Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Testing fish for Mercury

Idaho Fish Consumption Advisory Program

You can't see, smell or taste the mercury or other contaminants in fish. That's why it's important to know which fish are safer than others to eat. The Idaho Fish Consumption Advisory Program (IFCAP), created in 2001, informs Idahoans about possible contamination of lakes and rivers and other water bodies - contamination that may affect fish and the humans who eat the fish. By testing fish tissue samples for contaminants, IFCAP is able to advise the public about safe consumption of fish from Idaho water bodies. When contaminant levels are unsafe, IFCAP may recommend that people limit or avoid eating certain species of fish caught in certain places. IFCAP does this by issuing a Fish Advisory.
What does a Fish Advisory mean to me?

A fish advisory means that you should be aware of the amount of certain types of fish you should eat. A fish advisory doesn't mean that you should stop fishing in a favorite lake or river. Idaho fish are an excellent source of good nutrition. We encourage you to keep fishing and continue enjoying healthy meals.

courtesy IFCAP

WackyBass on Hit and Run for Bass

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

WackyBass on Hit and Run for Bass
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I found a site that I am sure you guys will enjoy, Fishing.US, along with this post by WackyBass, check this out.



Hit And Run For BassBy WackyBass at Fri, 2008-02-08 12:39 Bass FishingFor the past 33 years I have been on the lookout for an all around bass lure that can be used in the hundreds of ponds, park district and forest preserve lakes that surround my urban world called the Chicago land area and I have found it. I needed a bass lure that would be suitable for just about any bank fishing situation and one that can be carried in my pocket if need be.My current fast paced lifestyle forces me to be selective in the amount of time that can be dedicated to my favorite hobby and past time, bass fishing. When I see a new body of water I pull over, grab my medium action spinning rod that is rigged with a rabbit hair wacky worm, and cast for 15 minutes or so. When I am on the road whether doing errands or on business, I have a great opportunity to explore new places, possibly catch a bass at a new fishing hole close to home. No matter the time of year (excluding winter); I make my first cast parallel to the shore, no more than 3 feet out. I gradually work my casts further and further from shore until I get that first strike. After the first bass is landed and released, I concentrate on the same distance from shore, still working the lure so it moves parallel to the shoreline. After 15 minutes is up I get a firm understanding of the quality of fishing spot it is, and what my next planned trip will entail.The trick to this “hit and run” largemouth bass fishing tactic for busy people can only be successful if you are prepared at all times and you travel light. Traveling light means that you have a medium action rod with a spinning reel and a plastic, slow sinking lure such as a rabbit hair wacky worm already tied on ready to go. It is important to have a slow sinking lure since most park district or forest preserve bodies of water are rather shallow and full of vegetation, near the very mucky bottom. If you used a diving or heavy lure such as a crankbait, you will spend the majority of your fifteen minutes removing algae, weeds and other debris from your lure. The slow sinking rabbit hair wacky worm will sink and find the proper depth for you. You will enjoy yourself immensely and have a much better chance of success if your lure is spends a majority of its time fishing rather than snagging.It can be extremely challenging finding the time to do some quality bank fishing let alone catch some fish with your favorite bass fishing lure, but with a little time management and planning, you will find that there is way to hit and run for bass.



courtesy of Fishing.US


Posted by Spencek at

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Ham & Sweet Potato Foil packs

Cube ham and sweet potatoes, combine with 1/2 cubed apple. Place in foil pack, make sure the edges are sealed tight. Place on hot coals for 1/2 hour, turning every 15 minutes. Apples give moisture to the recipe instead of butter and it adds sweetness. This amount feeds 1 - 2 people, double recipe for more people. Preparation time approximately 5 - 30 minutes.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Bass Federation Nation Youth Magazine, Bassmaster.com


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February 13, 2008


Rhode Island Renaissance BASS Federation Nation Youth Senior Manager Stacy Twiggs,author


Aside from those die-hard ice fisherman, most of us thin-blooded bass fisherman are grinding our teeth into tiny Chiclets® as we eagerly await the approaching fishing season. The promise of warmer weather and giant bass has every serious bass fisherman chomping at the bit and slobbering over some new secret gizmo bait or unexploited fishing technique. The season of snow leaves plenty of time to prep for the promise of spring, but it's also the most popular time for state BASS Federation Nations to host their annual awards banquets and general membership meeting. My recent trip to the smallest state in the country revealed a spirit bigger than the Montana sky.

The Rhode Island BASS Federation Nation annual awards banquet has flourished over the years and become a fine example of the BFN founding principles. A collaborative effort designed to unite their members brings together adult and youth for a special combined awards banquet. Both adult and junior state teams come together to celebrate the past year's accomplishments complete with award presentations and enough pictures to keep Kodak busy until next year's banquet.

Imagine a large group of peers applauding a select team of adult anglers being presented with awards and confirmation of their upcoming trip to the BFN Divisional. Now take a moment to envision the same room interspersed with Junior Bassmasters, fully complemented with decorated jerseys and cheering for their adult mentors. Twenty minutes later, when the roles were reversed, every person in the banquet hall was standing with applause equally flattering for the Junior Bassmasters receiving their awards.

The principle behind a combined banquet is a noble mark of respect for both the adult and youth programs, but it's also a tribute to their goal of integrating their two programs together to the best of their ability. To see the Rhode Island adult state team members along with other adults show the same admiration for their young anglers was an extremely gratifying experience.In addition to recognizing youth and adult state teams, they honored Rod Hammond with one of the greatest distinctions any BASS member can earn. After reading through a long list of accomplishments they presented Mr. Hammond with the Rhode Island BFN Sportsman of the Year Award. The Northern Rhode Island BASS Anglers were also recognized as Team Club Champions. The club competed the weekend after Independence Day with 8 anglers (4 boaters and 4 non-boaters) competing in a team format where all 8 weights combined together to determine the Team Club Champions. In a theme consistent with the spirit of the Rhode Island BFN, Junior Bassmaster clubs can also team up with their adult sponsoring club to compete in the same event.

This was the second year the state conducted a joint banquet. "The event represents a special opportunity to show appreciation for the people who roll their sleeves up and make things happen within the state," said Roy Costa, Rhode Island BFN president. "There's no way we can possibly thank everyone, but their contributions and support are never taken for granted."The adult and junior state teams help set up the banquet, hang banners and conduct various fund raisers. Raffle proceeds from the banquet raise money to help support the adult state team as they advance to divisional competition. On the youth side, proceeds go toward funding an entire year's worth of activities, events and awards. "We're very thankful and proud of the support the adults provide to the youth program and their support as boat captains for our events," said Mike Broggi, Rhode Island BFN Youth Director. Looking across the room, I recognized a familiar face and past Bassmaster Classic qualifier, Joel St. Germain. Bearing the same smile he always has, you could see his support for the youth. He graciously shared products from his personal sponsorships, contributing what he could to the entire Rhode Island BASS Federation Nation. "He's been an unbelievable supporter of the organization and is always willing to contribute," said Costa.The Rhode Island BFN has worked tirelessly to integrate the youth and adult programs. Broggi is extremely gracious for the overwhelming adult support of the state youth efforts. "Fundraisers like the annual awards banquet help the Rhode Island Junior Bassmaster program fund its annual activities without leaning on the adult treasury," said Broggi.

As I prepared to head back for Florida, Costa proudly reminded me of how special the past year had been. "It's been a great year for the Rhode Island BASS Federation Nation! We hosted the 2007 Eastern Divisional, and the state team stepped up to make it a successful event for all the Eastern Division states in attendance. The team helped coordinate, organize and step up wherever needed.

One glimpse of the Rhode Island BASS Federation Nation and you know that the next 35 years of this grassroots organization is in prepared and well-groomed hands.
Article from Bassmaster.com
Posted by Spencek at 10:07 AM

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Want to prospect for diamonds?

Arkansas, The Natural State, is blessed with an abundance of geological wonders. Arkansas has the only diamond-producing site in the world open to the public, i.e. The Crater of Diamonds State Park, for a one-of-a-kind experience.

The public is invited to prospect in the park's diamond search area, a 37-acre plowed field that is the eroded surface of an ancient volcanic pipe that 95 million years ago, brought to the surface the diamonds and some of the semi-precious stones lucky visitors find here today. In The Crater of Diamonds State Park, diamonds of all colors of the rainbow can be found, but the three most common colors found by park visitors are white, brown, and yellow. Over 40 types of rocks and minerals can also be found, including lamproite, amethyst, banded agate, jasper, peridot, garnet, quartz, calcite, barite and hematite. The park staff will help you identify your finds for you, and the policy of "finders keepers" applies to all, regardless of the value. For digging in the soil, prospecting for some diamonds, you should bring a shovel, or spade, a 5-gallon bucket and a small box screen. These items are also available to rent at the park.

Many remnants of old mining ventures remain, including the Mine Shaft Building, the Guard House, mining plant foundations, old mining equipment and smaller artifacts. Nowhere else is North American diamond mining history as evident or as well preserved as here.

There are hundreds of acres of natural forest with an abundance of flora and fauna and offers visitors interesting things to do in the area. Of course, fishing for trout is one of the main attractions Arkansas has to offer, when you are not diamond hunting.