I've been a bit inactive here, apologies

[yakscientist]

Just wanted to say I'm trying to get back into checking this forum. I haven't been fishing too much, and haven't posted because of that, but I'm going to try to do better. I did get out and get a couple nice catfish on the susky a couple weeks ago, but before that, I don't think I kayaked since early december or late November. Shame! I still haven't caught a fish on my new reel, which sucks, but it's still really smooth so I think it's a great investment.

On another note, I've got a new hobby, shooting my bow. My girlfriend's dad gave me his old Hoyt, and I've really been enjoying just shooting arrow after arrow, and watching my accuracy and precision improve. I found a local shop, bowhunter's den, and they're extremely helpful, I got the bow adjusted then I took a 1 hour private lesson which was very helpful. If anyone here is an avid bowhunter, or hunter in general, I'd love to get some general pointers about stalking, ground blinds, deer behavior, etc.....So hit me up either through PM or whatever, and I would be happy to go on a hike with you somewhere and just make a lot of observations about how you typically hunt, or any advice would be appreciated really. I could offer you lunch, dinner, beer, whatever really, I just only know a few friends who hunt and they're a tad flaky. My girlfriend's dad is 2 hours away, so finding more local and reliable advice would be much appreciated. Thanks everyone, looking forward to fishing and posting more.

Oh also any book or video (YT or other format) recs would be great for bowhunting or hunting in general. I might pick up Rinella's all-inclusive guide to hunting, but other than that I'm open to suggestions.

[mchottie]

4thQ 2019/1stQ 2020 does that to everyone. I'm guilt also.

The snotty/overcast days of winter, on-top of mother natures precip makes for a long winter stretch. I missed out of a few local fishing flea markets too, which always seem to re-invigorate the 'spring fever' except since I didnt attend, I didn't spend excessive money on tackle I truly "didn't need" so i'll count that as a victory.

I'm very ready for 75* and sunny skies...

[brianisoutside]

I’m a much bigger hunter than I am fisherman. Been bowhunting almost every weekend for the last ten years or so and hunting since I was a kid.
Where are you located?


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[ronaultmtd]

With declining catches, declining water quality, climate change, it affects our hobbies and our participation in the forum posts...the SMOG crew gets together every now and then at Bert’s Diner just to chew the fat and renew the comradrie ...2020 is going to be stranger than 2019...the DNR regs will have an adverse effect on us. We all have other hobbies, gardening, camping, fresh water fishing, groundhog hunting...for many years I was a 3D tournament archer until the dreaded rotator cuff tears in both shoulders caused me to give up archery...kayak fishing is more than just catching fish...most trips are strictly catch and release...no harvest at all...but without the fish, I doubt we would go...the challenge of finding the structure that holds fish, then coaxing the fish to take our lures is much of the enjoyment...I hope our forum continues to bond our kayak community together. I plan to continue as long as I am physically able. Tight lines, my friends

[Memory Maker]

......... there’s always snakehead and blue cats for catchin.

[ronaultmtd]

Don’t forget white perch....in my opinion one of the best tasting fish we catch...and one I take home for fish dinners...

[bluefishnc]

Congrats and condolences on your new hunting hobby. Having started bow hunting late in life myself my best advice to a newbie is to join a hunt club. Search Craigslist for local club listing and find a good still club. Most clubs will already have stand locations etc.. so for $500 or so you can usually get full season rights to hunt/fish a spot (turkey, bear, deer, fish). Then is is about putting your butt in the seat and making your mistakes. It takes at least 4 or 5 years no matter what you read/see etc to get good as you gotta screw it up yourself to really make it second nature and start becoming a very good hunter. I still learn something new each year and I've been doing the bow thing successfully for 10 years or so now. Btw... On the condolences side I mention that because hunting is a bigger addiction than fishing. Always a new toy (bow, broadhead, camo, game camera, decoy, etc...) that is "sure" to make you a better hunter and so many seasons for each species etc.. you just never stop and then by mid May after Turkey it is fishing time again and it never ends. :-) Enjoy!

[mike o]

Hey Pat I used to do a lit of bow hunting. Next time we go fishing I 'll be glad to shore some I,do with you

[yakscientist]

Hey Pat I used to do a lit of bow hunting. Next time we go fishing I 'll be glad to shore some I,do with you

Mike that'd be great! Thank you