As I look outside, I may have some doubts concerning the whereabouts of the arriving spring. It is, however, closer than we might think. It will soon be the first of March, and as the days get longer and the temperatures increase, we will quickly begin to see the signs of spring.
Rosalie thinks this is an eternal or “infernal” winter, but just hang in there a bit and it’ll go away and the grass will need mowing again. I think it may be a bit premature to fuel up the lawn mower just yet VGP-BPS10 , VGP-BPS10A , VGP-BPS10A/B , but it’s time to get tackle and lawn tools ready for early spring use. It’s a good guideline to always put more hours on your fishing gear than your lawn mower. This keeps all things in perspective.
Rosalie has been sorting out the seeds from last year’s garden of flowers and vegetables in preparation for the planting season and exploring the seed catalogs for 2010 selections. We are still enjoying the fruits of her efforts from last year’s crops on a daily basis. The garden goodies coupled with some fine venison or wild hog sausage makes some fine winter vittles.
Along with the thoughts of flowers and gardening come anticipations of warming waters and some fine spring fishing. We are fortunate to have some power plant lakes nearby that provide winter fishing, but it is even nicer to visit some of the other lakes as they begin their transition period from winter to spring. Even though we still look for that magic number around 50 degrees that indicates that a larger number and more active fish are available, we still need to get out on the water as soon as possible. Certainly crappies are active in the cooler water temperature, and bass can be caught in limited numbers when the water is cooler than 50, but that seems to be the point where the greatest transition occurs.
Fishing these lakes at lower temperatures may not produce great numbers of fish VGP-BPS9 , VGP-BPS9/B , VGP-BPS9A , but it gives you an opportunity to hone your mechanical skills and familiarize yourselves with the differing characteristics of the lakes.
Improving your casting and presentation skills will pay off well as the season progresses. Since we do not expect to catch as many fish (if any) we don’t mind taking the time to explore the lakes more thoroughly looking for underwater structure, sunken islands, creek channels and such. Many times it is these newfound treasures that pay off later. Since we already know where they are, we don’t have to waste time locating them. Be sure to mark your maps and make triangulation drawings to help you find them later. Even better, mark them on your GPS.
This is also the time to put the finishing touches on your tackle repairs, oil up your reels, put on new line, replace bent and broken hooks, and tune up any mechanical equipment. Don’t forget your batteries.
These are the heart of your fishing experiences. If in doubt, go by VGP-BPS2A Specialists in Mattoon or Charleston and have Gene or one of the guys check them for you. They will evaluate your batteries and give you and honest opinion of their condition.
Sports shows
There are way too many shows to list here with all the relevant information, so I’ll hit the highlights, VGP-BPS2B ,VGP-BPS2C , VGP-BPL2 and if you want more info, just visit your Adventure Sports Outdoors Magazine or visit Prairie Outfitters in Charleston for additional info.
- Feb. 5-7 — Southern Illinois Boat and Fishing Show, Williamson County Pavilion, Marion
- Feb. 10-14 — Chicago RV and Camper Show, Rosemont
- Feb. 10-14 — St. Louis Boat and Sports Show, St Louis
- Feb. 10-13 — Tinley Park Fishing Show, Tinley Park
- Feb. 19-21 — St Louis Deer Classic, Collinsville
- Feb. 20-21 — Effingham Gun Show, KC Hall, Effingham
- Feb. 27-28 — Bloomington Gun Show, Gateway Center, Bloomington
- Feb. 26-28 — The Boat Show, Springfield
- Feb. 26-28 — Illinois Deer and Turkey Classic, Bloomington
- Feb. 27 — Illini Team Trail Fishing Show, Homer, Old CIPS building, tackle, speakers, friends, boats, etc.
- March 5-7 — Central Illinois Recreation Show, Peoria
- March 5-7 — Boat and Fishing Show, Rockford
-March 13-14 — Belleville Gun Show, Fairgrounds, Belleville
- March 26-28, Springfield RV and Camping Show, Springfield
- March 27-28 — St Louis Gun and Knife Show, St Charles Convention Center.
- March 6-7 — Collinsville Gun Show, Gateway Center, Collinsville
While the above is just a portion of the many shows available, it’s obvious that the outdoor sports industry is still alive and well in a sagging economy. There are many ways and means of enjoying our great outdoors without “breaking the bank.” Get out to some of the shows and then venture out into the world of fishing, camping, shooting sports and many other outdoor recreational activities. It’s fun and affordable.
It’s faith, family and fishin’.
Dave Shadow is the Journal Gazette/Times-Courier’s hunting and fishing columnist.