Most Recent Freshwater Fishing Features...

7/29/05 - PETA Protests Fishing for the Bassmaster's Classic
PETA puts up a billboard for the Classic and wants newspapers to stop running outdoor columns like fishing and hunting articles.

7/11/05 - Global Warming and Fishing
Global warming is a good excuse for not catching fish.

6/18/05 - Fishing Lake Weiss with Kevin Dallmier
Kevin and I fished Lake Weiss and he showed me some great places to fish. He caught a nice 3 pounds spotted bass on one of them.

6/15/05 - June Catfish 
Catfish are fun to catch and good to eat, and I fish for them with trotlnes, bankhooks and jugs

5/5/05 - Big Bass and Cats
My first 8 pound bass won a fishing tournament, and a big catfish on a jug was a thrill

4/25/05 - So You Want A Fishing Record
How can you get your name in the fishing record books?

4/16/05 - Fishing for Bedding Bass
In many states it is legal to fish for bedding bass. Is it ethical?

4/1/05 - Baitfish Equal Bass
Find the baitfish and bass will be nearby. Here are some things to look for to find the baitfish.

2/25/05 - February Bass Tournament
I had fairly good luck at a February bass tournament, and had an unusual bite from a spotted bass.

2/21/05 - Hooks for Bass Fishing
What are the best hooks for bass fishing?

2/20/05  - Fishing Legend Tom Mann Dies
Tom Mann, fishing legend from Eufaula, Alabama and maker of Jelly Worms, the Little George and Hummingbird depthfinders, died on Friday, February 11, 2005.

1/31/05 - Fishing Legacy
What is your outdoor legacy? Those that gave you your love of fishing have made a real difference in your life.

2004 Freshwater Fishing Features

12/312/04 - Four Footed Fishing Friend
A dog can be a great companion for fishing and other parts of your life.

12/27/04 - Fishing Dog
A dog showed up at my barn and adopted me.

12/3/04 - Fritz and Ronnie Fish Georgia
Fritz came south and fished with me for four days - we had pretty good luck. Here are some pictures.

10/05/05 - Four Ways To Cook Bass Filets
Here are four of my favorite ways to cook bass filets.

9/27/04 - Byron Velvick Bass Fishing Batchelor
Byron Velvick is the latest Batchelor on the TV series and he is a professional bass fisherman from Las Vegas

9/20/04 - 2004 North Woods Classic Bass Tournament
I managed a second place finish at the North Woods Classic this year. Here is the story and some pictures.

9/18/04 - Stocking Bass In Lakes
Why don't state fisheries departments stock bass in public lakes?

8/18/04 - Big Catfish, False Claims
This picture has been making the rounds on email, claiming it was caught all over the US.

6/21/04 - Fishing the Southern Divisional BASS Federation Tournament
I had a terrible trip to Kentucky.

6/20/04 - Bighead Carp
I found a school of weird looking fish and landed one weighing 21 pounds. It was a 36 inch long bighead carp in the Tennessee River below Kentucky Lake Dam.

5/24/04 - Fishing Kentucky Rivers
I went to Kentucky to practice for the Southern Regional BASS Federation tournament and found fishing the Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers very different.

4/16/04 - Fritz and Ronnie Fish Tennessee
Fritz and I had a great fishing trip to Tennessee even though it snowed in April! We caught a lot of bass, including smallmouth bass, largemouth and spotted bass.

3/29/04 - Roberts Wrapped Guides on a Fishing Rod
Fishing rods with the Robert's Wrap guide system have the guides spiral around the rod, keeping the line from touching the rod even when bent while fighting a fish.

3/17/04 - Tennessee Handle on a Fishing Rod
Here are some pictures of my Castaway rod with the reel attached on a Tennessee handle, and an explanation of it.

2/23/04 - Spalding County Sportsman Club Rules
These rules were developed in the late 1960s and were not patterned after the BASS rules.

2/5/04 - Flint River Bass Club Rules
Rules of the Flint River Bass Club out of Griffin, Georgia. The club was formed in the early 1970s.  Rules were patterned after BASS rules.

1/19/04 - Tough Winter Fishing and Camping
A January tournament was tough bass fishing and the camping was almost a problem, too.

2003 Freshwater Fishing Features

11/28/03 - Clips, Swivels or Split Rings?
What do you use to attach your bait to your line? Chose the right one for action and security.

11/25/03 - Thanksgiving Fishing Memories
Past Thanksgiving fishing trips give me lots of great memories of fish caught and time fishing with family members.

11/11/03 - Spinnerbait Tie - Twist Or R Bend?
Which type tie is best?

11/5/03 - I Can't Believe He Ate The Whole Thing
This bass was hungry - so hungry he filled up on plastic worms.  Check the picture, too.

11/01/03 - Jig and Pig Fishing
I like a jig and pig - they tend to catch bigger bass.  Here is how I got started.

10/26/03 - Fall Fishing
Fall fishing can be great. I love fishing this time of year.

10/8/03 - Fall Turnover and Its Effects On Fishing
What is fall turnover and how does it affect fishing?

9/27/03 - Snakehead Fish
A snakehead was recently caught in Wisconsin. What should you do if you catch one?  Whey are they bad?

9/18/03 - Fishing Wisconsin
Weekend X Up North 03 was a lot of fun!

9/12/03 - Mounted and Replica Bass
I have several mounted bass but a recent replica I got means I don't have to kill trophies any more.

9/5/03 - Fishing and Camping Checklist
Make a list and check it twice to make sure you don't forget anything you need.

8/31/03 - Fishing Mistakes and Lessons Learned
I made a couple of mistakes in my last tournament - maybe you can learn from them.

8/25/03 - How To Fish a Tree in the Water
Here is how I approach a blowdown

8/17/03 - Wild Critters
Wild animals and plants have always fascinated me.  Here are some ways I identify them.

7/28/03 - The Bassmasters Classic - Close Don't Count
I almost made it to the Classic one time!

7/21/03 - More Fishing and Lightning
A shocking boat wash, an almost hotdog and praying in a storm.

7/15/03 - Fishing and Lightning
Fishing and lightning seem to go together, and can be dangerous.

7/7/03 - Fishing Bridge Pilings
Bridge pilings are great places to catch a variety of fish

7/1/03 - Holiday Fishing - How To Beat the Crowds
Here are some tricks I use to avoid the crowds.

6/16/03 - More Fishing with Father
Mounting and eating fish

6/9/03 - Fishing with Father
Fishing with dad made many great memories

6/2/03 - Summer Vacation
Summer vacation meant many fishing trips

5/27/03 - Fishing My Pond
I fished an open bass tournament on my pond - a play by play account

5/19/03 - Outdoor and Fishing Writing Awards 
I won awards for these articles and picture, and I also wrote a fishing book!

5/12/03 - Fishing Dale Hollow
A tournament in Tennessee had me up and down

4/28/03 - Ban Fishing
Some groups want to stop you from fishing

4/21/03 - Weekend X South 2003
We ate good even if the fish did not cooperate too good!

4/14/03 - Casting a Bait Casting Reel
You can learn to cast a bait casting reel

4/7/03 - Fishing the Georgia Top Six
A bad start turned out pretty good.

3/17/03 - Sorting Fishing Tackle
Keeping fishing tackle in some kind of order can be hard to do. Here are some ideas on how I try to sort and organize mine

3/3/03 - Mounting Fish
I ordered a replica of my biggest bass ever.

2/24/03 - World Record Bass
Here is some info and pictures about the world record bass from a sign and historic marker near where it was caught.

2/17/03 - Florida Crappie Fishing
Darren Carson showed me how to catch Lake Talquin crappie - with pictures.

2/10/03 - Winter Fishing at Jackson Lake
Anthony Shy took me to Jackson and had a good catch.

2/3/03 - Fishing In The Winter
Winter fishing can be good or bad, hit or miss, even for guides

1/19/03 - Worm Sinkers
Pick the right lead or sinker to make worm fishing more efficient.

1/6/03 - Worm Hooks
Worm hooks come is many styles, sizes and shapes.  Which is best?

1/1/03 - Fishing
I love fishing and here are some of the reasons.

2002 Freshwater Fishing Features

12/23/02 - Christmas Fishing Wishes
I wish these things could come true this year

12/9/02 - Fluorocarbon Fishing Line - What You Need To Know
Fluorocarbon has some qualities that make it a very good line in clear water.

11/18/02 - Monofilament Fishing Lines - What You Need To Know
Monofilament comes in a wide variety of qualities and characteristics

11/03/02 - Braided Fishing Lines - What You Need To Know
Choose a braided fishing line for applications where they are appropriate

10/20/02 - KISS Fishing
Keep is simple, stupid, use simple fishing equipment and fish for bream.

9/30/02 - North Woods Classic Fishing In Wisconsin
Fritz and I fished a tournament just before Weekend X this year.

9/23/02 - Home At Last
I have been gone on a cruise and a fishing trip to Wisconsin

8/19/02 - Feeding Fish
Watching fish feed should help you catch them.

7/29/02 - Crazy Fishing Critters
Raining fish, smart shiners and stupid snakes

7/15/02 - Bass Fishing At Night
Night time is cooler and the fish bite better - here are some ways I catch them.

7/1/02 - Boat Motors - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
My 200 Johnson locked up and a new 225 I replaced it with blew up!

6/17/02 - Fishing Lessons 
I got some interesting lessons and information while listening to fishermen at the ramp.

6/10/02 - Don't Know Their Bass From A Hole In The Ground
The lack of fishing knowledge by the national media is amazing. Are they accurate about anything?

5/27/02 - Boating Rules of the Road
We would all be safer and happier if everyone would follow boating rules and be considerate of others.

5/20/02 - Fishing Center Hill Lake
I had a great trip to Tennessee and the folks at the marina made it even better.

5/12/02 - Fishing and Mom
I have some great memories of fishing with my mother

4/22/02 - Catch and Release
Should you ever keep a fish to eat or should you release them all?

4/15/02 - Attitude and Fishing
Does your  attitude affect your catch? Can you change your attitude and change your catch?

3/24/02 - Fishing Jackson Lake - Day 3
We tried a different lake and found a different pattern on Day 3 of Fritz's trip.

3/18/02 - Fishing a Tournament - Day 2
Our day started off OK in the tournament but motor trouble ended it early.

3/4/02 - Fritz Fishes Georgia - Day 1
Fritz came to Georgia to fish with me and his first day here we practiced for a club tournament at Lake Sinclair

2/28/02 - Fritz Fishes Georgia - Day 4
Fritz came to Georgia and netted a big bass for me

2/18/02 - Outdoor Jobs
Some possibilities if you want to work outdoors and be near the fishing.

2/04/02 - Proving My Point About Inactive Winter Bass
A few tournaments, including one I fished, proved my point in mid January.

1/28/02 - Inactive Winter Bass
Bass can be caught in icewater, but it gets tough.  How cold is too cold?

1/13/02 - Fishing Weather
Weather is extremely important when fishing this time of year.

1/7/02 - New Year's Resolutions
A little late, but here are my plans for the new year

2001 Freshwater Fishing Features...

12/31/01 - Fishing with Uncle Mayhu
My uncle taught me lots of things about fishing.

12/10/01 - Cold Water Bass Fishing
Here are some tips that help me catch bass in cold water.

11/26/01 - Mind Your Line
Choose the right line for the type fishing you do.

11/19/01 - Shiners and Bass
I finally caught some decent fish out of my pond - on live bait.

11/12/01 - Boat Trouble
I discovered a part on my boat I knew nothing about when it went bad.

11/5/01 - North American Fishing by Ken Schultz 
Review of this book 

10/22/01 - My First Pike
I caught a bunch of pike while in Wisconsin.  These stood out in my memory.  Pictures are included.

10/15/01 - Twice Caught Smallmouth Bass
Ronnie's story - how does it compare with Fritz's?

10/08/01 - Catching Bass After A Cold Front
Change tactics to catch bass when the bite gets tough.

10/1/01 - My First Muskie
I caught two muskie while up north, and both hit little baits on light outfits while I was fishing for smallmouth.

9/24/01 - My First Smallmouth
Catching smallmouth bass was one of my goals on my trip to Wisconsin

9/16/01 - Weekend X Up North
We all had a great time, caught a bunch of fish and ate a lot of good food.  

9/3/01 - Finding a Honey Hole
Finding a spot were the fish bite real good is a rare and wonderful thing for me.

8/13/01 - It Was A Dark And Stormy Night
Fishing at night can get real interesting if a storm comes up

8/6/01 - Colorful Bream
Bream colors make me realize how to match them with plugs and worms.

7/30/01 - Fishing Under A Bridge
Tying up under a bridge is a great way to fish, relax and catch fish!

7/23/01 - Night Fishing
A recent tournament proved bass will bite in the dark, and it is a lot cooler!

7/16/01 - Fishermen Are Crazy!
Some of the crazy things I did trying to catch fish in a recent tournament

7/09/01 - Where, When and How to fish the Drop Shot Rig
Some things that work for me fishing this rig.

7/2/01 - Tying A Drop Shot Rig
How to tie a drop shot rig, which line, sinkers, hooks and baits to use.

6/18/01  - GOWA Awards 2000
I won the Excellence in Craft awards for these articles

6/11/01 - Fathers' Day Shopping
Some gift ideas for your fishing father!

6/4/01 - Bream Baiting Techniques
Here is a way to bait up bream and make them nice and fat

5/28/01 - Driving a Boat Safely
Learn the rules of the road to stay safe.

5/21/01 - Flint River Shoal Bass Fishing
A trip down the Flint last week reminded me of other shoal bass catches.

5/14/01 - Bream Bedding Memories
The full moon in May means bream on the bed in Georgia

5/7/01 - Weekend X Was A Success
We had a great time at our get-together - here is my story of it.

4/23/01 - Fishing Instructions
Getting instructions from a mentor and good fisherman is a big help.

4/16/01 - Bedding Bass
Is it ethical to fish for bedding bass?  Here are some of my experiences and opinions.

4/9/01 - Catching Crappie
April patterns for Clark Hill will work for you in your area too.

3/26/01 - Creel Census Reports
Georgia and Alabama club fishermen send in reports of their tournaments, and the results might surprise you!

3/19/01 - Tough Fishing
Lake Eufaula proved to have a combination of several bad factors!

03/12/01 - Life Jackets and Kill Switches
Safety equipment is extremely important.

03/05/01 - Fishing Muddy Water
Fishing in muddy water is tough, but there are some ways to improve your odds.

02/19/01 - Taking Fishing Pictures
Use the right equipment and set them up right for the best pictures

02/12/01 - Low Water Scouting For Fishing
Get out on the lake when it is low and find those hidden honey holes!

02/05/01 - Sixth Sense for Catching Fish
Do some fishermen have a special ability to find the fish and catch them?

01/22/01 -That Zero Feeling
Not catching a fish in a tournament and then watching the weigh-in can produce many different feelings.

01/15/01 - OMC Bankrupt!
OMC, maker of many boats and motors used by fishermen, files for Chapter 11 protection.

01/08/01 - Fishing Products Reviews
Read my reviews, send in yours.  Any fishing product from books to boats is welcome!

01/01/01 - Winter Weather Fishing Wear
Dress right and you can be somewhat comfortable and still go fishing during the winter.

2000 Freshwater Fishing Features

12/18/00 - Christmas Fishing - Holiday Hybrids
Strong pulling hybrids are good choices to try to catch in late December!  Try these tips for them.

12/11/00 - Christmas Fishing - Bass Fishing
Late December is a good time to catch bass - some years!  Here are some things that work for me.

12/04/00 - Christmas Fishing - Crappie Fishing
I have been able to catch a lot of winter crappie at Clark's Hill with these patterns and tactics.

11/27/00 - Santa At The Lake
Fishing during the holidays has always been a favorite of mine.

11/20/00 - My Mom
My mother is gone now but I will never forget fishing with her.

11/13/00 - Crappie Fishing Survey
Georgia DNR Biologists survey the fish populations each year.

10/30/00 - Getting Kids Started Fishing
The future of fishing, and of many kids, depends on getting them into the sport!

10/23/00 - What Is Fall Fishing?
From the time the water temperature starts to drop until winter, fish are biting!

10/16/00 - Unusual Christmas Gifts
A CD and a book are of interest to the fisherman.

10/09/00 - Spinnerbaits, Crankbaits and Jigs
Some ideas about the differences of these baits and how to fish them.

10/02/00 - Fall Flatheads
Catfish bite good in Georgia in the fall, as these pictures show.

9/25/00 - Four Ways To Cook Fish Filets
Here are some of the ways I like to cook bass filets.

9/14/00 - A Slick Willie That Actually Works!
I caught some fish on a Black Mamba Slick Willie

9/4/00 - So What Good is a Shad, Anyway?
Great info about this popular bait fish, from the Alabama DNR

8/21/00 - How to Survive Survivor!
What to do when you return from Survivor Island.

8/14/00 - Does Your Vote Affect Fishing?
Will the winner of the presidential election affect fishing?

8/7/00 - Fish Kills in Ponds
Info from the Alabama DNR on what to look for and possible solutions.

7/24/00 - I Hooked the Big One!
It took me five hours to get the hook out!

7/17/00 - The Bassmasters Classic - Close Don't Count
I almost made the Classic many years ago.

7/10/00 - Catching a Hawk
One of my more unusual "catches," with pictures!

7/3/00 - Brainstorming Fishing Lures
Think up new lures or ways to adapt what you have to look better to the fish.

6/26/00 - Too Hot To Go Fishing?  Never!
Does it ever get too hot to go fishing?  Here are some ways to beat the heat. 

6/19/00- Catfish on Top
Fish breaking the top can be exciting but frustrating

6/12/00 - Father's Day Memories
My dad had a strong influence on my love of the outdoors.

6/05/00 - Growing Up Fishing A Branch
A creek near my house taught me a lot about fish and fishing.

5/29/00 - Do Bass Like Lizards?
Pictures that prove bass like live lizards!

5/22/00 - A New Sight Fishing Technique For Bass
Guide Allen Carter told me about a new way to catch cruising bass

5/15/00 - Fishing Ledgebusters at Eufaula
Guide Jackie Thompson showed me how to fish deep at Lake Eufaula.

5/8/00 - GOWA at Lake Seminole
Some nice bass were landed at Seminole during our conference.

5/1/00 - Georgia Outdoor Writers Association
These articles won Excellence in Craft awards for me

4/25/00 - The Details
How I caught fish in the state tournament

4/20/00 - I'm Back
My tale of the Georgia Bass Chapter Federation Y2K Top Six Tournament

4/03/00 - Access to Public Lands
Do you think roads should be built on all public lands?

3/20/00 - How To Fish A Carolina Rig
How to catch bass on a Carolina rig

3/13/00 - Ordering Fishing Plugs on the Net
I was lucky to get a plug I wanted very fast.

3/6/00 - How To Fish A Cold Front
Tactics that may help catch bass after a cold front

2/28/00 - Cold Front Fishing
How do you, and the bass, respond to a cold front?

2/21/00 - Fishing Polls
Answering fishing poll questions and seeing how you compare can be fun.

2/14/00 - Fishing the Birds
Find the birds and you might find a school of feeding fish!

2/6/00 - Riprap Fishing
Riprap is a good place to catch bass in the winter, or anytime else!

01/24/00 - Fishing With Family
Fishing with your family is enjoyable and will mould young people, too.

01/17/00 - Fishing Videos
Video tapes can inform and entertain you.

01/03/00 - Where To - Fish A Jig and Pig
Types of cover that hold bass that will hit a jig and pig

1999 Freshwater Fishing Features

12/27/99 - How To - Fish a Jig and Pig
A jig and pig is a great winter bait for big bass

12/20/99 - Brackish Water Fishing
Catch winter fish where salt and freshwater mix

12/6/99 - Where To - Jig A Spoon
Finding the fish makes all the difference

11/22/99 - Why Do I Fish
Some of the reasons I love to fish.

11/08/99 - Fishing Books
Books can help you learn and catch more fish.

11/01/99 - Florida Fish Recipes
These recipes will have you dreaming of a warm winter!

10/25/99 - How To - Fish Spoons
Jig a spoon to catch fish in cold water.

10/18/99 - Eating Fish
Tasty and good for you, keep some of your fish to eat.

10/04/99 - Oil It Up
A little lubricant helps, and a new product promises to stick with your reel a long time.

09/27/99 - Three 12 Pound Fish
Three of my biggest fish ever stand out in my memory!

09/20/99 - Tournament Rules
All tournaments have rules - do you know what they are?

09/13/99 - Ode To A Bucktail
Bucktails will catch fish when nothing else will work.

09/06/99 - Tackling An Orderly Tacklebox
Keeping tackle in order is a chore I hardly every tackle.

08/30/99 - Trout and Salmon on the Net
Lots of good info is available if you want to fish for these fish.

8/23/99 - Trout Fishing in Georgia
My first trip for Georgia rainbows was almost my last fishing trip ever!

08/16/99 - Cutthroat Trout
Beautiful trout that you can catch in Yellowstone Park.

07/26/99 - Jacks Are Wild
Toothy fish like chain pickerel are fun to catch, but I can only imagine how a muskie or northern pull!

07/19/99 - Netting Crappie
Crappie catching techniques abound on the net

07/05/99 - You Say Croppie, I'll Say Crappie
Catch them or eat them, crappie will give you lots of pleasure

06/28/99 - Online Catfish
From baits to how to cook them, find catfish info on the net.

06/21/99 - Catching Catfish
Catfish are fun to catch and great to eat!

06/14/99 - Bream on the Net
Learn about bream fishing on the net, then go catch them!

06/07/99 - Bream Are For Everyone
Bream are great fishing quarry, and everyone can have fun catching them.

05/31/99 - Internet Bassin'
You can find all kinds of bass fishing info on the net!

05/24/99 - Why Fish For Bass
Bass fishing is extremely popular - here are some reasons.

05/17/99 - I Love Fishing
Some of the things I love about our sport.

05/10/99 - Shoal Bass
Some facts about this species of black bass.

05/03/99 - Big Bass and Cats
Eight pound bass and a 12 pound cat.

04/26/99 - Alligator, Bowfin and Buffalo
Unusual catches can be exciting, but they can break your heart!

04/19/99 - Georgia Bass Federation Top Six
From despair to delight to disappointment in this tournament.

04/12/99 - Fishing Memories Part 4
Feathers and hide bring back some interesting memories

04/05/99 - Join a Bass Club?
Some info on clubs, and why I joined!

03/29/99 - Unusual Catches Part 3
Some more catches that stand out in my memory

03/15/99 - Eufaula Bedding Bass
Brendan Smith showed me how he won the Georgia Top Six last year, with pictures!

03/08/99 - More Unusual Catches
More memorable catches from my past

03/01/99 - Unusual Fishing Catches
NJTEECH gave me the idea for this talk to the local Exchange Club.

02/22/99 - Fishing with Randy and Wanda
I got to fish with a couple that fishes the Guys and Dolls trail.

02/15/99 - Ice Fishing
Ice fishing sounds like fun to me.

02/01/99 - Pro Secrets
How pro fishermen catch fish when the rest of us don't?

01/25/99 - Sand Pocket Bass
Two fishermen showed me how to catch bass in January in Georgia!

01/18/99 - Winter Crappie
Crappie fishing can be great in the winter. Catch a mess of fine eating fish right now.

01/11/99 - Cold Water Fishing
More memories of catching cold water fish.

01/04/99 - Winter Fishing Memories
Maybe some of the ways I have caught fish in cold water will help you this winter.

1998 Freshwater Fishing Features

12/28/98 - Fish Attractants
Putting stuff that smells on your bait may help you catch more fish

12/21/98 - Fishing Books and Magazines
Books and magazines are great ways to learn about fishing!

12/14/98 - My Thanksgiving Fishing Trip
My trip to Clark's Hill included an unusual catch, with pictures.

12/07/98 - Christmas Gifts For Fishermen
Finding a gift for a fisherman is easy!

11/30/98 - Protecting the Environment
Friends can become fanatics

11/23/98 - Holiday Patterns
Catching fish from Thanksgiving to Christmas

11/16/09 - Depthfinders
Links to different manufacturers, tips on using them from a boat and through the ice, and different kinds available.

11/09/98 - Fish Recipes
Cooking your catch, from fried fish to chowders

11/02/98 - Making Money Outdoors
Game wardens and commercial fishermen work outdoors - as do many others. Some possibilities for you.

10/26/98 - Fishing Line
Which line should you use, where to get it.

10/19/98 - Fishing Reels
Where to get a good reel, and choices available

10/12/98 - Fishing Rods
How to choose a rod and where to find what you need.

10/05/98 - Fall Patterns
Fall is one of my favorite times to go fishing - here are some patterns that work for me.

09/28/98 - Knot Tying
Why your knot is so important, and how to tie some common knots.

09/21/98 - Worm Rigs
Ways to rig and fish plastic worms.

09/14/98 - Catch  Counter Software
Computer software can help you record your catch and find patterns.

08/31/98 - Fishing Games
Computer fishing games, from hand held units to software for desktops and online, are a lot of fun.

08/24/98 - Lure Retrievers - Worth Their Weight in Lures
Make or buy a plug knocker and save those expensive lures!

08/17/98 - Snakes and Fishing, Part 3
More of my experiences with snakes, with links to other sites about snakes and fishing.

08/10/98 - Build A Better Minnow Trap
You can build a trap to catch your own bait. The one I built worked great.

08/03/98 - Cleaning Fish
Step by step instructions for fileting fish, with pictures.

07/20/98 - Snakes I Have Known - Part 2
More snake stories from my time outdoors.

07/13/98 - Snakes I Have Known - Part 1
If you go fishing you are likely to have a close encounter of the sssssss kind

07/06/98 - July Fishing - How to beat the heat
There are ways to fish in comfort or at least ways to make fishing barable - this time of year.

06/29/98 - Fish Feeding Schedules
Do fish feed at set times that you can pattern and take advantage of? A couple of times it has worked for me.

06/22/98 - Pond Fishing
From wading the shallows to walking the bank, ponds are great places to catch fish.

06/15/98 - June Catfish
June is a great month to catch cats. Here are some of the methods I use including trotlines, jugs and bank hooks.

06/08/98 - School's Out - Time To Go Fishing
When school is out for the summer its time to go fishing, and getting bait is one of the joys of the sport.

06/01/98 - National Fishing Week
Some info on this celebration of fishing, with links to the US Fish and Wildlife Service page and to Bass Pro Shops page on nationwide events.

05/25/98 - Backyard Camping
My article from the Griffin Daily News won third place in the 1997 Georgia Outdoor Writers Association "Excellence in Craft" competition for the nongame category.

05/18/98 - Safe Boating Week
Know the rules of the road and carry safety equipment for safe fishing trips.

05/11/98 - Shellcracker Fishing
Fishing for bream and other fish with different kinds of baits.

05/04/98 - Two Kinds of Bass
A couple of my theories about catching bass - sometimes they work!

04/27/98 - Trick Worms
Fishing weightless worms for bass in the spring.

04/20/98 - Bedding Bass
Bass can be caught while they are on the bed, but it is tough!

04/13/98 - One More Boat Tale
Seven months after getting my 1988 Stratos, I caught my biggest bass ever from it.

04/06/98 - My Favorite Fishing Boat
A 1983 Procraft was my favorite fishing boat.

03/30/98 - My Second Bass Boat
My second boat had some problems but I caught some fish from it.

03/23/98 - Boats I Have Known and Owned
My first bass boat will always be special

03/16/98 - Buying a Boat
Buying a boat is lots of things - exciting, nerve wracking and scary. Its great when you get it done.

03/09/98 - Glass and Brass
Tricks that may help you catch bass, from special sinkers to changing colors while on the water.

03/02/98 - Spring  Fishing Patterns
March offers fantastic fishing here in Georgia. These patterns should work for you a little later as the water warms in your area.

02/23/98 - Knot Tying
Learn to tie a good knot, tie it right every time, and don't lose fish.

02/16/98 - Getting Tackle Ready
Make sure your rods, reels and line is ready to land that trophy you are going to hook on your next trip.

02/09/98 - Trolling for Crappie
Pull small jigs or minnows behind your boat to catch a freezer full of fish. How to, where to and how to rig your boat.

02/02/98 - Magazine Hype
Have you won the contest yet? The magazines are good but the way they try to sell them leaves a lot to be desired.

01/26/98 - Ultralight Fishing
Use thin line, light rods, small reels and tiny baits to catch fish.

01/19/98 - Rod and Reel Repair
Keep your gear in top condition to help land fish, and revive old favorites.

01/12/98 - Do Fish Scents Make Sense
Does it help to put fish attractants on your lures? I always do and have faith in them.

01/05/98 - Winter Bass Patterns
Bass are hard to catch in icewater. Here are some reasons why and some patterns that work - sometimes!

1997 Freshwater Fishing Features

12/29/97 - More Merlin
Some more of my memories of fishing with my dog Merlin.

12/22/97 - Christmas Memories
Christmas means fishing at Clark's Hill to me - and I have actually caught fish!

12/15/97 - Fishing Companion
Merlin was my fishing companion for 14 years. Here are some of my memories of her.

12/08/97 - Gifts for the Fisherman
Here is a selection of gifts that will please any fisherman and any price range.

12/01/97 - Fishing Log, part 2
More information on keeping records to help you catch more fish.

11/24/97 - Fishing Log, part 1
How to use a calendar and a fishing log to improve your catch.

11/17/97 - Late Fall/November Fishing Patterns
This is a good time to catch bass, crappie and hybrids in my area. Here are some good patterns to try.

11 /10/97 - Thanksgiving Memories
Fishing, not eating turkey, is what I remember about this holiday.

11/03/97 - Jig and Pig Fishing
A jig and pig is a good bait for big bass. Here are some suggestions for fishing them.

10/27/97 - Finesse Fishing
Use light line and lures to catch bass and other fish under tough conditions.

10/20/97 - Slinging Spinnerbaits
Some suggestions on when and how to use spinnerbaits, and how to adapt them to changing conditions.

10/13/97 - Wormin' Ways
Take your pick of Carolina, Texas or split shot rigs - here are some tips.

10/06/97 - Fall Patterns
Give these patterns a try in October for bass, crappie, catfish, stripers and hybrids.

09/29/97 - Crankbait Techniques
How to use them, what color and size to pick, and where to fish them.

09/22/97 - Brackish Water Fishing
Where salt and freshwater mix, fishing can be fantastic. Special conditions must be considered though.

09/15/97 - Fall Turnover
A change is coming to our favorite fishing hole. What is fall turnover, how does it affect fishing and what can you do about it.

09/08/97 - Fish Recipes, Cooking What You Catch
Fish taste good, are easy to cook and are good for you.  Release most of what you catch, especially the big ones, but here's how to cook the little ones.

09/01/97 - September Fishing
September can be a mean month for the fisherman. With the kids back in school, it seems the fish should already be on a fall pattern, but it is a little early.

08/25/97 - State and Country Resources List
Lists of resources by state and country will be added starting next week. Here are my plans, please offer your suggestions..

08/18/97 - Mepps Memories
Mepps spinners are great for catching all kinds of fish. The #2 is just right for bream and small fish. Just my luck I would hook my biggest bass ever on one with tiny hooks.

08/11/97 - Carp I Have Known
Some people fish for these rubber lipped mudsuckers on purpose. Most I have caught were by accident but they do fight hard and are fun to hook.

08/04/97 - The BASS Masters Classic
The biggest bass tournament of them all is this week. Bass fishing has changed over the past 30 years and evolved to this extravaganza.

07/28/97 - Late July Fishing Patterns
Its hot and the fish are hard to catch. Try these methods to catch some while increasing your comfort.

07/21/97 - Bowfin - Fish or Monster?
What good are bowfin? They're mean, ugly and will destroy your tackle. But they are fun to catch.

07/14/97 - Gar - Jurassic Park Fish
Gar are ugly, inedible fish with a mouth full of teeth. Why would anyone want to catch one on purpose?

07/07/97 - Lure Hype on TV
Banjo Minnow - Flying Lure - Tornado Lure - Helicopter Lure - Do they work? Should you order some to catch more fish?.

06/30/97 - Holiday Escape - How to Beat the Crowds
Lakes are crowded for the July 4th week. You can still fish in peace if you work at it. Try these ways to get away from it all.

06/23/97 - Seasonal Patterns - Late June in Georgia
The bass in Georgia are still on a May pattern, holding in blowdowns on the river channels and hitting a jig and pig. Try this pattern where you live when the water is in the low 70's.

06/16/97 - Fishing Shows on TV, from I to Z
The rest of the television fishing shows. Check them out and let me know which is your favorite. I will try to do a question and answer session, or a chat, with the stars of the most popular ones.

06/09/97 - Fishing Shows on TV, from A to H
There are many good fishing shows on TV. These are the ones I know about and my evaluation of each, from A to H.

06/02/97 - More Aquarium Watching to Learn
The fish in a big aquarium can teach you a lot about how they live. Several tackle businesses have them, and city tanks can also teach you a lot. Visit and watch to catch more fish.

05/26/97 - Watching and Learning
If you want to learn how to catch fish, watch them. Observing them in the wild is instructive but difficult. Aquariums provide valuable information for the fisherman.

05/19/97 - Catfish and Bullheads - How Big is Big?
Catfish come in lots of sizes. How big do they get? The International Game Fish Association lists records for 14 catfish and bullhead species. Find out how big they are and where they were caught.

05/12/97 - Catfish for Fun and Food
The catfish isn't much to look at, but some species grows to huge sizes, they live everywhere and will hit just about any bait. These fish fight good and taste even better. What more could the fisherman ask for?

05/05/97 - Mother's Day Fishing
Thanks to my grandmother and mother, fishing has been an important part of my life. Do you have any memories of fishing with your mother on this special day?

04/28/97 - Make the Connection, Use the Right Line
The line you choose is arguably the most important piece of equipment you use. If it fails, you lose the fish. And if you don't tie a good knot, even the best line can't save your fish.

04/21/97 - It's Time for Topwater
Tie on a topwater lure and get ready for some heart racing thrills. Bass, bream, stripers, and hybrids all will addict you to fishing on top.

04/14/97 - Bream Are Bedding
When bream are on the bed, nothing else seems to matter to the fisherman. Here are some ways to catch several different species of bream and information about them.

04/07/97 - Fishing for Bedding Bass
Are bass on the bed in your area? Should you fish for them? If you do, what are the best ways to catch them?

03/31/97 - Moonstruck
Do the sun and moon movement affect fishing?  Check out other's opinions and find out how to determine when the fish will be feeding in your area.

03/24/97 - Georgia On Your Mind
Fishing gets hot in the south while snow and ice cover the north. Georgia offers the fisherman a great escape and great fishing. And it is my home state! Come on down and join me this spring.