It's that time of year.  Time to relax!  You could need a nap, catch some sun, or watch your kids at their soccer game.  Bass Pro Shops has exactly what you need.  Everyone has fold up chairs and we are no exception, but to make it even more fun we have a few different ideas you should come on in and take a look at.

Bass Pro Shops has the Big Outdoorsman Fold Up Chair.  This chair is oversized, roomy with foam padding at the headrest, seat, and back.  The armrests are hard so it makes getting in and out quite easy.  The Outdoorsman folds flat in a hurry for quick storage and comes with a cupholder and will support 350 pounds.  We even have a extra large chair which will support 400 pounds.  So comfortable I dare you not to fall asleep in it!

Now if you want to fall asleep, try the Bass Pro Shops Big Outdoorsman Lounger Chair.  This lounger has a bungee suspension system and will hold up to 400 pounds.  The seat is 24 inches wide and comes with a side tray with built in cup holder, padded seat and back.  Why it even comes with it's own pillow!  This chair has everything you need for a relaxing day reading a book.

So stop on by to Bass Pro Shops.  I think you will find exactly what you are looking for.

Robin Piedmonte - Events Coordinator

Nothing is more frustrating than going into a store and not finding your size.  Don't get upset, stop on in to Bass Pro Shops, and check out our mens clothing.  If we don't have what you are looking for, we can order it.  We can also check with other stores, or you can order over the internet, then have it shipped to the store for free.

Here are a few of the men's clothing items that come in plus sizes you may just want to look at. 

The Redhead Ultimate Flannel Shirt,  is soft and roomy. Made of 100% cotton this shirt resists pilling and is virtually shrink free.  The best part, it comes in sizes up to 5xl.

Take a look at the World Wide Sportsman Angler Shirt which comes in long and short sleeve.  To keep cool this shirt has a vented cape in back, and built in UPF sun protection.  You can't go wrong. Sizes up to 4xl.

Bass Pro Shops Original Logo T-Shirt   Sizes up to 4xl with eight colors to pick from.

World Wide Sportsman Boco Grande Cargo Shorts are made of 100% quick dry nylon with 10 pockets. Sizes up to size 54.

Redhead Canvas Zip-Off Pants are great for spring and summer with sizes up to 54. 

Try the Redhead Pocket T-Shirt with sizes up to 5x.  This t-shirt comes in 8 colors and is made of 100% Jersey tee with a left chest pocket.  Pre-washed for extra comfort.

World Wide Sportsman Hybrid Angler Pants  Three colors to pick from.  Sizes up to 4xl, and nano-tex technology which resists spills.  Add a 50+ sun protection with zip off legs.

Need jeans?  Well Redhead Loose Fit Five Pocket Denim Jeans are the way to go with sizes up to 54.

So - don't get frustrated!  Remember Bass Pro Shops is here to help you find what you are looking for. 

Robin Piedmonte - Events Coordinator

Fishing in the Finger Lakes offers a variety of different species to catch.  The most popular fish  people go for, are trout and salmon.  There are different systems of fishing the Finger Lakes, and here are a few you may just be interested in.

Trolling:  Trolling is the most popular for trout and salmon.  For this type of fishing you can put up to 5 lures per line, and slowly pull or troll behind a boat.  The positive side to trolling over the casting method is, it allows multiple rods rigged with different lures that are set up at different depths.  Trolling does require special equipment and can be very maddening during periods when the waterfleas are plenty.  A good trolling motor to look in to is the Minnkota Terrova Bow Mount Trolling Motor with Universal Sonar 2.   The Minnkota  has a factory installed I-Pilot wireless GPS trolling system which allows you to store and retrieve location and paths on water.  Added, is the co-pilot wireless function to navigate and position your boat which allows you to focus on fishing.  Easy to use and very durable.

Trolling with lures near the surface is referred to as flat lining.  This technique works great with landlocked salmon (best when water is cool).  The best lures to use are stickbaits, streamers and spoons.  During the warm months you need to get lures deeper for the trout and salmon.  Sometimes as deep as 100 feet or more.  A few methods to get lures down deep is a downrigger.  A downrigger is a heavy weight attached to steel cable that lowers and raises by a winch and pulley system.  One downrigger that works well is the Cannon Tournament Series DigiTroll 5TS.  The stainless steel spool allows you to re-spool monofilament or superlines.  It has a swival base and integrated LCD screen and touch pad which provides a real time date and is simple to operate.  Best part is its electric.

Divers:  This device is attached to your line.  This will get your lure down to the depth you want.  Divers are a great option for beginning trollers.  They are cheaper than downriggers and there is no installation to your boat.

WireLine:  This method has become very popular over the years.  When used with a diving device, the bait goes deeper.

Copperline:  This system has been popular for many years in the Finger Lakes area.  Lake trout are the favorite to catch with copper.  Another term people use is "pulling copper".  One tugs the copper by hand using a heavy spoon.  Some people modify an old victrola record player to wind the copper on.

Lures that are popular for trolling salmonids are spoons, plugs, and flies.  Three main styles of attractors are spinners, dodgers, and flashers.

Vertical Jigging:  A very popular method of catching lake trout is vertical jigging.  This method entails lowering the jig to the bottom a few times and then reeling it up rapidly off the bottom for a short distance, before dropping it again and repeating.  This is a nice alternative to trolling when you have water fleas or weed matts.  You also do not need any special rod or reel.

Natural Bait:  Minnows are extremely popular to use.  Make sure you use only certified bait or bait caught from the lake you are fishing on.  Other popular baits are alewives (also called sawbellies or mooneyes), egg sacs, and marshmallow and worm rigs.  The marshmallow and worm rigs are extremely popular on Skaneateles Lake.  The colored marshmallow helps float the worm off the bottom and the bright color of the marshmallow acts like a attractor.  Some people skip the worm and just use the marshmallow. 

So have a relaxing and fun time out fishing on the Finger Lakes, and remember if you need anything we are just a short distance away.

Robin Piedmonte - Events Coordinator

These days you can get a watch to do just about anything.  Here at Bass Pro Shops we have a watch that will fit your needs. 

Check out the Casio Fishing Watch.  The features on this watch include sunrise and sunset, the moon phases, feeding cycles of fish as well as a silent vibrating alarm.  If thats not enough try 100 meter water resistence.

If hunting is where you spend your time,  try the Casio Pathfinder Hunting watch with features such as:

• Sunrise and Sunset
• moon age and phase data
• 5 Alarms
• Water resistant up to 100 meters
• This watch is a great value for the money easy to program and quite durable.

Is your man into watches that do just about anything?   Well check out the Suunto X10 Military GPS Writstop Watch.  The features include:

Full GPS

The watch includes routes, marks waypoints, tracks speed and distance.

You can download to your PC via included interface software and USB cable.

Google earth compatible

Includes altimeter, barometer, compass and all time/alarm functions.

Menu driven with back light, and is water resistant to 100 meters.

So stop on by to Bass Pro Shops and check it out!

Robin Piedmonte - Events Coordinator

Don't know what to get the Dad who is always on the go?  Well help that dad relax with a great gift from Bass Pro Shops.  Check out the Bass Pro Shops Folding Padded Hammock.  This hammock is portable, durable, and comfortable.  If those features are not enough, add the fact that it comes with a storage loft under the hammock to store a book or magazine.  Now wait I am not done yet, this hammock is weather resistant and comes with a carry bag and pillow.  Easy set up as well as easy storage makes this a perfect idea for Father's Day.  So stop on down to Bass Pro Shops and pick one up.  Dad will just love it!

Robin Piedmonte - Events Coordinator

Fishfinders have come a long way in recent years.  You don't have to have a boat in order to have a fishfinder.  Fishfinders come small to fit on your wrist, portable and mounted.  

If you spend a lot of time on a boat, you may want to consider a GPS unit that comes preloaded with maps of shoreline and inland water.  Some even have satellite images and real-time weather updates, as well as radar images.

You want to have a unit that is waterproof, has glare protection, and a unit where the image should be easily visable.

The Humminbird Smart Cast RF-35 is a wrist mounting fish finder.  It shows bottom contour, depth and water surface temp.  This is good in small bodies of water and  along banks.  It goes to 125' depth with a 75' range.  Great for a young fisherman just starting out.

When thinking of a fish finder consider different screen options.  Color and pixels add more detail to the display and makes it easier to understand.  Think about what size you want and where you will put it.  Will you mount it? 

The Bass Pro Shops associates in our Fishing Department can show you a wide variety of Fishfinders.  Here are two you just may want to consider.

Humminbird 798ciHD

Side Imaging sonar/Down Imaging

5" screen HD Color Display

50 channel GPS and WAAS

4000 watts

Depth 1500'

Switchfire Contour XC Map-covers 3000 US lakes, depth contour lines

Ethernet Networking - Ability to share sonar, GPS and way points between compatible units.

Humminbird 998C HD

8" color display

side/down imaging

duel beam plus with switchfire

depth 150'

dual SD cards

dualbeam PLUS depth 1500'

So, stop on by and take a look.  You won't be disappointed.

Robin Piedmonte

Events Coordinator

Here at Bass Pro Shops we take outside activities very seriously.  You work hard and you play hard.  Whether you are walking the beach during the winter months or riding a motorcycle during the summer; it is not fun picking up shells or out for a ride when you are wet.  Thats why Bass Pro has exactly what you need for the wet weather.  Golfing, fishing, hiking, camping, bicycling, canoe/kayaking, motorcycling whatever you enjoy get the proper gear to stay outside having fun. 

When you are on a motorcycle you can't always wait for the storm to pass.  You need to carry a lightweight suit which will keep you dry for a while.  This should be easy to pack, convenient, with waterproof closures.  Here are a few ideas to consider.

Columbia Omni-Tech has a watertight rain jacket.  This jacket has a 100% watertight shell, adjustable storm hood, lightweight, and breathable fabric.  FroggTogg has the Original Pro Action Rainsuit.  The bomber style packs easy for storage.  It has elastic openings to keep rain out and is waterproof as well as breathable.  Made of 100% polypropylene.

Now if you need something that will do even in Alaska, try the Bass Pro Shops 100mph Gore-Tex Rain Parka and Bibs.  This outfit is roomy, waterproof and breathable but the best part is it's ability to withstand the cruelest weather.  This garment was tested in 22"s of rain per hour in the Gore Storm Chamber using wind driven and drenching overhead rainfall.  Dropdown hip covers locking drawcords among other features makes this outfit a must for extreme activities.

So stop on by and see us here at Bass Pro Shops so we can help you make the most out of your activities.

Robin Piedmonte - Events Coordinator

Mother's Day is on May 12th this year.  Many people forget that here at Bass Pro Shops we have a great selection of clothes and jewelry as well as gift ideas for that special Mom in your life.  Bob Timberlake has a basketweave neckline top with short sleeves.  This top is cool, comfortable and washes great! To top it off it comes in 4 colors.  We also have a printed open cardigan that is soft and lightweight.  This can be worn on cool summer nights with jeans or dress pants.  Not in the mood for clothing? Well we have that covered too.  Stop on by our Gifts Department for a wide assortment of candles, wind chimes and mailwraps.  Everyone has the usual metal mailbox. The mailwraps are great.  Pick up a few, one for each season!  It's a inexpensive way to update the old mailbox and bring a little excitement to your area. So stop on by and check out the perfect gift for Mother's Day.

Robin Piedmonte - Events Coordinator

How would you like a kitchen all wrapped up in one?  If that sounds interesting you have to check out the Brinkman Smoke 'N Grill.  This grill has a professional five burner propane grill with nearly 700 square inches of cooking surface.  A rotisserie and a smoker with electronic ignition that puts out :

  10,000 BTU's on the five burners

  12,000 BTU's on the side burner

   10,000 BTU's on the back burner

     6,000 BTU's on the smoker

So bring in your friends - why - invite the neighborhood.  Primarily fueled with propane you also have the option of buying a conversion kit that will convert the unit to natural gas.  The grill also comes with a griddle topper, bottle opener, and a towel/tool bar.  Although it is large enough for many, don't count out a date night for the two of you.  Busy during the week?  Why not do all your cooking on one day and keep it in the refrigerator so your week is heat up and forget?

So stop on in and check out the Brinkman.  I think you will be impressed.

Robin Piedmonte - Events Coordinator

Talking with any hunter, you are bound to get a large amount of advice on nabbing that big bird.  Here are a few ideas and tips we hope you will find helpful.  Some hunters are anxious about being able to identify the differences between a Hen and a Gobbler.  It is not that difficult, however, if you know what to look for.  Here are some key differences to pay attention to while hunting, compliments of New York State.

 The turkey is considered the king of all game birds.  They typically roost in trees and nest on the ground.  They are kin to the quail and grouse.  Their body makes them well adapted for walking, running, and flying.  Turkeys are smart with large brians and a endocrine system which enables them to survive quite well outside.

The turkey is a omnivore. However, 90% of what they eat is plant.  Acorns being their main food, they also snack on fruits, seeds, some insects, greens, soybeans, and corn.  Turkeys need to be near a permanent water supply.  They like rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands.

Turkey Calls are a great tool when Spring turkey hunting.  Always remember that they should be used in moderation.  Five minutes between calls is a good place to start depending how the turkey reacts.  Keep in mind that turkeys have keen senses of hearing and sight, one hint of danger and they are gone.  Here are a few good calls to look at.

Box Calls

Slate-type Friction Calls

Wingbone and Trumpet Calls

Diaphragm Calls

Push and tube Calls

If you are a beginner with calls, try the box or slate type for easy use.  You should always carry several calls with you to see what the turkeys will respond to.  When you hear that first response from a turkey,  stay still.  A tom will gobble a few more times.  Make sure that if you do need to move, you are able to maneuver freely.  Make sure hazards such as fences and creeks are not in your way.

Best time to call is always on calm clear mornings.  The call carriesmuch farther.  On clear mornings walk along field edges and logging roads so you don't scare them or have them hear you. Heavy rain is not a good time to turkey hunt, but misty foggy days with light rain is good.  They might get up later but don't hang around the roost for long.  They want to move where they can hear better.

Decoys - Use them in open pastures and sparse woods.  Realism does matter as well as movement (no spinning decoys)

Last but not least check out the New York State Hunting and Trapping Regulation guide or www.dec.ny.gov for more information.  Here are some safety tips right from the regulation guide.

1.  Don't stalk.  More than half of turkey hunting injuries happen when one hunter stalks another.

2.  Always assume any call or footsteps you hear are from another hunter.  Don't shoot until you clearly see the whole turkey and know it's sex.

3.  If you see another hunter, talk to him or her clearly, and don't move.  Never wave or use a turkey call to alert another hunter.

4.  Turkeys are tough.  You need to be close (30 yards or less is best).  You need to get a clear head and neck shot.  Do not try to shoot them in the body or when they are flying.

5.  Never wear turkey colors red, white, or blue.

6.  Wear hunter orange when going in or out of the woods and when walking around.

7.  When sitting still waiting for a turkey, put hunter orange on a tree near you.

8.  If you take a turkey or carry a decoy, wrap it in hunter orange.

We hope you will find these tips and advice helpful in your quest for the big bird.  Any questions, on turkey hunting stop on by  Bass Pro Shops.  Our associates are always happy to help answer your questions as well as guide you to the right equipment that will work for you.  Check out some of our merchandise below.

Robin Piedmonte

Events Coordinator

 Spring turkey season is almost here and the word on clothing is camo!  Turkeys can see color.  You should have a camo pant, shirt, jacket, cap, facemask, and gloves.  Wear dark colored socks so your skin will not show when sitting down.  A camo vest with plenty of pockets is a must to carry calls and snacks.  Some vests have a drop-down padded seat.  Always try to match the foliage of the season.  You may want to layer, due to the temperature changing morning to afternoon.

Your head, face, as well as hands are often ignored.  Turkeys have excellent eyesight so cover it all.  A suggestion for gloves are the Redhead Jersey Grip Dot Gloves.  Great for mild weather, these gloves are made of breathable cotton jersey.  A great feature is they have a control dot in the palm for enhanced grip.

Face masks come in different lengths.  You want a very thin see through mesh.  Not comfortable with anything covering your face?  Try Hunters Specialties Camo Paint.  Don't forget a camo print cap.  Something with a wide brim is very helpful for keeping sun and rain off your face.  Not a shopper and want it all in one?  Well we have that too.  Try Redhead camo cap with mask and mesh glove combo.

Last but not least are your boots.  Spring turkey hunting requires walking.  Possibily several miles a day in search of birds.  You are looking for a lightweight un-insulated boot.  A few suggestions might be our RedHead Treestand II Goretex non-insulated hunting boots.  These hunting boots are comfortable with a leather upper for support.  Rugged and waterproof you won't be disappointed.  The Danner Jackal II GTX non-insulated boots are lightweight, breathable, and waterproof.  Those are just two of the many kinds of boots we have here at Bass Pro Shops.

Part of turkey hunting is being prepared for the hunt as well as the weather.  So - for the non-shopper in you, stop on by to Bass Pro Shops for one stop shopping.

Robin Piedmonte

Events Coordinator

Spring Turkey season is right around the corner.  May 1 thru May 31.  The spring youth hunt is April 20 and April 21.  Here are a few rules and regulations put out by the DEC.  Refer to www.dec.ny.gov or 1-866-426-3778 for additional information.

1.  You must have a turkey permit in addition to a small game or sportsman license.

2.  You may take 2 bearded turkeys during the spring hunt, but only one bird per day.

3.  You must carry your hunting license and turkey permit while you hunt.

4.  You may hunt with a bow.  You may hunt with a shotgun or handgun only when using shot no larger  than #2 and no smaller than #8.

5.   You may not take a turkey with a rifle or handgun when firing with a bullet.

6.  You may use a muzzle loading shotgun.

7.  You are not allowed to hunt with a dog during the spring season.

8.  You are not allowed to use bait to hunt turkey.  You also may not use electronic calling or an amplifying device to locate or hunt turkeys during the open season.

9.  You may use decoys.

10. A scope of any type is allowed.

Once you are successful in shooting a wild turkey, you must fill out the carcass tag in ink, mark or cut out the date and month of the kill and attach it to the carcass.  The carcass tag must stay attached to the turkey carcass until it is prepared for eating. 

Should you decide to give your turkey to another person, you must attach a tag with the following information to the turkey carcass:

1.  Your name

2.  Your address

3.  Your hunting license number

4.  Turkey permit carcass tag number

5.  The recipient's name

6.  The recipient's address

You must report your harvest within 7 days via phone (1-866-GAMERPT) or internet www.dec.ny.gov

You do not need to save and send in turkey legs during the spring hunt.  You do need to take careful spur, beard, and weight measurements for harvest reporting. (refer to your NY Hunting and Trapping book or www.dec.ny.gov for more detailed information)

Spring Youth Hunt

Ages 12-15 years of age and who hold a junior hunting license and a turkey permit.  All youth hunters must be accompanied by a adult as required by law for a junior hunting license (see your NY Hunting and Trapping book).  The accompanying adult must have a current hunting license and Turkey Permit.  He or she may assist the youth hunter (including calling) but may not carry a firearm or longbow, or kill or attempt to kill a wild turkey during the youth hunt.

Always refer to your New York Hunting and Trapping book for a more detailed regulation.  Now that you are up on the rules.  Stop on by to Bass Pro Shops and see what you need so you can enjoy a fun Spring Turkey Season.

Robin Piedmonte

Events Coordinator

Bow fishing in New York State is May 15 thru Sept. 30. Anyone who has a fishing license or small game license or who may be entitled to fish without a license may take a carp of any size and any number.  They may take the carp by longbow, recurve or compound bow.  This method of fishing uses archery equipment to shoot and retrieve fish.  The fish are shot with a barbed arrow that has a special line and a reel mounted right on the bow.  Rumor has it, bow fishing at night is the best!

Have I held your attention?  Well this just may be a sport worth looking in to.  The largest carp hooked and recorded in New York State is over 50 pounds.  Which makes for a fun outting.  Tournaments for carp fishing are all over New York State.  Before going out make sure you check your regulations.  Keep in mind that you cannot discharge your bow within 500 feet of a inhabited structure.  Stop by our Archery Department and talk with our associates on bowfishing.  They have the knowlege to get you started.  Whether you have done it before and need one or two things, or you are brand new and want to look into the full setup we have all the bowfishing gear to meet your needs.

Robin Piedmonte

Events Coordinator

The toddler days with pretend fishing sets are over and your child is ready for the next phase.  You can't wait to take him/her out for the first time.  Stop on over to Bass Pro Shops with your special little one and we will be happy to show you just what you need.

The 5 or 6 year old does not need much.  Try the Zebco SpongeBob Squarepants rod and reel combo or the Shakkespeare Disney Fairies lighted fish rod and reel kit.   Great to practice casting and to take that first lesson on the water.

Your child learned on a small kid pole.  Now that is too small for them, but they are not ready for the adult range yet.  Try the Ugly Stick Ultra Light rod and reel combo.  This reel is light and a few inches shorter so the jump to a adult pole is not overwhelming to them. Once your child is about 10 the Bass Pro Shops Stampede Spinning combo is great!

Just a few more things to think about.  Perhaps a small tackle box to start them out.  Our associates will be happy to show you where the bobbers, bait hooks, and weights are.  Why we even have the worms to go with you.  So stop on by to Bass Pro Shops and give us a chance to help you get out on the water with your kids.

Robin Piedmonte

Events Coordinator

Science says that give or take 2 million years ago, large massive bodies of ice flowed carving deep trenches in the earth, and the Finger Lakes were formed.  The Native Americans feel the Finger Lakes were the fingerprints of the Great Spirit touching the earth and turning the ground sacred.  Many Finger Lakes towns and villages bear names derived from Native American languages.  Depending how you tend to look at things, the Finger Lakes are a great place to vacation and of course fish.

Winter will soon be over, and many of us will start to think about Spring and Summer.  Time to get our fishing equipment out.  Look through the DEC Freshwater Fishing Guide that you received when you got your fishing license.  This guide has a great deal of information in it.  There are actually eleven Finger Lakes not five as many people believe.   Listed below are the lakes and the fish that can be found there. 

Otisco Lake has a causeway that extends across the lake.  It is located near the southern end of the lake.  This divides the lake into two different water basins.  The northern basin is deeper with clear water, and the southern basin is more shallow and murkey.  Fish incluce walley, trout, tiger musky, sunfish, perch, crappie, large and small mouth bass, and white bass.

Owasco lake is a shallow lake compared to other Finger Lakes.  The water warms faster. You can catch lake trout all year round in Owasco.  Other fish include brown trout, northern pike, rainbow trout, yellow perch, large and small mouth bass, pickerel, rockbass, walleye, bullhead, yellow perch, pumpkin seed,  and bluegill.

Skaneateles Lake has a variety of pickerel, large and small mouth bass, walleye and panfish.

Cayuga Lake is best known for its brown Trout, lake Trout, and rainbow trout.  Found in the warmer waters and shallow areas are pickerel, large and small mouth bass and northern pike.  The northern and southern ends of the lake have great fishing due to shoals (large number of fish swimming together).

Seneca Lake's favorite spot for brown and rainbow trout fishing is Catherine Creek on the southern tip.  Other fish include, perch, pike, small and large mouth bass.

Keuka is famous for its trout.  Other fish include small mouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, bluegills, pumpkinseed, rock bass and black crappie.

Canandaigua Lake has a variety of lake, rainbow and brown trout.

Honeoye Lake has outstanding panfish such as bluegill, pumpkinseed, yellow perch and black crappie.  Other fish include walleye, small and large mouth bass and chain pickerel.

Canadice Lake is beautiful with wooded shores and hillsides.  It give the impression you are in the Adirondacks.  Fish include rock bass, yellow perch, bluegills, pumpkinseeds, bullhead, small mouth bass and chain pickerel.

Hemlock Lake also has wooded shores and a huge variety of fish.  Fish include lake trout, landlocked salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, walleye, small and large mouth bass, chain pickeral, bullhead, yellow perch, rockbass, blue gill, pumpkinsee, and lake white fish.

Finally, there is Conesus Lake.  Fish include small and large mouth bass, northern pike, bluegills, sunfish, walleye, yellow perch, and tiger muskies.

So you can see why the Finger Lakes are a great place to spend the day fishing.  Check out the New York State Freshwater Fishing guide on www.dec.ny.gov.

Robin Piedmonte

Events Coordinator

A Bowfin is the sole living survivor group of fish whose fossil representatives date back to when the dinosaurs roamed the earth.  Their features have not changed much since that time.  The bowfin is a piscivore (carnivorous animal which lives on eating fish).  They prey on fish and larger invertebrates by ambushing or stalking them.  They prefer shallow, weedy waters of lakes or protected back waters on rivers.

The bowfin is able to breathe air using their swim bladder as a primitive lung.  It actually comes to the surface and gulps air even in oxygenated water.  This allows them to utilize shoreline habitats not accessible to other predator fish.

Most people regard the bowfin as a pest.  Many call it a trash fish, dog fish, mud fish, and swamp fish.  Not considered good eating, they have very sharp teeth and struggle fiercely when caught even once in the boat.

Once caught many people think this fish resembles a snakehead fish and kill it.  This is NOT a snakehead.  Although the two fish look very much alike, you can tell the difference.  The bowfin has a long dorsal fin that runs from the mid-back to the base of its tail, but has a short anal fin.  A snakehead fish also has a long dorsal fin but has a long anal fin as well.   Another way to tell the difference is the bowfin usually has a black eye spot found high on the caudal fin.  Often it has a orange or yellow ring around it looking much like a target bullseye. The bowfin is shaped like a torpedo with a bullet shaped head and sharp teeth on top and bottom.  The fish is usually around 25 inches and weighs 5 pounds. It has been known to grow up to 43 inches weighing up to 21 pounds.  It is colored dark on top and light on bottom, with shades ranging from silvery green to tannic brown.

So, after all this you decide to puruse this unique fish.   Where are they catching them?  Well Sodus Bay, Black Lake, St Lawrence, Lake Champlain, Oneida, Seneca, Oswego, Lake Ontario among others.  Bass Pro Shops has just the right people to ask any questions you might have about bowfin fishing.  First check out the new Tourney Special 7' medium heavy spin or baitcasting rod.  You then should get a good pair of fishing gloves.  This fish will make hamburger out of your hands.  One of our associates suggested the Lindy Fish Gloves. Along with that a Bass Pro Shops Grip Master with scale and braided line will complete your set up!.  Check out the links below or stop on by.  Then get out there and fish!

Robin Piedmonte

Events Coordinator 

Thought about buying a dehydrator but don't know if you will use it?  Well stop on by to Bass Pro Shops and we can help you out with your decision.  We have dehydrators for the beginner or the advanced.  Dehydrators are not just for making jerky.  Here are just a few things to do with a dehydrator.

Make potpourri with flower petals, fruit peels, pine needles, herbs, grasses, wood, and spices'       

Dehydrate any fresh herb this way no preservatives are in them.  While you dehydrate them think of the aromatherapy going through the house.  

Fire Starter - Use citrus peels.  Citrus peels don't break down in a compost due to antibacterial properties.  Cut the skins into strips and dry.  When you light them the oils flare up and start to burn.

Baby Food

Roll-ups for lunch boxes with strawberries, apple and banana pureed with a little lemon juice.

Salmon

Figs

Cherry Tomatoes

Celery for soups and stews

Jerky

Fresh corn for potato chowder down the road.

Mushrooms

Make zucchini chips

Grapes

Kiwi

Pineapple

Peaches

Pears

Yams

Banana chips

Apples

Chilis

Green or red peppers

Make your own granola.

Make healthy cheese crackers.

Dehydrate your fresh pasta to keep it longer.

Hot peppers

Watermelon  dehydrate it for 18-40 hours tastes just like candy!

Dehydrate strawberries then blend into a powder for shakes or cereal topping.

Dehydrate mandarin orange slices and make into a powder for rubs.

Crafts - make a chili swag with orange slices or maybe a lavender wreath.

Pet Treats - dehydrate snouts or meat

Humidifier - position a few containers of water in trays and turn on high.  As the water evaporates the air will become more moist.  Perfect for those harse winter dry days.

So you can see just how much a dehydrator does.  A few models to look at include the Open Country 7-Tray Food Dehydrator which is 350watts and diswasher safe.  The next step might be the LEM 5-Tray at 500watts with thermostat, or the large LEM 10 tray stainless steel at 800watts with a timer and thermostat.  So stop on by or check out our links below.    As you can see a dehydrator is not just for jerky!

Robin Piedmonte - Events Coordinator

Here at Bass Pro Shops we have a variety of waders to pick from and the Associates in our Footware Department will be happy to help you with anything you throw at them. A few questions to think about are:

Where and what will you be using them for?

What material is best for what you want.?  Neoprene for warmth, Breathable, Rubber?

Fitting is more important than you think.  You want to be dry, warm and have them fit.  If your boot wader does not fit well,  you will tire easy walking.  This could lead to a mishap.  It restricts your range of motion climbing over rocks.  Getting in and out of a boat could be a problem also.  You could damage yourself and your equipment.  Remember to give yourself a little room.  You don't want them too tight, you may need a extra layer of clothes.  When trying them on do knee bends, put your foot on a stool.  Another idea is don't get them too long where it may cause a fold.  This could leak over time. 

A few boot waders to try are the RedHead Bone Dry Hobbs Creek Chest Waders.  These come in youth, women, and men.  They are durable, 100% waterproof, resist cracking for years, and come with 200 grams of thinsulate.  We also have the RedHead Bonedry BigMan Neoprene Boot Foot Waders.  Comfortable, roomy full cut, expandable side gussets with 600 grams of thinsulate.  Try the RedHead Bonedry Rubber Foot Chest Waders.  These waders have soft sponge insoles, deep cleated outsoles for good traction and are durable as well as waterproof.

Boot waders do not need gravel guards and are considered low maintenance.  There are no laces and are easy to get on and off.  So stop on by and check them out.  So - when that weather clears you are ready.

Robin Piedmonte - Events Coordinator 

It is February, time to get away for a weekend?   Maybe that college graduate finally found the job of his/her dreams.  Perhaps it is time to treat yourself.  Anyway you look at it, the Bass Pro Shops Bob Timberlake Collection is the way to go for a beautiful yet functional piece of luggage.

Whether you go for the all leather or the heavy canvas with leather trim this luggage is perfect for that corporate executive, weekend traveler or anyone who can appreciate its quality.

The Bob Timberlake Double Sided Briefcase has two large pouches, buckle down flaps and hinged top handle.  Need a small suitcase?  The 22" roll suitcase has a telescoping handle, rugged wheels, zip front pocket and is spacious inside the main compartment.  Why even the leather duffle has a divided main compartment, side saddlebags and double horseshoe handles.

If it is canvas you want look at,  the Bass Pro Shops Bob Timberlake Wheeled Garmet Bag will meet your needs.  This bag is made of heavy duty cotton canvas, paraffin weather proof coating, and brass zippers.  The Rucksack has zipper and magnet closure flaps, side pockets and a removeable hidden shoulder strap.  For the day traveler try the Flight Bag.  This piece is great for a one or two day trip.  It has a divided main compartment to keep your business and personal gear seperate.

So stop on by and look at the Bob Timberlake collection.  Can't stop?  Why click on the links below, I think you will be pleased with the quality of these pieces.

Robin Piedmonte - Events Coordinator

Winter in February can bring out the blah in all of us at times.  How about some new seat covers, floor mats, or truck accessories to brighten that February day?  Here at Bass Pro Shops we have thought of a few things that fit that camo personality. 

Browning has everything from wheel covers to air fresheners.  You can spend as little or as much as you want and outfit that truck you so dearly love and spend a great deal of time in.

Try the Browning seat covers that are spandex,  which allows your seat to stay cool by allowing better air flow.  Who would not like that in the hot weather?  The Browning floor mats have raised edges to trap water or snow not to mention all the dirt and debris one can carry into a truck.

Bass Pro Shops has license plate frames as well as seatbelt cushions in the mossy oak line.  Don't forget to get a rearview mirror elk or whitetail rack to hang.  When it gets warm consider a Great Day Clear Breeze rear windown screen.  This allows fresh air in and keeps all debris out.  Very easy to install and it will fit all standard truck sliding rear windows.  We have styles with deer or bass on them.

Last but now least who can resist your favorite bass, elk, goose, or whitetail on your dashboard.  Made of resin construction with adhesive backing,  people can really see what your love is.

So stop on by or just check out the links below to outfit that truck and chase the February blahs away.

Robin Piedmonte - Events Coordinator