tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670258098017225102024-03-12T21:29:05.342-04:00Becoming a HuntressTales of my adventures in hunting whitetails and fishing Ohio's waterways.Heather Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09953497324873746230noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667025809801722510.post-37527430524877058202014-09-29T20:35:00.000-04:002014-09-29T20:35:45.801-04:00Feeling a bit sentimental...It's that time of year again, the time of year where the mornings are crisp and cool and the dark seems to draw in a little earlier each day. Each fall, I try to think of the most appropriate way to describe the bittersweet transition to winter and all that this brings for an avid angler and while I haven't yet found any word or words that seem to summarize my sentiments, I thought it might be worth a better effort.<br />
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Watching our Lake neighbors pack and leave for their snowbird homes always puts punctuation on the season. Boaters and anglers, like us, are desperately grasping to the last remaining sun soaked afternoons, reeling in the final few fish of the season while quietly marveling at the auburn and amber jewel hues quickly appearing on the trees lining the islands. The sunsets, breathtaking and awe inspiring seem to lull on for hours and each of us "water lovers" knows there are very few summer-like moments remaining.<br />
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Storing Knot for Profit away for the season always brings out the tenderness in my otherwise stoic self. After five summers aboard our family ship, we've decided to make a transition and attempt to sell our sweet summer friend. With a little angler joining our family soon, there will likely a bigger more family-friendly boat in our future. The end of our time on Knot for Profit, while for very good reason, makes me emotional. Mark and I have grown up on our boat. When we purchased our little "fishing machine," we were young and dating. It was our first purchase together as a couple. Since that point, we have become engaged (on the boat), gotten married, purchased our Lake Erie vacation home and now we anxiously anticipate our little buddy. We never could have envisioned the joy that the summers together on the water would bring to each of us as individuals but also to our marriage. The memories warm my heart and the stories we still share with others seem a bit like legend as we look back on our experiences. Blessed and fortunate do not seem profound enough to explain how truly grateful I am for our summers on Knot for Profit. The attachment we both feel to this object makes saying farewell so incredibly challenging and while I know very few others will fully understand why my sentiments seem so bold or dramatic, I do believe that any longer term boat owner will think fondly of their own first boat while reading my thoughts.<br />
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Alas, the end of season is ever more near and the remaining weekends with rod and reel in hand are disappearing quickly. With this in mind, I longingly think ahead to each coming trip as do most that spend their summers on the water. For all of you, like me, who are trying to soak up the last few summer-like days, enjoy, breathe in the sweet summer air and remember, next season is only a handful of months away...Heather Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09953497324873746230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667025809801722510.post-45115415935079286192013-10-07T20:31:00.002-04:002013-10-07T20:31:17.319-04:00Hit the Rod Jack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As the summer comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible fishing season we have had on Knot for Profit, reeling in countless walleye, perch and misc. throw back fish, including my first ever small mouth bass. I often find myself overwhelmed by the beauty of the lake, the pure, peaceful mornings cruising to our destination and the swift tug on the end of the line letting you know that today might just be the day you catch the record 'eye. I honestly have no idea why we have been so blessed, but I am grateful every day that we get to spend our summer weekends on the water as a family. <br />
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There are so many fish tales from this summer that I struggled to select only a few of my favorites. The weather was crazy and the fishing some of the most difficult in years. <br />
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Thanks to some of our neighbors (particularly Ken), Mark and I dabbled a bit more in casting for walleyes than we had done before. I have to confess that I have always been a bit of a skeptic about this method. The pace is slow, my arm gets tired, you don't take breaks, I could go on, but I'm sure you get the point. This summer, my appreciation for the sport of casting developed. Casting is an art form. It requires precision and effort that I certainly didn't perfect in a few short months. I've grown to love the still of casting. Nothing beats the silent lull and the feel of a great cast, the bait smacking the water and the excitement of that heavy tug of an 'eye on the line. It's peaceful and painstaking at the same time. K.C. you are so right. It's totally worth the patience and persistence. <br />
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We had the opportunity to take the little boy (who I have to confess is not really little anymore) that my mom babysat for since he was an infant and my dad out on the lake this year for a day of perch fishing. Owen was priceless. He was stunned by the shear size of the lake. When he reeled in a giant fresh water drum, I thought he might pass out. His face said everything. He was shocked that he was able to get this big beast on the boat. All of this coupled with the true chaos of the day made it unforgettable. On the way out our live well plug came lose and we lost all of our bait. Later, Mark threw our anchor in to get it set and the anchor actually came lose and disconnected from the line. That was a day ender. We let Owen drive us back to shore and topped the day off with pictures of the boys on the boat. Anytime we can get my Dad on the water, I am so content. <br />
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I am confident that I won't soon forget my first small mouth catch. Trolling is often a challenge both mentally and physically. Reeling in the planer along with your bait is a workout in itself, adding a heavy fish to the end of the line makes this an even more difficult task. When the fish on the end of the line is a hard-fighting, enormous small-mouth, the fight can nearly bring you to your knees. The fish was leaping out of the water and fought so hard that I'm still not sure who was more exhausted, me or the fish. It was an experience that I will forever remember. I was so proud to get that little fish on the boat. Small mouths are awesome! Why didn't I fish for them sooner?<br />
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It has truly been one of the most fantastic summers I could imagine. From cookouts to condo association board elections and new friends; countless hours trolling, casting, jigging and just savoring the lake made this one to remember forever. Beautiful sunsets littered my camera roll as I uploaded everything from the last few months, an ever impressive reminder of the awesome-ness of mother nature. <br />
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There are so many perils facing the lake we love and I have growing concern for the algae blooms and the risk of Asian carp endangering the populations of fish that we hold dear. I am confident these battles have not yet been won or even fully understood, but hopefully the winter will be short and the summer long and the many great minds working on these issues are able to find solutions that keep the lake alive for years to come. <br />
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Alas, the time has come to put a winter blanket on our little boat. Every year, this process is sad. It doesn't matter how long you have been boating. It's a fact. We all hit the road and head home for the winter longing for the summer days where the fish are hitting the rods and the sun is shining bright. So, here's to a short winter filled with whitetails, a thick ice build up in time for ice fishing season and a quick thaw in early April so we can get back out for the jig bite. Have a great winter Lake Erie friends! See you soon.Heather Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09953497324873746230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667025809801722510.post-24664932026121457012013-05-13T21:07:00.002-04:002013-05-13T21:07:21.902-04:00Wreck-N-Eyes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Don't make any assumptions based on the title of this post. I must confess, that the title is simply reflective of one of the most intuitive and hysterical boat names I have seen thus far. I stole it, plain and simple, for the shear enjoyment of using the words in my blog. To the charter captain who came up with this, please accept this brief kudos as a sincere compliment from me to you. Your savvy boat naming makes me want to meet you as I feel we would get along quite well. <br />
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The start of the 2013 season has been incredibly slow and it has been what many are calling one of the worst early walleye seasons in years. There are a multitude of reasons why this is the case or at least many causes that I can speculate about. I'm certainly no expert, so don't assume that because I write this blog that I have a full grasp on why fish do or do not bite. Even the true experts have trouble figuring this out. I believe one of the largest problems is the high winds coupled with the chilly temperatures this spring. The water is murky, muddy and in what is the second week of May still quite cold comparatively. It's frustrating and annoying. Many of our neighbors are taking up bass fishing from the docks as a new hobby to pass the time. <br />
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Fortunately, I was able to reel in my first 'eye of the season and as the title of this post articulates, you better RECOGNIZE!<br />
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This is one of the largest male walleye I have ever reeled in. The most incredible part of early season fishing is the feeling of reeling in a huge walleye on light tackle. The tug on the line is second to none and the last minute fight of a mature 'eye will literally leave you breathless in anticipation. Rarely do I feel so at peace or truly caught up in a moment as when I start to reel in a keeper fish. It's a rare situation that leaves me speechless and the process of catching fish seems to render me without words. Maybe that's why Mark loves taking me out on the boat. It's the one time I am silent...<br />
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I often find myself filled with gratitude while absorbing the beautiful views and breathtaking scenery on our regular trips to the lake. I feel compelled to share this with others. Take a moment to slow down this week and appreciate the work of Mother Nature and realize how blessed we all are to get to savor these precious beauty filled moments. <br />
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<br />Heather Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09953497324873746230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667025809801722510.post-31924434128536313582012-11-14T20:37:00.000-05:002012-11-14T20:37:49.062-05:00Oh, deer! Not again...The title of this post is fitting for a variety of reasons, my lackluster ability to post regularly, the fact that I am yet again struggling to put a deer on the ground or the fact that for what I can only hope is the last time, I was nearly killed by a squirrel. Let's start at the beginning, which is really the end of what was one of the best summers of my life...<br />
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I would be remiss not to express my sincere gratitude to our new Lake Erie neighbors that welcomed us warmly. Our wine glasses were never empty and I can honestly say that I laughed, relaxed and savored my summer more than ever before. I am beyond honored to not only be a neighbor to the most fantastic group of anglers and boaters but to have gained a tremendous group of sincere friends. Very few people can make week-long power outages or broken refrigerators fun and laughable, but this group not only made us chuckle, they helped to find solutions, literally bending over backwards to come to our aid. Not only was the company fantastic, the fishing was plentiful and depsite a few bumps in the road, we were blessed beyond measure. I brought in the biggest perch of my fishing career and celebrated our best season to date on Knot for Profit. Here's to a fast winter.<br />
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With the boat stowed away and the warm summer days now behind us, Ohio whitetail season held great promise. Frankly, over the last few months, Mark converted me into an angler that hunts instead of a hunter that enjoys fishing so my enthusiasm about this season was dampened by my emotional farewell to the walleye and perch that I had come to love so dearly. After a few practice shots with my crossbow, my passion was slowly ingniting. <br />
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For those that have followed for a number of years, I know you won't be surprised to hear that my season is off to a slow start. I'm pretty confident I missed the mark when I named this blog. It should have been "Beginners luck" because clearly the success I experienced in my first season has not repeated. I believe patience is key to hunting, so I continue to be all in for the long haul, but Oh, dear/deer I don't know if I can handle another season of chilly nights in a stand with no ROI. <br />
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My first hunt of the season reminded me how important it is to scout pre-season. First, this ensures that you know your deer population. Second, it guarantees that you are comfortable walking in your boots and climbing your stand with all of your gear. As someone who considers themself to be "in shape," it's amazing how quickly your competance and physical ability can be diminished. How is it possible that I can be so terrible at this? This maiden voyage, was off to a mediocre start. A nice buck came in early, but of course it was too early and much too dark to get a shot. A group of does stood near the blind, but not in shooting range for nearly 15 minutes before running off. I'm not sure which is worse, seeing deer but not having a shot or not seeing deer at all. Just when I thought I could get no more frustrated a familiar situation began to play out. I started to hear a faint crunching far to my right. The sound grew closer and louder. Without a doubt, this was a squirrel and it was inching very near the blind. Soon I realized that this little guy was a) not going away b) going to make his way inside of the blind. In one swift (or not so swift if you ask Mark) move I scurried from my seat causing a raucous that was certain to frighten any deer within a 45 mile radius. If you know me well, you understand that despite knowing that I scared off my prospects of a decent hunt, I felt that my actions were more than justified. Aside from a bear attack or a bobcat eating my leg, my gravest concern about hunting is the squirrel population. I'm petrified. I know there is no foundation for my worry, but it's there. You can understand then why this incident and the others that have come in the seasons prior make me yearn for a hunt in a squirrel free woods. <br />
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With the rut in full force, I'm hoping to make it out for a few more hunts before ice fishing. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we will have a freezer full of venison before long. Heather Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09953497324873746230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667025809801722510.post-54834000050053213502012-06-20T20:03:00.002-04:002012-06-20T20:14:18.450-04:00A weekend in paradise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After five full days at the Lake, I don't know how I will limit this post to a readable amount of content, but I will do my best. I'm still trying to get back to reality so bear with me if my sentiments seem a bit too delightful or overstated. I'm simply reliving what was one of the best weekends that Mark and I have had on the water. This picture says it all; beautiful sunsets, rods bent over heavy with fat bellied walleyes and evenings spent with our new Lake Erie family.
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Early in our trip, Mark and I hit the water in the hopes of tearing up a few 'eyes. After finally settling into a groove, we picked up 3 nice walleye in a new location that we hadn't fished before. We pulled them in trolling in about 30 ft. of water running Bandit's. Bandit's are not a typical bait for the lake, but with the mayflies still hatching many of the larger walleye were close to the surface about 15 ft down and the Bandit's seemed to bring us some success. Soon after our walleye, Mark reeled in an absolute beast of a sheephead. I normally don't take pictures of these "trash" fish, but something about the fight of a nearly 20 lb fish deserves a photo in my opinion. <br />
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For anyone familiar with Lake Erie, you will understand this all too well. The Lake was entirely unpredictable this trip. With the weather predictions expecting 2-4 foot waves, we hit the lake almost every day only to find the waves picking up quickly to 3-5's, the peak of what Knot for Profit can handle. Our fishing trips were scattered among quick trips back to the harbor to avoid nasty weather.
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We were able to get out for a morning of perch fishing, filling the boat with 32 yellow perch. I must confess that for me, perch fishing is the "bees knees" so to speak. It's relaxing, fast-paced and takes little to no skill.
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After a nasty storm on Sunday, we took the boat out for a low key night of slow trolling. The water was calm and the skies had cleared. We were the only boat in sight for miles.
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We quickly got busy setting up our gear. Once we were settled, the walleye came out in full force. We caught nearly 25 in total, almost all of which were small 'eyes (15" or less) that we tossed back for next season. Four nice walleye made their way back to our marina, an evening we were both relatively proud of. When all of the charters stayed in their docks, we took a chance and were rewarded. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqs_O8H3oE2IhKmcFcaXWX-aNWS3DuejWYHDRfiA1q6ff-FZoIG1yRLioYJRNCUZIMNPMGWAavIqtW9OGoGLpptlYjbbp2SdcudG7A-F2Ij9y0ojDDzJK5iWqsFaS9EGQ7VKnWGj7484Es/s1600/6-17-12-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqs_O8H3oE2IhKmcFcaXWX-aNWS3DuejWYHDRfiA1q6ff-FZoIG1yRLioYJRNCUZIMNPMGWAavIqtW9OGoGLpptlYjbbp2SdcudG7A-F2Ij9y0ojDDzJK5iWqsFaS9EGQ7VKnWGj7484Es/s320/6-17-12-3.jpg" width="239" /></a>
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To round out our trip, we ventured to Kelley's Island visiting, The Village Pump and Kelley's Island Winery. As a bit of a foody, I need to give a shout out to Kelley's Island Winery for thinking outstide of the box from a culinary perspective. With a menu that includes Duck Quesadillas, Tuscan Flatbread and truly unique flavors it's hard to believe their primary focus is the wine (which is also phenomenal).
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All in all it was a fantastic vacation and a fishing trip well worth the off-balance equilibrium I have been dealing with since the one evening we spent on the water in 5 ft waves. Truly a delightful adventure with memories that will last a lifetime.Heather Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09953497324873746230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667025809801722510.post-75193082470410551972012-06-11T21:08:00.001-04:002012-06-20T20:17:06.970-04:00One fish, two fish...It's been almost a year since Mark and I tied the knot. In honor of the one year anniversary of my fishing themed bridal shower hosted by my rockstar sister, I thought I'd post a few photos. I didn't get these posted last summer, so it's long overdue, but my sis and awesome 'maids deserve the kudos even if it is delinquent. The final photo is of the spectacular groom's cake that I suprised Mark with the day before our wedding. He was shocked to see Knot for Profit atop a tasty treat.
I'm looking forward to sharing stories of our fishing adventures this weekend. Stay tuned.
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Groom's cake from Just Like Mom Used to Make<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHujNB4phN9d9xKVW4rVzC59JfNsUbgCDtH2NNJx8MyQsC2MuIJ23vj9SCrKJttUqKcUAUgyoOeFoOvOIeJ0lCRgnd7DINwOjTfhx1srJ2TFYI1OcDMDgSw5Yc6Fi2cdUARZ9kFmM0EyMi/s1600/groom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHujNB4phN9d9xKVW4rVzC59JfNsUbgCDtH2NNJx8MyQsC2MuIJ23vj9SCrKJttUqKcUAUgyoOeFoOvOIeJ0lCRgnd7DINwOjTfhx1srJ2TFYI1OcDMDgSw5Yc6Fi2cdUARZ9kFmM0EyMi/s320/groom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Heather Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09953497324873746230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667025809801722510.post-2135302728137729202012-05-30T18:21:00.000-04:002012-05-30T18:21:29.954-04:00RIP my sweet dipsy lover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8O9ZeX2lDP8movun6GxZJN0QYsZnwn1FYY5tMY29MaBuQlpyW0Npi5vuLAQkTaI_bDTcTCD8LKqaj2b5oN0hJWAm-ignwG80Cxufyq59e0tv9GhQn73L1x655zX5fwkG2xz_jm78y1i00/s1600/129_0579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8O9ZeX2lDP8movun6GxZJN0QYsZnwn1FYY5tMY29MaBuQlpyW0Npi5vuLAQkTaI_bDTcTCD8LKqaj2b5oN0hJWAm-ignwG80Cxufyq59e0tv9GhQn73L1x655zX5fwkG2xz_jm78y1i00/s320/129_0579.JPG" /></a></div>
Over the last few years, I have developed an unhealthy obsession with dipsy divers. Initially, this developed because the ease of use was fantastic for a novive angler, soon though I realized that the dipsy-spoon program produced results. These round discs would mean very little to most 20 somethings, but to me, they are so much more. I love everything about a slow troll with a dipsy and a shimmering purple or mossy green spoon. The thrill of the chase, the overwhelming feeling of popping the trigger and reeling in a walleye, even the net hitting the water and lifting that 'eye onto the boat, running a dipsy program vs. a planer program has quickly become my number one choice. Look, you can even see my excitement in this photo:
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This obsession came to a screeching halt last weekend, when my old faithful didn't serve us well. With only two walleye in the boat and mayflies sitting on the bottom of the lake filling the bellies of every 'eye within a 50 mile radius, Mark suggested that we drift and cast instead. I was anxious about this new method and to be honest I was pretty confident it would be a miserable failure. At first, I was right. Nothing happened for nearly 20 minutes. Then after a long cast out, I felt a swift, heavy tug on my line. I knew instantly it was a walleye. Having never caught a walleye on light tackle, I had no idea what to expect. This catch far exceeded my expectations. The fight was natural and you could feel every move the walleye made as I reeled in. It was incredible. After a few more casts, we had another 3 in the box and my affinity for this method was quickly growing. Before the day was over, I was convinced that Mark had led me astray when he got me hooked on the dipsy's. He never let me in to this sweet, sweet secret; casting makes you feel like a "real" angler. I'm referring to the kind of angler that takes their nightcrawler and simple rod and reel and makes magic happen. I finally discovered the missing link to my passion for the water. This weekend forever changed my world as an angler.
The most important lesson a novice angler can learn is that no method is ALWAYS the most effective. Don't get me wrong, some do produce more consistent results; however, much of what we all do is driven by the thrill of the hunt. Part of that thrill is trying new baits, changing trolling speeds and even switching up your whole program from time to time. My advice to you is to let go of your fear and reservation. Try something new, you might surprise yourself.
I leave you with a picture of what I believe is one of the most beautiful mornings I have ever seen. Isn't mother nature great!
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDerbBjwPxZ9h5n4ZjyWL3IjEaIVwC0Xaiz3e9VtlKaAdmGrIOH6AQSUoWtq5YLnMQzfBwG_ghBgESHar7qo8MHCECYN0Cevg_phlzaA-HSDZoH0gEiEOEiD9g-IFAgLWNmhcfPHgja1N/s1600/129_0575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDerbBjwPxZ9h5n4ZjyWL3IjEaIVwC0Xaiz3e9VtlKaAdmGrIOH6AQSUoWtq5YLnMQzfBwG_ghBgESHar7qo8MHCECYN0Cevg_phlzaA-HSDZoH0gEiEOEiD9g-IFAgLWNmhcfPHgja1N/s320/129_0575.JPG" /></a></div>Heather Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09953497324873746230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667025809801722510.post-79575589612261319942012-05-10T21:58:00.000-04:002012-05-10T21:58:16.578-04:00Change of heartQuite some time ago, I started blogging about my experiences hunting the legendary Ohio whitetails. At the time, I had no idea that I would grow to love the outdoors and would develop my skills to the point that others would seek my advice. I initially started writing so my family could read of my adventures now I have loyal readers that have made this entire experience so very unforgettable.
When I chose the name for my blog, Becoming a Huntress, I was a novice outdoorswoman. Fishing was not something I had any real interest in. My path has ventured a bit off course since my first post and now I find myself aching for more time on the water, reading fishing tips on my phone in between meetings at work and sharing prize walleye photos with complete strangers. For the past several months, I have debated if this change in my greatest passion meant that I should change the name and content of my blog and for much of that time I believed that I would need to revolutionize my writing and alter my blog entirely. Recently though, I realized that becoming a huntress isn’t just about sitting in a tree stand, it’s about discovering your passion for the outdoors and challenging yourself to step outside of the comfortable and ordinary. Regardless of whether I am on the water or hunting on dry land, I think becoming a huntress is more than fitting. I’m still working on my skills and I’m still growing into the outdoorswoman that I aspire to be. You will start to see new posts and possibly some fresh perspectives as I take my passion to the water and don’t fret, I’m still planning to hunt those hearty whitetails come fall.
Without further ado, let me provide a brief update on the start to my Ohio walleye season. Less than a month ago, my charming hubby and I purchased a vacation home at Lake Erie. This has already proven to be the best investment we have made. While we settle in over the next few weeks, our fishing time is a bit limited; however, with only a few hours on the water last weekend, we reeled in 9 fat bellied ‘eyes. The first day, we spent much of our time trolling. It was a slow pick, bringing only 4 fish on the boat all day, but it felt good to feel that tug on the line again. On day two, we drifted with bottom bouncers and brought in 5 big walleye. It was a spectacular day. I truly cannot wait to hit the water again and see what this season will bring. I am looking forward to posting pictures and stories of my adventures in the months to come.
Have a great week and enjoy the hunt, regardless of whether it’s on the water or on land.Heather Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09953497324873746230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667025809801722510.post-37150965228526164142012-05-07T20:09:00.001-04:002012-05-07T20:09:28.134-04:00Sorry for the delay...It's been quite a while since I last posted. There is really no excuse, I just needed a hiatus. I wish I had some brilliant and worthy reason or explanation, but it appears that time has just gotten away from me. I thought it was time to make a return after several months of relaxation and re-evaluation of how and what I want to write and discuss in my blog. To those of you that read actively before, stay tuned, I promise changes and updated posts will be coming soon. I'm working out some kinks in my plans, but will be updating Thursday evening.
Thanks for your patience as I re-adjust my focus and improve the quality and quantity of posts.
Looking forward to a refreshing and exciting post on Thursday. Until then, savor this beautiful picture of the lake this past weekend as a storm rolled in.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3WyJPUAKRTBF2c3UCjT4JfhkP1XYKPMdkx2qZU4Uj016-pAqrBEOsEe6orsFWmKHHcFlgfSpwtchV4fmamSpwUteaNOKL_5XUdS7spEtPTXnub7TSydow-es3_9T-sDieHbhUdDed2p6h/s1600/2012-05-04_19-17-40_35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3WyJPUAKRTBF2c3UCjT4JfhkP1XYKPMdkx2qZU4Uj016-pAqrBEOsEe6orsFWmKHHcFlgfSpwtchV4fmamSpwUteaNOKL_5XUdS7spEtPTXnub7TSydow-es3_9T-sDieHbhUdDed2p6h/s320/2012-05-04_19-17-40_35.jpg" /></a></div>Heather Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09953497324873746230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667025809801722510.post-88689453885960054882011-12-01T21:18:00.004-05:002011-12-01T21:32:16.645-05:00Shotgun Season is Here!With Ohio shotgun season in full swing, I wish I could say that the week has resulted in tags filled and a full freezer. Unfortunately, I am beginning to think that I am whitetail repellent. I am embarassed to admit that I have not even seen a deer within shooting range in over 365 days. It's almost unbelievable. The good news is that I broke this horrific streak this week, when I saw a button buck come within 20 yards of our ground blind. It took much self control to hold back and not take the shot. I just couldn't justify taking a young buck out of the mix for the years to come. So, I'm still anxiously anticipating the moment when I am able to put a whitetail on the ground. I keep hoping that my slow year has been a lesson in patience, preparing me for the moment that a monster buck comes into range. <br /><br />I must mention that the time in the woods over the last couple of days has really brought me a sense of calm that I haven't had since we put the boat into storage. There is something about the trickling of fresh falling rain in the woods and the chill of early winter hunting in Ohio that instantly soothes you. We were incredibly fortunate to have recently purchased the Ameristep Brickhouse Blind. Despite the monsoon that occurred early in the week, we stayed dry through the entire hunt. The blind does the job and is great for rainy, cold days when stand hunting is nearly unbearable. <br /><br />My plan is to head into the woods this weekend. Let's hope the weekend brings much luck. Stay safe and savor the season. :)Heather Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09953497324873746230noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667025809801722510.post-67667304971617273172011-11-19T17:35:00.003-05:002011-11-19T18:06:53.293-05:00Winter is coming...In the Powell household, there are several signs that we are prepping for the winter. I think many hunting/fishing households will probably relate to the cyclical pattern of the autumn season. The first signs can be seen early in November for us. The day seems to diappear a little more quickly and our fireplace gets back to business for the year. "Knot for Profit" is stowed away at our marina for 2012 and we can only vaguely recall the summer sunshine beating down on the water. We reminisce about the giants we caught all summer and speculate about the fishing season ahead. Every weekend we now spend washing hunting clothes and hitting the tree stand. It's at this chilly change of season that I begin to find some humor in the little moments or small indications that 2011 is coming to and end. For most families, this happens as they plan for holiday parties and wrap Christmas gifts, for us it is so very different. Maybe I begin to find humor in all of the happenings in our house because the long hours spent in the tree stand are finally wearing on my mental state, whatever the reason I thought I'd share a few of the things that always make me take pause and consider the year that is passing and the memories that lie ahead. I assure you this is not sentimental or charming, just reality.<br /><br />Once we get to November, I find myself checking the temperature, not to find out if I need to wear a jacket, but instead to try to guess when the first snow will come down. There is nothing better than the first snow and the tracking capacity this fresh fallen powder provides hunters. I plan my work schedule and vacation time around shotgun season, muzzleloader and the best hunting opportunities. I am a bit of a work-aholic, so for me vacation time is like a bad word. This time of year, I savor every moment and spend my time thinking of deer camp and hunting locations. <br />I know if my husband has hunted without me during the day by sniffing to see if he smells like estrus. To add to this point, we keep bulk buck bombs in our garage. Football becomes a mute point. In Ohio, football is king, but once we hit November, I couldn't tell you details about any team in any state anywhere. Games happen during the best hunting times and I'm not about to make that kind of sacrifice. Our neighbors get a little nervous as we try out new hunting blinds in our back yard and practice our bows from our back porch. A quick story regarding the hunting blind, Mark recently surprised me with the Ameristep Brickhouse blind (it's absolutely awesome in case you might be wondering). We were both so excited when it arrived that we took it outside to check it out as soon as I got off work one day. Picture me in my high heels, skirt and business jacket putting up a hunting blind in the back yard. I'm confident our neighbors think we've lost our minds.<br /><br />The funny thing about all of this chaos is that the same occurences happen every year in the same way at the same time. The process of entering into the peak of hunting season in Ohio and storing the boat for the winter seem to mark a moment in time, a transition from one point to another. It's actually amazing to think that the unassuming day-to-day happenings of a hunter/hunting household can become so ritualistic. <br /><br />With Thanksgiving only a few days away, I want to say thank you to everyone who has read my blog for the past couple of years. It's been great to share in experiences with other outdoor bloggers. Some may not know this, but initially, I started blogging for my family. They live more than 2 hours from us and I wanted to share my hunting stories with them. Now, more than 2 years later, it has become so much more. Thanks to all. Have a safe and happy thanksgiving!Heather Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09953497324873746230noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667025809801722510.post-40967958500130208182011-10-03T21:47:00.005-04:002011-10-03T22:12:19.285-04:00Groundhogs in Trees?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7nH_CFfOf5bYdCpengJXhv41Tdrz5G5rCCwifQ1ThPwhSJibOyCj2E39GT80aTsnatHLefUQ_DSLRn5PfRv5k78VYjfE9zCLkU8ssYIpmxgE2HKqSeeyXMzXW0DXsqMzhC-idLUtAgtlk/s1600/hunt2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7nH_CFfOf5bYdCpengJXhv41Tdrz5G5rCCwifQ1ThPwhSJibOyCj2E39GT80aTsnatHLefUQ_DSLRn5PfRv5k78VYjfE9zCLkU8ssYIpmxgE2HKqSeeyXMzXW0DXsqMzhC-idLUtAgtlk/s320/hunt2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659453220928355634" /></a><br /><br />You know the movie Wizard of Oz? Well, my recent hunts have reminded me of the point in the movie where they sing/chant the song "Lions and tigers and bears, Oh my!" I feel like my theme song this season could be: "Groundhogs and squirrels and birds, Oh my!" <br /><br />First, I learned early this season that groundhogs can climb trees despite their name, which might suggest that they are ground dwelling animals. When I first saw that round, pudgy creature climbing the tree, I nearly passed out. Unbelievable. Soon after I discovered groundhogs ability to quickly scurry to new heights, I met my first flying squirrel. I was sitting peacefully in my tree stand minding my own business, when out of no where a squirrel squealed and appeared in my tree. If you have read any of my previous posts, you know that I am deathly afraid of squirrels, so you can imagine the absolute terror I was feeling in this moment. After much deliberation and consultation with my hunting buddies via text, I decided to ignore their advice, grab my extra arrow and attempt to scare the squirrel away by prodding him gently (no animals were harmed, it sounds much worse than it was). Initially, I made no progress, but soon the squirrel retreated in the same manner it approached. Quite possibly, one of the most frightening experiences I have been a part of. To top things off, this weekend, a swarm of birds surrounded me on my Sunday hunt, loudly chirping and flying around my head. Before I knew it, one bird landed on my head and began pecking. Thankfully, it was a tiny bird that flew away the minute I moved. If he would have stuck around, I cannot even imagine how panicked I would have become. Oh, and in case things weren't quite crazy enough, Mark and I both acquired poison ivy on our second hunt of the season. I thought this picture pretty much summed up my sentiments about my hunts thus far:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZAFRhabDVAyUUdViY3juY2jdHt89zCzwPBBI0x2A2tAkL7YbLuy8H2et889CV6uxJMOLk7LzW-as07MCPE4osdSp3dVo7VN59SBjyHYHsxkzY-Faq6I2FsxBejir7WoVXw0wFRbnfGcy/s1600/hunt.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZAFRhabDVAyUUdViY3juY2jdHt89zCzwPBBI0x2A2tAkL7YbLuy8H2et889CV6uxJMOLk7LzW-as07MCPE4osdSp3dVo7VN59SBjyHYHsxkzY-Faq6I2FsxBejir7WoVXw0wFRbnfGcy/s320/hunt.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659452897681083570" /></a><br /><br /><br />I feel as if we need a week or two to regroup before hitting the woods again given the tumultuous start to the season, however, I hate to miss out on the October/November hunting in Ohio. Nothing beats the crisp, cool nights. The does get moving and the big bucks follow behind and I'm not going to allow a few snags to stop me from filling my tags this season. <br /><br />I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to acknowledge Mark's incredible friends who, for the first time ever, invited me to attend their opening day activities. I was so honored to be included and even more touched that they gave me the best stand on the property to hunt that evening. The guys went out of their way to welcome me and quite frankly I felt like I was a part of the team. Rob, Joe, you are both fantastic and I don't think I can ever thank you enough. Without that hunt, I may never have discovered that groundhogs can climb trees.Heather Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09953497324873746230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667025809801722510.post-26852318859014912582011-09-17T15:55:00.002-04:002011-09-17T16:18:37.769-04:00And so it begins...I feel that I must begin by acknowleding my lack of posts. As some of you might know, I am now a Mrs. and the past month has been a whirlwind of last minute wedding preparations, getting married and honeymooning. For those that have an interest, we traveled to Maine for our honeymoon. It was beautiful! If you haven't been I recommend that you pack your bags and leave immediately. By far one of the most breathtaking vacations I have ever been on. At last, I am back in town, Mrs. Powell and ready to jump into the 2011-2012 whitetail season. <br /><br />With Ohio whitetail season only a few days away, signs of the season are all around us. I finally had an opportunity to get out and shoot my compound and honestly it wasn't terrible. For months now, I had allowed my fear about this hurdle to overcome my desire to take the next step and practice shooting my bow. Without sighting the bow in, I was a bit off, but I hit the target and had a pretty nice grouping. It was an accomplishment that I will not forget. While I plan to hunt with a crossbow again this year, I am very hopeful that with continued work I will be shooting a compound by next autumn. A year behind schedule, I am disappointed that my skills haven't advanced more but I am still enthusiastic to get the season going. <br /><br />Last week, we did some scouting. For me, this signals the first sign of fall. We secured access to some land near our house that I am very excited about. It's always difficult when you lose land in a season and this year we lost 2 different properties so our early season work has primarily focused on gaining access from landowners so we can have a physical space to hunt. After we got permission signed, as we pulled out of the landowners driveway we noticed a nice buck on the edge of the field. What a great way to jump start a season. I know the excitement for me is building quickly.<br /><br />For the first season in my hunting career, I am planning to use a climber stand. I'm a little nervous about my first few solo hunts in a climber and hope that I can muster up the courage to master this. I must admit that I continue to be amazed at the number of new skills one must acquire to really excel as a hunter. I feel as if every season brings a new challenge that I must conquer. This certainly adds to the excitement of each season and keeps a new hunter interested. I'm sure that my skills acquisition creates humor for those around me as I often find myself stumbling or saying the wrong thing. One can only hope that my friends remain patient as I learn how to field dress my deer this year and take to the woods for only the third season in my hunting career. I suppose my shortcomings make things interesting for each of them. <br /><br />Every opening week is like a crash course in hunting and a fast-paced reminder that you can do more than you think possible. For all of the hunters hitting the woods in the coming days and weeks, stay safe. If you are experienced, take someone new into the woods with you. I know that I am forever grateful that Mark forced me to get started and I am certain that others would feel the same.Heather Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09953497324873746230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667025809801722510.post-14261551498602907312011-07-26T20:08:00.002-04:002011-07-26T20:32:04.052-04:00Drumroll Please...The one thing no angler can live without doesn't come in a fancy package and involves no assembly. It's not something you can pack up and take along in your tackle box. It oftens takes several tries to find the best. I believe that this is the most important aspect of fishing (outside of an excellent fishing partner, of which I do already have the best). <br /><br />My bonus #8 favorite item: An excellent bait shop. <br /><br />When I first began fishing, I thought the best bait shops were those that had the best t-shirt selection or the widest array of items. I didn't take into account how hearty the bait were or whether or not the staff at the store understood fish behavior or knew the latest happenings. It didn't take long before I realized that a great bait shop isn't the flashiest and it doesn't have 5,000 brands of soda or chips available (I do love snacks, so this was a hard realization). To find a high quality bait shop, you need to be an early riser. Getting up when the fishermen do and heading out to see where the crowd goes is a good indicator. <br /><br />The bait at a good shop is hearty, healthy and active. Shiners are appropriately sized and even the frozen shiners at a high quality bait shop are productive and stay put on your hook without breaking apart or falling off. Crawlers are fresh and packed well. <br /><br />With Mark's guidance, I have learned to differentiate bait shops based on the tips the staff gives. A great bait shop can put you on fish even on a bad day. They know where the fish are being caught, what bait is hot and how to limit out. Don't get me wrong, you need to be kind and respectful to get them to open up a bit, but an excellent bait shop can truly enhance your fishing program.<br /><br />Once you've found the best, you need to nurture your relationship with all of the employees. Visit during off hours to let them know how your day went. If you've had a great day and their bait made it happen, let them know. Gratitude will take you a long way. Stop by the shop late at night to purchase your bait so you have time to talk with the team and get to know them. You will undoubtedly receive some of the best advice from those that know the waters year around. <br /><br />So, there you have it, 1-8 of my favorite fishing items/tips. Hope you enjoyed. <br /><br />Mark and I are getting married in a few weeks so I suppose somewhere soon I may reflect on our very first outdoor experiences. Until then, stay tuned, we are heading to the lake this weekend and I can't wait to be on the water again. Here's to filling a limit.Heather Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09953497324873746230noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667025809801722510.post-75555653199599246682011-07-25T19:12:00.003-04:002011-07-25T19:42:16.314-04:00A few of my favorite things (Part 2)Well, you've had a chance to read about 3 of my favorite fishing items. I'm ready to share 4-7. I would argue that some of these are among the single most important things, but again I'm going in no particular order.<br /><br />4. OR-18 Snapper Releases. If you run off-shore planer boards, this is a must have. The pinch pad releases that come on the boards when you purchase them are incredibly difficult to operate and can be very frustrating. They often pop off when you are trolling and quite frankly are cumbersome at best. The snapper releases are easy to operate, even for those who are new to fishing. We upgraded our boards with these releases recently and I will never go back to the pinch pad releases. Ever. <br /><br />5. Oversized spreaders with extra long snells. I most frequently talk about walleye fishing, but I'm a pretty big fan of a day on the water spent perch fishing too. Recently, we changed our program to include an oversized spreader with extra long snells. This improved the fishing so drastically that it's almost shocking. The water in Lake Erie has become very clear over the years making a wide spreader a necessity. The snell hook catches the fish the first time. You lose less bait and bring in a limit with ease. For novice anglers, like myself, there is truly nothing better than bringing in two fish at one time. It's an unforgettable moment that you can repeatedly experience with a spreader. <br /><br />6. A really good GPS and fish finder. This is probably one of the most critical components to your fishing outfit. You need to have excellent charting capability and understand the waters you are fishing if you want to be successful. First and foremost, a good GPS is a safety must. Beyond safety, your GPS and fish finder can make or break your outing by providing accurate image of fish location and depth. We use the Garmin 541 S. It's a user friendly model with an internal antennae and color graphics. We did have to do a map upgrade in order to get depth contours for Lake Erie, which was costly, but well worth the expense. Take the time to do thorough research on what model is best for you and your style of fishing. You will not regret taking the time to do this.<br /><br />7. Dipsies and Snubbers. I love this one for a lot of reasons. It's fun to say to begin with. :) In all seriousness, this set up is great for beginners. Basically, dipsies and snubbers serve the same purpose as planer boards, but are a bit more user friendly for those just growing into the sport. You can still run your line out and away from the boat, but you can only run spoons or crawler harnesses. I don't believe that this is limiting in any way given that both bait options are highly productive in walleye fishing throughout the year. I could go on for hours about this trolling program because I love it that much. I think it's much less complicated than running planers and having to reel in and then remove the board each time there is a fish on. With a dispy, you trip the release and reel. Less effort, same outcome. That's my kind of fishing.<br /><br />So, there you have it my 7 favorite fishing products. But wait, I forgot one that is so important that it earns a post dedicated in its entirety to #8. Check back tomorrow for the one thing that no angler can live without.Heather Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09953497324873746230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667025809801722510.post-7298728984753210352011-07-24T13:51:00.002-04:002011-07-24T14:12:44.400-04:00A few of my favorite things (Part 1)Every angler has a few products that they really stand behind. You know what I am talking about, the handful of things that you won't leave home without. I've been hesitant to review products or discuss the things that I truly believe have improved my fishing drastically, because I'm relatively novice. I think it's time though, to tell you about a few of my favorite things. I narrowed the list down to 7 items that I feel can really help those new to the sport settle in with greater ease. Let me preface my statements by noting that I cannot imagine how much this list could change as my skills grow. These are the basics. Those that have been fishing for years are much more advanced than myself and likely respect these products and a long list of others. So, without further ado, let's begin in no particular order.<br /><br />1. Amish Outfitters Buggy Bags. Simply stated this product is a trollers first step. If you don't have these, get them. Early season fishing is incredibly difficult without trolling bags to slow your speed. Few boats can get down below 1.0 mph trolling without these in April and early May. There are a million types of trolling and drifting bags and you may find others that better suit your needs. I however, believe that this product is one of the best on the market. They are user friendly, clean up easily and get the job done. <br /><br />2. Duplicate Cranks and Spoons (Okay, this isn't one product, but is good advice nonetheless). We all have tackle boxes stuffed full one or two reef runners or deep little rippers of every color imaginable but what happens when you only have one of a paricular color and the fish start striking on only that bait? Get your wallets out, because this next piece of advice, product tip, is costly. Buy multiple of every spoon and reef runner you own. You will not regret it. I cannot tell you how many times I am certain I could have filled a limit if I had more than one of the bait that was hot that day. <br /><br />3. Hook protectors (Sometimes referred to as hook bonnets). This is a must if you have children. We don't, but I'm clumbsy and can assure you that this product is a lifesaver. You can get hook protectors in hundreds of colors and several manufacturers produce them. I don't have a particular brand that I'm attached to. What I will say is that hook bonnets will protect your gear from snagging and will absolutely improve saftey on your boat. <br /><br />Tomorrow, I will share 4-7. If anyone has others that you can't live without, feel free to comment and share your advice. Looking forward to sharing the rest of my favorite things with you tomorrow evening. Stay safe if you are heading out for an evening fish tonight.Heather Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09953497324873746230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667025809801722510.post-69903590559416993192011-07-04T15:04:00.005-04:002011-07-04T15:39:44.697-04:00The Little Lake that Could<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLU9UiSZF3TlYEMEYHJjYs9Z7kTfigq-MfIYfe5KpHrfaMyxExdhxFLYSX8rgcM8fOFZVJItOb59jrrsJrHcnPxKnlH8yQNR9INvkr9s9qk9pKA8OxtVrqW5KQ_yf7LMwdsHjjx-0sS2d/s1600/129_0321.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLU9UiSZF3TlYEMEYHJjYs9Z7kTfigq-MfIYfe5KpHrfaMyxExdhxFLYSX8rgcM8fOFZVJItOb59jrrsJrHcnPxKnlH8yQNR9INvkr9s9qk9pKA8OxtVrqW5KQ_yf7LMwdsHjjx-0sS2d/s320/129_0321.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625583109668786050" /></a><br /><br />I believe that many people under estimate the potential fury of an inland lake. This weekend was interesting because I had the opportunity to see first hand how quickly a body of water that might seem small can show you just how mighty it is. <br /><br />Mark and I took Knot for Profit out for some perch fishing on Saturday morning. On our way out, we were a bit hesitant about the weather. We weren't overly concerned because near the shore it wasn't terrible, 2-4ft waves, but nothing out of the ordinary. The further we ventured out the more the waves grew. Weather reports didn't do the rough water justice and we quickly decided that it was a bit more than we were comfortable with in our small 21 ft. boat. We turned around and headed for shore. With many boats on the water and winds that were quickly picking up, we knew the ride back could be a bit sporty. About half way into our trip back to the marina, Mark turned to me and began shouting "Get the life jackets, get the life jackets!" I felt a bit like I was on "Deadliest Catch" and quite frankly it was much less fun than I had ever anticipated. I grabbed both of our life jackets and held on as we took a rogue 8 foot wave over our bow. We were getting slammed and I can assure you that no fish is ever worth risking a ride back that was anything like this one. Fortunately, Mark is a great captain and navigated the boat with confidence and sensibility so we returned to shore safely. Needless to say, this wasn't how we thought the weekend would play out. My advice to other anglers is to really trust your instincts, respect the lake and know your boat well. Don't ever venture out in conditions that are too much or that make you uncomfortable. No matter what the size of the lake, it's possible to put yourself in a dangerous position very quickly often with little warning. <br /> <br />With the wind shifting and the lake laying down in the evening, we headed back out to give perch fishing another shot. While we only caught 15 perch, we had a great time in the sunshine and I think we both were pleased that we were able to get out and put our lines in the water. <br /><br />On Sunday, we got up early to make it out for a quick walleye fishing trip. We weren't able to make the long run where most of the walleye was being caught, as I had to get back in time for work in the afternoon, so we were uncertain if we would have any luck. I have to say that I personally, was pleasantly surprised. After trolling for a bit, we picked up about a million sheephead. Then, my big moment came, we saw a heavy hit on one of our rods and I began to reel. When the fish finally got near the boat I could see that it was the biggest walleye that I have caught thus far. Just shy of Fish Ohio standards the fish measured over 27 inches and weighed nearly 8 lbs. Not a monster for most, but for me a fish to be very proud of. I was ecstatic and despite the fact that my arms were smoked from reeling this fish in I couldn't contain my excitement. Soon after, we had another heavy hit. I was using everything I had left inside to try to get this big one in the boat, but the weight on the end of the line was tugging so hard that I couldn't gain any ground. In the end, the large fish ended up snapping our planer board and breaking it and we lost the fish. I was devastated. I wanted so badly to know what was on the end of the line and while I know that I will never really be able to figure that out, the curiosity and guessing have been driving me crazy since that moment. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4bTCrp5_PGerVQUFDAmSyYXnv8upm5o7gHP6U0cEfKMz5NRHEvE5IHX4eOrBTrgv4e746gdkQcgdlXEpFVLwSZCzhi9hILgcZ5lNbFheDY6Rhpnf89_p4g0bF_77GknB9VvO0V5F2OjE/s1600/129_0323+%25282%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 233px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4bTCrp5_PGerVQUFDAmSyYXnv8upm5o7gHP6U0cEfKMz5NRHEvE5IHX4eOrBTrgv4e746gdkQcgdlXEpFVLwSZCzhi9hILgcZ5lNbFheDY6Rhpnf89_p4g0bF_77GknB9VvO0V5F2OjE/s320/129_0323+%25282%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625583549686538434" /></a><br /><br />As a side note, this weekend was the one year anniversary of our maiden voyage on Knot for Profit. It was great to celebrate with Mark and truly savor the weekend. We are so very fortunate to be in a position that we can spend our weekends on the water on a boat that is dependable and perfect for us. Even with gas prices soaring, I can honestly say that buying this boat was one of the best decisions we ever made. <br /><br />Here's to a safe and happy 4th of July. Thank you to all of those who have sacrificed to make our many blessings possible. Best of luck to those anglers heading out this evening!Heather Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09953497324873746230noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667025809801722510.post-1322859517007082152011-06-22T17:46:00.004-04:002011-06-22T18:10:15.601-04:00The fight and The BiteWe all know that feeling, the swift tug on your line, the heavy weight pulling, the moment when you know that their is a fish on. For me, this moment defines fishing. I'm a learner by nature and want to absorb every bit of knowledge that I can. I find myself constantly seeking ways to better understand fish and their behaviors. In the short time that I have been on the water, I have come to appreciate the bite and the fight as the two single most distinguising features of different fish. I love being able to identify a fish simply by it's tug or the way it takes the bait. I'm sure this is directly correlated with my desire to be in control of everything, but I suppose that's neither here nor there. <br /><br />A few weeks ago, Mark and I spent some time perch fishing. This is not our area of expertise. Put me on a walleye boat and my skills as a first mate would shine, I can rig rods quickly and efficiently and I feel comfortable selecting bait in almost any water condition. I can read the fish and while I have much to learn, I feel fairly confident in my abilities as a walleye angler. Perch fishing is a whole new arena. The bite is so light and almost unidentifiable. I had to rethink the process in order to even pull in a couple of fish. It took me some time to understand that perch are small and their fight much different than that of a walleye. A walleye sits heavy on your line and fights hard near the boat, a perch wiggles a bit and then relents allowing you to reel in with little struggle. It's incredible that two fish in the same body of water can be so very different. We haven't even started to discuss sheephead, which will devour your bait quickly and battle you until your arms are tired. They don't give up easily. I started to focus on mentally recording the way in which each breed took my bait and before the day was up, I could easily distinguish what was on my line with litte effort. This may seem insignficant to most of you, but for me this was an unforgettable moment. After years of diligent effort to build my confidence in the outdoor world, I finally felt like I was gaining my footing. I felt like I had been let in on a secret. Of course, I know that this is no secret, it's not rocket science, but it's a great feeling to finally be in a position where I don't feel completely lost. <br /><br />Mark must have quickly adapted to perch fishing, because he and my dad took to the water last weekend (during my fishing themed bridal shower, pictures coming soon) and limited out, catching enough perch to last us until the end of summer. Delicious! <br /><br />We are planning a trip to the lake next weekend, so I look forward to some time on the water. Good luck to everyone this weekend! :)Heather Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09953497324873746230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667025809801722510.post-79842961164380766672011-05-30T20:04:00.003-04:002011-05-30T20:51:59.280-04:00I love selecting spoons...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfdQQQsSUweE0TKhMGEIw7ALIX-r0vLT63aEAzArFdZgnd1flwxtU6jXc3ekUkYq9NL2vU4LErY2Bn2qdGG8611ewcXAvlds13RN0vaReWX_BjPdXQTgJevvPoJUcbkmD9CGkxJy-X1AC/s1600/129_0253.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfdQQQsSUweE0TKhMGEIw7ALIX-r0vLT63aEAzArFdZgnd1flwxtU6jXc3ekUkYq9NL2vU4LErY2Bn2qdGG8611ewcXAvlds13RN0vaReWX_BjPdXQTgJevvPoJUcbkmD9CGkxJy-X1AC/s320/129_0253.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612676432231049170" /></a><br /><br />This weekend was so delightful that I almost have difficulty finding words to describe it. First, let me begin by thanking Jim and Donna Brett at Green Cove condos in Oak Harbor for allowing us to rent their comfortable and peaceful condo.I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a wonderful, affordable, place to stay that is close to the lake and comes with a 30 ft. dock. It was, simply said, perfection. You can find their rental by searching vacationrentals411.com. <br /><br />Now, on to the fishing and absolutely stunning weather. Mark and I spent much of our time at Lake Erie this weekend on the water. We even have the sunburns to show for our time in the 90 degree heat. I won't complain since Ohio has experienced record rain fall for what seems to be months on end now. We fished everyday including this morning. Yesterday, we spent hours trolling with little to show for our efforts running spoons and dipsy's at varying speeds and depths. With only one walleye in the boat, we were determined to make today count. I picked out each of spoons selecting primarily purples with some bright yellow and a couple of deep blues or reds. Let me say that picking spoons is one of my favorite activities. I truly savor the opportunity to get in the walleye frame of mind and think strategically about water clarity and the way the fish will perceive the bait. After trolling at about 1.4 for only a few minutes, we got our first bite and had a nice walleye on the line. Within a few hours, we were in the zone and had brought in 3 additional 'eyes. The rush of having a fish on is so exciting that sunscreen and even drinking enough water sometimes get lost in translation, hence the sunburns and dehydration...<br /><br />As the weather started to heat up, the fish seemed to stop biting altogether. All of the chatter on the radios indicated that most were heading in with only one fish in the boat. We were thrilled to say that we had 4 for the day, with a 5th that was lost at the boat and a 6th that was only a bit undersized to be a keeper. A great fishing day for Mark and I as we finally got into the groove of teamwork on "Not for Profit." <br /><br />One evening of our trip with took out our old crappie rods and dropped them in near the docks. It was nice to go back to traditional fishing and take a breather from the intensity of trolling and constantly changing baits and adjusting. We caught a catfish, a couple of crappies, and a small sheephead. Nothing noteworthy, but a relaxing endeavor.<br /><br />It's amazing what a difference a year can make. The experience we have gained together on the boat is starting to pay off and I think we are both looking forward to the rest of the summer. Here's to limiting out on our next trip. Happy Fishing to everyone heading out this evening.Heather Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09953497324873746230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667025809801722510.post-32241260505514316562011-05-17T21:00:00.004-04:002011-05-17T21:16:29.172-04:00Walleye ConundrumOh heavens, I suppose I need to start this post by saying that I am writing with a heavy heart. With thousand of dead walleye washing up on the shores of Lake Erie, I am left saddened and hesitant at what this means for the overall fishery and of course my personal summer success. If you haven't heard about this terrible conundrum yet, let me fill in the gaps. Basically, fishermen/women are finding literally thousands of dead walleye on the beaches along the western shore of the lake. There are several theories as to what might have caused this. Wildlife officials are testing for VHS, but believe that these deaths are likely associated with the turbulent weather that occurred in the lake region during spawning. <br /><br />To be clear, this has affected only a small portion of the entire wallye population in the lake however, this combined with slow productivity in previous spawning years does cause me a bit of concern. This is certainly something that fishermen/women need to watch carefully in the coming months. For more details about the situation, you may want to check out the attached link. There is a good piece discussing the background and a bit more verbiage regarding the spawning season and climate changes: http://www.wtol.com/Global/story.asp?S=14644014<br /><br />My hope is that this will not impact the overall success of the 2011 walleye fishing season, however, I have no illusions and understand that it will likely not be an easy season. With the incredible rain fall and high winds that have turned the lake over numerous times early in the year, it could be a real challenge. Fortunately, I am a glutton for punishment and appreciate the thrill of a truly challenging outdoor experience. I'm usually pretty pleased just to be on the water learning new skills. <br /><br />The plan is to spend Memorial Day weekend on the water. Here's to good weather, safe boating and fantastic fishing.Heather Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09953497324873746230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667025809801722510.post-17037915959487781022011-05-02T20:58:00.003-04:002011-05-02T21:10:57.907-04:00The Joy of FishingAs most of you are aware, I have been fishing for several years now. In that time, I have found many great joys in spending time on the water. The fury of a lake right before a storm, the way that fish sometimes stack seemingly on top of each other on the lake bottoms, the feeling of hooking and reeling in a big one. There is an incredible sense of accomplishment when you reel in a huge fish, hold it in your hands and wipe the sweat from your brow. Until recently, I did not believe that this feeling could be topped in any way. Then, I offered to teach someone how to fish. <br /><br />I was at work recently, when a colleage mentioned that their exchange student really wanted to go fishing before returning to her home country. I offered that Mark and I would take her out. Last week, we had the opportunity to spend an evening at a friend's pond with this young girl. <br /><br />It is impossible to describe her excitement when she got the first bite. She was jumping up and down and nearly threw the fish out of the water as she set the hook. This tiny blue gill had made her entire day. Fish after fish, her excitement never dampened. Even when it began to rain, she still savored every cast. She took pictures of every single fish she reeled in and celebrated even the smallest gill. It was incredible. <br /><br />I learned last week during this experience that there is a better feeling than reeling in your own big fish; watching someone new to the sport catch fish for the first time. If you have never taken someone new fishing with you, I cannot clearly express how important I believe this is. I guarantee that you will be energized and will develop a new sense of pride when you hit the water again. It would be impossible to feel any other way.Heather Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09953497324873746230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667025809801722510.post-79992100085567564492011-04-20T19:47:00.004-04:002011-04-20T19:50:46.992-04:00Naming our Boat<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWz0RCPbAE6SbCSsCQb6ElhAkn95v6sraUFxb46rsQfsIUmjBFZBTE8auIIqD9SghANQVFypLnM486cPWk0hdQ7zhLyK2Mg3T1C3cLIW1Uzq2u-RiH3Ia8noaMZEtgO6p3HlRlngC7Qx6/s1600/fishing+2011.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597817292360028562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWz0RCPbAE6SbCSsCQb6ElhAkn95v6sraUFxb46rsQfsIUmjBFZBTE8auIIqD9SghANQVFypLnM486cPWk0hdQ7zhLyK2Mg3T1C3cLIW1Uzq2u-RiH3Ia8noaMZEtgO6p3HlRlngC7Qx6/s320/fishing+2011.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>After nearly a year of deliberation, Mark and I have named our boat. While I recognize that this is relatively irrelevant to outdoor activities, I am so pleased that we have finally settled on something. For those that might not know this, Mark and I met at my previous job, which happened to be a healthcare non-profit. Most boat owners will agree that you will never find profit in owning a boat. So, it seemed natural for us to combine the two and name our pride and joy: Not for Profit. Dear Lord, let’s hope that when we have children it does not take us this long to make a decision. If so, our poor kids will be listed as “name unknown” for half of their life.<br /><br />On our first excursion in Not for Profit this year, we didn’t have a lot of luck. The wind was pretty gusty and while the fishing was hot, our ability to find the fish was not. I’m fairly certain that every other angler on the water was limiting out, and while we did not, we sure did have fun. Mark reeled in a big walleye, probably 8 lbs. or better. Clearly, he will be a terrific husband, as he allowed me to act as though I had actually caught the fish. Although, I think he may have requested that I take pictures with the fish because my small frame would make it look even larger. Either way, it was an enjoyable afternoon and a great first excursion. There is nothing better than the first trip to the lake each season. Very few anglers are on the water so it’s peaceful and serene. Not to mention that the bait shops are less busy and willing to chat. Those that are willing to venture out are typically friendly, helpful and more willing to share details about where the best bite is.<br /><br />We are planning to go to the lake again next weekend and I am keeping my fingers crossed for better weather. I am well overdue when it comes to scoring a big walleye. </div>Heather Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09953497324873746230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667025809801722510.post-5099350366583356722011-03-24T20:15:00.002-04:002011-03-24T20:36:08.950-04:00By George, I Think I've Got ItWell folks, I think I am slowly mastering my turkey call. I took my call with me on a trip for work and practiced as I drove today. This gave me a chance to familiarize myself without bothering anyone. I'm sure I sounded like a complete idiot, so it's probably for the best that I was driving alone. After almost an hour, I was feeling really comfortable and by the end of the day I was able to move my mouth in ways that made the call sound louder or more quiet, longer or shorter, more high pitched or less, etc. I was starting to sound like a gobbler. As evidence of this, let me share a story. <br /><br />I was stopping by a business to drop off something for my employer. As I pulled out of the parking lot, I put my call in and continued my practice. I turned to see two men walking in. One gentelman turned to the other and said, "Hey man, do you hear a turkey?" The pair kept looking around trying to figure out why a wild turkey would be within city limits. This pretty much made my entire day. If I can fool two grown men, I'm hopeful I can convince a few Toms this season. <br /><br />It's nice to catch on to something with ease. Most of my outdoor journey has been riddled with challenges and struggles, mixed with a few really wonderful moments that keep me motivated. This experience has been fun, exciting and relatively easy to pick up on. Now, I know I am not an expert, but I am thrilled with how enjoyable this learning experience has been. <br /><br />Being someone who is still relatively new to the outdoor sports world, I think it's important to celebrate the little victories. So, tonight I will celebrate by drinking a glass of wine and maybe doing some research on compound bows. My birthday is only a few months away, and since we will get married only one day before my birthday, I am hoping for something with Matthews or Hoyt stamped on it from what will be my new husband. :)Heather Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09953497324873746230noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667025809801722510.post-82805894507601566072011-03-20T17:52:00.002-04:002011-03-20T18:26:12.352-04:00Yes, I do shoot like a girl...Mark and I spent the weekend savoring the sunny weather in Ohio. This winter seems to have went by more slowly than others so a break in the weather was long overdue.<br /><br />On Saturday, we went to Lake Erie to pick out our dock for the summer. It was invigorating to be near the water again. The air is cool, crisp and fresh this time of year and with the ice just breaking up, it was truly breathtaking. We visited some of our favorite spots, including Marblehead Lighthouse, Mon Ami and some of the prime fishing grounds we like to frequent. We found the perfect place to dock this summer and I think we are both anxious to get the boat in the water. <br /><br />Today, we went to the Ohio Deer and Turkey Expo. New to the expo this year was a special women's apparel and related gear section. I was thrilled that this area of the expo was prominent and included more than a few pink t-shirts. Thanks to Karen Butler and "Shoot Like a Girl," I got to shoot my first compound bow. They made the experience much less intimidating than I was anticipating and I left encouraged and energized. It was a fantastic experience and with practice I feel completely confident that I will be shooting my compound in time for whitetail season 2011. I cannot thank the entire "Shoot Like a Girl" team enough. <br /><br />I also got to visit with representatives from The Woman Hunter magazine, HuntOnly.com, InterMedia Outdoors and Droptine Divas. I tested a new stand, the X-1 Treestand, by X-Stand Treestands. It weighs under 12 pounds and was very user friendly. I'm going to start saving today in the hopes that I can get one before this upcoming season. Along with all of this, they also had the Ohio Big Bucks on display and had contests for best trail cam photos and outdoor pictures.<br /><br />This was by far, one of the best expos I have been to in quite some time. I am so excited for the upcoming hunting season, that it is almost impossible to focus on other things. After today, I will certainly be pinching pennies to purchase my dream bow and treestand. Thanks to all of the vendors who were welcoming and informative. We had a great time. If you haven't been to this expo, I highly recommend a trip in 2012.<br /><br />Turkey hunting begins a few short weeks, so I need to buckle down and sharpen my calling skills. I will not go another hunting season without filling a tag. I'm determined.Heather Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09953497324873746230noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667025809801722510.post-1511823196607037812011-02-28T19:17:00.002-05:002011-02-28T19:37:55.057-05:00Turkey Calling BasicsI'm sure my neighbors are starting to wonder what the terrible noise is coming from our house. As I work to perfect my new turkey call, I am confident that they are wishing we would move. Mark and I went to our local hunting and fishing supply store yesterday and started to prepare for spring turkey season. I'm not certain where I am going to find the time to add in turkey hunting into and already busy spring spent prepping for walleye season, wedding planning and seeking land for whitetail season 2011, but I am determined. <br /><br />After much deliberation at the store, I opted for Quaker Girl's Mini Mag Beginners Double mouth call. I selected this for several reasons, primarily because I am way too uncoordinated for the slate calls (I tried and even the salesman was chuckling at my inability), but also because I can keep it in my car and practice while I am traveling for work. Two other perks were that the call is made in the USA which I love and a portion of the proceeds go to support breast cancer awareness. The call is made for a smaller palate so its a little easier to use for someone not as familiar with calling. It has taken me some time to get comfortable but I am actually getting the hang of this, which is shocking given how terrible I was just yesterday. I think with practice I will gain a bit more control. It's nice to experience a little success. I don't often talk about products, but I truly do think this is a great beginner call. It's not too difficult to use and helps to build confidence in someone who was hesitant to get started. <br /><br />I'm looking forward to turkey hunting for the first time. It's something that I have been wanting to do for quite some time and I think that Mark will prove to be an excellent teacher. Hopefully, I'll claim my first tom this spring. <br /><br />I've also been making plans to practice my compound bow as soon as the weather breaks. I cannot wait to jump into this experience. My goal is to be hunting with a compound by whitetail season this fall. Keep your fingers crossed.Heather Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09953497324873746230noreply@blogger.com3