The kayak is a very specialized canoe which was first invented about 5,000 years ago by indigenous Inuit, Aleut and yupik people. It was constructed using a driftwood or whalebone frame that was covered with animal skins waterproofed by animal fat. Called a “qajak” (hunter’s boat), it was used to hunt sea mammals in frigid Arctic waters and was major means for survival in a harsh and often unforgiving environment. They were tailormade to fit the user who wore a special waterproofed skin jacket called a “tuilik” that was attached to the kayak and prevented … Read More
THE ICE STORM OF ‘25 -ONE YEAR LATER-
The historic ice storm of ‘25 is behind us, but what are the lingering effects one year later? The effects are still a visible spectacle in many areas. What seemed less evident during the flourishing summer months when the deciduous trees were full with their yearly display of leaves would prove to be a ruse. As these leaves dropped in their usual fashion, having served as a masquerade of sorts, especially once winter was in full swing, the ugly truth was exposed as the inner ruins of the forests stood before us. Once spring arrives, … Read More
Murphy Lake’s 16 th Annual “Pike Pull” ice fishing contest
Located near Millington in southwestern Tuscola County, (manmade) 209-acre Murphy Lake has long offered some bountiful fishing opportunities. It was created during the 1850’s by lumbermen to be able to float logs down Goodings Creek to the Cass River near Vassar. Small creeks were vital during the lumber era to readily access the forest and more easily remove winter-harvested logs. Damming the creeks was a common practice to build up enough water depth to send a flotilla of large logs in a controlled downstream rush when the dam was opened in the spring. Goodings Creek … Read More
The Big Pay Off
I’m not talking about greenbacks here. I’m referring to the occasional benefits reaped from the fishing stream, despite myself. Those who venture into the stream often face challenges that provide many lessons in life. Certainly patience, preparation, and dealing with adversity are among these lessons. I have had an ongoing battle, so to speak, in a specific fishing hole within a particular small fishing stream. The operative word here is “small.” As such, the downed trees and branches create obstacles that while they make great habitat for the local fish, they make it nearly impossible … Read More
Live Streaming for Nature’s Screen Time
Enjoying the great outdoors far outweighs time spent watching TV. When choosing between the fishing tube or the boob tube, it’s no contest for those with an appreciation for all that nature has to offer. No concern over obscenity, whether audible or visual, other than the rare expletive that may be expressed by some frustrated fishermen. For the most part, it’s meditative and a place to express gratitude for our creator, as well as provide for your family, if you’re lucky. I’ve recently enjoyed a couple of what I would call productive outings in my … Read More
Nothing can beat fall fishing in Michigan
The origin of the name “Michigan” is derived from the Native American (Chippewa) word, meicigama, which means “great water”. Known as the Great Lakes state, Michigan offers wonderful fishing opportunities the year round, and for more fish species than anywhere else in this country. Although a lot of folks place a main focus on hunting, anglers in the know, realize that fall fishing can be very productive, as well as extremely entertaining. According to Jason Gostiaux, a MDNR Fisheries Biologist for the Southern Lake Huron Management Unit, the fall season offers Michigan anglers the advantage … Read More
Essential Gear For A Fly-In Fishing Trip
Well folks, the day has come and it is time to start going through my gear to prepare for another fly-in- fishing trip to one of my favorite lakes in the Canadian wilderness. It’s been almost 3 years since my last trip as I was filming football games the past two seasons and didn’t want to miss a single opportunity to watch my son play varsity football. Now that he has graduated, it’s time to slip away with my father in law to enjoy another week of peace and tranquility on a private lake in … Read More
Hook and line adventures during the Dog Days of summer
Most folks often assume the Dog Days get their name from the mid to late summer’s dry and hot weather which of course, can be hard on dogs. However, the name comes from the late summer timeframe in which the Dog Star, “Sirius”, named by ancient Romans, can be readily seen. The Dog Days timeframe is typically July 3 to August 11, but for me, it runs from the beginning of July all the way to mid-September, and it is when I truly enjoy fishing during a very relaxing and often sultry atmosphere. I’m primarily … Read More
The First Annual Free Cass River Rough Fish Derby was a great day for all
The Dead Waters of the Cass River has a lot of local history associated with it. Its name has nothing to do with being stagnant but is in reference to the fact that it lacks very little current caused by a pair of river-wide limestone shelves located over a mile apart creating a natural basin possessing a unique limestone-associated river bottom topography. In essence, it is a long and narrow lake. In 1900, a wooden bridge spanned where M-53 is now located, and where Pinney Lodge catered to visiting anglers, and even … Read More
Duck… Duck… Goose… Spring is Finally on the Loose!
Oh, what sweet relief as the undeniable signs of spring arrive. From the distant gobble of a turkey and many bird songs, to the bulbs surfacing in my garden. One can’t help but smile, especially after such a challenging winter, with the ice storm of a century now just five weeks behind us. But perhaps one of our most pleasing encounters has been the almost daily stream traffic of ducks. We’re amazed at the unique details each possess. The distinct differences between male and female mergansers, at least at first glance, might lead one to … Read More