Thursday, December 20, 2012

Uncharted Guide Territory

This holiday season has been quite a bit different than most. Sure, I have my traditional one egg nog night cap, but we decided to take the family to the beach for the Christmas season.

After 4 nights on the beautiful island of Turks and Caicos, we arrived in Oklahoma met with blustery winds - not exactly sandal-wearing weather. I had to go try out the local fishery, which is water so unbelievably blue words can't express.

During my morning run I opted to forgo the treadmill and jog down to the marina to stir up some leads on bonefishing guides. I was referred to a Mr. Barr Gardiner with Bonefish Unlimited. What a trip. I hooked into some great fish and had an unbelievable time.

He was always there to give me guidance and was cheaper than the resort guides. Unless you know what you are doing when bonefishing, I highly suggest selecting a reputable guide. Barr had 34 years of experience so he had that portion covered.

Timing was really good for us since the water was cooler in the mornings, so bonefish sightings were pretty good. The boat rid alone was worth the $500 two of us spent trying to land one of these fish. Barr talked us through the paces and before you knew it we were landing fish. If you are planning a trip to a resort don't forget the local guides.

Even though it may be a bit more convenient to just book through the resort doesn't mean it is the best option. I am sure the guides through the resort are great. It just didn't meet what I was looking for. Sometimes a little footwork will pay off in the end.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Essentials for Every Man

I can remember throughout my life and the men that influenced who I am today. Each of them had their own way about them, but each of them had a few common threads. There are few things in this world that I could say every man needs to have. These men possessed each item listed below. Here are a few thoughts that are must for dudes everywhere.

1) Knife - This is a must for any guy out there. There is nothing like a good blade that can cut through anything. Whether it is duct tape or opening boxes, a good knife should be at the top of any list. I carry a Katz knife and it is possibly the finest knife I've every owned.

 2) Hammer - A quality hammer can fix anything. Just ask the countless houses built that provide shelter. It can serve as a spider killer and it even helps you when you make mistakes, pulling out the crooked nails hammered.

 3) Cologne - There isn't a man out there that doesn't deserve this. Typically, this is picked out by number 4, but I encourage all men to pick out there own scent. A little input is welcomed, but you've got to be your own cat.

 4) Good Woman - This is the most important. My granddads and dad had the support and care of great women. Without these women nothing would get done around the house. Never underestimate the value of a good woman.

 5) One good Shirt - I love this one. I have one shirt that I can relax in to my fullest. It is tattered and beaten up through years of use, but the stains on it mean something and the soft feel is relaxing. Keep these in mind and you are on the way to mandom. If you don't have these France is calling.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

FoxPro Spitfire

Okay, all calls are not created equal. I've had quite a few calls, but none compare to what FoxPro has done with their calls. Get this, I don't even own one - yet.

I've been out with a great friend of mine three times now, calling coyotes and he owns a FoxPro Spitfire. I can honestly say it was a great investment on his part. He owns one because a few hunts he's been on used the Spitfire.

I would say it calls in three to one yotes per set. I have no idea if it is the quality of sounds produced or it is just the speakers, but FoxPro makes the best predator calls on the market.

Well, I've ordered a Fury2 from the great folks at FoxPro. I can't wait to get my hands on the Fury2. The first stop for the Fury2 will be to Hollis, Okla. I have a coyote problem that needs to be taken care of, and the Fury2 is right for the job.

It comes with 100 preset calls and more features than I can type out.