NYS Senate passes crossbow hunting bill | WIVB.com

ALBANY, N.Y. (RELEASE) – Senator George Maziarz (R-C, Newfane) is pleased to announce that the State Senate has given final passage to legislation (S.6793-B) he co-sponsored to allow for hunting with crossbows in New York State.

“Normally I’m forced to spend a lot of time in Albany fighting against new laws that infringe on sportsmen’s rights,” Senator Maziarz said. “Today, I’m very pleased that we’re doing something positive for the hunting community. By incorporating the use of crossbows, we are opening up more hunting opportunities for a variety of New Yorkers, including seniors and the disabled. This is a step in the right direction that is long overdue.”

Senator Maziarz has been working to get a crossbow bill passed into law for a number of years. He first introduced legislation in 2003 to direct the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to promulgate rules and regulations for hunting with a crossbow. His predecessor, Senator John Daly, had advocated for similar legislation in the 1980’s and 1990’s.

“Opening the door to crossbows is good for the sportsmen community as a whole,” Senator Maziarz added. “Getting more people involved can only be a good thing for preserving and expanding sportsmen’s rights in Albany.”

The legislation approved today specifies that crossbows shall be authorized for any big game season when the shotgun or muzzle loader is permitted. Crossbows for hunting deer and bear must have a fourteen inch bolt, a seventeen inch width, a twenty-four inch length, a draw weight of between one hundred and two hundred pounds, and a trigger safety. Training on the safe use of crossbows will also become part of the curriculum of basic hunter education courses.

Incorporating crossbow hunting in New York State has been supported in the past by groups such as Disabled Sportsmen of America, Safari Club, New York State Conservation Council, the Niagara County Federation of Conservation Clubs, and the Shooters’ Committee on Political Education (SCOPE).

The bill also eases the requirements for physically disabled persons to obtain permission to use a longbow modified with a mechanical device to help draw, hold, and release the long bow.

Senator Maziarz has encouraged Governor David Paterson to sign the bill into law.

via NYS Senate passes crossbow hunting bill | WIVB.com.

Elk hunter will take only a bow to woods | The Tennessean

Deputy Bob Burns’ jurisdiction doesn’t reach Tennessee, but he laid down the law when it came to deciding on the primitive hunting method his younger brother Greg will use in the state’s second managed elk hunt.

Greg will rely only on a traditional bow to take down an animal that could stand 5 feet and weigh as much as 700 pounds.

The entire arsenal, including hand-made arrows, is derived from natural materials.

“We don’t use sights, there’s nothing plastic, it’s all traditional equipment,” said Bob, 52, a deputy with the Pinellas County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office. “It will all come down to Greg’s shooting ability and my calling and experience in elk hunting.”

Greg, 49, a retired army staff sergeant from Clarksville, was among four selected randomly to participate in the Oct. 18-22 hunt at the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area. A fifth permit was auctioned off by a non-profit, non-governmental organization.

“The only way Bob said he would come along was if we didn’t take any guns into the woods,” Greg said. “He’s confident we can get close enough to an elk to use a traditional bow. If not, he said we’d leave the woods with what we brought in — nothing.”  Click Link Below for Full Story!

via Elk hunter will take only a bow to woods | tennessean.com | The Tennessean.

Apply now for the 2010 Minnesota elk hunt – Review Messenger

Hunters have until Friday, July 16, to apply for one of 11 elk licenses offered this year by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Licenses for the 2010 hunts will be available in the traditional Grygla area and central Kittson County, which is a consolidation of the north and south Kittson zones from last year. Maps of the two hunt zones can be found at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/hunting/elk.

“Annual elk hunts help manage population size and provide a unique hunting experience for Minnesota hunters,” said Lou Cornicelli, DNR big game program coordinator.

Seven licenses (two either-sex and five antlerless) will be offered in the Grygla area. Four licenses (one either-sex and three antlerless) will be offered in Kittson County.

“With the completion of our elk management plan, we’re allocating elk licenses so that we can manage the two populations at established levels,” Cornicelli said.

A total of three licenses (two in Grygla and one in Kittson County) may be issued to qualified landowners in their elk zone in a preferential drawing. Unsuccessful landowner applications will then be added to the general drawing, from which the remaining applicants will be selected. Alternates will be selected in case successful parties opt not to purchase a permit.

In total, there will be two seasons in each zone, divided as follows:

·Sept. 18-26, two either-sex in Grygla, one either-sex and one antlerless license in Kittson County.

·Dec. 4-12, five antlerless licenses in Grygla and two antlerless licenses in Kittson County

Applications may be made at any DNR license agent or the DNR License Center, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul. Paper applications will not be accepted. Hunters may apply individually or in parties of two. There is a non-refundable application fee of $10 per hunter. Successful applicants will be notified by mail. In order to hunt, they must purchase an elk license for $250. Each party will be authorized to harvest one elk.  Click Link Below For Full Story!

via Apply now for the 2010 Minnesota elk hunt.

The basics for putting line on a fishing reel – by Marisol Dayton – Helium

by Marisol Dayton

* Writing Level StarWriting Level StarWriting Level Star

For many thousands of years, fishermen were restricted to fishing very close to shore or close to their boats. Then in 1667 came the brilliant invention called the fishing reel. Rudimentary reels have been used in China since the 3rd century BC, but with the advent of the modern reel, fishermen could fish many times further than before.

With the modern reel came variations of the reel for different fishing conditions. The most common are the spinning reel, the baitcaster reel, and the fly reel. Likewise there are several kinds of fishing line – monofilament, fluorocarbon, braided, and fly line – and not all lines are suitable for all reels. Choosing the right line for the reel is as important as spooling it.

- How to Spool a Spinning Reel

Spinning reels are considered one of the easiest reels to use and are common among fishermen who do not fish often though many excellent fishermen swear by a good spinning reel. Spooling one of these reels is easy to do alone or with a friend. Spinning reels work best with smaller line, usually less than 16 pound test for monofilament or fluorocarbon. Braided line has greater strength for its diameter so braided line up to about 30 pound test can be used with a spinning reel.  Click Link Below For Full Story!

via The basics for putting line on a fishing reel – by Marisol Dayton – Helium.

On the line: Kevin VanDam – The Daytona Beach News-Journal

By GODWIN KELLY, Motorsports editor send an email to godwin.kelly@news-jrnl.com

June 25, 2010 12:05 AM

VanDam is one of the most decorated bass fishing champions in the nation. One week after Jamie McMurray won the 2010 Daytona 500, VanDam won the Bass Masters Classic in Birmingham, Ala. The Classic, which VanDam has captured three times, is the “Daytona 500 of bass fishing.” The two men have the same primary sponsor, Bass Pro Shops. VanDam was in town Tuesday to help promote the July 3 Coke Zero 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway. McMurray and VanDam went bass fishing, then raced go-karts as part of the media opportunity. Motorsports editor Godwin Kelly talked to VanDam during a break between fishing and racing sessions.

Jamie said his life changed after winning the Daytona 500. Did your life change after winning that big fishing tournament?

“The Bass Masters Classic is the biggest event in our sport. You qualify for it during the season before and it kicks off our season, just like the Daytona 500 kicks off NASCAR each season. It's not a points event. It's an all-or-nothing type event. This past year was special. Two years before, I was leading going into the final day and ended up third. Anybody will tell you that the first time you win a championship, it's huge. There's nothing like it. The second time is better. Jimmie Johnson will tell you his fourth championship was better than his third. For me it was special.”  Click link below for full story!

via On the line: Kevin VanDam – Racing.

Outdoor Channel’s Biggest Summer Ever: America’s Leader in Outdoor TV Reveals 100% HD

NETWORK DEBUTS 13 NEW SHOWS & 71 RETURNING FAVORITES

ROLLS OUT THE RED CARPET FOR CHIPPER JONES, CRAIG MORGAN, GARY LEVOX, AARON LEWIS, KIMBERLY PRESSLER & MORE

TEMECULA, Calif., June 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Outdoor Channel (Nasdaq: OUTD), America’s Leader in Outdoor TV, today unveiled its action-packed programming schedule for the third quarter (Q3) of 2010 beginning on June 28th. Filled with non-stop action and adventure with an emphasis on respect for the great outdoors, the Q3 lineup includes 13 brand new original shows, 71 season debuts of returning favorites, the biggest industry talent, the boldest outdoor producers and a powerful slate of celebrated entertainers. The introduction of Outdoor Channel’s latest programming roster coincides with the network’s 100 percent high definition (HD) launch; Outdoor Channel is the first and only full-time cable network in the outdoor category to broadcast every episode of every show in 100% native HD.

As part of its monumental third quarter programming slate, Outdoor Channel is launching a campaign dubbed the “Biggest Summer Ever!” to highlight its striking three-pronged theme of 100 percent native HD, a record number of new shows and season debuts and unmatched celebrity star-power.

“Outdoor Channel is simply the only entertainment option for the best in high quality, in-depth outdoor lifestyle content in 100% HD,” said Tom Hornish, COO at Outdoor Channel. “We are super-serving our audience this season with a rich slate of authentic hunting, fishing, shooting, off-road, adventure and conservation shows, offering advertisers the greatest opportunity to reach an attractive demographic and building on our 15-plus year brand history.”

From major league athletes to musicians to beauty queens, the network’s latest roster of new shows set to hit the air this summer features a diverse lineup of superstars showcasing their love of the outdoors alongside Outdoor Channel’s top talent. Country music singer/songwriter Craig Morgan, STAIND frontman Aaron Lewis, lead singer of country trio Rascal Flats Gary LeVox and former Miss USA beauty Kimberly Pressler are among the many celebrities coming to Outdoor Channel. Athletes are also well-represented in upcoming Outdoor Channel programs, like Major League Baseball (MLB) superstars Matt Duff, Chipper Jones, Ryan Langerhans, Adam LaRoche, Tom “Tombo” Martin and Adam Wainwright, as well as former UFC World Champion Tim Sylvia and World Champion Bull Rider J.W. Hart. The aforementioned celebrities will appear and star in a number of exclusive Outdoor Channel shows, including: “Buck Commander,” “Craig Morgan All Access,” “Dream Season Celebrity”  and “Truck Academy.”

The “Biggest Summer Ever!” campaign will employ on-air and online promotional tactics; OutdoorChannel.com video spots; a themed Web page; online banner ads; magazine print and Web ads, along with placement in newsletters and direct marketing.

New Series:

Benelli on Assignment – Debuts Wednesday, June 30th at 5:00 p.m. ET

“Benelli on Assignment” features world-class bird shooting action and exciting big game adventure in pristine, and often remote, locations with top writers and photographers who are “on assignment.” The series teams brand marketing manager and host, Joe Coogan, with writers and photographers from the nation’s most recognized outdoor magazines, such as Outdoor Life, among others. Together, Coogan and his guests travel the globe to field test and showcase Benelli products at the world’s top hunting spots from Botswana’s incredible game-filled Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert to North America’s majestic mountain ranges, waterfowl-packed marshes, spectacular plains and prairies, and beyond.

Boone and Crockett Country – Debuts Sunday, July 4th at 10:00 a.m. ET

“Boone and Crockett Country™” (B&CC) is a weekly hunting documentary celebrating the best in big game hunting and conservation in North America. Produced by the most widely respected name in big game records keeping, fair chase and conservation – Boone & Crockett – and presented by America’s Optics Authority™, B&CC explores all aspects of big game hunting from species biology, favored habitats, today’s best trophy destinations and the science of big game management. “Boone and Crockett Country” also delves into the time-honored, ethical traditions of recreational hunting.

Buck Commander protected by Under Armour – Debuts Saturday, July 3rd at 10:00 a.m. ET and 7:30 PM ET

This July, join former MLB superstars Matt Duff, Chipper Jones, Ryan Langerhans, Adam LaRoche and Tom “Tombo” Martin as they team up with “Boss Hogg” Willie Robertson from Outdoor Channel’s popular series “Benelli Presents Duck Commander” in a new show called “Buck Commander protected by Under Armour.” From batting practice to bow practice and outfield to in-the-field, every episode highlights the camaraderie, comedy and corporate antics of the six co-owners of the Buck Commander Company. For these six friends, the end of baseball season is only the beginning.

Craig Morgan All Access Outdoors – Debuts Saturday, July 3rd at 11:00 a.m. ET

“Craig Morgan All Access Outdoors” is new reality show that gives viewers an all access, backstage pass to country music sensation and diehard outdoorsman Craig Morgan. Whether he’s bowhunting big game, motocross racing or entertaining screaming fans at sold-out shows, Craig’s life is high-octane and his schedule is unrelenting. This hit new reality show gives viewers a first-hand pass to Craig’s travels, as he and his crew pursue big game, big thrills and big laughs across North America in a quest for the ultimate hunting adventures. Moreover, Craig’s fellow country music artists – as well as professional athletes and motocross celebrities – join him each week.

Dream Season Celebrity – Debuts Tuesday, June 29th at 10:30 p.m. ET

ScentBlocker® and Drury Outdoors® bring a different show to TV that challenges teams from athletes to music superstars to put their skill, desire and luck to the ultimate test in a head-to-head battle for deer-hunting supremacy. Watch as lead singer of the band STAIND Aaron Lewis, former UFC World Champion Tim Sylvia, World Champion Bull Rider J.W. Hart, and World Champion Pitcher Adam Wainwright compete in the reality hunting show, which features a bevy of impromptu twists and tests that raise the bar to epic proportions!

Field & Stream’s Gun Nuts presented by Smith & Wesson – Debuts Wednesday, June 30th at 9:30 p.m. ET

When it comes to rifles and shotguns, Field & Stream‘s rifles field editor Dave Petzal and shotguns columnist Phil Boujaily are the real deal. They love them, study them, collect them, and they’re not afraid to tell viewers what they think about them! “Field & Stream’s Gun Nuts presented by Smith & Wesson,” is a wide open, cover the target, fill the ammo box, locked and loaded half-hour magazine series. Each week, Petzal and Bourjaily will educate, enlighten and entertain gun lovers of all ages with expert tips, how-to’s and field tests. The duo will also showcase the latest and greatest hardware, provide thorough retrospectives on classic shotguns and rifles, and more. And Field & Stream‘s editor-at-large Eddie Nickens will also join in the fray to make sure your “Gun Nuts” questions get answered.

Jim Shockey’s The Professionals – Debuts Tuesday, June 29th at 7:00 p.m. ET

“Jim Shockey’s The Professionals” takes viewers behind the curtain and into the life and career of Jim Shockey, his support staff and production team — Corey Knowlton, Dan Goodenow, Todd Bissenden, Matt Gibson and Branlin Shockey. Each episode highlights the trials and tribulations that occur while traveling to the world’s most dangerous hunting destinations and the risks of political unrest in foreign lands, man-eating animals, deadly weather and more. You say you want to live the life of Jim Shockey? Well, “Jim Shockey’s The Professionals” shows the agony and the ecstasy that goes into being a professional big game outfitter and hunting legend with more than 200 big game species to his credit. It’s not always pretty, it’s not always glamorous, but it’s always unpredictable adventure. In the show’s first season, viewers can prepare for never-before-seen adventures to places like Ethiopia, the Russian Federation, the Aleutian Islands, the Republic of Zambia, the Republic of Uganda, the Yukon Territory and more.

Legends of the Fall – Debuts Sunday, July 4th at 11:00 p.m. ET

“Legends of the Fall” is produced with diehard deer hunters in mind. Featuring six Outdoor Channel “Dream Season” and “Bow Madness” hunters, “Legends of the Fall” chronicles the high-energy hunts and behind-the-scenes action of a dedicated crew of passionate hunters. Shot in a format similar to the hit series “24,” each episode details the lives of the group in their tireless, year-round pursuit of all things whitetail. While the show spotlights a dynamic variety of adrenaline-pumping whitetail bow hunts across North America, it also offers a mix of other big game adventures. From shed hunting and food plot planting to pre-season scouting and the harvesting of giant trophies, “Legends of the Fall” promises to feed every viewer’s hunting addiction.

Mathews’ Dominant Bucks presented by Mathews Archery – Debuts Sunday, July 4th at 6:30 p.m. ET

Join whitetail hunting expert and outdoor legend Stan Potts as he explores the world of hunting in “Mathews’ Dominant Bucks.” With 40 years of buck hunting experience and four 200-class whitetails to his credit, Potts dives into his tactics and strategies to successfully find, pattern and harvest giant whitetails with his bow. Proudly presented by Mathews Archery, the show is supported by a cast of expert hunters while patterning and hunting monster bucks in hidden areas — and self-taping the hunts as not to disturb these wary giants. Potts and his team strive to teach viewers the what, where, when, how and why of trophy buck hunting, with tactics that include using maps, gaining permission, speed scouting, digital trail camera secrets, patterning tips and setting stands. Also featured are “in the field” hunts that include all aspects of finding trophy whitetails up to and including “over the shoulder” bow impacts.

The Season with Justin Martin – Debuts Saturday, July 3rd at 8:30 p.m. ET

Follow world champion professional archer Justin Martin as he pursues another title and the next great hunt. Viewer will watch as Martin juggles the duties of everyday life as a husband, homebuilder, hunter and professional archer. Whether he’s travelling across the country in chase of a big buck or a tournament win, the 2003 Buckmasters World Champion (and former Auburn University kicker) must deal with the real-life responsibilities of having a family, a career and an incredible passion for everything outdoors.

Truck Academy – Debuts Monday, June 28th at 9:00 p.m. ET

“Truck Academy” is an Outdoor Channel original series that takes a “do-it-yourself” angle on everyday upgrading and maintenance of pickup trucks and off-road vehicles. Hosted by former Miss USA beauty Kimberly Pressler, “Truck Academy” highlights a group of real auto-tech students as they learn everything from getting a vehicle ready for hunting season to turning a farm truck into a respectable 4×4 off-roader. The show steers clear of pricey and out-of-reach upgrades, opting instead for affordable fixes and improvements that the average hard-working person can do him or herself with little or no assistance.

Wanna Go Fishing? – Debuts Friday, July 2nd at 10:00 p.m. ET

“Wanna Go Fishing?” host Matt Eastman picks a random individual to join him on an all-expenses-paid fishing trip of a lifetime. While the jets and boats are standing by, the potential guest has five minutes and two phone calls to decide if they “got the guts to go.” The compelling series travels to the finest fishing locations on earth and the journey often becomes a life changing experience for its lucky guest. “Wanna’ Go Fishing?” is a two-time Emmy Award winner for Best Sports Series and Best On-Camera Talent.

Gold Tip’s 4CE – Debuts Thursday, July 1st at 7:00 p.m. ET

“Gold Tip’s 4CE” (4CE pronounced “Force”) is defined as a movement that makes a difference by carrying on the traditions and freedoms that American Sportsmen value and live by. The right to bear arms, keeping “In God We Trust”, and the privilege of feeding one’s own family self-harvested game. Simple freedoms that many take for granted and may soon be taken away. “The 4CE,” will be regularly hosted by three friends who happen to be lifelong hunters and outdoorsmen – Jim Burnworth, Ray Bunney and Keith Mark. The fourth host will be a different guest each week that will accompany the others on their adventures. Each episode will have its own unique way of showing the viewer how they can make a difference, whether it be taking children hunting, teaching an archery class or feeding the homeless. “Gold Tips the 4CE” will also be teaching conservation as the show educates the viewer on quality management programs through ethical hunting practices. These amazing journeys will include big game hunting across the U.S., in addition to heading to New Zealand and Africa for some big game action and Canada and Mexico for some big bucks.

Outdoor Channel has a comprehensive online component. Information on individual programs, hosts, and upcoming episodes are housed on OutdoorChannel.com, including an extensive video library, an interactive community section (http://myoutdoorchannel.com/), and full social media functionality on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OutdoorChannel) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/OutdChannel). For the full Q3 programming schedule, please visit: http://outdoorchannel.com/Schedule.aspx.

About Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc.

Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: OUTD) owns and operates Outdoor Channel, America’s leader in outdoor TV, and Winnercomm Inc., an Emmy Award winning production and interactive company. Outdoor Channel offers programming that captures the excitement of hunting, fishing, shooting, off-road motorsports, adventure and the Western lifestyle and can be viewed on multiple platforms including high definition, video-on-demand, as well as on a dynamic broadband website. Winnercomm Inc. is one of America’s largest and highest quality producers of live sporting events and sports series for cable and broadcast television. Winnercomm also owns and operates the patented Skycam and CableCam aerial camera systems which provide dramatic overhead camera angles for major sports events, including college and NFL football. For more information please visit www.outdoorchannel.com.

SOURCE Outdoor Channel

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via Outdoor Channel’s Biggest Summer Ever: America’s Leader in Outdoor TV Reveals 100% HD,… — TEMECULA, Calif., June 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ –.

Asian Carp Found Near Lake Michigan | Gather

Asian carp found near Lake Michigan are raising concerns for the fishing industry. Asian carp are heavy-bodied cyprinid fish. The fish are considered detrimental to the environment in the United States.

The term Asian carp typically refers to silver, black, bighead and grass carp. In 2007, silver carp and largescale silver carp were declared an invasive species under the Lacey Act by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was concerned about Asian carp migrating to the Great Lakes. The Army Corps of Engineers completed an electric fish barrier in 2002 at the aquatic link between the Mississippi River and Great Lakes drainage basins.

The CARPACT directs the Army Corps of Engineers to prevent destructive Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes. Ways to eliminate the carp include fishing and netting, harvesting and use of fish toxicants.

Despite the efforts, an Asian carp was discovered beyond the electric barriers for the first time. The 3 foot, 20 pound fish was found by commercial fisherman in Lake Calumet on the South Side of Chicago.  Click Link Below for Full Story!

via Asian Carp Found Near Lake Michigan | Gather.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. to drive Realtree car | TradingMarkets.com

Jun 24, 2010 (Columbus Ledger-Enquirer – McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) –

NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. was recently in Columbus for a few days filming television commercials for Realtree, the world's leading camouflage designer, marketer and licensor. That's not where his support of the local company's new lifestyle apparel line, Realtree Outfitters, ends.

JR Motorsports, the management company and racing operation for Earnhardt, has agreed to a partnership with Delta Apparel to promote the Realtree Outfitters licensed brand. Realtree Outfitters will receive primary placement on the No. 88 Chevrolet in five NASCAR Nationwide Series events this year.

The complete schedule for the Delta Apparel/Realtree Outfitters-sponsored races includes New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Saturday, Iowa Speedway on July 31, Bristol Motor Speedway on Aug. 20, Dover International Speedway on Sept. 25 and Gateway International Raceway on Oct. 23.

Earnhardt will be behind the wheel at Bristol while Elliott Sadler will drive at New Hampshire and Dover. Drivers for Iowa and Gateway are still to be determined.

“Both Dale Jr. and Elliott truly love the outdoors and both have spent time hunting and fishing with us over the years,” said Realtree President Bill Jordan who hosts Bill Jordan's Realtree Outdoors on ESPN. “We could not be more pleased to have these two drivers behind the wheel of the Realtree Outfitters Chevrolet.”  Click Link Below For Full Story!

via Dale Earnhardt Jr. to drive Realtree car | TradingMarkets.com.

Big ‘G’ fishing surprisingly small – FLW Outdoors

By Brett Carlson

GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. – Perhaps no lake in the entire United States receives more fishing pressure than Alabama’s Lake Guntersville. Yet tournament after tournament, year after year, the Big “G” continues to produce stunning sacks of largemouth bass. No matter if it’s a local derby or a national tournament like the FLW Tour – if you’re not over 20 pounds, you’re not even in the discussion.

But as the pressure mounts, the information cat is slowly let out of the bag. While Guntersville is still red-hot, the days of sitting on one spot for four consecutive days are pretty much gone. Essentially, there are no secrets on Guntersville anymore. The new buzzwords in northern Alabama are adaptability and versatility. That’s what it will take to succeed this week at the Tour’s final qualifier.

TVA expert Mark Rose plans to fish offshore on day one of the FLW Tour event on Lake Guntersville. “I’ve got six or seven offshore places that I really like,” said TVA expert Mark Rose. “The problem is that I’ve seen a boat on just about every one of them during practice. But that doesn’t necessarily bother me. I’ll see what’s taken and rotate from there.”

Rose said Guntersville is currently experiencing a typical summertime bite.

“It’s like any other TVA lake – there’s a morning bite, there’s an afternoon bite and if they’re pulling current then there’s a midday bite. The guys that can catch them during the midday when they’re not pulling current are the ones that will separate themselves.”

The consensus among the anglers is that the event will likely be won offshore, but that doesn’t mean other patterns won’t come into play.

“The offshore bite is the bite that has the most pressure,” explained Rose. “I tend to think it will be won offshore but I would not be surprised if it was won in the grass. The grass is just starting to top out in some places and those are the most virgin fish, so to speak.”

As always, catching a five-bass limit shouldn’t be a problem. But a 12-pound limit on Guntersville is roughly the equivalent of catching 4 or 5 pounds on a normal lake. The key is finding the 5-pound fish. But that’s much easier said than done.  Click Link Below for full story!

via Big ‘G’ fishing surprisingly small – FLW Outdoors.

Seeking Recruiting Edge, Colleges Turn to Fishing – NYTimes.com

By James Card

GIBSON COUNTY LAKE, Tenn. — The college freshmen Jake Lawrence and Jacob Hardy have two priorities: getting good grades and catching big fish. Standing on the deck of a 20-foot-long bass boat on a 560-acre lake in west Tennessee, they almost look like two tanned brothers. They wear the same uniform of flip-flops, wraparound polarized sunglasses, frayed Bethel University ball caps, and fishing shirts plastered with sponsor logos.

Garry Mason, the coach of Bethel University’s fishing team, with the freshman Lauren Stamps on a lake in Tennessee.

They room together, go to school together and fish together. And Bethel University brought them together as the first students in America to receive an athletic scholarship for competitive bass fishing. This week, these boys of summer will make room on their boat for another team member, Lauren Stamps, the first woman in the United States to receive a scholarship for bass fishing and one of a handful of women to compete on the nearly all-male college circuit.

The growth of collegiate bass-fishing tournaments caught the eye of Bethel University in McKenzie, Tenn. There are an estimated 220 college bass-fishing clubs throughout the United States and Canada, according to collegebass.com, an ESPN-partnered Web site. The Bethel administrators decided that a strong bass-fishing team could be a good recruiting tool, so they officially recognized it as a sport, included it in their athletic department’s budget, and hired Garry Mason, a professional hunting and fishing guide, to be their coach. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $4,000 a year.

“We’re looking for a mix of a background in fishing and good academics,” Mason said. “We’re not looking for the Michael Jordan of the fishing world.”  Click Link Below for Full Story!

via Seeking Recruiting Edge, Colleges Turn to Fishing – NYTimes.com.

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