http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/index.php Copyright 2010, Scott Turnage Scott Turnage en-US SPHPBLOG 0.5.1 http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/index.php?entry=entry100706-131642

The morning of my first Canada Goose hunt with Dan Guyer and Nicole Jeannin of Iron Duck Hunting Guide Service came with much optimism. Though barely able to see on the walk in, geese were already starting to work the area.
Once settled in and the heaters kicked on, it was quite the sight in seeing so many geese flying overhead. Right away Dan and Nick starting calling and after a few majestic circles, we had our first opportunity to click the safety's on our Beretta's.
This particular hunt was located just outside Smithville in NW Missouri near Dan's home on Smithville Lake. Positioned between two bodies of water, Dan has the ideal setup. Birds coming off the lake to feed or going to the big lake have to pass over Dan's spread. Pretty sweet.
We had groups of 30 or more geese in every direction for the better part of the morning. Though not all wanted to work, the majority at least gave us a fly by. Talk about some great scenery!
The calling was like a symphony. Dan being the lead goose and his protege Nicole being the second. Together they worked their magic and quickly we had our 3 limits. So, with geese still wanting to work, I grabbed the camera to allow our cameraman Aric to fill his limit. Within 30 minutes he to had his two birds and the morning was a success.
I have been on several goose hunts in my day and will have to say that the setup Dan has is as good as any. How often is it that day in day out, you can have a consistent flight of geese working your blind? Not often.
Also, with this hunt came the perfect opportunity to try Fiocchi's new Tundra Tungsten waterfowl loads. I knew Dan (who has been guiding for 35 years) remembers the days of lead shot on waterfowl and how few cripples we had back in the day. Steel shot has had its ups and downs with the hunters over the years but the new Tundra's are the ticket.
Having superior knock down power, we never chased or wounded any geese on this hunt. In fact, we only used 3" BB's in our Beretta's and Dan was so impressed he tag-lined the Tundra's as "one shot, one kill."
All in all we had a fantastic time with Dan and Nicole so, while there is still time, I would strongly suggest you contact Dan at Iron Duck Hunting and book a trip. You'll be treated well, fed well, and above all, plenty of shooting.
Dan can be reached at www.ironduckhunting.com
Watch his video's and you'll get an idea of some of the fun you can look forward to.


Scott Turnage/Host/G3 Sportsman
]]> http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/index.php?entry=entry100706-131642 Scott Turnage Tue, 06 Jul 2010 18:16:42 GMT http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/comments.php?y=10&m=07&entry=entry100706-131642 http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/index.php?entry=entry100615-123218


Vanishing Fish Cover Spawns Business

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS — When David King was a kid, he could look across Beaver Lake and see a forest of trees in the water along a favorite bluff .
As an adult he moved away, but returned years later to find most of those fish-holding trees were gone. King discovered the bluff he used to fish held far fewer crappie and black bass without the trees.
Not one to give up, King, who lives at War Eagle Cove on Beaver Lake, started sinking brush and trees in the lake to attract fish. He created his own private honey holes, primarily for crappie.

Sinking whole trees can be rough, dangerous work.
“I almost killed myself. I fell out of the boat one day when the branch of a sinking tree caught my shirt by the back of the neck,” he said.
The incident eventually led King to start his new business, Moss Back Fish Rack Fish Attractors. King, a full-time sales representative, has been selling the plastic fish attractors for about six weeks.
Each is made from a length of 4-inch diameter PVC pipe with plastic V-shaped strips that slide through slits in the 4-inch pipe.
When assembled, it lookslike a tree with a plastic trunk and green artificial branches.
The branch strips are rough in texture to promote algae growth, King said. That attracts bait fish like shad. The bait fish bring in the game fish that anglers seek.
Each attractor has a cable that attaches to a concrete block that sinks the attractor. Dock owners can attach the cable to the dock to hang the attractors vertically in the water.
Landowners with ponds don’t need any blocks. King said the attractors sink slowly on their own and will stay put in a pond.
The angler entrepreneur launched his endeavor only weeks ago, but has been building prototype attractors until he was pleased with the design.

King’s fish attractors retail for $79.99. A double sized model costs $139.99. Concrete blocks aren’t included. He recommends using two blocks at Beaver Lake because current can be strong during floods.
Beaver Lake bass and crappie angler JR Ball of Rogers said plastic attractors like King’s have advantages over wood.
For one, lures rarely snag on the plastic.
“You can actually hit the attractor and it slides right off ,” Ball said. “I don’t know what that does to the fish, but if you bump the structure it can get them to bite when they might not,” he said.
For anglers who don’t like to share their hot spots, the plastic attractors don’t show up well on a depth finder. It’s best to mark the location with a GPS.



The attractors come in a slender box that’s easy to transport by boat to a sinksite. Ball said he had one assembled and in the water in 8 minutes.
King’s fish attractors aren’t just for crappie, either. Ball testified they’re havens for black bass, as he’s found competing in tournaments at Beaver Lake.
Make sure you check with your local fish and wildlife agencies to make sure if it is legal to use artificial structure.

Check out Moss Back Racks at www.mossbackrack.com]]> http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/index.php?entry=entry100615-123218 Scott Turnage Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:32:18 GMT http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/comments.php?y=10&m=06&entry=entry100615-123218 http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/index.php?entry=entry100615-113433

Paddlefish are probably one of the most unusual types of fish caught here in the Ozarks. Commonly called "Spoonbill" for their unique long nose, these creatures roam most of the lakes and rivers here in the Midwest.
They grow to large size in a short time span, reaching weights of 100 pounds. Feeding primarily on plankton, these docile bruisers aren't caught with traditional methods, they have to be snagged.
Each Spring, Grand Lake Oklahoma is a hot bed for snaggers in pursuit of landing a trophy. I had the pleasure of fishing with Rusty Pritchard of Pritchard's Guide Service near Grove, OK and his method of snagging paddlefish differs from tradition.
Usually, the anglers troll the shallows, holding rod and reel and continuously sweeping large bar-bless treble hooks weighted with a 16oz or more sinker in hopes of snagging one of the schooling fish. Now I know this sounds primitive but come Spring, large schools of Paddlefish migrate up the rivers and tributaries to spawn. Using electronics, the anglers can slow troll over these schools and snag fish but, it is work! A lot of work!
Rusty has perfected his trolling method by anchoring up to 4 rods in the back of the boat and speeding his troll. Hands free! Once a fish is snagged, he cuts the motor and the fight is on.
Now you all know how difficult it can be to land any snagged fish but, to land a 60lb+ fish? That's a battle.
Paddlefish are also very good to eat but cleaning one can be tricky. Oklahoma's Department of Wildlife Conservation has organized a Paddlefish Program on Grand Lake to help anglers preserve their catch.
Tank boats are readily available on the water for fishermen to drop off their catch to agents who then tag the fish. The angler is given a corresponding tag and can pick up their properly cleaned fish at a determined location. Pretty cool huh?
This also helps the state of Oklahoma keep up with the amount of fish harvested and helps in managing the population of Paddlefish on several lakes in the area. The eggs of the Paddlefish are extracted and which covers the expense of this program with no extra cost to the sportsmen.
All in all was a great trip for me and I learned a lot about the Paddlefish. Rusty Pritchard is a great guide and his method of snagging is far less work than the traditional way but, dont worry, if you still want your exercise, you'll certainly get it when trying to land these trophy size fish.
For your own Paddlefish experience, drop Rusty a line at 918-964-0174. You wont be disappointed.


Scott Turnage/Host/G3 Sportsman
]]> http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/index.php?entry=entry100615-113433 Scott Turnage Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:34:33 GMT http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/comments.php?y=10&m=06&entry=entry100615-113433 http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/index.php?entry=entry100329-073619

Longer, wider and deeper, the new 1860 DLX hull accommodates all of the features that sportsmen demand in a workhorse jon boat. Massive livewell capacity, large lockable storage and a mid-ship fuel tank that makes these weight-forward designs smooth running and faster on-plane. Day or night, G3 Deluxe jons are the sportsman's choice for demanding adventures.

2010 G3 Boats 1860 SC DLX Standard Features
• Two new corner floor drains keeps water out of the boat even if you get caught out in rain.
• New 20 gallon mid-ship fuel tank provides an easy step to the front deck as well as a smoother ride and the ability to get on plane faster.
• New 31 gallon front deck livewell is easier to access and at 34" long, offers more room for your great catch.
• New sleek fiberglass reinforced console includes a switch panel with a master switch, a 12 volt accessory plug and a Faria® fuel gauge offers new storage for extra gear.
• Aerated livewell with improved livewell overflow and quick release drain plug keeps your catch fresh all day long.
• Garmin® FF 95 fish finder standard on all Deluxe jon Packages.
• All-welded .100 gauge hull for maximum strength and durability.
• Premium marine-grade vinyl interior provides a great looking, non-skid, easy care surface.
• Ivory two-component urethane paint finish with custom graphics makes this "the beauty of the beast." A beautiful, hard-working jon package that you can be proud to use year after year.
• Fuel Separator helps to eliminate excess water from gas and gives peace of mind and consistent performance.
• Rigging Tube makes adding new accessories easier than ever.
• Yamaha 703 controls, key switch and cables give you dependable operation for years.
• Two fold-down fishing chairs w/ pedestals and padded, removable driver and passenger cushions add to the amenities found in this top-of-the-line jon package.
• Enclosed lockable bow storage gives you room for hunting and fishing equipment, reduces clutter.
• Extruded longitudinal stringer system running the full length of the hull for added strength and performance.
• Navigation lights for those early morning and late evening runs. Courtesy lights help you find gear in low-light conditions. Bilge pump is standard equipment. 12 volt receptacle comes in handy for extra power.
• Pre-wired for 12 volt trolling motor for easy hook up of electric motors.
• Custom galvanized 3" tubular steel TRAIL GUARD® trailer w/ LOCKING DETACHABLE TONGUE. Space saving & security!
• G3 ADVANTAGE WARRANTY adds value with an extended warranty on all external seams for the "duration of ownership" for the original retail purchaser. Limited five year bow to stern non pro-rated structural warranty transferable once within 5 years of purchase.

]]> http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/index.php?entry=entry100329-073619 Scott Turnage Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:36:19 GMT http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/comments.php?y=10&m=03&entry=entry100329-073619 http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/index.php?entry=entry100329-070655


For many years, I've had a bit of a love affair (platonic) with Beretta gas-operated semi-autos. They don't break, they don't jam with a bare minimum of reasonable maintenance, and they are soft-shooters to boot. This includes Browning B-80 models, A303's, and Beretta A390's which still see regular, enthusiastic use. I've resisted the urge to go the 391 and Urika route, primarily because there is nothing lacking in the six Beretta gas guns I still use regularly. In addition to that, my cache of extra barrels and choke tubes are not easily replaced.

My mind was changed at this year's SHOT Show, having the chance to shoot Beretta's new Urika 2 Gold. It felt perfectly balanced, smooth, a bit livelier than my 390's, and it was nearly impossible with which to miss. The full name of the model is the "AL391 Urika 2 Gold #J39TB18, featuring the Beretta's "Optima Bore System" a very small enlarged bore barrel of .732 in. vs. the old Eurostandard of .725 in. and the American standard of .729 in. nominal bore diameter.

Beretta has added a new, "spinning toothed" gas piston that they claim reduces maintenance by 50% and improves reliability by over 40%. That remains to be seen. Long ago, I intentionally fed one of my A390 Gold Mallards over four cases of reasonably dirty reloads with no cleaning, hoping for some jamming on the skeet field. I never could get that 390 to jam, and finally just gave up the effort in delighted disgust. Certainly, the gun was filthy after that 1000 rounds of shooting, but I didn't have one single failure to eject or failure to feed. If Beretta has really improved on that performance they really have done something.

As I understand it, the motivation for the 391 series in the first place was primarily to slim up the fore end. That it did, the value of which is subjective, and it was accomplished at the expense of an over-engineered fore end nut with more pieces than seems reasonable. In any case, the 391 has been a huge hit for Beretta, already selling over 1.5 million units.

The field models of the Urika 2 come in two basic configurations, the standard and the Gold. The standard version features Beretta's new "X-Tra Grain" wood. This shouldn't be confused with the plasticy "X-Tra Wood" dip that I've found silly, fake-looking, and slippery. The "X-Tra Grain" retains the natural look and feel of wood, while giving the appearance of distinct mineral streaks. My theory is that the wood is burnished or etched, perhaps by laser, before staining, giving it "figure" that otherwise wouldn't exist.

It really is impressive, looking so good and so natural that a couple of the "Gold" versions appeared to have wood a notch back from the "X-tra Grain" standard models. There is only one thing I found distasteful about the X-tra grain; that being that the gun is embossed "X-tra Grain" right by the pistol grip. Had they done the obvious and identified it under the buttpad it likely would have convinced me it was nothing but great looking, well-finished wood. Sort of like stamping something "genuine enhanced imitation leather," I suppose. It is attractive though, and I'm told very durable and easy to care for. The light engraving on the receiver of the standard model is tasteful as well.

The 390 has been a fabulous shotgun for me, a shotgun so competent it refuses to be discontinued, having been reintroduced as the "Made in USA" Model 391 series. It is one of the very best bargains available in a quality semi-auto.

Nevertheless, the Urika 2 Gold impressed me as being something extraordinary, and one is coming for a review from our friends at Beretta.

Randy Wakeman/Guns and Shooting Online]]> http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/index.php?entry=entry100329-070655 Scott Turnage Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:06:55 GMT http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/comments.php?y=10&m=03&entry=entry100329-070655 http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/index.php?entry=entry100329-061122
Joe Ludtke and Guide Mike Mitchell with 102lb Blue Cat

By Keith Sutton
Special to ESPN Outdoors.com

February 5, 2010, is a day Joe Ludtke, Jerry Cline and Josh Cline will never forget — especially Joe.

The father (Jerry) and his two sons wanted to try some cold-weather catfishing, so they hired catfishing guide Mike Mitchell to take them out on Alabama's Wheeler Lake, a Tennessee River reservoir well-known for producing giant blue cats this season.

Mitchell is well-known as one of the country's top catfish guides and tournament anglers. And he's especially adept at putting his clients on huge winter blues.

Hailing from Albertville, Ala., this young man has helped many clients catch their biggest fish ever, including Toni Treadway who caught a 98-pound blue while fishing with Mitchell on Wheeler Lake in January 2008.

Before this cold February morning ended, Joe, Jerry and Josh would each catch their personal-best fish as well.

"We anchored on our second spot around 9:00 a.m.," Joe Ludtke said, "and the fun began. The first rod dropped, and Dad landed a 30-pound blue. The second rod dropped, and I caught a 40-pounder. We had no more bites for 15 minutes, so we moved to our next spot. When the first rod dropped here, Josh caught his biggest fish ever, a whopping 66-pound blue cat. Amazingly, just a few minutes later, Dad fought and landed an even bigger fish, a 72-pound blue."

These guys are enjoying an extraordinary fishing trip already. But the best is yet to come.

When the bite slows, Mitchell moves the boat again, and it's Joe's turn to grab the next pole down. When he does, he immediately knows it's a monster.

"It felt like I had just hooked into a car," he said. "I have never felt something so big and so strong! I kept telling Mike, my dad and Josh, this is a giant."

The fish fights valiantly, but after a 15-minute battle, Joe got the upper hand. He brings the gigantic catfish alongside the boat and Mitchell nets it. Mitchell and Josh struggle to lift the heavyweight over the transom, but finally succeed.

"After several minutes of extreme excitement, it's time to weigh the fish," Joe said. "Mike pulls out his 100-pound scale, and the scale reads FULL! I can't believe I've just caught a 100-pound fish. Mike then brings out his 110-pound scale, and the big blue weighs in at 102.52 pounds! It was 54 inches long with a girth of 40 inches. We take several pictures and release the big catfish back into Wheeler. Our total for the day was eight blues for 420 pounds!"

"I really love fishing for trophy blue catfish in winter," said Mitchell. "These fish feed heavily on winter-kill shad, gorging themselves until spring when they start thinking more of spawning. Wheeler Lake has an abundant supply of food for these big blues, so they thrive here.

"Wheeler offers a lot of diversity — shallow flats, aquatic vegetation, lots of main lake structure such as rocks and logs," Mitchell continued. "All these characteristics and more are rolled up into a river situation with good current and oxygen supplies. Freshwater mussels, a big food source for catfish, thrive in these shallow, oxygen-rich environments, but the bigger cats feed primarily on shad and herring. Tennessee River impoundments like Wheeler are havens for these two types of baitfish."

In winter, big blues become somewhat lethargic, and anglers must slow their presentation to catch them. But this is the time of year when bigger fish are likely to be caught.

"Generally speaking, five to eight fish in 8 hours is a good day," said Mitchell, "but usually about 75 percent of the fish we catch exceed 40 pounds."

Joe Ludtke now belongs to an elite fraternity consisting of just a few dozen people who have caught 100-pound-plus catfish in U.S. waters. And Mike Mitchell is one of the only guides who has ever put a client on a cat of such size.

To contact, Mitchell, phone 256-673-2250 or visit his website, www.tnriveroutfitters.net.]]> http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/index.php?entry=entry100329-061122 Scott Turnage Mon, 29 Mar 2010 11:11:22 GMT http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/comments.php?y=10&m=03&entry=entry100329-061122 http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/index.php?entry=entry100329-052545

Texas Sporting Journal - The Magazine

As Lonnie Stanley was applying the final cranks to another chunky white crappie, the water’s surface erupted violently, and the level of competition at the other end of his line changed dramatically.

“That’s a big bass; at least four inches between the eyes,” he yells out. Stanley judges bass much the same way he views deer, and he’s seen enough of both to know the difference between a cull and a shooter. “He’s got hold of my crappie.”

Like cows staring at a passing train, there wasn’t much we could do other than watch as this 10-pound Sam Rayburn largemouth attempted to inhale a 12-inch crappie. Ironically, only a few minutes prior, the crappie was doing the same thing to one of Stanley’s Wedgetail minnows. It can be a rough life in the middle of the food chain.

That big bass ruined a crappie’s day and in the process scared practically everything else away from the brushpile we were working over with much success. You never know what you’ll find lurking in a brushpile – they’re the freshwater equivalent of an offshore rig – but there will always be something.

Sam Rayburn Reservoir has a legacy of big bass and when they come to feed in a brushpile, they usually get a front row seat. Veteran guides Mike and Cathy Wheatley have seen it happen more than once.

“We’ve had several occasions where large bass have either tried to or succeeded in taking keeper crappie away,” Mike recalls. “We had it happen twice in a matter of minutes one day. Cathy was about to net this crappie when a bass busted the surface and grabbed it away; if she hadn’t been stunned, she probably could’ve netted the bass, too. It’s exciting for a second, but that pretty much runs everything off a brushpile.”

Wheatley has been guiding on Sam Rayburn for more than 20 years and used to maintain about 25 active brushpiles. That was before he joined ranks with fellow guide Bill Fondren. Together, they manage between 40 and 50 brushpiles and share the wealth as well as the work.

“I guess there’s about 50 brushpiles out here that the three of us work pretty hard to keep up,” says Bill Fondren. “I’ve put a lot of them out myself or at least added to them.”

Sinking brushpiles to attract and hold fish is a tactic as old as most reservoirs and is based on a “build it and they will come” premise. Zooplankton grows on submerged limbs, which attracts baitfish and eventually other fish. Brushpiles can be as simplistic as tying a cinder block to the base of a Christmas tree and dumping it off the end of a dock or as complex as giant forest-like fish habitats.

Fondren and Wheatley prefer willow trees for brushpiles for several reasons: they retain their leaves under water longer, are plentiful and lures are less likely to hang up in the branches. Enterprising anglers should note that the U.S. Corps of Engineers prohibits cutting trees on federal land.

At more than 115,000 surface acres, Sam Rayburn has no shortage of lake-bottom on which to plant a brushpile, and some anglers boast of having built hundreds, if not thousands of brushpiles. Realistically, says Fondren, keeping up with 40 or more brushpiles year-round is a challenge.

“It requires a lot of work. We put out brushpiles in March when the willow leaves are an inch to an inch-and-a-half long and replenish them two or three times a year,” he says. “They will continue to hold fish all year long, and they will last for years. I’ve got one brushpile that’s 12 years old, and it is just as productive today as it was when it was new. Location has a lot to do with it, of course, and this particular brushpile is right where three feeder creeks come together on a hump.”

The guides realize, though, that just because they put the effort in to set these fish hotels does not give them sole rights.

“Once we turn loose of that tree it belongs to whoever wants to fish it,” says Wheatley. Considering he and Cathy fish about 175 days a year, they get their money’s worth out of their brushpiles. “We do occasionally have some that are located and fished by the weekend anglers, but most of the time that doesn’t bother us. We try to keep enough brushpiles that we don’t have to fish them every week or every day, but every once in awhile we have somebody who camps out and catches every fish they can off a brushpile. That will ruin it for them and us both.”

In pre-Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) days, savvy anglers relied on dead-reckoning and landmarks to find submerged honey holes, but Coke cans or plastic jugs tied to a tree on the bank have been replaced by coordinates and waypoints. Armed with these electronic treasure maps, anglers can move from brushpile to brushpile with minimal guesswork.

Because he has so many brushpiles loaded in his Garmin GPS unit, Fondren sometimes has a tough time distinguishing one from the other, and after what can best be described as an ill-fated attempt to parallel park in an open water cove over a brushpile, he realizes we’re on the wrong hole.

“Oops! I thought this was Cathy, but she’s over there. We’ve got names for all these brushpiles, some of which I can’t mention in front of the kids, and we sometimes have to change the names,” Fondren chuckles with a wink. “We try not to hit the same brushpile more than twice in a week to allow the fish to regroup. We have a 10/30 rule; 10 fish caught off a brushpile in 30 minutes and then you move on.”

Because Sam Rayburn is so fertile, crappie reproduction is not a concern. Twenty-five fish limits per angler are not uncommon most times of the year, particularly in the summer and early fall when the water temperatures rise and force fish out into deeper confines.

“We caught 700 crappie in a week one time when the conditions were perfect,” recalls Fondren. “Of course, we had four or five boats working with four or five anglers apiece, but that’s still a haul. We don’t get those big three-pound crappie, but I have seen a few two pounders and one that measured 19 inches that would’ve been a lake record for sure, but the guy was only interested in eating it.”

Of course, there’s no guarantee you’ll catch fish, or the type of fish you want off a brushpile, as we found out on one of Fondren’s favorite haunts when my sons began reeling in channel cats instead of crappie.

“Somebody has soured this hole,” Fondren bemoans as another pan-sized catfish is hoisted over the gunwale. “Time to move on, boys.”

He suspects an angler looking to attract catfish has “sweetened” this brushpile by sinking a sack of corn and in doing so has evicted the crappie we’re after. The damage doesn’t faze my 13-year-old as he battles another nice channel cat into submission. “He’ll eat,” Jordan smiles as he drops it into the fish box alongside a dozen or so slab crappie.

For young anglers, size and type of fish is irrelevant, and brushpiles offer an ideal opportunity to introduce a newcomer to fishing. A feisty yellow bass provides just as much thrill and pulls just as hard as a papermouth on an ultralight spinning rig.

On this July morning under threatening skies, we caught five different species off the first brushpile, including a couple of beautifully-marked spotted bass.

Crappie can be picky eaters, not so much what they’ll eat but how it’s offered. They prefer to feed from below (their eyes are positioned upward), so presenting a bait from above can be critical. Fondren knows most of the tops of his brushpiles are in 15-20 feet of water, so by casting out 12-15 feet and letting the bait fall into the treetops will put him in the strike zone.

“It’s trial and error, mostly,” he notes. “Sometimes you start on the bottom and work your way up until you get a hit, and then try to put it right back at that depth.”

Once we got into the “zone” on a particular brushpile, the crappie came in waves.

For novice anglers, live shiners dunked under a slip bobber tagged to the appropriate depth is as close to a sure thing as it gets. A twitch or two as the baitfish makes its move to avoid being sucked down a crappie’s gullet, and then “ploop” goes the cork.

But, there are times when even a fresh shiner won’t pry a crappie out of its hiding spot. That’s when skill and a good artificial lure can save the day.

“I don’t know why, but on certain days a Wedgetail minnow will wear them out when live bait won’t get so much as a nibble,” says Stanley. “Maybe it’s the size or color. I think sometimes the fluttering action gets a reactive strike.”

Of course, with artificial lures, there’s that strike detection thing, which can get frustrating. While papermouths have a tendency to silently suck in a bait and require a quick and decisive hookset, other fish are down there, too.

“Uh, oh, what have you got there?” asks Fondren as my 16-year-old son rears back and then lunges forward while the drag on his little Shakespeare spincast starts to sing.

“More like, what’s got me!” Jeremy replies.

Seconds later, the whispery six-pound test mono snaps with a distinctive crack and the line goes limp.

“Guess we’ll never know,” chortles Fondren. “Here, let me rig you back up.”

If You Go:

Tejas Guide Service
Bill Fondren
(409) 698-3491
Email: bills@jas.net

Mike’s Fishing Adventures
Mike and Cathy Wheatley
Email: mikesfishing@hotmail.com
Online: www.mikesfishingadventures.net
(409) 382-9166

]]> http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/index.php?entry=entry100329-052545 Scott Turnage Mon, 29 Mar 2010 10:25:45 GMT http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/comments.php?y=10&m=03&entry=entry100329-052545 http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/index.php?entry=entry100207-105739

Duck hunting is as popular as ever and you can get confused on who makes the best duck call. Lots of manufacturers make excellent calls. Some are expensive, some are "really" expensive, most are affordable, and then there are those that are handmade. These are the ones that I think are cool.
Calls that are mass produced have been pain painstakingly developed from hours of trial and error from some of the top duck hunters in the country. No doubt, they are fantastic calls and its been proven from countless hunters that rave of their successes. Now, there are a fist-full of guys that have been making handmade calls for years. Some have risen to stardom and some just do it for the love of the game.
One such man is Neely "Butch" Mitchell of Hayti, MO. Butch (as the locals call him) has been making calls in his garage for over 35 years.
I have known him my entire life and as a child growing up in the same neighborhood, can still remember the sounds of "highballs" ringing through the air as Butch fine tuned his next masterpiece.
Never has Butch wanted stardom or fame from his duck calls. He has always maintained that he just loved making calls for his friends but, as the years rolled by, the word began to spread in duck blinds throughout the country about his sweet sounding calls.
Orders for Mitchell Custom Calls are frequent but, you had best be prepared to wait. Butch doesn't mass produce his calls. To this day he still makes them one at a time. Each call is formed from the same old lave he has used since the beginning and the reeds are cut and shaped to Butch's spec's. After completion, you can bet each call goes through the test and the neighborhood is once again filled with the sounds of "feeds" and "comeback" calls.
The shapes and sizes have changed over the years. He still prefers wood but, does make several types of acrylic calls. "Always changes to be made to fit the hunters needs" Butch casually said as I watched him smooth out the barrel. "Guys like em smaller. Can put two in your pocket now. Big lanyards, small lanyards. Its all good."
Since retiring as a school teacher, Butch still loves to duck hunt and spends most days (weather permitting) in his garage, whistling away amidst the hum of his old trusty lave or re-tuning a friends call.
Nonetheless, Butch will continue to make his calls. Never being just satisfied, he will make sure each call has his stamp of approval before the mailman picks it up. "They have to be good. I put my name on em!"
So, for you duck hunters that would like a piece of true Americana, there's no better place to start than with a Mitchell Custom Call. No retail store call will hold more value.
It was truly my pleasure to get to come back home and visit Butch in his garage and watch as he created his works of art. We tested calls, looked at some of the old originals, and just reminisced about the good old days. Took me back to when times were better and we all appreciated one's effort when hand making an item still meant something.
I am proud to own a Mitchell Custom Call and very fortunate to call Butch my friend.
Butch Mitchell has no website. Not even sure he has an email address but he can be reached by phone at 573-359-0560. He'd love to talk to each of you.


Scott Turnage/Host/G3 Sportsman


]]> http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/index.php?entry=entry100207-105739 Scott Turnage Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:57:39 GMT http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/comments.php?y=10&m=02&entry=entry100207-105739 http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/index.php?entry=entry091217-092424

The caption above is no joke. The Grizzly Jig Company has the largest assortment of crappie gear of any other in the nation says owner Louie Mansfield of Caruthersville, MO. That doesnt mean they only carry crappie tackle. They have about anything for most all anglers...literally!
Now Louie Mansfield didnt just have an idea to open a tackle store some 20 years or so ago. Hardly. He just wanted to make his own kind of jig to help him catch more crappie and bluegill on his area lakes.
Legend has it, Louie experimented with several kinds of small hair and feather jigs. Adding a little uniqueness or his own touch to existing jigs and trying to find a way to make a bait that sinks slow enough and match what panfish feed on...like insects or small fry. He finally took a tiny trout hook with a 1/32 and 1/64 lead head and tied small pieces of mallard flank feathers (called grizzlies). A few modifications here and there, lots of time on the water later, and plenty of fish fries, he had what he wanted. The perfect panfish bait. Now over the years, word got out (and as you can imagine) other fishermen wanted their own Louie Mansfield baits. This became the birth of the Grizzly Jig.
As demand for Louie's jigs grew, he incorporated his family to help make more Grizzly's to meet the need and anglers started asking for more product, like minnow buckets, floaters, hooks, etc. Now the light came on in Louie's head and this is the rest of the story.
He started purchasing larger quantities of product through warehouses and wholesalers. He outgrew his garage so he rented a larger building for a few years. The demand and orders continued to grow. He rented a bigger building to warehouse his goods. I think you're starting to see where I'm going.
He found a large building for sale in downtown Caruthersville and after a trip to the bank...the Grizzly Jig Company had a home. So as sales began to increase and demand for other fishing accessories grew, Louie started offering just about everything for the fisherman. He purchased the building next door and now has room to warehouse and stock more product. Their showroom is impressive. Walls and racks of anything from hooks to trolling motors. The "Rod Room" is the largest I've seen. The most crappie poles I have ever seen in one huge room!
The Grizzy Jig catalog is distributed throughout the nation and online sales are tremendous. Wade Mansfield (Louie's oldest son) manages the store and publishes their own magazine, Crappie Angler. Now each year, January 28-31, Grizzly Jig has their "Crappie Show", featuring some of the top names in crappie fishing with seminars and demonstrations along with great sales on the latest gear.
What a great story. To think all this started from a man wanting to make a jig that could catch a few more fish and now the Gizzly Jig Company is truly the number one crappie store in the nation. Get online at www.grizzlyjig.com and order a catalog. If they dont have it, you dont need it. Oh yeah, they have plenty of their famous Grizzlies in just about any color and size.


Scott Turnage/Host/G3 Sportsman

]]> http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/index.php?entry=entry091217-092424 Scott Turnage Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:24:24 GMT http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/comments.php?y=09&m=12&entry=entry091217-092424 http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/index.php?entry=entry091217-080526

As we all know, its feast or famine when it comes to duck hunting. Some parts of the country, hunters thrive while others struggle to even see ducks. Warm winter temperatures have kept ducks in northern states much longer, resulting in some fabulous hunts. In the south, hunters have had exceptional hunts shooting local birds.
Dont get me wrong, there has been some great hunting in some areas of the Midwest and Tennessee Valley but not like the days of old. I think its all due in part to a climate change. Now one place in particular that duck hunters still seem to thrive, is Reelfoot Lake in NW Tennessee. This scenic lake with its ancient cypress trees, ditches, sloughs, and open water produces good numbers of migrating ducks year in year out.
In my opinion, the Blue Bank Resort (on Reelfoot) offers the best chance for a group of buddies to bag good numbers of primarily mallards with the occasional wigeon, teal, woody, gadwall, redhead, or merganser added to the mix. Billy Blakley is the manager, head guide, and entertainment director. (A more knowledgeable and fun guy you'll not find to hunt with)
The hunting experience at Reelfoot is unique. Huge box blinds brushed and concealed in oak leaves, complete with a rustic stove for cooking, an overhang for the boat, and most importantly, all heated to keep you warm and toasty for those frigid mornings. The decoy spread can consist of as many as 1000 and their unique way of calling is worth the price of admission. Now whether you chose open water or sloughs, Billy and his guides can usually have your barrels hot within the first few minutes of shooting hours. There's never a dull moment in the blind. At any given time there seems to always be ducks in the air and if you like the sound of calling, then be prepared for a symphony. I've honestly never seen guys call so many ducks down from such heights! The pass shooting is phenomenal and to watch green heads cup their wings and float down through the cypress and into the decoy spread is a duck hunters dream. Its truly amazing.
The shooting hours end at 3pm so, lodging is just as important as the hunt. After a great day in the blind its back to the Blue Bank Resort, which sits overlooking the lake and as scenic a place as they come. You can chose whatever size room(s), cabins, or even houses that fit your group. The food is good home cooked meals and plenty of it. Cable TV, comfortable beds, clean bathrooms, a large entertainment facility in the main lodge, gift shop, and anything else you'll need to make your stay comfortable. If you enjoy duck hunting at its finest and want to add a little southern charm, then Reelfoot Lake and the Blue Bank could possibly be your next favorite place to hunt. Let Billy and his guys take care of you and I promise you'll not have a better time. Bring plenty of Fiocchi's...you'll need em.
You can see our duck hunt soon on the 2010 G3 Sportsman. Be safe and good hunting.

Scott Turnage/Host/G3 Sportsman ]]> http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/index.php?entry=entry091217-080526 Scott Turnage Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:05:26 GMT http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/comments.php?y=09&m=12&entry=entry091217-080526 http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/index.php?entry=entry090921-180207

Recently, I ran a show on fishing for crappie without the use of electronics. It was fun to go back to the old ways of trying to catch fish and surprising enough we pulled it off. Another surprise was the amount of responses I got about a bait bucket I highlighted.
The Longer Life company sent me one of their soft, aerated bait buckets to try sometime ago but due to the amount of gear I receive from other companies, it sat on my shelf for quite a while before I had a chance to look at it. So, when this particular show was being set up, I knew this would be a perfect time to try it out. After a thorough inspection, I knew this was not some gimmick but a product that may actually work!
On the morning of our shoot, I tossed the bucket in the boat and we began our day jig fishing. The bite was slow and my fishing partner (JR Oldham or Anglers Midwest) suggested we try some minnows. Well, like a kid with a new toy, I pulled out the Longer Life bucket.
This was a perfect day to try my new toy. The temperature was hovering in the 90's and hardly a cloud in the sky. Traditional bait buckets on days such as this would require a constant supply of ice to keep the minnows from cooking. We were pleasantly surprised when the insulated Longer Life bucket kept the water cool and oxygenated. The minnows stayed lively and our day turned to the better when the crappie started biting.
Now I only endorse products I truly believe in. Never will you hear me be a pitch man for any company that's product doesnt live up to what it claims or they want to pay me just to say something. Wont do it. Anyways, this Longer Life bait bucket is the real deal. We fished all afternoon in the hottest part of day and never lost a single minnow. The aerator pump fit snugly in a zippered pouch. The oxygenation works wonderful and the water stayed cool. Another great thing is, when your done with it, simply turn off the aerator, wipe out any excess water and fold it up. It can literally be stored anywhere!
Over the years, I have went through dozens of minnow buckets. They either break, get blown out of the boat, or simply dont keep bait alive. Now I know other companies make similar products. I have used the majority but, I prefer the Longer Life. In my opinion, it seems to work better than the others I have used in the past.
The bucket I have been using is the insulated, round, sunrise yellow colored, priced at $39.95. I suggest you go to their website at www.baitkit.com for more detailed information.
These are exceptional products and would also make great gifts. If you like to fish with live bait and tired of losing most, then take a look at Longer Life. In heat or cold, you wont go wrong here. They work for me...bet they will for you too.

Thanks for watching and for all the great emails.

Scott Turnage/Host/G3 Sportsman ]]> http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/index.php?entry=entry090921-180207 Scott Turnage Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:02:07 GMT http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/comments.php?y=09&m=09&entry=entry090921-180207 http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/index.php?entry=entry090916-143330

Recently I traveled to one of the most popular fishing destinations anywhere in the country...Gaston's Resort on the White River near Mountain Home, AR.
Just below Bull Shoals Dam, the White River is at its purest. Crystal clear and a more scenic waterway you'll not find. Teaming with Rainbow, Brown, and Cutthroat Trout, the White River can offer the angler many different ways to pursue these trophies. Waid fishing with fly rods, drifting, or merely from the bank, you are guaranteed to catch fish.
I chose to catch my trout via the drift. Mainly because I wanted to see how my G3 1860 Jet boat maneuvered and handled in the shallows and its the best chance of landing a trophy. Needless to say I wasnt disappointed with either.
If you have never fished the White River, my suggestion to you is to hire a guide. Gaston's will suit your every need and will equip you with any and everything you need for a successful day on the water. Each guide has many years of experience and can make your trip much more enjoyable rather than trying to go solo. The river itself can be a bit dangerous if you are not familiar with the many obstacles that lie just beneath the surface. Depending on the water level, you can get into some serious trouble trying to navigate up or down stream. This is why a guide is at the utmost importance.
My guide for this trip was Mr. Frank Saksa. 20 years on the White guiding and the last 17 with Gaston's. A very fun and knowledgeable guy, Frank had me on fish in no time. In fact, my first cast! He also teaches a fly fishing class and since I had never fly fished, I challenged him to teach me to cast and catch a fish within 10 minutes. The challenge was accepted and I'm sure at first he wondered if he had bitten off more than he could chew but, sure enough I succeeded. Now that should prove how good a teacher Frank is!
Our trip was a success and we caught numerous Rainbows with the occasional Brownie. Frank actually landed a very nice Brown and lost another trophy at the boat. Our method was simple. We would cast down stream with 1/8 oz black marabou jigs, bounce them off the bottom with a slow retrieve. Worked like a charm and the same can be done in the winter months using white jigs that imitate shad.
Speaking of nice Browns. This stretch of the White River is known for monster fish. Each year, near record Brown Trout are caught. When you visit Gaston's, just look at all the mounts and pics they have of people (just like you) that have fished from this great resort and landed a fish of a lifetime.
While staying at Gaston's, you will be treated as if you were their only guest. Catering to you every need. World class restaurant. Comfortable rooms and cabins. Just as my post says, "doesnt cost anymore to go first class". Manager Ron Branaman and Clint Gaston will certainly see that you will enjoy your stay and want to come back for years to come.
Summer, winter, fall, or spring, it doesnt matter what time of year, Gaston's is the place to escape and enjoy the outdoors at its finest. You've heard about this place long enough. Its time to visit.
Have a safe and successful year outdoors.

Scott Turnage/Host/G3 Sportsman ]]> http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/index.php?entry=entry090916-143330 Scott Turnage Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:33:30 GMT http://www.g3sportsman.com/journal/comments.php?y=09&m=09&entry=entry090916-143330