Seeking Fishing Misadventure Stories

Casagrande Press is looking for fishing stories that are bizarre, disastrous, or comical. They are seeking fishing misadventure stories, articles, and essays for publication in the forthcoming book Fishing's Greatest Misadventures. The book will be published in 2008 and will present 30 true stories which cover the spectrum from terrifying to comical to bizarre. Casagrande Press will not accept stories about dynamite fishing, cyanide fishing, whaling, dolphin hunting or other forms of sea mammal hunting. Open to fishing enthusiasts and writers of all levels. For more information go to www.casagrandepress.com/fishing.htm.

Attention Armchair Fishermen

If you are an armchair fisherman, or just can't make it out to fish when you would like, Aksys Games Inc, has created a new game for the Wii called "Hooked". It even comes with a free controller that is shaped like a fishing pole. Pre-release sales are being accepted from many stores now. You can check it out at Gamestop.com or most other online game stores. The features include multiplayer, realistic fishing controls, a wide range of fishing environments, and a tournament mode. If you are a Wii person, this could be for you.

Tips Sheets Available to Help Beginning Fishermen

Anglers' Legacy, an organization whose purpose is to introduce more people to recreation fishing, has put together a set of tip sheets that can be very helpful for new fishermen. Anglers' Legacy encourages fishermen to take a pledge to introduce a new person to fishing. Most of us remember the person who took us fishing for the first time, so you could be that person for someone else. The tip sheets might come in handy for that. There are 8 tip sheets on a variety of subjects including fishing terminology, knot tying, and basic boat care. Click here for a link to the tip sheets and to learn more about Anglers' Legacy.

Best Father's Day Ever

Yesterday was Father's Day and I spent quite a bit of time fishing with my 8 year old son. We didn't have time to take the boat out, so we tried two new fishing spots near Des Moines then ended up fishing at the old stand by Maffit Lake. I can't think of a better way to spend Father's Day than fishing with my son. When I put him to bed last night he said, "Dad, this was the best Father's Day Ever." That certainly made my day.

Bassmaster Elite Series Comes to Iowa

For the first time ever, the Bassmaster Elite Series comes to Iowa. This will be the first time in Iowa and the first time for the Elite Series on the Mississippi River. As an Iowan I am very excited and will be making my hotel reservations soon. The event is scheduled for June 26-29, 2008 in Fort Madison which is located in the far southeast corner of Iowa. Read more about the 2008 Elite Series.

SteelShad - An Innovative New Fishing Lure

I had the opportunity to try out my new SteelShad lure this past weekend. I purchased a package of 5 lures last winter but hadn't tried them yet. Well, I have to say it lived up to its claims. I landed my first fish, a 1.5 pound white bass, on the third or fourth cast. And prceeded to catch several more. As a matter of fact it is the only lure I caught anything on that day. I don't sell them but you can learn more and purchase a SteelShad at www.steelshad.com. The lure is very versatile. It can run deep or shallow depending the speed of the retrieve and can be made to swim like a wounded shad. It also has a nice vibration to it. I would say every angler should have a set in their tackle box.

FishAmatic Automatic Hook Setter

The FishAmatic is one of the most innovative fishing products of the decade. Invented by a retired engineer from John Deere, the FishAmatic catches fish on an unmanned pole before the fish has a chance to swallow the hook. It has been one of our most popular products sold from coast to coast. For more information and to view a short video demo go to www.crazyfisherman.com/fishamatic.html. The device is great for kids or when a fisherman is fishing with several poles at one time. The Ice FishAmatic is also available.

New Series of Baits by Strike Pro

There are times when fishing is slow and a more natural lure presentation is required. Anglers now have a couple of new choices. Strike Pro's Flex Phantom (crankbait) and the Flex X (minnow bait) feature a patented joint system that creates a natural swimming motion. The lures also include a fish attracting flasher and a skin coating that add to the bait's appeal. Veiw Strike Pro's website www.strikeproamerica.com for more information.

Interesting Information about Bass Fishing Records

This information may come in handy someday in a Trivia Pursuit game or you may just find it interesting if you are a fisherman. This data was reported by Bassmaster, there website is www.bassmaster.com.

All of the largest 25 bass were caught January through June, with the most record bass caught in March. California takes claim to 21 of the top 25. Tuesday was the most productive day of the week; however none were caught on a Wednesday. Live bait was the most popular bait accounting for 10, swimbaits 6, plastic worms 2, crankbaits 2, jerkbaits 2, blade bait 1, jig 1, lipless crankbait 1.

As I mentioned, this is just interesting stuff for a fisherman.