De-Mystifying Fly Fishing Fly fishing indeed is beautiful to watch. After all these years I still enjoy watching a caster that is genuinely skilled. I also enjoy watching fly fishers with unorthodox techniques. Some people haven't read all the books or taken lessons, but instead have learned their skills on the water, and some people have truly unique, yet effective habits. Anyway this article is to de-mystify fly fishing for those of you that want to learn, this is a starting point from which your new passion will take off. (OK I am hoping) Two Basic Types of Fly Fishing I remember a fly fishing friend said to me “Looks like good dry water, right downstream,” as we were floating down the Deschutes River. A fly fishing novice looking downstream said questionning. “Dry water?” [Read More]

Considering Buying A Boat? Check Out These Guidelines Many boats are now being pre-packaged with motor and trailer as a complete unit. The manufacturers have been careful to outfit such products for the comfort of the average boater ... and the attractive prices of these units reflect cost savings passed on to buyers. Generally, the packaged boat units will offer some power choice, so make sure there is enough push. Don't go overboard, either; too much power can be fuelish, costly or simply unsafe. [Read More]

Considering Buying A Boat? Check Out These Guidelines (NC)—Boating tends to be a family activity, so members of the family should be involved in the process of choosing the boat. Will it be a fishing boat most of the time? A water-ski tow machine? The basic picnic cruise boat? Determine what it is the family wants the boat to do, then go find the model to fit those needs. Most boats are multifaceted – they can be fishing boats in the morning and ski boats in the afternoon. Make notes of the family's "must haves," and "can do withouts." Determine your monthly budget for boat ownership and try to stick to it. But, don't give up a necessity for a few dollars that will cost you convenience or usage later on. Remember that you will often be inviting guests aboard, so plan a little extra room for them and for you. [Read More]

Deep Jigging
One of my favorite ways to fish is with a jig - a big jig - in deep water. We call it deep jigging. In water from 100 to 200....

Woman part of third generation of fishing from the Grand River (MLive.com)
When she was a young girl, Maxine Schaner used to go fishing from the Sixth Street bridge every Sunday after attending service at St. Adalbert's. After church, Maxine's father, uncle and brother would go to Sixth Street Bridge and fish for catfish until well into the af.