some are not. If the information here has stirred some thought, perhaps you are a fisherman who will value and appreciate the satisfaction of setting the hook and landing a fish on a rod you built yourself. If not, find a good custom fishing rods builder and share your idea of the “perfect” rod. Either way, it will make your day on the water a little more special.

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Q: How much will I save? A: Custom rod builders get paid for time and expertise. The $500 rod you so desperately covet is still going to cost $225 to $275 if you build it yourself with premium components and may cost more than a premium factory rod if a custom fishing rod builder takes the project. So, going at it alone is not as expensive as a premium factory rod, but it’s not going to result in a $500 rod for $50. Ask yourself some basic questions. • •

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877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // July 2022 55

Tips for Spraying Food Plots Before Planting BY JOHN E. PHILLIPS

Austin Delano, pictured here, a habitat and wildlife consultant for Mossy Oak BioLogic, says, “Spraying a herbicide first will kill any vegetation down to the roots before you start planting the land for wildlife.”

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HUNTING “Save money, grow better green fields, and get more tonnage per acre by spraying a herbicide that kills weeds before you plant,” says Austin Delano, a habitat and wildlife consultant for Mossy Oak BioLogic.

tion. For instance, if you have a 2.5 gallon per acre per minute pump, and you’re putting-out herbicide at four mph, the amount of solution you’ll be putting-out with the sprayer from the back of your ATV or tractor.

Great Days Outdoors wanted to know why Delano recommended spraying a herbicide on areas where you want to create green fields before you disc or till the land for planting.

“You don’t have to be exactly correct, but you need to make sure you use the right water-to-herbicide ratio to cover the amount of land on which you want to kill the weeds,” Delano said.

WHY SPRAY HERBICIDES BEFORE PLOWING OR PLANTING? “There are several advantages to spraying a non-selective herbicide before planting your green fields,”Delano explained. “Number one, the herbicide will kill any vegetation growing before you start discing or tilling the land you plan to use for a wildlife green field. Grasses and broadleaf plants can threaten and outcompete for nutrients and moisture with the crop you’re planting for your green field. Killing those plants with a non-selective herbicide with glyphosate like Roundup works best. Glyphosate is the active ingredient in non-selective herbicides that kill both grasses and broadleafs and will give you a kill all the way down to the root system of these broadleaves and grasses.”

HOW TO MIX THE HERBICIDE Another problem that hunters and landowners may encounter is knowing how to mix the herbicide with water. Generally, the type of herbicide you buy will have mixing directions on the back of the package. Glyphosate is usually packaged as a concentrate. The instructions on the package will tell you how-much water to use to dilute the herbicide, depending on the type of sprayer you use and the size of the area you intend on spraying.

Delano mentioned that the first benefit of spraying before you plant is that the ground where you plant your food plot will be easier to turn-over - whether you’re using a disc or a tiller. Green vegetation is difficult to work into the soil. But, after you kill those weeds with glyphosate, they will be much easier to till into the soil and to turn the weeds upside down than if the plants and roots are still alive when you start discing, plowing or tilling. “By using a herbicide before you turn the ground, you’ll kill the weeds all the way down to the root system. This practice also will help the seeds in your food plots start germinating and make their ability better to pull the nutrients and water out of the soil that those plants need to grow a stronger and better crop,” Delano said. When asked how long to wait after spraying herbicides before starting to till the ground, Delanosaid that people should wait at least a week to 10 days. “You want to see the weeds to die and dry down and be completely dead before you begin turning the ground. Then, once you turn the ground, the dead weeds will be good for the biomass and actually will help your crops grow,” he noted. Another question Delano is often asked is what to do if the weeds are kneehigh or thigh-high before spraying. Delano explains, “Often, you’re better off to cut those weeds down with a bushhog before you spray. Then, wait for a week to 10 days for the regrowth to start in those weeds before you spray. If the weeds are mature and are starting to produce seeds, they won’t take-up the herbicides as well as growing weeds will. You want your field of weeds to be in a growing stage before you spray a herbicide.” WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE SPRAYING Delano mentions two very-important factors to consider before spraying. “One is the size of your food plot, and the second is knowing how much or how wide a spray your sprayer puts-out. Knowing these two factors will help you spray the right amount of herbicide to kill the weeds and not just make them sick,” he said. “Also the speed you travel as you spray, and the amount of herbicide that your sprayer puts-out directly factor into how-many gallons of solution to spray on a per acre basis. Everyone may have a different type of sprayer, and each person may travel at a different speed when putting out herbicides.” Delano pointed out that charts are available that can tell you that informa-

“Also, talk with your Alabama Farmers Cooperative dealer, and he can help you determine how much glyphosate (Roundup) you need to use with what amount of water to create an effective kill on the weeds in your area,” Delano explained.. “The inside label on the back of the herbicide is always where you want to look first to get the proper mixing instructions. You need to know the size of the tank you’ll put the herbicide and the water in and the size of the site you intend to spray. Generally, 10-15 gallons of total solution sprays an acre. With a product like Roundup, you’ll usually need 1 quart to 1-1/2 quarts diluted in 10-15 gallons of water to spray an acre.” WHAT ABOUT WIND DRIFT AND THE EFFECTS OF HERBICIDES ON NEARBY AGRICULTURAL CROPS? If you never have used an herbicide to kill the weeds in a food plot or in an agricultural field, the first thing they’ll probably want to know is, “If I spray this herbicide on the weeds, kill the weeds and then turn those weeds into my soil, what effect will that herbicide have on my soil?” Delano emphasizesd that, “Glyphosate is what is known as a contact-only herbicide. If it doesn’t touch something that’s green and growing, it has no effect on the soil – even if you pour a concentrated 2.5-gallon jug of glyphosate out on the ground.” Yet another concern that some landowners, farmers and hunters have is wind drift. If a 20-30 mile per hour wind is blowing, and you’re killing weeds close to a crop field, will that herbicide impact the crop? Delano mentioned that usually there’s very little to no problem with wind drift. “But, if you’re using something like a 2,4-D herbicide, or something in that family, that’s when you need to be concerned about the impact of wind and the temperature impacting agricultural crops nearby,” he said. HOW TO HAVE A FOOD PLOT FOR BOWHUNTING To have a food plot available for deer during bow season, begin your bush hogging and/or spraying about a month before you start discing and planting. Delano advises that if you have to bushhog, you need to wait a week or 10 days before you spray the herbicide afterwards, so that regrowth can take place. Then, as previously mentioned, after spraying a herbicide, wait another week to 10 days before you turn the ground. “Begin the weed killing about 1 month before you plan to turn the ground, plant the seeds and put in the fertilizer,” Delano emphasized.. Other landowners and hunting-land lessees wonder about how to prepare a field for a fall planting that’s been planted the previous fall but hasn’t had anything done to it in the spring and summer. “More than likely, if the field has grown-up in weeds, you’ll probably need to bushhog it before you spray. If your field only has a few, low-growing weeds, 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // July 2022 57

Tips for Spraying Food Plots Before Planting

you may be able to go ahead and start tilling the ground without having to spray. But this decision depends on the type of farming equipment you plan to use to turn the ground,” he explained. WHAT EQUIPMENT YOU NEED FOR A SMALL WOODS FOOD PLOT To have a small hunting food plot in the woods – perhaps 20 or 30 yards wide and long - what type of equipment do you need to kill the weeds and prepare the ground? “To kill the weeds, you can use a hand sprayer or a backpack sprayer,” Delano reported. “If the weeds are high, and you need to cut them down before spraying, you may want to consider using a string trimmer and/or a rake like you use on your lawn. Or, with an ATV, you can use an ATV to bushhog, spray and till.” WHAT HERBICIDES COST When it comes to the cost of Roundup or another glyphosate, while Delano didn’t have specific pricing information he can provide a rough estimate. “I don’t know exact pricing, but I’d speculate that these weed killers would cost $20 or so per acre. However, this is very inexpensive when you consider the cost of seeds, fertilizer, gasoline and tractor time to produce the verybest crops or wildlife that you can,” Delano said. If you rid your flood plot of plants that will rob your ground of nutrients and/or water, your chances of having a much-better green field and crop for wildlife increases dramatically. “Don’t forget that if you don’t kill weeds before you plant your food plot, they’ll be drawing nutrients and moisture out of the soil that your wildlife plantings could be using. When weeds are green and growing, and you turn them under, any nitrogen you introduce into the soil with fertilizer will be eaten up to try to decompose all that plant tissue that’s been turned back

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into the soil. Spraying before your disk helps to eliminate and makes your fertilizer far more effective,” Delano concluded. If you have more questions and need advice on the best way to use the equipment you have or what you need to purchase to kill the weeds in the regions where you’re planting green fields, talk with the dealer at your Alabama Farmers Cooperative store located closest to you. Remember that the Alabama Farmers Cooperative dealers are there to help you select products and give you the information you need to produce the best and most-effective green fields you can plant this year. WHAT’S THE ALABAMA FARMERS COOPERATIVE Based in Decatur, Ala., the Alabama Farmers Cooperative (AFC) is made up of 52 local, farmer-owned cooperatives in Alabama and the Florida Panhandle that operate 80 stores. The stores sell a wide range of agricultural supplies and services, sporting goods, home gardening and pond supplies and birding and wildlife products. To learn more, check out https://www.alafarm. com/locations.

Contact Information Alabama Farmers Cooperative, Inc. Website: https://www.alafarm.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alafarm/ Telephone: 256-308-1618 Mossy Oak’s BioLogic Website: https://www.plantbiologic.com/ (includes planting guides and timetables for where you live)

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. 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. 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 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. But wait, it gets better. 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. Land loan rates have experienced a slight increase over the past few months. As of June 10, 2022, short term loan rates are hanging in the 5’s and longer term rates are now in the mid/high 6’s, with some touching 7%. Loan Interest Rates are dependent on First South’s cost of funds, an individual’s credit rating, terms of the loan, collateral value, and other deciding factors In addition to financing land, FSFC can finance your land improvements, new and used tractors, and other equipment that is used to maintain and enhance your rural property. 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. 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // July 2022 59

Is The Recommended Prop for My Boat the Best? BY DAVID STRICKLAND

What gear ratio would you choose if you had a car, truck, or even a bicycle and could have only one gear? For example, would you prefer excellent torque and pulling power or a slower take-off with higher top-end speed? In essence, that’s the same question as; “What’s the best prop for my boat?” The answer is that it depends on what you use your boat for, the type of water you’ll be navigating and the distances you will be traveling. Many boaters purchase a boat with multiple uses in mind. Fishing, cruising, water skiing, and maybe pulling a shrimp net are a few reasons to own a pleasure boat. You will have to decide whether you want a propeller for more pulling power or one that generates better speed. HOW TO CHOOSE Your goal is to figure out what prop will allow your boat to perform well at an acceptable speed. The right choice will keep your engine from over-revving and operate in the revolutions per minute (RPM) range that allows for peak engine efficiency. I spoke with Matt Vanderloop of Ken’s Sports near Appleton, Wisconsin. Ken’s Sports is Wisconsin’s largest power-sports dealer, and Matt helps run the family-owned business that his grandfather started in 1968. They’ve sold and provided maintenance on many boats in those 50+ years, and they also sell propellers online at boatpropellers.com. I asked Matt if there was a way to know if the prop on my boat was the right one. 60 July 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237

“All manufacturers define wide-open-throttle (WOT) ratings for their inboard and outboard engines. I suggest running a boat at full throttle with a light load to verify it’s running near that upper limit. I would advise trying a prop with less pitch if it isn’t,” Vanderloop saidt. Ensuring that your engine operates within that RPM window is essential to the motor’s longevity. A WOT test determines whether your motor operates within the correct RPM range. An underperforming engine will fail to reach optimal speed, and an over-revved one will experience increased wear. A motor that can’t reach its designated RPM range while at WOT is said to be “over-propped,” while one that exceeds it is considered “under-propped.” Even if you never run at maximum throttle, you should still perform this test because how an engine performs at WOT applies to all throttle positions. Another option is to have a second propeller if you occasionally run heavier loads or pull skiers. However, be cautious when changing to a prop with a lower pitch, and closely monitor engine RPM to avoid over-revving. Diameter, pitch, number of blades and cupping contribute to a boat’s efficiency, speed, and handling. Of course, running the motor at the right height with the appropriate trim is also an essential part of the equation. ALUMINUM VS. STAINLESS A well-designed aluminum propeller can outperform an average stainless steel model. That’s why it’s essential to research a propeller’s performance characteris-

FISHING tics before you buy. The main advantage of a stainless steel propeller over aluminum is durability. Stainless props can resist minor damage caused by small rocks, sand, or other objects in the water. However, because stainless is more rigid, impacting an object at high speed can cause significant damage to your lower unit. The blades will most likely sacrifice themselves with aluminum props before causing damage to your lower unit. Vanderloop recommends stainless props on motors above 115 horsepower because of flexing issues associated with aluminum blades on more powerful engines. DIAMETER Engineers determine the prop diameter for specific motors based on the RPM range and the amount of power delivered to the propeller. Diameter increases for propellers used on slower, heavier boats and decreases for propellers designed for speed. A larger diameter blade has more surface area, which allows it to handle additional power and create more thrust. However, the increased blade size creates more drag and decreases top speed. BLADES Three-blade designs provide an all-around performance advantage with top-end speed. Four-blades work well with underpowered boats that are slow to get on plane or water sports where top-end speed is not critical. The fewer blades a propeller has, the more efficient it is. However, running with only two blades also increases vibration, so three-bladed propellers provide the best compromise for performance, speed, and efficiency. Some manufacturers also create four and five-blade propellers to increase acceleration and reduce cavitation. [editor’s note - cavitation is the formation of air bubbles on the propeller and it can physically damage the propeller, increase boat vibrations and reduces the “bite” which reduces efficiency] A four-blade propeller will improve handling and control for high-performance applications, and five-blade models are suitable for rough water conditions and tow sports. PITCH Vanderloop emphasized the importance of understanding the effects of pitch. Less pitch means more RPMs, and more pitch means fewer RPMs. Remember that an outboard engine reaches peak performance when running at the upper end of its recommended operating range. Once the correct RPMs are achieved, and you still want more speed, lift, or performance, researching different propeller brands can provide a solution. CUP Cupping the trailing edge of a propeller blade is standard on many propellers. A downward curl on the blade’s edge allows a better hole shot by reducing slippage and cavitation. A cupped prop may also reduce blade rotation from 100-300 RPM and enable the engine to trim closer to the surface. RAKE Rake is the angle at which the blades slant forward or backward in relation to the hub, measured in degrees. The degree of rake affects how water flows through a propeller. Increased reverse (or aft rake) , helps lift the boat’s bow and can improve top-end speed. VENTED PROPS Before Mercury designed their Performance Vent System (PVS), boaters experi-

mented with their props by drilling a few holes in their hubs. My friend put several in his prop and found that he lost top end speed if he went much above 1/2” diameter. Those vents allowed increased acceleration and quicker planing. PVS props have a hole behind each blade in the hub. Plastic plugs are fitted for these holes and come in solid, small, medium, and large openings. By experimenting, you can increase your hole shot and get to plane in less time without affecting top-end speeds. PROP ALIGNMENT Properly mounting a motor to a transom became more manageable with the advent of jack plates and rigid motor mounts. With the proper hardware, your propeller can be raised, lowered, tilted forward, or back with the push of a button. Once mounted, learning to adjust your trim and how high to raise or lower your motor as you accelerate will increase your prop’s efficiency in rough water and at high speed. JACK PLATES Fixed -These consist of a piece of rigid metal bolted directly through a transom. The motor then mounts to the plate and allows for adjusting the mounting height. Prior to about 1970, these were found almost exclusively on racing boats. Manual jack plates were an improvement that allowed adjustments in motor height without unbolting the motor. Turning a few wrenches and a little trial and error makes finding the best running height easier. Hydraulic jack plates are the ultimate solution that allows the operator to lower or raise a motor with the push of a button. You can conveniently adjust the engine height during shallow water use or when exiting the water on a trailer. SETBACK The amount of setback is the measured distance from a boat’s transom to the motor. Today, a boater can mount a fixed bracket or a jack plate with a built-in setback that ranges from four to 14 inches. Builders have long experimented with mounting various brackets to a transom and even building modified transoms that extend beyond the hull edge. The theory is that the water will be less turbulent a few inches farther from the rear of the hull and that moving the motor/prop further back will also result in better lift for the bow of a boat. CONCLUSION While minor increases in speed or pulling power gained by using different props may seem trivial to the average boater, professionals that use their boats to make a living look at any incremental increase in torque, speed, or efficiency as a big deal. Understanding the various parts of a boat propeller and how they contribute to speed, power, and handling can help you discuss the available options with your buddies and the professionals at your local marina or marine supply store. Some marinas will loan slightly used propellers for boaters to experiment with if they’re in the market to replace theirs. So, get familiar with the available options and keep experimenting till you find the perfect gear for your motor. If you have any questions or need a recommendation for a new or backup prop, check the websites below or make a phone call to Ken’s Sports. Contact Information Ken’s Sports kenssports.com/marine boatpropellerwarehouse.com 920-788-0220 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // July 2022 61

BY HANK SHAW Photos by Holly A. Heyser

Venison Casserole This casserole is roughly in the style of baked ziti, and is loaded with meat, cheese, pasta and tomato sauce. I like to add some leafy greens, too. Prep: 45 mins • Cook: 35 mins •Total: 1hr 20 mins Ingredients

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

pound rigatoni, ziti, penne or paccheri pasta Salt 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 pound ground venison 1/2-pound sausage 1 large onion, chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 cup red wine A 28 ounce can of crushed tomatoes 1/4 pound chopped leafy greens (spinach, lambsquarters, chard, etc.) 1 cup ricotta cheese 1/2-pound grated mozzarella cheese 1 cup grated pecorino cheese

Instructions 1. Boil the pasta in salty water until it just starts to soften. You want it tougher than you’d want to eat it, but soft enough to bite through. Drain, toss with a little olive oil, and set aside. 2. Preheat the oven to 375°F and get a 9×13 casserole dish ready. 3. Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over mediumhigh heat. Add the ground venison and brown it well, stirring often. Salt it as it cooks. If you are using uncased sausage, add it now and brown that, too. If you are using cased sausage, slice it into disks and wait to cook it for a moment. 4. Stir in the chopped onion and cook until it softens, stirring often. Stir in the garlic and cook that for a minute or two, then mix in the tomato paste. Let this cook a few minutes. 5. Add the oregano, red pepper flakes and wine and stir well. Everything will thicken as the wine and tomato paste mix. Let this cook for a minute or two, then add the crushed tomatoes. Stir this in with the cooked pasta and the the leafy greens and turn off the heat. 6. Put about half of the mixture into the casserole dish. Dot with about half the ricotta, then sprinkle about half the mozzarella and pecorino over it. Add the rest of the meat mixture, then top with the rest of the cheese. Bake at 375°F for 35 minutes.

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CAMPHOUSE KITCHEN

Smoked Swordfish This recipe works for any thick, meaty fish: Swordfish, marlin, tuna, paddlefish, sturgeon, yellowtail or other large jacks. It’s meaty, almost beefy in a way, and if done right, the fish stays juicy. Big fish like swordfish, marlin or tuna are also more savory than, say, perch or trout. Prep: 5 mins • Cook: 3 hours • Curing: 3 hours • Total: 6 hrs 15 mins Ingredients

• •

2 pounds swordfish or other firm, meaty fish Salt

Instructions 1. Heavily salt your fish; you can even bury them in salt. I use kosher or sea salt for this. Put them in the fridge for 1 hour per pound of the pieces of fish, i.e., if it’s a 2-pound piece, two hours, a halfpound piece, 30 minutes. 2. Briefly rinse the fish and pat it dry. Let it sit on a rack in a cool place for at least 1 hour and up to overnight in the fridge. At room temperature, put a fan on the fish to speed drying and to keep bugs away. 3. Get your smoker to a steady, cool temperature. I use a Traeger, so I set it at 175°F or even 165°F. You can’t really do this well if you can’t keep your smoker below 200°F. Wood choice is yours, but for a Mexican flavor use mesquite. Alder, maple or apple are other great options. 4. Smoke the fish for at least 2 hours, and up to 6. The lower the temperature, the longer you can smoke it for. Four hours at 175°F is a nice compromise. Serve the smoked fish hot right away, or let it cool and use it for other dishes. 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // July 2022 63

NEW & Cool gear BY WILLIAM KENDY

Remington Ammunition Helps Families Nationwide with Gun Club Cure

Remington Ammunition’s Gun Club product family, Gun Club Cure, is destined to help families nationwide. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this Gun Club line will benefit children’s hospitals and disease research. That means your day at the trap, skeet or sporting course shooting gives back to those in need It is available in two 12-gauge loads including a low recoil option. Suggested Retail Price: $11.95 www.remington.com

Lightweight. Rugged. Ready for Adventure

The Walther Magnum Pistol (WMP) .22 magnum semi-automatic is a high quality, lightweight, easy-to-shoot and affordable handgun. It features an optics ready slide, best-in-class ergonomics, and even a first-time patented ambidextrous reloading mechanism including both the paddle and button release. It comes with two 15 round magazines, has a 4.5-inch barrel, an overall length of 8.2 inches and weighs in at 27.8 ounces with magazine in. Suggested Retail Price: $459.00 https://waltherarms.com/wmp/

ALPS OutdoorZ New Ghost 20 EDC Pack

The ALPS Ghost 20 is a hybrid pack suitable for use as a backpack, briefcase, or messenger. The heart of the Ghost 20 is an integrated back panel pocket intended to secure a handgun for EDC/CCW practitioners. An ambidextrous, zippered pocket in the back panel is lined with a material that works with common hook-and-loop style holsters, allowing for discrete secure stowing within easy reach. Suggested Retail Price: $179.99 www.alpsoutdoorz.com/ghost-20.html

A Great View for a Great Price

The New 8x42mm and 10x42 Covert Optics binoculars are tailor made to help hunters dissect the details of wild landscapes. Incorporating high-quality ED glass and a highcontract BAK-4 lens system they deliver superb color and clarity. They are constructed of dependable aluminum housings with ergonomic rubber molding that deliver a waterproof, fog-proof and shock resistant package and come with a three year warranty. Suggested Retail Price: $549.99 https://www.feradyne.com/covert-optics/

Delta McKenzie Big 8™ Foam Targets

Delta’s new Big-8 target is the first poured-foam target to utilize an 8-sided “asymmetric hexagon” design. Available in two best-in-class 16” and 20” wide sizes, Big 8 provides a larger shooting area versus conventional square target designs. It can withstand heavy use, lasting up to eight times longer while still maintaining easy arrow extraction. It’s field point and broadhead compatible for high performance bows and crossbows. $189.99 – $245.99 https://dmtargets.com/product/big-8/ 64 July 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237

NEW & COOL GEAR FOR OUTDOORSMEN

Win the Battle Against Bugs, Heat & Sun

Whatever your outdoor endeavors, Insect Shield® SolAir Lightweight Pants offer Insect Shield®, long-lasting insect protection. In addition, they feature NEW brrr® Pro cooling technology which has been proved to keep a person cooler (immediately upon touching skin (3.5F +/-), brrr® Pro also promotes hyper wicking, which dries these pants in minutes and has a 1000+ UPF rating, insuring protection from prolonged sun exposure . Suggested Retail Price: $159.00 www.forloh.com

Gorilla Albacore Reels 50 2s / 50w 2s

If your passion is hunting big-game swimming ocean giants that then you should take a look at the Gorilla Albacore reels. They are compact, ergonomic, powerful and offer a built in two-speed mechanism that sports a .3:1/1.7:1 recovery ratio. theyl dual drag disks capable of over 55 pounds of drag with guaranteed free spool plus more state-of-the-art features. Suggested Retail Price: $1,089.00 (price may vary) www.alutecnos.com

New from True Knives - the Swift Edge Replaceable Blade Knife

The Swift Edge is a 3.5”, fast flip cutting tool that allows you to easily replace blades on the go. It’s patent-pending two-step blade release system makes it simple to swap out a dull blade or switch to a different style, depending on your needs. The Swift Edge comes with four blades: one tanto, two drop points, and one saw and is always at the ready. Suggested Retail Price: $49.99 www.true.acgbrands.com

Wilderness Systems Introduced New Tarpon 105 kayak

The revitalized and refined Tarpon 105 offers improved comfort, stability, speed and paddler interface. Features include comfortable and adjustable Phase 3® AirPro seating system features “CoolTouch” so your seat stays cool, a large rear storage well, a front dry storage hatch, a mesh cover for rear storage items, SlideTrax™ accessory rails for customization and more. Plus, it is dog friendly so you can bring Fido . Suggested Retail Price: $1,079.00 www.wildernesssystems.com/www.smithproducts.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.

877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // July 2022 65

Try Night Fishing to Beat Alabama’s Summer Heat Loads of white trout will gather around the petroleum rigs in the south end of Mobile Bay at night and are easy to catch. Photo by Jay Gunn

Everybody familiar with Alabama’s weather knows it gets really hot in July and stays that way until the first cool front of fall. To beat that heat, anglers on the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast have the option of heading out to do some night fishing. The fish don’t care for the heat either, so they head to the deeper holes and hide out during the day. At night, they come out in a hungry mood.

BY CHRIS BLANKENSHIP Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources

If you’re on the Alabama coast during hot weather, several options are available. If you bring your own boat, make sure the running lights meet U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) standards and you have all the USCG-required safety equipment, like life jackets and signaling equipment. When you’re set to go, ease the boat down the ramp just as the sun sets or in the wee hours of the morning. With an inshore boat, you can reach one of my favorite nighttime fishing spots – the Mary Ann petroleum rig in the south end of Mobile Bay near Billy Goat Hole, the boat ramp at Dauphin Island. Around the lights of the rig, anglers can tangle with ladyfish, sometimes called the poor man’s

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tarpon. They are great fighters and jumpers. Most of the time, the ladyfish will come unhooked during one of the jumps, which is best because they’re not suitable table fare. But they are fun to hook and fight. Also around those rig lights, you’ll hook Spanish mackerel and white trout. At times, the white trout can be thick, and you can catch two at a time on the double speck rigs. Sometimes you can catch them on a bare jighead. If you don’t bring your own boat, several inshore fishing guides offer nighttime trips to catch speckled trout (spotted seatrout), redfish (red drum) and an occasional flounder under the lights around the numerous docks and piers that line the Gulf Coast. Keep an eye on the tide charts. Look for the times with the best tide flow to determine when to fish. Specks and reds bite better when the water is moving. When you’re approaching dock lights, stealth is the key. A lot of noise will disturb the fish. Instead of preying on the baitfish that congregate under the lights, they will find a quieter place in deeper water.

FROM THE COMMISSIONER The overhead lights on the piers and boathouses start the cycle of life. The lights attract insects, which attract small fish and crustaceans. The target species of speckled trout, redfish and flounder will be nearby, looking for an easy meal. Match your bait selections to the shrimp and glass minnows that will likely be found under the lights as well as juvenile blue crabs. Live shrimp and minnow-imitation plastic lures on a jighead usually produce the best catches. However, fly fishermen use streamer flies to catch nice fish. When you approach, resist the urge to cast right under the light. That’s where most of the little fish hang out, and it can spook the fish you’re trying to catch. Bigger fish lurk in the shadows, waiting to ambush a shrimp or juvenile crab that is swept along by the tide. Start fan-casting to the outer edges, and start tightening your circle if you don’t get a bite. If you don’t produce any keeper fish, move to the next light. The lighter the line, the better in most cases when you’re fishing dock lights. Still, don’t go too small. You might need to apply pressure to keep a fish out of the barnacle-encrusted pilings. I usually use 12-pound test monofilament or 10-pound fluorocarbon on either spinning or baitcasting tackle. I use a 20-pound fluorocarbon leader for stained water or 15-pound fluorocarbon when the water is clear.

When a pastime becomes a passion.

Some don’t get it, but we do. Looking for your own place to hunt, fish, enjoy 4-wheeling—even a building site for a cabin or home? Alabama Ag Credit is the original land lender and your local expert in recreational real estate financing. We understand the unique requirements of long-term rural real estate lending, and can custom build loan packages with competitive rates and flexible terms. So you can enjoy the great outdoors for years to come!

If I’m using live shrimp, I’ll go with a No. 1 Kahle or No. 2 live bait hook. Toss the shrimp up current and let it drift through the light for the most natural presentation. Don’t get in a hurry when you’re fishing the lights in terms of setting the hook. Many times, a fish will grab the live shrimp under the light and move to the shadows before swallowing the bait. Give the fish time to eat the bait before you set the hook. I always stress that you need to practice courtesy when fishing at night. If the pier is occupied, move on to the next vacant pier with a light. If you make an errant cast and your lure gets snagged, donate it to the pier owner and break it off. If you don’t have permission, don’t get on someone’s pier to retrieve a lure. The Gulf State Park Pier also offers plenty of fishing action at night. The turtle-friendly lights aren’t as bright, but they still attract plenty of fish. Visit www.alapark.com/parks/gulf-state-park/fishing-and-education-pier for details of what you will need to fish the pier. Currently, the pier is open just past the halfway point due to damage from Hurricane Sally. For those looking for more adventure, plan an offshore trip into the Gulf for a variety of species, including swordfish and tuna, both blackfin and yellowfin. Some people have started fishing for swordfish during the day, but the best time to hook one is still at night using the big light sticks. You can catch a few red snapper late in the afternoon and then run a little further offshore and switch to drifting for swordfish with a light stick when the sun goes down. The deepwater rigs offshore are lit up at night, and the blackfin and yellowfin tuna usually are hanging around those rigs and are willing to bite. And don’t forget about another nighttime activity available to those who love the outdoors. If fishing is not your preference, take advantage of the new nighttime hunting for feral hogs and coyotes. You can find a landowner with a hog problem and take a few hogs out of the population. Obviously, Alabama offers numerous opportunities to beat the heat, so make plans to take advantage of these outdoor adventures this summer.

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877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // July 2022 67

It’s Time to Go Fishing Alabama!

Alabama has another new program that is teaching adults and families how to fish. Many people fish to relax, some to spend time with friends and family, some to make a living and some to put food on the table. Regardless of motivations, each of us had a starting point, and for most people, that meant learning about fishing from their parents, grandparents, family members, or close peers.

BY CHARLES “CHUCK” SYKES Director of the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF)

According to data from the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF), an estimated 55 million people went fishing last year. Despite that large number, there are still many people who didn’t learn while growing up. They find themselves as an adult with a deep desire to connect with their natural resources, or they realized during the Covid pandemic that meat at the grocery store was not a guarantee, or they have kids who want to go fishing but they’re unsure where to start. That’s exactly why the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF) created the Go Fish, Alabama! program (GFA).

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This program is designed to teach adults and families with little to no experience how to fish. Last year was the first year of the program, and several hundred people learned how to fish after attending a GFA event in 2021. Building on the success of the first year, WFF hosted events around the state again this year at a variety of locations with many partners. Partnerships were the underlying theme for the spring as all the GFA events involved multiple agencies, organizations, and communities. These partnerships helped to increase the pool of available resources, which led to additional learning opportunities and promoted further community engagement. The first event of the season took place in Muscle Shoals on the Tennessee River at the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Fleet Harbor Boat Ramp. The University of North Alabama and The Tennessee RiverLine Partnership provided volunteers, snacks, and free advertising

FROM THE DIRECTOR to promote the event. In addition to providing professional instructors, educators, and fish biologists, WFF provided rods and reels, tackle, bait, educational materials, and on-site fish cleaning demonstrations. Attendees left with the knowledge of how to catch and cook fish, better prepared for future fishing trips full of memories and delicious meals. A few weeks later and the GFA trailer was on-site at the M. Barnett Lawley Forever Wild Field Trial Area, formerly known as the State Cattle Ranch, in Greensboro. The State Lands Division of ADCNR and WFF teamed up to host this event for the residents of Hale County and the surrounding area. This provided an opportunity to showcase a beautiful piece of property purchased by the Forever Wild Land Trust. The property is just over 3,000 acres and consists of sprawling lakes surrounded by Black Belt prairie habitat. The event kicked off fishing season at the property for the spring and summer. Fishing days for families and small groups are available by reservation on a first come, first served basis. More information about making a reservation at the Field Trial Area can be found on www. OutdoorAlabama.com. Attendees at the kickoff event received guidance from biologists and instructors about how to fish and how to prepare their catch for the dinner table, a staple for all GFA events. The next stop on the GFA Program’s schedule was at the Triana Public Boat Ramp on the Tennessee River, just outside Huntsville. WFF teamed up with the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library and the staff at Triana Public Library to host an event highlighting the library’s summer reading program and showcasing their tackle loaner program. This event took place at the public boat ramp just down the road from the library. Thanks to a generous donation from Academy Sports + Outdoors, residents of Triana and Madison County can use their library card to check out fishing equipment just a short walk from the river. It’s a great opportunity for people to try fishing and learn about the gear they need prior to purchasing. If they decide they enjoy

fishing, educational materials are available to guide customers on their gearbuying journey. It’s a great example of multiple partners coming together to enhance and enrich communities. Rounding out the spring season was a community event in Montgomery at Gateway Park, just off Interstate 65, that celebrated Free Fishing Day in Alabama. This event was a joint effort between the Montgomery Department of Parks and Recreation, Academy Sports + Outdoors, WFF, and RBFF. The event provided opportunities for community members to borrow equipment, receive instruction from experienced anglers and staff, fish in a highly productive pond, and enjoy fresh fried fish! Free Fishing Day was the perfect opportunity for new anglers to learn about fishing and for existing anglers to get back outside and enjoy time on the water with friends and family. The partnership approach to hosting this event ensured the community members had access to all the necessary equipment and gear, quality instruction in a one-on-one setting, access to modern conveniences, a high percentage chance of catching a fish, and an opportunity to eat fresh fish right from the waters of our very own state. While a fishing license was not required for the event, it helped to highlight the important conservation work that is accomplished thanks to funding from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses. Partnerships will continue to be the theme as we head into the fall season. It will take a group effort to conserve and protect our great state’s natural resources. We’re counting on you to do your part. Next time you head outdoors, make sure to take someone new. And if you’re interested in supporting the GFA program, please reach out to ADCNR staff about how you can help. Be on the lookout for the GFA trailer at an event near you so you can sign up to attend or to help. Happy fishing and stay safe on the water!

877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // July 2022 69

Choosing the Best Kayak for Your Needs

Choosing the right kayak makes big difference in the pleasure an angler receives.

At one time, not so very long ago, choosing a kayak for fishing purposes was easy. There just weren’t too many kayas suitable for full-time fishing available, so someone who wanted to get into the kayak fishing game had to take what was available. Those days are long gone, and now, the problem folks face when considering a kayak for fishing purposes is that there is a very wide range of kayaks offered for fishing purposes. It can be confusing trying to wade through all of the options, styles, lengths, weights, not to mention colors which fishing kayaks come in today. Almost as confusing as the myriad of fishing kayak choices, anglers have to decide whether to buy from online sources, big box stores or specialized kayak shops. It’s a lot to try and sort through. BY ED MASHBURN Photos by Ed Mashburn

However, we received some good advice from Jaron Brooks, an experienced kayak angler who operates the kayak section of Buck’s Island Marine in Southside, Alabama near Lake Guntersville, and he gives some good ideas which can simplify the

choices for fishing kayak buyers. HOW TO CHOOSE A FISHING KAYAK FOR YOU The first thing that any potential fishing kayak buyers needs to keep in mind is that not every fishing kayak will work well for all anglers. Anglers come in different sizes and we fish in different ways. Consequently what works for one angler may be quite unsuitable for another angler. It’s all very individual, and fishing kayak buyers really can’t rely on internet videos, print ads, or even the direction of magazine writers too much when selecting a kayak. Kayaks are not cheap, and buying a fishing kayak without a bit of looking and testing is not a wise thing. Look at the pros and cons of each possible kayak. Small things like rod holders, storage pockets, straps to secure gear can be very important. Also, each individual angler has specific requirements. For instance, a lot of older folks can’t stand up and fish in certain kayaks that youngers anglers canthey need more stable kayaks. Also, the seat in a

PADDLE FISHING fishing kayak is crucial. Good lumbar support and adjustability is important. This will vary for each person and each kayak,” Brooks said, “

waters like creeks, and I also use it to fish ledges and other structure on big lakes,” Brooks.noted.

SMALL WATER KAYAKS Kayaks are perhaps the very best possible fishing craft for small waters. Whether it’s a mountain creek, a major lake backwater or even salt marshes and bayous on the coast, kayaks will take anglers to places- and fish- that no other anglers can get to.

“The Jackson pedal drive Bite Angler has a good adjustable seat and works well in a large range of conditions,” he added.

Some fishing kayaks are better designed and built for small water use. Ease of transport, ease of paddling, seat design and comfort, storage space, and ability to handle sometimes rapidly moving waters are all considerations for selecting a good small water fishing kayak.

AND THE MOST IMPORTANT POINT OF ALL One of the biggest mistakes an angler thinking about buying a new fishing kayak can make is putting too much trust in what is said and written about specific kayaks without actually trying the boat out. When looking at a major purchase like a new fishing kayak, there is no single action which will provide good information to the buyer better than actually spending time sitting in the boat, paddling or pedaling the boat, and seeing how it fits and feels.

“I think seating for small water kayaks should be lower in the kayak- a lower center of gravity. When fishing smaller waters, good rod protection is important. Rods can be broken in small, moving water easily. Small water kayaks need to be strong roto-molded seamless hulls for protection when bumping into rocks and trees and for more secure portage,” Brooks explained.

“At Buck’s Island Marine, we do on-the-water demos any day of the week. We’ll put you in a PFD and you can go on the water. It’s a big thing at Buck’s Island Marine- we want you to enjoy what you buy from us- and be safe and comfortable,”.”Brooks stated,

Brooks recommends the Jackson Kayak Bite Angler model kayak for small water use. This is a paddle kayak that is lightweight and with an open layout and is very tough. Brooks said, “It’s an easy boat to figure out.”

Brooks adds, “Right now we have a good inventory of new kayaks. We just got our 2022 shipment of Hobies and Jacksons and we have lots of models and lots of color choices.”

BIG WATER KAYAKS For those anglers who spend a lot of time on big waters, major lakes and rivers and the open Gulf, kayaks face a different set of requirements, and selection of big water kayaks needs to keep these elements in mind. Long distance travel from launch to fishing spots and back to take-out point, potentially rough sea conditions, and need for more equipment placement and storage are all points big water anglers need to keep in mind when looking at kayaks. “In general for big water use, a pedal drive kayak is best. Pedal drives can be fine-tuned.,” Brooks advised. Also, some remarkable possibilities for fishing kayaks have recently been developed by electric motor drives. These battery-powered motors provide kayak anglers with maximum range and speed. “We sell motorized kayaks according to the buyer’s needs. Among the units we sell, the Torqeedo motors and Minnkotas work very well for kayak use,” Brooks said,

Contact Information Jaron Brooks Bucks Island Marine 256-442-2588 jaron@bucksisland.com

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A specific kayak recommended by Brooks for big water use is the Hobie Pro Angler 12 or 14. “This kayak offers lots of gear storage, rod protections, and lots of crate storage behind the seat. The seat on this kayak is excellent, and there is good mounting for electronic gear. The Hobie Pro Angler has a real wide cockpit, and the kayak is very stable. With the 360 degree Mirage Drive, this is a good open water fishing kayak,” Brooks noted. GENERAL PURPOSE KAYAKS Many kayak anglers spend time on the water in a lot of different situations, and a kayak which will provide good service in a lot of different situations is a good thing. A general purpose fishing kayak will allow an angler to fish smaller water effectively and also provide safe and secure service when the boat is taken on big waters. “I think the Hobie Outback is a good general purpose kayak. I use it on small

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Gulf Coast

Redfish will give up great sight fishing opportunities this month through our region! Photo courtesy Danielle Davidson

Fishing Outlook

We are in the heart of summer now. The weather is hot and so is the fishing. ALABAMA Some of the best summertime action lies right off the beachfront. Speckled trout, redfish, flounder and many others will stack along the troughs from the waterline to the outer bars. These fish can be taken both on foot and from boat, but walking the beaches and working each pocket is often the best approach. Tackle for this endeavor can be minimal. Topwater plugs, twitchbaits like the Mirrolure MR17 and Yo Zuri 3D twitch, and soft plastic paddletails like the Saltwater Assassin Lil Boss and Matrix Shad. Spoons and pompano jigs are a couple other good things to carry but packing should be light to cover ground. Early morning is generally best, but the afternoons will also be good.

BY CHRIS VECSEY

Tarpon will still be available just offshore from the beaches. Live baiting with LYs, threadfin herring and other locally available baitfish is best, but it pays to keep a rod rigged with a large swimbait for throwing at rolling fish. Tackle should be stout as most migrating Tarpon range in the 80 plus pound

72 July 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237

range. Trolling just offshore will keep rods bent with spanish and king mackerel. Pulling spoons behind planers and lipped plugs like Rapala X Raps and the Mann’s 25+ will score plenty of mackerel. These fish will be in depths ranging from 15-80 feet and can be found just off the beaches or around reefs and rigs further offshore. Blue water action with billfish, wahoo and tuna will be hot but with summer showers and high water temps, monitoring the water conditions for cooler surface temps and clean water leads to higher success. Subscribing to a satellite imaging service like Hilton’s Realtime Navigator (www. Hiltonsoffshore.com) is critical to success through the dog days of summer. MISSISSIPPI The barrier islands will be the hot topic throughout the month and the run out will be worth it. Big specks and reds will be the main focus but this is a “garden variety” time of year at the islands and many other species will break up the action. Live baiting will be the main tactic for anglers targeting trophy trout although plenty will find

FISHING OUTLOOK success with artificials like the Slick lure, the Mirrolure 27MR and various topwater lures. Live baiting with croakers and mullet is the sure fire way to land big trout. Bigger baits in the five to eight inch range are going to be the ticket and should be fished around drop offs just offshore of the beaches and points. Baits should be fished in anywhere from 3-12ft of water along these drops. Carolina rigs will be best. Terminal gear should consist of short, 24” leaders with 1/0-4/0 kahle hooks, sized to the baits being used. July is a good month to “run-n-gun” the sound while looking for feeding frenzies on the surface. Birds will often help point you to the activity and it’s a good idea to keep binoculars onboard when running the inshore waters through the month. Once these frenzies are located, bait/lure choices are fairly easy, but you’ll want lures that cast further and often into wind. Spoons, bucktail jigs and bigger topwater plugs will get the job done and can be cast further with less effort.

Bluewater fishing will be solid all through the month as long as optimal current conditions keep high salinity, clean water in close off the panhandle. Monitor www.hiltonsoffshore.com for the best locations to start. There will be plenty of fireworks this July, both on land and on the water!!

Important Contact Information Traditions Fishing Charters Captain Miles Howell 850-324-4464 www.traditionsfishingcharters.com Hilton’s Realtime-Navigator www.hiltonsoffshore.com

Perhaps the most anticipated action to be found in Mississippi waters this month is with Tripletail. These bruisers will be found around floating debris, channel markers, buoys and other kinds of surface structure. Tripletail are hardly picky, but like all species they too have their preferences and there are better ways to rig for them than others. A three rod arsenal is usually enough. A live bait rig with a float positioned a couple feet above the hook works well. In addition, it’s good to have a slip float rig for fish that may be suspended deeper along structures. For a third rod, rig a DOA shrimp, a small bucktail or a leadhead for various plastic tails to be added. FLORIDA As with the rest of the gulf coast, the Florida panhandle will be dealing with the heat and checking the weather for pop-up showers. Inshore fishing will be consistent, but the best bets are early mornings and afternoons. Captain Miles Howell runs Tradition Fishing Charters out of Pensacola. Howell likes to beat the heat on his trips by focusing on low light hours and night time excursions. “Early morning is prime time for topwater fishing.” Howell said. He likes to fish grass beds and around piers for big trout and redfish early. Topwaters like the Heddon Super Spook Jr and Rapala Skitter Walk do a great job early. Once the sun rises, it’s usually time to shift gears. “As the morning progresses, I’ll switch to live baiting, both on the bottom and suspended under floats. Live baits will consist of shrimp, finger mullet and croakers,” Howell said..

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An even better way to cool off is to go at night and fish the numerous dock lights through the big lagoon and Pensacola Bay. Small baitfish and shrimp imitating lures work extremely well around these lights. Generally lighter gear is best for throwing lighter baits and lures and these offerings should be placed around the perimeter of the lights to avoid spooking fish. Just offshore, Capt. Howell will keep anglers busy working the beachfront for spanish and king mackerel. Howell likes to pull both glass minnow jigs and spoons for mackerel. To target bigger fish, Howell will often free line or bump troll live baits. Further out on natural bottom areas, vermilion snapper, scamp and a host of other tasty bottom fish will provide fun and groceries. Best depths for this variety pack will generally be 170-275 feet. Using two hook “chicken rigs” gets it done. Bait choices should be squid, cigar minnows and cut bonito.

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Pier & Shore Fishing Outlook

King mackerel are great sport fish commonly caught from the gulf piers in July.

For decades, families of anglers from across the country have traveled to fish the Emerald Coast piers, explicitly to target king mackerel.

BY DAVID THORNTON Photos by David Thornton

Even in mid-summer heat, shorebound anglers along the Emerald Coast have a wide variety of fish species to target. Just about everything from seatrout to tarpon are on the list since the water temperature is holding in the middle 80s. That July sun can be hot as all blazes between frequently widespread thunderstorms and showers. Morning and late afternoon are the times most frequented by fishermen, and by the rainy weather. So anglers need to be prepared for that, and retreat from the beach or pier when threatened by lightning. Locally strong winds are another possibility near coastal thunderstorms. Those can quickly disrupt your plans, or force an adjustment of target species and tactics. HOT ACTION IN DAYLIGHT Morning high tides this month often lead to an early morning bite. On a “good day” this bite

74 July 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237

might last several hours into mid morning but usually it is just a flurry and is over at or soon after the sun rises. This may be true for the gulf beaches and piers and the back bays as well. There, savvy wade fishermen are up well before dawn, casting artificial lures and baits into dark waters for speckled trout using medium class tackle. Topwater lures like the Heddon Spook and Spook Jr or the Rapala Skitterwalk are regional favorites for early morning trout and redfish. Once the bite dies off, a sinking MirrOlure (17 or 18 MR) may elicit strikes from fish deeper in the water column. Even bottom bouncing leadhead jigs with soft plastic tails can be effective when the fish hold near the bottom. Your presentation pattern should be reversed during the late afternoon into evening as the lengthening shadows and falling tide may again bring fish within casting distance for wade fishermen. Try the drop-off edges of near shore sandbars where speckled trout school in three to six feet deep water to ambush passing

FISHING OUTLOOK baitfish. Then it is not unusual to experience the best bite of the day after the sun slips below the horizon. The Gulf beaches similarly exhibit an early and late bite pattern, though the species are usually different. Farther east along the coast, speckled trout are displaced by bluefish and ladyfish in the surf but the action and lures are about the same, with the addition of throwing ¾ to 1 ½ ounce silver spoons. This is a great lure for anything from speckled trout and redfish to ladyfish, blues and Spanish mackerel. Just be sure to add a foot or so leader of heavy monofilament to help prevent being cut by those sharp toothed species. Pompano can still be targeted in July, but fewer are found than in the spring months. In mid summer, many pompano fishers prefer to walk, wade, and cast jigs into likely looking spots because pompano are so difficult to locate and target with set rigs now. PIER-FECT TIMING Pier fishing offers many of these same options in addition to pelagic opportunities like Spanish and king mackerel, Little tunny (bonita), jack crevalle, and the like. Historically, July is considered prime time to catch king mackerel from the gulf beach piers from Panama City Beach Florida to the Gulf State Park Pier in Gulf Shores, Alabama. For decades, families of anglers from across the country have traveled to fish the Emerald Coast piers, explicitly to target king mackerel. Many folks have grown up king fishing, then teaching their children and grandchildren this exciting sport. Best targeted with medium heavy spinning tackle and eight to nine foot rods in the 15 to 20 pound class, king mackerel commonly weigh from 15 to 25 pounds, but occasionally may be caught at double that weight. Steel leaders are needed because of their razor sharp teeth and blazing speed once hooked. Thousands are landed from the piers each summer, and many thousands more never make it onto the pier through a variety of mishaps. Undeniably though, July is THE premier time to see and catch tarpon from the Florida Panhandle and Alabama gulf piers. Sight fishing to multiple schools with dozens of migrating tarpon is commonplace many days during this month. Medium heavy to heavy spinning tackle on 8 to 10 foot rods in the 20 to 50 pound class is standard tackle to do battle with the renowned “silver king”. Nowadays most pier hooked tarpon are caught on six to eight inch plastic swimbaits weighing three to five to ounces, like the Hogy paddle-tail. It is considered a catch once the tarpon has been brought pier side (within gaffing range), and the line intentionally popped off to release the fish, which swims away untouched. Tarpon may only be killed in Alabama and Florida, after buying a state tag. NIGHT MOVES Many anglers choose to beat the sweltering summer heat by fishing at night, often from lighted piers and docks. Small baitfish are attracted to the lights and larger gamefish follow them in. Some folks may choose to fish the unlit gulf beaches and jetties around the full moon, occurring near the middle of this month (July 13th). That is coincident with strong diurnal tide fluctuations which should provide additional stimulus for fish to feed. Along the beach and near passes that primarily means ladyfish, bluefish, spanish mackerel and blue runners but those may be joined (or pursued) by “bull” redfish, large rays, and small sharks. This means two basic approaches will work best. The first would be medium tackle in the 8 to 12 pound class for casting small bait rigs or lures. Topwater lures or slowly retrieved spoons work well in low light or calm nights. Fresh dead shrimp on double drop set rigs also catch a variety of bottom feeders. Longer, heavier rods with bigger reels in the 20 to 30 pound class should be used to target bull reds and small sharks with small live or fresh cut baitfish. Use enough weight to cast to the intended

distance, and more importantly hold bottom depending on the conditions of wind and current which often vary over several hours while fishing. Bring along lights, hook removers (pliers), and plenty of extra terminal tackle to deal with the toothier fish. The nighttime inshore action usually centers around lighted piers and docks, consisting primarily of silver and sand seatrout (white trout), southern kingfish (ground mullet), and Atlantic croakers along with a host of smaller panfish. At times there can be a sprinkling of speckled trout, slotsize redfish, sheepshead, and flounder in the mix. Even large black drum, bull reds, rays and small sharks are common when targeted correctly. A large variety of smaller panfish can be caught on light to medium class tackle using pieces of shrimp or fresh cut fish as bait. These fish are usually chasing small baitfish around the lights, so jigging with small plastic minnow imitations like the three inch Zoom Tiny Fluke on a 1/16 ounce jighead can be even more effective at times. Often speckled trout and redfish can be caught on the small artificial lures around the lights too. Bigger gamefish are usually caught on medium heavy or heavy tackle in the 15 to 30 pound class. Most of the time the bait is a whole live panfish (pinfish or croaker), or a chunk of some other fresh cut fish(mullet) but cut up blue crabs make great bait and tend to get more attention from red and black drum, the oft-intended species. Again use enough weight to hold bottom in the conditions you encounter, and match hook size to the mouth size of the intended fish. All-in-all July offers up a wide variety of options for shorebound anglers, literally around the clock. Is it any wonder that summertime fishing along the coast is such a popular pastime. Often the most difficult part is choosing when to fish, what to fish for, and which venue you go to while enjoying your great days outdoors!

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REGIONAL FRESHWATER Fishing Outlook BY ED MASHBURN Photos by Ed Mashburn

The crappie will be back on deeper water structure, but they will still bite.

ALABAMA WATERS

LAKE EUFAULA “Trash piles and ledges in 12 to 25 feet of water will hold both bass and crappie,” says Captain Sam Williams.from Hawks Guide Service. Carolina rigs, big lip crank baits, and jigs will all be good, and black is a very good color at this time. A ¾ oz Texas rig with a big black Mann’s Jellyworm is good for big bass in July. Bass anglers will find bass eager to bite at Eufaula early and late, and bass will be holding where anything casts a shadow on the water. Lily pads in particular can be very good cover in July. Threadfin shad pattern crank baits work well. Crappie will be best at night both under lanterns and around bridge structures. Try to find the level that the schools of shad are holding and then fish a jig at that level for good crappie. For some real fun in a different way, jug fishing for catfish is a very effective way to gather a big mess of good-eating catfish in July. LAKE GUNTERSVILLE Bass anglers can have good luck with soft plastics and crank baits on the ledges, and jigs are not a bad idea either says Captain Jake Davis 76 July 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237

from Mid-South Bass Guide Service Lures with a touch of red are good for Guntersville bass. “A ½ oz Muscle Crawler jig from Tightline jigs in either Guntersville Special or Green Tequila colors is very good.”Davis said. As July moves on, the world-famous Guntersville frog bite will commence. Anglers can have a lot of excitement fishing frogs over the heavy grass. Davis recommends a Pro-Z Bait frog in dark colors. Panfish can be tough in July. Both bream and crappie will be deeper and slower to bite in July, but anglers can still find good fishing especially below floating docks in deep water. WEISS LAKE Long time Weiss Lake guide Captain Lee Pitts advises anglers to fish very early near floating cover. Spinnerbaits can be very good. Many bass anglers fish the shallows all day long at Weiss with good success, but fishing near heavy cover is best. When the sun gets up, the top water bite will usually be over until almost dark, but anglers can find lots of good bass both largemouth and spots on ledges and breaks on creek channels. Crappie will have dispersed and their conditions are not best during hot

FISHING OUTLOOK weather. However, for those hard-core crappie anglers who just want to catch slabs, fishing around bridge structure and under lights can be productive. Crappie will be very deep. The best crappie fishing will be at night under lanterns and dock lights. Catfish anglers might want to take a trip to visit Lake Weiss this month. Pitts says, “For catfish anglers, this is your time of the year. Jugs, rods and reel, heck you can jump in and grab them by hand! WILSON LAKE For best results, Master Captain Brian Barton tells us that big catfish will be on the beds, so flats and creek channels can be good places for big cats in July. July is a great time to catch lots of big bream so anglers looking for bream should target weed beds along pea gravel shorelines. Bream will be bedding when the full moon comes, so try to fish during this time period. Use crickets, worms, or small artificial lures near the edges of the weeds for Another hot fishing venue in July is for stripers, hybrids, and white bass near the dam when water is being actively pulled through the dam. Use silver or other shad pattern lures to target the striped hard-pullers. gravel bars in 10-25 feet of water. Lime Kiln Hollow and Hog Island are good locations to start a search for the big catfish in July. For smaller eating size cats, the Wheeler Dam tailrace and flats in the mouth of Big Nance Creek are good drift-fishing locations. Use cut shad, chicken livers, shrimp, and nightcrawlers for bait. MILLER’S FERRY Joe Dunn of Dunn’s Sports says that crappie will be spawned out and will respond to vertical jigging. Dunn likes Roadrunners with Southern Pro grub bodies in popsicle and Weiss Lake Killer colors at this timesometimes larger size jigs and grubs work well at this time. Bass anglers will want to work channels and grass beds early. Working the shallows sometimes work if the shallows are close to deeper, cooler water. Dunn reminds us that for all fishing at Miller’s Ferry, the best fishing will occur when the dam is pulling water and there’s a current present in the lake. Another bit of advice for bass anglers- look for green fallen trees in the water. Bass seem to really orient to the still-alive trees at this time of year. For some great fishing and eating, cat fishing at night can be great on whole shad- will attract some big catfish. Long lining jugs in the main river channel with 15-30 foot long jug lines can really produce in July. SIPSEY FORK Randy Jackson of Riverside Fly Shop tells us that during July, trout anglers will want to use terrestrial flies such as hoppers, crickets, and beetles. Winged ant patterns are very good in July as this is the month when these insects hatch out and leave their nests, so the trout are used to seeing the ants in great numbers on the water. The river may still have some good midge hatches early and late. Caddis flies may show some good hatches in July, but this is dependent on weather and water conditions.

Anglers who haven’t yet mastered the long rod can still catch plenty of trout by using ultra-light spinning gear. Single hook Roostertail spinners are good, but for maximum results, a clear bubble for casting weight about 2 ½ feet above a fluorocarbon leader with the same flies that fly rod anglers use will catch trout on Sipsey Fork. MOBILE DELTA “The main river currents far up the river from the Delta itself are greatly influenced by the tides down on the coast. Currents in the river are generated by the tides, and anglers will want to pay attention to where the water is moving. That’s where the bass will be more active,” says Captain Wayne Miller.of Mobile-Tensaw Delta Guide Service Miller advises us that ledges, deeper undercut banks and wood structure will all be prime locations to find bass in July. Anglers can find some good topwater bites early and late in the major lakes off the main rivers, but the main rivers will have a more reliable bite in July. Bass anglers should try spinner baits, deep running crankbaits, and jigs and soft plastics around treetops in the water and other wood structures. The key to good bass fishing on the Delta rivers in July is to find current, and look for similar conditions in other locations. What produced fish in one spot will probably work on other similar locations.

FLORIDA WATERS

APALACHICOLA RIVER SYSTEM Bass anglers will have good luck with soft plastics in July fishing deeper structure in the Apalachicola river system says Tony Poloronis from Outcasters Bait and Tackle. A very good thing for bass anglers to remember is that the coastal bass love to eat shrimp, and so having a bucket of live shrimp will often pay off with good largemouth bass in summer. Bream will still be bedding in July, but the biggest part of the spawn will be over in July. Anglers can fish live worms or crickets around treetops and snags for good bream action. July is prime catfish time on the Apalachicola River system, so anglers who offer up prepared catfish baits like Catfish Magic sold at Outcasters Bait and Tackle can expect to find some fine catfish in the river. Anglers are reminded that river levels can vary greatly in July, and that upstream heavy rains can produce high water conditions downstream for quite some time. LAKE TALQUIN “Carolina rigged soft plastics and deep diving crank baits will work well on the Talquin bass in July,” says Buddy Cartwright of Whippoorwill Lodge on Lake Talquin. Crappie will be in deep water near channels, and anglers will want to try live minnows near the ledges and drop-offs. Bream will be scattered in the lily pad fields, and anglers can do very well with either crickets or red worms fished near the pads. For some real hard fighting summer fish, anglers can fish the Ocklawaha Creek area with deep diving crank baits for striped bass. LAKE SEMINOLE Local guide Jody Wells says that he has found that when fishing a frog, the bass are more willing to strike regardless of the light and sky conditions. “With the frogs, it doesn’t matter. I’ve caught some big bass in the middle 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // July 2022 77

Regional Freshwater Fishing Outlook

It’s time to get after the big old bream. Light tackle will make these aggressive fish a lot more fun.

Important Contact Information

of the day with bluebird skies,” he said. Bream anglers will have a great time catching big bream, both bluegill and shell crackers in July. Crickets and red worms will both work, and fishing on either the new moon or a full moon is really good in July. Catfish bite at Seminole year round, and in July they bite especially well on stink baits fished on the channel mouths and ledges on the main lake. Wells recommends anglers start their trips at Seminole Lodge and Marina (850-593-6886) which is right on the water, is clean, and has good dock facilities for anglers.

Joe Dunn Dunn’s Sports 334-636-0850 33356 Hwy 43, Thomasville, AL

Captain Jake Davis Mid-South Bass Guide Service 615-613-2382 msbassguide@comcast.net

Captain Sam Williams Hawks Guide Service 334-687-0400

Buddy Cartwright Whippoorwill Sportsman’s Lodge Lake Talquin 850-875-2605 fishtalquin@gmail.com

Brandon Jackson/ Randy Jackson Riverside Fly Shop 17027 Hwy 69N Jasper, AL 256-287-9582 Riversideflyshop.com Captain Lee Pitts 256-390-4145 www.leepittsoutdoors.com Captain Brian Barton 256-412-0960 brianbartonoutdoors.com

Jody Wells 850-209-2420 Tony Poloronis Outcasters Bait and Tackle 631 Hwy 98, Apalachicola, Florida 850-653-4665 Captain Wayne Miller Mobile-Tensaw Delta Guide Service 251-455-7404

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MOON & FEED TIMES

Mobile / Tensaw Delta

PRIME FEEDING TIMES

This chart is specifically designed for fishing times in the Mobile/Tensaw Delta & other tidally influenced waters of South Alabama. Date Day

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

July 2022

Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun

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ALABAMA TIDE CHARTS

F 1 12:22 PM / 1.59 11:37 PM / -0.00 S 2 01:04 PM / 1.54 11:53 PM / 0.07 Su 3 01:44 PM / 1.45 11:58 PM / 0.17 M 4 02:23 PM / 1.30 11:55 PM / 0.31 T 5 03:02 PM / 1.10 11:45 PM / 0.47 W 6 06:59 AM / 0.89 11:36 AM / 0.81 03:36 PM / 0.87 11:14 PM / 0.62 Th 7 06:17 AM / 1.03 06:37 PM / 0.60 F 8 06:09 AM / 1.21 06:13 PM / 0.35 S 9 06:29 AM / 1.40 06:55 PM / 0.12

Mobile River

Fowl River

Fort Morgan F

1 12:57 PM / 1.68

S 2 01:33 PM / 1.61 12:28 AM / -0.25 Su 3 02:06 PM / 1.48 12:50 AM / -0.16 M 4 02:40 PM / 1.29 01:04 AM / -0.02 T 5 03:19 PM / 1.05 01:05 AM / 0.18 W 6 08:49 AM / 0.94 12:55 AM / 0.40 06:10 PM / 0.78 03:37 PM / 0.77 Th 7 07:48 AM / 1.09 12:22 AM / 0.61 -F

04:35 PM / 0.48

8 07:27 AM / 1.33 05:33 PM / 0.20

Su 10 07:13 AM / 1.56 07:45 PM / -0.08

S 9 07:41 AM / 1.59 06:43 PM / -0.04

M 11 08:14 AM / 1.69 08:39 PM / -0.23

Su 10 08:17 AM / 1.82 07:59 PM / -0.25

T 12 09:22 AM / 1.79 09:34 PM / -0.31

M 11 09:07 AM / 2.00 09:09 PM / -0.43

W 13 10:27 AM / 1.85 10:28 PM / -0.33

T 12 10:07 AM / 2.11 10:13 PM / -0.55

Th 14 11:28 AM / 1.84 11:17 PM / -0.26

W 13 11:10 AM / 2.16 11:10 PM / -0.58

F 15 12:25 PM / 1.76 11:59 PM / -0.10

Th 14 12:11 PM / 2.12

S 16 01:20 PM / 1.61

F 15 01:06 PM / 1.98 12:01 AM / -0.51

Su 17 02:11 PM / 1.39 12:24 AM / 0.13

S 16 01:57 PM / 1.73 12:43 AM / -0.34

M 18 02:56 PM / 1.13 12:04 AM / 0.38

Su 17 02:42 PM / 1.41 01:12 AM / -0.07

11:05 PM / 0.58

M 18 03:21 PM / 1.06 01:10 AM / 0.24

T 19 06:04 AM / 0.87 10:48 AM / 0.76

T 19 07:50 AM / 0.94 12:12 AM / 0.50

03:30 PM / 0.87 10:07 PM / 0.68

11:00 PM / 0.62

W 20 04:59 AM / 1.07 06:36 PM / 0.61

W 20 07:02 AM / 1.13 05:02 PM / 0.42

Th 21 04:57 AM / 1.27 06:05 PM / 0.42

Th 21 06:45 AM / 1.35 05:46 PM / 0.21

F 22 05:22 AM / 1.41 06:34 PM / 0.27

F 22 07:00 AM / 1.52 06:35 PM / 0.06

1 02:08 PM / 1.99 12:43 AM / -0.05

2 02:50 PM / 1.93 01:09 AM / -0.00

Su 3 03:30 PM / 1.81 01:25 AM / 0.08 M 4 04:09 PM / 1.62 01:30 AM / 0.22 T

5 04:48 PM / 1.38 01:27 AM / 0.39

W 6

08:45 AM / 1.11

01:17 AM / 0.59

05:22 PM / 1.08 01:08 PM / 1.01

Perdido Pass F 1 10:28 AM / 1.08 11:35 PM / -0.10 S 2 11:06 AM / 1.03 11:48 PM / -0.03 Su 3 11:45 AM / 0.95 11:36 PM / 0.06 M 4 12:20 PM / 0.84 09:17 PM / 0.15 T 5 12:41 PM / 0.68 09:29 PM / 0.21 W 6 05:41 AM / 0.47 07:53 AM / 0.43 12:31 PM / 0.50 08:42 PM / 0.26

Th 7

08:03 AM / 1.28

12:46 AM / 0.78

08:09 PM / 0.75

07:55 AM / 1.51 07:45 PM / 0.44

F 8 04:33 AM / 0.78 05:40 PM / 0.01

Th 7 06:10 AM / 0.61 05:27 PM / 0.20

08:15 AM / 1.75 08:27 PM / 0.15

S 9 05:18 AM / 0.95 05:55 PM / -0.18

Su 10 08:59 AM / 1.95 09:17 PM / -0.10

Su 10 07:52 AM / 1.10 06:13 PM / -0.34

M 11 10:00 AM / 2.12 10:11 PM / -0.28

M 11 08:23 AM / 1.24 06:43 PM / -0.43

T 12 11:08 AM / 2.24 11:06 PM / -0.39

T 12 08:57 AM / 1.32 07:22 PM / -0.46

W 13 12:13 PM / 2.31

W 13 09:35 AM / 1.34 08:14 PM / -0.41

Th 14 01:14 PM / 2.31 12:00 AM / -0.41 F 15 02:11 PM / 2.21 12:49 AM / -0.32 S 16 03:06 PM / 2.01 01:31 AM / -0.13 Su 17 03:57 PM / 1.73 01:56 AM / 0.16 M 18 04:42 PM / 1.41 01:36 AM / 0.48 T 19 07:50 AM / 1.09

12:37 AM / 0.73

05:16 PM / 1.08 12:20 PM / 0.95 --

11:39 PM / 0.85

W 20 06:45 AM / 1.33 08:08 PM / 0.77 Th 21 06:43 AM / 1.58 07:37 PM / 0.52 F 22 07:08 AM / 1.76 08:06 PM / 0.33

Th 14 10:18 AM / 1.29 09:40 PM / -0.32 F 15 11:08 AM / 1.18 10:41 PM / -0.20 S 16 11:49 AM / 1.02 11:09 PM / -0.04 Su 17 12:10 PM / 0.82 11:10 PM / 0.14 M 18 03:09 PM / 0.61 08:17 PM / 0.26 T 19 04:27 AM / 0.50 06:55 AM / 0.42 10:26 AM / 0.48 07:16 PM / 0.26 W 20 04:57 AM / 0.64 07:02 PM / 0.20 Th 21 05:35 AM / 0.75 04:42 PM / 0.04 F 22 06:28 AM / 0.84 05:24 PM / -0.08 S 23 07:24 AM / 0.92 06:00 PM / -0.16

S 23 05:59 AM / 1.49 07:11 PM / 0.16

S 23 07:31 AM / 1.62 07:30 PM / -0.03

S 23 07:45 AM / 1.87 08:43 PM / 0.20

Su 24 06:48 AM / 1.53 07:51 PM / 0.09

Su 24 08:11 AM / 1.68 08:23 PM / -0.09

Su 24 08:34 AM / 1.92

M 25 07:49 AM / 1.55 08:30 PM / 0.05

M 25 08:59 AM / 1.70 09:12 PM / -0.13

M 25 09:35 AM / 1.94 10:02 PM / 0.06

T 26 08:56 AM / 1.57 09:07 PM / 0.03

T 26 09:51 AM / 1.72 09:54 PM / -0.16

T 26 10:42 AM / 1.96 10:39 PM / 0.04

W 27 09:57 AM / 1.59 09:40 PM / 0.03

W 27 10:43 AM / 1.73 10:29 PM / -0.17

W 27 11:43 AM / 1.98

Th 28 10:49 AM / 1.60 10:06 PM / 0.06

Th 28 11:32 AM / 1.72 10:57 PM / -0.14

Th 28 12:35 PM / 2.00 11:38 PM / 0.07

F 29 11:35 AM / 1.58 10:24 PM / 0.12

F 29 12:14 PM / 1.69 11:18 PM / -0.07

F 29 01:21 PM / 1.97 11:56 PM / 0.15

F 29 09:49 AM / 1.02 10:37 PM / -0.05 S 30 10:19 AM / 0.98 11:19 PM / 0.03

09:23 PM / 0.11

11:12 PM / 0.04

S 30 12:19 PM / 1.52 10:31 PM / 0.21

S 30 12:54 PM / 1.61 11:32 PM / 0.06

S 30 02:05 PM / 1.90

Su 31 01:04 PM / 1.42 10:28 PM / 0.34

Su 31 01:34 PM / 1.48 11:35 PM / 0.23

Su 31 02:50 PM / 1.77 12:03 AM / 0.27

T 26 09:21 AM / 1.04 07:38 PM / -0.19 W 27 09:45 AM / 1.04 08:22 PM / -0.15 Th 28 09:30 AM / 1.04 09:42 PM / -0.11

Su 31 10:54 AM / 0.90 10:32 PM / 0.15

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M 25 08:48 AM / 1.02 07:05 PM / -0.21

FASTER — Up to 19 percent faster than other 300-hp competitors, planing offshore boats with ease*

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Su 24 08:09 AM / 0.98 06:33 PM / -0.20

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*Testing conducted by Yamaha at Yamaha’s test facility on a Grady-White® 257 Advance/300 hp, with each boat rigged for maximum performance. REMEMBER to always observe all applicable boating laws. Never drink and drive. Dress properly with a USCG-approved personal floatation device and protective gear. © 2017 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. 1-800-88-YAMAHA

116 E. I-65 Service Road N. Mobile, AL 36607 Phone: 251-476-2699 www.bluewateryachtsales.net 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // July 2022 81

FLORIDA TIDE CHARTS

Panama City

Pensacola Bay Destin East Pass Navarre Beach F 1 12:26 PM / 1.71 11:49 PM / -0.34 S 2 12:57 PM / 1.65 -Su 3 01:25 PM / 1.51 12:08 AM / -0.27 M 4 01:51 PM / 1.30 12:20 AM / -0.14 T 5 02:06 PM / 1.03 12:22 AM / 0.05 W 6 08:40 AM / 0.87 12:07 AM / 0.27 --

11:15 PM / 0.46

Th 7 07:19 AM / 1.01 04:34 PM / 0.39 F 8 07:01 AM / 1.24 05:06 PM / 0.09 S 9 07:17 AM / 1.48 06:00 PM / -0.17 Su 10 07:55 AM / 1.70 07:04 PM / -0.38 M 11 08:48 AM / 1.88 08:13 PM / -0.53 T 12 09:49 AM / 2.02 09:21 PM / -0.64 W 13 10:51 AM / 2.10 10:22 PM / -0.68 Th 14 11:49 AM / 2.09 11:14 PM / -0.63 F 15 12:43 PM / 1.98 11:54 PM / -0.46 S 16 01:32 PM / 1.75 -Su 17 02:16 PM / 1.42 12:19 AM / -0.20 M 18 02:56 PM / 1.05 12:22 AM / 0.12 -11:46 PM / 0.41 T 19 07:24 AM / 0.83 09:58 PM / 0.56 W 20 06:17 AM / 1.07 04:28 PM / 0.36 Th 21 06:13 AM / 1.31 05:07 PM / 0.12 F 22 06:34 AM / 1.49 05:51 PM / -0.03 S 23 07:09 AM / 1.60 06:41 PM / -0.12 Su 24 07:55 AM / 1.66 07:34 PM / -0.16 M 25 08:47 AM / 1.70 08:27 PM / -0.20 T 26 09:40 AM / 1.73 09:14 PM / -0.23 W 27 10:27 AM / 1.77 09:52 PM / -0.24 Th F S Su

28 29 30 31

11:08 AM / 1.78 11:42 AM / 1.75 12:14 PM / 1.66 12:46 PM / 1.50

10:20 PM / -0.23 10:40 PM / -0.18 10:53 PM / -0.06 10:58 PM / 0.10

F 1 11:53 AM / 0.84 11:15 PM / -0.11 S 2 12:24 PM / 0.81 11:34 PM / -0.09 Su 3 12:52 PM / 0.74 11:46 PM / -0.05 M 4 01:18 PM / 0.64 11:48 PM / 0.02 T 5 01:33 PM / 0.51 11:33 PM / 0.09 W 6 08:07 AM / 0.42 10:41 PM / 0.15 Th 7 06:46 AM / 0.49 04:00 PM / 0.13 F 8 06:28 AM / 0.61 04:32 PM / 0.03 S 9 06:44 AM / 0.73 05:26 PM / -0.06 Su 10 07:22 AM / 0.83 06:30 PM / -0.12 M 11 08:15 AM / 0.92 07:39 PM / -0.18 T 12 09:16 AM / 0.99 08:47 PM / -0.21 W 13 10:18 AM / 1.03 09:48 PM / -0.23 Th 14 11:16 AM / 1.02 10:40 PM / -0.21 F 15 12:10 PM / 0.97 11:20 PM / -0.15 S 16 12:59 PM / 0.86 11:45 PM / -0.07 Su M T W Th F S

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

01:43 PM / 0.70 02:23 PM / 0.52 06:51 AM / 0.41 05:44 AM / 0.53 05:40 AM / 0.64 06:01 AM / 0.73 06:36 AM / 0.78

11:48 PM / 0.04 11:12 PM / 0.14 09:24 PM / 0.18 03:54 PM / 0.12 04:33 PM / 0.04 05:17 PM / -0.01 06:07 PM / -0.04

Su M T W Th F S

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

07:22 AM / 0.81 08:14 AM / 0.83 09:07 AM / 0.85 09:54 AM / 0.86 10:35 AM / 0.87 11:09 AM / 0.85 11:41 AM / 0.81

07:00 PM / -0.05 07:53 PM / -0.07 08:40 PM / -0.07 09:18 PM / -0.08 09:46 PM / -0.08 10:06 PM / -0.06 10:19 PM / -0.02

Su 31 12:13 PM / 0.73 10:24 PM / 0.03

82 July 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237

F 1 10:08 AM / 1.59 09:26 PM / -0.16 S 2 10:42 AM / 1.56 09:49 PM / -0.04 Su M T W Th

3 4 5 6 7

11:12 AM / 1.50 11:38 AM / 1.38 11:55 AM / 1.21 11:41 AM / 0.98 05:26 AM / 1.11

09:56 PM / 0.12 09:37 PM / 0.30 09:16 PM / 0.48 08:56 PM / 0.62 04:12 PM / 0.62

F 8 05:08 AM / 1.33 03:53 PM / 0.31 S 9 05:12 AM / 1.57 04:24 PM / -0.00 Su 10 05:42 AM / 1.77 05:11 PM / -0.27 M T W Th

11 12 13 14

06:26 AM / 1.93 07:19 AM / 2.02 08:16 AM / 2.04 09:14 AM / 1.98

06:06 PM / -0.47 07:06 PM / -0.58 08:05 PM / -0.59 09:01 PM / -0.49

F 15 10:07 AM / 1.85 09:51 PM / -0.30 S 16 10:54 AM / 1.65 10:31 PM / -0.03 Su 17 11:26 AM / 1.40 09:47 PM / 0.27 M 18 11:38 AM / 1.12 T 19 05:00 AM / 0.82 11:27 AM / 0.85 W 20 04:43 AM / 1.03 Th F S Su

21 22 23 24

04:25 AM / 1.23 04:30 AM / 1.40 05:01 AM / 1.51 05:44 AM / 1.57

M T W Th

25 26 27 28

06:32 AM / 1.59 07:21 AM / 1.60 08:09 AM / 1.60 08:52 AM / 1.60

F 29 09:31 AM / 1.59 S 30 10:04 AM / 1.55 Su 31 10:34 AM / 1.47

08:28 PM / 0.47 07:50 AM / 0.77 08:06 PM / 0.57 03:58 PM / 0.50

F 1 11:28 AM / 1.71 10:12 PM / -0.12 S 2 12:05 PM / 1.66 10:28 PM / -0.04 Su 3 12:38 PM / 1.56 10:41 PM / 0.08 M 4 01:10 PM / 1.40 10:51 PM / 0.23 T 5 01:38 PM / 1.18 10:46 PM / 0.41 W 6 06:46 AM / 0.89 08:49 AM / 0.88 01:55 PM / 0.92 09:58 PM / 0.55 Th 7 06:16 AM / 1.04 05:22 PM / 0.57 F 8 05:56 AM / 1.25 05:08 PM / 0.29 S 9 06:06 AM / 1.49 05:36 PM / 0.02 Su 10 06:45 AM / 1.72 06:21 PM / -0.22 M 11 07:38 AM / 1.90 07:13 PM / -0.40 T 12 08:38 AM / 2.03 08:09 PM / -0.51 W Th F S Su M T

W 04:10 PM / 0.27 Th 04:38 PM / 0.09 F 05:11 PM / -0.05 S 05:46 PM / -0.14 Su 06:22 PM / -0.18 M 06:58 PM / -0.20 T 07:32 PM / -0.18 W 08:03 PM / -0.12 Th 08:27 PM / -0.02 F 08:39 PM / 0.11 S 08:11 PM / 0.28 Su

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

09:44 AM / 2.10 10:51 AM / 2.08 11:55 AM / 1.98 12:51 PM / 1.79 01:39 PM / 1.52 02:15 PM / 1.20 05:13 AM / 0.89

09:02 PM / -0.52 09:52 PM / -0.44 10:35 PM / -0.25 11:06 PM / 0.01 11:07 PM / 0.32 10:27 PM / 0.57 10:02 AM / 0.81

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

01:36 PM / 0.88 05:09 AM / 1.11 05:18 AM / 1.31 05:37 AM / 1.48 06:13 AM / 1.59 07:00 AM / 1.67 07:51 AM / 1.72 08:42 AM / 1.76 09:30 AM / 1.78 10:15 AM / 1.78 10:55 AM / 1.75 11:32 AM / 1.69 12:06 PM / 1.57

08:53 PM / 0.70 04:11 PM / 0.57 04:42 PM / 0.34 05:17 PM / 0.17 05:55 PM / 0.06 06:33 PM / 0.00 07:13 PM / -0.02 07:51 PM / -0.03 08:26 PM / -0.02 08:54 PM / 0.02 09:11 PM / 0.09 09:18 PM / 0.19 09:23 PM / 0.32

MISSISSIPPI TIDE CHARTS

Biloxi Bay F 1 12:08 PM / 2.03 10:46 PM / -0.37 S 2 12:43 PM / 1.93 11:15 PM / -0.26 Su 3 01:14 PM / 1.77 11:36 PM / -0.10 M 4 01:40 PM / 1.55 11:46 PM / 0.10 T 5 01:49 PM / 1.26 11:33 PM / 0.33 W 6 10:29 AM / 0.99 10:25 PM / 0.53 Th 7 07:46 AM / 1.10 05:41 PM / 0.43 F 8 07:15 AM / 1.39 05:14 PM / 0.03

Pascagoula F 1 11:27 AM / 1.81 10:06 PM / -0.10 S 2 12:15 PM / 1.73 10:20 PM / -0.02 Su 3 01:07 PM / 1.59 10:37 PM / 0.09 M 4 01:56 PM / 1.40 11:01 PM / 0.24 T 5 02:40 PM / 1.13 11:23 PM / 0.43 W 6 07:32 AM / 0.88 12:03 PM / 0.72 03:25 PM / 0.81 11:33 PM / 0.64 Th 7 05:14 AM / 1.05 01:44 PM / 0.44 F 8 05:41 AM / 1.33 04:27 PM / 0.08

S 9 07:24 AM / 1.73 05:47 PM / -0.36

S 9 06:19 AM / 1.60 05:12 PM / -0.24

Su 10 07:57 AM / 2.06 06:32 PM / -0.69

Su 10 07:03 AM / 1.85 06:00 PM / -0.48

M 11 08:42 AM / 2.33 07:24 PM / -0.93

M 11 07:52 AM / 2.04 06:54 PM / -0.63

T 12 09:35 AM / 2.51 08:19 PM / -1.03

T 12 08:47 AM / 2.16 07:52 PM / -0.68

W 13 10:31 AM / 2.58 09:16 PM / -1.01

W 13 09:41 AM / 2.19 08:48 PM / -0.63

Th 14 11:27 AM / 2.52 10:11 PM / -0.86

Th 14 10:32 AM / 2.13 09:43 PM / -0.49

F 15 12:22 PM / 2.34 11:01 PM / -0.59

F 15 11:22 AM / 1.96 10:35 PM / -0.27

S 16 01:12 PM / 2.03 11:41 PM / -0.23

S 16 12:13 PM / 1.72 11:14 PM / 0.01

Su 17 01:55 PM / 1.63 11:59 PM / 0.17

Su 17 01:06 PM / 1.42 11:19 PM / 0.30

M 18 02:17 PM / 1.20 11:18 PM / 0.52 T 19 08:31 AM / 0.91 08:07 PM / 0.65 W 20 06:27 AM / 1.17 04:59 PM / 0.34 Th 21 06:21 AM / 1.47 05:12 PM / 0.04 F 22 06:45 AM / 1.71 05:42 PM / -0.18 S 23 07:19 AM / 1.89 06:16 PM / -0.32 Su 24 08:00 AM / 2.00 06:52 PM / -0.40 M 25 08:43 AM / 2.06 07:29 PM / -0.42 T 26 09:28 AM / 2.09 08:07 PM / -0.41 W 27 10:12 AM / 2.10 08:44 PM / -0.36 Th 28 10:53 AM / 2.08 09:18 PM / -0.29 F 29 11:30 AM / 2.02 09:47 PM / -0.18

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July 2022 Sunrise / Sunset

M 18 01:49 PM / 1.10 10:10 PM / 0.53 T 19 06:34 AM / 0.84 10:39 AM / 0.75 02:14 PM / 0.78 08:05 PM / 0.65 W 20 03:37 AM / 1.04 05:16 PM / 0.42 Th 21 04:07 AM / 1.28 05:31 PM / 0.20 F 22 04:51 AM / 1.46 05:44 PM / 0.04 S 23 05:44 AM / 1.58 05:55 PM / -0.07 Su 24 06:37 AM / 1.66 06:22 PM / -0.13 M 25 07:28 AM / 1.72 06:59 PM / -0.16 T 26 08:21 AM / 1.75 07:40 PM / -0.16 W 27 09:11 AM / 1.78 08:18 PM / -0.14 Th 28 09:57 AM / 1.79 08:50 PM / -0.10 F 29 10:39 AM / 1.75 09:15 PM / -0.03

S 30 12:05 PM / 1.92 10:09 PM / -0.03

S 30 11:22 AM / 1.67 09:14 PM / 0.07

Su 31 12:37 PM / 1.76 10:21 PM / 0.15

Su 31 12:10 PM / 1.52 09:14 PM / 0.20

Savings as local as your fishing captain. Your GEICO Local Agent could help you save on more than just car insurance!

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

5:42 AM 5:42 AM 5:43 AM 5:43 AM 5:43 AM 5:44 AM 5:44 AM 5:45 AM 5:45 AM 5:46 AM 5:46 AM 5:47 AM 5:48 AM 5:48 AM 5:49 AM

7:56 PM 7:56 PM 7:56 PM 7:56 PM 7:56 PM 7:56 PM 7:55 PM 7:55 PM 7:55 PM 7:55 PM 7:54 PM 7:54 PM 7:54 PM 7:53 PM 7:53 PM

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

5:49 AM 7:53 PM 5:50 AM 7:52 PM 5:51 AM 7:52 PM 5:51 AM 7:51 PM 5:52 AM 7:51 PM 5:52 AM 7:50 PM 5:53 AM 7:50 PM 5:54 AM 7:49 PM 5:54 AM 7:48 PM 5:55 AM 7:48 PM 5:56 AM 7:47 PM 5:56 AM 7:46 PM 5:57 AM 7:46 PM 5:58 AM 7:45 PM 3766 Airport Bo 5:58 AM 7:44 PM geico.com/mobile-al | 5:59 AM 7:43 PM

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Pensacola Motorsports

TROPHY

ROOM

Johnathan Johnson broke out the Gut bucket the beat this big red snapper.

Becky Lineberry got her first 10 point

You didn’t see it coming. Neither did the fish.

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618 N New Warrington Rd. Pensacola, FL 32506 (850)456-6655

©2018 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. Some models depicted may include optional equipment. Carefully read the operator’s guide and safety instructions. Observe applicable laws and regulations. Always wear appropriate protective clothing, including a personal flotation device and wetsuit bottoms. Riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. See your authorized BRP dealer for details.

84 July 2022 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237

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[ OR ]

Photo of the Month! Simply share your great day outdoors with us!

EMAIL:

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When Submitting Trophy Room photos, be sure to include as much information as possible about the person and the trophy. Final Decision is made by the editorial Staff of Great Days Outdoors Magazine. Submitting a photo does not guarantee it will be published.

Billy Howell smiles with a sow.

Antonio Velasco with a fine striped bass from shore.

Justin Strait found this red snapper fishing one of the many oil and gas platforms that provide fish habitat on the Gulf Coast. 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // July 2022 85

KID'S CORNER

TROPHY ROOM

Wyatt Brantley with a fine mess of fish

Coleman Dyess, age 15 (at time of photo). State fishing tournament on Lake Weiss

Willow Peterson and father Jake Peterson of the Gateswood Alabama with her first longbeard

Will Bruser, 14, with his bobcat

Buck

Fishing isn’t the only thing to do in the surf. Jaley, 8 years old with a gulf coast Starfish.

Collin Stone, 13, with his first buck. The tradition continues!

Connor Rider, 6, contributing to nest predator management with this opossum.

Give us your best shot!

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Submitting a photo does not guarantee that it will be published. We cannot give any guarantees on when a photo will be published. Please include: child's full name, age, mailing address, and any details. We need to know when, where, size (weight, points, etc.), shot or caught with what and any other meaningful information, like first time, etc.. CONTRIBUTIONS WITHOUT THIS INFO WON’T BE PUBLISHED.

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Your friendly farm and garden supply store for 85 years and counting. ®

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FISHING TIP

Advertiser Index A-Team Fishing Adventures . . . . . . . . 3 Admiral Shellfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Alabama Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 American Hunting Lease . . . . . . . . . 79 ADCNR Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Alabama AG Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Alabama Farmers CO-OP . . . . . . . . . 88 Alabama Liquid Fertilizer . . . . . . . . . 30 Bluewater Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Boaters List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Buck’s Island Marine . . . . . . . . . . 44, 78 Camper City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 CCA Alabama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Clutch Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Coast Safe & Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Cold Blooded Fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Deep South Crane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Dixie Building Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Farm Credit of NW Florida . . . . . . . . 48 Fiber Plastics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 First South Farm Credit . . . . . . . . . . 63 Fishbites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Geico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Gulf Shores/Orange Beach . . . . . . . . 92 Hilton’s Offshore Charts . . . . . . . . . . 69 Huntersmate Lowdown . . . . . . . . . . 48 Hydraulic Crane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Killer Dock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 MDH Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Midway Lumber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 National Land Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Paradise Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Pensacola Motor Sports . . . . . . . . 84-85 Photonis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Ricciardone Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Sams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Slick Lure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Southeastern Pond Management . . . . 7 Stryker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Test Calibration Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 United Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 War Eagle Boats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Tips on Tripletails BY FRANK SARGEANT

Live baits are usually best for tripletails, but good casters can also fool them with flies or artificials. (Photo by Rick Grassett)

Tripletails can be the smartest of fish—or the dumbest. Sometimes you pull up on a crab float, toss a shrimp anywhere near them and they can’t wait to gulp in down.

Other days, every fish you take a shot at looks at the bait like it’s chopped liver. That’s fishing, but there are a few tips that can help you catch more of these wonderful tasting but very odd looking fish. 1.

Stealth is everything: While tripletails you spot around a buoy, marker or crab float may not spook to the point of disappearing, if they know you’re there, they’re a lot less likely to bite. Approach from upwind or upcurrent, shut down the outboard a hundred yards out and let the elements carry you into casting range—or judiciously use the trolling motor set on low. Long casts catch more fish: Use a 7’6” spinning rod and 3000 size reel loaded with 15-pound-test braid with a 5-foot fluorocarbon leader and make the longest cast possible to put

the bait in front of the fish before he knows you’re there. Make a natural presentation: Use unweighted baits when you can—a live sardine, jumbo shrimp or pass crab free-lined will usually do the trick. If you have to add weight to get the distance, use a weighted cork and set it about three feet above the bait. This keeps the bait in the surface zone where the fish is likely to be hanging. A 1/0 to 2/0 octopus hook gets them. (You can also catch them on streamer flies at times if you’re a good caster. Captain Rick Grassett specializes in this out of Sarasota; http://www.snookfin-addict.com. You won’t always see them: If you run a line of traps or a nearshore weedline where you’ve seen tripletails recently but don’t see them this morning, try some blind casting on particularly likely areas—around passes with crab floats, areas with particularly large weed mats, or locations where two types of likely cover intersect—a mat of weeds stuck on a tripod marker, for example. It takes some time, but eventually you’ll find fish.

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A GREAT DAY OUTDOORS

Fishing in a Parallel Universe think this theory is possible? A lot of smart scientists seem to think so.” “What do they believe exactly?”

BY JIM MIZE Spending a day in a boat with Beanpole is never dull. Sometimes we ponder the mysteries of life like why the chicken crossed the road, whether it or the egg came first and who has the best fried chicken. Just for your information, the answers were that the chicken had escaped from the coop and didn’t stop running at the road, what came first would be a toss-up except that the egg would break, and Beanpole’s wife Nell makes the best fried chicken. You can resolve a lot of mysteries in a boat. Still, sometimes Beanpole raises a topic that makes me want to walk on water to get away. Boats are confined spaces and that’s not always a good thing. “Do you think it’s possible that you and I are also fishing right now in a parallel universe?” asked Beanpole. Questions like this come out of the blue sometimes with Beanpole. You know his mind has been wandering and you hope it didn’t get lost. When that happens I try to answer in a way that doesn’t trap me along with him in his mental wilderness. This felt like one of those times. “Well, if we are, I hope we’re catching more in that one,” I replied, hoping that would settle the issue. “No, I mean, do you believe in parallel universes?” Apparently my answer didn’t settle the issue, so I made another cast and let a watermelon worm sink to the bottom. “Beanpole, where do you get this stuff?” “Online. I think the title of the article was ‘The Theory of Parallel Universes for Dummies.’” “Well, you had the right version.” “I’m serious,” said Beanpole. “Do you

“That there may be one or more universes parallel to ours. But we can’t see them. One theory suggests that we have duplicates over there doing the exact same thing as we are here except every time we make a decision our other selves do the opposite.” “Whoa. That’s some heavy stuff. So you’re telling me that if I accidentally drop my rod overboard here then in the other universe I don’t?” “Yep. Every mistake you make here is done correctly there.” “So that means that everything I do right here, I screw up over there?”

Beanpole flicked his line off the limb, reeled up the slack, and set the hook. His rod bowed and he was into a nice largemouth. I watched as Beanpole played the bass. On its first run, the largemouth tail-walked across the surface, almost reaching a weedbed. Its red gills flared as it shook its head to throw the worm. Beanpole nursed the fish back into deep water where it tried to circle every stump it could find. The bass made one more jump by the boat and dove straight down as if to test Beanpole’s drag. It whirred as it gave line. The fight went on. The bass circled the boat once and then slowly rose to the surface as Beanpole applied steady pressure.

Beanpole thought about it and cast his line over mine to reach a stump. I hardly noticed.

When both Beanpole and the bass were played out, they came to terms at the side of the boat. Beanpole reached down and grabbed the bass by the lower lip, lifting it high in the air to admire it.

“That sounds right.”

“Six pounds?” asked Beanpole.

“So are you handsome over there? Or maybe short and overweight?” I asked.

“Easy. But it does raise one question,” I replied.

“Doubt it.” Beanpole looked at me as if implying I fit that description. “I think I look the same. And so do you.”

“What’s that?” asked Beanpole while he unhooked the bass and revived it by letting it rest in the lake. The gills on the bass flexed slowly like it was gulping water.

“Well, you can always dream. I was hoping I might be rich and handsome over there.” “So what do you think?” asked Beanpole as if my answer might solve this mystery as well. I thought about it until I needed an aspirin and finally replied, “I have a question for you. What if we are in the parallel universe here and our counterparts are in the real one?” Beanpole looked stumped for a little bit, then grinned. “They are both real, you ninny. In the parallel universe theory, there is no copy or imaginary universe. Just multiple real ones.” Seeming satisfied, Beanpole reeled in, lifted his line over mine to prevent a tangle, and cast up into the mouth of a creek. His line had gone over a limb and was dangling inches into the water. Suddenly, the line began swimming back toward the boat. Beanpole watched as a fish that had taken his plastic worm went under the boat headed toward the main cove. Deftly,

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“In that other universe, did Beanpole just lose a big bass?” Beanpole let go of the bass and watched it swim back into the depths. Rinsing his hands and wiping them on his jeans, Beanpole grinned as he often does when he knows the answer to one of my questions. “Beanpole probably did lose a big bass in that other universe,” said Beanpole. “I think I like this one better.” Still sporting his grin, Beanpole made another cast over my line.

“Fishing in a Parallel Universe” is an excerpt from Jim’s latest book of humor, Fishing With Beanpole. You can order copies from Amazon or purchase autographed copies at www.acreektricklesthroughit.com.

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...like hearing the waves lapping the side of the

boat, watching the sunset as you cast your line from the pier, or reeling in your first catch of the day. Charter, deep-sea, offshore, and inshore

fishing are all some of our favorite ways to reel in dinner.

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