Meaning of Christmas

This is an article unrelated to the outdoors I usually write about. This is a statement of my beliefs about this most wonderful time of the year.

Christmas is special time of the year filled with countless traditions and legends. The true meaning of Christmas is found in a stable in the town of Bethlehem. The birth in Bethlehem set in motion a Holy plan by a Holy God planned before the foundation of the world. God in his infinite wisdom decided to join us in the flesh to be the perfect sacrifice for the sin of mankind.

This birth of Jesus Christ is a key element in the redemption of sinful man because God was incarnated into a sinful world. The birth was supernatural because he was born to a virgin thus escaping the sin nature cast upon mankind in the Garden of Eden by the sin of Adam. In spite of his fleshly body, Jesus Christ was truly God and was with God as part of the Holy Trinity before time began.

The story of Christmas does not end with His birth, quite the contrary it was just the beginning of a wonderful journey leading to the redemption of man. It can not be overstated that without this miraculous virgin birth, the remainder of God’s Holy plan would not have been possible. Not only was Christ born without sin, he lived a totally sinless, Holy, perfect life thus enabling him to be the perfect lamb for the remission of sin.

The crucifixion of Christ was the second major step in the journey to redemption. The precious, Holy blood of the perfect sacrifice had to be shed in order to continue God’s plan. Jesus laid down his life for our sins and although man physically nailed him to the cross, Jesus willingly allowed this to happen in order to perfectly fulfill the plans of God the Father.

The saga did not end with the crucifixion because if not for the third part of God’s plan man’s redemption would have not been complete. Jesus Christ miraculously rose from the dead, and in doing so miraculously proved that he was alive. The fact of his resurrection separates him from any prophet that existed before or after him. The birth, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus allowed mankind to be saved from the depravity of sin once and for all. Nothing else needed to be done other than accepting this wonderful gift showered upon us straight from the Holy throne of God.

Although the birth of Jesus in a humble stable many years ago was just one part of the plan it was certainly an integral part of the plan. His birth totally divides time and sets into motion the most wonderful news in the history of mankind. No wonder the host of heaven proclaimed this good news in such wonderful splendor. As a result of this perfect display of humility, and love man could be reconciled with a Holy God.

Merry Christmas!

Patience is the Key

When hunting, especially with a 10 year old, patience is the key. When the prey you are seeking is deer, squirrels have a tendency to run all over you. When the ten year old with you wants to "blast" the squirrels with a .243 rifle it is hilarious, but not too conducive to killing a buck.

The hunting goal for the year was for my son to kill a buck because the last two years all he has been able to kill is does. He wants a buck, but the squirrels are terrorizing him because he loves to shoot his gun and squirrel hunting is nearly a guarantee whereas deer hunting requires a little more time and patience. Either way it is great to spend time doing something we both love to do.

Squirrel Hunting Article

Here is a great article I found about squirrel hunting. Click here for the article.

Fox Squirrel

My son has developed a love for squirrel hunting. Actually, he has always enjoyed it, but I though deer hunting was his favorite. We typically squirrel hunt before deer season opens, but once deer season opens the squirrels are forgotten. I think the issue is the number of squirrels that run around while we are sitting in the tree stand while we are deer hunting.

He decided this weekend to squirrel hunt instead of deer hunt and while we didn't see as many squirrels (of course) we did see a fox squirrel that is now in the refrigerator. He made a good shot, but the squirrel temporarily escaped us, but we eventually found it on a limb of a nearby tree and were able to get it on the ground. He was very excited and the time was well spent. He is hunting with a 410 gauge shotgun and we are about ready to try a 20 gauge with a little more knock down power.

Enjoying Brushy Lake

Most of my outdoor activities are shared with my son. This mainly due to my daughter just now getting old enough to venture out with us and my wife's somewhat lack of enthusiasm for the great outdoors. This time, however, we all went to Brushy Lake which is in Bankhead National Forest located in North Alabama.

Brushy is a beautiful place that has a smooth asphalt trail leading back to a man made dam that has created the lake. Don't think about a hydro-electric dam, we are talking about a very small dam that still allows water to flow over after a big rain. It is a beautiful setting to have an outdoor excursion. Brushy has many cliffs and the trails around the bluffs offer a little more adventure than the asphalt trail.

My kids were looking for Indian artifacts and making up stories about what the crevices made by the boulders could have been used for. To the other people wanting to enjoy a quiet day in the woods, I apologize for the cackles and laughs of my kids that could have been heard for miles. Simple things like throwing acorns in a creek seem to make them very happy. I was standing there wondering why we spend so much money on toys when some water and some acorns cause more excitement that I have ever witnessed while they were playing with toys.

My son thanked me later for carrying us out there so we could bond with nature and with each other. Wisdom truly does come out of the mouth of babes, or at least young men.

First Deer Hunt of the Season

Squirrels were abundant, woodpeckers were present, and birds were everywhere. The scurrying squirrels made a lot of noise keeping tune with the percussion section of the woodpeckers. The morning was cold, but not breezy. This is a perfect set up for the first deer hunt of the season. Sitting in the treestand with your 10 year old son, who loves the outdoors, waiting patiently for a big buck to show itself makes for a great day.

A heavy frost covered the ground and we had to wait a while before we saw any deer. We were about ready to pack it in when they appeared. The deer were too far to shoot when they appeared but moved slowly in our direction. The deer were just feeding along the edge of the woods enjoying the cool weather. A couple of them stood on their hind legs to eat some acorns off a low hanging limb.

Ever so slowly, they made their way toward us, but before they were in good shooting range, they wandered off into the woods and out of site. My son was positive he could have made the shot, but I explained later that he stood a good chance of not making a clean shot and we might not find the deer. He added, "Yea, and it might suffer" which made me realize he understood. He still told everyone he met the remainder of the day he could have made the shot.

All in all, it was a great hunt. We didn't fill the freezer with any meat, but the memories will last a lifetime. This is what hunting is all about and why we pile on the clothes and head out before daylight anticipating a big buck stepping out of the woods.

Sharpening a Knife

My grandfather was an expert at sharpening a knife. I can do pretty good, but despite several "training sessions" I don't have the skill of my grandfather. Maybe by the time I am 80 years old I will be a little more proficient. Here is a great article that gives some good, practical advice. Click here for the article.

FIrst Squirrel Hunt of the Season

Hunting season is just kicking off and the first squirrel hunt of the year yielded no squirrels. We didn’t hunt long and this was basically a short outing just to get things going for the year. We did see some ducks in the creek and the minnow trap had some tadpoles and small fish in it so it wasn’t a complete loss.

Squirrel hunting can be fun, but it can also be a good practice run for deer season. My son loves deer hunting, but deer season isn’t open and a few squirrel hunting trips help to prepare him. Because he is 10 years old, being still and quiet doesn’t come naturally. Actually during deer season is the only time being still and quiet is even considered. Squirrel season is a good time to practice the hunting skills and make sure the hunting gear still fits. We did find out today the boots had a tear so we will be making a trip to buy another pair.

The main thing was the time we spent together outside doing things we enjoy. Nothing can take the place of quality time with your son, because they grow up so fast!

Careful With A Bow

When you are new to shooting a bow you must be careful. It is a good idea to have the help of an experienced archer. There are basic safety practices that are a must!

Getting Ready For Hunting Season

Here is a link to a great article about getting ready for hunting season. Click here for the link.

What to Take With You Hunting

A hunting pack can grow, and grow if you aren't careful. It is very important to have ample supplies, but sometimes less is more. There are a few essentials that are always a good idea to take in the woods with you. Of course, how far from the truck, or hunting camp you plan on being determines what you will need.

One of the most important things to have is a cell phone. It goes without saying that you don't want someone calling you, but it is good to have a phone for emergencies. As always it is crucial to let other people know your hunting location and when you plan on returning. When you shoot a deer it is good to call your hunting buddy and let them know you are leaving your stand. Even if you know the terrain and getting lost isn't a concern, if you fall it is good for others to know which way you went.

A trusty flashlight, with good batteries, is very important. It is great to have with you in the morning to walk to your stand and in the afternoon to get out of the woods safely. It is also good, especially on public land, because it lets other hunters that might not be so careful to let them know you aren't a deer. Very few deer have flashlights so it makes it hard to be mistaken for a deer.

A good piece of rope is also very useful for a variety of reasons. It can help you pull out your deer, and pull up your (unloaded) gun to your stand. It can also be useful for many other things and although you may go for a long time without using it ropes aren't very heavy and take up very little space.

A good hunting knife is also very important. The obvious reason is to field dress your deer, but it is good for a survival situation if you ever find yourself stranded. Making fires, making shelter, cutting vines are just a few ways a knife can come in useful. If you have your skinning knife honed to a razor sharp edge you may want to carry another knife for other purposes.

There are other items that go without saying, like extra shells, gloves, a whistle, compass (or GPS), and any calls you may be planning on using. There are many other items can come in useful, but these are some things that you need every time you enter the woods.

How to Tie a Knot

Make sure you have the correct knot is very important. Here is a great article explaining how to tie one of the most popular knots. Click here

Great Article About Fishing Small Creeks

Here is a great article I found about fishing small creeks. Click here for the article.

Lipless Crankbait Article

I found this great article about lipless crankbaits. The website is bassdozers.com and I hope you enjoy the article. Click here for the article.

Simple Pleasures

It isn’t necessary to hunt or fish in order to have a great time outdoors. All it takes is a little time and some people you love and a simple trip to a creek can be loads of fun. Those of us that love to fish and hunt can sometimes become possessed if we aren’t careful. Most of us agree the fun isn’t predicated upon the number of animals we harvest, but rather the fun we have with those we love.

I love getting outside with my two young kids and it doesn’t have to be a big trip to have some fun. Unfortunately, I don’t get to do things outdoors with them every day due to this little thing called a job, but just a few minutes can build a lifetime of memories. Taking a simple trip to a creek can be loads of fun and you never know what is going to happen. Kids are very creative and can find loads to do with regardless of the circumstances.

It is great to get ready for hunting season or prepare for a day chasing trophy fish, but just spending a little quiet time on a creek can still be a great time.

Great Blog

Here is a great blog I found that highlights Southeastern Outdoors. Click here for the link.

Floating Lazy Rivers

Floating a slow moving river doesn't produce as much adrenaline as whitewater rafting, but a small jon boat can produce an enjoyable, peaceful excursion. Paddling can be a little tiring, but as long as you have plenty of time there is no reason to get in a hurry. Having a lot of time to enjoy the scenery and companionship is the best thing about these kind of trips.

It doesn't take much equipment, just a small boat or canoe and a couple of paddles and some great adventures are in store. A little preparation is necessary when your partner is a child that can not drive, but with the assistance of another adult to make sure you have a vehicle when you finish the trip and it can be very rewarding. It is always important to wear life vests especially when a young person is your only companion.

Cell phones are great for safety devices as long as you have coverage and a plastic bag just in case there is an accidental dip in the water. Make sure to have plenty of water and some snacks to make sure hunger doesn't ruin the trip. These trips can be great fun just to relax and enjoy the quiet time, but some great fishing is sometimes available as well.

It is a good idea to be familiar with the river and the time it takes from one take out spot to the other. Make sure to talk with someone that has been down the river before to get a good idea of the time. I learned a lesson the first time I went with my son because he didn't know for sure we would arrive at our destination and became a little scared because we were a long way from anyone. We had been on many excursions, but not one quite as long as this particular trip. I knew where we were going, but obviously I didn't communicate very well with my son.

I thought this would be a good time to share how to call for help if something happened not realizing I was just giving him reason to have a few doubts. Lesson learned, but all and all the trip was still fun. Going over safety precautions in a very secure setting is best so that when you are on the trip the youngster has nothing to think about but having a good time.

Make sure you schedule enough time to get on the land and do a little exploring. Sitting in a canoe or small boat for long periods of time can be a little tiring and having a chance to stretch your legs helps make the trip more enjoyable. Many types of wildlife can be observed which always helps the trip much better. So get out there and spend some peaceful time with someone you love and the trip can be the memory of a lifetime.

Identify Bream

If you are interesting in identifying some of the bream you might catch. Here is a great link.

Joy in a Small Creek

I have searched for articles about fishing small creeks and haven’t found a lot that pertain to small rural streams. Most articles are about fly fishing which is great, but for a small child this is a little too difficult. Some of the most fun a child can have is to find a small creek that is loaded with usually small fish that haven’t seen a lot of hooks through the years.

The first part is the most obvious which is to find the creek. This can be easy, but finding the right creek and the right spot can be a challenge which adds to the fun. Creeks are abundant in rural areas but many don’t seem to be deep enough to fish. With enough driving and some walking even shallow creeks may have deeper pockets thanks to natural terrain and sometime the help of friendly beavers. Let me say that the term friendly beavers depends on whether or not their handiwork is admired or hated. Many landowners would love to rid the creek of beavers but that is another article.

Pulling off the side of the road where most people fish and usually these fish are accustomed to seeing hooks and every kind of bait imaginable. Sometimes just moving a few hundred yards up or down the creek can produce some great fishing. Please remember to be careful when exploring due to our friends without legs that many times love living in a small creek. Once the right spot is found it may be necessary to clear a path to allow children to access the fishing spot safely.

Deep pockets many not be very easily found, but since there aren’t many of them sometimes this is where the fish are congregated. In a few larger creeks a small Jon boat or floating device can help access the honey hole. Sometimes just some old fashion wading can be the trick, but many can be accessed on land with a little preparation. Finding the right spot is many times half the fun, but we must always be careful to not offend landowners and seeking permission is always the best policy. Sometimes the landowners can even suggest the best way to access the creek and may even give you exclusive access which can make it even better.

The gear of this type of fishing is the best part of the whole deal. A few dollars (and I mean very few) is all that is needed to rig up for this type of trip. An old fashioned cane pole or a small reel and rod combo is all that is needed. A small tackle box with some slip-shot lead and some small hooks will usually be all that is needed. Of course the right bait is important, but you can’t go wrong with the staples of small creek fishing, redworms and crickets. Experiment with all types of bait to find the best and sometimes the creek can provide the minnows with a little help from a small casting net.

Fall is a great time to go on a little excursion with those you love to spend time with and can provide for a memorable experience. There is a song out today entitled, “She Thinks We Are Just Fishing” which sums up the real treasure in this type of fishing. Even if the fish aren’t biting many kinds of wildlife can be found and there is always the joy of throwing things in the creek when the fish really have lockjaw. I hope this helps you have great experience with a special fishing buddy.

Tree Stand Placement

Here is a good article about tree stand placement. Click here to access the article by T.R. Michels.

PreSeason Hunting Article

This is a great article from "The Morning Sun." Click here for a great article by John Eberhart.

Hunting Season Countdown

My son is getting ready for hunting season! He loves fishing, but I think hunting may be his favorite. It is time to do a little target practicing. Nothing can ruin a young hunter's day like missing a chance at a trophy because of missing a shot. Kids do not necessarily retain their skills from year to year (neither do us older folks). Kids must practice to make sure they are ready for the big shot when it takes place.

One thing that is important is to start with a simple shot preferably with a rest and to do a few other kinds of shots. This is fun and it helps the young hunter to be ready for any shot he might get. We all know that seldom does the game appear right where we had planned.

Not only does target practice help the hunter, but it provides a good time for a little fun without having to be quiet, and still. Getting out there and practicing is always worth the time.

Tip: It is good to start with cheap shells like 22's before actually using the gun they will be hunting with.

Fall is in the Air

Fall is in the air in North Alabama. Everyone that has lived in North Alabama knows that 90 degree weather is still in our future but a cold front has come through and the chill of fall is in the air.

The cooler weather has many people thinking of hunting season but some good fishing is also right around the corner. For those of us who enjoy fishing and hunting this is a great time of year. The only challenge is finding time to fish while making preparations for hunting season which is right around the corner.

This is a great time to do a little scouting for the upcoming deer season and to make sure stands are in good condition and are safe for the hunting season. Make sure to check the chains and ropes that hold the stands to the trees and make sure the storms have not caused damage. Nothing can ruin a hunting trip like finding out that your favorite stand is not in good enough shape to have a safe outing.

Roads and trails may also have to been prepared so that you can easily access your favorite hunting spots. This is also a good time to make sure shooting allies are clear and ready. It would be a shame to miss that big buck because a bush or limb is in the line of sight.

Have a great hunting season, but don't forget the fishing will be biting soon!

Article from Field and Stream

This is a great article published in Field and Stream. I hope you enjoy reading it. I want to reiterate that I am not the author of the article, I just wanted to share the article.

Late-Summer Bass Fishing Tips: Where and How to Catch Largemouths
When it comes to summer fishing, pros pay attention to vegetation, bridges, and current
Article by Steve Price. Uploaded on August 07, 2009

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TagsWhere to FishWhere to Fish for BassHow to FishHow to Fish for BassWhat to UseWhat to Use to Catch BassTactics for SummerTactics for Summer Bass FishingChoosing Baits to Catch BassBy late summer, bass fishing is not for the faint of heart. Largemouths are often deep and lethargic, and they’re also frequently starting to relocate and suspend at middepth ranges as forage begins to move. This is when professional anglers start following the ABCs of summer fishing. • “The ABCs stand for aquatic vegetation, bridges, and current, three shortcuts to finding fish,” says veteran tournament pro and Lake Fork guide James Niggemeyer. “In summer, bass need shade, cover, oxygen, and food, and the ABCs always provide that. In addition, aquatic vegetation and bridges have depth changes close to cover, and current in the back of a creek attracts bass from other areas.”

Aquatic Vegetation

WHY BASS LIKE IT: Hydrilla, lily pads, hyacinths, and other greenery hold forage such as crawfish and sunfish and provide cover, shade, and higher oxygen.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Edge irregularities, especially depth changes; brush, logs, or rocks with the vegetation; isolated patches of greenery.

TECHNIQUES AND TACKLE: Skitter floating frogs over the top and through openings; flip tubes and jigs into open holes; run shallow crankbaits along the outside edge. Use 50- to 65-pound braided line for frogs and tubes; 12- to 20-pound fluoro?carbon for square-bill crankbaits.
Bridges

WHY BASS LIKE IT: Cover, shade, and abrupt depth changes are always present; nearby rocks often hold forage.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Brush lodged on the upstream side of pilings; current breaks behind pilings; baitfish around pilings.

TECHNIQUES AND TACKLE: Bulge a fast spinnerbait parallel to abutments and pilings nearest the channel first. Cover the brush at upstream pilings with a crankbait; hit the downstream side of abutments with a drop-shot rig. Use 8- to 16-pound fluorocarbon line (it sinks).

Current

WHY BASS LIKE IT: Moving water produces higher oxygen, washes in food, and usually creates cooler temperatures.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Eddies and protected calmer water; rocks, small islands, other visible cover like stumps or logjams.

TECHNIQUES AND TACKLE: Cast light jigs, plastic grubs, or Texas-rigged worms upstream and let current carry them into quiet eddies. Work small buzzbaits across calmer areas, especially in early morning. Use 12- to 16-pound fluorocarbon
for strength and low visibility.

Dove Hunting

Dove hunting season opened in Alabama this weekend and I haven't spoken with a lot of hunters, but the ones I have talked with do not give a good report. I was putting in fence posts so I was not able to go hunting, but since it was 93 degrees, I really didn't mind too much. Just a reminder to my hunting buddies that you must have a Harvest Information Program sticker.

All licensed hunters who hunt doves, woodcock, rails, snipe, coots, ducks, or geese in Alabama are required by Federal law to obtain a Harvest Information Program (HIP) permit prior to hunting. The HIP program provides improved data collection on these species. This will allow hunting seasons for the various species to be set in an objective and efficient manner while maintaining healthy populations. HIP permits are free and are available wherever hunting license are sold. It takes a very short time to provide the requested information. In exchange for completing the HIP survey, you will receive a proof of certification which must be in your possession while hunting migratory birds.

The weather has cooled down due to the rain and we are hoping the hunting conditions will be a little more inviting. Sitting in a dove field in 90 degree weather isn't always a fun proposition, but you do what have to do.

Too Wet to Fish

Unfortunately due to Tropical Storm Lee it has been raining all weekend and fishing is very difficult. To quote a song from Hank Williams Jr., "I'm against fishing in the rain." This weekend has been a washout, but soon the stripe should start running below Wheeler Dam so maybe fishing will pick up a little.

Fishing Below Wheeler Dam

Striped Bass Fishing-Wheeler Dam72
rate or flag this pageBy Fredo B.

Striped Bass Fishing-Wheeler Dam
In this post, I will explain some of the basics of fishing for striped bass beneath the tail waters of Wheeler Dam in Alabama. Some of the best weekends of my life have been in a boat beneath the tail waters of this dam. I started fishing there when I was about 18 because of hear say from a cousin of what fun it was. I shrugged it off at the time as being nothing more than gesture of good faith because I was a self proclaimed "bass-master" with nothing to show for it. Well, a few weeks passed and we decided to fire up the ole Stratos and give it a try.

The first weekend we showed up and did not know what to do. We had all this fancy gear and did not have a clue as to how to put it to use. Other people were catching boat loads as we stood like a deer in headlights watching. The first weekend we broke multiple lines,lost weights,baits, and anything else you can imagine. Needless to say, it was beginning to look like we would never get the hang of this dam fishing (no pun intended lol)

Well, after a few weeks of trial and error we started catching fish. The more fish we caught the better we got and eventually caught multiple fish that weighed over 10lbs. Here are some tips and tricks. Keep in mind my dad,brother, and I did this type of fishing for 8 years almost every weekend until we all got older and I haven't been in about 3 years now. However, here are the basics.

First, always take live bait the large "shiners" as they call them at the store. Always get 1/2 ounce weight as it seems to be the perfect amount for the swift water. Anything less and it will not sink good and anything more just seems to heavy. Tie the weight about 6-8 inches up the line with a single knot just so that it stays put like a leader. Add your hook 2/0-3/0 seems best and hook on the live bait. Drop the bait to the bottom in the swift water and drift in the boat the rest of the way. When the bait hits the bottom it will thud a little. Here is the tricky part, you must bounce the bait on the bottom so that you will not get hung up. You will get bites if you bounce it correctly kinda in a rhythm. Once you catch a fish, repeat this process.

Also take a "super spook" the medium sized one. If they are jumping or "running" as people like to say you will catch fish and I mean BIG fish. The last time my brother and I caught them running on a good day we took in 20 fish that weighed 10lbs or better. Don't get the wrong idea here, as I am a huge proponent of "catch and release." Experiment with multiple colors to see which one works best.

Finally, this is a secret I do not normally tell that I happen to adapt from a salt water magazine article I read a few years back. Take a "samurai shad" made by "yum" baits. Add him to a 1/2 ounce jig head and reel as fast as you can go. This should produce some big bites and fish. They do not bite like this quite as much but if this bait is the "hot bait" that day you will catch fish in the 5lb+ range. If they do not bite on the burn ,slow the reel down just a little and you might catch a few. I can't give away all my tips so that's all I have for now. Happy fishing and good luck! Please feel free to share you own tips in the comment section as I would love to know how to catch some bigger fish there. I have seen one boat there in the years that we went catch 3 fish in the 25+ range if you know anything about what he might have been doing please comment

How to Fish a Small Creek - wikiHow

How to Fish a Small Creek - wikiHow

Fishing Trip

Well another experience with a 1977 bass boat lead to another "interesting" fishing trip. My son and I had been fishing for about five minutes when the trolling motor stopped working. We pulled out to the main river below Wheeler Dam where we could drift fish and I started working on the boat while my son was fishing.

The trolling motor did not get repaired on the fishing trip so we spent the remainder of the trip drift fishing and were able to pick up a few bream and a catfish. It seems that fishing trips are growing more and more adventurous.

We had fun and were able to spend some quality time fishing which is the main reason we go. I love the song by Trace Atkins, "Fishing" and it pretty much sums up why I going fishing with my son. It will not be long before I take my little girl on the boat with us, and that will certainly be an adventure.

WebCast

Here is a great link to Alabama Outdoors and the Webcast they offer. I hope everyone ejoys the link. Click here for the link.

Great Article About Snapping Turtles

I hope you enjoy this article about snapping turtles. Click here for the article.

HOT

It has been very hot in North Alabama and we have had a little trouble coaxing the fishing into taking out bait. It is difficult not to jump in the water instead of throwing a bait and waiting on the fish to bite.

Even though the fish haven't been tearing it up, the time spent with my son on the river is time well spent. There is always the constant struggle to keep everything on the boat in good working condition, but that is what you get when you have a 1977 boat.

The trip to and from the water are fun because we always seem to listen to some good music picked out by my son of course and we seem to listen to a lot of Johnny Cash which is fine with me. Any time spent with you children is time well spent and when it involves being in the great outdoors is just icing on the cake.

Fishing

I have been able to spend a little time fishing with my son. We haven't caught a lot of fish, but we have had loads of fun. We have been doing a little creek fishing as well as fishing on the Tennessee River. We have most caught small bream in either location and that is fine with him, which makes it fine with me.

The time spent outdoors with someone you love is time well spent. It is wonderful to see him enjoying fishing, and observing wildlife as we search for some fish. It is truly a blessing and although I don't get to spend nearly as much time as I would like, every minute is precious.

Fishing Time

I finally was able to do a little fishing with my son and my father. It was truly a great time and we even caught a few fish. We caught several kinds of fish including catfish, smallmouth, largemouth, and several species of bream.

We started fishing for catfish and didn't do very well, but as we switched gears began to catch several fish including catfish even though we had switched to artificial bates and weren't expecting to catch catfish.

The main source of enjoyment was spending time with family doing things we truly enjoyed. Although I don't get to spend as much time fishing as I would like, every fishing trip is special. Hopefully, it will not be as long between fishing trips as the summer progresses.

Fishing?

Spring is truly in the air in North Alabama. I have heard numerous stories from friends that the fish are biting. Unfortunately, I can’t give any first hand reports because I haven’t had time to check it out for myself. My son and I have caught a few bream in the stream behind our house, but we have only had a few minutes at a time. Of course this beats no time at all and watching the beavers makes the time go by a little faster. We are very blessed to have opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.

Fishing?

Spring Time

I have been waiting for spring for quiet some time. I love to hunt, but I would have to say fishing is my favorite. One thing that makes fishing fun is being able to talk and have some good quality time with the people with which you fish. I have had the pleasure of fishing with my son for several years and now I am getting to do a little fishing with my daughter.

My son can now do several things for himself and truly loves to fish and it is amazing how much he has changed since we started taking our little excursions. He enjoys fishing and has gotten to the point that he enjoys it even if the fish aren't biting. When he was little we did other things to amuse him when the fish were biting a little slowly. We would throw things in the water, explore the shore or do other things that would help pass the time. Now he is able to sit and fish even when the fish have "lock jaw."

My daughter is still at the point she needs a little entertainment when we are fishing. She loves to talk so that fills the gaps between bites and can be quiet amusing. Since being "stuck" by a fish earlier this year, she is a little hesitant, but her bravery is increasing with each trip.

The best part about all the fishing trips is the Camaraderie we have while we are fishing. I truly cherish the time I spend with my children because unfortunately the time is not nearly enough and I know they will be growing up too quickly.

Fishing With My Little Girl

I took the entire family on a brief fishing trip to a local creek. We had a few red worms and a couple of poles, but that was enough to have a memorable experience. Of course my son, the experienced angler, got right down to business and was fishing hard. My little girl (5 years old) took a little longer to get comfortable. First of all we had to find a place for her to sit down while she practiced her angling skills.

Things were going pretty good, although not many fish were biting, until we caught one and she wanted to throw it back. She was trying to grasp it when she touched one of the fins and it "stuck" her (her words). She got over this pain fast enough, but she accidentally got hooked and that ended her fishing trip immediately.

We were able to distract her by looking for other wildlife so I think we will be able to convince her to go again, but we will have to be careful that she doesn't get "stuck" again. It was a very brief outing, but made memories we will remember forever.

Why Do We Do What We Do?

What is the lure of spending time outdoors? Many people love hunting, fishing, hiking, and any outdoor activity while others would rather curl up indoors with a book. The basic need of humans is to have a release that allows time for rest, and to clear one’s mind. Many of us who love the outdoors love it because it gives us that chance to clear our thoughts and just relax. I often joke that when I am fishing my blood pressure drops twenty points and while I am just joking, I don’t doubt that there is some truth to the statement.

Spending time with people we love is yet another reason many of us spending time outdoors. Some families play ball, some go to dance recitals, and the possibilities are endless. Each activity appeals to different people, but the end result is finding a way to have some fun and spend quality time with people that mean the world to you. Personally, I love being in the outdoors by myself, or with my friends and family and can’t imagine living my life without these pleasures, but at the end of the day the relationships are the most important things in our lives.

End of Hunting Season

Well, deer hunting season has come to an end. My son and I spent the last Saturday of the season hunting for the elusive "first buck" for my son. This year has been a huge success because he has seen more deer than any other year, and actually killed two does. He has grown so much and has learned to be quiet, still and patient. He still has a little to go, but he has gotten so much better since last year.

He has developed a love for the outdoors which makes me very happy because he shares one of my passions. I haven't pushed it on him, but gave him the opportunity and now he wants to go hunting or fishing all the time. There have been times I would have stayed home or went home, but he was so excited and wanting to stay that I couldn't bring myself to leave. Any time I can spend time with my son is time well spent.

Snow Pictures

We have been doing an unusual thing in north Alabama; Playing in the snow. Here are a few pictures.

Good Times

Spending time outdoors has become a precious commodity and I relish every moment. My son and I have been able to do a little hunting and we look forward to some warming temperatures. Coyote hunting, hiking, and fishing loom in our future. The only enemy is time which doesn't seem to cooperate, but that make every outing very special.

Great Article About Coyotes

Coyotes are plentiful in north Alabama and this is an interesting article about their future. Coyotes are here to stay!