Women Fishing

Cooking for the Outdoors

2010-07-21T13:54:00.000-07:00

One of the questions that I am asked is how do I prepare food to go out to a campsite and spend a weekend or a week in the wilderness? That's usually the dilemma that the majority of people struggle with before they even think about where or how they are going to put up the tent to sleep in, and believe me that is the next lesson.

Preparation is essential without bringing out a package of hotdogs, can of beans or any form of pre-packaged foods as they just won’t make your time a memory that you will want to remember without hunger pains. So let’s address quick ways to make sure that everyone has enough good food to make this not an issue but an experience that you will not have to be cooking or slaving over an open fire during your time away.

First let’s go back to preparation: Today we have access to many forms of plastic containers and plastic storage baggies all handy and space conscious that can easily hold prepared meals in a cooler so that they are ready to serve when needed. They are also able to hold all of your leftovers so that you may want to snack later on without having to waste any food, again being conscious of the food you have brought with you. This allows you to have the food that you love to eat (Your favourite meals served by the open fire … now how romantic and fun is that plus your family will be happy they aren't having to eat out of a can or endless hotdogs for days.)

You can also consider making up quick foods such as sandwiches, using cold meats etc., bring fresh fruits with you. Using the plastic containers makes a great way of preparing salads and having them ready to serve, there is nothing better than serving up a great potato salad with a tossed salad in the great outdoors with a charcoal steak on the grill.

Preparing ahead of time allows you the opportunity to make all forms of casseroles, stews, jambalaya and soups ahead of time quick and easy using one pot for easy clean up and less storage required in the cooler. These can all be frozen and put into the cooler so that they can then be removed when required and heated and served also keeping the other foods cold at the same time.

Don't forget you will also need to bring water, soft drinks and the occasional beverage for the adults not just the kids.

*Things to remember: Tin Foil Heavy Duty for the grill and also to wrap any food that you may want to place on the grill such as vegetable, potatoes, etc. … Plastic Wrap ~~ Good cooking utensils – you will require long handles so that you are able to work over a grill ~~ BBQ Gloves ~~ Long stem matches or Lighter. Pots, pans and cleaning supplies don’t forget to also have utensils/dishes to eat with and towels to clean the dishes.

**Check with the location that you are going to be visiting for their guidelines on open fires you may be required to have a portable stove with you to do your cooking in certain locations. It is extremely important that you verify this before you assume that you are ok to just cook where you want to. Fire alert are not uncommon during certain times of the year, please be aware of your surrounding and how to deal with open fires.

GUIDE TO A SAFE BOATING TRIP IN CANADA

2010-07-19T09:14:00.000-07:00

Guide to a Safe Boating Trip In Canada

Every year, Canadians from all over the country as well as foreign visitors take to Canadian waters for boating fun and relaxation. Unfortunately, each year there are number of boaters who get injured and even die as a result of a boating incident. Boating injuries and deaths can be prevented if boaters practice safe boating. If you are planning on boating in Canadian waters, below is a guide to a safe boating trip in Canada:

Boating Safety Course: Although recreation boating is fun, it comes with great responsibility. You need to know how to operate a boat safely. Taking a boating course is an excellent way to learn how to operate a boat safely. Even if you have been boating for many years, it is always helpful to brush up on your boating skills and learn about any changes in boating laws.

Pleasure Craft Operator Card: To operate a recreational motor boat in Canada, you need to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. There are private government accredited organizations that offer a course in boating safety and after completing the course, a person can take a boaters exam to receive their Pleasure Craft Operator card. You do not have to take the course to take the boating exam, however it is highly recommended. The boating course covers rules and regulations regarding operating a recreational watercraft, preparing for a boating trip, how to share waterways, and what to do in an emergency.

Boat Inspection: Before you head out on the water with your boat, it is important to inspect your boat to make sure it is in safe condition. Make sure that you check such items as the motor, fuel level, navigational equipment, and other important devices to make sure everything is in good working order. As well, all guests should understand basic boat safety guidelines and they should know where the safety equipment and devices is located.

Monitor the Weather: Fine weather conditions are essential to having a safe boating experience. Prior to your departure, you should get the latest weather forecast. As well, you should avoid boating when there is a risk of a storm. Environment Canada provides marine forecasts, and if you have a marine radio, you can get weather updates while you are on the water.

File a Trip Plan: Before you head out on the water, you should make a trip plan that includes your travel route and a description of your boat. Give your trip plan to a friend or family member and tell them to take it to a rescue centre if you fail to return.

Carry Nautical Charts and Publications: You should keep the following information on the boat: latest edition of nautical charts, boating directions, shipping routes, notices to mariners, tide tables, and the list of buoys, lights, and fog signals. You should also know how to plot a course, determine your position, and how to use a compass and navigation equipment.

Safety Check: It is important that you have the following safety devices on boards: lifejacket for everyone, fire extinguisher, flare gun, and medical kit.

Having the right equipment on board your boat and knowing what to do in an emergency can save your life. A certified boat test gives operators the knowledge and skills to operate a boat safely.

GPS how it changed my life

2008-09-25T18:21:00.001-07:00

What is a GPS

For those that do not know what GPS actually is... in a nut shell... it's a tracking system created by the U.S government for tracking and spying that finally in the 80s was opened up to the public to use. It consists of three parts, satellites that orbit the Earth, Monitoring stations that record and tranmit data and the actual GPS unit.

There are many providers for GPS units and two of the most recognized would be
Garmin and Magellan

OK now here is what I really think about them

Every time I go out of my driveway with my GPS I know that it is ready and willing to take me to my final destination, eventually. But, also at this time I start to feel the added anxiety that the GPS has created in my life. Not only do I have the daily stresses of live, I now have the GPS to add even more to it. I shutter to think how smart these GPS really are and how much they are beginning to take over many peoples lives.

Having the opportunity to almost feel like you have been given your own crystal ball and you can see into the distance. Knowing what streets are coming up gives you some kind of superpower. It makes me wonder what our forever getting lost parents were actually missing. Although some seniors do have GPS (most were given by there tech driven kids) most seniors still believe that they ‘got by before and sure don't need any direction gizmo now' or ‘I'm getting too old to have to learn something new' either way both may be correct.

Can you imagine if our parents would have had GPS when we were growing up? "Pull over and ask someone" my mom would say or "look there's a gas station! Stop!" or even better "we could have been there if you would have only stopped a half hour ago to ask someone", all of us kids always fully agreed with mom. It might be the actual reason we would start out at the house and ask "are we there yet?" had we had GPS we could know that Dad was not just getting us lost... again.

I remember a time when my parents had purchased a new cottage about an hour and half from our home and invited all of us up there to see their new place and have Thanksgiving dinner. We headed out with the instructions given by my parents. Somehow we got lost and my now ex husband insisted that he would find the way there, even though he had never been in that area but his psychic ability would lead the way.

It unfortunately was long before GPS and cell phones existed. It took almost 8 hours and past dinner time before he would finally give in and get proper directions, ok yes I am still a little bitter about that one. More for the fact the kids in the back kept saying "are we almost there", and he would answer ....Soon!

The best part of having a GPS is you don't feel like you are driving alone. You actually get verbal instruction as to how to get to your destination either ‘in the shortest time, shortest distance' or probably the most used best one most use of highways', which one should Not consider necessarily the quickest route. If you go online you now also have new saying that can now be downloaded to your system. This could offer many interesting instructions to make your drive even better at least to humor yourself.

Putting a GPS in your car is also like having a backseat driver without the aggravation of them yelling ‘where are you going', ‘pull over and ask how to get there' or ‘watch for that car'... yadda, yadda. Many times I find myself yelling at the GPS, but I can actually do that knowing that I don't have to worry about hurting its feelings.

GPS has changed my life and not necessarily for the best. The anxiety that comes from knowing that at some point in my day I am going to be faced with the impeccable, "Recalculating route! Or "When possible make a legal U Turn". All I can say is "Not again! I was sure I turned at the right road" ...but yes each and every time I venture out I know that it's going to find out that I am semi-lost again.

Sometimes it's not always my fault. How many times I have turned at a street before or even worse right after. The ding, ding, ding of the GPS meaning here's your street NOW, NOW turn quick, sometimes doesn't happen until you get right into the middle of that intersection. I have also heard it tell me to also turn before I should have.

There are also many times that I am actually smarter then my GPS and know a route that it just doesn't want to acknowledge that would have got home quicker and easier but I still follow believing that the GPS is somehow going to transport me quicker to my destination.

It's always good to know that your system will start talking to you when you have three miles until your turn, but that just means for the next three miles I am going to be stressed knowing that I am going to have to make a turn and possibly get lost again.

Recently we traveled to Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, I am not sure how we managed it but it was almost like our GPS was on holidays. Over and over we missed streets, went in the wrong direction and wanted to throw the unit in the Bay. I have never heard so many swear words at a piece of technology that we all still believe we now need. Somehow we even managed to get to Baltimore... as I said I think the GPS was sightseeing.

Remembering the rule of quickest time, most use of freeways, shortest distance according to how birds fly are not always easy to decide which one to take. What I really wish my GPS would be able to do is read my mind, to somehow know and warn me that the directions that I put into my system were actually wrong before I headed out twenty minutes late the next morning.

I also wish that it would pretend that I made the right travel decision for a change especially when the family is in the car. If it could only not let them know that I am a GPS idiot and lost again, or if I am going to get lost I would hope that it would take me to somewhere interesting... wait that did happen, we did get to visit Baltimore.

I love when you finally reach your destination and it tells you "You have arrived!" it's like a huge weight is finally lifted from my head, but them I realize there is still the return trip and now I have to figure out what is going to be the shortest time now?

Yesterday I was sitting in the living room and programming the GPS trying to figure out which way I was going to go the following day to get to my appointment. Everything was quiet and I was not moving at all when all of a sudden the GPS says out loud "Keep to the Left!" I couldn't help but laugh hysterically with my husband as we both looked at the unit and shook our heads... I said "Now do you see the problem". It really is not my fault the GPS has its own agenda.

Then I realized my GPS stood for (Getting People Somewhere!) ... now where? that's another story!

The Disabled Angler

2008-09-23T12:30:00.000-07:00

One of the first things that caught my eye was the wheelchair sitting on the dock while the boats were getting ready for blastoff. I couldn’t help but feel it must be like freedom to escape and leave behind a piece of him that he didn’t need for the next eight hours. Coming back to shore must have felt like he had been given a small freedom that most of us could not even imagine. The freedom to be, to do and to conquer.

Although my first wish would be that no one would ever be faced with a disability, I do know personally how the struggle to be strong and get back to your life can be. Fifteen years ago I was hit by a drunk driver and unable to walk without the use of crutches and canes. The pain medication was playing a big factor in my life. The severe depression that stems from your life being changed at the drop of a hat was the biggest challenge of it all. I was in pain and suffering physically and emotionally and had no control of how and why it took place.

Fishing changed my life. It allowed me to regroup my thoughts and inspirations and rerouted the big plan... or did it? Maybe it was just the path my life was to follow.

I have been so very fortunate in my life to have met three outstanding men each with incredible inspiring stories of what fishing has meant to their lives and how it influences it daily. Since they are all great men I shall also go in the order that they came into my life.

Across the pond in England was Nick Rowe from Reels on Wheels an avid fisherman that was stuck down by a debilitating form of arthritis. Here is some of Nick’s Story from his own words.

“I’ve been passionate about angling since I was 5 years old and that’s over 50 years now! I became a wheelchair user about 6 years ago and suffered from bouts of depression because I thought my whole life was over… not uncommon, believe me. I wasn’t allowed to stay like that though (my wife Rosie saw to that!) and I started doing all the things I’d always done, just from a different perspective. I got seriously pissed off hearing people tell me that I couldn’t do things I wanted to do just because I’m in a wheelchair - so I do them anyway, if I can! I’m a man on a mission….” And that he is.

Nick is an inspiration to many able bodied people and also those that have also suffered. He is unlimitless to push himself past the boundaries that most of us could not even imagine. “I’m planning to visit every county in England to fish a venue in each county to see where I can fish and what the fishing’s like; I’m going to do a write-up of every water I fish and blog about my trip; and I’m also going to fish the Marlin World Cup next year in Mauritius.”

I am so proud of his accomplishments and look forward to also being his cheerleader from afar. You can read more about Nick on his blog http://disabledangler.wordpress.com

My second inspiration that came into my life is from Colorado. Blake Muhlenbruck (a.k.a my little brother.) was a successful corporate climber when all of a sudden he was faced with the reality that it was taken all away in was swift accident leaving Blake and his young family to reevalute his life.

“In the fall of 2002 Blake was severely injured in an industrial accident that left him unable to care for himself. His wife Dawn and three daughters supported him through his 4 year battle with rehabilitation and prescription drug withdrawals that nearly killed him. Left now to take care of the family, Dawn encouraged Blake and his buddies to spend as much time as they could outdoors so he could find himself and regain his independence.”

Blake decided that Dawn was right. The addiction to pain medication had taken a toll on not only his health but his life and his family’s life. He needed to refocus his goals, his limitations and get back to refocus his life. In his garage he started his now successful company ‘Naked Bait Co.’. Blake felt the reason 'naked' seemed fitting was due to Blake’s injury. During those four years, between doctor visits, prescription drugs, therapy and his own mental state, he began to feel as if he had been stripped down. He felt "naked". Blake began to use fishing as his rehabilitation. With the knowledge he gained during this period he was able to start living the Naked Bait Co. dream. His company can be found at www.nakedbaitco.com.

Through Blake I was also very fortunate to meet a truly inspiring young man. His name is Jonathan Stanco from Plainville, CT. Jonathon is a twenty-one year old professional co-angler on the FLW Series fishing and his disability does not keep him on shore.

Jonathan has adapted around the circumstances of professional angling and will lead others to also be able to follow their dreams on the tournament circuit.
“I started fishing when I was a young boy and have been hooked ever since. In my late childhood I was involved with snowboarding and freestyle BMX. In February of 2004 I was involved in a bad snowboarding accident that left me a paraplegic. After a long road of recovery, I went back to fishing more than ever.” He thanks Jamie Worth for being his inspiration, “After our meeting I became strong enough to drive up to New Hampshire and go on a bass fishing outing for a day. I learned a great deal and he really was responsible for me now getting into tournament bass fishing.”
Jonathan went on to start fishing tournaments that were geared to disabled veterans and anglers, but what about the big ones?

Jon does not give up that easily and his inspiration is easily seen. He bought himself a small boat and taught himself to learn how to fish independently from the boat. He then joined the Wallingford Bassmasters and the Forest City Bass Casters and looked to fish larger more competitive tournaments. Not surprising since once you meet Jon you know nothing holds him back.

I met Jon at Lake Champlain this September 2008 a lake that he had fond memories of including cashing a check for his incredible 12th place finish out of 102 anglers at the 2007 event.

Jon is the face that we should look at in fishing. His inspiration and dedication is second to none. Jon has a strong and willful passion that you see from him as he wheels his chair to the dock to board that bass boat for a hard day on the water. As one of the pro staff members of Naked Bait Co. Blake Muhlenbruck knew he had found himself a winner. “Jon’s courage is definitely above and beyond most able bodied anglers. He is more then an inspiration to those around him”.

I would think that Naked Bait Company is definitely right. I personally think that I have been inspired by all of them and wish each and every one success at making this world a more understanding place. If there was a place to find a hero I think the waterways are a good place to start looking.

Fishing offers many benefits that we don’t necessarily give credit, saving lives from the shorelines is one of them. Here are three men that not only inspire us but had their lives changed by a single fish.

“Fishing is powerful, water is powerful and the two together offer much strength for those that suffer.” The motto I always share with others.

If you know someone that might need a change to their life why not take them down to a shoreline and see if it helps make their day a better one. Those suffering any form of depression should be encouraged to sit by the waters edge and toss in a line.

Making history... One fish at a time!

2008-09-21T16:50:00.000-07:00

Women's Bassmaster Clark Hill Lake, Georgia - Sept. 18-20

The final leg of the Women's Bassmaster's took place this past weekend Sept. 18-20/08. While all of the top anglers headed to Clarks Lake Georgia there was one thing on all of their minds... Who is going to make it to the classic to have the opportunity to be the first female to be given a covenant seat at the BASS/ESPN Bassmaster Classic?

Lynda Gessner of Foristel, Mo took the first day lead at the Women's Bassmasters with throwing a spinnerbait... actually one as rumor has it throughout her first day of fishing. Well it worked! She ended up leading the pack with a scored limit of 11 lbs. 10 oz and giving her more then a two ounce lead. Lynda Gessner brought in a lunker that helped her take the lead.

Day two saw the changing of the guard when Alabama angler Kim Bain followed up with a swift day two total and brought in a total weight of 17 lbs 7 oz and took over the lead from Gessner.

Day three had the top twenty anglers heading back out on the water for a final day fish off. The top twenty anglers each will add to there previous two days weights to the final day and be guaranteed a monetary prize.

A shocker was waiting to happen as Cindy Hill of SMYRNA, TN was the come back kid, coming from behind on the final day of the Women's Bassmaster Tour event on Clarks Hill to narrowly edge out Kim Bain by a mere 2 ounces with a final weight of 24.12 oz and win the Clark Hill lake tournament. This was a second lifetime win for Cindy. The win also guaranteed Cindy the chance to win the classic berth. (Funny I sort of had a feeling that this was going to be her lake. Maybe it was just her name but she is also a great angler and deserved to make it to the final.)

Kim Bain also placed high enough in the Angler of the Year points to continue her rush to the October final tournament. As the pressure nears each angler is anticipating the history that one of them will accomplish. Good Luck Girls!

Remember only the top 20 anglers after the final points are added are eligible to move on to the WBT Championship and have a shot at the Classic berth. The WBT Championship is set for Oct. 23-25 on Arkansas' Lake Hamilton. This tournament is the crowing of the 2008 Toyota WBT Angler of the Year, the women that wins this tournament will also be making history. The Female Angler of the Year will be the first women to every compete in the Holy Grail of BassFishing (The Bassmaster Classic) which will be held on Feb. 20-22 on Louisiana's Red River out of Shreveport-Bossier City.

This is a very exciting time for all of the ladies!

Why Women Fish

2008-09-14T18:33:00.000-07:00

Although I had the opportunity to go fishing when I was younger as I was heading out the door to go fishing with the local boys I also heard, “Why are you going? Fishing was for the boys!” I quickly put down the fishing rod that I had picked up and decided to stay back. I’m not sure why I didn’t question it but I accepting the fact that maybe they were right after all I probably didn’t really want to touch those worms or heaven help the fish anyway.

Quite a few years later I had the opportunity to go fishing again. But by this time I had completely convinced myself that not only was fishing for the boys, it was also something that I did not see myself wanting to participate in.

However, it truly is amazing how this can change when you fall in love. Many years later I had gone through a divorce and was back out in the dating scene. I met my now husband Andre and he told me of his passion for fishing.

I had to laugh since the first picture I saw of him he was holding up a fish and I somehow knew that fishing was more then a small part of his life. He told me his stories of the fish that got away and the big ones that he and his buddy had caught. He said he would like to take me out with him and teach me how to catch a fish.

“I’m going to teach you how to feed your family”, he proudly told me.
Fishing season opened a couple months later and he brought me to the annual weekend away with his fishing buddy to compete in the opening season derby. I’m not sure how thrilled his buddy was, but I guess it was better then being told that he was going to be completely left behind. We had a really good weekend and I was able to keep up with the boys and at some points I even out fished them. I knew then that I was definitely Hooked! And not only on my husband but on those fish.
I knew the reasons that I had got hooked on fishing, but I started to look for the reasons that other women also participated and what made them as passionate about it as I was.

I found out that most of the girls that fished did so because of one of the following reasons:
 Family member had taken them when they were younger.
 Seeking adventures but once they start catching fish they usually become hooked themselves.
 It also provided a new form of competition - Sometimes it’s you against the fish but most of the time you will find it against anyone in your boat or on shore.
 Peace and serenity are so easily obtained in the outdoors and fishing allows us the time to sit back and enjoy what is around us a kind of hydrotherapy of the soul.
 The opportunity to bond and share memories with family and friends
 Most fisher people became hooked because of the challenge of the unknown.

Women have been known to be naturally better anglers then men and it’s felt that this is so because they have a slower more understanding relationship with nature. There need to decompress their lives is a large part of what women are searching for when they become hooked on fishing.

The natural process of women is to find comfort and security for their families in all environments. Women tend to be the creator of cherished memories and fishing offers many opportunities to share and laugh about the every day lives they are living.

A not so well known fact is Women have been fishing for over 500 years documented. There is a book called “Reel Women the world of women who fish” by author Lyla Foggia. She documents how women’s roles in tribes were that of the fisher and that of the men in the village as the hunters.

Many famous women enjoy fishing, some of them include Sarah Palin running mate for the seat of Vice President with Republican John McCain. LPGA Pro Beth Daniels carries a fishing rod in her practice time. Songstress Sondra Rankin sings about her love and Reba McEntire lives on a beautiful fishery and enjoys her time she gets to escape.

Let’s not forget actress Meryl Steep who made fishing not only look easy but graceful in her movies. There are many actresses that have a passion to get out and cast a line, Heather Thomas, Jane Seymour, Stephanie Powers are just a few of the many who enjoy the benefits and peace that fishing gives them in their lives.

Women now also have their own television shows dedicated to fishing and the great outdoors. Shows like Shelley and Courtney were one of the leading female hosted fishing shows in Canada. http://www.tvfishing.com also Kathryn Maroon host of the show What a Catch http://www.whatacatch.net . Her weekly show has Kathryn traveling around the world to some of the best fisheries.

The newly nominee Sarah Palin from Alaska has a secret in her backyard.
It seems that in the 1990’s Sarah Palin and her husband Todd had a commercial salmon fishing operation in Bristol Bay, Alaska. According to New Mexico Independent writer Joel Gay he recounts how “they were one of his favorite fishermen and one of his top salmon producers.” She is an avid fisher and hunter and promotes the outdoors.

Professional female anglers now exist in the deep seas and also now competitively. They are competing not only against the men, but they now have the opportunity to compete on the ESPN/Women’s Bassmasters Tour against each other.

For the past three years the tour has grabbed much attention with sponsors such as Academy Outdoors Stores. Women are eagerly taking out their boats and heading around the U.S chasing the tournament trail bug. Check out the exciting times that the girls now enjoy at Bass/ESPN http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/tournaments/wbt/index
Recently I started questioning professional anglers and fishers as to who introduced them into the fishing world and I was shocked to hear the following almost consistently said, “Grandma or my Mom!” Yes not Dad or Grandpa because they were to busy providing for the family. The children were left to the care of the remaining parent or grandparent and it was at this time that they were taken to the local fishing hole to cast a rod.

There was a time that even imagining that a pink fishing rod would even exist or be a possibility and now look around you can find them at most tackle stores. Let’s not also forget those accessories… pink tackle boxes and lures, vests and fashion clothing all made to make sure we always feel welcome into a male dominating sport. Well look out boys it looks like the girls will not only out fish you but they will be looking good when they catch more then you!

The Journey

2008-09-12T04:39:00.000-07:00

As we drove down our major highway towards our well needed vacation we were distracted by people standing on the highway overpass waving a Canadian flag.

At first we were really not sure why they would be there, but within minutes heard on a radio report that the three soldiers who were killed in Afghanistan were being returned home today.

They had arrived at the Trenton air base and would be making their way to Toronto. As we were driving eastbound they would be passing us heading west. It was now six o’clock and we figured that they must be coming down the highway any time since the bridges as we were driving east were all occupied by onlookers.

We had noticed our first bridge as we approached the Oshawa area approximately 70 miles away from the air base and a good hour plus drive. It was incredible to see every bridge as we were passing had people standing, waiting and waving their flags proudly.

Not one overpass was left empty. You could hear the vehicles beeping their horns when they approached the bridges in support of those above. I felt the hair on my arms as it was standing tall. It was quiet in our vehicle as we drove towards it, anticipating and wondering if the next bridge would be the point where we would finally meet up with the westbound procession.

The awkward anticipation was growing with each bridge we passed. I could not help but remark how sad it was that these bridge dwellers would have to be there to start off with, and how much more remarkable it was that they were and the crowds were getting bigger.

As we continued driving eastbound it was now over an hour and yet each bridge had not failed us. More and more gathered as it slowly started to get dark. Fire trucks and EMS Vehicles sat on top of some of the bridges. You just knew that they were also there showing their comrades support. The vehicles sat quietly with lights flashing as they also sat waiting for the fall hero’s to return.

It almost felt surreal as we approached the Trenton area. The military base that was located there was chosen as the site to bring back our fallen hero’s. The families were transported to the air force base to meet their beloved family member as they were returned home. They were given a somber hero’s welcome. The families were given the opportunity to share in a hero’s welcome that they all deserved. Once the ceremony was completed they were then given a swift journey to Toronto and then finally home with their families for a quiet family service.

As we approached the area we noticed that there were a couple vehicles pulled over on the shoulder of the road, we also decided that we would pull over and join those that had taken the time to stop. Within ten minutes the line up on both sides of the highway’s shoulders was now over a couple of miles long.

People stood outside of their cars quietly, silently waiting for someone that they didn’t even know to pass them by. Each stood proudly having the opportunity to at least say thank you. Kids stood beside their parents, not really truly understanding what was taking place but still respectful knowing that something powerful was about to happen.

It was almost an hour and half since we had seen that first bridge and the Canadian flag. To think that all of those bridges had people standing patiently waiting and anticipating the forty-five seconds that they would pay their respects was even more amazing.

As we stood on the side of the road we noticed the police cruisers were beginning to shut down the westbound side of the highway. Police cruisers and officers made sure that they brought the oncoming highway traffic to a complete stop. They were going to allow the procession the opportunity to not only travel together but to travel down the highway alone giving them the respect that the fallen hero’s deserved.

The freeway entrance that we had stopped at was the on ramp from the Trenton air force base. It was an incredible sight to witness the fire trucks and emergency vehicles lining down the on ramp with all of their lights on and the officers standing in honor. As the police cruisers raced to the next exits to make sure that they were closed, the caskets of our fallen hero’s were each followed by their family’s limos.

There is however one thing that I know I will Never ever forget in my life. As we stood there to honor our country’s hero’s, the family members that were following behind their loved ones had opened their windows and each family had members waving as they followed behind there loved vehicles saying “Thank You” to those that stopped to honor their sons.

I could not help but cry for them, for their loss and how difficult it must be. But I was also able to see their strength and dedication to their children, to witness how proud they were of their sons and how thankful they were that we all stood strong with them. I know I will never forget what they sacrificed.

Please remember Pte. Chad Horn, Cpl. Andrew Grenon and Cpl. Mike Seggie who sacrificed their lives for our freedom and all of those before and unfortunately after them. Whose families have hadd to make the journey down the highway of hero’s not for the vacation that they all well deserved, but for the hero that they once called ‘my son’.

The journey that I made on the highway of hero’s has changed me. Although I had driven the highway many times I had never really thought of those that sacrificed their lives for us. I wish it never had to be experienced but it allowed me to feel how proud we should be of our troops.

I believe each and every person should take a moment and reflect how our lives would be different if it were not for our armed forces. I hope that we would all stand at the side of the road and feel the emotion and pain that is real not only to their families. To know that they each and everyday they sacrifice for us and put their own lives at risk seems insignificant only stopping by the side of the highway. I can only hope that I did them justice by documenting my time spent on the highway. Please God Bless these men and women that serve our country and fight these wars so our children will know the freedom that we have been given.

I have created a youtube video of the experience -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2vC6BWUdMk

Fisherfan

2008-09-04T19:00:00.001-07:00

FisherFan is finally up and ready to role
Ok all of you fishing fanatics... its time..
Put your pictures where your mouth is... Proof is in the puddin...

Now fishers everywhere can get together and share some of those secrets we all know exist.. ok ..we don't have to give away them all.. but a few would be nice.

Maybe you have a great recipe? Shore lunch suggestions? The largest catch of the weekend and you just need to brag... now is the time.

Become a member... sign up .... its FREE and easy to use!!!

Network with some of the best fisher people in the industry. Maybe you will even get to know your neighbor that was looking for a fishing partner.

Find out the truth behind what products are effective and which ones are just a waste.

We encourage you to share... but please remember . .we are a family site and want to remain that way. Lets make it what it is.. .truly one of the best ways to spend a great day.

Ok... now get going.. upload your info. .

Safe Boating Rules and Regulations

2008-08-05T12:51:00.000-07:00

I was recently asked about the new boating regulation changes and how the changes would affect the average weekend warrior operating on the waterways around U.S and Canada. Although I really didn’t feel I knew the full answer to what the new rules were, I set out to find some of the answers.

It seemed that it was not going to be a quick and easy answer to my quest. There were regulations changing everywhere. In the U.S. it would depend on the state that you were in to follow the change that had already taken place or was going to take place. Canada had also set its own standard to be followed and by September 2009 full licensing will be required.

I found the following information on the website of www.boaterexam.com and it was extremely helpful. I also found that the site itself was also very user friendly. I would highly recommend that you investigate your own country or state regulations through Boater Exam.

Boating Licenses ARE available for the following areas and I would suggest that you take the opportunity to purchase yours online. You will have immediate access to having your license and making sure that you are meeting the requirements for your area.

To find out more about your Canadian Licenses:
http://www.boaterexam.com/canada/

U.S States information and licensing can be found at: http://www.boaterexam.com/usa/

For the following states: Alabama Alaska California Colorado Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Indiana Kansas Kentucky Mississippi Montana Nevada New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania South Carolina South Dakota
Tennessee Utah Virginia Washington West Virginia Wyoming

Remember to stay safe! Happy boating!

Staying Safe in the Outdoors

2008-08-04T09:07:00.001-07:00

Enjoying the Outdoors
By Terri Mackinnon

At what cost must we endure to enjoy the beautiful outdoors?

We have been told by medical professionals that we must make sure that we protect ourselves from the sun and outdoors elements and it is suggested that we use appropriate products to ensure our well being. There are many UV products today on the market available to ensure the safety of our family from the sun.

We must also look at protecting ourselves from another major problem in the outdoors – bugs. However not only do we have to protect ourselves against the consequences of possible diseases such as Lyme and West Nile, we need to also ensure that the protection that we are using is not more of a dangerous then the possibilities of the disease.

Chemical based repellents such as Deet are extremely dangerous to our health and need to be considered unsafe when we use them as they are recommended.

Recently I spent time in the serene and magnificent Algonquin Park. Although it seemed like we were miles away from civilization and on our own, we actually found out quite quickly that we were definitely not alone.

It seemed that we actually stumbled upon a huge convention that was being attended by a million or so mosquitoes. It was evident that they thought our campsite was the buffet table and we were the actual buffet.

Although we had a variety of bug sprays, candles citronella scent, screens, grids and lanterns, it was evident that there was not going to be a quick fix to keeping the mosquitoes under control. Our arsenal was full and each and everything we had brought was going to be needed.

We were prepared to enjoy it. Battle or not, we were prepared for it, or so we hoped.
I had the opportunity to try out a new product called the BugBam Grid. I could only hope that it was going to live up to its word and help defend our tent. If there was ever a time that the grid was going to be put up to a huge challenge then this was definitely going to be it.

I decided to actually use the product it in our tent. I really don’t like the deet related sprays and the citronella candles but this one claimed to be safe and still work.

One of my pet peeves is definitely buzzing mosquitoes in my ear. There is absolutely nothing worse then listening to them flying around your head as your try and close your eyes and go to sleep.

Twenty minutes before we went into the tent I hung it inside and it went to work. As difficult as it was getting into the tent without a thousand mosquitoes getting in it was quickly apparent that the mosquitoes were not actually coming any where near us and we were not being attacked even by the ones that managed to squeeze by us and get in.

A couple weeks after Algonquin I decided to try the Bugbam band at the cottage and I also had success. I would however recommend if you are going to be in a highly infested mosquito area to wear a couple of the bands.

These bands and grids are DEET Free and offer a great alternative to worrying about using unsafe chemically enhanced products.

Here is more information from BugBam. Check out there site http://www.bugbam.com

CHECK OUT BUGBAM’S PRODUCT LINE

Wristbands Repelling Fans Other Repelling Products Multi-Packs Pet Products

HOW IT WORKS / TEST RESULTS
Bug Bam uses a proprietary, DEET FREE formula that NO ONE ELSE has. It was created by Joseph Symond himself and is the ONLY brand of 100% natural repellent that has been scientifically tested and proven to work by the #1 entomology labs in both Australia and the USA! Read more about it here: THE TRUTH ABOUT NATURAL REPELLENTS

Mosquitoes and other flying, biting insects need blood in order to lay their eggs. The female Mosquito that does this through the use of ‘receptors’ that pick up the scent (inc. carbon dioxide, breath, sweat, lactic acid) of a person or animal that matches the blood they are looking for.
Bug Bam works by emitting an ‘aura’ of all natural, plant-based essential oils (hence the strong - yet pleasant - smell each product releases). Our formula is proprietary and based on the most effective, safe, all-natural and scientifically proven, EPA/FDA approved repelling ingredients available.
The Bug Bam ‘aura’ masks these odors we humans (and our pets) emit, effectively making you smell like a plant! [See Diagrams 1 & 2. below]
Mosquitoes and other flying, biting insects look elsewhere as they can no longer find their victims thanks to Bug Bam!

MAKE SURE YOUR FAMILY REMAIN SAFE
http://www.bugbam.com

Thank you to Bugbam for all of their information. The product lived up to what it says. Try it … it can make the difference between having a great day out and staying safe or becoming sick. Be safe!

Great product to use on the fishing boat!

Fish Attractants

2008-07-30T12:35:00.000-07:00

These powerful attractants can make a difference. I found that they actually stayed on longer then some of the other scents that are currently on the market. It comes in a variety of scents as follows: Bass Max, Bass Feast, Bass Hammer, Sand Shrimp, Shrimp, Special Mix, Shad, Salmon Egg, Salmon Feast, Crawfish, Crawfish/Anise, Craw Blend and let’s not forget Nightcrawler. Liquid Blend is also available in: Anchovy, Baitfish, Anise, Herring, Walleye Feast, Krill Xtra, Trout Enhancer, Sturgeon Feast scents.

Smelly Jelly has an amino acid base that keeps it working longer. It also comes in a full range of flavors and product sizes, This bait is amazing if you are going to be out fishing for Bass large or small, Salmon, Trout, Walleye, Steelhead, Pike, Crappie and even Bluegill. The scents are used by professional anglers and those weekend warriors that want to brag when they return back to the shore. If you are looking for the secret to great fishing look no further. You can find Smelly Jelly at a variety of tackle shops and if you check out Cabelas you will also find it.

Smelly Jelly is also available online at http://www.anglerswaypoint.com/smellyjelly.htm get them to send you out your supply and start catching real fish.

Smelly Jelly comes in 2 varieties – Solid or liquid scents. Both formulas come in two sizes 1oz and 4oz jars to meet your needs. (I would definitely recommend the 4oz why run back to the store for more. You will be glad you did.)

Solid versus Liquid: The difference really is preference. Personally mine is the solid however the liquid version is great for injecting those baits and comes in a squeezable bottle so you don’t have to put it on with your fingers. Smelly is easily cleaned up so don’t worry about going out later and still smelling like your bait that won’t happen.

ESPN Women’s Bassmaster Pro Angler Renee Brisendine has been using Smelly Jelly for the past couple years and has seen an incredible growth with the product as more people are catching on. Here is what she has to say about it.

“I don’t throw anything that doesn’t have Smelly Jelly on it. Using this product either in the liquid or paste puts a scent trail that the bass cannot resist. Once the fish get the taste they hang on longer which help to increase the number of bass I catch.

It is definitely making a difference for the professional anglers that are relying on every benefit that they can get in a tournament. Let’s not forget those that would like nothing better then to look like a Pro to their fishing buddies over the weekend. I’m sure you know who you are! Fish attractants are for anyone anytime.

Fishing Rules and Regulations why bother?

2008-07-29T08:42:00.000-07:00

What constitutes breaking the rules?
By Terri MacKinnon

This weekend I had an opportunity to film something that happened right in front of our cottage. I was observing a gentleman fishing by himself in a boat. I gave him credit for the fact that it was raining and he must be a real trouper to be out there.

However, upon watching him I realized that he was going back and forth from the front to the back and he was actually fishing with two fishing rods. Although you are entitled to fish in some major waters with two rods you are Not allowed to do it in the majority of lakes and streams within Ontario. Purchasing a license and asking the questions would have been a great idea before he decided to head out and fish.

In Canada we have very strict regulations that seem somewhat confusing at times and it is very important to not assume that your regulations are the same as other areas. (A good example would be in Ontario -- If you are going to be fishing North of Hwy 7 then you would find that your season actually opens one week later then if you fished South of Hwy 7. Although the difference is only a week it could result in the loss of your boat for the season and heavy fines.)

You should always know what the local regulations are on the lakes that you will be fishing. There are many local tackle and bait shops that are usually able to define the regulations and give you a quick yes or no if you are not positive of what the rules are for the area.

If you are a visitor to Canada and your planning a fishing trip or a quick run to a local stream you are encouraged to make sure that you know the rules. Licensing is required and will differ in price according to where and how long you will require it. Remember if you do not find out what the regulations are you may find the consequences could be a very big unexpected expense in your vacation.

Licensing provides all of us the opportunity to make sure that we have future species stocked in our lakes. Rules and regulations although they sometimes seem like they are not necessary, they actually ensure that we do not over fish or disturb the natural habitats.

Fishing with two rods… well that is just plain stupid. When we told the gentleman with the two rods that we had him on tape he immediately put one rod away. He didn’t even question if there was a rule not to do it. It sure makes you think that although he was aware of the rule He just simply thought he was above it.

It’s our responsibility to find out the regulations that govern where we fish. Don’t assume they are the same as home. Remember today we have Video and You Tube so it’s not worth breaking the rules – Our Fish count on it.

Camping in Algonquin

2008-07-15T08:04:00.000-07:00

We decided that we needed to take a complete get away from it all vacation, the kind of trip that meant checking out of society and escaping from everything.

Although I love the outdoors I have technically never been a fan of camping. I use to joke with friends that my idea of camping was staying at a Holiday Inn. It had been many years since I had the experience and from what I remembered of it, there was peaceful solitude that allowed for an escape not only of the parents but ones inner self.

I was in desperate need to get away from life and all of the telephone calls, cell phones and computers that seemed to possess it. I agreed that it was time to take up the challenge and venture into the unknown. I needed more then anything to find the solitude that seemed to not only escape my life but had been totally forgotten.

I grabbed the tent from the bottom of the storage unit, dusted it off and started gathering everything that we were going to require. Having made a list the night before we headed out, I realized it meant literally taking our home with us or just short of it. Outside of the kitchen sink and my cozy bed everything else seemed to be piled into the van.

I had the Coleman stove, lantern and new batteries. I put the plastic cutlery, paper plates and cast iron pans put into a box along with paper towel and the most important supply Toilet Paper. Not ever to be forgotten Bug Spray camping version and your camera.

Having been quite a few years since I had the opportunity to camp, I really forgot how much you actually need to take with you. When I was sixteen and went out camping for my first time Love was all that was needed. It didn’t matter that it rained, that the tent was soaked or that the bugs were three inches thick, Love conquered all. With our cans of beans on the campfire and the beer cases stacked we feasted for the weekend. There was not one person in our group that was going to complain, we were all making memories.

However as we grew and realized that cottages existed the need to take the house with you was somewhere in the background I guess. In some ways I realized that I had became a little spoiled. It was now time for me to go back to my roots and rediscover the serenity and peacefulness that I so much needed in my life.

We arrived up to Whitney at Algonquin Park and filled up the boat with our supplies. Since we weren’t sure how long we would stay we literally packed for what seemed like a lifetime. We found a beautiful camping spot that was totally secluded and one we could call our very own. There was no one around for miles and the scenery was outstanding.

We had a beautiful sandy beach that allowed us to park the boat right at our site and on shore. The camping area had been well taken care of by others and it was obvious that we had lucked in on probably one of the most pristine spots up there.

We had a special area that was dedicated to cooking and cleaning, a great fire pit, quite a few flat tent area’s, picnic table and the ultimate outdoor bathroom that any camper would be more then happy to use.

Our ultimate port-a-potty was like winning the lottery of camping. Who wouldn’t be happy to find such a luxury in the outdoors? I felt like I was in that commercial with the Charmin bears and there soft toilet paper in the great outdoors. The toilet was actually made from a big wood box and was extremely sturdy and on top a White Toilet seat and it was clean. There was No smell and it was an incredible experience to actually know someone had thought of others to not only build it but for others to have actually kept it so clean.

On our first night camping we had a funny incident after we fell asleep. We were probably sleeping for a couple hours when we were awoken to sounds close to our tent. It seemed we had a visitor and he was playing in all of our dishes. My husband tried making a lot of noise to scare it away, but it seemed like our new friend was not giving up that easily.

Finally, my husband got out of the tent buck naked. Well almost, he actually put on his slippers first. He then started to yell and grunt and make even more noise stomping his feet and flailing his arms in the air. It didn’t take to much more time for that raccoon to take off running. He probably was laughing all the way through the forest telling his friends you wouldn’t believe what I just saw. I know I was killing myself laughing in the tent and for days after when I thought about it. Poor little raccoon terrorized by the naked guy. I only wish I had grabbed my camera to capture the moment. I’m sure I would have won the funniest video moment.

Our goal was to be away and find quiet peaceful serenity that we had been lacking. Having the opportunity to actually escape to be alone and not have civilization interfere in our quite time was something that I could not only appreciate but now have the need to do again. Once I returned home I realized how noisy our society has really become. Oh how I miss those quiet nights and look forward to heading back to our special spot again soon. Camping really does make amazing memories.

To find out more about Algonquin Park in Canada check out.

http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/algo.html

Fishing in Algonquin

2008-07-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Fishing in Algonquin
By Terri MacKinnon

We recently spent time in the beautiful outdoors camping and fishing in the amazing Algonquin Park. Its breathtaking lakes made for an incredible adventure. For those of you that are not familiar with Algonquin here is the official info on the park with some links.

http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/algo.html

We had a great time and found that it was everything and more that we had been told by others. Our goal on this trip was to Bass Fish. Our time and lures were dedicated to fishing bass. However, these lakes offer all forms of fish and hold many trophy fish for dedicated anglers. There are local fisherman ready to share their tales and brag about how fortunate they are that this fishery is in their backyard.

Algonquin has a reputation for some of the best trout fishing in Canada. More than 230 lakes have native Brook Trout and 149 have Lake Trout -- a fantastic concentration of trout waters that continue to yield good fishing because of the Park's tradition of wise conservation.
Along the highway, many of the lakes are stocked with Splake (a hybrid of Brook and Lake trout) and fishing is outstanding. Spring is the best season for trout and summer brings on more enjoyment with Smallmouth Bass. Spend a July day with the family at a prime bass location, enjoying the scenery and reeling in the night's dinner.

The park holds amazing scenery and the endless streams and tributaries offer wildlife at its best. You will find that it holds close and personal adventures to the great outdoors. A camera is a definite must.

We spent time camping and enjoying the stars as they fell from the sky. Sitting around the campfire and bragging about our days catch and the big one that should have been. Guaranteed Algonquin will make great stories to bring home to your fishing buddies.
Algonquin Provincial Park is located in Canada and is a provincial park located between Georgian Bay and the Ottawa River in the province of Ontario. It is the first provincial park in Canada having been established in 1893. It covers about 7630 square kilometers. Its size, combined with its proximity to the major urban centres of Toronto and Ottawa make it one of the most popular Provincial parks in the province and moreover the entire country. Highway 60 runs through the south of the park, while the Trans-Canada Highway bypasses it to the north. Over 2400 lakes and 1200 kilometres of streams and rivers are located within the park, including Canoe Lake and the Petawawa, Nipissing, Amable du Fond, Madawaska, and Tim rivers.

Free-IQTest.net

2008-07-03T16:48:00.001-07:00

Free-IQTest.net - IQ Test

My Fishing Friend

2008-06-25T15:18:00.000-07:00

The Women's Fishing World lost a great member over the weekend. On Sunday June 22/08 Madeline Smith my mentor and friend lost her battle to cancer. Madeline came from the hometown of Hot Springs,Arkansas. Madeline was not only a Professional Angler on the Women's Bassmasters Tour but also an entrepreneur with her Internet retail sales www.bassgifts.com. She also represented the Women's Bassmasters and all Lady Anglers out there with her E-Magazine www.ladybassangler.com (She was definitely a Lady! and respected by all.)

Madeline was fortunate enough to be loved and supported by her basscaddie and husband Jim and was much loved by her 4 adult children. She told me one day that her pride and joy was defintely becoming a grandmother to 3 beautiful grandchildren.

She spent the past 10 years or more fishing and loved her inspiration and comaderie she had with the Diamond Lakes Bass'N Gals.

I will sadly miss her as will of those that were fortunate to have had the opportunity to have met her.

She said she hoped heaven had fishing and I told her that I heard thats all you do there.

Therapy for the Soul Meditating Outside

2008-06-18T06:13:00.000-07:00

Therapy for the Soul - Meditating Outside
By Terri MacKinnon

Does it really matter where you meditate? I believe that meditating outdoors can offer a new alternative and change to your life. The therapeutic benefits are hidden and waiting to be explored. I am one of those people that know personally how being outside meditating makes for not just a different type of meditation experience but in some ways even a more profound one.
There are many good reasons for this.
Many of us have experienced meditating in a quiet room that is free from any and all distractions, no sounds, dim lights and the thought that we are one against the world and our environment trying deeply to engage ourselves with deeper inner thoughts.
However, it is sometimes difficult to quiet our minds with all of the constant input from our surroundings. Life is constantly challenging us with environmental noises and disruptions. So if we want to find the peacefulness that comes from meditation maybe we need to allow and find ways to learn how to meditate despite all of the surrounding sounds and distractions that exist.

Meditating in the Great Outdoors

There's a quiet spot on our cottage property away from the city that I love to go to and sit down and reflect my week’s events. It overlooks the beautiful lake that we are fortunate enough to be able to borrow for the weekends. We had a small gazebo built just at the point of the property that overlooked all of the beauty. I so look forward to getting out of the city and getting back to my place and my peace. As I sit back and enjoy the beautiful view, I am able to reflect and reconcile my life and what has transpired over the week. This gives me the opportunity to rethink, review and rejuvenate myself.
While sitting there I am Aware. All of my senses are somewhat enlightened and responding to all that is around me. Feeling the breezes sweep by me, hearing the birds singing their songs and smelling the incredible scents of nature only strengthens the experience.
This was a new form of spirit, enlightenment and freedom. Meditating outdoors was a whole new experience of finding what I was looking for. There was a great sense of experiencing the world through these new surroundings.
When I first started looking at new ways of meditating, I realized that we are able to find peace even if the environment was not silent. I also realized how the strength of meditating outdoors seemed greater then that spent by myself in a dark room. There was a greater sense of pleasure and peace that was obtained in the new environment. The sounds, smells and feel created a stronger sense of belonging.
I had spent many years meditating with my eyes closed in a dark quiet peaceful room. However, my new form of mediating included sitting quietly with my eyes closed for the first ten minutes and then opening my eyes and looking up at the clouds, carefully watching how the leaves were blowing in the wind, listening to the birds chirping, smelling the experience and realizing what is quietly taking place around us while we live our lives. How much more amazing and larger the world really is, unlike the space that we only occupy. The experience allows us to witness what is passing us by.

It's wonderful to look around as if you are seeing the outdoors for the first time in your life. No matter how many times I take my place in the outdoors to meditate, I am forever reminded that we are far smaller and less significant then what God has created.
If you haven't already tried it, why not get outside for your next meditation? It can be found as easily as opening your front door and taking a walk to the local park. Sit and listen to the sounds that you haven’t heard since you were a child. Take a drive down to your local River, Pond or Lake and spend some time reflecting. Close your eyes and meditated in Gods room. Listen, smell and then open your eyes and enjoy. The view will be incredible when you open your eyes. There is nothing quite like meditating outdoors.

Terri Mackinnon has spent the past ten years meditating and enjoying the great outdoors. Her passion for spending time fishing and enjoying the outdoors can be found at http://www.womenfishing.com and http://www.theoutdoorsgirl.com

What's in Your tackle box?

2008-06-18T06:09:00.000-07:00

What's in your tackle box? By Terri MacKinnon

It's such an exciting time of year when opening fishing season starts and we finally get the opportunity to trek to the tackle store to get some new and exciting lures as the season begins. Going into the store and seeing my good faithful baits up against some beautiful new designs makes it difficult to not at least try some possible winning lures in some of the great new colors.

Many women get excited about the new spring clothing line collections that are coming out, I however find myself also as eagerly excited about what the new baits and fishing line of the year will be. Opening weekend is finally the time when I get to head to the big box tackle stores and start to shop for the season.

There is only one other time of year outside of Christmas and opening weekend that could be as exciting and that would be in July. The International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) is held every July in Las Vegas and it's actually like the Academy awards of the fishing industry.

ICAST however offers a different type of lure. Their runway is lined with a variety of tackle makers each eagerly willing to unveil their new wares to the industry. http://www.asafishing.org/asa/. The manufacturers reveal what's hot, new and exciting for the following year and awards are given to the company's that offer innovative products to the marketplace. The results are always made available shortly after the show as to who won and what's new so that I can preplan for my opening season the following year.

I have found that Tackle Trade World Magazine offers one of the most comprehensive coverage of the ICAST show and other shows worldwide. Because of this TTW has become my favorite tackle magazine. http://www.tackletradeworldmagazine.com/.

One of my personal favorites that came out of the show this year was a product that will add to your lures. It's actually a skirt maker made by http://www.nakedbaitco.com/. This is a very cool skirt maker kit that should be in every ones tackle box. Sometimes we forget about how flexible adding a skirt to your lures can be, check them out.

There is not an angler out there that doesn't have an inner desire to find that secret lure and keep a good supply in their tackle box. The real secret to any successful lure is really consistency. I have found effective baits that continually make my fishing adventures successful and I consider them my go to bait.

However, I can not stop myself from going into my local tackle shop and picking up that new shiny multi colored bait that promises even more success, hoping that it offers the Holy Grail in fishing. When will I ever find that real secret bait? Or does it even exist?

Until I find the One that works for everything I will have to just keep trying new ones. Someone has to do it the manufacturers are counting on us.

Whats in Your Tackle Box?

2008-06-18T05:50:00.000-07:00

Whats in your tackle box?
By Terri MacKinnon

It's such an exciting time of year when opening fishing season starts and we finally get the opportunity to trek to the tackle store to get some new and exciting lures as the season begins. Going into the store and seeing my good faithful baits up against some beautiful new designs makes it difficult to not at least try some possible winning lures in some of the great new colors.

Many women get excited about the new spring clothing line collections that are coming out, I however find myself also as eagerly excited about what the new baits and fishing line of the year will be. Opening weekend is finally the time when I get to head to the big box tackle stores and start to shop for the season.

There is only one other time of year outside of Christmas and opening weekend that could be as exciting and that would be in July. The International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) is held every July in Las Vegas and it's actually like the Academy awards of the fishing industry.

ICAST however offers a different type of lure. Their runway is lined with a variety of tackle makers each eagerly willing to unveil their new wares to the industry. http://www.asafishing.org/asa/. The manufacturers reveal what's hot, new and exciting for the following year and awards are given to the company's that offer innovative products to the marketplace. The results are always made available shortly after the show as to who won and what's new so that I can preplan for my opening season the following year.

I have found that Tackle Trade World Magazine offers one of the most comprehensive coverage of the ICAST show and other shows worldwide. Because of this TTW has become my favorite tackle magazine. http://www.tackletradeworldmagazine.com/.

One of my personal favorites that came out of the show this year was a product that will add to your lures. It's actually a skirt maker made by http://www.nakedbaitco.com/. This is a very cool skirt maker kit that should be in every ones tackle box. Sometimes we forget about how flexible adding a skirt to your lures can be, check them out.

There is not an angler out there that doesn't have an inner desire to find that secret lure and keep a good supply in their tackle box. The real secret to any successful lure is really consistency. I have found effective baits that continually make my fishing adventures successful and I consider them my go to bait.

However, I can not stop myself from going into my local tackle shop and picking up that new shiny multi colored bait that promises even more success, hoping that it offers the Holy Grail in fishing. When will I ever find that real secret bait? Or does it even exist?

Until I find the One that works for everything I will have to just keep trying new ones. Someone has to do it the manufacturers are counting on us.

My Secret Fishing Spot

2008-06-18T05:44:00.000-07:00

My Secret Fishing Spot

By Terri MacKinnon

Last year I put a video on http://www.youtube.com/ about my opening weekend fishing from the shoreline. We went to one of my favorite fishing holes and we had spent a couple hours catching pike, bass and trout. I thought it would be fun to put the video online for some of our friends to share some of my success for the day. It was my secret location, or should I say I thought it was until today.

I did give some pretty good clues as to the area that my hidden spot was located even though I did not say exactly where it was. For some people that may know the area and some of the markers that were on the video it would have been helpful but I had not given out the exact location.

It's been over a year since I was there and on our way back from the cottage today we decided to stop and visit my favorite fishing spot again. We figured we would have an hour or so to try and catch last year's fish. Unfortunately we didn't end up catching anything but it was later in the day then we would normally fish this spot.

However, just as we were getting into our van to leave a man by the name of Jay approached us and asked if we had done a video last year and put it on You Tube. As he got closer it was funny to hear him say "You're the girl on the video, I knew this was the spot". Busted! Darn!

He told us that when he saw the video he figured that he knew the general area and that he would try and find my spot. Well he sure did! And then he told us how he had been catching some great fish while he was there. He had been back to my secret fishing spot many times since.

What a small world, and amazing coincidence that today at 1.00 pm I met someone that actually not only watched my video, LOL but actually traced down my secret fishing hole to now make it also his.

It was great to know that he had been having the same kind of success. My poor little secret fishing hole is no more a secret. Hopefully, No one else will find it! But if they do maybe we can make it a yearly tournament site.

As we drove home we couldn't help but laugh. What a coincidence, what was the chance? I now wondered who else has found my secret fishing hole. How many people would have been there opening day? Maybe next year I will make the trip to my secret spot to check. Just remember if you find my secret spot and you catch fish, put them back!

The Lure of the Lure

2008-06-18T05:36:00.000-07:00

Whats your secret?

The Lure of the Lure

By Terri Mackinnon

I'm sure that there is not one angler out there that will not totally understand what I am going to say about one of my favorite items to go shopping for. Lures! We all know what it's like to go into our local tackle store and become totally overwhelmed with all of the varieties of fishing tackle that is now being made available to us.

Do you remember when one aisle of lures would be enough and we were still able to catch our fish? However, we were wrong and the manufactures are now out to prove it to us. We now have choices, so many choices. I now call them my Lure de Jour. I have a different lure for each day of the year and more. Sometimes even in three or four colors.

Lures have become hot! They not only have hooks to catch our fish, but they have the hooks to drag us down each aisle. We are all in search of finding that one special, you all know what I mean... this is the one, I can feel it, I know its going to catch fish, Lure!

Since I have spent many hours in a tackle stores investigating, comparing and purchasing what Looks Hot for the season I can guarantee to you that somewhere in my tackle box now sits that secret lure. At least I hope it is and sure hope I got the right color.

If it attracts us, well it must attract the fish, Yes? Well actually No. Just because we found the colors interesting or thought the bait was just to pretty to leave behind, doesn't mean that it's actually going to catch anything more then the one fish that is buying it. Yes that's you, or me.

The end result is and always will be how many fish it's going to catch and how big. I know that I want to be coming off the lake showing the boys my shopping trips were well worth it.

We all know that we are searching to find that secret bait. We want that special lure that will guarantee that we catch the biggest fish. We want the one that will prove to everyone that we deserve the title of angler of the weekend. Aren't we all weekend warriors in search of the ultimate prize, the bragging rights, and the right of passage?

The bait company's have made sure that they challenge us. They have created and recreated baits for each species, water color, depth, season and any condition that they believe we may encounter. They tempt us with more each year, bigger, better, more colorful. We also know how difficult it has become to sort through the rows and rows of plastic and rubber thing a ma jigs to find that special lure that says,

"I am going to catch you a big fish".

They have made in every color under the rainbow some form of eye catching fish design ready to be tied to the end of your fishing line. The lures are painted, metal and plastic some with holograms shimming and calling our name. "Look, I will fool that fish, I promise" or "If you just try me I know I can catch huge fish."

I wonder many times if I may have left the Best lure still in the store.

After the weekend of using some of my new baits, I am mostly disappointed. If I had only picked up that other special hologram version in the passion purple, I just might have caught myself that trophy fish. Darn, next time.

"I'm going to catch You a Big Fish!" Ha, do you sometimes wonder if that Lure is actually saying ... "I just caught myself a big fish! As you head to the cashier.

Maybe those Lure manufacturers are sitting back laughing at how many fish they caught.

All I know is I can't wait to go back shopping again. I am sure now that I would have done so much better with the purple passion. Darn. Next week.

Catch and Release

2008-03-05T06:34:00.000-08:00

Catch and Release – March 2008
by Terri Mackinnon
Before you decide to go out fishing there are a couple things that you should be discussing. Many fish are left on shorelines, by garbage cans or just simply thrown away after a day on the water fishing.
I'm sure that their intentions prior to bringing them back to shore was good however, it is far too common and we all need to make a conscious effort to not allow it to happen.
I believe we can ask a couple questions that may prevent some of the waste.
1. Are you or your family going to eat your catch? Are you able to clean your fish?
2. Have you purchased your licenses?
3. Do you know your regulations on the water? What the daily limits and sizes of fish and species that you are allowed to remove legally?
4. Are you able to identify your fish? I've seen many fish brought to shore because they had know idea what kind of fish they had.
There really is no other reason not to practice Catch and Release outside of consumption.
There taxidermists that can reproduce that trophy fish that you caught. Take a photo, quickly take some measurements and let it go. The taxidermist can now make you a perfect replica for your wall. Any you can now go back next year to try and catch it again.
Some things you should remember.
• Keep the fish out of water for minimal time
• Try and avoid touching the fish too much to remove its protective slime coating
• Try to keep the fish calm. The least amount of jumping around in the boat or hitting up against the shoreline will allow for it to be released with greater success.
• Never tear out hooks from your fish, if they are embedded and not easily removed cut your line. Hooks will rust out or dissolve without the fish being harmed.
• Use the “Don’t keep a fish out of water longer than you can hold your breath theory.” It allows you time to actually hold up a fish, take a picture and then release it back into the water. Try it!
• Some fish have sharp teeth like walleye or pike. These fish are best being held across the back of the head, with fingers and thumb holding the gill plates closed. Watch for the gills they have sharp edges. Some fish like bass really have small teeth that don’t hurt so you can actually hold its lower lip between your thumb and index finger. This is my favorite technique and it took me the longest to want to try. It feels like sand paper on its tongue, once you do it you will know the power it give you to hold up your fish like the professionals. Lip Your Fish!
Then Give him a little kiss and let him go!

Girls take on the Fish

2008-02-17T14:54:00.000-08:00

Girls take on the fish!

Competition Fishing.

Canadian women compete in a man's sport or is it?

Canadian female anglers Terri Mackinnon and Cindy Burnham made their journey to Chesapeake Bay, Maryland in October 2007, to compete as the first Female Pro Team to make the U.S Angler Choice Classic and the bragging rights to also represent Canada.

Competition was not new to either of the women. They both competed in the Preview year of the Women's Bassmasters travelling to 6 events. Terri Mackinnon actually still holds the best finish as a Canadian with her 8th place finish in Bull Shoals, Missouri in her rookie year. Cindy had competed in previous years in tournaments against the men and had a best finish of 9 in NY.

The two women decided to try the Team concept and signed up to spend the year fishing the U.S Anglers Choice series on Lake Erie. They successfully took the top 3 position in there division with an impressive 700+ point season. Both women were excited to represent not only Canada, but women in general when they fished against some of the best bass angler pairs teams in the U.S.

Mackinnon was not new to record breaking, she has had many accomplishment and achievements in her life since fishing came into it. Burnham has also set records of her own. "We thought it would be a lot of fun to go out and see what we could do together" says Mackinnon. "Terri and myself travelled across the U.S the previous year tournament fishing and we had the opportunity to talk a lot about fish not carrying if you're a girl or a boy" says Burnham. "We realized that it would be fun to go and try teamwork" says Mackinnon. In 2006 Team FisherGirl was the brainchild of Mackinnon. "I realized that we had to take the sport seriously and what better way then to sponsor the first International Female fishing Team" says Terri Mackinnon. As she adds "We ended up with the Angler of the year, so it was a great year."

"It was tough to fish a team environment when it was still technically against each other, however having the chance to fish with Terri and work together as a team was a great experience" says Burnham.

"Our sponsors believed in us, we believed in us and now we get to fish a dream. We wanted to share our passion for fishing with others, and it's still amazing when girls come up and say how they wish they could fish as well as the boys, we laugh and say, You can!" Ms.MacKinnon.

Females are welcome to most fishing tournaments and derby's. Check with your local bass, walleye, crappie or fishing clubs to see what types of tourneys they offer. There are many types of tournaments available all over the U.S. and Canada for a variety of species. Local tackle shops also will be very useful. Happy Fishing!

http://www.womenfishing.com/

Kids Fishing

2008-02-17T14:52:00.001-08:00

Kids Fishing
Have you ever had the opportunity to see a childs face and the reaction they have when they feel a fish bite at the end of their line? If you haven't I hope that I can encourage you to take a child out and give them the chance to show you what an incredible experience it really can be.

Today we have encouraged our kids to stay indoors and play on computers, watch tv and keep their lives as simple as we can. Most of the time this is only due to how stressed our lives have become. Or we take the other route and run the kid ragged with every activity that we can possibly put them into ..... to keep them busy so we can also keep up with our stressful lives.

When I was much younger my parents basically told us to get outside, but it was something that we wanted to do. When we came back from school we wanted to stay out and spend time with our friends and usually only came home as it got darker for dinner. The anti-social behaviors that we are now seeing today in society have been created because we allow our kids to remain behind their closed bedroom doors on their nintendo's and computers and alone. W are not allowing our kids to create the same kind of social networking that we enjoyed.

Although I had spent alot of time outdoors when I was a kid, I was one of those people that never had the want or need to go out and fish. First I was brought up to believe it was a guy thing and girls really didn't want to fish. It wasen't encouraged and I wasen't pushing it.

It took me until I was 40 and a very open minded now husband, before I realized what I had missed by not having the opportunity to fish as a kid. Since then I am totally passionate about what I had missed and have the chance to now share it with my daughters and granddaughers and other now fishing sisters.

Having a granddaughter 4 years ago gave me the opportunity to see what it was like to fish as a child through her eyes. We laugh when we say she was born with a fishing rod in her hand.. but I guess she entered into this world with having one waiting for her.

We encouraged her to play indoors with her rod, by the time she was 18 months old she knew how to cast her little plastic kids rod and proudly reeled it back in.

She liked going to the pond and practicing her fishing, but it took until she was around 3 before she actually was able to catch her own fish.

One day I took her down to a local pond and video taped our experience. What I found amazing was how hyper she was before we started fishing. She was jumping around, using her outdoors voice and getting pretty excited about getting ready to fish. However, when we did start to fish she became quiet, and soft spoken and she was calm.

As I spoke in my normal indoor voice, she told me to be quiet. She said our voices would scare the fish and we had to whisper. She now has the nickname the "fish whisperer" because of it. She sat and talked about catch and release and being able to catch her fish again later. It was an amazing day that I was fortunate enough to have caught on video. She watched that video for months every night before she went to bed.

Taking a kid fishing opens up so many lines of communication. Kids will tell you their stories when your fishing with them. This new opportunity gives you the chance to focus in on their lives and what is going on in it. It also gives you the place to share stories of your history and your familes. Fishing is about so much more then catching the fish.

You don't have to rent a boat, or find a large lake. Fishing can be done at local small streams, rivers and ponds all around the world. For under 100.00 you can buy your license, get some rods and tackle and enjoy a year of fishing. We spend more then that going to one movie, concert or sporting event that last for only that one day.

Before you head out with your child here are some things you should make sure you take into consideration.

LIFE JACKETS it doesnt matter if is 2" of water.. remember what your mom told you.. .don't take a chance with small children.
Bug Spray
Sunscreen
Snacks.. drinking boxes, water.
Hats and proper clothing (Hot and cold) rain gear. .just in case
Sunglasses (Even if its not overly sunny, reflections off the water sometimes make it difficult to see)
Wet naps
Camera
Equipment: Rod and Spinning Reel combos are available at large box stores in their sporting goods department. You will also find kids rods and tackle. I would suggest taking your child to the store with you to start the experience.

HELPFUL TIPS: You will find some great articles and tips on how to fish, tie knots ..etc..on my site. Check it out: http://www.womenfishing.com/basic.html

WomenFishing

2008-02-17T14:51:00.001-08:00

Outdoors
Women Fishing is not just about Fishing, but about the outdoors.

Getting families to come together and create memories. Helping them find their way and inspire them to make a difference. Changing the old boys club of going out fishing, to families sharing and enjoying the experience.

Today there is a great need for us to find ways of sharing with our children and families. Mental health has become a #1 problem in North America. We are stressed due to overwork and over expectations. There is a solution.

Hydrotherapy for the soul... a peaceful existance between us and nature. Harmony found with the sound of water and children laughing. Fishing offers all aspects of enjoyment for us to pursue.

It doesn't have to be complicated. Simple equipment at modest cost can offer a family a lifetime of memories. We are all willing to go out and spend 100.00 for a night at the movies, yet the same amount would supply us with licenses to fish for a year.

Checkout http://www.womenfishing.com/ for tips, product info, videos, techniques. Watch the growth of the Women's Bassmaster as the 2008 season starts in Lewisville, Texas April 10/08.

Womenfishing is the number one place to find what your looking for if it's fishing related. Remember there is No Charge, it is a completely free online educational magazine. Get hooked!

Original FisherGirl

2008-02-17T14:47:00.000-08:00

Terri Mackinnon

Almost 10 years ago I met a man that would change my life forever. Our very first date he went on and on about fishing and possibly one day even fish professionally on the Bassmaster's "Circuit". I really didn't understand how he could want something so badly, or be so passionate about something as silly as fishing, but this would soon change.

He took me out ice fishing, which was actually quite comical, since I hated snow, never fished and didn't properly dress for the event. However, once he realized he made sure that he provided a snow suit and proper snowmobile gear and we headed out to the ice hut.

I actually ended up catching my very first fish, a jumbo Perch 14 ½" long and 11 ¾ inch girth. This gave me bragging rights for the day... and I was hooked.

We entered a fishing derby and again I out fished my boyfriend and his fishing buddy. I think it was beginners luck, but it made the man that I eventually marry decide that he wanted me as his new fishing partner, and not his long time fishing friend.

I would have to say that I finally found my true passion in my life. Although it was absent for the first 40 years, I know it will be with me for the next 40. I love to Fish, I Love to be outside, and I am passionate that fishing can change your life.

Fishing has opened up a whole new world not only for me but for my children and now grandchildren.

I want to take my passion and make others realize what they are also missing.

In January 2003 my sister was diagnosed with Breast Cancer at the age of 43, she proceeded to have a mastectomy and followed it with intensive Chemotherapy, it was an extremely difficult time for her and our family.

Along with a lot of other stresses in my life it caught up to me by August 2003. I was in desperate need of a retreat, which I called my nervous breakdown. While at my retreat to the cottage, I was standing doing the dishes and the television was on in the background. Oprah was actually on and for 5 minutes I stood and listened to what she had to say. Those 5 minutes changed my life forever.

She said, "I get it, if you take something that you are passionate about and you find a way to make a difference with it, then you couldn't possibly not be successful'.

I left the cottage, went out to the hammock and questioned myself as to "What was my Passion?" What was it that I really wanted to do? What if today was my last day on earth, then how would I want to spend it? At then it came to me "If it was my last day on earth, I would want to be out fishing in the pedal boat that my friend was fishing from, reflect on my life and then come in and spend the last hours with my family.

I then realized that I was truly passionate about Fishing if I wanted to make sure I was doing it on my last living day, but that wouldn't be enough to make a difference.

A couple weeks earlier, I had painted my fishing rod with my pink nail polish. It was sitting up beside the cottage. As I looked at my pink rod, I reflected about everything that my sister had just gone through and I wondered if somehow I could connect the two. Maybe I could contribute money from the sales of a Pink fishing Rod. That would surely make a difference.

I started to investigate products made for women in the Sporting goods industry and realized that it was extremely limited. I also researched about the market and was totally shocked that over 17 Million licensed anglers were females. And here I thought that I was alone.

Quickly I put together a business plan and founded my new venture a company called FisherGirl in Sept.03. It only seemed fitting since my now husband had been calling me his little fishergirl for years. I tried to find manufacturers and then decided to headed over to China instead. Working with the engineers we designed rods with lighter and smaller handles in "Girl" colors.

In Feb. 2005 we finally brought our products out to the marketplace, and offered a variety of fishing rods and equipment for the female angler of any age. We also had a special Pink rod raising funds for Breast Cancer, so I really was making a difference.

At our very first tradeshow the Wal-Mart sporting goods buyer approached us and he was interested in our products. We met with him the following week and started a test store May 8, 2005 in our hometown. July saw another milestone when we attended the ICAST show in Las Vegas and Won the best Rod and Reel Combo for New Products. The business was taking off very nicely.

In Feb. 2006 I decided to sell majority share of FisherGirl. It was an extremely difficult time in my life and I was pulled between wanting to pursue my true passion (Fishing), and the struggle of running a corporation that required a lot of attention and funding. I believed that it was in the best interest of FisherGirl to have strong management, and people that understood the potential of FisherGirl and the vision that I saw to make a difference.

This allowed me the time it takes to pursue my passion tournament fishing. My husband was now laughing as he stood in front of the stage taking photos of me standing on stage at the Women's Bassmasters "Circuit". My husband reminded me. "It didn't seem that long ago, that I had the dream to do what you are doing". As I said, "The only one you have to blame is yourself". If he hadn't been such a great teacher, he might have had the time to actually fish the circuit himself.

Not only did I get to go out and fish on the WBT Bassmasters tour, U.S. Angler Choice series and others. I also was able to put together the First International Women's Fishing Team, consisting of 10 female anglers that took the stage many times and ended up with the Angler of the year award.

Women are becoming involved in fishing, it's a reality, whether it is by themselves or with their families for recreation they are going out and finding waterways to fish on. Who would have thought that women would actually have the opportunity to go out and fish professionally? Females are increasing their membership numbers yearly. Its time the sporting goods industry realize the potential marketplace and start producing products gear for them.

I am working on a number of projects, and the one that is closest to my heart is Womenfishing.com. I look forward to sharing our experiences.

Terri

Jewellery Boxes or Tackle?

2008-02-17T14:41:00.000-08:00

From Jewellery to Fishing Lures

12th February 2008

Author: Terri Mackinnon

There was a time that my jewellery box was looking somewhat disorganized but contained a good variety of presentable items if required. I never thought that I would find a passion that would see me owning 5 tackle boxes and only a single jewellery box, but it has happened.

I have been asked many times why are there so many lures? What are the different types of fishing lures available? And how do you know what to use?

We have to remember that not only do we have a large variety of fish but the same applies to fishing lures so the choices are endless. Let's take a look at the type of lures that are probably the most sought after for recreational fishing.

As fishing tournaments and derby's take place across North America, manufacturers are capturing their audiences with the creation of Big Outdoor Superstores. The thousands of lures displayed to entice the weekend warriors and their need to catch the big one create a staggering industry ready and willing to supply new and better products. Professional anglers proudly holding up their sponsors baits with photo's of their winning catch, ready and willing to share their secrets of success. The choices are endless and not always cheap.

Spinnerbaits (cost - 1.50 - 7.00) are one of my favourite baits and definitely one of the most popular lures out there. I know many would agree that it is probably one of the most effective lures ever invented. This lure can be fished at any speed, in any water conditions and used at a variety of depths. They are available in a variety of colors so it would be recommended to ask your local tackle shop what color is working on the lake you are going to be fishing. My other secret is a company called Naked Bait Co. http://www.nakedbaitco.com/ they have a skirt maker kit that is a must have to be able to customize your spinnerbaits and buzzbaits... or whenever you want your bait to have a skirt.

Buzzbaits (cost 3.99 - 9.99) are usually considered top or close to top of water. They produce the popping, splashing, chugging and chirping that fish just love to come out of the water for. These baits can be used effectively when you are trying to persuade a fish to come out of his hiding spot. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and will give you an experience you will never forget... bass may love them, but I have caught many pike coming out of the water. My tackle boxes are full of every type.

Top water baits (cost 2.99 - 8.99) - There are many different types. Shapes and sizes vary from Frogs to My secret bait - PopR - Babybass color. These baits produce a bubble type, pop sound on the water. When you see a fish come out of the water and hit them, you will know you love it as much as I do. Its always fun fishing a calm warm day with this lure, but try in in small wave conditions since it has been known to catch some nice fish.

Crankbaits (1.99 - 7.99) are another fishing lure that are used a lot by bass fishermen. These cute baits come in all shapes and sizes and colors. These baits mimic and attract fish sometimes with rattles and usually they are comparatively simple to fish. This lures also have the capability of deep water fishing or shallow diving. I use cranks anytime I get around points, shorelines with rock or small pebbles, and any time I want to wake up the fish these are my go to. My preference is the White Bandit.

Artificial worms and minnows (2.99-9.99 per bag of approx. 10) these are also a great bait for kids. You can use a simple jig and put the worm onto it. This is probably my main go to when I am sitting back quietly and the fish are needed a slow presentation. You do not have to use live bait to catch fish. Manufacturers have produced artificial baits that will fool any species of fish. My favourite baits would be Yamamoto Bubble Gum Pink wacky style on a J hook #6 or 4. Sit back and catch some fish.

If I could give you one great piece of advice:

My real tip would be: Check with the local tackle shop, they know what is biting and what it's biting on. Trust them and their advice. It is the difference of landing a fish, or just enjoying the day. Either way you're a winner. Here are some of the varieties of lures you will see when you get to the tackle store. All of them are in my tackle box.

Here we grow again

2007-04-24T04:41:00.000-07:00

The daily updating of the website has been a great experience.
With new video's now online, professional anglers updates, product updates, kids fishing, music video's, recipes, shopping, top fishing sites, tips for knots, pro suggestions and tips just to name a few.

Our site has become one of the top leading outdoor magazine for women, winning awards and recognitions for best online sites.

We are proud of the company's we have chosen to work with us and see Womenfishing become the source for information that it is becoming.