After more than 35 years of writing about hunting, fishing and the outdoors, a few topics are bound to repeat themselves. Maybe the best possible scenario for that fact played itself out earlier this month at a fishing outing with my grand nephews, young cousins, and a few of their friends. While I worked toContinue reading “Family fishing derby brings back big smile memories”
Tag Archives: fishing
Funding for state parks on crowded August ballot
The August primary election is more than a month away, and I am already sick and tired of the television advertising. The ballot includes multiple issues, and big spenders are flooding the airwaves with relentless mischaracterizations for and against the proposals. At the very least, the deluge could discourage voter participation. Who wants to beContinue reading “Funding for state parks on crowded August ballot”
First visit found much to like about Montauk
When I interviewed new Jefferson County conservation agent Dominick Montileone III earlier this month, I was not surprised to learn that one of the places he identified as part of his indoctrination to the outdoors was in the woods and water at Montauk State Park. Our new agent, who begins his assignment on July 1,Continue reading “First visit found much to like about Montauk”
Conservation agent returns home with new assignment
Most people associate homecoming with the fall season, but a 2018 Northwest High School graduate returns to his alma mater on July 1. Conservation agent Dominick Montileone III starts his new assignment in service to Jefferson County next month. Following graduation from the state Department of Conservation Agent Training Academy last September, Montileone was assignedContinue reading “Conservation agent returns home with new assignment”
Blue moon and big bluegill join forces this month
Deep in the recesses of my aging mind, I have the lyrics for hundreds of old country songs bouncing around. Occasionally, one of them worms its way to my consciousness. Today that song is a 1980s tune by Earl Thomas Conley: “Every once in a blue moon, I do something right.” Early in the morningContinue reading “Blue moon and big bluegill join forces this month”
“Prospects” report outlines Mississippi River fishing opportunities
“Raised by a river: I suppose both meanings are true – you can hardly have one without the other.” I love that line from Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer. I feel like it strikes close to home for me. My childhood included five-minute bike rides to the Mississippi River, weekends and summer vacations swimmingContinue reading ““Prospects” report outlines Mississippi River fishing opportunities”
Trout fishing opportunities return for winter season
While most of the focus this time of year is on hunting, a popular fishing season has opened to provide opportunities for anglers close to home and in their favorite spring and summer streams around the state. November 14 was opening day for catch and release fishing in Missouri’s four trout parks, and the hatcheryContinue reading “Trout fishing opportunities return for winter season”
Let’s Go Blues! Hunting and Fishing Night Oct. 21
Whether it’s sitting around the campfire listening to the Cardinals in the summer, or shooting the breeze with the boys in the fall, talking about the latest action on the ice, team sports and outdoors activities easily fit hand-in-hand. The St. Louis Blues have announced a new theme night that combines the best of bothContinue reading “Let’s Go Blues! Hunting and Fishing Night Oct. 21”
Two streams for one float trip provide varied fishing opportunities
Most anglers are unwilling to divulge information about their favorite fishing holes. Because the spot I’m happy to share is nearly seven miles long and has strict fishing regulations that protect my favorite targets, I welcome fishermen and anyone looking for fun on the water. Several times over the past few years we have usedContinue reading “Two streams for one float trip provide varied fishing opportunities”
Archived article brings back memories of fishing with Uncle Richard
On more than one occasion I have advocated for state residents to subscribe to the free Missouri Conservationist magazine. Its spectacular photography and stories about the outdoors and wildlife are a true treasure. I know that I have been a fan of the magazine for as long as I can remember, and even longer thanContinue reading “Archived article brings back memories of fishing with Uncle Richard”
Don't Call Me Outdoor John 