Spooking The Fish

As I grew up learning to fish, I was constantly reminded by my parents and grandparents to stay quiet or I would risk scaring off the fish. It turns out, this was a common occurrence for many people while growing up. While contemplating how I would teach my own kids how to fish, I wondered how much truth there really is to that warning and what other things could be working against me. So, being an engineer, I decided to do some research.

Turns out that since sound doesn't travel well between air and water, normal talking and carrying on doesn't typically scare fish as much as it irritates Grandpa. Fish also don't respond much too high pitch noises, so sorry about the shrieking laughter Mom and Dad, but it's not going to make a difference.

What WILL make the fish swim away is low-frequency noise, vibration, and being seen. Low-frequency noise such as boat motors and baritone voices (Grandpa yelling at us to be quiet) will translate from air or ground to water much more efficiently. These vibrations, just like dropping pliers on the deck of an aluminum boat, will be frightening to fish within reach. Other such causes of vibration are heavy footsteps or stomping. So if you're upset about missing that "monster" belonging to the tree-fish or stick-bass species, you'll need to tiptoe in exasperation instead of jumping up and down, think ballerina rather than professional wrestling. Excessive splashing, like that caused by throwing rocks or swimming, is almost always going to be too much noise and be a visual deterrent.

Many fish species are visual and use their sight for hunting and avoiding predators. So to avoid ruining chances just by showing up, here are some things to remember. Fish don't care if you're ugly, so you don't need to worry about dressing up, but what you wear DOES matter. Lot's of pro's consider water clarity for choosing bait color, but how many consider it when choosing the color of clothing and style of hat. If your clothing is in striking contrast to what is behind you, those fish will be able to spot something out of the ordinary, and will most likely consider you a predator. Instead, pick something that will blend in. Camo or dark clothing for a wooded backdrop, light blue or white to match the sky. Large or off-color hats will be just as noticeable.

Scent is also an overlooked factor. Species, like catfish, use smell more than sight to locate prey. this is also a heavy factor when fishing muddy or murky waters. We use scent attractants all the time, but did you know fish HATE the taste of sunscreen just as much as lotion, makeup, and hand sanitizer? These are things that easily transfer to bait, jigs, and bobbers that are unappetizing to fish. If you can't handle using the lake water, make sure to have a damp cloth and some clean water to remove unwanted smells from your hands before you handle your tackle. That's just plain good life advice as well. Another good reminder is not to potty where you fish. Urine in the water isn't healthy for the food that your target fish hunt, so fish won't stick around long. Please don't swim under my fishing lines to go pee, that's what the coffee can or a "terlet" is for.

To summarize, Grandpa needs to be quieter than the kids. He also needs to remain seated and stop dropping and throwing things. Blend in with your background, keep your hands clean, and don't pee on the fish. I hope knowing some things about what NOT to do is as helpful as all the hints and tricks and tips you get from the pros.

Remember to mind your manners, pay attention, and go home safe.

Passion or Hobby

Lot's of people in Oklahoma like to hunt and fish, but how many of those people LOVE to hunt and fish? I believe there is a big difference between those two groups. Let's discuss.

Those who like to hunt and fish might consider it just as a hobby. They aren't aware of what temperatures the crappie spawn or when opening day of deer archery is. They have a pole or two that hasn't been taken care of, with the same line that came with it when it was first bought. Maybe the tackle selection includes the remnants of a couple cheap kit-type tackle packages are all they have to choose from. Maybe the most they have for the woods is an old rifle and outdated military surplus camo.

Those who LOVE to hunt and fish have a PASSION for it, they read about it and think about it and are working towards fitting in as much of both activities as possible. Dates are memorized, temperatures are scanned multiple times per day, and we are always practicing for that specific defining moment that makes spending time in the outdoors so amazing. The sheer volume of tackle, rods, reels, cover scent, camo clothes and bags of trail cam equipment are enough to fill a mini storage. Gear has been gone over several times, has been well maintained, and maybe even a few "luxury" items, like castable fish finders, are included.

Now, there are obviously a couple groups that fall in between those extremes. Those with mixed gear and mixed feelings on how often one should be putting lines in the water or butt in a stand. I'm not concerned with them for the purpose of this discussion.

What I am wanting to discuss most here are a group of unlucky people who are passionate about the outdoors but do not get to spend the time needed to fulfill the desire. I understand that the vast majority would prefer to hunt or fish instead of work or do chores around the house, but I'm talking about those that are home in the evenings looking out of the kitchen window wondering if the bucks are in velvet yet, or whether the crappie have started moving shallow.

I fit in that group mostly because of my priorities. If I had more time in the week, I'm sure I could work out a bit more time in the woods or on the lake, but until it's my full-time job I won't be getting enough time to fill that desire in my bones to be confident of my skills and quality of outing. A seasoned sportsperson should have confidence in the quality of the outing, but know that guaranteed quarry is only a dream, especially on public access spots.

Finding that sweet spot of time spent between your passion and other things like family and obligations is a real struggle. I've learned that the way I view how my time is spent is not always how others see it. This is where the discussion comes in. I'm currently not spending very much time on the water at all. I refuse to leave my wife alone to take care of the kid by herself for more than one night a week because that is the same way she treats me. My family is more important than spending time outdoors, even though spending time outdoors is important to me. Most of my outside time is spent combining fishing while the family is playing. This has not yielded very good results for the cooler, but I know my kid is learning to swim and he watches me like a hawk while I tie on a new lure or bait a hook. In the future, I plan to focus as much on being out there as I am writing about it. I also hope that I can direct some family outings into fishing more than playing. But that is the great experiment, isn't it? Let me know what you think, leave some comments or send me a message about how you balance your love for family with your love for the outdoors.

Til next time,
Remember to mind your manners, pay attention, and go home safe.

Tips For Hiking To Your Spot with Josh The_Mauka_Man Castleman

Sometimes we have to do a bit of hiking to get to our spot. Maybe it's through tick-infested tall grass or thickly wooded areas with expertly camouflaged snakes. That won't deter me from reaching that short bluff with a brush pile at the bottom or if I have a good feeling about hunting spot. I spoke to a good buddy of mine who is experienced with hiking in all kinds of terrain and conditions. He agreed to provide some info that will be useful for those who walk the bank to fill the cooler or a tag. Here are some tips that can save you time, money, frustration and keep you out of harm's way:

Pre-Planning - This can save you a lot of time and headaches and keep you safe. If someone tells you about a new spot they might have accidentally told you to turn on the wrong side road. Some quick double checking can alleviate this problem and it might even reveal some new access points or spots. I’ve headed out to some of my spots only to find out that they’ve now been fenced off to motor vehicle access due to people dumping, going mudding or the land transferring owners. So, if you’re going to try a new spot or old spot you might want to double check that you can still get to it before you plan on spending the morning or afternoon there. Or at least have a backup plan in case you can’t access it anymore. Be aware of the weather and what’s happened in the immediate past, what's happening now and what’s going to happen in the immediate future. Did it rain the last few days? Is the trail you use going to be washed out or flooded? Is it going to rain, snow or ice while you're out? Google Maps and Google Earth are your friends. It’s 2018 and everybody has a smartphone. Even my grandma who can’t work a DVD player knows how to use a smartphone. So there’s no reason you can’t utilize one for checking aerials and the weather. Some of my favorite sites/apps to check the weather include noaa.com. NOAA Radar App (Android / iTunes), windy.com and app (Android / iTunes) and OK Mesonet App (Android / iTunes)all of which are free. There's also a ton of GPS, tracking apps and other apps you have to pay for. But the ones listed here will get you started. And last but not least always let someone know where you’re going, when you’re going and when you’re coming back. This way they’ll know where to go looking for you in case you don’t come back and they can’t reach you by phone. Hopefully, they’ll find you in time before the coyotes and buzzards get at you.

Appropriate Clothes, Bug Spray and Sunscreen - Flip-flops and sandals might be good for the beach, boat or float trip but they don’t mix well with briars and overgrown trails. It doesn’t hurt to have a pair of backup shoes or boots ready to go in the car just in case you get to the parking area and realize the trail is overgrown or covered in down limbs from a storm. Flip flops aren’t the only thing that doesn’t mix with briars. Shorts are a can be bad idea as well. If your a person who wears shorts you might want to invest in some zip off pants if you plan on traveling down overgrown trails to reach that new fishing spot. If you sunburn easy bring a long sleeve shirt there's plenty of shirts made with breathable fabric. A hat and sunscreen can also limit the exposure of your skin to the sun. Bug spray is a must-have. I’ve pulled off the road and parked only to get out and realize I’ve left the bug spray at the house or in another car or backpack. Being chased through the woods by a cloud of mosquitoes is no fun. I’ve also been covered in seed ticks so bad that it made my white socks look like they were covered in hundreds of tiny brown polka dots. It doesn’t matter how good the hunting or fishing spot is if you get there and you’re literally being eaten alive and having the life sucked out of you. Go ahead and toss one of those cheap-o ponchos into your pack or tackle box. They are cheap, small and lightweight enough to carry and will help keep you dry in case you get caught out in a downpour.

Poison Oak? Poison Ivy? Or Just Virginia Creeper? - Learn the difference between poison oak or ivy. Poison oak/ivy has three leaves. Remember the old saying of leaves of three leave them be; leaves of five stay alive or let it thrive. Virginia creeper has five leaves and is often mistaken for poison oak/ivy whose leaves tend to look slick or waxy. And while Virginia creeper can cause a reaction in some people it's nowhere near the same as poison oak/ivy.

Virgina Creeper from UMD Ext

The bad stuff

Know Your Limitations - How far in is the walk? What’s the temperature? Did you bring enough water and cold beer to keep from getting dehydrated? Knowing your body and what it's capable of can prevent injuries, heat-related illnesses and limit your chances of having a bad trip. I’ve been to some great sand bass and catfish spots that required you to climb down a steep bank using a rope tied to a tree as a handhold. That’s no problem for the younger crowd but if your 65 years old chances are you’re “rappelling” days are behind you. Is grade of the trail too steep? Are you in shape to hike up the hill and down the hill? If you shoot a deer are you going to be able to drag it back out without having a heart attack? Know your limits. You won’t impress anyone or look macho if you have a heat stroke, twist your ankle climbing hiking through thick brush and steep terrain.

Pay Attention - Remember the way in so you can remember how to get out. The only times I’ve ever been lost in the woods was by following someone else's trail. And I use the term trail loosely for some of ‘em because I’ve been on game trails that were more well defined than some known or trails marked on maps. A little used or poorly defined trail that branches off into dozens of other trails is a quick way to get you lost or prevent you from finding the spot you’re looking for. This is where the pre-planning and even in the field checking on your phone can save you time and frustration. Learn how to walk while scanning ahead and watch for obstacles so that you aren’t always having to look straight down at the trail for every step. It’s a lot easier to take in landmarks (big trees, odd shaped trees, rocks, etc) and get a bearing on your surroundings when you can look at your surroundings and not just directly at the trail in front of your feet. Watch where you step when the snakes are out especially when stepping over logs and rocks. It’s one thing to look but don’t forget to listen. I’ve avoided a lot of bad situations by hearing the buzzing sounds of stinging insects on a large nest nearby by me. I’ve also made the mistake of not paying attention and walking up on a swarm of bees only to realize it too late and having to run all the way back to the truck. Save yourself some pain and misery and pay attention and be alert to your surroundings and what’s going on in them.

A few other things to cover here really quick to close it out. Remember it’s generally frowned upon and in many cases against the law to cut down trees and brush on public land and right-of-ways or easements. But there’s no law that I know of in using a downed limb or fishing rod to push aside briars. Go ahead and toss in small flashlight and some ibuprofen or aspirin with that poncho. It doesn’t hurt to have them and if there comes a time you can use any of it you’ll be glad you have the resources available. - The_Mauka_Man Josh Castleman

My Fishing Gear

I'm one of those people that like to be prepared for just about anything. So when I'm going fishing, I bring WAY too much stuff. I would rather have my truck bed full of things I won't use than an occasion arise that requires something I left at home.

Here is a generic packing list for a couple hours of fishing.

-catfish rods (painted with glow in the dark paint)
-crappie rods
-at least one bass rod
-camping and survival gear (never know what could happen, think emergency overnight camping)
-bug nets

-minnow trap
-bug spray
-Thermocell, with at least one refill.
-sunscreen
-ice chest packed full
-tackle backpack filled with the tackle for all species, plus artificial baits

I want to be able to catch any fish that the area seems habitable for, so I increase my odds with the additional equipment. I also like to have the ability to catch some live bait if the minnows or shad or grasshoppers. If any of those are particularly active in that area, it would be a good idea to use them for bait. Matching natural food sources is a great tip for catching a ton of fish.

Now, this might be a lot to most people, but usually, everything is in that truck bed because I've been an hour away from home and realized I needed something specific, like bug spray for the time the wind stopped and the mosquitoes tried to carry me away. Those instances are sometimes painful reminders to never forget those items again and earn a permanent spot in my gear.

I've found that loading and unloading all that stuff each time helps me keep it organized, and I can determine if something needs to be repaired or replaced. Spending that little bit of time before and after each outing can prevent a wasted trip from some bad fishing line or busted rod tips.


Remember to mind your manners, pay attention, and go home safe.

The Cooler Conundrum

Hot and humid days in Oklahoma can be made much more bearable with an ice cold beverage and a fresh sandwich. But if you've got a ways to go between the pickup and your fishing spot is it really worth hauling all that extra weight? I have a few thoughts on which items are a must have, and which ones can be left in the truck or even at home.

My typical cooler plan is to keep a medium/large size cooler in the pickup, full of ice and holding what I'm not going to carry to my spot. I also have a water bottle with a D-ring to attach it to my person. If I'm hiking quite a way, I'll also bring a soft-sided cooler, like mine, to hold some extra items.

The first thing I consider is how many people are going to be out there, and the second thing is how long we will be. You should always pack plenty of water, more than you think you'll need. The rule I like to use is a gallon per person. You can buy those 1gal jugs, but to avoid hauling it around, be sure to portion it out into a water bottle like a Nalgene bottle or even a Stanely growler. Having two is even better, I keep the extra one in the soft-sided carrier. Something else I have thought of, but haven't incorporated yet is the use of a CamelBak to haul my hydration.

You should also pack some food, either a picnic type lunch or some snacks. Keeping a stable blood sugar is helpful to me when I'm out in the heat. This will make it easier for you not to forget to eat, which I tend to do when I'm outside working or playing. You can be as fancy or as simple as you want, but I bring stuff that won't need to be reheated or cooked because that would require extra equipment so that stuff will stay in the garage until I'm planning an overnighter.

Having extra ice in the big cooler will be good for keeping any fish I catch nice and cold until I get home to clean them, no one want's to find out their fish has spoiled on the long drive home in the back of a hot truck bed.

As far as packing the ice chest, I find it's more effective to put my water jugs, bottles, pop and/or beer in the bottom of the cooler first, followed by the ice. Make sure you bust the ice up BEFORE you open the bag so that the ice can get down in the little nooks to do its job better. I stack food on top of the ice, that way any melted ice can't work its way into my containers. The higher end coolers, like Yeti, RTIC, and Pelican, will have much less melting, but you can also reduce ice loss in typical budget coolers, like Coleman and Igloo, by limiting how often you get in the cooler and making sure it's closed appropriately.

The soft-sided cooler I bring with me will have a couple granola bars, an extra water bottle, and a few extra meds for allergies, heartburn, and headaches. This way I'm not going back to the truck for every little thing. I'm always sure to bring it with me when I need water and beer refills because it's easier to carry that way.

I think that should cover the basics, feel free to comment or message me with any of your suggestions.

Remember to mind your manners, pay attention, and go home safe.

ODWC Close to Home Fishing Program

You don't have to go to the big lakes to get some catching in.

Check out the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's "Close to Home" fishing program for a spot close to you. They provide good information for the popular fish in each area. Also remember to pay attention to any rules specific to the program, and definitely follow all state laws and city ordinances.

Click image to visit the website.

I've visited some of these local water holes on lunch breaks or while killing time before an appointment. I personally find these areas to be well kept and very safe. These are excellent spots to teach anyone how to fish, regardless of age.

If you need an idea for weekend plans consider going fishing locally with someone you care about.

Remember to mind your manners, pay attention, and go home safe.

Can You Make It Over This Hill?

There just isn't any sense in you hauling all your gear for a quarter mile or more of ankle torturing terrain if you aren't fit enough to handle it.

Jeff over at reddirtcache.com wrote an interesting article that is more geared towards being prepared, but it sure did resonate with me when I thought about how far I have to go to access some of those brush piles or lake feeders.

Get In Shape

There is tons of free information on basic fitness routines but my favorite routine is to haul all my gear to and from the fishing hole with a few hours rest in between reps.

Like what you read? Suffer from FOMO? Subscribe to Red Dirt Cache and OKPublicLandPro on Facebook to avoid missing out on any future posts.

Remember to mind your manners, pay attention, and go home safe.

Fish Where You Play, Play Where You Fish

Does anyone else have a lake loving family that won't let you get away with going by yourself? I do. My wife grew up going to the lake very often over the summers and we are raising our son the same way. She loves playing in the water, swimming around with an adult beverage and shooting the breeze with her friends and family. I would prefer to have lines in the water for me to stare at, waiting for one of them to move just a little.

So instead of having to choose whether to only fish or only play, we have been working on a combination. This last weekend, we spent several hours on the swim beach wading and drinking and generally carrying on. But off to the side, I had some poles in the water waiting on an unlucky catfish to get hungry. Also, to increase my chances, I grabbed a light action rod with a couple of lures and waded out just past the family to cast towards the channel hoping to entice a curious sand bass or crappie. I didn't catch anything, and I had a blast. Had I caught something, I would have had one more cleaning task that evening, but it would have been worth it.

There is always so much going on that you can easily miss a dancing bobber or flailing catfish rod. You can stare intently at those rod tips and then hear your 14-month-old holler "da-da!" and forget ALL about why you aren't right next to him soaking up giggles and teaching him your Alumni fight song. Sure, you'll drift back to the poles to check and find empty hooks, but that's why you have all those extra worms. Someday you'll be teaching that kid the ins and outs, and maybe you will get lucky with a good attention span, but I'm not going to count on it. I'm sure my attention will be focused on him learning to ski and wakeboard. That's something I can live with. The fisherman part of him will emerge eventually.

Just remember that you can do both, play and fish, as long as you're fine going home empty-handed. A bucket full of fish won't last as long as those memories.

Remember to mind your manners, pay attention, and go home safe.

Don't Underestimate Public Land In Oklahoma

Oklahoma has thousands of acres of public hunting land, and it's increasing with the booming popularity of the OLAP (Oklahoma Land Access Program). We also have thousands of miles of shoreline surrounding our lakes, rivers, and ponds. The game and fish in our reach isn't nearly as pressured as one would imagine. If you can convince yourself to make it out to your nearest state or Corps of Engineer area, you can not only see some of the most beautiful areas being diligently maintained for people like you and me, you can experience excellent bank fishing and some truly wonderful and rewarding big game hunting.

Let's take Oologah for an example. A quick search on the Google machine yields some interesting information. Oologah Lake has 209 miles of shoreline, 18 recreation areas, provides access to the lake outlet dam that feeds the Verdigris River, and has over 29,000 acres of surface water.

From my experience, I can tell you that the recreation areas provide excellent fishing opportunities for bass, crappie, and catfish. All you need to do is find the habitat for the particular flavor of fish fry you desire. We will discuss those in another article.

What I haven't experienced yet, but I fully intend to accomplish in the 2018 deer season is to fill my tag on public land. Last season I never could get myself to grab my gear and make a real try out of it. This is the year, and I'm taking you all along with me. I've come to understand that while "deer are gonna do deer things", there is still the matter of the extra pressure, and lack of ability to prep lanes, food plots, and stand locations, to contend with. I have a game plan I think can be followed by those with the lowest budget and the willingness to put in the effort required.

We have all seen the many deer on the side of the road, both upright and not, that seems to disappear after the first few sets of bow and arrows enter the tree lines. Let me assure you of this, those deer are still there. Same goes for turkey, squirrel, rabbit, etc. Those game are there, just waiting for the right hunter to be hungry enough.

Let's take advantage of the awesome opportunity to have fun, experience nature, make memories, and to fill the freezer. Use the links below to find the nearest location to you and get out there!

https://www.swt.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation.aspx
https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/fishing

https://www.swt.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Hunting-Information/
https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/hunting/where-to-hunt

Remember to mind your manners, pay attention, and go home safe.