A few years back, the Kalin’s Pendu Jig hit the market.
As someone who frequently fishes with jig heads, I remember being immediately intrigued by the prospect of being able to add more action to my presentations.
Recently, I put these jigs to the test. Here’s what I learned:
Continue reading “Kalin’s Pendu Jig Review”
Each year, dip netting season brings an important part of me back to life.
This tradition, that doesn’t seem quite as popular with other folks as I recall it being in my childhood, is one of the first true signs of spring. It means longer, warmer days are coming which, in turn, means more time fishing, hunting, birding, or simply being outdoors. Sure, I do all of those activities in the winter months, but it’s just not the same when you are consistently at odds with the elements.
Continue reading “Important reminders”
I struggle to think of anything in my life that changed my priorities faster than having a child.
Not moving off to college or paying my bills for the first time. Even starting a new job or getting married pale in comparison to everything that comes with being responsible for a human life—the task of of shaping and building the very reality of another living thing.
Continue reading “On fatherhood and fishing”
It’s no secret that stick baits are something of a cheat code in the bass fishing world. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who has impacted bass fishing the way Gary Yamamoto did when he introduced us to the Senko in 1996.
In my experience, these plastics strike a balance of catching the volume and size of fish I’m after that few other options offer.
So It makes sense that loads of companies offer their take on the holy grail of stick baits. I’ve spent money with many of them.
But when I saw an Instagram post from Wisconsin-based company BIGG Mouth Fishing, I was immediately intrigued.
Continue reading “BIGG Mouth Fishing Stick Bait Review”
Recently, I spent lunch break fishing North Pier in Sheboygan.
I had the good fortune of speaking with a lot of very nice folks, many from out of state, who were out and about enjoying a beautiful day.
The most frequent question I got: what are all those dead fish in the water?
Continue reading “What are those little dead fish in Lake Michigan?”
“If you want something you have never had, you must do something you’ve never done.”
The fact that this quote is frequently misattributed to Thomas Jefferson shouldn’t take away its sentiment. It certainly doesn’t for me.
After I came up empty in my mission to land my first inland trout on a fly rod during the early season, my friend Brandon offered me an opportunity. His family owns a cabin in Langlade County and he discovered an abundance of quality trout fishing spots during some scouting trips last year. He told me I was welcomed to join him for an adventure that would likely get me off the schneid.
Continue reading “Hunting for trout”
Spring can be one of the best seasons to catch fish.
But this time of year can also be one of the most frustrating for anglers, especially for those of us who live in places susceptible to especially volatile weather like Wisconsin.
Continue reading “How to catch more fish in spring”
On an overcast, unseasonably mild January day, I found myself on one knee, my neoprene waders protecting my skin from the condensed pack of fading snow I was parked in.
In front of me was a small pool of the Mullet River protected by frosted cedars and plenty of downed timber. My left hand clutched the butt end of the nine-foot fly rod I had borrowed from my friend and fishing companion, Brandon. My right hand held the flies that were supposed to be attached to my tippet which now swung naked in the gentle breeze.
I was out of breath, drenched in sweat, and there was a steady stream of blood flowing out of my left thumb from an unintentionally self-inflicted wound undoubtedly caused by my haste.
Continue reading “Fly Fishing Reflections”
When I originally started putting together this numbers-driven yearly recap in 2020, I had two goals: the first was to show that the information and perspectives I share through my work are the product of significant personal experience.
The second was simply to let my inner nerd breathe for a little while.
This is the fourth installment of this annual series and, looking back, I am pleasantly surprised at how popular this piece tends to be. Each year, this collection of numbers is one of the 10 most-viewed pages on my site.
Thank you all for a great 2023. Let’s take a look back at the year that was:
Continue reading “My 2023 outdoor adventures, by the numbers”
Author’s Note: This is the conclusion of a three-part series. Click the links to view Part 1 and Part 2.
As I pulled in to my driveway and opened the garage door well after sunset on Sunday night, I noticed that Lyza had already turned on the garage light for JT and I.
While I certainly enjoyed my time in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, it felt great to be home. As I began unpacking the truck, I was greeted by the welcomed site of my wife standing in the garage, holding our young son. I was excited for JT to get to meet our little guy for the first time.
Continue reading “Feeling the love – Part 3”
Nathan Woelfel Outdoors 