Backwoods Bound Bullet

ARTICLE: STAY SAFE WHEN BOATING By Marian Contagio

 People; who own or rent a boat enjoy being on the water. It doesn't make any difference whether it is cruise on a river in a motorboat or rowing a simple boat on a quiet pond. The combination of water, sunshine, and the company of friends makes for a delightfully pleasant time.

 Whatever; your taste in water transportation, managing a boat can be exhilarating and challenging. But if you're the one in charge of steering, renting, or navigating the vessel, it is important to follow a few basic safety rules and be sure that your passengers do likewise.

 1.; First and foremost, the concept of don't drink and drive applies to the water as well. The person in charge of the boat must not drink before or during the boat trip. In reality, no one onboard should be drinking while out on the water. Most boating accidents can be blamed on alcohol impairing the judgment of the pilot in command of the boat. No one on board should be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

 2.; State boating laws require that there is a life preserver on board for every passenger. Before leaving the dock, make sure that all life preservers are indeed on board and that everyone knows where they are located. If there are children on board, make certain that there is a child's life preserver of the correct size for each child.

 3.; Everyone on board has come on the boating trip for a good time. Be sure to remind passengers to behave prudently. It is tempting to feel free on the water and engage in foolish behavior, perhaps even to give in to the temptation to push someone overboard. The dangers of reckless behavior on a boat are obvious.

 4.; Observe boat safety laws for that body of water. Most rivers, lakes, or seaways post specific rules of usage for their areas, including speed limit and maneuvering regulations for various types of craft. Familiarize yourself with these rules and hold to them to keep from getting cited or hurting someone.

 5.; Keep an eye on the weather. Storms can come up suddenly while you're on the water, and sometimes you cannot make it back to port before one hits. Have an emergency plan for a heavy storm, including lightening strike prevention, swamping, or flipping over. Check your radio to be sure it works properly in case you need it for a weather or accident-related emergency.

 Boating; can be enjoyable no matter what boat you have. Keeping safety in mind while boating will keep any outing enjoyable.

 Marian; Contagio is the owner of For Boating, which is the premier resource for everything about boating. For questions or comments about this article, please visit: http://www.forboating.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ARTICLE: YEAR ROUND SPINNERBAIT TACTICS By Steve vonBrandt

• Spinnerbaits are not just a tool for the spring and fall. Spinnerbaits can be deadly, if the right ones are fished in a variety of situations whether it be the East Coast or the West. The trick is to be able to distinguish, which is the right one for the right situation?

• Spinnerbaits can fished in so many different ways, all of which, produce BIG BASS from north to south, east to west. They can be fished through the water column top to bottom. They are really a versatile bait if you know the little tricks it takes to fish them effectively. They can be fished many ways by varying the retrieve, weight of the bait, blade size, and the trailer. You have a bait here that can work a water column and can catch fish from 1-25 feet, and because it is so versatile, you can fish it fast, slow, and in all seasons of the year.

• The first time I discovered this, I was amazed at how many fish I had must have missed in my youth, by not knowing how to fish a spinnerbait here in the Northeast.

• When it was October here in Delaware, I went hunting until the end of Quail season. Soon after 1976, I read my first issue of Basssmaster magazine, and I decided that if they could do it, then I could too! Soon after, in late December in Delaware, I caught my first bass on a "Stan Sloan" single nickel colorado blade,(with a purple skirt, with rattles on the arm,) by letting it flutter into a sunken tree, in 10 foot deep, 36 degree water, I soon felt that sluggish pull on the line ;" like a pile of leaves or grass", not until then, did I realize that I could catch bass year round on the right spinnerbaits with a little patience! That first spinnerbait bass was well over 6 pounds, and it was a different fight when she got close to the boat. It was not sluggish at all when she saw me and the trolling motor. The key is to keep it in the strike zone, and most lures are made so that you can work them as slowly as you want to, while still keeping them in the strike zone.

• Although all spinnerbaits catch some fish, over the years, through extensive testing of over 30 brands and combinations of blades, in different water conditions, and different times of the year, we have come to the realization, that the Terminator Titanium, and the new Tungsten baits, along with the ZAP spinnerbaits that are designed for us, are one of the few spinnerbaits that don't roll ! This is very important in catching bass! When the baits don't run true, and roll on their sides, they are nothing more that some blades on a line in our opinion. Tracking true is an important factor when considering what brand to use.

• Different blades, different diameter wires, and the material, all play a factor in how the baits function, good or bad! The sound the baits make can either catch more bass or turn them off! It is more important than most imagine. This year we are testing a new spinnerbait made by B&D; Custom Lures, that so far as shown great promise. It is called an Evolution V.

DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES

• I like to use the spinnerbait as a search tool, and kind of a depth finder and bottom contour device also. What I do is check out the structure of the lake by bumping objects, and increasing my chance for a reaction strike right then. The spinnerbait will make a different sound bumping off different objects such as, stumps, rocks, sand, pea gravel, etc. I also vary the speed a lot, and even shake the rod if necessary, trying to give the bass a different look, which is important in highly pressured waters at times. I work buzzbaits in a different manner also, which I believe is what accounts for some real lunkers that I might have otherwise missed.

• There are times when using the spinnerbait is the most effective way to catch a limit of bass. When fishing the bait in heavy cover such as pads, I employ a technique that I now know is called "fluttering" by some anglers. Basically what you do is to cast the spinnerbait out into the pads, and by moving your rod tip, and other parts of your body and positioning, you maneuver the bait through the pads, and when it comes to an opening, stop it, and let it flutter down. Many strikes come as the lure sinks, be it a spinnerbait or soft plastic, or a jig. You should make a lot of casts to the areas where you really believe the bass are, or see them, as they CAN be irritated into striking, if the bait is presented in enough variations and angles.

You can not reel the bait fast enough for a bass to be outrun by it, no matter what the blade configuration is, or what the speed of the reel is! They can catch any spinnerbait if they want to with ease. Slow rolling can be extremely effective in deep water as it is designed to imitate a crawfish on the bottom, or another type of bass forage. The trick to it is rolling it down the side of a sloping bank, a rock bar, a hump, or any underwater structure, and then slowly pumping it back to the boat. We employ the almost identical technique with a lipless crankbait with great success.

• There are also better types of spinnerbaits for different types of cover. C shaped baits tend to work better in heavy pads and grass, while a V shaped bait gets hung up more easily. Never work the spinnerbait in and around logs or lay-downs without bumping it into them, and hesitating for a split second when they hit. Many times this triggers a strike! There is way more to working this bait in lay-downs and other cover, than just throwing it in and reeling.

Riprap is another good area to slow roll spinnnerbaits. In the rocks and debris, and grass mixed in, many large bass are waiting in ambush for prey to come along, and are prime areas to slow-roll spinnerbaits. The spinnerbaits should be slow-rolled over the rocks and such, and extra action imparted to the bait is not really necessary. It should crawl over the bottom, and sometimes I give it a little twitch. All you have to do is raise the rod a slight bit, lightly shake it, and then continue slow-rolling it back to the boat.

DEEP METHODS

• When the bass are really deep I employ a technique I call deep pulling; its like a yo-yo method but a little different. I let the bait flutter all the way down, and then let it sit, then I pull it hard and way up near the surface and do it again. I use real heavy baits with colorado blades for this, usually in a chartreuse, or a chartreuse and white skirt when I fish in places that have dying shad in the winter. Anywhere else, I always use black, or black/purple combinations. I always add a little Yum or Bang in shad or crawfish scent. The only time I may change these color patterns is when I find that the primary forage of the lake or particular body of water we are on, is something else. There are places where the dominant species of forage may be Bluegill or Perch, and I adjust the colors for this accordingly. There are also a few places where the dominant species of baitfish are milroach, or Golden shiners. Then I switch to a Golden shiner skirt and Gold Blades.

TACKLE

• I like to use a 6 1/2 or a 7 foot rod for most situations. Most of my rods I use for this technique are in a medium heavy action. I really like a Fiberglass rod for these baits, but there are many new rods that are very good for spinnerbaits and crankbaits, made by G.Loomis, St.Croix, and Bass Pro Shops. Sometimes on the smaller baits I use a spinning rod with P-Line in the 10-15 rating. When the water is very clear, I use a Pline Flurocarbon. The majority of the time I use a baitcast rod with a Shimano Chronarch, with 17-20 pound line, in either the P-Line, or Berkley XL or XT, depending on the cover.

COLORS

• When I choose a color for a spinnerbait, a lot of factors come in to play. The first thing I do is pick a Shad pattern, or whatever is the dominate species in the lake. In many situations, to give the bait more lift, and create a different vibration and appearance, I double up the skirts. I use blue and white, black and white, and chartreuse and white. Sometimes I also use red, depending on the location. All of these colors give a good range of visibility under water.

• In muddy water, I have always use the same colors, Black and Blue and Red, the same goes for the nighttime. I like to use the forage in the lake if I can, such as Rainbow trout, shad, whatever, and to make it appear injured to trigger that genetic response.

• I like to use BIG spinnerbaits in the spring, when I'm in big fish waters, some right here in Delaware, and others in Maryland, Florida, Arizona, Texas, and Mexico. When fishing strictly for big bass with spinnerbaits I add on a double or triple skirt for bulk and lift, and use really big blades. Terminator makes some big blades that I really like on our spinnerbaits, as well as ZAP.

• This past year here in Delaware, we landed 3 bass in one day on big spinnerbaits, that went seven and eight pounds. Sometimes we even break off the tails of worms for trailers, and many times in the spring, I have caught some huge bass from 10 inches of muddy water with a big spinnerbait with a plastic trailer. Bearpawsnadpouredbaits, in Walden, New York, makes some good baits that we also use for trailers on our spinnerbaits. We have had a great response from bass in the Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania areas using a double Golden Shiner skirt. The bluegill, and Shad patterns top the list overall though. Sometimes, reversing the skirts on the baits presents a different profile, and will also trigger hard to get strikes.

• The spinnerbait isn't just a bait for beginners, although it is a great bait to break in a novice or child to the sport of bass fishing. But in the hands of an expert, it is a versatile year round bait, that can catch "HUGE" bass.

• Steve and his son Kurt vonBrandt are tournament anglers as well as guides and video producers, and have their own radio and TV shows on the Internet and Comcast cable in the area. They are also Redman/BFL regional qualifiers, and the 1998, 1999 and 2001 Big Bass World Champs/Delaware.

You can book a trip or order a videotape from S&K; Guide Service that will help you learn new techniques to catch both largemouth and smallmouth bass by simply dropping them an email at [email protected] or by visiting the website at www.skguideservice.com .

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ARTICLE: BIRD WATCHING FUNDAMENTALS By Elanna Frennes

 Bird; watching is a wonderful chance in our lives to take time and enjoy the nature around us. Bird watching allows us to relax and at the same time sharpen our awareness of the "great outdoors." Bird watching challenges a person to become a part of nature. It is such an excellent way to understand more about nature and the habits of our feathered friends.

 Bird; watchers need to be more observant than others when looking at the world outdoors. Bird watchers look for glimpses of color amidst in the leafy bushes and trees, seeking an elusive or novel bird species. Bird watchers listen carefully for subtle differences in bird calls. Most avid bird watchers can distinguish the species of a bird by just tiny differences in the bird call.

 Beginning; bird watchers may become frustrated at the seeming complexity of their new hobby. They leave home carrying an identification book, binoculars and recording book. Just as they spot a dash of color, the binoculars are out focus. And how do you read a field guide when looking through binoculars? However, the true bird enthusiast will persevere and learn to adapt to the new dexterity needed for this wonderful hobby. It is such a special way to learn more about nature and the splendors of our feathered friends.

 However;, bird watching does not require long hikes into the woodlands in order to see birds in their native habitat. Birds abound in urban and suburban neighborhoods as well as local parks. They have made such a comeback in the cities that many species, such as falcons, can be found downtown.

 At; the local park is an excellent place to hone those skills with binoculars and field guide. It does take some practice to locate and track birds while adjusting the focus of the binoculars at the same time. However, once you master the use of the binoculars, you can then pay attention to actually watching birds and track their movement.

 The; other essential tool for a bird watcher is a field guide. There are many great field guides for birds in North America. There are even specific state guides to identify the many bird varieties in a specific region. One of the best field guides is published by the National Geographic Society, The Field Guide to the Birds of North America.

 But; before using the field guide on trips, it is really necessary to become familiar with its layout and how to find the birds in it that are likely to be in your area. A field guide dedicated to your state or region may be preferred for a novice bird watcher.

 Bird; watching is a unique hobby. While it requires a little effort to become proficient at identifying a bird, most "birders" will quickly become skilled enough to identify the more than 900 variety of birds in North America.

 The; author, Elanna Frennes, has created a website with a tremendous resource for birding information. For this and other birding topics, please visit: http://www.finebird.com.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In this issue:

BACKWOODS TRIVIA: This one was sent in by Joe Gardner for the car buffs. Thanks Joe.

When was the Ford Model T introduced?

Find the answer at the end of this newsletter.

Send your trivia questions to [email protected] .

** STATE SHAPED TROPHY PLAQUES **

 Mount; this spring's trophy trout or crappie on a Backwoods Bound State Shaped Trophy Plaque. Add a special touch and let everyone know where you caught your once in a lifetime trophy. You can pay for glued together sawdust if you want or spend your hard earned cash for a plaque made from solid oak. They are handcrafted right here in the heartland of the U.S.A. and not in some foreign factory. Americans working for Americans. Mount your trophy on something unique this year and have it stand out from the rest.

 It; is also time to get those antlers out of the garage and into the house. It's hard to brag about the last falls hunting adventure when your trophy is collecting dust on your workbench. Order a Backwoods Bound State Shaped Trophy Plaque. You'll be glad you did! Remember that ALL the states and Canadian provinces are available. For more information and photos or to place your order go to www.backwoodsbound.com/catalog.html.

RECIPE:   CATFISH CREOLE

* In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.

* Blend in the flour, stirring constantly until brown. Do Not Scorch!

* Add the water and cook until thick and smooth.

* Add the rest of the ingredients, except the rice and stir together.

* Cover and simmer 10 - 15 minutes or until the fish starts to flake.

* Remove the bay leaves and lemon slices.

* Serve over the rice in individual bowls.

* Sprinkle on Tabasco sauce if desired.

For more great recipes fish recipes go to: www.backwoodsbound.com/zfish.html

** ADVERTISE HERE! **

Place your ad here for only $6.00 an issue. Be seen by over 1500 potential buyers! Reduced rates for multiple issues. For more details go to www.backwoodsbound.com/advertise.html or e-mail us [email protected].

RECOMMEND THE BACKWOODS BOUND BULLET TO A FRIEND!

Know a friend who enjoys the outdoors as much as you do? Recommend The Bullet to them. It's easy to do, just follow this link or copy and paste the url into your browser! http://www.cumuli.com/ezines/backwo.ezine Thank you!

FISHIN' TIPS: Ever tried fly-fishing for bluegill? Get yourself a 7 to 8 foot fly rod and use a 6 lb. leader on your fly-line. Try a variety of flies. Gillies, like most fish will hit different types and colors of lures better at different times. A simple change of color or pattern can start them to biting. Some fishermen try to match the hatch. Here are a few suggestions. For dry fly patterns try: a grasshopper, foam-rubber spiders, poppers, Goofus Bug and other dry flies. For a wet fly try: Wolly worms, Black Gnat, sponge-rubber spiders, Nymphs and others.

Send your tips to [email protected] and we will post them on the site or use them in an upcoming issue of The Bullet

** BACKWOODS BOUND CHILI SEASONING MIX **

 Spring; maybe here but there are still plenty of cool days when a pot of chili would hit the spot. Backwoods Bound Chili Seasoning Mix is a unique blend of spices that makes a perfect pot of chili every time. And remember that it's not only for chili. Try making some delicous tasting fajitas, enchiladas, jambalaya or tostadas! See the complete collection of recipes for our Chili Seasoning Mix at: www.backwoodsbound.com/zchili.html and be sure to send in yours.

 Backwoods; Bound Chili Seasoning Mix, it's simple to use and great tasting too! What else could you want? Use our secure on-line ordering system at www.backwoodsbound.com/chili.html OR pick some up today at Columbia Mini Mart on Main Street in Columbia, Illinois.

 Backwoods; Bound Chili Seasoning Mix - "Not To Mild... Not To Hot... Treat Yourself And Make A Pot!"

WHAT'S NEW

• As always there are new photos to see and new recipes to try. See the new photos at www.backwoodsbound.com/bbphotos.html, www.backwoodsbound.com/fishphotos.html and www.backwoodsbound.com/huntphotos.html. And browse through the recipes at www.backwoodsbound.com/recipe.html.

Don't forget to visit our newest affiliate, eBladestore.com. They offer all of the major brands including Buck, Camillus, Case, Fishkars, Chicago Cutlery and Victorinox. If you need a fillet knife or a new knife for camp, they have a huge selection to choose from. Click on one of their many banners placed on our site or copy and paste this url into your browser window: ebladestore.com (link no longer active) .

• ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

** ADVERTISE HERE! **

Place your ad here for only $6.00 an issue. Be seen by over 1400 potential buyers! Reduced rates for multiple issues. For more details go to www.backwoodsbound.com/advertise.html or e-mail us [email protected].

See this month's Crazy Captions photo at: www.backwoodsbound.com/funphotos.html and send us your Crazy Caption. Have a photo that would make a great Crazy Caption? Send it to [email protected].

INTERESTING QUOTE: "Accident is the name of the greatest of all inventors" - Mark Twain

Seen or heard an interesting or humorous quote? Send it in and we'll post them next month. Send them to: [email protected]

RECIPE: - GOOEY BUTTER CAKE

* In a bowl, mix together the cake mix, butter and beaten egg.

* Spread evenly into greased or floured a 9 x 13 inch cake pan.

* Mix together the cream cheese, eggs and 3 cups powdered sugar.

* Spread this evenly over the top of the cake mix.

* Bake at 350 degrees for 35 - 40 minutes.

* Remove from oven and sprinkle with a little powdered sugar and chopped pecans if desired.

* Allow to cool completely before serving

For more dessert recipes visit our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/zdess.html.

HUNTIN' TIP: - The only tips this month are to clean and oil your guns before putting them away until fall. Clean your gear and make a list of what needs to be repaired or replaced. Keep the list handy as many retailers have their hunting gear on clearance this time of year and you may find an incredible bargain. Check out www.backwoodsbound.com/huntprduct1.html frequently as we list items on sale from Bass Pro Shops.

For more tips visit our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/tipshunting.html. Send your tips to: [email protected].

** ADVERTISE HERE **

Place your ad here for only $6.00 an issue. Be seen by 1500 potential buyers! Reduced rates for multiple issues. Contact us at [email protected] for details.

FUN FACTS: - The term "the whole nine yards" came from WWII. The ammo belts on the plane's machine guns was exactly 27 feet long. So when the pilot fired all their ammo at the target, the target got the "whole nine yards" Our thanks to Bee for sending this in.

Nicole Gearing sent in this one, "Did you know that tornadoes usually only last 5 to ten minutes?" Thanks Nicole.

RECIPE: - BBQ GOOSE

* Wash and pat dry the breasts.

* Place in a crockpot and cover with apple juice.

* Cook on low 7 - 8 hours.

* Remove the meat and rinse with clean water. Discard juice.

* Shred the meat into pieces.

* Return to crockpot and add bbq sauce.

* Cook until heated through.

Our thanks to Brent Mizell for this recipe. For more recipes go to: www.backwoodsbound.com/recipe.html.