hoosierhunter

Old poles are sometimes the best poles - especially when they have a great history of great catches. One of my favorite poles happens to be a Berkley series 1, a classic I’ve enjoyed for years. My wife is into the real classics.  She swears by the trustworthy cane pole. She’d asked me to buy her an ugly stick last year, but I am hoping to fin her a good pole that she can fall in love with.  What is it about the comforts of a classic that keep us looking out for those familiar things in life?

I had a great catfish pole, but my dad just wouldn’t let it alone. It was out of production, so he couldn’t get one for himself. I meant to get it last time I was at his place; just the reel ran over a hundred bucks, but I couldn’t bring myself to take it from him. Maybe my boys will be the same way when they get older. I hope they can tell the difference between a classic and something that casts just *okay*.  Of course a lot of people say it’s not the pole but the fisherman. I think they’re only partially right. You can’t really cast securely with a crappy pole.

Speaking of poles, anyone ever try one of those pocket fishermen? I hear they are okay but I can’t imagine reeling in a wet, dirty line and putting it back into its pretty little case. Ronco has a special where you can buy one get one free for $29.99.  I’m still very skeptical. Not sure when I’ll test one out. Ronco has some really good stuff though. I know I love the rotisserie.

Recently I posted my North American Fishing Club books on Craigslist. I have already seen a lot of interest.  Coupled with the hunting club books, there might be a lot of fun for someone interested in hunting and fishing. I prefer to learn by experience, sharing information I’ve collected through the years by hanging out with other fishermen and hunters.

Indiana has a special license plate available for those who love the outdoors and want to support a worthwhile cause. The Indiana Heritage Trust’s Environmental  plate is a nice way to show other Hoosiers that you support the DNR; proceeds from its sale go toward supporting the IHT. There is a $40 fee for the special plate.  You can also make a tax deductible donation to IHT just by checking out instructions on the DNR website.

It’s time to check your gear and clean everything before stowing it away for the next season. Be sure to unload all weapons and store them securely. Stores should start offering great discounts on fall/winter hunting supplies. Be sure not to go overboard though. If you don’t think you’ll use it, chances are it’s not a great idea to buy a bunch of junk to store for a year, but getting a cache of necessities at deep discounts can be a great advantage next fall.

It’s time to be thinking about bait recipes. Dough baits and the old standby, raw chicken liver are nothing new to the seasoned fisherman, but I’ve been spending a little time looking up new recipes to add to my arsenal this year.

 Thank goodness crickets never go out of style.  

Well, today wraps yet another exciting deer season in Indiana. Several hunters experienced a great year while others came back from the woods without so much as an ounce of venison jerky. To those hunters, I tip my hat, as my success this year has been quite mixed.

My hope is that the spring will bring about a good fishing year, but with a few upcoming changes in my homelife, the opportunity to cast a line may be overshadowed by a very busy schedule.  Sadly, I may not get out on the ice this season, but I’m still optimistic as winter is still very early in the game.

For those who are ice fishing fans, be sure to test that Indiana ice before venturing out. You need at least four inches of clear, non damaged ice to safely hold an average weight but more is better.  Northern lakes are best for those who don’t want to wind up skimming the shallows. Though bluegill aren’t as common in the winter time on the northern lakes, there are reportedly plenty of walleye to be had for those with enough patience and time on their hands.  Indiana Game & Fish has a great little article on several spots including Hamilton Lake Reservoir in Steuben county.

Just remember, sportsmen and ladies, there are rules for Indiana Ice fishing. Your hole can be no wider than twelve inches, and your shanty needs reflectors to prevent snowmobile collisions. You can get carded every time, so carry your fishing license with you! Indiana DNR is very, very thorough! Be careful out there, and be sure to comment on your success stories.

Yesterday marked the beginning of the Spring Mill State Park poetry contest. Entries will be accepted through March 15. You can get a copy of the rules for the contest at Spring Mill State Park, so get your creative noggins a writing! They’ll announce the winner on May second. There are a few really nice prizes for the winners, and there is a children’s category available.