One of the un-sung heroes of the fishing world and one of the hardest is Crappie Fishing.

They are not as numerous as bass or catfishing, they are harder to find, and even trickier to catch. But when you can find one, you can find more, and boy are the fun to catch and eat!

How do you catch crappies?

  • Use small jigs and lures (panfish size)
  • Find structures, rocks, bridges, trees, and other underwater clutter.

Watch the Average Flander do just that under a bridge on a small stream.

Disclosure: This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

Hey Flatlanders, it’s another beautiful day here in the Midwest, and the heat of summer is passing, giving way to my favorite time of the year. Fall is my favorite. With the cooler weather and nightly temps dropping once more into the 60s and below, the potential for fun is there. This is the time I begin altering my day bag for quick adventures outside. Here is a helpful list if you are trying to make that fall bag for your next adventure. This particular rig is best for bushcraft, but much of it is applicable to any day bag.

Read more

Exploring the great outdoors can be a thrilling experience for families. With the promise of fresh air, beautiful landscapes, and bonding moments, embarking on an outdoor adventure with your children can create memories that last a lifetime. However, planning such a trip, especially with kids in tow, requires special considerations.

I’ve been taking my kids on outdoor adventures since they were weeks old. My first daughter who was born on February 11th, spent the first weeks of her life wrapped inside my coat snowshoeing on windswept Wisconsin lakes and woods. It’s never too early to start. Most people shy away when thinking about taking on big mountain adventures with kids. Not us. We embrace it.

Here’s a guide to ensure that your adventure is both enjoyable and safe.

Read more

Disclosure: This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

Few things are as mesmerizing as a campfire; the crackling sounds, the warmth, the ever-dancing flames. But what if you could make it even more magical with an explosion of colors? Enter the campfire color-changing packets, a product that promises to turn your regular orange and yellow flames into a brilliant display of blues, greens, purples, and reds. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into what these packets are, how they work, and how to safely use them.

Read more

Backpacking 101

Welcome to your crash course in backpacking – the guide to get you started on your journey into the great outdoors. Whether you’re an urbanite looking for a refreshing escape, a novice dipping your toes into the wilderness, or a seasoned hiker seeking to hone your skills, this post is for you.

I’ve been backpacking with newbies and seasoned backpackers for years, from trips involving a large group to just two-man trail runs. There are certain things you begin to understand and “know” after you’ve been on multiple backpacking trips, things that are hard to learn unless you are “in the thick of it.”

I’m going to try an impart some of those tips and help others who might be moving

Read more

Duluth, Minnesota, and the North Shore is a hidden gem nestled on the western shores of Lake Superior. Known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, Duluth offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures, arts and entertainment, and a warm, welcoming community.

If you drive north along Scenic Highway 61 which follows the shoreline north out of Duluth, you can find a number of hidden towns, beaches, and trails that will keep you busy for days on end.

As you embark on your journey through this charming city, you’ll find yourself surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, from the shimmering expanse of Lake Superior to the lush forests and rugged cliffs that dot the landscape. But Duluth isn’t just about its stunning scenery; it boasts a thriving arts scene, a variety of delicious dining options, and numerous attractions to captivate visitors of all ages.

Read more

Can you pick out the MSR Elixir 1-Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent? It’s the middle one. Sort of like a plain old tent isn’t it? But, I can say without a doubt it’s the best backpacking tent for 2023 that you can get. I showed this picture, with the MRS Tent hidden in the middle to make a point.

We are often drawn to the bright colors, the pretty, like moths to a light we just pick whatever looks good. But, we really shouldn’t do that when picking a backpacking and camping tent.

Read more

Probably one of the greatest hidden treasures is without a doubt, the Lake Superiors North Shore, also simply known as the North Shore. It’s funny, I’ve traveled hither and thither doing adventures all around the States, up and down mountains from Colorado, to Utah, to Wyoming, always looking for those untouched places, far from the busy hustle and bustle of traffic and people.

Read more

If you’re reading this, it’s likely that you are either a seasoned backpacker or an aspiring one eager to take on the vast, beautiful expanse of nature that the world has to offer. As thrilling and liberating as backpacking can be, it also comes with its own set of challenges. It demands you to be resilient, resourceful and prepared. But don’t worry – whether you’re gearing up for your first adventure or you’re a veteran looking to brush up on some essential skills, we’ve got you covered.

Read more

It’s funny the thing most people don’t think about when heading out for adventures in the outdoors. I’ve always had a simple philosophy about how to make any outdoor adventure experience the best it can possibly be.

“It’s the little things that matter. The planning and preprations that make you comfortable on your oudoor adventure are key.”

I’ve spent a lot of time in the outdoors, pretty much every waking minute of my life. I’ve also had the good fortune to be the conduit take many others on some of their first outdoor adventures, backpacking, fishing, hiking, camping, doesn’t matter what the adventure is. You have to be prepared, and it’s usually the small things that make the difference.

Read more