Great Days Outdoors - July 2023

Divisible Suggsville Cedar Creek Retreat on the Alabama River Clarke County, Alabama, 2840+/-Acres

• Conveniently located just minutes away from Highway 84

• Hunt deer, turkey, small game, waterfowl, wild hog, squirrel and rabbit

• Main lodge as well as guest cabin overlooking the miles of Cedar Creek frontage

• Multiple waterfalls, fishing, swimming, canoeing/kayaking, and ATV opportunities

• Excellent mix of mature, quality timber

• Approximately 1 mile of Alabama River frontage

• Main lodge features 4 bedroom suites, 2 bathrooms, eat-in kitchen, and open living/dining and a fantastic deck overlooking the scenery

• Guest Lodge features 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a sleeping loft, open living/ dining area as well as a sunroom that allows for breathtaking views

• One of the most unique properties ever to hit the market in south Alabama

Sweet Apple FarmsLodges, Cabins, World Class Lakes, Trophy Hunting

Sumter County, Alabama, 3768+/-Acres

• Thousands of acres of farmland interspersed with areas of mature hardwood and pine timber, pine plantation, strategic thickets, draws, and native grasses

• Recreational paradise that boasts trophy fishing lakes and abundant wildlife including quail, turkey, dove, monster deer, and waterfowl.

• Massive network of food plots, upland habitat, deer stands, duck blinds, and dove fields

• 10 bedroom Lodge and 6 satellite Cabins

• 275 acres of water across Sweet Apple is comprised of 25+ lakes and ponds ranging from trophy-managed fishing lakes (three of which are ~40 acres)

• Tillable, flood-controlled duck ponds

• 4,000 feet of Factory Creek frontage, a scenic year-round creek.

Along with hundreds of others across the entire United States

BETS

BEST BETS FOR JULY

These are our top targets for hunters and fishermen this month!

BY GREAT DAYS OUTDOORS EDITORS

GULF COAST TARPON FISHING

July is an excellent time to find Tarpon in the waters of the Northern Gulf Coast. Look for tarpon in the early morning and late afternoon, as they move into shallow coastal waters to feed. In particular, be on the lookout for “rolling” tarpon - a characteristic behavior where they surface and take a gulp of air, which can be a clear indication of their presence. During July, the northern Gulf Coast is in the middle of the tarpon migratory route, making it an optimal fishing period. Watch for moving tides and the presence of bait fish which tarpon feed on, such as mullet and menhaden - an abundance of these can be a good sign that tarpon are nearby. How to have success: Having the right gear is crucial to landing a tarpon. A strong, medium-heavy rod, capable of handling large fish, coupled with a reel with a smooth drag system and plenty of line capacity, is a must. Use 80-100 lb test line to ensure it can withstand a tarpon’s powerful runs and jumps. Tarpon have a hard mouth, so a sharp, strong hook is required to penetrate and hold. Circle hooks are commonly used for their better hook-up ratios. The best bait includes live mullet, pinfish, and crazy fish, but large swim baits can also work well.

FORAGING FOR CHANTERELLE MUSHROOMS

Summer rains mean one thing to foragers…chanterelles!

Chanterelle mushrooms are a delicacy that can be found right there in your own backyard, free for the taking. They are especially common on sandy, well-drained, but moist soils under oak trees. Before you go out, take a minute first to familiarize yourself with common chanterelle species and their poisonous lookalikes. Chanterelles are shades of yellow and orange, so they show up readily on the forest floor. Once you’ve spotted a potential patch, look for field marks.

Chanterelles grow on soil as opposed to decaying wood. They do not have true gills, but false gills that extend down into the stem of the mushroom. If torn lengthwise, they should be stringy like string cheese. Finally, true chanterelles have a very distinct, fruity aroma. I’ve heard it described as smelling like apricots. Use a sharp knife or scissors to harvest the mushrooms and keep a soft brush handy to brush away dirt and debris. I prefer an old-fashioned shaving cream brush. Deposit cleaned mushrooms into a paper or cloth bag and keep as cool as possible. Make sure to thoroughly cook chanterelles. I prefer to keep it simple to let the unique flavor shine. Sauté in butter with a little salt and pepper until tender and enjoy!

NIGHTTIME JITTERBUG FISHING FOR BASS

The scorching summer sun can mean the end of topwater fun for bass anglers. But for those willing to brave the dark, some excellent action can be had in shallow waters. Midnight bass rely on their ears and lateral line to detect prey, and often attack with surprising ferocity. To key in on this behavior, fish a classic Black Jitterbug with a steady retrieve along weed edges and over shallow structure once the sun sets and the temps drop. The later the better, since the bite picks up as the water temp cools. You won’t be able to see the lure, so use your ears and listen for a rhythmic chuggle-chuggle-chuggle as the lure wobbles across the surface.If you’re lucky, the sound of your lure will soon be interrupted by the explosion of a hungry bass inhaling your lure. A relatively soft rod will help prevent you from ripping the treble hook free in your excitement to set the hook. This type of fishing is a great way to pass the time while letting trotlines or jug lines soak. Just be sure to bring your Thermacell!

PUBLISHED BY: Great Days Outdoors Media, L.L.C.

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Joe Baya

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Butch Thierry

MANAGING EDITOR: William Kendy

GENERAL MANAGER: Samatha Hester

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Wendy Johannesmann

DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MARKETING Jarod Bosarge

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Sipsey Fork offers fly anglers chances at some really nice rainbow trout .

Fly Fishing Destinations in Alabama

BY ED MASHBURN

Let’s be honest here, most folks don’t think of Alabama as being a good destination for anglers devoted to the fly rod. However, this kind of thinking might just be wrong. Really wrong.

There are not too many other states where a fly angler can catch some fine rainbow trout in classic southern cool waters and then use that same long rod for some nice bass and other warm water species on the big lakes. For the ambitious fly fishermen the is the opportunity to catch some large saltwater fish on that long rod in the waters of Mobile Bay and surrounding great saltwater fishing territory.

Here are some great fly fishing destinations in Alabama to consider.

NOCCALULA FALLS- BLACK CREEK

It’s not often anglers get to work a fishery that is very recent in development. That’s the Noccalula Falls/Black Creek trout fishery. This developed cool weather trout fishing destination is only four years old, but it is already a great success.

Located in the park at Gadsden, this fishery is very easy to access, and just seeing the falls as they pour the water of the creek over a long drop which creates rainbows in the air is worth the trip. However, the rainbows which swim in the water below the falls make the trip even more attractive for fly anglers.

Fly fishing Black Creek can be a year-round treat, but the trout fishing season runs from October 15 to June 30. During hot summer, water levels get low and the trout don’t do well in the warm water. There may be some holdover from year to year for the trout, but most trout don’t make it through the summer. However, fresh stockings in the fall provide plenty of good trout to catch during the cooler months.

Fishing the Black Creek/ Noccalula Falls water is basically a self-guided trip. The water immediately below the falls is a great place to find trout, and for two miles below, anglers can find trout in shady and deeper pockets.

“Three to five weight rods will work fine, and double-taper fly lines make roll casting easier, and this overhead-covered stream requires a lot of roll casting, “ says Frank Roden of Rainbow City Fly Anglers, a local fly fishing club.

“For flies for the Black Creek trout, pheasant tail nymphs, stone fly nymphs and wooly buggers all do well, “ Roden advised.

There is a large RV campground at the park, and this flyfishing trip can be combined with loads of other non-fishing activities in the Gadsden areathis is a good family trip.

SIPSEY FORK

The Sipsey Fork is most likely the southernmost classic Southern tailwater fishing spot for trout in the entire country. This flow which comes from the Smith Lake dam gives fly anglers cool, clear water for trout fishing and there are lots of trout here. This stream is stocked monthly year-round, so there are always trout for a fly angler to work.

Fly anglers, particularly waders, which this stream is perfect for, must be aware that rapid water rises are possible when water is released from the Smith Lake dam. A loud horn blows, and that is the signal to head for the shore and watch the water come up.

Randy Jackson from Riverside Fly Shop, which is agood source for all things fly fishing in Alabama, said that the rainbow trout in Sipsey Fork will eat small midge pattern flies and other sinking nymph bugs all of the time, and when there is a hatch of mayflies or other aquatic insects, some very good dry fly fishing can be had.

WILLOW FLY HATCH

All of the big north Alabama lakes have a very special phenomenon which is of great interest to fly anglers. Annually, unless the weather has been very strange, in early summer a mass hatch of big mayflies, Hexagenia, for those who like scientific terms, creates clouds of free fish food for the residents of the big lakes.

For Smith Lake, Guntersville, Wheeler, and Pickwick, when these mass hatches occur, fly anglers can catch a wide range of fish from big, beautiful bream of all kinds to bass, smallmouth bass especially love the hatches, and even catfish.

The hardest part of fishing these hatches is that they are unpredictable. “Depending on the weather, these hatches can occur from the second week of May into the second week of June, and they can occur on different

locations of the same lake on different time, “ Jackson said.

Although all of the fish which will be gorging themselves on the willow flies will eat small white or yellow popping bugs, Jackson recommended the “Sexy Hexy” fly which is a perfect imitation of the real bug.

Jackson recommended that fly anglers use a five or six weight fly rod for fishing the willow fly hatches. Some pretty big bass can be encountered and a heavier fly rod will give the angler a chance to land the bigger fish while still having fun with the bream.

MOBILE BAY- EASTERN SHORE

For some real big fish fly fishing, it’s hard for an Alabama angler to beat the Mobile Bay system. This massive body of salt water mixed with several fresh water inflows provides a wide range of fly fishing opportunities.

On the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, fly anglers can expect to find very good fly fishing for redfish starting in April and running through early winter.

Captain Dan Kolenich guides fly anglers on the Eastern Shore of the system.

“Around Memorial Day the salt water pushes up the bay toward the Causeway, and anglers can fish the many docks on the Eastern Shore and the grass beds. Look for clear water- that’s the salty water,”Kolenich said.

Fly anglers will want to gear up a bit more for the big saltwa-

A double rainbow at Black Creek- a recent but excellent cool weather trout fishery.

ter fish. An eight weight fly rod is about right.

“ I like Clouser minnows and Kirk’s Rattle Rouser flies- a Louisiana fly with noise and lots of flash- but the reds are not picky,” Kolenich noted.

For visiting RV equipped anglers, Meaher Park on the Causeway is a great place to stay, and there are many motels and lodges on the bay for visiting anglers.

GRAND BAY

The western parts of Mobile Bay and the waters of Grand Bay in particular are great for fly anglers and the fish are willing to bite flies offered to them. However, this is big water, and with the many marshes and backwaters, it is very easy for an angler not familiar with the area to get disoriented. It’s best for visiting fly anglers to use the services of a guide, and for fly anglers, Captain Yano Serra is one of the best.

“I like fall and late spring best and during the dog days of summer, the fish are out in open water which makes them harder to find. I like to look for islands and oyster beds to find the reds and specks,” Serra said.

Getting rigged up right for Grand Bay fly fishing is not too hard. For cool weather fishing up the bayous and creeks for speckled trout, a six weight rod will work. For fishing for the much bigger and stronger redfish, an eight weight gives more power, and the eight weight helps casting heavier lines in windy conditions better. Clouser flies in a wide range of colors will attract both redfish and speckled trout.

“You’ve got to be able to cast out a ways- thirty-five to forty yards is a minimum, Serra advised.

For visitors to the Grand Bay area for fly fishing, Dauphin Island is a great

place to stay, and there are nice beaches, great places to eat, and plenty of non-fishing activities for family members. There’s a big RV park on Dauphin Island and rental properties for visitors to stay.

CONCLUSION

Although Alabama may not hold the traditional attraction of northern and western states when it comes to flyfishing destinations, maybe it’s time to change that perception. Good old Alabama offers a wide range of flyfishing possibilities including a great cold water trout fishing, superb warm water fly fishing for panfish and bass, and some world-class saltwater fly fishing. If that’s not enough to get the attention of a fly angler, it’s hard to imagine what would. There’s a world of fly fishing in Alabama.

Important

Rainbow

Riverside

Captain

Captain

Farm-raised oysters measure around 2 ½ to 3 inches and are raised beneath the bay’s surface .

Wild Oysters Versus Farmed Oysters

BY STEPHANIE MALLORY

When it comes to oysters, the Alabama Gulf Coast does it best with both wild and farm-raised options that leave those who have a taste for the succulent creatures smacking their lips for more.

Wild oysters have been harvested for centuries along the Gulf Coast while farm-raised oysters are new on the scene. Both offer delicious flavor and remarkable nutritional benefits, but there are some differences.

Wild oysters are collected from natural reefs on the bay floor, while farmed oysters are raised in an aquaculture environment just beneath the bay surface.

According to Alabama Oyster Aquaculture, just as recently as 2009, there wasn’t a single oyster farm in Alabama. Now, because of an increasing demand for a premium product, there are currently 18 Alabama oyster farms with others in the works. Top-end seafood restaurants and oyster bars are now featuring these boutique-style oysters on their menus.

Anthony Ricciardone, co-founder of Admiral Shellfish Company, an aquaculture farm that produces delicious, fresh raw oysters for the premium halfshell market out of Gulf Shores, Alabama, says despite their differences, both wild and farmed oysters are culturally and culinarily important.

“Wild oysters have played an important dietary role for human populations living along the coast for 10s of thousands of years, and for good reason -- they are delicious and packed full of nutrients and vitamins that promote good health. Farmed oysters contain those same health benefits, but have only been produced in Alabama for around 15 years. In other parts of the US, oyster aquaculture is maybe only a few decades old,” Ricciardone said.

Ricciardone gives credit to the wild oyster harvesters saying a lot of the aquaculture knowledge and practices comes from practices developed by the wild oyster fishermen, such as when to harvest, how oysters react to the seasons, how to handle predators and water quality.

“We’re standing on the wild guys’ shoulders. A lot of what we know was developed by them,” Ricciardone said.

But as the owner of an oyster aquaculture business, Ricciardone touts the benefits of farm-raised oysters.

“The biggest difference between wild and farm-raised oysters is that wild oysters are raised on the bottom of the bay or estuary and there’s no way of controlling the consistency of the shape between oysters. If you’ve been to an oyster bar, you’ve probably noticed the variety of shape in the wild oyster. Some are super thick. Some are longer and squattier, but they

provide a good bit of meat. With oyster farming, we control the shell shape. Our oysters are between 2 ½ to 3 inches. They have a flat top and deep bowl, which holds that tasty liqueur. They are consistently easy to shuck and perfect for cup-side-down plating,” Ricciardone said.

He said both wild and farm-raised oysters are delicious when eaten raw, but wild oysters are larger and better for chargrilling and frying, while the smaller boutique/farm-raised oysters have a lighter taste and are more appealing for those trying oysters for the first time.

“The farm-raised oyster brings in a lot of new people interested in trying oysters thanks to the smaller size and shapely cup,” he said.

Ricciardone says farm-raised oysters have a cleaner appearance and a lighter flavor because they’re grown on top of the water column.

“We don’t get as much of an effect from the silt on the bottom of the seabed, like wild oysters do. Our farm-raised oysters grow quickly because there’s a lot of food for them in the top of the water column. And since we use a strain of oyster that doesn’t reproduce, they can put all of their energy into growing. It typically takes our oysters approximately eight months to mature. Wild oysters take time off from feeding to breed, so they can take a year or two to get to the right size,” Ricciardone said.

He said they’re also able to dry out and clean off their farm-raised oyster shells throughout the growing process to keep them looking nice and clean.

“With oyster farming, it’s possible to create a branded product where 70 to 80 percent of the oysters have a similar shape unique to our farm. We are able to choose a location where the current, food source, water salinity and other natural variables, as well as how the oysters get tumbled and sorted, work to provide a specific shape and type of oyster that we can offer to the chefs as a branded product.”

He said on the other hand, there’s not enough control over wild oyster beds to create a branded product. Those who harvest wild oyster are relying on their natural life cycle and how they grow. They can’t control many variables.

ECOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACT

He said both wild reefs and oyster farms provide incredible benefits to the ecosystem.

“Wild oyster reefs help prevent erosion, provide water clarity, fish and bait habitats and protect marshes, especially during the hurricane season. They provide wave breaks that help protect sea grass in certain areas.

Even though it may sound counterintuitive, there are big benefits to having people out there harvesting wild oysters – as long as the harvest is done in a sustainable manner. The demand for wild oysters and their positive economic impact gives the state and the community a reason to protect the wild reefs. The people fishing for the wild oysters can provide feedback on the health of the reef and numbers of oysters. Because wild oysters are so valuable to those who harvest them and eat them, everyone will work together to make sure there’s a sustainable population. They’d be easy to ignore if they weren’t utilized.” Ricciardone added.

He said oyster farms positively affect the ecosystem because they also provide habitats for marine creatures, filter the water and they add more oysters to the bay.

“We buy seed from labs locally and put them in the water. Although the vast majority do not spawn, some do, so we supply more oysters to the water than we take out,” Ricciardone said.

There’s plenty of demand for both wild oysters and farm-raised oysters and both create a lot of local jobs in the seafood and processing industry. They’re also a tourist attraction with some people making trips to the Gulf specifically for the oysters.

Ricciardone said when it comes to oysters, both wild and farm-raised, Alabama is doing a lot of things right.

“For many years, Alabama was the top oyster-processing state in the union. It also harvested a lot of oysters from our waters. We were even taking oysters from Texas and Louisiana and doing the shucking and distributing. Alabama has a heritage as a key in the oyster supply chain. The state was producing and distributing huge numbers of oysters from the early 1900s through the

1960s or 70s. Things declined over the years, and until the 2018-19 season, no harvesting was allowed at all due to low population numbers. The reasons were complex, but development that impacted waterflow, the BP accident, over harvesting, fresh water events, siltation, and potentially wave energy in the bay all negatively impacted the oyster reefs. But through conservation efforts and farming, the oyster population and production rate is getting healthy again. And the state is working hard to keep it that way,” Ricciardone said.

After the 2018-2019 closure, 22,070 sacks (each about 85 pounds) were taken in 2020-2021, and then that basically doubled last year. The hope is that it continues going up.

Alabama ensures the population is sustainable and healthy through a number of measures. The state even sends down divers to examine the reefs, and it only allows those who harvest wild oysters to use tongs, which is a traditional method that helps limit the number of oysters that are harvested. Other states use boats and dredges. The wild oyster fishermen also take the dead oyster material and return it to the reefs. Additional state and nonprofit efforts include adding “culch” shell base, which the oyster reefs need to thrive and grow.

“Sometimes the wild guys get a tough wrap for sustainability, but in cases where they’re re-seeding and/or reapplying culch shell material to the beds and contributing to the reefs and sustainability in a positive way, they deserve positive credit.” Ricciardone concluded.

When it comes to choosing between wild and farm-raised oysters, it’s about preference, and there’s no rule that says you can’t enjoy both. Not only are they delicious, but wild and farmed oysters each help the environment and the economy and provide numerous health benefits. Best of all, these days, there’s plenty of both to go around.

There are currently 18 Alabama oyster farms with others in the works

CHOOSING THE BEST CROSSBOW SCOPES IN 2023

BY GREAT DAYS OUTDOORS

Crossbow scopes have revolutionized the way we hunt and shoot. With the right scope, you can greatly enhance your accuracy and precision, making it easier to hit your targets with ease. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to know which scope is best suited to your needs. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top crossbow scopes of 2023, examining their features, benefits, and drawbacks.

CROSSBOW SCOPE TOP PICKS

Hawke Sport Optics 1 .5-5×32 IR Crossbow Scope

TenPoint Rangemaster Pro Scope

Vortex Optics Crossfire II Crossbow Scope

Bear Archery X Speed

Ravin R170

RANGEFINDING CROSSBOW SCOPES

Garmin Xero X1i

Burris Oracle X

HAWKE SPORT OPTICS 1.5-5×32 IR CROSSBOW SCOPE

Specifications

• Objective Lens: 32mm

• Reticle: XB1 SR

• Parallax: Fixed

• Magnification: 1.5 – 5x

• Optical System: System H2

• Scope Tube: 1 Inch

• Illumination: 5 Levels – Red/Green

• Field of View: 75 – 22.5ft @100yds

• Field of View: 14.3 – 4.3°

• Eye Relief: 3in

• PX/Focus: 50

• Turret Caps: YES

• Click Value: 1⁄ 2MOA

• Elevation Turret Clicks (max): 120 MOA

• Windage Turret Clicks (max): 120 MOA

• Exit Pupil: 0.84 – 0.25″

• Ocular Type: Fast Focus

• Power Selector: Knurled Posi-Grip

• Lens Coating: Fully Multi-Coated

• Focal Plane: SFP (Second Focal Plane)

• Length: 8.3″

• Weight: 13oz

• No-Fault Lifetime Warranty

The Hawke Sport Optics 1.5-5×32 IR Crossbow Scope is a versatile scope that offers excellent performance at an affordable price. Its 1.5-5x magnification range allows you to zoom in on your target with ease, while its illuminated reticle makes it easy to aim in low light conditions. The scope is constructed from high-quality materials, ensuring it can withstand heavy use in tough conditions. However, the scope can be a bit heavy for some shooters.

TENPOINT RANGEMASTER PRO SCOPE

Specifications

• Tube Diameter: 30mm

• Length: 9.1″

• Eye Relief: 3″

• Weight: 1lb

• Click Value: Adjustable Elevation Turret (1 click = ½ MOA)

• Magnification: 2-7X (note: scope magnification dictated by arrow speed)

• Designed for Speeds: 380-505 FPS

• Scope Caps: Flip-Up

• Illumination: Red and Green

• Objective Diameter: 32mm

• Parallax: 50 yds

• Limited Lifetime Operational Warranty

The TenPoint Rangemaster Pro Scope is a top-of-the-line scope that offers exceptional accuracy and precision. Its 1.5-5x magnification range allows you to zoom in on your target with ease, while its multi-coated lens provides a clear view of your target even in low light conditions. The scope is constructed from high-quality materials, ensuring it can withstand heavy use in tough conditions. However, the scope’s price may be a bit too high for some.

VORTEX OPTICS CROSSFIRE II CROSSBOW SCOPE

Specifications

• Magnification: 2-7x

• Objective Lens Diameter: 32mm

• Turret Style: Low Capped

• Tube Size: 30mm

• Adjustment Graduation: ½ MOA

• Parallax: Fixed @75 yds

• Max Windage Adjustment: 160 MOA

• Max Elevation Adjustment: 160 MOA

• Travel Per Rotation: 30 MOA

• Field of View: 57.5’ – 16.4’ @ 100 yards

• Eye Relief: 2.7 in

• Length: 9.5″

• Weight: 14oz

• Unlimited Lifetime Warranty

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II Crossbow Scope is a versatile scope that provides excellent performance at an affordable price. Its 2-7x magnification range allows you to zoom in on your target with ease, while its multi-coated lens provides a clear view of your target even in low light conditions. The scope is constructed from high-quality materials, ensuring it can withstand heavy use in tough conditions. One of the main advantages of this scope is its versatility, as it can be used for hunting, target shooting, or tactical applications. However, eye relief can be a bit finicky.

The Bear X Speed Crossbow Scope is compatible with any crossbow with speed adjustments from 205 to 430 fps. You will clearly see your target with multi-coated, ultra-clear glass and 1-5 x 24 x 30mm magnification. The illuminated 9-position 20-100 yard reticle adds to the versatility of this scope.

BEAR ARCHERY X SPEED

Specifications

• Length: 8.5″

• Illuminated 9 Position 20-100-yard Reticle

• Speed Adjustments From 205 to 430 FPS

• 1-5 x 24 Zoom Range

• 30 mm Optical Magnification System

• Multi-Coated, Ultra-Clear Glass

• Limited Lifetime Warranty

RAVIN R170

Specifications

• Length: 8.75″

• Weight: 30oz

• Magnification: 1.5 – 5x

• Range: 20-100yds

• Reticle: Etched Glass

• FPS Adjustment

• Red & Green Illumination

• Flip Up Protective Lens Caps

• Fog & Waterproof

• Shock & Recoil Proof

• 7/8in Mounting Rings

• Warranty: Five-Year Non-Transferable Limited Warranty

A scope built to meet the long distance performance and precision of a Ravin Crossbow, the Ravin R170 Illuminated Crossbow Scope is built to help crossbow hunters consistently achieve 3-inch groups at the length of a football field. This high performance scope zeroes in on targets between 20-100 yards with aiming points every 10 yards for precision targeting. The R170 also adjusts to the FPS speed of the crossbow, showing the proper targeting range. The choice of red or green illumination in the scope lets hunters adjust to their hunting situation or match personal preferences. Fully-coated lenses ensure optimal clarity in all conditions and the scope features shock-, recoil-, fog-, and waterproof construction.

RANGEFINDING CROSSBOW SCOPE GARMIN XERO X1I

Specifications

• Length: 6.2″

• Weight: 1.92 lbs

• Multi-Color: Yes

Choosing the Best Crossbow Scopes in 2023

• Objective Diameter: 1.2″

• Magnification: 3.5x

• Field of View: 5 degrees

• Eye Relief: 2.4″

• Range to Game Targets: 250 yds

• Range to Reflective Targets: 500+ yds

• Battery Life: 1 yr

• Battery Type: 2 AAA lithium batteries (included)

• Operating Temp: -20 C to 60 C (-4 F to 140 F)

• Water Rating: IPX7, Nitrogen filled

• AutoCal: Bow speeds up to 650 FPS, out to 80 yds (73 m)

• Laser Locate: yes (with compatible Garmin wearables & handhelds)

• Aiming accuracy: 1/2 MOA (1/2″ at 100 yds)

Features

• Interface: microUSB

• Electric Level

• Compass

• Angle Compensated Distance

• Flight Apex

• Auto Brightness

• Steady Aim

• Configurable Aim Point Shapes

• Dual Range Triggers

• Shot Counter

• Integrated Mount

• Roll At Shot

• Impulse Duration

• Auto Color option

The Xero X1i crossbow scope with built-in laser range finder is the first of its kind. This auto-ranging digital scope with 3.5X magnification automatically measures distance to a target. A single button press lets you range game up to 250 yards away and reflective targets up to 500 yards away. Precise illuminated aim points automatically adjust brightness to conditions and allow you to see your target, unobstructed by reticle patterns.

Based on your bow’s speed, Xero X1i can automatically calibrate all aim points out to 80 yards, allowing for quick and easy setup. The Laser Locate waypoint projection feature works with compatible Garmin devices to show you exactly where the target was located when the shot or range was taken, so you can better track game or find bolts. Create custom bolt profiles with unique aim point stacks for each setup. Target Lock and Steady Shot features assist with ranging and aiming performance to help improve accuracy.

• Height: 3.28”

• Center to Base Height : 2.0”

• Field of View: Low – 47ft @ 100 yd / High – 14ft @ 100yd

• Magnification: 2-7X Variable Zoom

• Wireless Remote

• Integrated Inclinometer

• Electronic Bubble Level to reduce unwanted cant

• Precise Aluminum mount / Adjustment System

• Locking Screws

• Battery Life: 3000+ activations

• Auto-Brightness

• Minimum range: 5 yds

• Modern, Lightweight Design

• Forever Warranty

The Oracle X is one of the most advanced rangefinding crossbow scopes on the market today. The Oracle X features a built-in laser rangefinder that is activated via the wireless remote or the range button on the scope. At the push of a button, the Oracle X instantly displays the distance to your target and provides an exact aiming point factoring in the angle of your shot. The aiming point will also change to stay accurate not matter where you are within the 2-7 power zoom range. The Oracle X is lightweight and robust enough to weather any conditions and is backed by the Burris Forever Warranty.

POINTS TO CONSIDER IN CROSSBOW SCOPES

If you are in the market for a crossbow scope, there are several points to consider before making your purchase. Here are some of the most important factors to keep in mind:

1. Magnification Range: The magnification range of a crossbow scope determines how much you can zoom in on your target. A higher magnification range may be beneficial for long-range shooting, while a lower magnification range may be more suitable for close-range shooting and low-light conditions. Considering that all reasonable crossbow shots will be within 100 yards, I would lean towards a scope that offers a wide range of magnification, but make sure that magnification is offered on the lower end of the spectrum for typical hunting shots.

2. Reticle: The reticle is the crosshairs that you see when you look through the scope. Some reticles are illuminated, which can make them easier to see in low-light conditions. Some reticles also have range-finding capabilities, allowing you to estimate the distance to your target. Choose a reticle that allows you to compensate for different ranges.

3. Lens Coating: Lens coating can greatly impact the clarity of the image you see through the scope. A multi-coated lens can provide a clearer and brighter image, even in low-light conditions.

4. Eye Relief: Eye relief refers to the distance between your eye and the scope. A longer eye relief can make it more comfortable to use the scope for extended periods, while a shorter eye relief may be more suitable for compact scopes.

5. Durability: Crossbow scopes need to be able to withstand heavy use in tough conditions. Look for scopes that are constructed from high-quality materials and have a reputation for durability or a rock-solid warranty.

BURRIS ORACLE X

Specifications

• Length: 11.9”

• Width: 2.95”

6. Price: Crossbow scopes can range in price from very affordable to quite expensive. In the world of optics, your money is well spent on glass, coatings, and service after the sale. Prioritize these areas over gimmicks that won’t make much difference for normal hunting ranges.

7. Compatibility: Not all crossbow scopes are compatible with all crossbows. Make sure that the scope you choose is compatible with your specific crossbow model.

Once you are sure your crossbow can take a scope, check to be sure the ones you are considering are compatible with your crossbow before you make a purchase

By considering these factors, you can choose a crossbow scope that meets your needs and enhances your shooting accuracy and precision.

FAQS

What is the best magnification range for crossbow scopes?

The best magnification range for a crossbow scope depends on the intended use. For close-range shooting, a lower magnification range of 1.5-5x may be more suitable, while for long-range shooting, a higher magnification of up to 16x may be beneficial. Most hunting shots occur in lower light, which will require lower magnification for optical clarity. Prioritize scopes that offer magnification ranges that include the lower, 1-4X range.

Do all crossbow scopes have illuminated reticles?

No, not all crossbow scopes have illuminated reticles. Some scopes come with a standard crosshair reticle that is not illuminated, while others have an illuminated reticle that makes it easier to aim in low-light conditions. It is important to consider your shooting environment and lighting conditions when choosing a reticle.

Can any crossbow scope be used with any crossbow?

No, not all crossbow scopes are compatible with all crossbows. Crossbows have different mounting systems, and it is important to choose a scope that is compatible with your specific crossbow model. It is recommended to consult with the manufacturer or a professional before purchasing a crossbow scope to ensure compatibility.

CLOSING THOUGHTS ON CROSSBOW SCOPES

Choosing the right crossbow scope can greatly enhance your accuracy and precision, making it easier to hit your targets with ease. In this article, we have examined some of the top crossbow scopes of 2023, considering their features, benefits, and drawbacks. It is important to consider your shooting needs and environment when choosing a scope and to prioritize factors such as magnification range, reticle, lens coating, eye relief, durability, price, and compatibility with your specific crossbow model. By considering these factors, you can choose a crossbow scope that meets your needs and enhances your shooting experience.

SUPPORTING THE LOCAL ECONOMY & ECOLOGY

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.

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

Coppernose Bluegill The Complete Guide

BY JOE BAYA

Coppernose bluegill, also known as the coppernose bream, is a species of freshwater fish that is popular among anglers due to its aggressive behavior, delicious taste, and its role as a forage species for largemouth bass in managed ponds. In addition to these great attributes, the Coppernose is also known for its fast growth rate. In this guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about Coppernose Bluegill, including their range, how to identify them, their diet, and stocking considerations.

WHAT IS A COPPERNOSE BLUEGILL?

Coppernose bluegill (L. macrochirus purpurescens) are a subspecies of the Northern Bluegill (LEPOMIS MACROCHIRUS MACROCHIRUS) and are named for the distinctive copper-colored stripe on their nose. The Coppernose Bluegill can be found in a variety of freshwater environments, including ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers. The natural Coppernose Bluegill range is the coastal plain of the southeastern United States, and it has been introduced to other parts of the country for recreational fishing purposes. They prefer warm, shallow waters with abundant vegetation and structure, such as fallen trees, weed beds, and rocks.

COPPERNOSE BLUEGILL VS BLUEGILL

Coppernose Bluegill and Northern Bluegill are both members of the sunfish family and share many similarities in appearance and behavior. However, there are some key differences between these two species of fish. The most notable difference between Coppernose Bluegill and Bluegill is the copper-colored stripe on the nose of Coppernose Bluegill, which gives this fish its name. Coppernose Bluegill also tend to have a blue-green back, while Bluegill have a dark green to olive-colored back. Coppernose Bluegill can also be slightly larger than Bluegill, with some individuals reaching up to 12 inches in length.

SHELLCRACKER VS COPPERNOSE BLUEGILL

Shellcracker and Coppernose Bluegill are two different species, but they share some similarities in appearance and habitat. The most significant difference between Shellcracker and Coppernose Bluegill is their appearance. Shellcracker have a dark greenish-black back and yellow to orange belly, while Coppernose Bluegill has a blue-green back and a copper-colored stripe on its nose. Shellcracker also tends to be larger than Coppernose Bluegill, with sizes of up to 10-12 inches, while Coppernose Bluegill are typically around 6-8 inches long.

COPPERNOSE BLUEGILL SIZE

Coppernose Bluegill can grow up to around 12 inches in length, although the average size is typically around 6-8 inches. The growth rate and maximum size of Coppernose Bluegill can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the quality and availability of food, water temperature, and habitat conditions. In general, Coppernose Bluegill in warmer, nutrient-rich waters with abundant food and cover will tend to grow larger than those in colder or less productive environments. Additionally, larger individuals of Coppernose Bluegill are typically found in deeper waters, while smaller ones are often found in shallower waters.

WORLD RECORD COPPERNOSE BLUEGILL

There is no official world record for Coppernose Bluegill, as the International

Game Fish Association (IGFA) does not differentiate between subspecies of bluegill. The IGFA recognizes the all-tackle world record for bluegill as 4 pounds, 12 ounces, caught by T.S. Hudson in Ketona Lake, Alabama, USA in 1950. Will this world record ever be beaten? Only time will tell.

COPPERNOSE BLUEGILL GROWTH RATE

The growth rate of Coppernose Bluegill can vary depending on several factors, including water temperature, food availability, habitat quality, and genetics. In general, Coppernose Bluegill grow faster and reach a larger size in warmer waters with abundant food and cover. On average, Coppernose Bluegill can grow up to 2-3 inches per year in ideal conditions, although growth rates can vary widely depending on the specific environment. In some cases, Coppernose Bluegill may take several years to reach maturity and start to grow rapidly, while in other cases, they may experience stunted growth if they are overcrowded or if food is limited.

To optimize growth rates of Coppernose Bluegill, it is important to provide them with a suitable environment that includes plenty of cover, food, and space. This can be achieved through proper pond management techniques, such as stocking at appropriate densities, providing aeration and water circulation, and controlling vegetation to maintain good water quality.

COPPERNOSE BLUEGILL STOCKING

Norma Latona is the founder and President of Southeastern Pond Management, a trusted resource for pond and lake management as well as stocking many types of fish species including Coppernose Bluegill. We recently caught up with Norm and asked him for his advice on Coppernose Bluegill stocking.

Q: Why is it important to stock bluegill?

A: “Bluegill are the fundamental forage in most managed ponds because they spawn multiple times throughout the year. Females may produce 10,000-50,000 eggs per spawn.”

Q: Do you recommend stocking Coppernose Bluegill or Northern Bluegill?

A: “We recommend and stock coppernose bluegill. When put on an intensive supplemental feeding program, coppernose bluegill commonly grow faster and larger than northern bluegill in small impoundments. Coppernose bluegill will routinely exceed one pound in size when managed with a regular feeding program.”

Q: What is the ideal Coppernose Bluegill Stocking Rate?

A: “Bluegill fingerlings should be stocked into new or renovated ponds at a rate of 1,000-2,000 per acre from October through March. Fall or early winter stockings are recommended to allow for maximum bluegill growth and reproduction before the bass are introduced in June.”

Q: What about Coppernose bluegill stocking in established ponds?

A: “In established ponds that have become “bass-crowded”, intermediate-sized bluegill are often introduced at the rate of 500-2,000 per acre to directly feed stunted bass and enhance the reproductive capacity of the bluegill population.”

Q: What else should we be thinking about when it comes to stocking Coppernose bream?

A: “ Coppernose Bluegill food primarily consists of zooplankton, insects, and other invertebrates. Therefore, maintaining a fertile pond environment is necessary to maximize the reproduction and early growth of bluegill. Additionally, feeding bluegill a pelleted food will promote faster growth and a larger maximum size.”

POINTS TO CONSIDER IN COPPERNOSE BLUEGILL FOR SALE

When considering who to buy your Coppernose Bluegill from, it is important to research the reputation of the seller before making a purchase. Look for reviews and ratings from previous customers, as well as any accreditations or certifications the seller may have. When purchasing Coppernose Bluegill, it is important to ensure that the fish are healthy and free from disease or parasites. Ask the seller about their disease prevention and fish health management practices.

Consider the size and quantity of Coppernose Bluegill you need based on the size of your water body and your desired goals for your pond. Be sure that the timing of your stocking aligns with your goals for the pond. Consult with a pond management company to make sure you are stocking your fish at the right time and in accordance with pond management best practices. By considering these points when purchasing Coppernose Bluegill for sale, you can help ensure that you receive healthy fish that will thrive in your water body and provide a fun and rewarding fishing experience.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON COPPERNOSE BLUEGILL

Coppernose Bluegill are a fascinating and popular species of freshwater fish that offers many benefits for recreational fishing and pond management. To maximize the benefits of Coppernose Bluegill, it is important to manage their habitat and population carefully. This includes providing sufficient cover and structure, monitoring water quality and food availability, and avoiding overstocking or overcrowding. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your Coppernose Bluegill population remains healthy and sustainable, providing years of enjoyable fishing and ecosystem benefits. Whether you are fishing for sport or managing a water body, Coppernose Bluegill is a species worth considering.

BY STACY LYNN HARRIS Recipe and image courtesy of www.mossyoak.com

Dandelion Bluegill

Ingredients

• 1 lb. dandelions

• 2 cups orange juice, with pulp

• 3 tablespoons honey

• ½ cup raisins

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 8 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 8 fillets of bluegill

• ¼ cup flat leaf parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

1. In a medium-sized saute pan, slowly add dandelions. Add strained orange juice, honey, and raisins. Set aside the orange juice pulp. The dandelions will shrink fairly quickly. Simmer until reduced by half. Season with salt and pepper.

2. In a small bowl add 4 tablespoons of olive oil, vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Whisk until emulsified.

3. In a small saucepan, heat the orange pulp until it releases juices. Add to vinaigrette mixture. Mix well.

4. In a large sauté pan heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil over high heat. Score the skin of the filet twice. Season fish with salt and pepper. Place skin side down in pan until crispy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and cook 2 minutes more.

5. Reheat the greens. Stir in parsley. Place 1/4 of the dandelion mixture on a plate. Put a fillet of Bluegill on top. Drizzle vinaigrette and oil around fish. Serve immediately with warm French Bread.

Fishbites Fight Club Brawler is a proven artificial lure for catching Mangrove snapper as well as other inshore species .

Photo by Fishbites

Mangrove Snapper Fishing Tips and Techniques

BY DAVID THORNTON

MEET THE MANGROVE

Mangrove snapper may not be the most glamorous fish species along the Emerald Coast, but they certainly are the most diverse member of the snapper family. Though widely distributed and often encountered by inshore anglers, mangroves are commonly misidentified by rookie fishermen and that is mainly because new fishermen may not expect to catch snapper of any species from shore, near shore, and especially inshore. Plus, Mangrove snapper (Lutjanus griseus in Latin) are also known by so many other names depending on the location and color phase of the fish. At times they are called Grey, Gray, or Black snapper, Mango, Mingo, and several other names simply because the angler just isn’t quite certain what they are dealing with. The color phases of Mangrove snapper vary from a light gray base with darker brown spots on the sides in clear Gulf waters, to dark reddish brown overall when caught caught in brackish or tannin inshore waters. Mangroves usually exhibit a characteristic dark stripe that runs diagonally through the eye, and have two distinctive large canine teeth in the upper jaw with which they grab and hold prey.

Mangroves are often confused with young Cubera snapper which are similarly shaped, but a Cubera snapper has more large teeth on the top and bottom jaws. The shape of the “tooth patch” inside the mouth is another tip off as to the species. Dog snapper are most often confused with Mangroves, but have a light colored triangle under each eye as well as a bright blue stripe. They also have more teeth in the upper and lower jaw than mangroves do.

Mangrove snapper grow to about 15 to 18 pounds, while most of the other snapper species, including the more popular Red snapper may grow to over 40 pounds. Spawning for Mangrove snapper usually takes place (offshore) around the full moons of July and August. Characteristically, mangroves use brackish water estuaries as nurseries, and grow rather quickly the first couple of years until they near adulthood. These pre adult fish orient to any hard structures near the mouth of estuaries, feeding heavily on invertebrates and small fish. This habit is why so many shorebound anglers encounter undersized Mangrove snapper around piers, jetties and seawalls. Their relative abundance is because they stage around these heavily fished locations before entering the adult population offshore. Only rarely are Mangrove snapper longer than 14 to 16 inches found inshore, and even rarer are fish less than that size found offshore.

HOW TO CATCH MANGROVE SNAPPER

All this makes targeting Mangrove snapper a fairly selective fishery. Though they are often incidentally caught by anglers intent on other species. This is especially true in estuaries with Gulf access to jetties, bridges, docks and piers like those found through the back bays of Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle.

Anglers fishing these locations, and even farther upstream, often have their live shrimp or even lures (intended for speckled trout, redfish, or flounder) intercepted by juvenile Mangrove snapper. Though fun to catch, the vast

majority of these fish are well below the minimum size limit. That is 12 inch Total Length (TL) in Federal waters, in Mississippi, and in Alabama. Additionally, Alabama requires a $10 Gulf Reef Fish Endorsement License to retain Mangrove snapper, even if the fish (legal sized) are caught from land or inland. Florida has a 10 inch TL, with a daily bag of 5. While bag limits in Federal waters, Mississippi and Alabama are 10 per angler per day. So be sure to know your regulations or have an app.

Still, inshore or from shore, anglers may “luck” into mangroves occasionaly, especially when fishing at night, like happened to video creator, Justin Reed last fall. He was fishing near nightfall to after dark, from the beach along the Florida Panhandle with his buddy Brian Demo. Justin recounted “We threw out Fishbites and frozen shrimp at various distances. Once it got dark, Brian’s rod about 30 yards from shore went off. We thought it was just a whiting, but when we got it close enough to see, we realized it was a Mangrove snapper. We couldn’t believe it! After the excitement we measured the fish, and it was a keeper. Shortly after that my rod that was also about 30 yards from shore went off. I ran down the beach to grab it and reel it in, and it was another Mangrove snapper! We again got really excited because it is not a common catch from the beach. My fish was also a keeper. Catching not one, but two (keeper) Mangrove snapper from the beach is an experience we both remember for a long time.”

The fishery for most legal-sized Mangrove snapper takes place in the near shore and offshore coastal waters from 50 feet deep out to over 120 feet deep according to Stephen Franklin of Orange Beach Alabama. This young man is an Army veteran, as well as a certified Boat Captain, fishing guide, and video content creator. Posting as “Bama Saltwater” on Facebook and YouTube, he has over 117,000 subscribers. “Yeah, it’s not easy to catch a ‘legal’ Mangrove from the seawall, jetty, or Gulf pier. But once you move out 5 to 20 miles or so, you can find some nice ones,” Franklin said with a chuckle.

“I like either of two methods, depending on the conditions and time of year, when and where they are available.” Then he added, “The gas rigs off the Alabama coast in 50 to 60 feet deep water are ideal. I usually find Mangrove snapper suspended about six to eight feet deep around the structure. These are two to six pound fish that just love live shrimp,” he said.

Franklin’s tackle of choice is a medium to medium heavy class spinning combo, which is trout tackle, with a 7 to 7 ½ foot rod and a 4000 size reel with 20 pound line. The terminal tackle is a Carolina rig, with just enough weight (egg sinker) to control the drop, depending on the amount of wind and current present. The leader is about three feet of 20# fluorocarbon and a 2/0 Mustad circle hook. “That size is about a 1/0 size circle hook in other brands,” he noted.

“Then just hook the shrimp under the horn on its head and toss it toward the structure, letting it slowly sink to the fish.” Franklin added, “Sometimes, I use a slip cork presentation to keep the bait in position and indicate a strike. This

Only rarely are Mangrove snapper longer than 14 to 16 inches found inshore, and even rarer are fish less than that size found offshore.

Anglers must have a $10 Gulf Reef Fish Endorsement License to retain Mangrove snapper landed anywhere in Alabama .

works best when the wind and current are fairly light.” He also mentioned, “The bite is usually pretty ‘clean’ for Mangrove snapper with these methods. And fishing deeper just produces more bycatch, like Red snapper.”

Chumming is the method Franklin prefers over deeper, larger reefs, in water ranging from 60 to 110 feet. “These larger reefs seem to have more Mangrove snapper on them than the pyramid reefs.” He said, “They respond well to chumming with cut sardines or cigar minnows which sink, drawing

the fish up. Sometimes you can even sight fish them with a light ‘Knocker rig’. When strong currents or winds are prevailing, Franklin prefers a light double drop “chicken rig” or “pompano rig” with a bank sinker. The bait is cut cigar minnows or ballyhoo, which is his favorite. Franklin ended with, “Just bury the hook in the bait with only the point exposed a little. Because Mangrove snapper have very good eyesight.”

HOW TO COOK MANGROVE SNAPPER

The typical size of Mangrove snapper, at two to less than 10 pounds makes their flesh sweeter with better texture than larger, courser fleshed Red snapper. They are ideal for a variety of preparations from frying to pan-sauteing in the smaller sizes. Fillets from 12” to 15” mangroves taste wonderful when pan-sauteed whole in just a little olive oil with a dash of seasoning. Many prefer Cavender’s Greek Seasonings for it’s distinctly delicate Mediterranean flavor. Mangroves larger than 15 inches should probably be cut into smaller pieces to bake, fry, or pan-saute.

But from about 20 inches or longer, Mangrove snapper are ideal candidates to grill on the half-shell. This simple yet delicious recipe starts with skin attached, whole fillets that have been rinsed and deboned. Larger fillets, more than an inch thick may be scored several times on the flesh side to allow more even cooking.

Get your grill hot (above 450°), and place the fillets on it with the scale side down. Pour an even coating of your favorite Italian dressing over the flesh and lower the grill hood. Reduce the heat to “low”, but check after 15-20 minutes. Raise the heat some if the fillets are not “browning” on top as the oil in the dressing cooks off. Apply a little more dressing to any areas which have dried out or look “burnt”. The fish should be cooked all the way through in 20-25 minutes per inch of thickness. Use a wide spatula to remove the whole fillet, or separate the cooked fish from the skin and place on the plate to serve while still hot.

Which Method of Hip Replacement is the Best for Hunters and Anglers

BY STEPHANIE MALLORY

Before the surgery, a CT scan is taken of the joint and the info/image is entered into the robotic arm .

Image provided by Southern Medical Technologies

As they age, hunters and anglers may find the outdoor activities they’ve always enjoyed are becoming more difficult due to hip pain. Climbing into a stand, walking through dense underbrush to their shooting house, wading in the marsh to setup decoys or pulling in that big lunker on the end of the line may cause too much physical pain to enjoy. Hip pain, which can be caused by arthritis and other conditions, can put a huge damper on the outdoor enthusiasts’ lifestyle, but fortunately there’s a solution. Hip-replacement surgery can get them back out there and actively enjoying their favorite past times after a fairly short recovery period.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU NEED A HIP REPLACEMENT

Dr. Jacob Seales, a joint replacement and revision surgeon in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, who specializes in hip and knee replacements assisted by Stryker Mako SmartRoboticsTM, says when the pain becomes too much and you are no longer able to enjoy the activities you once loved, then it may be time to consider hip replacement surgery.

“I see a ton of aging hunters and anglers in my practice who suffer from different types of joint pain. It gets in the way of the hobbies they love. The pain is typically caused by osteoarthritis. Millions of people develop it in the U.S. and the older you get, the more likely you are to get it. Your weight and activity level can also play a role. Genetics plays a role as well. If it runs in your family, you’re more likely to suffer from it,” Seales said.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that approximately one in four adults in America suffer from doctor-diagnosed arthritis and almost 44% of those diagnosed are so physically limited that they can’t fully take part in the activities and hobbies they enjoy.

When cartilage breaks down and thins out over time, it causes pain and inflammation. Seales said when someone comes in to his office with pain, stiffness, swelling and/or loss of motion in their hip, he does an x-ray or MRI to confirm a diagnosis of joint disease and to see how far it’s progressed.

If it’s in the early stages and not too severe, he tries conservative treatment, such as physical therapy and steroid injections to relieve the pain. For some people, the conservative treatment is enough and the disease will never progress to the point where they need surgery, but for many, surgery is needed in order for them to get back to the activities they enjoy.

“I always try to give patients control in the decision of when or if to do the surgery. It’s an elective procedure. Usually, once it gets to the point where it’s bothering them badly enough and they’re not able to do the things they enjoy, or if the injections just aren’t helping enough, they’re ready to get a hip replacement,” Seales said.

ANTERIOR VERSUS POSTERIOR HIP REPLACEMENT

Fortunately, thanks to a new method of surgery and the help of a robotic-arm, hip-replacement surgery has advanced a lot over the recent years so that the patient can go home the same day as the surgery, and it takes less time to recover and get back out doing the things he or she loves.

“Over the last 15 to 20 years, the direct anterior approach to hip-replacement surgery has gained in popularity. It’s a more minimally invasive, muscle-sparing way to do a total hip replacement. And because it spares the muscles, patients are able to bounce back more quickly,” Seales said.

These days, surgeons go through the front side of the hip between a natural window in the hip muscles instead of the posterior approach that was once used that required cutting the muscle. As the new approach has developed and surgeons have learned how to do it more successfully with low risk, it’s gained in popularity.

“After the old posterior surgical method, the average recovery time was three months. With the new anterior method using the Mako robotic arm, the average recovery time is now only six weeks. Most of my patients go home the same day

and are walking unassisted in two to three weeks. It’s such as successful surgery that so many of my patients tell me they wish they hadn’t waited so long to do it,” Seales said.

ROBOTIC HIP REPLACEMENT

Seales began using the Stryker Mako robotic arm, which enhances precision, decreases pain and improves recovery time, a little over five years ago and says surgery using the robotic arm typically only takes 30 minutes or so.

Prior to the surgery, a CT scan is taken of the joint and the info/image is entered into the robotic arm. The system then creates a 3-D virtual model of the joint to help the doctor plan for the surgery. The pre-surgical plan is overlaid on the real-time surgery and used as a guide. The surgeon uses the robotic arm to precisely prepare the bone according to visual boundaries that protect the essential structure and removes only the part that’s been affected. The robotic arm is used to place the implant and ensure that it is balanced and fits well. The robotic arm’s tracking eyes can also adjust for very small movements.

Seales explained that the robotic arm makes the actual cuts so the alignment is within a half millimeter and a half of a degree of where it’s supposed to be. The robotic arm offers a much more precise way of performing the surgery and allows the surgeon to finetune cuts requiring less soft-tissue release to make adjustments, which means less pain and a quicker recovery.

Of course, it’s important to understand that the robot isn’t performing the surgery, the surgeon is. The surgeon controls the robotic arm and combines his or her knowledge and judgment with the robot’s precision and control, resulting in a more precise procedure.

During the procedure, the surgeon replaces an arthritic or dysfunctional joint surface with an orthopedic prosthesis made of titanium or polyethylene. The most commonly performed joint replacements are hip and knee, but replacement surgery can be performed on other joints, including the ankle, wrist, shoulder and elbow.

HOW LONG TO RECOVER AFTER HIP REPLACEMENT

After the surgery, the patient is up and moving around after a few hours with the help of the hospital staff. The patient can then return home that same day, although elderly or more debilitated patients may need to stay in the hospital an extra day.

“Usually, after around six weeks of recovery, most people are starting to get back to their normal lives and doing the things they enjoyed doing before they suffered from severe hip pain. They’ll have some limitations the first couple of months, but after three months, they will enjoy pain-free, full range of movement in the replaced joint with no restrictions or long-term issues,” Seales said.

If they were climbing treestands and wading through marshes before they started suffering with hip issues, they can likely begin enjoying those activities again.

He said after they’ve healed from surgery and realize how easy and successful the process was, many of his patients say that they wish they’d had surgery sooner so they wouldn’t have missed out on their hobbies and activities for so long.

HOW LONG DOES HIP REPLACEMENT LAST?

Thanks to the higher-quality titanium and polyethylene implant material, implants can now last 25 to 30 years, so the risk of revision is low for most people. Past implants would only last for approximately 10 years, which often meant replacement was necessary, especially for younger patients.

With the advancement in surgical technique, and the help of the Stryker Mako robotic arm, hip-replacement surgery is the solution for many hunters and anglers who suffer from joint pain that limits their time and activities in the outdoors.

Although most leased lands are leased by hunters for deer hunting, if that property homes some gobblers like this one, like most hunters I’ll definitely be interested in leasing it – if it also has a good deer population .

How Much Can I Lease My Land For?

BY JOHN E. PHILLIPS

There’s a shortage of leasable land available to hunters, particularly properties with good numbers of deer and turkey and possibly other game. How do you: locate land you want to lease; find a landowner; determine a price you both can agree on; and get liability insurance for that property? Base Camp Leasing shortcuts the answers to these questions. To answer the question “how much can I lease my land for,” I talked with Base Camp Leasing’s Southern Regional Manager, Lee Duncan, to learn the easiest way to put landowners who have land to lease in contact with hunters who want to lease land.

“Base Camp Leasing takes care of all phases for landowners when it comes to leasing their land for hunting. From inspecting the landowner’s property to provide a fair market price. To also marketing their property to Base Camp Leasing’s database of thousands of premium members who are in constant search for a hunting lease,” Duncan esplained

WHAT BASE CAMP LEASING PROVIDES

Base Camp Leasing has been in business since 1999 with the mission of making sure that a lease’s size and the amount the hunter pays fits both the hunter and the landowner. When I asked Duncan to explain how that worked and he said, “We’re a third-party company who connects landowners who want to lease their lands for hunting with hunters who want to lease land. We have agents in 29 states who know the lease prices in that state and can identify the lands that can be leased. Also these agents should be able to answer any questions a potential lessee would want to know, and we can put a fair value on potential hunting property to insure the landowner receives a reasonable price.”

Base Camp Leasing advertises on its website the available properties to enable hunters to see the size of the land, its lease price and any history that has been gathered about the property because various hunters have different requirements for the types of land they want to lease. Base Camp Leasing saves time and money for the landowner looking for hunters, and for the hunter’s time searching for land to lease.

“We do all the paperwork to make this lease satisfy both parties,” Duncan said. “For landowners and hunters, our services are a turnkey process. Base Camp Leasing puts a fair value on potential hunting property, so that the landowner gets a fair price for the land he’s leasing. We handle all the contracts, paperwork and advertising to get the property leased, and provide $5 million worth of liability insurance. We also offer discounts on products for hunters from many of the outdoor industry’s companies that have partnered with us.”

WHAT SIZES OF LEASES ARE AVAILABLE

Duncan mentions that Base Camp Leasing has leases as small as 15 or 20 acres up to thousands of acres. The lease size you need depends on the number of people who’ll be hunting that lease, possibly two or three people searching for a small lease, or up to 50 or more individuals who’ll prefer a larger lease.

WHAT FACTORS IMPACT LEASE PRICES

*Lease Location: Duncan reports that Base Camp Leasing has, “Experts in 29 states who know the value of leases in their areas and their states. Historically, the Midwest has been highly sought after for deer and turkeys, due to those states having fertile soils and producing big deer, turkeys and other wildlife. Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and Kansas are what we call destination states, offering bigger deer and possibly the opportunity for a hunter to take the buck of his lifetime. Since the Midwest lands often grow crops that help deer reach their potential and produce numbers of turkeys, those lands’ prices may be high – possibly $30 to $50 per acre or more to lease them each year.”

Or, some hunters may prefer to find a lease close to home. Then if they get off work early in the afternoons or have long weekends, they don’t have to travel far to hunt. Perhaps they can oversee and improve the land too. Those leases are highly-sought after as well.

*The Land’s Hunting History: The history of the lands being leased, including the area’s ability to produce the sizes and numbers of deer and turkeys for which the hunters are searching, and also whether or not the land ever has been managed for wildlife will influence prices. The most-desirable properties will have some hardwoods, green fields, crop fields planted with what deer and turkeys like and water. You may be able to lease the non-premium land for $15 to $20 an acre or the best land for $60-$80 per acre.

*The Property’s Size: sweet spot that most of our hunters are searching for seems to be 50 to 200 acres, which generally are at a price point many people can afford,” Duncan said. Too, they can learn the land and hunt it effectively. Again, the amount of wildlife, croplands, wood lands, water and other considerations will determine the price. You may expect to pay even $1800 – $3,000 per year to lease a premium 80-acre farm.”

*The Land’s Soil Quality: Rich soils usually will produce the best conditions for wildlife and wildlife crops.

*Land Use: Duncan emphasized that, “Land use is extremely important. If the landowner already is growing crops and/or

the money spent on turkey permits, which is part of the licensing requirement to hunt turkeys in Florida, goes into that fund.

Deer love to eat crops like peanuts and soybeans . They help them put on body weight faster and grow larger antlers

Consider this if you are wanting to lease property with trophy potential .

“Many hunters and NWTF members are heavily involved in raising funds for the wild turkey and its habitat by participating in NWTF hunting heritage banquets, whereby a portion of those funds raised goes into the cost-share program,” Nicholson said. “Hunters’ purchases of hunting equipment also helps support wildlife conservation through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program, which brings federal grant funding to state wildlife management agencies such as the FWC.”

Through this combined effort from the NWTF, FWC, FFS and Florida turkey hunters, the wild turkey population is healthy and flourishing in Florida. And, if you’re a turkey hunter, then you must be getting excited because spring turkey season and the youth turkey hunt weekends are just around the corner.

Contact Information

Wild Turkey Cost-Share Program

Florida State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF)

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

Florida Forest Service (FFS)

Green Swamp Wildlife Management Area (WMA)

Gulf Coastal Plain Ecosystem Partnership

Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program

“If I only can choose one rod to fish with, my favorite is the ACC Crappie Stix 6-1/2-foot one-piece casting rod,” Jonathan Phillips says .

Panfish Rods to Evaluate

BY JOHN E. PHILLIPS

For some panfishermen, a panfish rod is a panfish rod. However, there are at least seven considerations to evaluate to learn the best rod for you and the tactics you’ll use. Choosing the right length, size, weight and action of panfish rods depends on: what time of year you’ll be fishing; what depth of water; what type and size of panfish you’re trying to catch; whether you prefer to see the bite on your cork, your line or your rod tip; what kind of bottom you’re fishing – a clean bottom or thick cover, whether you’re fishing stained or clear water, and how deep you’re fishing. Panfishing guides like Jonathan Phillips and Tony Adams know panfishing rods.

JONATHAN PHILLIPS CHOOSES ACC CRAPPIE STIX FOR CATCHING PANFISH

Editor’s Note: Jonathan Phillips of Wetumpka, Alabama, a crappie fisherman for 36 years, is one of the nation’s top tournament crappie anglers and guides for crappie and bream.

Phillips shared what he has learned in his years of helping anglers connect with crappie.

“The crappie rod you need is dependent on your style of crappie fishing. The tips of most crappie rods are soft, so the angler can set the hook in a crappie’s mouth and not tear a hole there that allows the fish to escape. The rod’s tip needs a strong backbone to turn the crappie any way you need to get it up to the boat’s side. You also must have enough muscle in the rod to lift a 2-pound crappie out of the water and into the boat.

If I had to pick only one crappie rod to fish with, I’d use a 6-1/2-foot ACC Crappie Stix one-piece casting rod that’s smooth and forgiving. I like to shoot docks and use this rod for several other applications too. I often tournament fish or guide using 10-different rods in three to five various lengths in a day of fishing,” Phillips said.

Here are some specifics on crappie tactics and the rods I like for each one. When:

* I’m slip-cork fishing, I don’t cast overhead like I will if I’m casting a lure. I’ll make an underhanded flip to pitch the slip cork to where the crappie are holding. Any rod 7-1/2 to 10-feet long allows you to flip or pitch your bait and the slip cork easily to a target. My favorite is an 8-foot ACC Crappie Stix rod that enables me to fish any technique.

* I fish the prespawn, I like an 18-foot rod to keep my jig as far away from the boat as possible, but still be able to control the way the jig falls and have plenty of power to set the hook. Although I’ll fish an ACC 16-footer in the same way, the 16 footer is extremely light, and I can fish with it all day long without tiring.

* I’m fishing open water for suspended crappie not related to structure, I like the 14, 16 and 18 foot rods to put my crappie jigs on the noses of individual crappie – usually bigger crappie. The only way to know exactly where a crappie I want to catch is located is by using my Garmin LiveScope forward-facing sonar, that enables me to find and catch the big crappie in schools with other sizes of crappie.

* people ask me about trolling for crappie, I tell them it’s an obsolete technique for me due to my forward-facing sonar. Trolling covers a vast amount of water to find and hopefully catch open-water crappie. However, with forward-facing sonar, I can spot the crappie I want to catch, go straight to it and catch it. Don’t get me wrong, trolling is still an effective way for open-water crappie. But, with forward-facing sonar, I can use one pole and one jig to catch more and/or bigger crappie than if I’m trolling.

* I’m tournament fishing, I’ll have 8 to 10 poles in my boat. I only can bring in five to seven crappie to the weigh-in, and whoever has the heaviest bag of crappie in that tournament wins.

* I’m guiding, I want my client to use the rod most comfortable for him. With a lady, a child or an older fisherman perhaps with arthritis, I’ll suggest a lighter, smaller rod like the ACC Crappie Stix 12-foot jigging rod.

So, regardless of where the crappie are located, or how deep they are, I’ll have a rod to match the situation or the method.

PHILLIPS’ BREAM FISHING RODS

When I’m bream fishing, I like the new, one-piece, 6-foot 6-inch ACC Crappie Stix that was just introduced last year. Pound for pound, I believe a bream pulls harder than a crappie. A quality crappie-casting rod can double as a good bream-fishing rod. I match that rod with a Carbon X Piscifun reel that’s extremely light and high-performing. I recommend you buy the best, lightest-weight reel you can afford for bream fishing.

TONY

ADAMS NAMES HIS FAVORITE CRAPPIE AND BREAM ROD

Editor’s Note: Tony Adams of Eufaula, Alabama, who has fished for crappie for more than 50 years, moved to Lake Eufaula in 1989.

“I average guiding for crappie about 200 days a year. I’ll also fish for bream about 12 to 15 times a year, depending on when the new moon starts all the way up to the full moon. When guiding, I generally only fish for crappie for four hours – early or late – and still almost always can produce a limit of 30 crappie per angler. I have more than 2,000 waypoints marking underwater structure in Lake Eufaula where crappie hold.

If a gnat lands on the tip of my B‘n’M Diamond Series rod, it’s so sensitive I believe I’ll feel that gnat .

“I only guide for bream about 12-15 times a year, but Lake Eufaula homes some big shellcrackers and are a lot of fun to catch on a light, strong rod,” Tony Adams explains

Before we start fishing, I use my Humminbird side-scanning sonar to learn how-many crappie are holding on a structure. If those crappie don’t bite, I’ll move to other spots – perhaps 15 – 20 places – until we find crappie that want to bite in a four-hour trip.

My favorite series of rods to fish are the B‘n’M Diamond Series in the 8, 10 and 12 foot lengths, that are extremely sensitive and lightweight, and that my clients love. You can pull a 2-pound crappie out of the water and into the boat with these strong rods,” Adams said.

ADAMS’ RODS HE USES FOR VARIOUS TACTICS

There’s two ways I teach my clients how to detect a crappie bite. I’ll watch the line, see when it twitches and then set the hook. However, when folks can’t see their lines well, I’ll tell them to look at the tips of their rods and see them bounce to determine they’re getting bites.

I like:

* an 8-foot Diamond Series rod, because the crappie may be holding in the shade of the boat during the hot summer months when the sun’s straight up overhead.

* the 10- and 12-foot Diamond Series rods, if the crappie are spooky, or the water’s very-clear. These rods will get your baits further away from the boat, but you still have the sensitivity and the strength of the 8-foot rods. I prefer these rods when I’m fishing with live minnows.

* the B‘n’M Duck Commander rods for jig fishing and/or when fishing the spawn – as well as the B‘n’M 6-foot, two-piece casting rod.

Tony Adams’ Humminbird Helix 12: I use my Humminbird Helix 12 to pinpoint brush piles with its side-imaging feature. I’ll use the transducer on my trolling motor for down-imaging to learn how many fish or how big the fish are holding in the structure. I’ll pitch a buoy out to the side of the structure to know exactly where I need to position my boat. Then, all the anglers know that when they drop their minnows or jigs, these baits will be right in front of the crappie’s noses and can catch them.

I also use the Humminbird MEGA Live forward-facing sonar feature, so my angler can pick out one fish he or she’s trying to catch. He can see where his jig needs to be placed in front of that fish and then can watch how the fish reacts to the jig or the minnow. Younger fisherman particularly like this feature that’s much like playing a video game.

Another feature I enjoy using is conjunction with my Helix 12 is the Spot-Lock feature on my Minn Kota trolling motor to hold the boat in the same spot where we can continue to catch crappie.

* the 10-foot B‘n’M Duck Commander rod that I fished with before the Diamond Series came out. This rod features great sensitivity and has plenty of backbone but is somewhat heavier than the Diamond Series.

* the B‘n’M Buck’s 10-foot, two-piece graphite rod because it’s easy to take apart and store. It’s the first graphite rod I ever fished with, although it’s somewhat heavier than the Diamond Series.

* all three series of B‘n’M rods and keep them in my boat. Then I can match my customer to the rod I feel will be best suited for him or her and/or that he picks out.

* the Duck Commander IM6 rods to fish shallow water for bream because of their sensitivity. Today’s crappie and bream fishing have become almost as sophisticated as bass fishing. The anglers who are passionate about catching panfish every time understand the equipment most effective for weather and water conditions.

Line for Crappie and Bream Fishing:

Phillips: Whether fishing for crappie or bream, if I’m casting, I’ll use 4-pound-test Gamma Copolymer line because I can cast it further. When I’m casting only a jig, I prefer a high-vis line. But when casting a minnow or a jig or bream fishing with a cork, I’ll fish clear line. If I’m vertical fishing for crappie, I’ll fish a braided 14-pound-test main line. In muddy water, I may tie my jig straight to the braid. However, if I’m fishing for finicky fish or in very-clear water, I’ll use 12-pound-test braided line with a 4-pound-test fluorocarbon leader about 3-feet long.

Adams: I prefer two different size lines – either 4- or 6-pound-test. If I’m fishing the spawn with the crappie on the banks and shallow, I like 4-pound-test line. However, if I’m fishing brush piles or under structure, I’ll use 6-poundtest line. Crappie holding tight to the structure may run around or over structure when they become hooked. You’ll need that extra strength to pull that crappie out of structure and the water.

Important Information

* ACC Crappie Stix - https://acccrappiestix.com/

* B‘n’M Poles - https://www.bnmpoles.com/

* Gamma Line - https://gammafishing.com/

* Garmin - https://www.garmin.com

* Humminbird - https://humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com/us/ shop/fish-finders/helix/helix-12

* Minn Kota - https://minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com/us/learn/ technology/trolling-motors/spot-lock

* Piscifun Carbon X Spinning Reels - https://www.piscifun. com/products/piscifun-carbon-x-lightest-carbon-spinning-reel

“When I’m guiding for crappie, I’ll have a box full of rods because I never know exactly which technique my clients and I will fish on any given day and will need a rod that best suits the tactic we’ll fish,” Jonathan Phillips explains

Bow Press Buying Guide: Best In 2023

BY JOSH HONEYCUTT

The modern compound bow is a true piece of tech that millions of hunters have benefitted from. These tools are so advanced that most bowhunters don’t have the knowledge, or the tools, necessary to work on these gadgets. But those who do have an advanced, safe working knowledge of their compound bow(s) might consider purchasing a bow press, which can allow them to do more work with their weapon.

Of course, archery techs have been working on bows with bow presses for decades. It’s this tool that allows for more detailed and in-depth maintenance.

But is it for everyone? Absolutely not. Only educated, qualified archery techs should use these. Operating a bow press without proper knowledge of the bow and press being used is extremely unsafe.

1 . Last Chance Power Ultimate

2 . Last Chance Power Deluxe

3 . Last Chance Archery EZ Green

4 Last Chance EZ Bow Press

5 Last Chance Archery Pack-N-Go

6 Last Chance EZ Green Crossbow Press

7 Western Rec Bow Medic

8 Ratchet-Loc Portable Bow Press

• Powered motor for fast and smooth movement

• Includes 5 adjustable fingers, 4 standard, and 1 for working on bows with limb stop that sticks past the cam

• Made in the USA

The Power Ultimate Deluxe Bow Press from Last Chance Archery is a highly adjustable, heavy-duty press with the ability to press anything from long axle-to-axle target bows to high-poundage crossbows with ease. The Ultimate series presses are built with a much thicker grade material making this press strong enough to press high-poundage bows and crossbows. This press features an exclusive pivot system to easily go from horizontal to vertical to finish bow set-up. Using the LCA patented finger system, this press can match the geometry of any bow, including bows with a limb stop past the cam, thanks to the included draw stop finger. Versatile, durable, and easy to use, the Power Ultimate Deluxe Bow Press is a great option for any Pro Shop or home workshop.

LAST CHANCE POWER ULTIMATE FEATURES

Features

• Pivot system goes from horizontal to vertical for easy access to finish bow set-up

• Linear style press works great with parallel limb and past parallel limb bows

• Can accommodate bows from 11”-54” axle-to-axle lengths

• Heavy-duty construction for working on high-poundage crossbows

LAST CHANCE POWER BOW PRESS

Features

• LCA patented finger system allows for pressing the bow exactly as if it’s being drawn back

• No extra pressure applied to your limbs and no torque to your riser

• Variable speed electric motor

• Can go from 28″-48″ axle to axle in less than 30 seconds

• Can press bows up to 70 lbs in draw weight

• Pivot system will go from horizontal to vertical for easy access to finish bow set up

• Foot pedal for controlling the press motion

The Deluxe Power press is designed for quick and easy set-up of most compound bows. This press is perfect for both home and shop use and it’s very simple to use. Comes with a foot pedal for controlling the press motion allowing you to keep both hands on the bow at all times allowing for easier/quicker adjustments. This press model has a range that spans from 25” – 48” axle to axle length.

LAST CHANCE ARCHERY EZ GREEN

Features

• Designed with the individual consumer in mind

• Quick and easy set-up of all compound bows

• Uses a hand crank rather than a handwheel

• Comes with non-adjustable legs and is available with bench mounts only

• Adjustable from 25-48” to accommodate almost every compound bow on the market

• The adjustable bow press fingers eliminate torque on risers or cams

The EZ Green Bow Press by Last Chance Archery is a linear-style bow press built with the home consumer in mind. Adjustable from 25”-48” this press is perfect for almost any parallel limb or past parallel limb bow. LCA’s highly adjustable bow press fingers allow this to be used with both wide and narrow limb track bows. The press securely mounts directly to your workbench or table using the included hardware. This press comes with a hand crank for easy use, but can be switched out for a handwheel(not included) if you prefer.

LAST CHANCE ARCHERY PACK-N-GO

Features

• Folds down to 3″ thick for easy packing and carrying•

• Easily travel with a bow press

• Bench mounted only

• Hand crank for fast, EZ and smooth movement

• Patented finger system to accommodate most compound bows

• Draw stop finger included

• Press any bow from 25″ – 48″ length

• Includes: Carrying case that will fit the press and 5 fingers

• Includes: 5 bow press fingers

With the Pack-N-GO bow press, you can quickly take your press and turn it into a huge space saver on your next trip. Using the Pack-N-GO, you can easily travel with a bow press under or behind the seat of your car. No need to move your shop press, have the Pack-N-GO ready for adjustments in the field.

The Pack-N-GO includes a handy carrying case that your press fits inside perfectly. The bow press case includes five pockets for your five bow press fingers. This case makes it super easy not only to save space but also to carry your press to different locations with little to no hassle.

LAST CHANCE EZ BOW PRESS

Features

• Designed for high draw weight bows

• Quick and easy set-up of all compound bows

• Handwheel for Smooth Operation

• Adjustable from 25-48” to accommodate almost every compound bow on the market

• The adjustable bow press fingers eliminate torque on risers or cams

Designed for high draw weight bows, the EZ Press by Last Chance Archery is a solid choice for any Pro Shop or home shop. Adjustable from 25”-48” this press is perfect for almost any parallel limb or past parallel limb bow. LCA’s highly adjustable bow press fingers allow this to be used with both wide and narrow limb track bows. The press securely mounts directly to your workbench or table using the included hardware.

LAST CHANCE EZ GREEN CROSSBOW PRESS

Features

• The ability to press every compound crossbow on the market

• Can press all reverse limb crossbows

• Equipped with the EZ Green hand crank for fast, EZ and smooth movement in and out

• Will compress down to 11″ and out to 32″ in length

Designed with the individual consumer in mind, the EZ Green crossbow press is built and designed for pressing most crossbows on the market today. This press is perfect for both home and shop use and it’s very easy to use. The EZ Green crossbow press uses a manual hand crank to move the bow press arm in and out with ease; and also comes with our standard height legs that will mount directly to your bench top. This press model has a range that spans from 11” – 32” axle to axle length.

WESTERN REC BOW MEDIC

Features

• Light weight

• Compact

• For most solid limb bows

All of the capabilities of a full size bow press, yet lightweight and compact. The Bow Medic Portable Bow Press allows you to make a full range of adjustments and repairs at home or in the field. The Bow Medic Press has a 6” bolt and more adjustment nuts on the cable .

REASONS TO BUY A BOW PRESS

For those with the necessary knowledge to purchase a press for a bow, there are numerous reasons to own one. These are but a few of the important ones to consider:

• Addressing cam lean

• Installing a peep sight

• Straightening a peep sight

• Replacing a set of strings

• Installing a string silencer

• Replacing a string silencer

• Synchronizing bow cams

• Changing bow cables.

• Fixing jumped strings.

POINTS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A BOW PRESS

Bow presses are not built the same. These are quite different from one to next. So much, in fact, that bows oftentimes aren’t compatible with certain bow presses. It’s incredibly important to research the right one, and select a bow press that works with the brand and model you focus on.

Here is a partial summary of considerations and important factors to take into account when selecting the best bow press for specific needs and scenarios.

• Most bow models require specific bow presses, or only compatible with certain ones.

• Choose your preferred compound bow brand, then begin the press selection process.

• Using an unqualified bow press is dangerous and might even void your bow’s warranty.

• Decide whether you are better suited with a portable or full-size bow press.

• Understand that some (even most) portable bow presses pose greater risks, less durability.

• Examine how much space you have for a press.

• Determine what size of a press best suits your needs.

• Gauge the durability, versatility, price, and safety of the press in question.

• It will be necessary to build or buy a bench for your new bow press.

BOW PRESS FAQS

RATCHET-LOC PORTABLE BOW PRESS

Features

• Fast, easy to use, light weight, portable

• Allows you to work on your bow at home or in the field

• Slides over the limbs

• CNC machined aluminum

• Will work with most bows

• Easily fits in your case or travel bag

• Made in the USA

The RATCHET-LOC Bow Press is specifically designed for use both at home and in the field. CNC machined from aircraft grade 6061 aluminum, this bow press is light (2.5 lbs) and compact enough to easily fit and carry in a day-pack. This is the best bow press available that allows archers to maintain and repair their bows while out in the field. Archers will no longer have to lose out on valuable hunting time or miss a 3-D shoot if their bows need repair.

There are many different questions surrounding the use of bow press. The following are commonly asked questions and concerns.

Q: How do you use a bow press?

A: To learn how, it’s important to shadow an experienced archery technician.

Q: What can be done with a bow press?

A: Several things, including addressing cam lean, installing a peep sight, straightening a peep sight, replacing a set of strings, installing a string silencer, replacing a string silencer, synchronizing bow cams, changing bow cables, fixing jumped strings, and more.

Q: Do you need a bow press to adjust draw length?

A: Some bow models require a press to adjust draw length, and others do not.

A bow press is a great tool for those with the knowledge and experience necessary to use one .

Q: Is it safe, or even possible, to re-string a compound bow without a press?

A: While a few bow models allow for this, most cannot be re-strung without a press.

Q: Should I wear safety equipment when using a bow press?

A: Always wear safety glasses and use other safety equipment.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Using a bow press isn’t for everyone. Not all bow owner’s should have one. Only those with enough knowledge of bows and presses should purchase one, as these can be very dangerous to use. However, with a safe working knowledge, it opens a whole new world to bow maintenance and tuning otherwise only accessible with a trip to the local archery pro shop.

For those with the proper knowledge and training, in time, a bow press investment can save serious archers and bowhunters quite a bit of money and keep them out on the hunt.

Brian

Wild Boar Stew with Mushrooms

Prep: 30 mins • Cook: 6 hrs • Total: 6 hrs 30 mins

Ingredients

• 21oz Wild Boar diced

• 2 Tbsp Flour

• 1/2-3/4 Tsp Salt

• 1/2 Tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper

• 1/2 Cup Celery diced

• 1/2-3/4 Cup Carrot diced

• 1 1/3 Cup Onion diced

• 5 Cloves Garlic finely sliced

• 1 Cup Red Wine

• 3.5 oz Smoked Streaky Bacon chopped

• 1 Tbsp Caraway Seeds

• 1 Cup Tomato Passata

• 2 Small-Medium Tomatoes quartered

• 2 Bay Leaves

• 1 Tbsp Dried Oregano or Marjoram

• 2 Tbsp Sweet Paprika

• 1 Cup Cold Water

• 2-3 Cups Mushrooms cut bite sized

• 3 Tbsp + 1 Tsp Butter

Instructions

1. Heat a frying pan over a medium heat and fry off the bacon until crispy.

2. Transfer the bacon to the slow cooker ensuring you keep as much of the fat in the pan as possible.

3. Add the carrot, celery and onion to the pan and fry for 10 minutes on a medium heat to soften.

4. Throw in the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes and transfer to the slow cooker.

5. If the pan is looking dry add a little more oil and add the wild boar in two batches seasoning each with salt and pepper.

6. Fry until golden then add to the slow cooker.

7. Return the frying pan to a high heat and when it is searingly hot pour in the red wine.

8. Reduce the wine by half to two thirds and then pour over the meat in the slow cooker.

9. Sprinkle the flour over the ingredients in the slow cooker and stir well.

10. Add the tomato passata, water, tomatoes, caraway seeds, bay leaves and oregano or marjoram.

11. Sprinkle over the paprika, stir and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.

12. Melt the butter in the pan and sauté the mushrooms for 5 minutes.

13. Add to the slow cooker and cook for a final 30 minutes on low.

By

Recipe and image courtesy of www.krumpli.co.uk

It’s important to understand the species’ behavior and preferred habitats when jigging for snapper and grouper .

Jigging Snapper and Grouper

BY FRANK SARGEANT

While a frisky live bait is often the best bet for reeling up a big snapper or grouper, there’s no question that getting fresh bait and keeping it alive is a time-consuming and sometimes difficult and expensive challenge. That time might be better spent fishing artificial lures in many cases, which add an element of skill and interest that’s not part of live baiting. And in some cases, particularly on deep water reefs, jigging artificials might actually be more effective than the real thing.

THE BENEFITS OF GROUPER AND SNAPPER JIGGING

No Fishing On Credit

One of the big issues in fishing natural baits is that anglers sometimes wind up ‘fishing on credit’. That is, the live bait wiggles off the hook, or the cut bait gets nipped off by smaller fish before a big one can find it, but the angler does not realize the bait is gone. He continues to fish with a bare hook, sometimes for an extended period, before getting suspicious and reeling up. If the fish are down 300’ or more, that’s a lot of reeling for nothing. This doesn’t happen with a jig, because the lure is always down there in front of the fish, and the combination of life-like movement with attractive colors and shapes very often lures the bite, sometimes even better than the real thing.

MULTI-SPECIES ATTRACTION

While natural cut or live bait does a good job on reef species like snapper and grouper, you don’t often have the interim excitement of a smoker-sized king mackerel, a big cobia or maybe even a blackfin tuna jumping into the game because the bait is essentially fished right against the bottom. But with a jig, the jigging action can pull the bait well up into the water column, depending on how it’s worked, and the strike from a gamefish that reside higher in the water column is not at all rare on these darting, fluttering slabs of metal.

GROUPER AND SNAPPER JIG TYPES

“Jigs” in saltwater are not necessarily the same animal as conventional jigs. While conventional jigs, with a lead head molded to a fixed single hook, do catch plenty of fish offshore, there’s now a better choice. Slab or dart-type jigs, with hooks attached via split ring or heavy microfiber line, not only attract more bites, they keep fish hooked more consistently. Lures made for extreme depth penetration often look more like spoons than like freshwater jigs; they’re basically slabs of lead or steel designed to sink like a dart. There are several types that work for a wide variety of species.

SLOW PITCH JIGGING FOR SNAPPER AND GROUPER

The “slow pitch” jigging tactic, employing relatively light tackle for offshore reef fishing, has boosted lures of this type. You basically drop

the lure all the way to the bottom, pull it upward several feet and then allow it to drop, closely following the drop with the rod tip. If you feel any hesitation in the drop, you set the hook—the tactic has proven highly effective for grouper and snapper. Hayabusa, like several other manufacturers, makes a number of jigs suitable for slow-pitch jig fishing.

The Hayabusa Jack Eye Slow Pitch Jig, available in 60-250g (2.12oz – 7 oz) is designed for luring deep water species including golden tilefish, Scamp grouper, and other denizens of the shelf. The falling leaf wobbling drop also does the job of catching king mackerel on the way down at times. The 7-ounce model can get to the bottom and be fished effectively in 300’ and a bit more on some days.

The Hayabusa Jack Eye Jerk is a thin metal dart available in weights from 60 grams (2.12 oz.) up to 200 grams (7 oz.). It’s available in four colors, all with chrome underlayment to add flash. The lure is suitable for depths of 300’ and more targeting red snapper, gag grouper and red grouper, scamp, vermilion snapper, and many other species. The heaviest version could also be used in fishing deeper reefs on the edge of the continental shelf for critters like tilefish and yellowmouth grouper when currents are not too strong for it to hit bottom.

VERTICAL JIGGING FOR SNAPPER AND GROUPER

Vertical jigging is a fishing technique that is often used when targeting species such as snapper and grouper, especially in deep water. This method involves a very specific style of lure and a particular way of moving the lure to attract fish.

Here are the key aspects of vertical jigging:

1 . Equipment: Vertical jigging requires specific gear. You will need a specialized rod and reel setup that can handle deep water and the weight of the lures used. Usually, a medium-heavy to heavy rod, coupled with a high-capacity reel, spooled with braided line is used. The braided line is preferred because of its high strength-to-diameter ratio, and it has almost no stretch, which is crucial for deep-water fishing.

2 . Jigs: Vertical jigs are the lures used in this method. They are usually heavy and slim, allowing them to quickly sink to the desired depth. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, so you can experiment with different types to see what works best for the fish you’re targeting. Vertical jigs also have one or more hooks attached to them. The Hayabusa Jack Eye Switch Jig has a sliding fall action, great for jerking at various speeds depending on the fish’s activity. The lure is semi-center balanced toward the head and the asymmetric body creates a wobble and vibration as the lure falls. It’s designed both for rapid jigging

higher in the water column for kings, tuna, and mahi, or for slowpitch action where it flutters up and down off the bottom to lure reef species.

3 . Technique: The technique involves dropping the jig straight down into the water and letting it sink to the bottom. Once the jig reaches the desired depth (often the seafloor), you rapidly retrieve it, moving the rod tip up and down in a rhythmic motion. This movement mimics the erratic behavior of a wounded or fleeing baitfish, triggering predatory instincts in species like snapper and grouper. After a series of these movements, you let the jig fall again, and the cycle is repeated.

4 . Location: Vertical jigging can be particularly effective around structures like reefs, ledges, or wrecks, where snapper and grouper tend to congregate.

When targeting snapper and grouper specifically, it’s important to understand the species’ behavior and preferred habitats. Both these species are usually found near the bottom and around the structure. They are opportunistic predators and can be enticed by the erratic action of a well-presented jig. It’s worth mentioning that successful vertical jigging requires practice. It can be physically demanding due to the weight of the gear and the constant movement. However, with persistence and experimentation, it can be a very rewarding fishing technique.

FLUTTER JIG FISHING

A flutter jig is a type of fishing lure that is designed to mimic the erratic movement of a wounded baitfish, making it highly effective for enticing predatory fish species. The unique design of a flutter jig, typically slim and often weighted unevenly, allows it to flutter or spiral downwards on the fall, catching the light and creating a flash, which

can attract fish from a distance. Flutter jigs can be used in a wide range of fishing conditions and depths, from shallow flats to deep offshore waters. They are effective for many different types of saltwater and freshwater species.

The fluttering action imitates a wounded or dying baitfish, an easy meal that’s hard for predatory fish to resist. The flash and vibration produced by a flutter jig make it an effective lure even in low-visibility or murky water conditions. Flutter jigs draw strikes on the fall, they can often result in sudden, surprising, and exciting bites.

There are several tips you can remember when working on your flutter jig fishing. Cast the jig out and let it sink. The fluttering action happens on the fall, so you want to give it time to sink and attract fish. Once the jig has sunk to the desired depth, you can retrieve it with a jigging motion. This involves lifting your rod tip quickly to impart action to the jig, then lowering it again to let the jig flutter downwards. The downward flutter is when most strikes occur, so be ready. Vary your retrieve speed and the aggressiveness of your jigging action until you find what works best. Some fish might prefer a slower, subtler flutter, while others might be attracted to a faster, more erratic action. Pay close attention during the fall phase, as the strike often feels like a slight “tick” or a sudden increase in weight.

ASSIST HOOK JIGGING CHOICES

Choosing an assist hook for a jig involves several factors including the size of the jig, target species, and fishing conditions. Below are some guidelines to consider when choosing the size, line length, and pound test for an assist hook. The size of the assist hook should correspond with the size of the jig. The hook should be large enough to effectively hook the target fish but not so large that it inhibits the

jig’s action. A common guideline is that the hook gap (the distance between the hook’s point and its shank) should roughly match the width of the jig.

The length of the assist cord should be chosen based on the length of the jig. Ideally, the hook should be positioned near the top of the jig when the jig is hanging vertically. This means that the assist cord needs to be long enough to allow the hook to swing freely, but not so long that the hook reaches past the mid-point of the jig. Adjust this based on the biting habits of the target species. Some species tend to strike at the head of the jig, while others aim for the body.

The pound test, or breaking strength, of the assist cord, should be determined by the size and strength of the target species. The cord should be strong enough to handle the maximum force that the fish can exert. For smaller species, a 50-80 pound test might be sufficient, but for larger, more powerful species, you might need a cord with a breaking strength of 200 pounds or more. Also, consider the potential presence of toothy species that could cut a lighter line.

Hayabusa Assist Hooks are small, very sharp-pointed single or double hooks rigs that dangle from the eye on a short length of heavy braided microfiber. The concept is to stick the fish with the free-swinging hooks as it fights the initial hookup on the tail hook. Because of the flexible fiber connection, the fish rarely shake free from jigs so equipped. The Hayabusa assist hooks, available in 2/0 to 5/0 sizes, can be purchased separately to add to other jigs and lures. They’re tinned for corrosion resistance and come with two sets in a pack.

JIGGING ROD AND REEL CHOICES FOR GROUPER AND SNAPPER

Most anglers fishing slow-pitch and vertical jigs choose rods in the 6.5 to 7’ range with a stout butt long enough to go under your armpit and a relatively soft or slow tip. Tsunami makes a number of good slow-pitch rods at prices from about $90 to $120, suitable for lures from 3 to 7 ounces. A sensitive action with a relatively soft tip and a very strong butt are features to look for. The rods are routinely bent almost double when a fish takes hold, so a quality blank is a must. Shimano makes a full lineup of slow-pitch rods, from no-frills models like the Talavera series, at around $120, to the top-end Coltsniper X-Tune series, at around $550. Daiwa is also heavily into the slowpitch market.

Just remember to choose the rod based on the lure weight you’ll be using (all manufacturers list this on the butt of the rod) and the fish you are most likely to target. Accurate Valiant slow-pitch jigging reels in sizes designed to handle braids from 30 to 65-pound test have heat-treated stainless steel gears and shafts and aluminum frames to stand the pressure of hauling up big reef fish from depths of 200’ and more. 6:1 gearing is typical, some have two gears, 5:1 and 2.2:1 for heavy-duty battles.

Daiwa’s Seaborg 300J is an electric reel built especially for jigging the edge of the shelf, at depths of 500’ and more. Over 300’ an electric reel is a huge advantage on retrieve because of the endless cranking. Lightweight portable lithium battery packs you sling over your shoulder means you’re no longer “tethered” by the cord of the electric reel, a big plus.

HOW TO FISH A JIG FOR SNAPPER AND GROUPER

The rod does the work in slow-pitch jigging, with the rig light enough that it doesn’t wear out the angler. This is a primary advantage of slow-pitch gear over conventional broomstick rods with lever drag

reels. A series of erratic upward jerks with hesitation between as the rod springs the lure upward does the job. The butt end of the rod goes under your left forearm (if you’re right-handed) and you flick the lure upward off the bottom by jerking the rod tip upward 1 to 3 feet, then follow it back down as the weight of the jig plummets back to the bottom. Repeat the series steadily as the boat drifts over the structure.

Take a half turn on the reel with each jerk upward, so that you fish the water from the bottom up to about 20’ above the structure. As the boat drifts, you pull up but also in the direction the boat drifts, thus “stitching” the lure repeatedly into bottom contact as the boat slowly moves. If the jig stops on the fall, or if you feel even a slight “tick” on the line, you set the hook and you’re in business. As is common with deep water species, the majority of the fight is in the first 50 to 100 feet, so it’s necessary to really put the heat on the fish for this distance. After that, the changing pressure takes the fight out of the fish and it’s mostly a matter of cranking your prize to the surface.

THE LAST WORD ON JIGGING FOR SNAPPER AND GROUPER

In conclusion, jigging is a skillful and dynamic technique that holds great potential for successfully catching snapper and grouper. It offers an exciting blend of a physically engaging activity, strategic skill, and the thrill of catching some truly impressive snappers and groupers. By mastering the right equipment selection, understanding the ideal jigs, and honing the jigging technique, you’ll stand a good chance at encountering these coveted species in their deep-water habitats. Most deeper water jigging catches suffer from barotrauma and can’t be released alive without the proper use of descending devices and/or venting tools. Make sure you are in compliance with current regulations and release those undersized or out-of-season fish to fight another day. With patience, practice, and a bit of adventure, jigging can transform your fishing trips into new memories that will last a lifetime.

Vertical jigging is a fishing technique that is often used when targeting species such as snapper and grouper

Tarpon Kayak Fishing 101

BY WILLIAM KENDY

When I think about Tarpon, I have this image of an oversized saltwater tiger bass on steroids with an attitude that hangs out in mangrove environments. I figured that this was only partly true and did some research on tarpon, specifically in the Florida Atlantic waters and the Gulf Coast waters for perspective and to fill in the blanks. Tarpon are migratory fish that can weigh up to almost 300 pounds. They can survive in salt water, brackish and even freshwater environments. They normally spawn in later spring to early summer.

Tagging and other research shows that Gulf Coast tarpon basically winter in two general locations. The “eastern group” hangs around the edge of the Caribbean extending to the Florida Keys area while the “western” group the calls the area around the Texas/Mexico and further south their winter digs. In the spring and early summer when the Gulf water warms up the eastern group swims west and the western group works its way east and “East meets West” in the Louisiana waters where they mix, spawn and spend the summer feeding and partying (for fish). When the water starts cooling down in the fall the party ends and they go back to their respective winter haunts.

Catching these awesome fish and releasing them unharmed is a feat long to be proudly remembered. It is hard enough hooking up and landing a tarpon from a conventional seafaring boat much less trying to do it offshore in a kayak. Still, that is exactly what Brandon Barton from Emerald Waters Kayak Charters in Pensacola excels at. We recently caught up with Brandon on the Northwest Florida Fishing Report Podcast to share his expert advise on

how to be a successful tarpon kayak fisherman.

WHERE TO LOOK FOR TARPON WHEN KAYAK FISHING

The first thing that Barton said is that when Tarpon fishing on our Emerald Coast beaches offshore you are not just blindly casting and hoping for a random hookup. “For the most part it is sight fishing,” Barton said. “I usually have a bait out behind me kind of trolling just in case there’s a school a little deeper that I didn’t see but tarpon roll and gulp air so you are going to end up seeing them sooner or later.”

“It is definitely a sight fishing thing and that means that calm days when the sea is flat is the best time,” Barton added. “I think that mornings are better and the prime time because the fish will be active and there isn’t as much boat traffic and people swimming. All of that noise and activity will push the fish further out or deeper. Fish outside of the bar somewhere around the 15-to-30-foot range and every once in a while, the fish will push up close to the second bar but I like to stay in the 15–30-foot area,” Barton explained.

TARPON FISHING BAIT AND LURE RECOMMENDATIONS

“With artificials, just about any swim bait that looks natural and is decently heavy. You want around a one or two-ounce weighted swim bait or jighead with a swimbait so you can get that good long cast,” Brandon said. “For live baits, it depends on what is in your area. If you have an abundance of

Atlantic bumper, it is one of the best tarpon baits you can use. The top three baits are cigar minnows, pinfish or Atlantic bumper.”

In terms of rigging for casting, Brandon hooks the bait behind the dorsal fin and feels it stays on the hook better and they can swim a little more natural. If he is trolling, he threads the hook through the chin or the eyes. Regarding bait placement Brandon tries to cast it 20-30 feet in front of the school to make it look as natural as possible but the last thing you want to do is throw it on top of the fish because they will “spook down”. Once he places the bait where he wants it to be, he “free spools” it.

“For the most part it is going to be a free spool, I’m going to toss the fish out there keep my hand on the line a little bit and leave the bale open. And if I feel something taking off or a bump on that line, I’m gonna flip my bail and get ready to jack them up. I’m not jacking them up like a bass fisherman would, but just really dig that hook in them hard and once you actually feel that pressure and you give them time to eat,” he said. “Sometimes if I’m in position, just right, you know, I’ll flip them out there and go ahead and shut my bail and just kind of let the rod down as he’s finding it. As he’s starting to suck that bait in you can let your rod tip go down and follow that so he gets a good eat and you can get a good hook set.”

TARPON KAYAK FISHING GEAR

Tarpon aren’t small weak fish. They are large and robust and require stout heavy equipment starting with hooks. “For hooks you want size 6 to 7 circle

hooks and something super-strong and surgical sharp because a tarpons mouth is hard and full of bones and there are only certain areas where a hook can really dig in,” Brandon pointed out.

“You need a heavy rod and reel, a heavy leader, heavy braid, tight drag and it is almost like you are grouper fishing,” Brandon said. “For the most part we are talking 80-pound test fluorocarbon leaders although you might get away with a 65-pound leader if the water is really clear and 50–65-pound braid.” Brandon’s advocates using a heavy 7 or 7 ½ foot rod and while longer rods are better with live bait, you need something that will allow you to put pressure on the fish. For the reel he prefers a 5000 or 6000 size with line capacity that can accommodate healthy initial runs and can deliver 1520 pounds worth of drag.

Brandon points out that while tarpon do have a lot of fight in them, they are not hardy fish with a lot of stamina and after they are worn out, they don’t revive well so you want to try to minimize the length of the fight. “On almost every fish I’ve ever caught the fight has been under 20 minutes and the most important thing in tarpon fishing is for you to break their will,” Brandon said. “If they are running to the right you need to pull to the left. If they are jumping out of the water, you need to angle your rod tip down to keep them from jumping.” “You want them to be caught and released quickly and still be in good shape,” he concluded. We have to keep the species going and take care of our nature out there and make sure we get to continue to do this for future generations.”

Hunting the Ribeye in the Sky

BY JOE BAYA

Sandhill crane hunting is a thrilling and challenging experience for hunters who are looking for an awesome wing-shooting experience. Hunting sandhill cranes requires a specific set of skills, knowledge, and equipment. From obtaining access to and scouting the right land to choosing the right gear and choosing the right outfitter, Sandhill Crane hunting demands careful planning and preparation. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a new challenge or a seasoned hunter looking for where and who to book a guided hunt with, we’ve interviewed one of the top outfitters in the industry to help you get started on your Sandhill Crane hunting adventure.

SANDHILL CRANE HUNTING SEASON

The sandhill crane hunting season varies depending on the state or province and the specific population of sandhill cranes. In the United States, sandhill crane hunting is regulated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and individual state wildlife agencies, which set the dates, bag limits, and other regulations for the hunting season.

Most sandhill crane hunting seasons in the U.S. occur in the fall, coinciding with the migration of the mid-continent population. The dates of the hunting season can vary by state, but typically fall between September and January, with the exact dates and bag limits determined by each state’s wildlife agency.

It’s important to note that sandhill crane hunting is not legal in all states, and even where it is legal, there may be restrictions on hunting methods, equipment, and access to hunting areas. It’s crucial for hunters to obtain the necessary licenses and permits and to abide by all applicable laws and regulations to ensure the sustainability of sandhill crane populations and the continuation of the hunting tradition.

WHERE CAN YOU HUNT SANDHILL CRANES?

Sandhill cranes can be hunted in several states in the United States and in some provinces in Canada. In the United States, sandhill crane hunting is currently legal in several states including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming. In Canada, sandhill crane hunting is legal in certain provinces including Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. The specific regulations and hunting seasons vary by state and can change from year to year, so it’s important for hunters to consult their state’s wildlife agency for the most up-to-date information. It’s important to note that sandhill crane hunting is highly regulated, and hunters must obtain the necessary licenses, permits, and tags and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

TECHNIQUES FOR HUNTING SANDHILL CRANES

I recently caught up with Vince Kimbrough of Prairie Bomb Outfitters over on the Huntin’ Land Podcast to pick his brain on how he advises his clients to prepare themselves when getting ready for a hunt.

Q: What is the Sandhill Crane hunting experience like? Is it similar to other types of waterfowl hunting or is it its own thing?

A: “It’s kind of a mix to be quite honest with you, it really does resemble a dry field goose hunt in a lot of ways because we’re gonna set up on some type of cover, either in an A-frame, on a pivot head, something that gives us a place to hide that the birds are used to seeing. They do decoy just like a goose or duck but the thing about Sandhill Cranes that makes it pretty interesting is that they can see a long way away, and you hear them a long way away, and they’re super leery. So they’ll start their descent into your decoys really high and they’ll start dropping in and if the slightest thing is off, you’ll just all sudden seem just kind of start picking back up.

And they’ll just completely go right over the top of you. So whether it’s too much movement, or if we’re running socks and the socks are creating too much noise those little details really make it tricky to hunt Sandhill Cranes. They are smart birds. We do some calling, not a lot, we try to call enough to the birds to hear us make a little noise and have them come in and decoy. Those are kind of the differences from typical goose hunting.

TEXAS SANDHILL CRANE HUNTING

The Sandhill Crane Hunting can vary depending on which flyway you are in. Vince had this to say about the number of birds in Texas. “We’re pretty lucky [In Texas] we’ll get our first push of birds early. We’ll get Nebraska birds coming in a little bit early to start our season in late October up in the Amarillo area. We have about a six-week seven-week window to really get on them before the weather is going to push them south of us.

Our season starts in late October and technically runs all the way through January 31. Texas is split into two zones, our coastal zone, and our western zone. The Coastal Zone allows two birds per day, and our Western zone, where we hunt, three birds a day. We’ll start off in late October and will run hard on Cranes until the first couple of weeks of December. And then for us, it’s kind of weather-driven after that, if we have good weather, and it’s not too cold, we’ll hold cranes. If the weather gets bad like it did last year, our cranes will push and we’ll have to pivot to ducks and geese.

POINTS TO CONSIDER IN SANDHILL CRANE HUNTS

If you’re like me, you’ve probably gone the cheap route on gear and ended up in the field with a poorly functioning piece of equipment. In those moments, I would have gladly paid for the more expensive option just to have what I needed and have it working. Another area I’ve done this in is with guided hunting and fishing trips. I often look for the DIY option so that I can feel the accomplishment of being successful totally by my own doing. While there is nothing wrong with this, I’ve experienced many hunting and fishing trips where I would have gladly paid for a guide to get me into the right areas, and even worse, I’ve hired a guide only to realize they weren’t working as hard as I’d hoped and I should have done more research.

I asked Vince to help us with some questions we can ask before booking Sandhill Crane Hunts and he had some sage advice regarding booking with a reputable outfitter. “Find somebody that either has hunted with them before or someone you know and go look at the reviews. Go to Mallard Bay, look at our reviews, go online, look at our reviews, Google us. Find out what people are saying about that outfit. Ask that outfitter how they hunt. Do you want

Hunting the Ribeye in the Sky to have an outfitter that puts 15,18, 20 people in a field? Or do you want to have an outfitter that puts eight people in a field? You know, our idea of a hunt is about an experience whether we shoot a bird or not. It’s about the experience of coming to West Texas, putting yourself in a position to shoot and my job is the guy to put birds in front of you.”

BOOKING SANDHILL CRANE HUNTS

Booking a guided trip can be a pain before, during, and after the trip. Using a booking site like Mallard Bay empowers users to find the perfect trip for themselves without the endless back and forth. Mallard Bay allows its users to search for the hunting or fishing trip of their choice, filter by price, and view details of every outfitter on their platform. They’ve compiled all of the information you need such as lodging, amenities, and other details so you know exactly what to expect. All you have to do is fill out a form, pay online, and they take care of the rest. And if you have a problem, they have a dedicated team available to chat directly on their site. If you are interested in seeing a ton of Great Sandhill Crane Hunts available for this season, check them out online at www.mallardbay.com

SANDHILL CRANE HUNTING GEAR

One of my favorite things about putting together hunts is researching, compiling, and acquiring (when necessary) the specific gear I will need to ensure

a safe and successful hunt. Sandhill Crane hunting is no different.

SANDHILL CRANE HUNTING SHOTGUN

A 12-gauge shotgun with a 3-inch chamber is the most common choice for sandhill crane hunting, but some hunters prefer a 10-gauge for added power. As with most waterfowling pursuits, a semiautomatic or pump shotgun will serve you well in the marsh or in a layout blind. I Favor an autoloader for fast reloads and softer recoil.

BEST SHOT SIZE FOR SANDHILL CRANE

Hunters should use high-quality ammunition with shot size should no smaller than #3 and no larger than #BB, with most hunters opting for #2 or #3 shot. Shots are typically close and the limits on Sandhill Cranes are typically 2-3 birds per day, so buy the best ammo you can afford.

SANDHILL CRANE HUNTING CLOTHING

Camouflage clothing is highly recommended, as Sandhill Cranes have incredible eyesight. Choose a pattern to blend in with the surroundings of your hunt. Waterproof or water-resistant materials are a must, and temperatures can vary widely depending on what time of year your hunt is taking place and where you are hunting them. Layering is the key for Sandhill Crane hunting, and many other types of hunting for that matter.

SANDHILL CRANE CALLS

Sandhill Cranes are known for their vocalizations which can be heard from over a mile away in the right conditions. Tube calls can take some practice to master, but the feeling of convincing a wild bird to come to your calling is an accomplishment every hunter can and should be proud of.

SANDHILL CRANE HUNTING BLIND

Hunters should use a blind or another type of cover to conceal themselves from the birds and avoid detection. Layout Blinds and A-Frames are common in agricultural fields but your blind choice will depend heavily on where you target these birds.

SANDHILL CRANE DECOYS

Realistic Sandhill Crane Decoys are vital but can be expensive. There are a variety of decoys available for sandhill crane hunting, including full-body, shell, and silhouette decoys. Ultimately, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for, so choose decoys based on realism first, and price second.

SANDHILL CRANE IDENTIFICATION

Sandhill Crane Size

Sandhill cranes are one of the largest bird species found in North America, and their size can vary slightly depending on their subspecies. On average, adult sandhill cranes stand about four to five feet tall, with a wingspan that can range from six to seven feet. They have long necks, legs, and beaks, which gives them a distinctive appearance.

Sandhill cranes typically weigh between eight and twelve pounds, with males being slightly larger than females. The smallest subspecies of the Sandhill Crane is the lesser Sandhill Crane, which can weigh as little as five pounds, while the largest subspecies, the Canadian Sandhill crane, can weigh up to fourteen pounds. Despite their large size, sandhill cranes are capable of impressive aerial acrobatics.

WHOOPING CRANE VS SANDHILL CRANE

Whooping cranes and sandhill cranes are two species of large, long-legged birds that are found in North America. While they share some similarities, there are also several differences between the two species. Whooping cranes are slightly larger than sandhill cranes, they are mostly white with black wingtips and a red crown. In contrast, sandhill cranes are gray with a red crown and white cheeks.

Whooping cranes are a highly endangered species and are found only in a limited range in North America, primarily in the central and southern parts of the United States. Sandhill cranes, on the other hand, have a much wider range and are found throughout North America, from Alaska to Florida. Whooping cranes are critically endangered, with a population of only around 600 birds. In comparison, sandhill cranes have a population of around 700,000 birds. Whooping cranes are highly dependent on wetland habitats and require undisturbed areas for breeding and feeding. Sandhill cranes are more adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, wetlands, and agricultural fields.

WHAT DO SANDHILL CRANES EAT?

Sandhill cranes are omnivores and their diet varies depending on the season and availability of food. In general, sandhill cranes feed on a wide range of items including seeds, grains, small invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, and even small mammals. During the summer months, their diet is predominantly plant-based, consisting of grasses, sedges, and other wetland vegetation. In the winter, when food is scarce, they rely more heavily on animal sources such as insects, snails, and small mammals.

Sandhill cranes are also known to feed on agricultural crops such as corn,

wheat, and soybeans, which can help hunters in targeting them. Overall, sandhill cranes are opportunistic feeders and will consume whatever food is available in their habitat. Their diverse diet allows them to adapt to a variety of environments and thrive in different regions across North America.

ARE SANDHILL CRANES ENDANGERED?

It is a common misconception that sandhill cranes are endangered. Sandhill cranes are not currently considered to be endangered, but the status of their populations varies depending on the subspecies and geographic region. In general, sandhill crane populations have increased in recent decades. There are several subspecies of Sandhill Cranes, and some of them are more threatened than others. For example, the Florida sandhill crane, which is found only in Florida, has a population of around 5,000 and is listed as a threatened species. Similarly, the Mississippi sandhill crane, which is found only in a small area of Mississippi, has a population of around 130 birds and is listed as an endangered species. Overall, sandhill crane populations are stable or increasing across most of their range.

SANDHILL CRANE RECIPES

Sandhill crane meat is considered a delicacy by many hunters. The meat is described as having a rich, savory flavor and a tender texture. It’s often compared to beef and known affectionately as the “Ribeye in the Sky”. Because of its beefy flavor and texture, Sandhill Crane Recipes that highlight grilling or searing the meat are most often preferred.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON SANDHILL CRANE HUNTING

Sandhill crane hunting is a bucket list experience for many hunters. But with return hunters comprising 60-70% of all bookings, it might just move from a bucket list adventure to a yearly tradition for you and your hunting buddies. Do your research, get geared up, and get after them, you won’t regret making new memories and experiencing the thrill of a Sandhill Crane hunt.

Which Tractor Grapple is Right for Me?

BY JOE BAYA

As a recreational timberland owner, the need to move brush, timber slash, and downed trees is a constant requirement of stewarding my property to its maximum wildlife, economic, and aesthetic potential. No matter what type of land you are managing, tractor grapples stand as indispensable tools, making work more efficient, safer, and less strenuous. These highly versatile attachments are designed to grip, lift, and transport a variety of materials in different environments. As with every tractor component, attachment, and implement it is important that you understand the styles, types, uses, and features that are available to you. In this guide, we will do just that, as well as help you determine which choice is right for your needs.

TRACTOR GRAPPLE ATTACHMENT STYLES

Different tasks and materials require distinct tractor grapple attachment styles. Understanding the variations can help ensure you select the one that best meets your needs. Getting the wrong style can make your work frustrating and inefficient, not to mention cost you more money over the long term. Get the right style and you may find this to be the most useful attachment you own.

TRACTOR ROOT GRAPPLE AND TRACTOR BRUSH GRAPPLES

Tractor Root Grapple and Brush Grapples are two different names for essentially the same thing. While there are variations in designs, these grapples are at their best when clearing debris like roots, branches, and other scattered vegetation. They are also suitable for rocks and other loose materials. They are usually built with hydraulic claws that allow a wide range of motion, with tine spacing allowing dirt to fall through while holding onto the larger material.

The root grapple is considered to be the most versatile style for a variety of tractor work .

a significant amount of force, making hydraulic grapples particularly effective for handling heavy and large materials. They offer greater lifting and holding capacities as well as excellent control over the opening, closing, and pressure of the grapple, which can be fine-tuned to handle delicate tasks. This level of control can be crucial for preventing damage to the grapple, tractor, or material being handled.

Hydraulic grapples can be utilized in a wide range of tasks from clearing debris, logging, and handling scrap materials to construction applications. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles, which can be customized to specific tasks. Hydraulic grapples are robust and resilient, capable of functioning reliably in diverse weather conditions, including cold and wet environments where electric grapples may encounter issues. Hydraulic systems, due to their construction and operating principle, often have a longer lifespan than mechanical or electric grapples. They can withstand the demands of heavy-duty operations for extended periods. Overall, Hydraulic grapples are the most common type you will encounter and will give you the widest range of options in style, design, and function.

Hydraulic grapples offer the widest variety of options, styles, and capabilities

MECHANICAL GRAPPLE

TRACTOR PALLET FORK GRAPPLE

This type features a set of pallet forks with a grapple arm. They are designed for transporting palletized items securely, particularly useful when dealing with unstable or irregularly shaped loads that require additional support to prevent tipping.

TRACTOR GRAPPLE BUCKET

Essentially a standard loader bucket with a grapple claw mechanism on the top, these attachments are great for moving a mix of materials, such as soil and debris. Their enclosed structure makes them ideal for carrying loose or small materials without spillage. They are typically most useful in environments where materials are being moved on flat surfaces like concrete.

TRACTOR GRAPPLE ATTACHMENT TYPES

Along with the various styles of tractor grapples, there are also different types of opening and closing mechanisms that you may choose depending on the type of front-end loader you currently have.

HYDRAULIC GRAPPLE

Hydraulic tractor grapples have several key advantages over their mechanical and electric counterparts. Hydraulic systems use fluid pressure to generate

Mechanical grapples operate using simple mechanical systems, typically relying on the dump and curl function of your front-end loader to open and close the jaws of the grapple. This simplicity typically results in a lower upfront cost compared to hydraulic or electric grapples. If your front-end loader does not currently have a 3rd function, you can potentially find an option that will not require you to add a 3rd function valve kit. Mechanical grapples do not risk electrical issues in damp or wet conditions as well as damage to electric cables in harsh environments.

While mechanical grapples have the advantage in terms of lower upfront cost, due to their design, they do not have the lift height operation that hydraulic and electric grapples do, meaning stacking debris or loading it into high-top trailers will be an issue. Additionally, mechanical grapples cannot be fine-tuned for precise work. These types of grapples are generally limited in the scope of the work they can accomplish and are more of a hobbyist / occasional use type of attachment. While the upfront investment may be lower, if you find yourself looking for an upgrade in the future, you may find the resale opportunities for this attachment to be challenging as most tractor owners will be looking for hydraulic options.

ELECTRIC GRAPPLE

Electric tractor grapples are a newer technology compared to their hydraulic and mechanical counterparts. Electric grapples usually have fewer moving parts and don’t require fluid changes or checks, reducing the maintenance demand compared to hydraulic systems. As with mechanical grapples, electric grapples do

not require a 3rd function on the front-end loader but they may have limitations in extremely wet or dirty conditions, and their lifting and holding capacities may not match those of hydraulic grapples.

POINTS TO CONSIDER IN THE BEST GRAPPLE FOR TRACTOR WORK

Homestead Implements is an industry leader in the world of tractor grapples and other front-end attachments and 3-point implements. With years of experience under their belt and a commitment to quality, innovation, and making their products in America, they have managed to carve out an excellent reputation for providing robust, efficient, and dependable implements. Their customer-centric approach and dedication to providing excellent service and support ensure users are equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to optimize their productivity. I recently caught up with Travis Hoyt of Homestead Implements to learn what potential tractor grapple owners need to consider when considering their options.

COMPACT AND SUB COMPACT TRACTOR GRAPPLE FAQS

Q: Is there a rule of thumb that you give people as far as grapple weights go?

A: “You want to be as light as possible while still maintaining strength. And the strength comes from different places. It comes from the materials that you use. Our grapple designs have lots of gussets as well as AR 450 steel. It’s a high abrasion resistance, very tough steel, while also having the reinforcements in the right places to make sure that you’re not having issues where if you pick something up and it does happen to slide, it’s not going to bend something.”

Q: Do you need a specific grapple if you are running a sub-compact tractor vs a compact or Utility Tractor?

A: “We have three different styles of grapples, we have a subcompact grapple, which weighs 190 pounds, with ¼ inch AR 450 steel, and we recommend it for anything under 25 horsepower, and with a lifting capacity of 1000 pounds. For your 40-horsepower tractor, a standard root grapple will be perfect. A 55-inch standard root grapple is 302 pounds, it’s got 5/16 AR 450 steel, reinforced gussets, and the whole nine yards with it, and that’d be perfect for your compact tractors. So at 302 pounds, that’s an immense amount of lifting capacity you still have plus the way that our grapples are designed, it sits very close to where the end of your SSQA is. So if you need to pick something a little heavier up, you can roll it back and tilt it and you won’t be losing that extra capacity.”

Q: How do you determine which style of grapple is right for you?

A: When you get into rock grapples, grapple buckets, pallet fork grapples, etc. you’re typically using them for a sole purpose. While they’re very good at what they do they’re not as versatile as a root grapple. The name implies that you can use it for ripping up roots, but they have a million and a half other uses that go with them.

Q: How do you choose the right width?

A: The width depends on what you’re doing. If you’re in the middle of the woods getting trails cleared out then a root grapple a little bit closer in width to your tractor will be better because it’s more maneuverable. If you’re out in the middle of the open field you can have a little bit wider grapple and it’s not really going to interfere with anything. The biggest thing that we tell people is you want to get as close to the width of your tractor as possible. Typically the width of your bucket is also a good standard.”

Q: One of the things that shut you down immediately would be a busted hydraulic hose So when somebody’s looking at a grapple, what did they need to look for in terms of the placement of those hoses?

A: That is a common thing, a lot of people do have sticks or debris that sometimes snag hoses. What we do to prevent that is to run our hoses behind a C channel on the inside of the grapple. And so this C channel actually protects the hoses all the way down along the edges of the grapple. Another thing is sometimes you’ll see that the hoses will rub against the grapple. And they’ll start to chafe and cause issues. We run our hoses in a way that they sweep away from the metal edges so that you won’t have that issue as well. They have a little bit of play so that they can move freely, but they are protected from whatever you’re working on. Another problem with hydraulics can be when you’re hooking up your grapple. On some designs, if you aren’t careful when attaching the implement you can hit these cylinders and bust them up. We design our grapples with metal ears that protect the hydraulic cylinders themselves. So you can just hook up and not worry about hitting the cylinders.

Designs that protect your hydraulic hoses and cylinders are critical to look for

Q: You guys manufacture your implements in America . What are you getting with an American-made product that you may not be getting from products manufactured overseas?

A: The biggest thing is American quality, you’re getting true good quality stuff. So all of the steel that we use, we get it from North America. We use Hardox AR 450, it’s higher abrasion resistance steel and we get that from the United States. Everything’s welded, powder coated, and assembled in our facility in Jamestown, New York. You’re getting customer service, you’re talking to a real person, whenever you buy from us, from an American company in general, you get to talk to someone who can relate to you and help you out if you have an issue. Or if you have a question about the equipment or what you can use it for. We’re always there to help you out.

HOW TO USE A GRAPPLE ON A TRACTOR - BEST PRACTICES AND MISTAKES TO AVOID

To ensure maximum effectiveness and longevity of your grapple, it’s vital to adhere to the following best practices and avoid common mistakes that create damage. Before you start, familiarize yourself with the specifications of your tractor and the grapple attachment. Knowing their respective weight limits, load capacities, and operating procedures is crucial for safe and efficient usage. Prior to the operation, check the grapple for any signs of wear and tear or damage. Look out for broken tines, hydraulic leaks, and ensure that all pins and bolts are securely fastened.

When picking up an object, approach it straight on with the grapple tines aligned correctly. Uneven loading can put excessive stress on one side of the grapple, potentially leading to damage. Ensure the load is balanced within the grapple. An unbalanced load can make the tractor unstable and risk tipping over, especially when transporting the load over uneven terrain. Never exceed the load capacity of the grapple or the tractor’s lifting capacity.

Avoid jerky movements while operating the grapple. Smooth and controlled movements help to reduce stress on the grapple, the tractor, and the load. When transporting materials, keep the load as low as possible to maintain a low center of gravity, improving the tractor’s stability. Avoid raking backward with the lid of the grapple, pulling stumps, and pushing over trees. While these are tempting practices to undertake and you may get away with them a time or two, eventually you will face the consequences of repeated abuse. Regularly maintaining the grapple will ensure it remains in good working condition. This includes greasing the pivot points, inspecting hydraulic lines, and replacing worn-out parts.

By following these best practices, you can ensure your safety while optimizing the performance and lifespan of your grapple attachment. It’s always a good idea to consult the manufacturer’s manual for specific instructions related to your particular model of tractor and grapple.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON TRACTOR GRAPPLES

In the vast landscape of tractor attachments, tractor grapples undoubtedly stand as indispensable tools that dramatically enhance productivity and efficiency. No matter which direction you decide to go, each type and style offers unique benefits that cater to diverse operational needs. Companies like Homestead Implements continue to innovate tractor grapples that address the evolving demands of the industry, but, as we’ve explored, choosing the right grapple is only half the equation. Knowing how to use and maintain it correctly is equally critical. As a tool that truly transforms your daily operations, a tractor grapple is a worthwhile investment that will earn its keep in the long run.

Catfish Courtbuillon

Prep: 25 mins • Cook: 30 mins • Total: 55 mins

Ingredients

SAUCE

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 small white or yellow onion, minced

• 2 celery stalks, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, minced

• 1 serrano or jalapeno pepper, minced

• 2 Roma or plum tomatoes, seeded and diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 tablespoon Cajun or Creole seasoning

• 1/2 cup dry white wine

• 1 1/2 cups chicken or seafood stock

FISH

• 5 tablespoons bacon fat or lard

• 1 to 2 pounds skinless fish fillets

• 1/2 cup flour

• 1/2 cup fine cornmeal, a/k/a “fish fry” (Look for Louisiana plain fish fry)

• 1/3 cup minced fresh parsley

• 1/4 cup minced chives or scallions

• 5 to 10 basil leaves, torn up.

• Lemon juice to taste

Instructions

1. Make the sauce. Heat the butter in a large frying pan over medium high heat and saute the onion, celery, red pepper and serrano until soft, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the garlic, tomato, thyme and Cajun seasoning and let this cook another minute or two, then pour in the white wine and bring to a boil. Let this boil down by half, then add the stock and simmer this uncovered for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat, cover the pan and set aside.

3. In another frying pan, heat the bacon fat. Mix the flour and cornmeal. Salt the catfish fillets, then dust them in the flour mixture. Fry the fish over medium-high heat until nicely browned, about 3 to 5 minutes per side.

4. Drain any extra fat, leaving only about a tablespoon. Add the sauce to the pan with the fish, add the chopped herbs and lemon juice to taste. Swirl it all in the pan to mix. To serve, carefully lift a fish fillet with a long spatula, or two spatulas, and set on individual plates. Spoon over some sauce and serve with steamed rice.

Scallop Ceviche

This is a Baja California style ceviche, where you marinate the scallop in a mix of lime and tomato juice, or V8 Spicy Hot if you like. You can use fish and clams, too.

Prep: 15 mins • Marinate: 30 min • Total Time: 45 mins

Ingredients

• 1 5 ounce can V8 Spicy Hot (or tomato juice)

• 1/4 cup lime juice

• 1/4 cup clam juice

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• A few dashes of Maggi seasoning (optional)

• 1 cup minced red onion or shallot

• 1-pound scallops

• Minced small, hot chiles, to taste

• 1 tablespoon minced fresh Mexican oregano, or 1 teaspoon dried

• 1/4 cup minced cilantro

• 1/2 cup chopped sea beans (optional)

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (optional)

Instructions

1. Mix together the V8 or tomato juice, lime juice, clam juice, Worcestershire sauce and Maggi, if using. Mix in the minced shallot and scallops, chiles and oregano. Let this steep in the fridge for 30 minutes.

2. Mix in the remaining ingredients and serve with tortilla chips or on tostadas.

NEW & Cool gear

BY WILLIAM KENDY

Riton Optics Announces the New 5 TACTIX 1-10x24 Riflescope

The Riton optics First Focal plane 1-10×24 (LPVO) offering red dot capabilities with fast target acquisition on 1 power to long range precision work on 10 power is now available. Plus, with Riton’s Dual Throw Lever System (Patent Pending), you can easily and quickly switch between magnification powers on the fly. This versatility makes it an ideal choice for hunters, sports and tactical shooters

Suggested Retail Price: $959.99 www .RitonOptics .com

Dryshod Introduces the Waterproof Work/ Outdoor Boots

The Dryshod Mudcat offers a lightweight, durable and abrasion-resistant outsole and its direct-attached vulcanized construction ensures that the outsole won’t separate and will last the lifetime of the boot. It also features a scalloped shank area to improve lateral and torsional stability to help prevent “roll” on uneven terrain or reduced areas such as ladder rungs and small side steps.

Suggested Retail Price: starting at $129.95 www dryshodusa com

Ozonic HR230 Provides Effect Scent Control

Hunting from a blind can conceal your location and hide movements but it can’t conceal your scent. That is where the Ozonics HR230 comes into play. Just the right size for hunting from a blind or a stand, the 230 provides all of the odor destroying ozone you need to go undetected in your quest to ambush game. It weighs 14 ounces and runs off a standard battery.

Suggested Retail Price: $299.99 www.ozonicshunting.co

Abu-Garcia Veritas Rods Provide Performance at an Affordable Price

The Abu-Garcia line of Veritas rods utilizes a lightweight graphite blank construction strengthened by the use of Powerlux 100 resin technology, which disperses nano particles between the carbon fibers.and helps prevent cracks in the blank. It features ten titanium alloy guides along with zirconium inserts to keep weight low and sensitivity high. It has weather resistant EVA foam split grips and an ergometrically designed reel seat.

Suggested Retail Price: Starting at $99.00

www .abugarcia .com

Axiom Space 400E-220-AXM Elite Navy Cerakote® Bullet Space Pen

The Fisher Space pen will write upside down, under water, over oil and grease, in minus 30 to 250+ degrees and lasts three times longer than the average ballpoint pen. Sporting Cerakote® technology it offers unmatched abrasion, corrosion and chemical resistance all in a compact well balanced writing tool. The Fisher Space Pen belongs in every outdoorsman’s field pack.

Suggested Retail Price: $46.00

www .spacepen .com

ESCORT Shotguns® Offers a Classic SemiAutomatic Model

Thanks to the self-regulating SMART® Valve Piston system the Supreme effortlessly cycles both 2 3/4” and 3” magnum rounds, from 7/8 ounce up to 2 ounce magnum loads. Whether you’re shooting light loads or heavy magnums, this shotgun ensures consistent reliability and reduced recoil. It has an adjustable high-grade glossy Turkish walnut stock with an adjustable rubber buttpad to aid in recoil absorption.

Suggested Retail Price: $619.00

www hatsanusa com

Mammoth Coolers’ Live Bait Bucket Makes the Perfect Angler Companion

The durable double-wall rotomolded bucket/cooler with a freezer-grade lid maintains and regulates desired water temperature to prolong the life of bait fish. Its round construction keeps minnows and shiners swimming freely without bumping into hard corners. A built-in bracket can securely hold an aerator, and the lid’s hose hole can fit an optional oxygen line or aerator tubing.

Suggested Retail Price: $129.99

www mammothcooler com

Raven Compact R18S Crossbow is a Game Changer

The R18S measures just 18 inches long and 25 inches long with the addition of its removable stock. It is just 4.75 inches wide, only 1.3 inches between the axles when cocked and weighs only six pounds. Its power comes through Raven’s proprietary VertiCo Cam System, which rotates 720 degrees on ultrasmall cams. The R18S pushes a 400-grain bolt to 360 feet per second and comes equipped with a three-dot reflex sight.

Suggested Retail Price: $2023.99

www .ravincrossbows .com

Halco Hamma 105 Suspending Lure

The Hamma 105 lure, from the Australian lure manufacturer, Halco, is a clear-bodied suspending lure specially designed to allow anglers to quickly switch out lips to accommodate different lure sizes and weights. Measuring just over four inches long it features extra-strong holding Mustad 3XX treble hooks and can be worked with either a slow or fast retrieve and is ideal for fishing “snaggy” situations.

Suggested Retail Price: $13.00

www . halcotackle .com

ALPS Mountaineering Presents New Fellis Tent Series

Constructed of recycled fabrics the Fellis comes in a one-, two- and three-person configuration, has dual 7000 series aluminum poles with snap-over pole clips for easy and quick assembly. It incorporates mesh storage pockets and a gear-loft and vestibules for gear storage, buckle-on weatherproof fly and factory-sealed seams for maximum weather protection.

Suggested Retail Price: $149-$249.00 (Depends on model)

www .alpsmountaineering .com

Don’t Miss the Alabama Deep Sea Rodeo’s 90th annual event

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

Dauphin Island will be the epicenter of saltwater fishing this July when the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo (ADSFR) celebrates its 90th annual event, scheduled July 20-23 at the rodeo site on the island.

What many people may not know is the ADSFR is the largest saltwater fishing tournament in the nation with more than 4,000 anglers participating in the threeday competition. Anglers have a chance to score prizes in more than 30 fish categories. More than 75,000 spectators visit the rodeo site during the weekend to view the fish bin loaded with the day’s catch and to enjoy the numerous amenities.

One of the reasons I visit the rodeo each year is to see the phenomenal fishing that Alabama has to offer. I watch anglers from all over the nation weigh in inshore species, like speckled trout

and redfish, to the Gulf species, like king mackerel, reef fish and yellowfin tuna. It’s truly something to behold. Weighing in big fish isn’t the only benefit of the rodeo. It greatly enhances the scientific data that is crucial to the management of the fish species in the northern Gulf of Mexico.

For instance, the rodeo brought back the shark category to last year’s rodeo after consulting with marine scientists to ensure harvesting a small number of sharks would not have any ecological impact on the numerous species. The good news is the number of sharks in the Gulf of Mexico is in good shape. The scientists, Dr. Sean Powers of the University of South Alabama and Dr. Marcus Drymon of Mississippi State University, said the rodeo would be a great venue to study the sharks brought to the rodeo site.

Marine scientists were able to collect valuable data from the sharks weighed in at last year’s Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo .

Photo by Billy Pope

To keep the shark harvest to a minimum, the 90th rodeo will limit the shark category to only two species – tiger and bull. The rodeo also created minimum sizes for the same reason, including making the shark species easier to identify and providing the larger individuals for scientific study. The minimum size for both species is 80 inches total length.

As former Director of the Alabama Marine Resources Division, I learned that with anglers is trying to differentiate between the shark species, especially bull sharks and the protected sandbar shark, can pose a problem for anglers. Dr. Powers offers these suggestions, “The bull shark is stocky, and the dorsal fin is not as big. But the main difference is a sandbar shark has a ridge down its back from its dorsal fin to its caudal fin. A bull shark does not have a ridge. If it has ridges, it better have stripes (tiger shark) to keep it.”

At the rodeo, marine scientists collect vertebrae for aging because sharks don’t have otoliths (ear bones). They also collect reproductive organs, fins, livers and muscle tissue as well as samples of bile, gall bladders and kidneys to assess overall health.

Don’t forget, anglers who participate in the rodeo’s shark categories are required to possess an Atlantic HMS (highly migratory species) permit with a shark endorsement (hmspermits. noaa.gov) from NOAA Fisheries.

At last year’s rodeo, tiger sharks took the top nine places on the leaderboard. James Mullek-Russell weighed in a 674.2-pound tiger to win the category, followed by Ethan Miller’s 658.4-pounder and Brett Rutledge’s 630.8-pounder. The top bull shark of the rodeo was a 434.2-pounder weighed in by Eric Vandrlessche.

One thing that is uncertain as I’m writing this is whether Alabama’s signature reef fish, the red snapper, will be among the rodeo categories. We certainly hope so, but the National Marine Fisheries Service instituted a calibration rule that cut Alabama’s 2023 red snapper quota in half to 558,200 pounds. We are working through the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council to increase Alabama’s quota as soon as possible. However, with 558,200 pounds, we still expect Alabama anglers to have a productive season, and we hope the rodeo anglers will be able to enjoy weighing in this signature species.

Red snapper is also a valuable research species for Dr. Powers, professor and director of the new University of South Alabama School of Marine and Environmental Sciences and head rodeo judge, said about 800 samples are collected each day of the rodeo from all categories.

Powers said the large red snapper specimens from the rodeo provide excellent data about egg production as the fish ages. Red snapper become sexually mature between 3 and 4 years old. Research indicates that most of the fishery off Alabama is likely 3- to 6-year-olds that weigh between 4 and 7 pounds. Maximum egg production occurs once a female reaches about 15 pounds. What Dr. Powers is interested in with the larger rodeo fish is if the egg production falls after the snapper reaches a certain size.

The largest red snapper at last year’s rodeo was a 27.2-pounder weighed in by Hyler Krebs. Clint Sheppard had a 26.77-pounder,

followed by Edgar Miller with a 25.75-pounder.

Research will also continue on flounder, a popular inshore species that appears to be on the rebound after several years of scarcity. Dr. Powers will be using new technology that the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources helped procure to analyze the otoliths of flounder, both the more common southern flounder and the Gulf flounder. By studying the chemistry of the otoliths, researchers can construct the chemical environment a fish was exposed to from its fingerling stage to large enough to meet Alabama’s minimum size limit of 14 inches. By analyzing the chemistry, scientists can look at salinity history and determine where the flounder likely spent most of its life.

For those with younger anglers, the 64th annual Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament will be held Saturday, July 15, at the rodeo site. The event is open to anglers 15 years old and younger. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased before the event or at the rodeo site on tournament day.

The ADSFR kicks off at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 20, with the Captain T-Bone’s Liars Contest. The fishing starts with a cannon blast at 5 a.m. on Friday, July 21, and the event will end with a cannon blast at 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 23. The weigh station will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Visit www.adsfr.com for details about the event, including tickets, rules and regulations.

Look at your calendars and plan a trip to Dauphin Island and see how great the fishing is on the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast.

The 800 Pound Gorilla in the Room is……

Technology and social media have produced a new generation of killers not hunters .

At the end of last month’s article, I promised to address what I feel is the one issue that most people do not want to discuss. Before I reveal that gorilla, let me try to make a couple of things perfectly clear. Every living thing has three basic needs: food, water, and cover. To manage wildlife, one must look at these most basic needs and figure out any limiting factors to providing those things to wildlife.

talked about reasons are predation, loss of habitat, and changing environmental conditions, and each reason has very passionate cheerleaders on the topic. Additionally, a lack of research that can identify the exact reason for the decline is often used by many for recommending continuing the status quo on seasons and bag limits.

BY CHARLES “CHUCK” SYKES

Director of the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF)

That seems pretty simple, doesn’t it? Wildlife management used to be a 50/50 blend of art and science. Science dictates the foundational basis for management decisions. Then art comes into the equation by figuring out creative ways to accomplish the goals. Today that 50/50 has been altered to 80/20 with wildlife science being the 20%. Unfortunately, political science and social science has trumped wildlife science on many issues. I’m afraid this is the case with declining turkey populations around the country. Sound wildlife science is losing the battle of public acceptance.

Each individual or group has their own opinions as to the cause of the turkey decline. The most

One smoking gun will never arise as the sole cause of the turkey decline. Nothing in wildlife management is that simple. A combination of factors is always to blame. Habitat changes have been taking place for eons. Is habitat loss a factor in turkey decline, absolutely. But, if we stop all development, will the turkeys automatically rebound? No.

Are predator numbers increasing? Yes. But if all predators were removed and nothing else was done, would the turkeys automatically rebound? No. If global warming, climate change, or another the buzz word of the day stops, will turkey numbers come back? No.

What if we stopped all turkey hunting in the country but predator numbers, habitat loss, and

environmental changes continued; would turkey numbers stabilize? Doubtful. In my opinion, a combination of all these factors must be adjusted for numbers to rebound.

Since the times of the post-stocking of wild turkeys, habitat loss, predators, and environmental factors have all played a role in turkey numbers. But what has changed the most over the past decade when it comes to turkey hunting? In my opinion it is technology and attitudes.

So, I feel that for turkey numbers to rebound, hunters’ attitudes must change. To quote Michael Jackson, “I’m starting with the man in the mirror. I’m asking him to change his ways. And no message could’ve been any clearer. If they wanna make the world a better place, Take a look at yourself and then make a change.”

I think the King of Pop nailed the turkey decline in the lyrics of Man in the Mirror. The 800-pound gorilla in the room regarding the turkey decline is those who pursue them, and I’m not referring to them as hunters. Many are simply killers that have little to no respect for the bird they hunt. Their main goal is to kill a bird at any cost so an inappropriate photo/video can be posted on social media as quickly as possible.

Before everyone gets their feathers ruffled, let me dive a bit deeper into what I’m referring to. Here are just a few observations that lead me to the conclusion that “turkey hunters” are the key to reversing the decline.

Each Monday morning, I receive a detailed report from law enforcement on the previous week’s citations, warnings, and hunter contacts. During the first 10 days of the season (including youth weekend), we had citations in more than half of the 67 counties. Citations included hunting without a license, adults hunting during youth weekend, hunting prior to opening day, using decoys during the first 10 days, and the biggest of them all, hunting over feed.

More than 80 citations were written for hunting by the aid of bait. Sadly, quite a few of these involved people taking kids. What kind of example is that setting for new hunters? Where have hunter ethics and morals gone?

Ethics and morals cannot be legislated or regulated. People continue to hunt without licenses, hunt out of season, exceed the daily and seasonal bag limits, fail to record their harvests, and many other violations despite the laws and regulations that are in place.

In addition to the illegal activities mentioned above, plenty of other hunter behaviors are contributing to the turkey decline. If you take just a minute to peruse social media during March and April, I bet you’ll find numerous invitations to participate in a Turkey Rodeo. What started out as good clean fun has turned into a money-making enterprise at the expense of the turkey population.

Anytime money gets thrown into the equation, temptations arise for normally ethical hunters to do unethical things to collect a price. Years ago, bragging rights were the ultimate prize. Today, thousands of dollars in cash and prizes are given away at most of these events.

Technology can be an incredible asset when it works and is used properly. On the flip side, it can be used in ways that blur the lines between right and wrong. Drones are being used to find turkeys on permitted properties and adjoining properties. Cellular trail cameras are being used to not just pattern turkeys, but to be able to find turkeys immediately with an email or text notification. TSS shot now enables one to extend the effective range of a shotgun to distances once thought unattainable or imaginable.

GPS maps on cell phones, Thermacells, comfortable chairs, lightweight guns with optics, specialized choke tubes, realistic decoys, pop-up blinds, trail

cameras, and many other gadgets are making people much more effective killers. Don’t think I’m saying all of these things are evil because I’m not. I use many of these. I’m simply saying that people being much more effective must be taken into consideration.

In the not-too-distant past, most “turkey hunters” held a sacred view of wild turkeys. The highest levels of reverence and respect were given to how wild turkeys were hunted and harvested. A harvested bird was earned, never disgraced but given the utmost respect.

Has current turkey hunting technology diminished this view and led to the “turkey shooter” mindset of “as long as it’s legal, kill ’em however you want to?” Older hunters likely developed respect of the bird and its hunting because they didn’t have all of today’s technology and gadgets back when they were learning how to hunt them. With continued turkey population declines, it may be time to check if we’ve gone too far over the fair chase starting line.

Wild turkeys are the only ground-nesting bird that is hunted during the breeding season. Our disturbance in the spring woods couldn’t help but have a negative impact on their success. Research is needed in some areas to help fill in a few gaps. But the best research in the world is worthless unless the public has buy-in. The best rules and regulations are only as good as the people who obey them. Selfishness and greed can’t be overcome with legislation or regulation.

The state agency can’t mandate a landowner to perform sound habitat management like prescribed burning, proper timber thinning, predator control, etc. Just like the agency can’t force compliance with rules and regulations. So, until the mindset of many of today’s hunters changes, the future of turkeys and turkey hunting is in trouble. When the love of the bird and the love of the hunt surpasses the love of self that these people are displaying, I’ll start to have hope again.

Best Fishfinders for Kayak Anglers

BY ED MASHBURN

As technology has progressed, electronic sonar fish finders have steadily gotten smaller and lighter, and this makes a sophisticated tool like fish finders quite useful and applicable for kayak anglers. Kayak anglers always must deal with limited space and limited locations for add-on tools, but fishfinders have become small enough and flexible enough that almost any kayak angler can use this undeniably effective tool.

POINTS TO CONSIDER

Size and Portability - All of the models we’re highlighting in this article are smaller, easy to transport and apply fish finders. Each angler will have to take time to look at the layout of the kayak and decide how much actual room is available for a fish finder- there are differences from kayak to kayak.

Display - This is a very important point. A great fishfinder with a poor display screen is not a good choice. Kayak anglers will often be wearing sunglasses, and this can affect the way a fish finder display screen looks. Brightness of the screen display is important, and the screen display needs to

be adjustable to match existing conditions. Again, each angler will need to examine potential fish finders to determine which display works best.

Transducer - All fish finder units have some sort of transducer- that’s the part which sends the actual sonar beam out through the water, and some transducers must be more or less permanently mounted in the kayak. Some transducers require an actual hole to be cut to mount the transducer. Again, each angler will want to decide which transducer system works best for her/his needs.

GPS and Mapping - One of the truly crucial benefits of using a fish finder on a kayak is that many of the modern fish finder units also have GPS display and mapping functions. This allows kayak anglers to find their way back to launch while fishing a complicated marsh system. Also, mapping features can help re-locate good offshore fishing spots- places where there are no visual clues to help determine location.

Battery - Each fish finder unit will have some sort of power unit, and this can range from

Photos by Ed Mashburn

More expensive but best overall fishfinder is the Humminbird unit .

a big 12 volt battery to a few small AA batteries. Some anglers can do quite well with the small battery systems, and some kayak anglers need the full-size battery to power a more involved and powerful fish finder unit. As in all features of fish finders, each angler will have different specific needs, and no single fish finder will work well for all anglers.

OUR PICKS

BEST OVERALL FISHFINDER FOR KAYAKS

Hummingbird 410950-1 Helix 7 CHIRP

7-Inch screen with 800H x 480V resolution color TFT display

Mega Side Imaging: see the world below like never before with crystal-clear viewing out to 125 feet on either side of your boat

Mega Down Imaging: Get unprecedented underwater clarity with coverage down to 125 feet below your boat

Powered by our proprietary, Low Q CHIRP transducer, Dual Spectrum CHIRP offers two ways to search: wide mode for maximum coverage and narrow mode for maximum detail

Includes transducer and mounting hardware, power cable and gimbal mounting bracket

Power Input - 10.8-20 VDC. Power Output Peak-to-Peak - 4000 Watts. Power Output RMS - 500 Watts $881

BEST FISHFINDER FOR THE MONEY

Lowrance Hook 2 4X Billet GPS

Available in five screen sizes: 4”, 5”, 7”, 9” and 12”

High-resolution, SolarMAX display

Autotuning sonar

Double the CHIRP sonar coverage of most fishfinders

Broadband Sounder, High CHIRP, SideScan and DownScan Imaging™ sonar options

Full chartplotter and basic GPS navigation options

Preloaded C-MAP US Inland Mapping or C-MAP® US Coastal mapping (not available on HOOK2 X models)

Three transducer options available – TripleShot 3-in-1 sonar, SplitShot 2-in-1 sonar and Bullet $135

BEST GPS FISHFINDER

Garmin 010-01550-9 Striker 4

3.5-inch CHIRP Fishfinder with GPS

Easy-to-use 3.5-inch color fishfinder with built-in, high-sensitivity

GPS

Find fish; mark and return to hot spots, docks and ramps

Convenient keypad operation

Includes CHIRP (77/200 kHz) sonar transducer; transmit power (200 W RMS)/(1,600 W peak-to-peak)

Upgrade to high performance CHIRP with a GT8 or GT15 transducer (each sold separately

$117

AND FOR THE BASIC, BARE NECESSITIES- BEST PORTABLE FISHFINDER

Lucky Fish Finder

For those kayak anglers who, like me, try to keep things as very simple and basic as possible on the kayak, there is the Lucky Fishfinder. This little unit offers very few of the advanced features of the higher end fish finders, but it does record and indicate water depth and also it does show fish. That’s about it.

However, this little unit is very small and portable- it fits in a jacket pocket, and it can be taken from one boat to another. The transducer simply is lowered into the water- no need for any kind of hull modifications.

And the best thing about this little rock-bottom fishfinder is the price. This little fish finder can be obtained online for around $50.

FAQ DO I NEED A FISHFINDER ON MY KAYAK?

This is up to the individual. If the kayak is used in big, deep water or complicated marsh situations, a fishfinder/GPS unit can be very helpful. If the kayak is used simply floating and fishing from point A to takeout point B, the fish finder might not be a good idea.

HOW TO INSTALL A FISH FINDER ON A KAYAK?

This isn’t rocket science. All fishfinder units come with detailed installation instructions. It basically comes down to positioning the transducer correctly, mounting the display screen, and setting up the battery. Each angler will have preferences for location of screen for best viewing.

HOW TO POWER A FISHFINDER- BATTERY SIZE?

This varies according to fishfinder unit. Some have very small batteries, but most full-size units will require a full size battery. This battery must be located in a well-balanced, secure location where the battery will not shift and slide during use,

For kayak anglers, having a fishfinder equipped kayak is a major improvement in their chances for locating and catching some big fish. Fishfinders have come down in size, cost and complexity, so there’s really no reason for kayak anglers to not use technology to improve their fishing.

Gulf Coast Fishing Outlook

July is an excellent month for Tarpon! Don Guinn with a big Alabama silver king! Photo courtesy Chris Vecsey

BY CHRIS VECSEY

MISSISSIPPI

The barrier islands off the Mississippe coast will be red hot this month with a variety of fish species, but big speckled trout and redfish will be the main two targets.

This is a great time of year to use bigger baits and lures to headhunt for larger fish. Live croakers and mullet are top picks. Baits in the four to seven inch range will help cut down on smaller bycatch. These baits should be freelined or fished on shorter carolina rigs.

For artificials, larger topwaters like the Heddon Super Spook, Mirrolure 27MR and Slick Lure are good choices. These larger-

profiled lures will cut down on bycatch like ladyfish. It also pays to increase leader size to 30 pounds when fishing these lures to avoid cutoffs.

This is prime time to “run and gun” through the sound, looking for surface action. Bull redfish and jack crevalle will create some incredible surface frenzies as they pursue push large bait schools. A large variety of lures will work in these scenarios but bucktail jigs, spoons and swimbaits are generally best since they excel in castability and come in a wide array of colors and sizes.

Tarpon will make a showing in the sound and

are always a possibility through the month. Live baits of menhaden are mullet are top picks along with large swimbaits.

Tripletail will begin to stack up on inshore debris, channel markers and tidelines. These fish are usually easy to spot as they are on their sides near the surface. There are many lures and baits that’ll prove effective on tripletail, but nothing beats a live shrimp. Baits can be fished several ways, but the most common approach is suspending baits beneath floats.

ALABAMA

Surf fishing will be very good along Alabama’s beaches this month, especially around Dauphin Island and Fort Morgan. Working troughs and cuts along the inside sandbars with topwaters and twitch baits can produce quality including specks along with redfish and other species. The bite is usually an early in the morning one, so being on the sand before sunrise can be critical at times. Bouncing soft plastic grubs and paddle tails in the troughs will increase the odds with flounder as well.

Just off the beachfront, tarpon will be milling around just past the sandbar. Intercepting these fish with live baits like threadfin herring and bumper (locally called “Crazy Fish”) is the common tactic, although many are taken by sight casting big plastic swimbaits like the Hogy Pro Tail. Tackle needs to be stout for these big, migrating fish. Baits can be freelined or suspended beneath a balloon or large float.

Snapper fishing will continue through the early part of the month but there are plenty of other options both on bottom and along the surface. The bluewater bite will be very good as long as clean, high-salinity water stays within reach. Subscribe to a satellite imaging provider like Hilton’s Realtime Navigator to monitor offshore conditions. Tuna, Wahoo, Billfish and Mahi Mahi are certainly on the table even for smaller boats when blue water moves inshore. Listen to local podcast reports and check with your local tackle shops for advice on where and how.

FLORIDA PANHANDLE

The panhandle’s abundant natural bottom areas will be a reliable playground for anglers this month and for a wide variety of species. Structures in 70-200 feet deep will be alive with vermilion, lane, mangrove and red snapper as well as many other reef species and pelagics like king mackerel, cobia and wahoo.

To take advantage of the many species available, it’s wise to play the field with different techniques and rigging styles.

For vermilion and lane snapper, porgies and others, two-hook “chicken rigs” are usually best. Small pieces of squid or cut bonito

will work well in addition to smaller live baits like pinfish or LYs (sardines). For bigger bottom dwellers, carolina rigs with larger live and dead baits will do.

For big mangrove snapper, freeline chunks of sardine and cigar minnows or fish on lightweight “knocker rigs” while positioning over reefs and wrecks. Mangroves can be very tackle wary and scaling down in leader and hook size will lead to better success.

For pelagics like wahoo and king mackerel, “bump trolling” live and dead baits like cigar minnows and blue runners works very well. Pull these baits around natural bottom areas, artificial reefs and bottom contour lines. These baits can also be drift-fished in the same areas.

Further offshore, there will be loads of opportunity around the Okaloosa County FADs. Mahi mahi, wahoo, tuna, and billfish are all possibilities throughout the month.

Many techniques will produce here, including trolling, live baiting, jigging and more. It’s worth the rigging time to have rods rigged for a variety of methods before heading for the FADs. Checking the latest satellite imaging from Hilton’s Realtime-Navigator will help in determining which FADs are in the best water conditions as well.

Contact Information

Pier & Shore Fishing Outlook

Snobbling is the quintessential time-honored pier fishing technique of moving a dead baitfish, to make it look like a dying baitfish.

FISHING IS HOTTER THAN A JUNE BUG IN A BONFIRE!

When July weather takes hold along the Emerald Coast, there can be no doubt it is summertime. Morning low temperatures are usually in the middle 70s to near 80, and afternoon highs are in the low to mid 90s, with high humidity to match! Even the water temperature languishes in the middle 80s. Some fish species avoid or abandon the sultry surfzone, which is now dominated by jacks and bluefish. But there are many possibilities.

BY DAVID THORNTON

Ordinarily we have near calm surf and wind conditions in July, with few truly breezy days. Diurnal heat-driven land breezes and sea breezes are the predominate wind pattern now. But that can be greatly affected by the location and intensity of any nearby thundershowers, or tropical disturbances out in the Gulf of Mexico. This time of year, our

weather and fishing patterns are very much influenced by the position of the blazing sun.

Along the shore and inland bays, the bright, hot sun has a profound affect on fish movements and feeding. Early and late in the day are typically the best time to find fish feeding during the long daylight hours. And night fishing around lighted docks and piers can be especially productive under the right conditions of wind, moonlight, and tide.

The tidal cycle in July has an incoming tide each morning, with a falling tide during the afternoon hours. This month’s NEAP tide periods will center around the 9th and 24th. That is when lesser tide variations often make passes easier to fish than during the week in between NEAPs, when we experience more than two feet of water level change.

Photos by David Thornton

Sunrise in July can be an exciting time to fish on the end of the Gulf beach piers .

TOP NOTCH SIGHT FISHING COMES IN ALL SIZES

July marks the peak of the tarpon migration along the Emerald Coast. Most everyday schools of 50-to-150-pound tarpon parade from east to west parallel to the beach, about a quarter to half mile offshore. That often brings them within casting range for anglers on the Gulf beach piers. Good, polarized glasses and a hat to shield the sunlight and cut through the glare are essential accessories for any sight-fishing technique. Most cast six-inch soft plastic swimbaits that weigh three or four ounces at the passing tarpon schools. Heavy class spinning tackle in the 20-to-50-pound range is needed to manage these hard fighting, acrobatic gamefish. Rods are often 9 to 10 feet long, and reels should be built “tough”. Sporting a smooth drag that tests from 20 to 40 pounds, with a line capacity of over 300 yards. This is truly world class tarpon fishing!

King mackerel is another large game target species for pier fishers this month. The tackle requirements are not quite as stringent as for tarpon. But catching a king mackerel over 20 pounds from a stationary pier requires a smooth drag on the reel, with enough line capacity to allow the fish to dash 250 to 300 yards until it tires. That first screaming run is the drug that often keeps king fishers in the game even through the hot midday hours. Typically, the best king fishing occurs from first light for a few hours in the morning. And again, during the afternoon, when the sea breeze gets strong enough to create whitecaps on the surface of the Gulf.

Some king fishers are content to soak live bait, especially when the daily run has slowed intensity. Others look for a more active approach by casting large diving plugs like Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnows or Rapala X-Raps. The majority however, still “snobble” dead or frozen cigar minnows. Snobbling is the quintessential time-honored pier fishing technique of moving a dead baitfish, to make it look like it is dying.

The terminal tackle is minimalist, with just a foot long 27-to-40-pound test steel leader. Attach a #2 to 1/0 3X treble hook on one end with a Haywire Twist. And a small black barrel swivel is on the other end, tied to the main line. Embed the hook through the head of the bait in such a manner that keeps the mouth closed. Then cast the bait out a good distance and allow it to sink out of sight, but not all the way to the bottom. Engage the bail of the reel and retrieve about eight to ten feet of line with several smooth, sharp rotations of the handle. This imparts an erratic movement to the bait which mimics that of a mortally wounded baitfish. Free spool the reel again to allow the bait to sink and repeat the process however many times until the bait is near the pier. Occasionally a king, or other gamefish will follow your bait up to where it can be seen from the pier. Often a jiggle of the rod tip gives the bait a bit of action that elicits the strike. Allow the fish several seconds to be sure the hook is well in its mouth before tightening up the line. Usually, the fish darts away with its supposed meal and practically sets the hook on itself.

Bycatch species with this method include Spanish mackerel, bluefish, ladyfish, and “bonita” (Little tunny). At times, even jack crevalle and “bull” redfish will bite a properly snobbled baitfish.

Closer to shore, anglers find sight fishing opportunities with other species which are usually smaller. Spanish mackerel, pompano, bluefish, ladyfish, and blue runner weighing one to three pounds can be easily subdued on light to medium class tackle. 7-to-8-foot rods and 3000 or 4000 size reels holding nearly 200 yards of 8-to-15-pound line are more than a match for these mid-sized gamefish. Lighter gear is ideal for casting ½ to 3/4-ounce jigs, spoons or 3-inch plugs for pompano, blue runner, bluefish, and Spanish mackerel weighing up to a couple of pounds. Slightly heavier gear is needed for throwing 4-inch plugs, one-ounce jigs, or Bubble Rigs for larger Spanish mackerel, ladyfish,

bluefish or bonita. Using heavier line and stouter rods allows the angle to lift their catch onto the pier without the need of a landing net. It is also quite helpful when pulling a fish away from marauding top predators like sharks dolphins.

Anglers on the Gulf State Park Pier in Gulf Shores, Alabama and westward along the beaches and inland piers have sight fishing opportunities extending to speckled trout. Many are caught on live shrimp, but pinfish, small jacks, and croakers are murder on live shrimp. It is best to try to fool these wary gamefish using the variety of hard and soft lures available. Trout are opportunistic ambush feeders that readily strike most anything at times. That may be a topwater plug at daybreak, or a Slick lure in the morning or afternoon, or a D.O.A. Shrimp at night under the lights. Even using lures, there is often a sizable bycatch of “white trout”, ladyfish, bluefish, blue runner, redfish or even flounder.

Shorebound anglers on the Panhandle beaches might find pompano or other targets of opportunity cruising the surfzone. Casting a pompano jig or a banana jig rig (“Goofy jig”) to these fish can be both challenging and rewarding. Pompano have a habit of cruising just off the beach where they search for “sand fleas” (mole crabs) in the calm, clear water during the morning incoming tide. Anglers walking westward while surveying the water through polarized glasses may catch a glimpse of these fish in time to get off a cast and work the lure by them. Almost a Gulf Coast version of fishing for bonefish in South Florida.

No matter the location, venue, or time of day, July offers shorebound anglers a wonderful variety of fishing targets and opportunities as they enjoy their great days outdoors.

REGIONAL FRESHWATER

Fishing Outlook

BY ED MASHBURN

Work heavy cover in July for some big bass .

Photos by Ed Mashburn

No doubt about it, it’s summer on the Gulf coast, and that means it will be hot. However, the fishing in the freshwaters of our region offer some great fishing for anglers who fish early and late. Let’s see what’s going on in July.

FLORIDA WATERS APALACHICOLA RIVER SYSTEM

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.

Bass anglers will have good luck with soft plastics in July fishing deeper structure in the Apalachicola river system says Tony Poloronis of 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.

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 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.

ALABAMA WATERS

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 according to Captain Jake Davis. Lures with a touch of red are good for Guntersville bass. Davis advises anglers, “A ½ oz MuscleCrawler jig from Tightline jigs in

either Guntersville Special or Green Tequila colors is very good.”

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.

LAKE EUFALA

“Trash piles and ledges in 12 to 25 feet of water will hold both bass and crappie.” says Captain Sam Williams.

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 them 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.

WEISS LAKE

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 is not best during hot 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!” Pitts said.

WILSON LAKE

For best results, 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 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 night crawlers 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 timesometime 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 said that during July, trout anglers will want to use terrestrial flies such as hoppers, crickets, and

Yes, there’s a bass in that clump of weedsthat’s summertime bass fishing.

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 from 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 structure. 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.

Important Contact Information

Joe Dunn Dunn’s Sports 334-636-0850

33356 Hwy 43, Thomasville, AL

Captain Sam Williams Hawks Guide Service 334-687-0400

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

Captain Jake Davis

Mid-South Bass Guide Service 615-613-2382

msbassguide@comcast.net

Buddy Cartwright Whippoorwill Sportsman’s Lodge Lake Talquin

850-875-2605 fishtalquin@gmail.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

PRIME FEEDING TIMES

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

MOON TIMES July 2023

This chart is specifically designed for game movement for the state of Alabama & fish feeding times in non-tidal waters in the state. Inclement weather or rapidly changing temperatures can adversely affect feeding times. Moon Over & Under is the best feeding times for game animals & fish in non-tidal waters

Fowl River

Fort Morgan

Mobile River

Perdido Pass

Pensacola Bay

Destin East Pass

Navarre Beach

Pascagoula

KID'S CORNER TROPHY ROOM

Knox Chapman(15) with his first turkey during youth weekend 2023 in Montgomery County

Westyn Biggerstaff, 11 years old. Caught on a Spanish mackerel jig near the pensacola pass in May of 2023. Barely slot size!

Thomas Harris age 6 from Monroeville Alabama. Mangrove snapper at orange beach

1ST Turkey

Brooklyn Kyzar shows off her catfish

Kipton Hall, 9, killed 170lb 8-point with 17” inside spread in Tensaw, Al Hunter Travis and Jonathan Norris

Know How to Troll for Spanish Mackerel

BY WILLIAM KENDY

On the surface, whether trolling in fresh or saltwater, that method of fishing seems to be a pretty boring scenario. In reality though, it is an effective and efficient way to cover a lot of water at different depths with different offerings to see what works.

Specifically, we reached out to Captain Garrison Rosie from Panama City Beach Fl., who specializes in helping fishermen catch Spanish mackerel for a few tips to help our readers be more successful.

“Know how to troll and specifically how to slow troll if you want to catch these fish and the more lines you can get out there, the better but it can be tricky and you want to avoid getting them all tangled up,” Rosie said. “The goal Is to have them out at different depths in the water column.”

This all makes common sense. If you take all of your setups and put them out there at the same length/distance which means that they will basically be at the same depth

and you make a turn a lot of times they will come together and get all tangled up.

Of course, as soon as that happens you will start getting strikes and it becomes a big mess.

“If you are going to do two setups, put one bait a little bit further out than the other and the third bait out further than then the other two. The fourth bait is the furthest one,” Rosie explained. “Typically, you want your closest one on the inside of your circle so that when you turn the boat, the longer ones will go around the others and not get tangled up.”

Contact Information

Captain Garrison Rosie Reel Rosie Inshore Charters 5550 Lagoon, Panama City Beach, Fl www.reelrosiecharters.com/ 850-896-4712

Somebody’s Been Catching My Fish

the memories would run on until my head hit the pillow, so I fought it. I waded into a pool to look for mayflies fluttering and the cold water sucked the last of my energy out through my boots. I nearly fell asleep midstream.

Who could argue these were not my fish, purchased in my youth with the minutes of my days?

BY JIM MIZE

The gravel road leading down by the river felt as familiar as my driveway. Dust kicked up behind my truck like a memory from high school, only I had been driving a 1967 Mustang back then. Years had passed, twenty-five or maybe thirty, since I had fished the trout stream I grew up on. But it only took a few casts for me to realize the truth. Somebody’s been catching my fish.

It takes no detective to come to this deduction. For starters, if they hadn’t, wouldn’t my fish have been larger? I don’t know how big a trout gets in thirty years, but it’s more than eight inches. These fish were bigger when I left them.

Can trout shrink in old age, stoop a little with the years? Do they reach a peak, then take off weight until they are shadows of themselves and only eight inches? Maybe I should talk to some fisheries people about this.

Perhaps you wonder why these are my trout. That’s a fair question.

For starters, I grew up on this river. We would come in from playing baseball, driven off the field by darkness, and leave the porch light on all night. Come morning, we had a wall littered in moths and beetles that we caught and crammed into a Mason jar. White millers were prized, as the biggest trout in the deep pools would see these best. One hard thump and they were gone or the fish caught.

We could walk to this river and wade out to big rocks where we would perch for hours. We knew which riffles held trout and where the water warmed enough for redhorse suckers to live comfortably.

As soon as we could drive, we roamed farther. We waded this river wet in the summer, up to our chests, our toes blue and pruned inside our Converse sneakers. Sometimes we fished, other times we just looked for holes where fish would hide.

The big ones we named, became personal with. On one wading expedition I spotted a brown trout under the back of a boulder. The shank of his tail just ahead of the fin was larger than my wrist and the orange dots as bright as Christmas lights. We named him after the local game warden; this was the warden’s favorite hole when he took a day off to fish. He probably knew this trout, too. Maybe he named it after us.

For many years, my time on this river never waned. The night of my senior prom, we danced and talked and laughed until the sun came up. I coffeed up and worked at the hardware store until 5:30 that afternoon. After work, I fished. Such was youth, and spirit, and energy. I knew

The other reason I know somebody’s been catching my fish is that there used to be more of them. Some are missing.

The river looks different as well. The pools have dropped and wading seems easier. Places I forded before leave me now with no feeling of threat. It’s as if someone has slowly been siphoning off water, possibly a local moonshiner who needs it for running his still. Hopefully, it’s not being wasted.

The fast water runs slower, the riffles speak more softly, the rocks look gray and tired. Looking into the pool where I stand, I see only my reflection and wonder if the river as I see it has always been my reflection.

Coming out and up the bank, I notice a car parked next to my truck. I’ll bet that’s the guy. In thirty years, he could do it; he could catch all those fish.

Our old game warden would never have let that happen. He ran down poachers and ne’er-do-wells. A giant of a man, he towered above us kids with a grin up there. One story we heard was that he found two fellows fishing across the river before the season opened. It was late winter and the wind bit any exposed skin. When he called to them to stop fishing and give themselves up, they laughed, but just once. He creased waderless through deep water so quickly they could do little more than stand before he came out shaking and grabbed them. He took good care of this river.

But I have to wonder if he’s watching still. Maybe he slowed down with age or quit splashing through bone-chilling pools to catch poachers. He’d be older than me. Possibly, he’s even been shrinking like the fish.

In thirty years, some things changed. If constant wear and tear can smooth the edges of a rock, how much more can it straighten bends and shape alders? It’s hard to tell what’s been eroded by weather and what’s been eroded in memory.

All I know is that somebody’s been catching my fish. I should probably get back here more often, just to help the warden keep an eye on this place.

“Somebody’s Been Catching My Fish” is an excerpt from Jim’s award-winning book, A Creek Trickles Through It. You can order copies from Amazon or get autographed copies at www.acreektricklesthroughit.