That Mid-Summer Shift

It's the middle of July and hopefully, quite a few of you have had good luck filling the freezer with fish fillets for this winter. I've not had the opportunity to get out and fish as much as I would like, but who does? The thing is, as of today there are 75 days left before Archery Season opens in most of Oklahoma. I'm already shifting to deer season preparations. To me, that means it's time to get serious about bow practice.  I'm not an expert bow hunter, but I aim to be before I get too old to climb a stand.  Regaining the muscle memory, tuning the bow and arrows back in to be consistent, repairing or replacing worn components, and breaking in any new toys you've picked up since January.

75 days may seem like a long time, but if you shoot just 15 arrows a day, you can have 1125 shots in by opening day. That can do wonders for shot control and confidence when the moment of truth arrives. Spending time in your chosen hunting spots picking your angles, practicing from the stand or the blind, making distance markers for easy recognition; these are some of the other confidence-boosting activities you can do now and still have time to let the woods cool down ahead of that first evening hunt. Right now, I am just trying to eek out 20 minutes in the evenings to work on muscle memory and grouping at 20 yards. 

I have a few new toys coming in, such as the Precision Peeps Sight from Precision Peeps. I like the idea of having a wide peep for extra light, but the consistency of the center post. I'll definitely do a review once I've had time to practice with it. New gear requires set up time a patient practice. Most of my set-up is basic but will do the job I need it to do just fine.

I still need to do some scouting in my hunting spots, as well as start filling feeders and tree stand maintenance. One thing I learned from last season was that ingress routes can be blocked by a dry creek bed that isn't dry anymore, and stands can be super loud if precautions aren't taken. This means less time fishing and more time in the woods. I'm not upset about that at all.

What are some of the unique archery practices you use ahead of opening day to get ready? Only 3D targets? Shoot from the roof? I've heard stranger things.

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

Mid Summer Catfish

Right now it is HOT and HUMID here in Oklahoma! For many people that means time to hit the pools and lakes for swimming, or staying indoors like the library, mall, and movie theaters. But I like to fish, so I'm going fishing. I've said before that I'm kind of an all-purpose fisherman, meaning I like to catch what I can eat. In the summertime, that means primarily catfish from the bank and crappie if I've got a boat or kayak.

Let's talk about catching catfish.

To me, it is the easier of the two since a feeder creek or river channel can be gotten to relatively easily. Checking google maps and comparing them to the Corps of Engineer / ODWC websites I can find access to bends in rivers and feeder creeks. When I can, I use old navigation charts to find the old creek beds under lakes. These channels hold catfish pretty well since the water temps are more comfortable for them.

I usually stick with the smelly/meaty baits like chicken liver, shad, worms etc. since catfish use their smellers and feelers to find food more so than sight. I use enough weight to sling my hook to the deep parts and that will hold it there. If I'm not able to get right into the channel I will use a lighter weight and a bobber to hang my bait in a shallower dip or bend in the bank.

Equipment-wise, I have my big 8ft sturdy rods with massive spinning reels wrapped in 25lb test monofilament. I like using one of those little bells that fit on the rod tip can be helpful when I have multiple rods. I prefer using circle hooks but sometimes I feel like I miss fish because I'm not using the old-fashioned Aberdeen type hooks. If' I go too long without a bite, or I miss a bite I'm changing hooks for sure. Some sturdy rod supports are needed to keep my rigs from being sacrificed to the river spirits and the lake nymphs, but I usually just find enough sticks with a fork on one end that way I can carry less stuff in and out.

I follow all of that up with a comfy chair and a full cooler because it turns into a waiting game. I generally don't spend my time on the phone because of the sizeable distraction it provides. Instead, I read a real book, make blog notes, or have a bass/crappie rig to toss jigs along the brush and weeds. Beating the heat with some shade or some wading is a nice way to spend the time as well.

Setting the hook and landing the cats are some of the most satisfying inshore fights you can get in the south and I really enjoy it. But what I enjoy the most is having some juicy catfish nuggets fried up with hush puppies and an ice cold beer.

What are some of your thoughts on luring and landing cats on these summer days?