Outdoor news and information focusing on Legislation, Conservation and Education regarding hunting and fishing.
Showing posts with label Fishing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fishing. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Talking with Jim Crowley from Hook & Hunt TV
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Illinois Hunting, Fishing & Outdoor Expos 2017
Illinois Hunting, Fishing & Outdoor Expos 2017
Expo season is right around the corner and we will be attending many of the expos around the State of Illinois.
If you know of an outdoor show in your area, let us know about it! Capitol Outdoors is available to speak at your event!
- Let’s Go Fishing Show
Collinsville, Illinois
Jan. 6-8th 2017
-Chicago Muskie Expo
Chicago, Illinois
Jan. 6-8th 2017
- Chicago Boat, RV & Outdoors Show
Chicago, Illinois
Jan. 11-15th 2017
- All-Canada Show
St. Charles, Illinois
Jan. 12-15th 2017
- Chicago Outdoor Sports Show
Rosemont, Illinois
Jan. 19-22nd 2017
-Chicagoland Gunshow
Rosemont, Illinois
Jan, 19-22nd 2017
-Illinois Fish & Feather Expo
Bloomington, Illinois
Jan. 27-29th 2017
-Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo
Schaumburg, Illinois
Jan. 26-29th 2017
-Tinley Park Fishing Big Show
Tinley Park,Illinois
Feb. 11-12th 2017
-Rockford Boat, Vacation & Fishing Show
Rockford, Illinois
Feb. 17-19th 2017
-Central Illinois Outdoor Expo
Arthur, Illinois
February 10-11th 2017
- The QCCA Expo Center Outdoor Show
Rock Island, Illinois
Feb. 16-19th 2017
-Pheasant Fest (National)
Minneapolis
Feb 17-19th 2017
-Indiana Deer, Turkey & Waterfowl Expo
Indiana State Fairgrounds
Feb. 23-26th 2017
-Elmwood All Outdoors Show
Elmwood High School
March 4-5th 2017
-Ducks Unlimited National Convention
May 31 - June 4th 2017
San Antonio, Texas
-Pheasant Fest (National)
Minneapolis
Feb 17-19th 2017
-Indiana Deer, Turkey & Waterfowl Expo
Indiana State Fairgrounds
Feb. 23-26th 2017
-Elmwood All Outdoors Show
Elmwood High School
March 4-5th 2017
-Ducks Unlimited National Convention
May 31 - June 4th 2017
San Antonio, Texas
-Midwest Hunt Fest
Wichita, Kansas
TBD
-ICAST 2017
Orlando, Florida
July 11-14th 2017
-Illinois Deer & Turkey Expo
Peoria, Illinois
July 28 - 30th 2017
-Northern Illinois Hunting & Fishing Days
Silver Springs State Park, Yorkville Illinois
TBD
-Southern Illinois Hunting & Fishing Days
Carterville, Illinois
TBD
More shows and dates will be added as they become available.
Email us if you would like something on this list.
Wichita, Kansas
TBD
-ICAST 2017
Orlando, Florida
July 11-14th 2017
-Illinois Deer & Turkey Expo
Peoria, Illinois
July 28 - 30th 2017
-Northern Illinois Hunting & Fishing Days
Silver Springs State Park, Yorkville Illinois
TBD
-Southern Illinois Hunting & Fishing Days
Carterville, Illinois
TBD
More shows and dates will be added as they become available.
Email us if you would like something on this list.
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Hunting and Fishing Black Friday Ads 2016
Outdoor Black Friday Ads 2016
Who doesn't like a good deal, right? Whether you are out this Black Friday shopping for deals or in the blind hunting for ducks, we have gathered some ads for you to look at.
Many people shop on Black Friday for Christmas gifts, however a better idea is to look for deals to replenish your supplies. Stock up on that hunting and fishing gear so that you don't feel it in the wallet when that time comes.
And as always when you are out shopping this Christmas Season remember those that are less fortunate.
And as always when you are out shopping this Christmas Season remember those that are less fortunate.
Monday, October 24, 2016
Election Day 2016 could put Illinois DNR in the Crosshairs of a Budget Issue
Election Day 2016 could put Illinois DNR in the Crosshairs of a Budget Issue
The November 8th ballot will contain more than voting for President and other state and local officials. You will also have the opportunity to vote for a constitutional amendment. The Safe Roads Amendment would require that all transportation-related revenue (gas tax, license plate fees, registration fees etc) be used solely for roads, streets, highways, bridges and mass transit.
Sunday, October 16, 2016
25 Years in the Making
25 Years in the Making
For the past several years we've been reporting about how the spring and fall trout release is perfect for teaching kids the basics about fishing, as well as having a fun filled adventure. I know because there were two types of fishing that I can remember from when I was a kid.
The first is fishing Navy Pier for perch. While the perch are not as abundant as they used to be perch fishing is another type of fishing that is great to teach kids. The second is trout fishing.
This past weekend my dad and I fished Jim Edgar Panther Creek's Gridley Lake in Cass County. As we launched the boat and started fishing the deep hole that we planned, we heard a lot of people talking about how they were finding the fish more in the shallows.
After trying several areas that were more shallow and letting several hours pass, we were still unsuccessful. All of a sudden my dad said what's that? I as looked in the water I saw a golden trout.
You might be asking, what is a golden trout?
A golden trout results from a genetic anomaly, and contrary to popular belief, this is NOT an albino, but simply a rainbow trout with different coloration. In the wild they are weeded out early by predation, but in a hatchery situation they are protected and do well. Since we stock trout in Illinois from the hatcheries, you have a good chance of catching a “golden.” Anglers love to catch them. IFishIllinoisMy dad grabbed is slip bobber and tossed it over by him. Nothing... All of a sudden I caught him in the corner of my eye. I grabbed the little Cleo we had tied on. I tossed it out and it began following it. Again nothing, so I tried it a couple times then finally a hit. Reeling in this Golden Trout was amazing, after 25 years of fishing and I finally caught one :). And the fishing continued, within 5 minutes I reeled a Rainbow Trout. Finally, my dad tied on a Celo and after about 15 minutes he caught a Golden Trout as well. In fact, that was my dad's first Golden Trout!
The whole day out fishing and we caught our only three fish within 20 minutes. Fishing, you never know how it is going to go. But, hey we caught our trophies for the day and made memories for a life time.
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Illinois Fall Trout Season Opens October 15
Illinois Fall Trout Season Opens October 15
The Fall Catch-and-Release Fly Fishing-Only Season Opens October 1 at nine sites
'Yes, it's that time of year again. Fall Inland Trout Season is upon us. This is a great opportunity to take your kids, loved ones and even experienced anglers out to catch these fun fighting fish. Below you'll see the press release from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Never been trout fishing? Don't worry Capitol Outdoors has you covered. Watch our episode at Southwind Park in Springfield, Illinois or you can read a past article where we explain how to catch some trout. Don't forget to purchase the inland trout stamp.
Two weeks prior to the fall trout opener, the Fall Catch-and-Release Fly Fishing-only Season will open at nine sites (locations marked with an asterisk (*) in the list below) on Saturday, Oct. 1. Fly fishing anglers can use fly fishing gear to catch and release trout beginning Oct. 1 at those nine sites. No trout may be kept during the fly fishing-only period, but anglers can keep trout after the opening of the regular fall trout season beginning Oct. 15.
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Pat Harrison Outdoor Adventures : Fishing the Chicago River & Lakefront 2016
Pat Harrison Outdoor Adventures : Fishing the Chicago River & Lakefront 2016
The morning started with a cup of coffee and mild Chicago traffic as I made my way down to Richard J. Daley Boat Ramp. On this day, I'm meeting up with Captain Pat Harrison from Pat Harrison Outdoors - Fishing Adventure.
Saturday, August 20, 2016
Conservation Day at Illinois State Fair
August 20, 2016 - Springfield, Illinois
Today was Conservation Day at the State Fair and there were many activities to enjoy with the entire family. Forty-five different park districts attended the event with different events lined up throughout the day. Governor Rauner was also there and signed four bills aimed toward Conservation and Youth Hunting.
"Investing in young hunters and fishers helps implant a great love for the outdoors that will continue through a lifetime," said Governor Rauner. "As an avid hunter and fisherman, I believe in utilizing Illinois' vast natural resources to enhance our quality of life while also protecting them for future generations to enjoy. "
"Investing in young hunters and fishers helps implant a great love for the outdoors that will continue through a lifetime," said Governor Rauner. "As an avid hunter and fisherman, I believe in utilizing Illinois' vast natural resources to enhance our quality of life while also protecting them for future generations to enjoy. "
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Lincoln Bass Club Hits Jim Edgar Panther Creek
Lincoln Bass Club Hits Jim Edgar Panther Creek
This past weekend was spent on the water with my dad at Prairie Lake. We had a great time catching fish and learning the lake a little better. While out there we noticed that there was a little extra boat traffic on the water. Yep... That's right a bass tournament was going on. We chatted with a few guys on the water and then moments later watched them land a nice bass. While my dad and I fished we watched many of the anglers scatter across the lake and we decided to go watch the weigh-in.
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Illinois Bait Shop: River's Edge Outdoor Sporting Goods
Illinois Bait Shop: River's Edge Outdoor Sporting Goods
During the dog days of summer sometimes you just need a break. It's not the fishing or the outdoors you need a break from, it's the heat. Capitol Outdoors was able to beat the heat and continue our series on Illinois Bait Shops.Not going to lie, we found out about this shop by accident. Our friend and follower Courtland Williams invited us to a seminar that he and Rob Crane were having at there so we decided to check it out.
River's Edge Outdoor Sporting Goods is located in Canton, Illinois just minutes away from Emiquon and Banner Marsh.
They are an outstanding shop. I was stunned and awed, not because of all the fishing and hunting gear they had, but by the size of the place. They have six 20yard lanes and several 10 meter and 15 meter lanes for the NASP program. And they also have a classroom where seminars and concealed carry classes can be held. "We're trying to bring in hunter education classes it's something we're still working on" said Marcus Hale Owner.
River's Edge is deeply rooted in their community. In fact, Marcus' wife Angela is an Alderwoman in Canton, and both are extremely passionate about the local youth archery club.
I realized that this wasn't your average baitshop, but as the company name suggests it's a small sporting goods store."When we started, we only had a third of what you see here" said Marcus. I walked around the store looking at all their inventory: crank baits, plastics, livebait, stinkbait and everything else you can think of. "If we don't have what you are looking for, we can special order it for you" he said. That's the type of place River's Edge Outdoors is.
It's that great customer service, the good deals, and willingess to go the extra mile to help you out that makes River's Edge. For only being established for one year and overcoming their own challenges, River's Edge is on its way to bigger and more prosperous times. If you are looking for a bait shop along the Illinois rivers edge swing by Canton's Number One Bait Shop, River's Edge Outdoor Sporting Goods. You won't regret it.
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Historic Reconnection Project at Emiquon Completed
Historic Reconnection Project at Emiquon Completed
It's no secret that we love to fish, hunt, and observe the wetlands, waterfowl and other creatures of the Nature Conservancy's Emiquon. Today Capitol Outdoors received news coming from this prestige Illinois wetland and conservation area.
About two years ago we were made aware of a project to reconnect this 6,700 acre wetland back to the Illinois River. Well they've finished and on July 7, 2016 water began flowing back into the Illinois River. Read the following from the Nature Conservancy and their biologist. You can learn more about Emiquon and the Nature Conservancy by clicking HERE for their website.
Check out Our Fishing & Hunting adventures, oh and don't forget to read about Eagle Day at Emiquon as well
Friday, July 1, 2016
100,000 and Growing
100,000 and Growing
A little over a year ago we decided to take Capitol Outdoors and make it a full time adventure and like any business adventure it has had its ups and downs. However, every achievement is worth celebrating and we just hit over a 100,000 views on our webpage. We are glad that people around Illinois are reading about our adventures, Legislation, Conservation and Education.Here at Capitol Outdoors we pride ourselves on making quality entertaining videos, factual posts and much more to share with you.
During this time we've seen some interesting developments. Not only in the policy front but, businesses, organizations and nonprofits have asked us for help to share their message and educate them on current happenings in Washington, D.C. and Springfield. As we grow we'll make sure to keep you informed from the Legislative Floors to the Great Outdoors.
With our newest addition, Baby Autumn`s arrival we weren't able to hit all the lakes that we wanted to this year, however we will continue to travel Illinois hunting and fishing, sharing our tips and our adventures with all of you.
We wanted to take this opportunity and thank all of you for your support.
Please drop us a line and let us know what you enjoy reading.
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Top Fishing Destinations in Illinois: Rock River
Top Fishing Destinations in Illinois: Rock River
By: Jon Giacalone
Wisconsin.
Within Illinois, the Rock River flows through a rural agricultural basin containing moderate-to- large communities, including Rockford, Dixon and Sterling/Rock Falls. Much of the shoreline is developed and very little is considered pristine. The river is aptly named. Much of the riverbed is comprised of glacial rock, ranging in size from gravel to small boulders. Navigation in unfamiliar stretches can be very hazardous. Shallow-draft jon boats with small outboard motors are proper fishing vessels. Some anglers use jet-drive lower units to help eliminate damage.
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Top Fishing Destinations in Illinois: Rend Lake
Top Fishing Destinations in Illinois: Rend Lake
By: Jon Giacalone
Rend Lake is the second largest impoundment in Illinois, and one of the state's best for largemouth bass, crappie and white bass. Good numbers of channel and flathead catfish also provide great action. Encompassing a total of 18,900 acres, along with excellent lake facilities, Rend Lake is one of southern Illinois' premier multi-recreational destinations.
Rend Lake offers good fishing throughout most of the year, including during mild winters. Weeds and natural rock are very limited, but riprap, flooded trees and stumps provide abundant habitat. Generally, riprap is the dominant cover south of Highway 154, while the northern portion of the lake is laced with stumps and downed timber.
Monday, April 18, 2016
Time of Our Lives
Time of Our Lives
What a week of fishing for us here at Capitol Outdoors. Like so many others we're blessed to live in an area with an abundance of lakes and great outdoor opportunity, but some trips are just better then others. Take a look as we are having the Time of our Lives. With a baby on the way things are only going to get better.Above is the "Biggest Catch of my Life... Sorta of? Which will have this angler telling tales for years and then few days later we were Kick'n Bass at Emiquon catching some nice fish and having a blast doing it.
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
6 Tips to Catch more Crappie across Illinois
Tips and Tactics - Catching Crappie in Illinois
Crappie Fishing is a great way to teach beginners how to fish.
Thursday, April 7, 2016
HB 5796 Fishing Limits for Landowners on Private Property Could be a thing of the Past
HB 5796 Fishing Limits for Landowners on Private Property Could be a Thing of the Past
On February 11, 2016 Representative Charles Meier (Republican, Highland, Illinois) introduced HB 5796.
HB 5796 FISHING LIMITS-PRIV PROPERTY
Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code. Provides that the limits on the number and size of fish a person may take in a day do not apply to a person fishing in waters wholly within his or her private property. Effective immediately.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Top Fishing Destinations in Illinois: Heidecke Lake
Top Fishing Destinations in Illinois: Heidecke Lake
By: Jon Giacalone
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Possible Changes Could be Coming to Pittsman-Roberston Act
Possible Changes Could be Coming to Pittsman-Roberston Act
On March 21, 2016 Congressman Jeff Duncan (Republican of South Carolina's 3rd district) member and Vice-Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen Caucus introduced H.R. 4818.
H.R.4818 - Modernizing the Pittman-Robertson Fund for Tomorrow's Needs Act of 2016
To amend the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to modernize the funding of wildlife conservation, and for other purposes.
Monday, March 21, 2016
Illinois Bait Shop - Illinois Valley Outdoors
Illinois Valley Outdoors |
Illinois Bait Shop - Illinois Valley Outdoors
As we pulled into the parking lot we saw some gentlemen leaving with a minnow bucket to go hit up the local watering hole. Inside Illinois Valley Outdoors, located close to the Illinois River, we were greeted with a big 'how you doing' from the owner Joe Troha.
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