• Starboard Choice Marine
  • Moore Boats


Private landowners looking to improve wildlife habitat on their property may qualify for financial assistance through the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife, particularly if they want to benefit bobwhite quail and ring-neck pheasants.

Bobwhite quail and ring-neck pheasant are prized game birds. However, populations of both have suffered from permanent habitat loss or lack of maintenance on existing habitat.

“It used to be that farming practices created and maintained a lot of quail and pheasant habitat,” said Gary Langell, private lands program manager for DNR Fish & Wildlife. “More ground was typically disturbed each year than what was planted and harvested. Many of those disturbed areas would remain idle for two or three years and provided ideal nesting and winter cover. It is this type of habitat that we are lacking, but it requires landowners to create and maintain it.”


Anglers at West Boggs Creek Reservoir in Daviess County can now harvest more fish.

The reservoir will undergo a renovation during fall that will consist of draining the water and eradicating the fish population. As the reservoir refills, it will be stocked with the appropriate numbers of game fish. The goal is to restore a balanced, self-sustaining fish population.

A temporary change to size and bag limits will allow anglers to harvest more fish before the lake is drained. The rule change is in effect until Oct.10.

The bag limit for largemouth bass on West Boggs will increase to 10, and there will be no size limit. Bag limits for all other species will be double the normal daily bag limit. 

Two fish salvage operations will also take place in spring and fall for adult bass and catfish.

The lake is scheduled to reopen to the public in February 2015.


By LOUIE STOUT

Michiana Boat and Sport Show opens Friday with more exhibitsMichiana Boat and Sport Show opens Friday with more exhibitsNine area boat dealers, Canadian lodges, charter captains, fishing seminars and local club exhibits highlight the Michiana Boat and Sports Show that opens next weekend at the South Bend Century Center.

It runs Friday (3-9 p.m.), Saturday (9-9) and Sunday (10-3). Admission is $3 for adults and free to kids under 12. Parking fees (45) at the Century Center will be waived on Sunday.

The event is sponsored by the Michiana Walleye Club with all proceeds (after expenses) going to the club’s fish stocking fund and other club projects.

This is the second year for MWA’s outdoors show at the Century Center and it promises to be considerably bigger.

“We’ve added the lower floor (another 16,000 square feet) in addition to the upper level we had last year, and we’ve filled it with exhibitors,” said show promoter Dale Brindley. “We’re just about sold out.”

Area fishing experts will share tips in seminars for bass and walleye fishing and modern day electronics use.


Northern Indiana’s ultimate outdoor-turned-indoor experience—the 5th annual Outdoor Sports, Lake & Cabin Show— returns today through Sunday, Jan. 26 at the Fort Wayne Memorial Coliseum.

From the adrenaline junkie and athlete to the traveler and remodeler, the show ties in outdoor interests for all seasons, plus offers entertainment and activities for the whole family.

Over 150 exhibitors will feature the latest products and services relating to biking, hiking, camping and fitness, hunting and fishing, boats and watersports, vacation and travel, recreational vehicles and motorsports, and cottage living.

There will be two large fishing ponds stocked with hundreds of bluegill for that people can fish ($4) with a portion of proceeds benefits St. Jude’s Hospital. Live bait and fishing poles will be provided.

Children can also get a dose of the beach and feel the sand between their toes at the 400 square-foot indoor beach, sponsored by WAJI.


(Provided by the Indy Sport Show)

There is no substitute for experience when it comes to increasing one’s knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of the great outdoors.

Regardless of specific outdoor interests and passions, outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds will find an overflowing well of practical insights and priceless information from the lineup of experts scheduled to speak at this year’s Ford 60th Annual Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show, returning to the Indiana State Fairgrounds February 14-23, 2014.

Fishing Seminars

This year’s Ford 60th Annual Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show will provide attending anglers with a comprehensive schedule of seminars covering the Midwest’s most popular gamefish species. This year, in addition to the ever-popular black bass, crappie fishing will take center stage during the show’s second weekend, February 22-23, with a full limit of crappie fishing expertise served up in the form of informative seminars that will help anyone become more adept at tracking down and reeling in these tasty panfish.