flash drive

We aren’t talking about computer storage devices here; it’s a one day mad dash to Orange Park and back. The AF Crew heads out on a road trip that may change the way we view fishing expos in the future. Dick’s Sporting Goods and Addictive Fishing presents “Fish Like The Pros”.

Ten booths will fill the parking lot in front of Dick’s Sporting Goods in Orange Park. Factory reps and pro staff from the top manufacturers will be answering questions and showing off the latest and greatest innovations in fishing products, electronics and accessories. Learn how to tie the best knots, get the most out of your electronics, or just keep up to speed on the newest baits on the market.

Fishing pros, Blair Wiggins and Shaw Grigsby, will be giving seminars and using the traveling bass aquarium to demonstrate presentation and technique. Watch the way they wiggle their worm up close and personal! Afterwards, the pros will be on hand in The Lodge for autographs and questions.

Project Snook and Mote Marine will be there taking donations and sharing the progress of what your $10 donations have accomplished so far. There is still so much research to be done and more snook need to be hatched. After the big chill of 2010, our favorite fighters need all the help we can give them.

Grab the family, tell your fishing buddies and come out to the Fish Like The Pros fishing expo. This mini event has everything you go to the bigger shows for without any of the admission fees. Confirmed exhibitors but not limited to:

Humminbird
Minn Kota
Star brite cleaning products
DOA Lures
FINS braided line
Lazer Sharp Hooks
Wright & McGill
Mirrolure
Project Snook & Mote Marine
Coastal Angler Magazine

The big event is this Sunday in the parking lot of Dick’s Sporting Goods @ 1910 Wells Road, Orange Park, FL, 11am – 4pm.

Calls dibs on the backseat,
BillBird

fowl play

The cats are away so this bird will play! The McCabes are in Vegas… again. The Mogan Man is in some woods somewhere… again. With Rocco under the thumb of his sitter, this bird has flown the coop in search for some R&R.

Looking for a break from the same ol' same ol'? Make an escape to Florida's Space Coast. There’s lots of stuff going on this month so check out the calendar and make your plans "Quick". The Quicksilver King of the Peak Surf Contest is this weekend at Sebastian Inlet. Hang ten with some of the best riders in the world! If world class entertainment is more your liking, Lisa Lampanelli might not be your first choice. You're in luck! Loretta Lynn and Diana Ross will also be performing in November. Come run your toes through the sands of Melbourne Beach and relax before the holiday grind begins. Let Florida's Space Coast Office of Tourism help you plan your getaway today.

This weekend's weather forecast is a mild reminder of the big freeze in February that wiped out great numbers of snook across the state. It was an unfortunate natural occurrence the species has faced long before we started fishing for them. But with the added pressures of an increasing number of anglers and diminishing habitat, wouldn't it be nice to be able to give Mother Nature a hand with repopulation of one of our favorite fish? Mote Marine is doing just that. By manipulating water temperatures and lighting, breeding snook are now producing snooklets during times of year that are not usually utilized for mating. This research is not used for the sole purpose of repopulation. The more we know about the breeding habits of snook, the better assessments can be made when implementing or adjusting regulations. Go to ProjectSnook.com and help support Mote Marine with their research by making a donation. Take stock in the future!

Is this the running of the bulls? Richard Vidinha must have dressed as a Matador for Halloween and waved his cape during a local bull red shootout tournament. His boat pulled in three breeder reds for a 2nd Place win! Congratulations, Richard! You also won a spot as this week's Mogan of the Week and that’s no bull! How do they say "Oley!" in Beaufort, South Carolina?

Out chasing hens,
BillBird