By Nate Matthews

A new fishing kayak was released today called the Predator (top), which appears to be Old Town's answer to Hobie's popular Pro Angler model. Both yaks are part of a trend toward bigger, more comfortable fishing kayaks that trade range and speed for customizable versatility. Both the Predator and the Pro Angler feature highly stable multi-hull designs, extra-wide beams, and adjustable, removable seats that emphasize angler comfort (they look almost like deck chairs). Both are great kayaks for big-bodied anglers, those who want to stand up while fishing, and those who need lots of cargo space for carrying livewells, coolors, and other bulky gear. Both boats feature slip-resistant decking as well as mounting plates that let you attach rod holders, GPS mounts, or other accessories without having to drill holes in your hull. Both were designed to accomodate trolling motors. 

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By T. Edward Nickens

There’s no better time than June to escape for a weekend of fishing camp. But first, you need to find the absolute best site.

This time of year I love nothing more than a trip that involves both tent poles and fishing sticks, because this time of year is the perfect time for fish camp. 

Up in the hills, the nights are still cool enough for a campfire. Down in the low river country, the mosquitoes have yet to multiply like fruit flies on fast forward. And in June, the fish are willing just about everywhere. Right now—as in, right this very second—you and I are missing out on some of the year’s best fishing. Trout are sucking down mayflies at dawn and dusk and hopper-and-ant sandwiches for lunch. Rivers are warm enough for steady panfish action. Postspawn bass might be a bit closemouthed, but for now, at least, there’s nothing on their minds but solitude and food. And the best way to catch the bite is to lay your head as close to the water as possible. 

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By David Draper

Last week’s “What The Heck Is This?” contest garnered about 50 correct responses, though I suspect only about the first 10 or so actually recognized the device as a biltong cutter. Of all the correct entries, Neuman23’s number came up in the random drawing, so congratulations to him and thanks to everyone else who entered their guesses.

I’ve also been remiss in picking a winner for the Worst Cooking Disaster contest back in April. T. Rebel and I finally got on the same page and came up with our favorite stories. There were some doozies, including DigHunter digging into some under fried chicken after some late-night shenanigans and Bowhunt3r’s tale of his brother’s attempt at making pizza dough. If you haven’t read those—or the rest of the great entries—it’s worth the time just for the laughs. [ Read Full Post ]

By Joe Cermele

Since I have been fishing, I have had hooks past the barb in the following places: big toe, wrist, both thumbs, thigh, shoulder, elbow, every finger, neck, heel, and calf. But never have I had one in the face...until a few weeks ago.

Now, I'm not going to give you the entire backstory, because the gentleman who was casting the streamer was mortified I think, and I like him way too much to reveal his name. The way I look at it, I didn't lose an eye and hey, if you cast sink tips and big bugs around on drift boats long enough, eventually dog poop happens. No big deal. As for the removal, you can always tell when a guide is well-versed in the line-pull method, because they say "on the count of 3," but they yank on the "1." Who else has caught one in the face?

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By Slaton L. White

This is all started during turkey season. I was driving down a secondary road well before dawn and was having a hard time locating the turnoff to the field where I was going to meet my hunting partner. I thought: “Are my headlamps even on?”

They were, but they really looked like dim bulbs to me.

My truck is a 2001 Explorer Sport Trac, with the OE headlamps. They’ve seen a lot of miles. Later, in the full light of day, when I took a closer look, I could also see the lenses had “fogged over,” the haze a product of exposure to years of ultraviolet rays. No wonder I had trouble finding my turn.

Owners of older trucks face a similar problem, but here’s a quick and easy fix, courtesy of Sylvania Automotive Lighting.

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By Ben Romans

While everyone was focused on the potential world record mako caught last week in California, another mako off the New Jersey coast also made headlines.

On June 4, two Garden State anglers got more than they bargained for near the Manasquan Inlet when they hooked an 8-foot, 303-pound mako—and it leapt into their 31-foot boat.
 
Clint Simek of Brielle, NJ and Tom Rostron Jr. of Wall, NJ described the incident in the Asbury Park Press, saying they were simply in the area on Rostron’s boat, TNT, scouting for potential areas to hold shark fishing tournaments later this month. By mid-afternoon, the men had caught and released 14 blue sharks, and as the wind calmed and conditions improved, they were eager to see what else they’d find. That’s when the big mako showed up. [ Read Full Post ]