june '11 ion

INDIANA'S CHOICE FOR OUTDOOR NEWS AND INFORMATION SINCE 1994

Vol. 2011 Number 6 W W W.IN D I A N A OU T D O O R NEW S .N E T June, 2011

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

FISH WITH CONFIDENCEPAGE 3

SHOOTINGPAGES 6 & 18

WALLEYE DESTINATIONSPAGES 9 & 14

GONE AFIELDPAGE 16

KIDS OUTDOORSPAGE 17

DNR TO MONITOR BASSTOURNAMENTS

Gear and ammunition-intensive activities like waterfowl hunting pay huge dividends to wildlife conserva-tion. Josh Lantz photo.

INDIANAPOLIS --DNR biologists will monitor

eight bass fishing tournaments at seven northern Indiana natural lakes this summer to examine the long-term effects of current fishing rules on bass tournaments.

Biologists will be on hand to count and measure bass brought to weigh-ins by tournament participants at Winona Lake in Kosciusko County, Lake George and Hamilton Lake in Steuben County, Pine/Stone Lakes in LaPorte County, and Lake Maxinkuckee in Marshall County. Two tournaments at Lake Wawasee in Kosciusko County will also be monitored.

The DNR conducted a similar survey in 2001, one year after imposition of a 14-inch minimum size limit on bass.

We can learn a lot about bass populations in Indiana lakes by monitoring tournaments, said Jed Pearson, DNR biologist. They provide data on bass numbers, bass sizes, and angler catch rates.

Ten years ago, the number of participants in monitored tournaments averaged one angler per 57 acres of water. Tournament anglers fished an average of 300 hours per event. At that time, the number of bass brought to weigh-ins ranged from four bass to 192.

The average number of bass brought to weigh-ins 10 years ago

In response to complaints from prop-erty owners and non-tournament anglers several years ago, tourna-ment organizers throughout Indiana have improved efforts to coordinate their schedules, improved weigh-in procedures to reduce stress on the fish, and emphasized the importance of good boating and fishing ethics by tournament participants.

was 50. Of 762 bass examined by DNR biologists, 95 percent were 14 to 18 inches long and 5 percent were 18 inches or larger.

Despite the high number of bass handled by tournament anglers, only 11 bass were either dead or showed signs of stress and were not released after the weigh-ins.

Its going to be interesting to see if tournament fishing has changed over the years, Pearson said.

Heat up the skillet. . . said Seth Hartwick after he and sister Kaley hooked these two nice crappies in their uncles Dubois County farm pond. Indianas Free Fishing Weekend is June 4 and 5. You wont need a fishing license on these days, so grab some kids and hit the water! Photo provided.

SURVEY REVEALS ENORMOUS ROI TO OUTDOOR INDUSTRYFERNANDINA BEACH, FL -

An analysis conducted by Southwick Associates and Andrew Loftus Consulting for the Association of Fish and W i l d l i f e Agencies found that federal excise taxes collected on the sale of hunting and shooting equipment represented an a p p r o x i m a t e 1,100 percent annual return on investment (ROI) to manufacturers between 1970 to 2006. Similarly, taxes collected on sport fishing equipment generated a striking annual ROI of 2,157 percent between 1955 and 2006.

The ROIs in the new report The Benefits to Business from

Hunting and Fishing Excise Taxes were determined by comparing the amount of excise taxes collected annually to the amount

of purchases made annually by sportsmen during the r e s p e c t i v e timeframes. By law, the excise taxes only can be used to maintain fish and wildlife p o p u l a t i o n s , provide public access and support programs

that directly benefit hunters, shooting sports enthusiasts and anglers.

On average, the hunting- and shooting sports-related industry paid $251 million in excise taxes, but made $3.1 billion in revenue through sportsmen purchases each

year from 1970 to 2006. From 1955 to 2006, the sport fishing industry on average contributed $110 million in annual tax payments/import duties, but generated $2.3 billion in annual taxable equipment sales.

How many tax models in our country today can show an $11 to $21 return to the company on every dollar spent? said

COMPLIMENTS OF:

Congressional Sportsmens Caucus Co-Chair U.S. Congressman Jeff Miller, R-Fla. This is one of the most impressive examples of how an American industry can profit and bolster the economy while restoring and improving our nations cherished natural resources.

Continued on Pg. 5

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS 2011 June, 2011 Edition

June, 2011 Edition INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS 2011 Page 3

Confidence Makes a Difference

and in position physically are the The Bomber Long Ais a clas- when to set the hook. If a bass the paddle tail intact, but a varisubtle keys to possessing what sic jerkbait that will wobble, picks this bait up, he usually ety of rigs are possible. The tail many call angler confidence. dart, suspend and slash. It runs 2- hangs onto it and swims off due to is perforated and can be modified But selecting and using baits that 3 feet deep when fished as a tradi- the F2 formulation. I can easily three different ways for a different youve had success with in the tional jerkbait and as deep as 6 see the Crystal Ivory line moving action and rate of fall. I fish mine past is equally important. feet or so when fished with a and let my client know he or she on a 3/0 offset hook. Again, this

Why are anglers more con- steady retrieve. Jerkbaits are needs to set the hook. bait is completely weedless and fident on their home waters? The popular during the prespawn peri- almost completely mindless. answer is simple. Experience. od and again during fall, but excel YUM Houdini Shad There is no wrong way to fish it. They know the structure, season- all season long when fished over Thats why I like it. Its a guides JOSHLANTZ al and daily fish movements,for- shallow weedbeds and along weed dream. Every twitch or move-age base, and which baits or lures edges. Bombers Mother-of-Pearl ment of the rod tip causes this

Confidence separates great produce fish best under different color has always been one of my bait to appear in a complete state anglers from the rest. From bait circumstances. In other words, favorites for trolling-up spring This is a super versatile of panic. And since the Houdini selection to the mechanics of they know the patterns that con- cohos on Lake Michigan, and one fluke-style soft plastic jerkbait Shad stays near the surface when every cast and retrieve, the best sistently yield fish. How a par- day at the insistence of a friend that really gets the job done. As a fished unweighted, there is no anglers in the world simply ticular angler applies this base- possessing trusted fishing matter of fact, if I had to choose a question when a bass eats it. believe they are going to get a line knowledge to other bodies of prowess, I finally tried them for single bait to fish around any If the weather stays as rotten strike at any moment. When a water makes all the difference. I bass. While in no way metallic, kind of shallow, summertime this summer as it has been this fish does bite, they are ready. always recommend starting with the Mother-of-Pearl finish puts cover, the workmanlike YUM spring, well all have to make the

I firmly believe this, and what you know. out a great deal of flash. I most Houdini Shad would get the nod. I most of our time on the water. strive to stay in position to Every angler has his or her often fish the bait with a steady like the watermelon seed color in Fish with confidence. Stay in strike back on a fish at any given confidence lures -- their go-to retrieve, only occasionally stop- clear water and the chartreuse pep- position to strike a fish, and use moment. This involves making baits when faced with a new or ping the bait for a second or so at per color in stained water. I prefer the baits you trust the most. conscious decisions about things unfamiliar piece of water. The a time. to fish this bait unweighted with Ill see you on the water. like letting your soft plastics or tournament guys dont like to jigs fall on a tight line, maintain- talk about them because they YUM 3.25 Woo ly Bug ing your hands at or below your dont want to give away any waist while you reel, and keeping information that might cost them your rodtip low with minimal money down the road. If they do slack in your line at any time. talk, take the information with a

Missed strikes are most grain of salt. I know a lot of tour-often due to simple inattention. nament bass anglers who com-The social aspects of fishing are pete at all levels of the sport. The Heres YUMs variation of an important part of the sport, lures they openly talk about are the popular beaver style of but also results in a lot of missed made by their sponsors and are baits. I use their version because fish. The other culprit is fatigue. not always the same lures they at 3.25 long, it is slightly

As a fishing guide, I spend a win their tournament with. smaller than other similar prod-lot of long days on the water with Ill talk. ucts from other manufacturers. I anglers of varying skill levels. Truth is, Ive got a lot of so- also have a high-degree of confi-They all start off strong, but most called confidence baits when it dence in their F2 attractant formuare toast by shortly after comes to bass fishing. Ill bet lation. I typically use variations lunchtime. Bob. . . set the you do too. Ill show you three of of the clearwater-friendly green hook!, I say. Bob, that was a my favorites here, and try to pumpkin and watermelon seed fish. . . Bob, dont you dare get explain a little about why I like colors. While the Woolly Bug lazy on me! them -- beyond the simple fact can be rigged Texas or Carolina

It is my job to help my that they catch fish. style, I most often fish this awe-clients catch fish, and their some little bait rigged weedless repeated failure to set the hook is Bomber B 1 A Long A jerkbait on a relatively small and light-just about always the number one in Mother-of-Pearl weight 1/0 offset hook with a sin-obstacle to putting fish in the gle split shot 12-inches or so net. Even though you may be above the bait. This is a setup absolutely sure that your jerk bait that can be fished almost mind-is hung up on a weed or your fly lessly in and around almost any has snagged a rock on the bottom cover in shallow to moderate of the river, always set the hook. depths. I fish it on a light fluoro-As I frequently tell my clients, Heres a wildcard right out of carbon leader, but use Berkley hooksets are free! You cant the gate. The bait itself may not Fireline in Crystal Ivory for the land them if you dont hook them. surprise you, but the finish prob- main line. Why? Again, because

Staying attentive mentally ably does. my clients dont always know


That's the way it was for the next 40 minutes.

Meanwhile, Jeremy, who is still learning and has had limited experience with a tube jig, wasn't getting any action. He was working the same weight and color of lure, and doing so properly, but couldn't buy a bite.

Getting fish to bite isnt always a matter of bait

LOUIESTOUT

tions the fish can detect. Since these bass were just beginning to move up on the flats, it's reasonable to think they are a little skittish. Perhaps the heavier line was spooking them in that manner.

Whatever the case, the line was the difference.

I learned something today,

Dennis Rittenmeyer of Highland caught this nice largemouth while fishing in LaPorte County.

South Bend's Jeremy Bunnell and I discovered this in early May while enjoying a rare, warm and dry afternoon on a Michiana lake.

It is a time of year when bass move onto the sandy flats looking for two things - something to eat and potential spawning areas.

When this happens, you can usually catch them easily on tube jigs and shallow crankbaits.

The tube jig was working best that day. I caught a few fish on a tube rigged on a spinning outfit spooled with 6-pound line, but not the numbers of fish I anticipated. So, I scrounged around in my rod locker for another spinning rod to rig with a different soft plastic bait.

I spotted a rod spooled with 4-pound line and remembered something TV host Mark Zona once told me about fishing the shallow flats of Michigan's Klinger Lake.

There are days when the only way you can catch them is with 4-pound line, Zona said. Sounds crazy, but it can make a huge difference.

I tied a tube onto the smaller line and sailed it onto the flat.

Bam! Instant fish.

What size line is that? I asked.

8-pound fluorocarbon, he shrugged.

Try this, I said, handing him my 4-pound outfit.

He caught a fish on his first cast. And another. He suddenly was out-fishing me and my 6pound line 3 to 1.

That is amazing - I would have never guessed the line would make that much difference, he grinned. Why is that?

Who knows. We were both using Trilene 100 percent Fluorocarbon, but in different sizes. Fluorocarbon is invisible in the water - more so than monofilament - and the lake water was colored enough that I doubt if the fish were seeing the line.

Perhaps it was the way the smaller line affected the action of the bait. Small line tends to enhance lure action and get you more bites, but on Eagle, I've never seen that be a major issue.

And then I remembered something else that TV host Hank Parker once told me. He doesn't believe fish can see line, but he does believe the line cutting through the water creates vibra-

Bunnell said. So did I. When the fish aren't

biting your bait, don't limit your experiments to changing lures or fishing locations. Sometimes, it's a simple matter of trying lighter line.

Northern Indiana represented in the 2011 Sport Fishing World Championships in Italy this fall. . .

Bristol anglers Tony Forte and Mike Lightner join assistant coach Val Walters of Mishawaka to represent the U.S. on the Nations-Coarse/Match team along with four other American anglers.

The U.S. also is sending teams in Black Bass, Fly fishing and Junior Fly Fishing divisions. Match Fishing is a European style of angling competition that is spreading across the U.S.

Competitors are assigned stations along a waterway and utilize a variety of stealth techniques to take any kind of fish with refined livebait tactics and long poles.

The World championship will attract teams from about 40 nations and the anglers will be scattered along a three-mile shoreline of Ostellato Canal near Ferrara, Italy beginning Aug. 28.

Forte and Lightner qualified through high finishes in the U.S. World Qualifier held in Fort Wayne last summer. Walters was appointed by team officials to assist the team in a coaching capacity.

Mike and I are humbled to represent our country, community and local fishing club on this world stage, said Tony Forte, founder of the Michiana Bank Anglers.

There will be a learning curve, as the anglers will be fishing for fish called Skimmers, Wels Catfish, Carrassio Eel, bream and carp. The European bream, unlike American bream (sunfish), are bottom feeders that grow to 10 pounds.

The anglers will be using tiny bloodworms that are less than an inch long and smaller than an ice fishing maggot.

We've never fished for those fish but we've been doing our homework on the internet and having discussions with anglers who are familiar with them, Forte added. We're going in with confidence.

They will be spending the next few months preparing as well as conducting fund-raisers to defray costs of the trip. Angler financial responsibility could run as high as $5,000.


Additional trout released in select Northern Indiana streamsDNR sets bass quotas at two Noble County Lakes

COLUMBIA CITY As the June 3 date draws near for an experimental change in bass fishing rules at Big and Crane lakes

in Noble County, DNR officials have set quotas on how many bass they want anglers to take out this summer.

Beginning Friday, June 3, anglers at both lakes will be able to keep up to five bass per day that are 10 to 14 inches long. Bass that are less than 10 inches and those that are 14 inches or longer must be released.

Biologists say the 14-inch minimum size limit now in effect has enabled too many small bass to survive. Few exceed the limit and catching one bass more than 18 inches long is nearly impossible. Reducing the number of small bass should increase the size of those that remain.

We want anglers to take home small bass. By doing so, they can catch fish to eat and help restore balance in both lakes, said Jed Pearson, DNR biologist.

Based on recent sampling, Big Lake contains twice the normal number of small bass and Crane Lake contains three times the normal number. Nearly 75 percent of the bass in Big Lake are 10 to 14 inches long. Less than 4 percent are 14 inches or larger. At Crane Lake, bass that are 10 to 14 inches long make up 88 percent of its population and only seven percent are 14 inches or larger.

We estimate there are 4,400 bass that are 10 to 14 inches long in Big Lake and 1,200 in Crane Lake, Pearson said. To get bass numbers down to normal levels, anglers will need to take home 2,000 small bass from Big Lake and 600 from Crane Lake.

Although the new rule goes into effect June 3, the rule is only temporary until the quotas are reached. After anglers remove half of the small bass in each lake, the 14-inch size limit will go back into effect.

ROI -- Continued from cover

The excise taxes are collected quarterly from outdoor industry manufacturers and importers for sales on items such as fishing lures, rods and reels, firearms, ammunition and other products. Hunting-, shooting- and fishing-related taxes are collected under the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act and Sport Fish Restoration Act respectively.

Funding is then apportioned to state and territorial fish and wildlife agencies based on land area and state fishing and hunting license sales. Agencies combine these funds with the license revenues to conserve fish and wildlife and their habitats and create recreational and educational opportunities. In 2009 alone, more than $740 million was made available to states and territories in addition to the nearly $1.4 billion total paid by hunters and anglers in license fees.

Outdoor activities like hunting and fishing have shaped who we are as Americans and they are important traditions that must be preserved. In order to do so, conservation and wildlife management must be among our top priorities as sportsmen and women, said Congressional Sportsmens Caucus Co-Chair U.S. Congressman Mike Ross, D-Ark. The revenue from these excise taxes helps fund conservation and wildlife management efforts in a fiscally responsible way. Ultimately, the value and opportunities created by improved habitat and more robust fish and wildlife populations bring more sportsmen and women into the fold, which in turn spurs more revenue and keeps the cycle of investment strong.

The conservation community has known for a long time that the excise taxes provide a vital funding source for state agencies and have enhanced fish and wildlife populations, said Rob Southwick, president of Southwick Associates. This ROI study, for the first time, demonstrates the substantial bottom line financial benefit of these taxes back to those companies that write the checks. According to the ROI study, outdoor industry excise taxes have helped to:

Increase Atlantic striped bass populations by nearly 500 percent since 1982; leading to a 1,000 percent increase in the number of angler trips and generating more than $68 million on average per year in related fishing equipment sales.

Improve fishing in the Great Lakes from nearly nonexistent in the 1950s to world class for salmon, trout, walleye and yellow perch; generating more than $2 billion in retail sales and supporting more than 58,000 jobs.

Turn Wyoming into one of the top destinations for elk hunting with 23,000 harvested annually when in 1937 only a few hunts were permitted.

Everyone who has a stake in hunting or fishingfrom hunters and anglers who enjoy the resource to manufacturers who make the productsbenefits, said Ron Regan, executive director of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. State fish and wildlife agencies particularly benefit as these funds represent the single largest, dedicated funding source for science-based conservation programs.

The report concludes that a decrease or elimination of outdoor industry excise tax funding would reduce long-term investment into the foundation of the sport-fishing and huntingfish and game populations, public access and recruitment of future customers. Such a circumstance would, in turn, cause a downward spiral in participation, which would further diminish consumer spending on the equipment produced by manufacturers. The Benefits to Business from Hunting and Fishing Excise Taxes report along with full reports that include technical details, are available for free at www.SouthwickAssociates.com/excisetaxROI.

DNR REPORT -Indiana DNR Fish & Wildlife has stocked additional trout in Pigeon

River in Steuben and LaGrange counties, Turkey Creek in LaGrange County, Little Elkhart River in Elkhart County, Little Kankakee River in LaPorte County and Potato Creek in St. Joseph County. The stocking locations are:

Pigeon River at County Road 175 North and at County Line Road. Turkey Creek will be stocked at County Road 150 North. Both stream crossings are located on Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area.

Little Elkhart River at the Bonneyville Mill County Park.

Little Kankakee River at County Road 100 South.

Potato Creek State Park near the paved bicycle trail creek crossing. Parking is available at the West lot. Anglers targeting these fish will have to hike or bike approximately one mile along the bicycle trail to get to the area but will be rewarded with unrestricted access along a naturally scenic stream.

Volume 2011 Number 6

Publisher: Brian E. SmithAssistant Publisher: Mark C. Smith

Editor-in-Chief: Joshua D. LantzSportsmens Rights Editor: Rick Story

Field Editor: John Martino, Central IndianaField Photographer: Bill Konway

Graphic Design: [email protected] & Editing: Sand Creek MediaOffice Manager: Shannon E. SmithAdvertising Sales: (877) 251-2112

E-Mail: [email protected] Site: www.IndianaOutdoorNews.net

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Phone: (877) 251-2112 Fax: (800) 496-8075

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS is the official publication of Raghorn Incorporated, and is published monthly at the address listed above. For home delivery and subscription rates, look for the subscription card in this publication. Editorial contributions may be submitted to the above address. No material can be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope. Photographs are accepted and greatly appreciated. All materials submitted become the property of Raghorn Incorporated and are subject to editing to meet the objectives of this publication. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual authors, not the editors, staff or any other representative of RAGHORNS INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS or Raghorn, Inc. Raghorns Indiana Outdoor News is a registered Trademark of Raghorn Incorporated. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this publication may be used or copied without prior written consent of Raghorn Inc. Violation of copyright laws will be prosecuted. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to RAGHORNS INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS, P.O. Box 69, Granger, Indiana 46530.

Copyright 2011

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Youre a Lousy Shot

The Straight Shooter BRENTWHEAT

There, I've said it. Yes, I know that rule number

one of the Magazine Writer's Guild is Never alienate your readers in the headline of your first column, but since we seldom follow literary rules anyway, it was time that somebody told the unpleasant truth.

This wild and provocative generalization is based upon many years of hunting, shooting instruction and teaching. For every instance where I see someone who is competent with their weapons system, I see too many other folks who couldn't hit the inside of a hat if it were propped on the muzzle of their rifle.

If you question this viewpoint, just think about some of the deer brought to processing plants during firearms season; many of the carcasses appear as if they led an unsuccessfully assault on a machinegun nest at Normandy Beach. Afew years ago I saw one buck that had eight bullet wounds, including several in the legs. If duly authorized, I

would chain the hunter responsible for this remarkably bad shooting to a bike rack in front of PETA headquarters.

The problem lies in the fact that many hunters don't practice with their firearm because they firmly believe, Hey, I'm an American male and I instinctively know how to shoot any gun, paddle a canoe, hold my liquor, drive a vehicle at high speed, impress the ladies, etc.

We all know the real answers to this widespread but grand self-delusion -- especially the wives and girlfriends in the audience.

Regardless of what you think, the fact remains that shooting is a perishable skill which slowly disappears over time. Granted, your skills return much quicker when you begin to practice again, but the ability to shoot accurately deteriorates with each passing day since you were last at the range.

I would guess that the majority of hunters don't even bother to sight in their weapons, judging by the carnage we've seen at the butcher shop. For anyone who believes in ethical and humane hunting, this is unconscionable. Of those who do check their weapon, another sizable majority only spends a few minutes and fewer shots to make sure it's still hitting. I have witnessed this on the firing range many times.

Even if you are in the minority who regularly practice at the gun range, do you really know the

basic skills required to shoot accurately? If you haven't had formal training, odds are that you have learned a few dozen bad habits over the years. With limited space to cover this complex topic, I will cut to the chase and present the bare-bones version of the marksmanship fundamentals: proper control of sights and trigger, with follow-through on both. If you can master these basic skills, you can shoot any firearm accurately.

Most hunters use iron sights but many don't know how to properly utilize them: the key to shooting with open sights is maintaining a sharp focus on the front post or bead. This runs counter to intuition and human nature, which tells us to watch the target and not a piece of metal stuck to the business end of the gun. However, if you maintain a steady, sharp focus on the front sight, your accuracy will improve dramatically.

If you use a scope, the target and the crosshairs are in the same focal plane and thus both are in focus, making aiming easier. Unfortunately, hunters cause themselves problems when they watch their intended target instead of focusing on the crosshairs. This will cause the aiming point to wander around while you are thinking about how nice that buck will look over your fireplace.

Proper trigger pull is something that must be practiced many

thousands of times to master anyway. In other words, if you instinctively. There are several shoot twice, you should have techniques for trigger pull, but an three sight pictures and so forth. even, steady squeeze to the rear Trigger follow-through is works with all weapons. The most simply continuing the trigger commonly seen mistake is a quick pull after shot. This should take mash or slap on the trigger that less than a second but will greatly will actually set the firearm mov- enhance accuracy by preventing ing off target well before the bul- you from slapping or jerking the let has exited the barrel. The per- trigger. fect trigger pull is a steady A good hunter is one who squeeze followed by a surprise strives to hone his or her skills break of the shot. so that every kill is the quick,

Following through on sights humane culmination of an honor-and trigger is important for the able hunt instead of something same reasons just given. If you that resembles the aftermath of relax immediately after firing in the Second Battle of Bull Run. order to see the glorious results of Spray and pray might work in your shot, you actually began gangster movies but we claim to lowering the barrel before the bul- be hunters and with that title let is downrange. Instead, you comes responsibilities, both to must program yourself to reac- our quarry and ourselves. quire the sights after the shot as if Be sure you skillfully shoulyou were taking an immediate fol- der that responsibility alongside low-up, which might be necessary your weapon this fall.

Brent T. Wheat is an expert in the fields of shooting, self-defense, law enforce-ment and firearms. Still working as a full-time street cop after more than twenty years, his experiences in both the tactical and hunting worlds give him a unique perspective to comment on the practical applications of firearms. Brent T. Wheat can be reached through his website at http://wildindiana.com. Photo provided.


JIMBIDDLE

Wasnt May exciting? I just love those 40 degree temperature swings. I started my mornings with a jacket then later in the day I would be wearing shorts and by evening back to the jacket. Here at my place we are enjoying the first major hatch of mosquitoes. Im getting a lot of use out of ThermaCell mosquito repellant!

On May 14th I spent a couple of hours at Mik-Lurch Tackle in Hammond during their customer appreciation day. They served up some great fish along with all the trimmings, and I sure learned a lot during Captain Ralph Steigers perch seminar.

Heres a look at what to expect around the state this month:

Lake Michigan Glen Gajewski at Mik-Lurch

Tackle in Hammond reports good action with chinooks and coho salmon at 65 feet using spin doctors, meat rigs or gin and tonic colored nbk spoons. Glen says its a perch bonanza around Gary Light and Power using fly rigs. If you want great bluegill and

crappie action, head for Willow Slough with redworms and bemoths. Wolf Lake is providing some great bass, crappie, muskie and walleye. Leeches are the choice bait for walleyes and the bass are hitting on plastics.

Saint Joseph River Dick Parker at Parkers

Central Bait & Tackle in Mishawaka says fishing is great on the river -- especially upstream of Twin Branch Dam. You can take crappie with minnows and bluegillwith wigglers or waxworms. Use tubes if you want to take a nice smallmouth bass.

Northwest Indiana Penny Boisvert from

Greenwood Bait Shop in English Lake tells me the mosquitoes are biting pretty good so bring your repellant! Crappie action is pretty good along the shoreline of the Kankakee River. Bluegills are hitting good at Horseshoe Bend. Penny expects the walleye action to pick up this month.

Mike Waller at A. L. Bait & Tackle in North Judson says crappie action is good at Bass Lake -especially around the boat ramp. They seem to like crickets. Fish the deep holes with a minnow if youre going for walleyes. Bruce Lake has been producing some nice muskie action recently. The best action seems to be with a giant jackpot jerk bait.

The Tippecanoe river is a good spot for smallmouth bass. Mike says theyre hitting night crawlers.

Central Indiana Richard McCalla at the Bait

Barn in Indianapolis reports great fishing on the north side in Eagle Creek and on Geist around Fall Creek Parkway. The smallmouth bass are hitting on night crawlers and red worms in Eagle Creek. Richard says private ponds and pits in the area are also hot for crappie and bluegill. For a change of pace, go for rock bass in the shade areas -- especially in pooling water.

East Central Indiana Ed Gipson at Peacepipe Bait

& Tackle at Andrews says theyre taking lots of crappies on minnows and tube jigs along the shoreline. Ed tells me the catfish action is coming on strong. The Mississinewa and Salamonie Reservoirs are great spots for largemouth bass on plastic worms or Jitterbugs.

North Central Indiana Dave Garber from Ye Old

Tackle Box at North Webster says in the next week the largemouth bass will be going to deeper water so fish the weed lines with plastic worms or Rapalas. Muskie action is good with suckers on Webster, Tippy and the Barbee Chain Smallmouth bass action is hot on Wawasee north

of the launch area. The bluegill and crappie action is still going strong.

Southwest Indiana Dedra Hawkins at The Fishin

Shedd in Bloomington tells me the fishing has been great and she expects it to continue that way this month. The water at Monroe is still high, but the ramp at Paynetown is open. Theyre taking crappies on minnows or large grubs, bluegills on crickets and catfish on chicken livers and night crawlers. As if thats not enough the wipers are hitting big time on artificials. The walleye action should pick up this month and when they do, use large shiners.

West Central Indiana John Raines from Twin

Lakes Fish & Game in Monticello says come on down the fishing is great. The silvers are hitting on rooster tails, gay blades or jigs with a minnow. The hotspot is just below the dam. Catfish action is great. The crappie are really providing

some great action and you can get them with minnows or tube jigs - especially around the boat lifts and docks. Large mouth bass are still spawning in the shallow areas especially in the bays. Some smallmouth are also still spawning in the main lake in a little deeper water.

Hopefully mother nature will quit fooling with us and the good fishing weather will stay around for a while. From the sound of things fishing is really picking up, so grab your gear and head out. Dont hesitate to stop in and say hi to some of these folks that provide us with all the information we need to find and catch fish. Be sure and tell them ol JB sent you and dont forget to pick up some supplies while your there.

Until next time, remember what ol JB always says, a treble hook trebles the chance of catching a fish, but quadruples the chance of getting it caught in your thumb. See you next month.

Hammond fire-men from Station Number 7 enjoy the fish fry at Mik-Lurch Tackles May 14 Customer Appreciation Day.


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Fly fishing and light tackle angling for trophybass, steelhead & muskie close to home in Southwest Michigan & Northwest Indiana.Just an hour-and-a-half from Chicago, twohours from Fort Wayne and three hours fromIndianapolis. Drift boat/wade fishing forsteelhead, salmon and smallmouth bass. Trophy largemouth bass & muskie trips aredone from a well-equipped 19 center console.All forms of light tackle are welcome. Full or half-day trips. Equipment provided! Book now for best dates.


No Fish No Pay!LAKE ERIEThe most important trait any

angler can have is confidence. Show me a charter captain who will guarantee me fish and I will say, Youre hired!

One Lake Erie charter boat captain puts his money where his mouth is by offering clients a No Fish-No Pay policy. If I were you, Id get on board his boat, and fast!

Dave Borzeniatow operates Fast Action Charters and fishes for walleye, bass and perch out of Wild Wings Marina in Oak Harbor, Ohio, just a stones throw from the Indiana state line. He is in his fourth year of operation and has only had to eat his fee once in hundreds of trips with clients on the nations premier walleye lake.

Our bread and butter is walleye fishing, said Borzeniatow. We start off the year casting and move to trolling as the summer progresses, but well do whatever the client wants to do. Of course, diverting from the captains game plan can negate the No Fish-No Pay policy, but that doesnt seem to slow down Fast Action Charters steady stream of customers.

We get better than an 85 per cent return rate from our clients, which I hope means were doing things right, he said. And we fish bass and perch, too, and are even going to move to the western basin of Lake Erie for perch, big walleye and steelhead later this summer, so if a client wants to do something different, we can accommodate them.

The Indiana native has been fishing Lake Erie since 1999 and his confidence is the result of

over a decade of experience on the lake. He is sponsored by Wolverine Lures of Orchard, MI and uses the companys spoons for trolling when the lake is flat and the casting action slows down in the heat of summer.

Weve become very proficient at spoon trolling and were confident we can put fish on ice when the action slows down for most anglers on the lake, said Borzeniatow.

This captains mission is to put his clients on fish and to put those fish in the cooler. Now that the cost of fuel has gone through the roof, many big water charter captains are doing the bare minimum of running to the fishing holes in the interest of protecting their profit margins . Borzeniatows philosophy is simple: Well run 30 miles and back if thats what it takes to put the client on fish. Were young and wont be in business very long unless we continue to build our reputation by doing what it takes to come in with fish and satisfied clients.

The last successful charter boat captain who offered a No Fish-No Pay policy on Lake Erie, as far as anyone can remember, was the legendary Glen Lau, who went on to build a successful film production business in Ocala, Florida. When you see a TV commercial featuring underwater fishing scenes, theres a very good chance it was produced by Glen Lau Productions. Lau operated out of Lake Eries Channel Grove Marina, in West Harbor, under a No Fish-No Pay policy for more than a decade in the 1950s until the mid 60s. He boasts that he

Lake Erie Captain Offers Fast Action By Rick StoryLake Erie Captain Offers Fast Action

never left a client without some spending money jingling in his pocket!

Its a tall order to deliver fish to clients, no matter their level of fishing prowess, every time out, he said. I came close to striking out more than a few times, but somehow always came through before the end of the clients day.

Lau hopes Dave Borzeniatow is able to keep up his remarkable record of success, and by all accounts, he is on his way to a successful 2011 .

The fishing is beginning to heat up and we expect an outstanding year. We anticipate good-sized walleyes this year and have already seen some 10pounders at our marina. Weve put

one in the boat over nine pounds and were just getting started.

Borzeniatow says the perch fishing should be excellent in the coming months as well, and that smallmouth fishing is still alive and well, despite negative reports by some to the contrary.

Its a new day for smallmouth fishing at Lake Erie, he said, referring to the sliding numbers of the gamefish due to the influx of exotic species like the round goby, which has diminished the bass spawn in recent years. Were catching big fish, but not in the numbers of years gone by. But, if youre looking for size, theres still good fishing at Western LakeErie.

One thing is for certain, if you book a charter with Fast

Action Charters, you will catch fish.

Our philosophy is that the client is the first priority, said Borzeniatow. Its your day on the lake and our job is to make it as much fun and as memorable as we can. Thats how we think of each and every client and its what will keep us in busness for a long time to come.

Fast Action Charters standard trip is only $480 for up to six anglers, which gets your party eight hours f ishing. These are darn reasonable prices, especially when split six ways!

To book a trip with Dave and Fast Action Charters on their 27foot SportCraft, phone (574) 304-1903. Check them out on the web at fastactioncharters.com.

0 INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS 2011 June, 2011 Edition

Offbeat Patterns

BILLTAKACS

In today's electronic era anglers are blessed with a wide variety of sources to fuel their fishing passion. Years ago when I was first bitten by the fishing bug we had the Big Three national magazines that carried fishing articles and little else until Fishing Facts Magazine came along. Since then there are a number of national magazines and species-specific publications to cover virtually every aspect of freshwater fishing today.

Fishing shows on TV were also quite limited back then with Virgil Ward, Gaddabout Gaddis and Jim Thomas capturing my full attention. Curt Gowdy also provided some fishing action, but he covered hunting as well. Later Al and Ron Lindner produced one of the most popular fishing shows ever. Today's airways are full of fishing shows, but you better have expanded cable TV to see most of them.

Fishing videos and now DVDs are available for almost every freshwater species you could think of and the list seems

almost endless. Most of them are quality productions that educate and entertain.

The Internet opens up yet another new venue for angling information that truly is incredible. Information flows everywhere today. It is easier than ever for an angler to learn through these avenues of information, but with it comes one caveat. Total reliance on the experiences of others can close one's mind to reality and what may seem to be totally out of place or not in tune with what we have been told.

Let me take smallmouth bass for an example, and describe to you in the following paragraphs some scenarios that could best be described as non-typical smallmouth behavior.

Early Spring Smallmouths I recall an early spring fish

ing trip for smallmouth bass on southern Lake Michigan. Water temperature on the eight-to-tenfoot flats was approaching the ideal mark of 50 degrees, leading one to believe that a prespawn movement would be taking place. However, after a few hours of fruitless casting with no takers, it was obvious that something was wrong. Only after fishing 45degree rock drop-offs in 17 - 20 feet of water were we able to put some bass in the boat. Hardly where you would expect to find those bass, given the conditions for that day.

Summertime Small ies Several years ago I was on a

canoe trip to Quetico Provincial Park in southern Ontario. Not only is Quetico one of the most scenic fishing destinations that I have been to, but it also hosts a world-class smallmouth fishery. We were catching our share of smallies fishing the first break-line off the flats and also in deeper water off the rocky points, reefs, and islands. Every one of our bass was taken in deep water within a foot or two of bottom. Certainly no big surprise since it was August.

One day we were paddling around a rocky point in thirty to forty feet of water when a school of hungry smallies came busting through the surface, chasing and herding a school of minnows to the top. We had no idea what kind of fish they were at first, but as we later watched for more disturbances and began casting Rattlin' Raps we found out.

I suspect that this could be a common pattern on larger bodies of water like the Great Lakes or huge reservoirs, where the small-mouths could be relating to schools of roving forage such as alewives or shad.

Late Fall / Early Smal l i e s

Fishing partner

Winter

Flip Phelps from Cedar Lake, Indiana and I were fishing a stretch of the St. Joe River in Michigan on a

November day. Surface water temperature read 38-degrees - much too cold for good smallmouth bass fishing from everything that I had read or been told. We pulled up to one slack-water eddy with good depth and anchored. This was an excellent spot with the slack-water, good depth and a mix of logs and rocks not too far out from shore. We then proceeded to catch and release smallmouth after smallmouth for the next three hours! And here is another mind-

boggling fact - every one of those bass was caught on nightcrawlers, not minnows. Honest!

Are the above examples simply flukes or just more of their normal behavior? They certainly are deviations from what most of us have read or been taught.

Watch, read, learn and absorb as much information as you can, but also have an open mind and think outside the box for better catches of any species that you might pursue!

Fish are often where you find them -- despite where the magazine articles and television shows say they should be. Photo by Brian Smith.

June, 2011 Edition INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS 2011 Page 1 1

OUTDOOR TRAVEL

As hunters and fishermen we all are looking for huge bucks, strutting toms, and limits of chunky fish. While this nirvana is a hazy dream for most, it is a reality for a few in the know.

Before you whisper Canada, think a little closer, in fact, a lot closer. The sportsmens paradise I am speaking of is just a stones throw from Indiana. Think western Kentucky. Think Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake, that have a combined shoreline of 3,068 miles and cover over 210,000 acres!

Thats more shoreline than Lake Superior and twenty times bigger than Lake Monroe! In fact, Kentucky Lake alone is the largest man-made reservoir in the eastern US.

With numerous rock ledges, rip-rap, lay-downs, docks, channels, humps, and manmade crappie structure, the fishing is legendary for crappie, bass, catfish, and more. Thanks to liberal fishing regulations local fisherman commonly deploy multi-pole (pun intended) spider rigs to seek out the huge slab crappie. On my last visit I personally netted a chunky two-pounder.

An excellent place to base your fishing adventure is Eddy Creek Marina and Resort, just a few miles south of Eddyville, KY. The marina has everything needed by an outdoor family, starting with two paved ramps to launch your

Western KY is Outdoor Nirvana By Alan Garbers fishing rig. They also have Echo Charlies, a first rate restaurant that is open daily for all meals and serves the best prime rib Ive had in years. Kids of all ages will enjoy tossing tidbits to the hungry swarms of bluegills below the restaurants open air picnic deck.

As expected for any marina, they also service and repair boats of all sizes and have live bait.

Nestled in sweet gum, maple, and oaks, the sleeping quarters are just a short walk away, and range from motel-like rooms to family-sized log cabins. Turkey hunters may need to be reminded to keep their guns cased as wild turkeys feed around the picnic area and cabins. If family members decide that fishing isnt their thing, thats okay because they can relax on the sand beaches at the resort or head out for boating, local shopping and historical sites.

The trophy white-tailed deer hunting in western Kentucky is a little known fsecret that is backed up by some big numbers. In a recent report, western Kentucky was listed in the top seven areas of the U.S. at producing Boone & Crockett bucks. In 2009, Quality Deer Management Associations (QDMA) annual report had this to say: Relatively unknown among whitetail enthusiasts 10 years ago, the Bluegrass State has stormed up the B&C rankings over the last five

years Why is this? Quality deer hunting requires lots of habitat laced with farmlands with little hunting pressure. That describes western Kentucky where in some places human density is less than one person per square mile and deer density can be over 40 per square mile.

Added to this is the Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL). At over 140,000 acres of managed forest and savanna, the varying habitat is a hunters dream. The LBL also has an expansive nature area with elk and bison to watch and photograph.

Turkey hunters will find western Kentucky thick with big birds -- so thick that hunters are allowed two bearded birds per tag. Of the states surrounding them, Kentucky tied with Tennessee for first place in the number of birds harvested per square mile, and Tennessee cheated by having a longer season!

If turkey hunting is your obsession, you might want to hook up with Russell and Michele Edwards, owners of Winghaven Lodge near Marion, KY. As the name implies, Russell and Michele are passionate about bird hunting. If it has wings, they hunt it, from waterfowl to upland, including quail. They have five thousand acres of private ground that is crawling with wild turkey. If that isnt enough to get your blood pumping, they offer a three day, all-inclusive, fully guided package with meals, lodging and turkey hunting. Bring your fishing poles because when youre not hunting you can fish in their private lake-sized ponds.

Western Kentucky isnt just about hunting and fishing. The region is filled with shopping, festivals, unique dining, golf, nature walks, hiking trails, sightseeing, and more. With the way fuel prices are, touring western Kentucky is easy on the gas gauge. In fact, in a recent survey gas averages thirty cents a gallon cheaper in Kentucky than in Indiana.

Frabills Heather Brosdahl shows one of sev-eral, chunky Lake Barkley crappies wecaught during a recent afternoon of fishing.

I wont say the locals are friendly, but they drive around with the dome light on at night just so you can see them waving. Dont believe me? Go see for yourself. Youll find out, just as I did, sportsman nirvana is just a short drive away.

More Information:Eddy Creek Marina and Resort

www.eddycreek.com

Winghaven Lodge www.winghavenlodge.com

Lake Barkley Tourist Commission www.lakebarkley.org

www.zolmantire.com


Its Summer, and Bowhunting is on your Mind

BABEWINKELMAN

The hunting bug. Yes, its all-consuming. Ive got it. Youve got it. And even when its the offseason it doesnt go away. There is simply no cure. So whats a person to do when they want to hunt but cant? The answer is easy: become a better hunter.

There are two sure-fire ways to improve your odds of scoring in the upcoming season. One is to improve your knowledge of the animals in your hunting grounds; and you can do this through scouting and observing, either on foot with binoculars or with cutting-edge digital scouting cameras. The second way to become a more accomplished predator is to hone your shooting skills during the off-season, to help ensure lethal arrow placement later.

Your eyes in the woods Digital scouting cameras

have forever changed the way we scout for whitetails. In addition to showing you the exact animals you have working your property, they can also help you pattern the herd, as well as individual

bucks. I talked to a bowhunter and

fan recently at a sport & hunting show. He was eager to show me photos on his smartphone of a buck he harvested last year. It was a dandy! A mature 9-pointer with amazing mass and big, palmated brow tines that looked like knife blades.

He told me the story of how he took the impressive whitetail. He had one of his Cuddeback cameras on the edge of a tiny food plot he had planted in a small clearing in his woods. He retrieved his images once a week during mid-afternoon when he was least likely to spook anything. On several occasions, when there was a south wind, he had photographic evidence of the buck accessing the food plot at about 4:30 p.m.

So this sharp guy waited for an afternoon when there was a perfect south wind and snuck into his stand near that food plot at about 2:00 p.m. Right around 4:20, that massive 9-pointer came sneaking in for an afternoon snack -- just like clockwork. The hunters Rage broadhead from 30 yards blew through both lungs and made that young man a very happy bowhunter!

This demonstrates an important point about using cameras properly. Instead of just looking at all the interesting pictures you capture, keep careful daily records of wind direction, temperature,

lunar phase and general conditions so you can cross-reference the dates and times of photos. This will dramatically help you pattern deer movement and activity.

During the summer months, scouting cameras can reveal a lot about what you can expect come fall. No, you cant look at polished antlers. But you can monitor those bucks in velvet as they grow. One of my favorite summer tactics is to put my Cuddeback cameras near mineral lick sites, because deer visit those sites very predictably to get the nutrients they instinctively know they need for antler growth, milk production, etc.

Shoot your bes t ! Aside from scouting, the

other critical off-season activity is to spend time at the range. If you have enough room where you live to take even 15-yard shots, set a goal for yourself to take at least 10 shots per day. And when you practice, try to mix things up a bit.

Put your Block target behind narrow gaps between trees, so it becomes commonplace to snake arrows through small openings. Shoot standing, but also practice your shooting from sitting on a stool, kneeling and even sitting on the ground. If you hunt primarily from a treestand, put your target below an upstairs deck, or strap a ladder stand to a tree in

your yard. Shooting from an elevated position, particularly down at severe angles, is far different than shooting on flat ground.

Repeated practice sessions do more than improve your shooting form and accuracy. They also extend your range and the build

the most important characteristic a bowhunter can have: Confidence! When you KNOW a buck is going down the moment you release that bowstring -- well, thats just the greatest feeling in the world.

Good Hunting!

Field Scan Time Lapse Software Now AvailableBushnell Outdoor Products has partnered with Scouting

Assistant to introduce a new software application for Trophy Cam users. Field Scan Time Lapse software allows users to review days of time-lapse images in minutes thanks to sophisticated motion search technology.

Bushnell introduced Field Scan technology with the 2011 Bushnell Trophy Cam line to help trail camera users more effectively pattern game and capture images outside the 45-foot motion activated sensor range. With Field Scan, users can set the trail camera to capture images at pre-set intervals of one minute to one hour, while simultaneously capturing live trigger images.

Field Scan Time Lapse software allows users to import time lapse image collections from an SD card to the computer, and quickly review the frames with variable speed playback. With the software's motion search technology, users can create custom searches and efficiently scan captured images for key frames. Photo sets can ultimately be converted to high speed motion video that can be easily viewed or shared.

Each 2011 Bushnell Trophy Cam includes one free license for the Field Scan Time Lapse software. Software download and registration instructions are available with product literature or can be accessed online.

For more information, v is i t www.bushnell.com.


Top of the World Walleye CapitalANGLING DESTINATIONS Lakes along the U.S. and

Canadian border abound with ample amounts of walleyes. But if I had to pick one lake it would be Lake of the Woods. The reason is that it will produce tons of walleyes each year, and it is fed by the prolific Rainy River.

Lake of the Woods vast shallow reefs adjacent to deep water are a magnet to these magnificent table fare wonders. But one area that is overlooked by many people who usually fish walleyes shallow, are the lakes various deep water humps.

The bait of choice is a big juicy nightcrawler, twirling behind a spinner on a double hook rig. Leeches and minnows can also be used, but its tough to beat a crawler, especially in the summer or early fall. There are a variety of ways to drag the whole package to the bottom and keep it in the fish zone, but the bottom bouncer -- an L shaped piece of wire with a lead weight on one end and an eye for attaching the line to the other end -- has been the most popular approach for trolling spinner rigs. Bottom bouncers work well over rocks, sand, gravel and mud, in shallow to moderate depths.

Our first call to secure our vacation plans this year was to Tom and Jean Kratzke, owners and operators of Randalls Resort in Baudette, MN. This past winter we stayed a couple of days with Tom and Jean and were privileged to experience their excellent ice fishing package as well as some great conversation with Tom and Jean about turkey hunting.

Randalls Resort is a family run business with 11 full house-

By Bob Riege

The author holds a nice Lake of the Woods walleye. Photo by Ginny Riege.

rooms & cabins are nonsmoking. The two Honeymoon Suites

have a king sized bed. The Executive Suite has a separate entertainment room, with small bar, large screen television and spacious meeting area. It's the perfect place to entertain clients or get together with your group.

The 21 cabins offer a variety of floor plans, from cozy one-bedroom units to the spacious 4bedroom model for larger groups or families. All towels and linens are furnished with daily maid service. Cabins are also equipped with a stove, refrigerator, dishes, shower, cable television and telephone. Pets are allowed, $15 per night.

Sportsmans Lodge also offers an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, meeting space for up to 300 people, 16 charter boats, docking, 40 (winter) fish houses, gift shop, Len C river boat cruises, wedding services, charter

busses, and spa services. The shore lunch is one of the

most enjoyable and memorable parts of the Northwoods angling experience, and Sportsmans does it right. Enjoy watching your guide cook your fresh walleye over an open fire, accompanied by potatoes, beans, bread and cookies for dessert. Or, enjoy your fresh fish in their dining room or bar after a day's trip.

Sportsmans Lodge also offers an Adventure Package. On this adventure you can experience the fishing and lodging outside Baudette or Oak Island properties. Oak Island is on the Northwest Angle and you can fish adjacent to Canadian waters without a passport.

For more information or reservations contact: Sportsman's Lodges, 3244 Bur Oak Road NW, Baudette, MN 56623, 866-533-8998 or www.sportsmanslodgelow.com.

keeping cabins. In the cabins you will find a stove, full size refrigerator, electric coffee pot, microwave, dishes, pots and pans and utensils, dish soap, paper towels and kitchen linens. Each bedroom has two twin size beds, which have the linens, blanket and comforter on them. The bathroom features a tub/shower, stool, sink; and one set of towels is included for each guest. The dining area and living room in most units are together, and all units have a couch, table and chairs and Direct TV.

If you dont want to pull your boat up to Lake of the Woods, Randalls Resort has boat rentals from a Jon boat to charter fishing. If you select charter fishing, we would recommend that you ask for Grant. Grant is the top guide at Randalls and he can put you on some really good fish using spinners or down rigging.

If you are not interested in fishing, a host of other activities are available. You can canoe or kayak and enjoy leisurely trips on the bay at Randalls Resort. Birding and wildflower viewing, or simple walks on the beach are great activities as well. You will love the great service and cozy, friendly atmosphere. For more information call (800) 718-9911 . Reservations Only: Phone: (218) 634-1987 Tom & Jean Kratzke 3984 County Rd 8 NW Baudette, MN 56623 or [email protected].

If you want a family vacation with more of the traditional north woods lodge feeling or you want to entertain clients for a corporate retreat, visit Sportsmans Lodge in Baudette. When you

visit any of Sportsman's three locations; Sportsman's Rainy River, Eagle Ridge and Oak Island -- regardless of the season, temperature, barometric pressure or any other factors -- the Minnesota fishing here is legendary. From one season to another the only thing that changes is the approach, but the results are the same: a great catch.

Catching fish here is easy because everything is taken care of: lodging, meals, licenses, rods and reels, bait, tackle and fish cleaning (filets delivered right to your room). Their guides will put you on the fish. All you have to do is show up.

Imagine spending the day bobbing along the waves; just you and five of your favorite friends, soaking up the sun, spending a summer day in style on a charter out of Sportsman's Lodge on Minnesota's Lake of the Woods. Nothing can compare to Minnesota fishing, with walleyes, saugers, perch, Northern pike, muskie, smallmouth and lake sturgeon.

We also enjoyed ice fishing out of Sportsmans Lodge this past winter and our recommendation for a winter or summer guide is Joe Pilkington Email Joe [email protected]. He is a very hard working young man who really enjoys putting his clients on great fishing.

The lodge features 30 motel rooms. Standard rooms have two double beds, a full bathroom, and television with HBO, writing table, chairs, and a freezer for your daily catch. All rooms are air-conditioned and receive daily maid service. The entire lodge,


Frabill Crawfish Trap You say crawdad, I say crayfish. Crayfish, crawdadlets call the

whole thing ON! Little lobsters of the lakes, crayfish are one of the most appealing foodstuffs to a wide array of fish species. Crawfish are a no-brainer with largemouth and smallmouth bass. Even panfish - bluegills, crappies and perch - munch on juvenile, appetizer sized crayfish. Why else would virtually every lure on the market come in a crawdad pattern?

This widespread craving for crawfish makes them a premium livebait offering, too. Better yet, theyre one of the easiest natural forage species to capture, as many of us may remember from our childhoods. On the fun scale, trapping crayfish ranks right up there with sticking the hooks to a hog bass, and it is a great way for kids to make a little extra money -- provided they fill out the form and fork over the $10 for an Indiana Bait Dealers License.

But not every crawdad trapper does so for fishing purposes. The pincer-

predators are also the pivotal piece in many recipes, especially on Cajun menus.

Frabills 12x12x5 black, rectangular crayfish trap sells online and in bait stores for around $18.

FrabillMinnow Traps Frabill makes a variety of

minnow traps as well, including this 18x8x8 model, which sells for about $21. Its a great way to save money and have fun while catching your own bait.

Check out the full line of crayfish and minnow traps from Frabill at www.frabill.com/bait-care-management/bait-traps.html

See Indiana bait dealers license requirements at: www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/files/fw-BaitDealersLicenseRegulations.pdf


Kent Hartman of Goshen shot this 22-lb tom on May 5, 2011. He was using a 20 gauge and took it in Switzerland County.

Wheatfield, Indiana NWTF member, Willie Wireman, took this 23-lb. tom on the second day of the Indiana season. After having 8 toms hang up at 70-yds on opening day for 2 1/2 hrs,the next day Willie decided it was time to leave his strutting jake in the truck. The decision proved to be the right one. This fine gobbler sported a 10-3/4" beard and 20-mm spurs.

Larry Koerner caught a recent limit of crappie on Patoka Lake fishing with J & R Guide Service. The fish were caught up the Little Patoka River on 1/8-oz. jigs and 3-inch grubs.

Craig Stanley isnt saying where he caught this 5pounder last month.

Gone Afield monthly photo contest. . . Its EASY! Its FUN! Fill out this form and send it in with your favorite outdoor photograph.

A winner will be randomly selected each month to win a great outdoor prize!

Entry Information:

Person submitting the photo:

Name(s) of person(s) pictured:

Other information describing the photo:

If Im selected as this months random winner, please send my prize to:

Send your photos to: Gone Afield P.O. Box 69

Granger, IN 46530 E-mail submissions welcome at: [email protected].

If mailing photos, please include a SASE if youd like us to return them to you

CONTEST RULES: Raghorn, Inc. shall retain the right to publish or not publish any images submitted in any of its media outlets. Winners chosen at random. Prizes are subject to change and contest may cease without notice.

Hunter Morrett on left and Mason Campbell on right had a great day hunting with their dads last fall.

9-year-old Austin DeLee of Plymouth took his second-ever turkey during Indianas 2011 youth hunt with his 20 gauge at 23-yards. The big tom was 26-lbs with an 11 inch beard. Outstanding, Austin!

This months answers From Puzzle on Page 8

THIS MONTHS WINNER!THIS MONTHS WINNER!


KIDS OUTDOORS Getting Kids Started: Its About Them and Their Fishing! By Mark StrandTo Jason Mitchell, introducing kids to fishing and

hooking them on the sport ideally takes place on the same day. It's a specialty that takes a commitment from an adult that goes beyond letting 'em come along.

Mitchell is a veteran guide from Devils Lake, North Dakota, who travels widely to fish and film Jason Mitchell Outdoors television. Still a relatively young man himself, he has a huge soft spot in his heart for helping youngsters become attached to angling-including his own kids, Olivia and Brennen.

It has to be about the kids and their fishing, begins Jason. Your child-to-adult ratio has to be low. You can't expect to take out more than two kids, and it's best if it's one-on-one.

And you have to be in a good spot. It doesn't have to be a fly-in trip; it can just be a good spot off a dock, or the best bullhead spot in the area. As long as you can provide something with fins, some action, you're off to a good start.

Kids Own the Day While guiding, Jason has seen firsthand what hap

pens when parents want their kids to pursue big walleyes rather than the faster action of smaller walleyes, or better yet, panfish.

If parents put their own desires in front of the kids', it's usually a disaster, he says. Don't go out there to impress these kids with your advanced abilities. Have their first trips be something simple they can grasp. Something where they can have success.

Try to find a situation where it's easy, in a sense. Take them to a place where they can cast and not get into trouble, but let them make mistakes without criticizing their technique. When you take a youngster fishing, that day is their day. You're fishing for whatever bites. And you stop when they want to, even if it's after just an hour. Kids don't have the threshold to stay out all day, even if it's a nice day.

After an outing or two, if a youngster is taking to the sport, then it can be time to broaden their horizons-but keep the training wheels on.

You can take them out trolling crankbaits, or bottom bouncers, or jigging, says Jason, but it might take you to detect the bites in those situations. As soon as you set the hook, hand them the rod. At the end of the trip, they don't remember you had anything to do with it. They tell their friends how many fish they caught.

Let 'em Bring To y s On a youngster's first fishing excursion, it's com

mon for them to want to bring a gaming device or other toys. Rather than separating them from these security blankets, Jason urges adults to not ban toys right off the bat. From his guiding experience, Jason has seen that it almost always works better to let kids bring toys, and play with them. I don't think it's a big deal if they want to bring some toys from home, he says, if it eases the transition between living room and the outdoors. A lot of times, the Game Boy is in the glove box by the end of the day, and they aren't paying attention to it anymore.

Let 'em Keep Some Fish Some kids naturally want to let every fish go, some

kids want to keep 'em all, and some kids want to keep one or two.

As long as the fish are of legal size and limits are adhered to, I think kids should be able to keep some fish, says Jason, and we shouldn't judge the kids for which fish they choose to keep. If they spend the rest of the day with the livewell open, looking at the fish, and then we fillet them and eat them, that's all good stuff.

Let Friends Come A l o n g While he feels that initial outings are best handled

one-on-one, after kids have a good introduction to fishing, bringing a friend or two can help kids have fun on the water.

Especially once they get a little older, says Mitchell, maybe fourth or fifth grade, let some friends come along. Then it's really cool. They love to do things with their friends. It's a good way to get their friends outside, too. Maybe all of them will like fishing, and it will become something they do together for many years.

Mentors are the True Key Jason, who is also a volunteer instructor for the non

profit School of Outdoor Sports, believes that the key to developing lifelong anglers is to provide them with quality mentoring.

Teaching kids to fish requires a commitment of time from people who are willing to put their own fishing on hold, he says. You have to get kids on the water several times before they can get a feel for it, have some success, get that feeling of accomplishment that makes fishing so important and special.

Attentive mentoring creates chances for youngsters to catch fish, and become attached to the sport, says guide and televi-sion host Jason Mitchell. Here, Oliver of Indianapolis is proud of his very first fish -- what a great feeling! Photo provided.

It's so important that they catch something. Those are the life-changing events. If they catch fish, that's what they associate fishing with, rather than being cold or hot or getting sunburned. It comes down to you taking one kid to your best spot and letting them catch-or at least reel in-all the fish. If everybody did that once a year, we'd have a lot more new anglers.

Jason Mitchell's time on the water is difficult to match. He earned a renown reputation as a guide on Nort h Dakota's Devils Lake and now hosts Jason Mitchell Outdoors television, airing 9 a.m. Sundays on Fox Sport s North and Fox Sports Midwest. www.jasonmitchellout-doors.com. For more tips on mentoring kids in the out-doors, go to www.learnoutdoorsports.org .


SHOOTING Rangefinding Scopes Introduced for Slug Guns and Muzzleloaders

Hawke DeerPass MAP Series:

Proper Bench Rest Technique. . .

Shooting a slug gun in a hunting situation or at the range is very different than shooting a rifle, primarily because the projectile is so much heavier and slower. Youve installed your Hawke DeerPass scope and are ready to sight in your slug gun. Follow these basic rules when shooting off the bench:

1) Shoot from a solid bench with some form of front and rear rest. 2) Dont lean into the bench. Strive to keep your body upright. 3) Settle into the rest and pull the gun firmly back into your shoulder. 4) Dont allow sling studs to hit the bags or interfere with the guns recoil. 5) Adjust your rest to bring your sight picture on target. 6) While pulling gun firmly back into your shoulder, grasp forend and hold it down into the front rest while applying slight counterclockwise torque. Maintain rearward pull into shoulder and downward pull and counterclockwise torque on forend. 7) Settle on point of aim and gently squeeze trigger until the gun fires. 8) Repeat process maintaining the same form and point of aim.

Fast, accurate, point & shoot range finding scope systems designed specifically for today's shotgun & muzzleloader hunters are now available from Fort Wayne-based Hawke Sport Optics.

The DeerPass Series of scopes are one more example of how Hawke Sport Optics is technically advancing the world of hunting optics. Designed by respected North American hunting engineers, extensive research and field-testing produced a simple range finding scope system that would function quickly and accurately for all experience levels of shooters. An easy to use precision aiming tool for taking all types of North American game was the result.

Consistent with Hawke's high quality standards, reliability is to be expected. And best of all, these scopes are available at a surprisingly affordable price.

Once the setup and sighting-in procedure is completed, the shooter simply brackets the target by placing the appropriate predetermined measurement bracket on a known size area of the target and you're ready to shoot (40 chest to tail, 12 nose to ear, 2 white circle around eye for deer).

Based on standard Foster Slug and Sabot Slug ballistics, the scope's range finding reticles effectively compensate for bullet/slug trajectory and drop. With built in 50, 100, 150, and 200 yard aim-points, the result is a quick, clear and accurate kill shot.

Detailed set-up directions are included with the accompanying instruction manual, and Hawke's technical support help line is available for helping out with questions and specific instructions if necessary.

All DeerPass scopes are covered by the Hawke Worldwide Warranty. They're waterproof, shock proof, fog proof, fully rated and recoil tested using the most punishing guns available on the market.

Hawke DeerPass SR Series: 3-9x40 IR EV SR

The SR version features a glass etched reticle with 6 red or green illuminated aiming points. Illumination is operated by a side rheostat positioned on the saddle and powered by a single CR2032 battery.

3-9x40 MAP

3-9x40 EV MAP

Both MAP versions feature a range finding point and shoot, easy to use reticle system to ensure every shot is a guaranteed hit. EV (Extreme View) Optical System (39x40 IR EV SR & 3-9x40 EV MAP): Newly developed EV optical systems provide an additional 20% field of view over standard rifle & shotgun scopes, without increasing the size of the scope itself. This new feature allows for a much clearer, quicker and easier target acquisition.

Free BRC Software: All of the DeerPass Series scopes are

fully supported by the Hawke BRC (Ballistic Reticle Calculator) software. Designed by the best ballistic engineers in the world, the science is done for you and it's really easy to use. Applicable to all rifle calibers, it's available FREE for everyone, simply download it from the Hawke web site. Take advantage of the easiest and most effective tool available for increasing your accuracy in the field.

For more information, go to www.hawkeoptics.com or call toll free 877-429-5347


Modern Kayaks for Fishing Fun

paddle to good fishing and hunting locations.

Long ago and far away a friend invited me to hop aboard a sea kayak hed bought for his kids. I told him, I only go out on boats rigged for fishing.

Later, instead of heading to where his fishing boat was

sit on, rather than in. They sit a little higher in the

water and if any water ships aboard, it simply washes away through drain holes in the floor. The seat, mounted a few inches above the floor keeps your bottom side dry. Despite the holes, the kayaks are unsinkable. You

lem first, changing the kayak from a paddle boat to a peddle boat. Called the Mirage Drive, a set of fins which look similar to penguin wings, protrudes through the hull and under the boat and when activated by foot peddles, the flippers propel the boat forward at surprising speeds with

position myself for casting bass lures, I vertical jigged for crappies over some stake beds and just to go for a ride, I trolled along a rip-rapped causeway for over a mile with very little effort. I probably wouldnt have gone so far other than the white bass adding an occasional dash of

The Last Thought MIKESCHOONVELD

If it floats and you can make it move with a paddle, Ive paddled it. Ive paddled rafts made of scrap lumber. Ive paddled canoes, rowboats, duck boats and kayaks. I once paddled a fuel oil barrel across a fairly large pond. Most of the time I was paddling to get to the fish or to a spot I planned hunt.

These days, its called paddle sports and people are doing it strictly for the enjoyment, the exercise and a way to get away. Good for them. Ill continue to

Hobie's fishing kayaks work because they turn a paddle boat into a "peddle" boat. Photo provided.

stored, we detoured to a spot where his kayak was stowed along the shoreline. Take a look, Bob said, Its customized just for you.

A fishing rod holder was securely bolted ahead of the cockpit and Bob said, Theres a fishing rod and box of lures inside. Thats was my introduction to kayaks and kayak fishing.

I quickly learned that compared to a canoe, rowboat or oil drum, paddling a kayak was nearly effortlesseven when trolling a lure. Small wonder modern, plastic kayaks have quickly displaced both canoes and rowboats as the human-powered boat of choice across America.

Bobs sea kayak was closely modeled after the bone and skin boats used by native hunters in North Americas Subarctic region. The seat was the boats bottom and a skirt attached to the rim of the cockpit and belted around my waist prevented water from sloshing into the boat. The kayaks Ive used since, are open models you

can only do that with modern construction, not with whalebone and seal skins.

Though I actually caught a fish on my first kayak excursion, it would be a stretch to label most kayaks as ideal for fishing. Though kayaks are easy to paddle to the best fishing hole on the lake, once you get there, you have to stow the long, double ended paddle and unstow your fishing rod and gear to actually fish. You dont have the freedom of movement allowed in a rowboat or even a canoe. All of what you need has to be within arms reach and when you dont need it, its still in arms reachand probably in the way.

Except in a line of boats produced by Hobie kayaks designed exclusively for fishing.

Hobie solved the major prob

minimal effort. With both hands free, and

without the double-ended paddle cluttering the area, fishing is fun, easy and productive. I test-floated a Hobie Pro Angler model at a recent trip to Lake Barkley in Kentucky. I was easily able to

interest. The Hobie Pro Angler is

equipped with rod storage, equipment lockers and can be set up with all manner of fishing accessories from anchors to electronics. Check them out at www. hobiecat.com/fishing.

Kayaks have become America's most popular paddle-craft and Hobie has turned them into fish-worthy tools. Josh Lantz photo.

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