Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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Everything about Realtree is geared toward enjoying and protecting the outdoors. Realtree is once again stepping forward to sponsor National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHF Day). Across the nation, Realtree is conserving our natural resources. The renowned company has set aside funds specifically toward conservation efforts, making it possible for future generations the ability to enjoy the outdoors. "Realtree is the standard when it comes to promoting responsible conservation for our waterways... Full story
Fishing success has been great despite early mid-May's lingering cold and winds. The good news now is that morning water temperatures now exceed 60 degrees, which opens up opportunities for the second round of bass spawning, continuing gizzard shad spawning which will soon be followed by threadfin shad spawning. More forage is on the way for the many predators in Lake Powell. All Fish Are Hungry For this week, all fish are hungry and warming temperatures only increase the desire for food and... Full story
When the weather starts heating up in Arizona, everyone begins to long for a large body of water to dive into. In an ideal situation, this body of water would also be beautiful and have lots of things to do and to look at. This pretty much describes Saguaro Lake in a nutshell. Now before I go getting you all excited about Saguaro, let me first tell you that Saguaro is a very popular lake and if you want to find a parking place for your boat trailer, you need to get there early. Fat Bass Add To L... Full story
If you haven't already, plan to go fishing and boating this year and enjoy the water, starting with Arizona's free fishing day on June 4. Boating and fishing are fun, stress-relieving activities that you can enjoy with your family and friends anytime. Here are just a few reasons why you should get out on the water and start enjoying these activities: Connect with your family: Family fishing is a great way for family members of all ages to connect and have fun. Connect with nature: 90 percent of... Full story
Every spring season, bass and crappie wait for just the right water temperature before spawning. Water temperature at this writing was 57F, which means that on a warm, calm day, the temperature will increase in the afternoon to the 64F threshold where spawning begins. It seems that water has been warmer this spring but looking back through the history of the lake, bass and crappie normally spawn during the third week of April. For those who have not experienced this event, the first week of spaw... Full story
Tip Of The Week From the fishing log: Around this time last year, and in similar water temperatures, the smallmouth bass bite was hot on the Parker Strip section of the Colorado River. Anglers had success on nightcrawlers and assorted soft baits. Worms were also working well for the large hybrid redears known to occupy this stretch of river. Keeping a fishing log - recording dates, times, moon phases, what bait worked (or did not work) for what species and at what water depth/temperature, etc.... Full story
Its time! Choose your species and technique Lake Powell is officially open for fishy business. The lake has now stabilized and is slowly starting to rise. Water temperature is rising. Bass are moving into the shallows. Stripers are found in all portions of the lake. The peak of spring fishing opportunities begins right now. Let's look at each species of fish and what they have to offer. Bass Bass are ready to spawn and lake level is stable. These are perfect conditions for sight-fishing. Male... Full story
Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, is once again partnering with National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHF Day) to support the annual celebration, which is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 24 this year. It is estimated that 38 million Americans are on the water fishing or in the woods hunting. Those individuals buy licenses that help fund conservation around the nation. "As a longtime advocate of outdoor recreation, Yamaha is a strong and highly valued partner," said Misty Mitchell, director of Conservation for...
Lake Powell sportfish were warm and happy when tucked in for the winter in 2015. Shad production has been at peak levels for the past two summer seasons. Gizzard shad dependably produce a consistent number of offspring, but in 2014-2015, threadfin shad were produced in record numbers. Stripers, bass and walleye absolutely "love" threadfin shad. The shad boom came at just the right time for an aging striper population comprised of old stripers that were worn out from searching for the scarce... Full story
'Quality of life is measured by amount of time spent fishing.' Warm weather is settling in, resulting in big changes in fishing conditions. Shallow colored water warms more quickly than deep clear water. Cold-blooded fish gravitate to and hang out in warmer water. The expected springtime fish movement to shallow, warmer water is now occurring. Stripers that were holding at 40-100 feet can now be found at 15-30 feet. Bass that were in deeper water are making their move to the backs of canyons... Full story
Tip Of The Week At Lake Havasu, a.k.a. Arizona's West Coast, anglers can have banner days on the bedding smallmouth bass. Crappie and largemouth bass will follow with their egg protecting endeavors. (Did I say, "crappie"? Yep, and it looks like Alamo Lake is ripe to be targeted for this great-tasting fish. Just get some good advice from an area tackle shop – if you need it -- and mean business.) The Reel Deal Most bass are in pre-spawn mode in most of the desert lakes. Before recent storms, some... Full story
The 16th annual International Sportsmen Exposition & Arizona Boat Show has moved across town to WestWorld of Scottsdale. And more than doubled its size! Now there are two full buildings - one for the Arizona Boat Show, and one for the Sportsman Expo, plus vast outside space. All this space will be showcasing more than 100 new exhibitors - 300+ in all. The Valley of the Sun's only boat show will spotlight more than 15 dealers, marinas and marine-accessories companies. Family Entertainment... Full story
Bill Luke Bass Days is "Making Bass Fishing Great Again!" The 18th annual event at Pleasant Harbor RV Resort and Marina is handing out over $50,000 in cash prizes over the course of the three-days bass fishing tournament. The bass fishing tournament has six daily hourly weigh-ins; every hour first place pays $300, second through tenth place pay $100. Top Overall Big Bass this year wins $10,000! The Biggest Bass of The Day, each day, will win $2,000. And, Bill Luke will pay a $1,000 cash award... Full story
The warming spring weather brings out "the best in show". Make that plural: shows! The first of the Arizona favorites is the 16th annual International Sportsmen Exposition & Arizona Boat Show, this year at WestWorld of Scottsdale from Thursday, March 10 through Sunday, March 13. One of the highlights of the Expo is shown on this month's cover - the giant WesternBass.com Aquarium Demonstration Tank, which is presented again this year by Arizona Boating & Watersports/Western Outdoor Times news... Full story
The Reel Deel Bass Action Look for the bass action to get even better at some our pristine lakes in the desert. Apache, Canyon and Saguaro all have been stocked with rainbow trout throughout the winter, so throwing some trout-imitation swim baits can produce some trophy bass. With an onset of warmer-than-average temperatures, more bass have ventured into shallower waters in a pre-spawn mode (certainly at Roosevelt and likely Saguaro, too) and are willing to chase crankbaits, spinnerbaits and cha... Full story
The 16th annual International Sportsmen Exposition & Arizona Boat Show has moved across town to WestWorld of Scottsdale. And more than doubled its size! Now there are two full buildings - one for the Arizona Boat Show, and one for the Sportsman Expo, plus vast outside space. All this space will be showcasing more than 100 new exhibitors - 300+ in all. The Valley's only boat show will spotlight more than 15 dealers, plus a houseboat, marinas and marine accessories companies. For The Family For... Full story
Bill Luke Bass Days is the Southwest's largest family fishing tournament and festival - to be held March 18, 19, 20 at Lake Pleasant. This year's version is sure to be one of our biggest events! For the fishermen, we are featuring over $50,000 in cash prizes. For everyone, we will have a day and night time festival featuring a Cornhole Tournament, a classic-car show, carnival rides, vendors, food, wildlife exhibits and live music. Also featured will be a Coast Guard water-rescue demonstration.... Full story
Tip Alamo Lake can be a crappie hot spot this time of the year. Heavy rains might delay the great winter crappie bite, but it bodes well for the lake's productivity. Catfishing can still be excellent. These voracious channel catfish at Alamo routinely feed on shad. Try live minnows on the bottom or drop-shot style just off the bottom. The Reel Deal Water temperatures across the state have dropped to their winter standards, and rain and snow has slowed or stalled driving in the high country. Be... Full story
Honorary Chair: Johnny Morris National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHF Day) has named leading national conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris to serve as the honorary chair for NHF Day 2016: Saturday, Sept. 24. A lifelong sportsman with a passion for hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation, Morris is one of the country's foremost leaders working to ensure natural habitats, wildlife and the outdoors remain healthy for future generations to protect and enjoy. "America's sportsmen... Full story
There have been significant advances made in reel design over the last several years. Today’s reels are smaller, lighter, stronger, smoother and, in many cases, faster than ever before. Abu Garcia has driven many of these innovations with game-changing models in their popular Revo baitcaster line. It’s impossible not to like the powerful Abu Revo MGX or the speedy Revo Rocket. Both offer performance upgrades that help put fish in the boat. Let’s fast-forward to today. And tomorrow. While innov... Full story
New powerboat sales are on a multi-year rise with pre-recession levels on the horizon in several boat segments as early as 2016. The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the leading trade association representing the North American recreational boating industry, estimates new powerboat unit sales will be up as much as eight percent in 2015 when the industry tallies its final figures. The NMMA anticipates the industry will continue its growth spurt with an increase in new powerboat... Full story
Bob Rich is a storyteller. Many people know this about Rich through his nearly three decades-old friendships made in the course of fishing across the globe and through his books. As a gentleman angler, a competitor, guest lecturer, fly-fishing partner, a sponsor, an IGFA board member, a benefactor for numerous causes, a multi-event host or sharing a drink and humor with him dockside, Rich can weave a story. The author of four popular non-fiction books, he now takes on the role of a raconteur in... Full story
In Arizona, winter doesn't have to mean sending boats and rods and reels into hibernation. While outdoor recreation opportunities across many U.S. states shut down during the season of freeze, Arizona rolls on with trout stockings and water temperatures just warm enough to convince fish to bite during the holidays. Although fishing tends to slow a tad this time of the year, there are some spots that are winter-friendly. Here, then, in no particular order, are the Arizona Game and Fish Department... Full story
In October, the Arizona Deer Association held a youth camp. I was privileged to be part of that event and it certainly proved to be eye opening for a lot of kids under the age of 18. Through the big-game-draw system here in Arizona there are tags that are allocated specifically for youths under the age of 18. In many instances, these are first-time hunters and in some instances, they do not have a mentor or knowledge of the area where the hunt is being held. Courtesy of a grant from Arizona... Full story
Each November we conduct our annual gillnet sampling to assess adult fish population strength, numbers and health. Since we will be on the lake for two weeks, this issue's fishing report will the last of the season. Sporadic reports will be sent out randomly when something unusual happens like a trophy fish being caught. For current fishing information during winter log on to Wayneswords.com. The next regular weekly report will be published the first week of March 2016. Stripers Late fall finds... Full story
