fishing

Iowa’s State Record Fish: Part III

Iowa’s State Record Fish: Part III By Ben Leal This month’s entry into our recent look at Iowa’s State record fish will focus on just a couple more of our favorite species. We’ve taken a pretty good look at a wide variety of sports fish, all of which are well deserved to be in the […]

2022 Sportsman’s Christmas Guide

Fishing for the Predator of Predators: The Muskie

Fishing for the Predator of Predators: The Muskie By Steve Weisman Mention the fall season and you’ll find anglers going after all kinds of fish: walleyes, largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch and other panfish. However, there is a group of anglers that go after the top of the food chain, the predator of predators…the muskellunge. […]

Unlocking Secrets to Trolling for Walleyes

Unlocking Secrets to Trolling for Walleyes By Steve Weisman As a fishing guide on the Iowa Great Lakes, M. Doug Burns is often asked by anglers, “What should I do when I troll for walleyes?” Burns, who has been a professional guide since 1986, begins to answer this question by saying, “There is not one […]

Fishing for September Walleye

Fishing for September Walleye What’s the most popular freshwater fish for the table? That will vary according to where you live. In the South, crappie and catfish vie for the honors. But throughout the Midwest and Great Plains, the walleye reigns supreme. Chasing after these fish can be a challenge. In the spring, they are […]

Fishing Iowa

Fishing Iowa By Ben Leal When it comes to fishing here in Iowa, we have one of the most diverse opportunities than many other states. We’re bookended by two major rivers, the Mississippi and Missouri, and in between lies a variety of opportunities for anglers to chase after their favorite quarry. Whether you’re fishing for […]

Learning to Fly Fish Iowa

Learning to Fly Fish Iowa When you think fly fishing, I’ll bet you picture mountains, streams and waders – at least I do. However, some excellent opportunities exist right here in Iowa. All Iowans have access to either public or private ponds or lakes. When ponds or lakes are calm and the surface is glassy, […]

Summer Skin Care

Summer Skin Care My friend grabbed his hat before we ventured outside. I’m used to seeing him without a hat, so this was a little different routine. I must have had a confused look on my face, because he began to explain a meeting he had with his physician, warning him of his increased risk […]

Importance of Using A Quality Fillet Knife

Importance of Using a Quality Fillet Knife When I was younger, around eight years old, I wanted my Dad to show me how to fillet a fish. We had been fishing at our pond and had caught some bass. My Dad showed me the basics: how to clean a bass, don’t leave the ribcage on […]

Fishing West Okoboji

Fishing West Okoboji One of the reasons for my moving to Estherville back in 1978 was its location to the Iowa Great Lakes. I was intrigued by the diversity that these lakes offer. No matter the time of year, there always seems to be something biting, especially this summer season where it seems that multiple […]