Tennessee Bass Federation
January Newsletter
January is a very difficult month for most of our members. TBF members want to go fishing but most of the time the weather is a little too cold and rough, except for the most dedicated fisherman. Our neighbors to the North are fishing through holes in the ice, but Tennesseans still want to get our boats out on the water. I’m afraid that at my age, I’m not nearly as “tuff” and I used to be, so I’ll just spend the extremely cold days working on arranging tackle, sharpening hooks, cleaning rods and reels and making out a game plan for the upcoming fishing season. On those days when the weather has been stable for a few days and the sun has been warming the water just a little, I might try to slip a day or two of fishing in. I just know there are some big brown fish swimming in our Tennessee Rivers and Lakes that are just waiting for me.
TWRA Information
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has several lakes located across the state that usually are lightly fished and offer a great opportunity to take a child or family member fishing without the fishing pressure found on some of the larger bodies of water. The following information comes from TWRA’s website. (www.state.tn.us/twra/)
The 18 lakes managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency are open year-round for fishing and outdoor recreation. Designed and regulated especially for family fishing, these lakes prohibit alcoholic beverages, houseboats, inboard motors, water skiing, personal watercraft, and swimming. Most lakes have wheelchair accessible fishing piers, easy access to bank fishing, boat rentals, launching ramps, and picnic areas. Some lake offer conveniences such as bait, tackle, snacks and drinks. These lakes are managed to provide fishing opportunities while producing the best quality fishing possible at a minimal cost.
Ten of the lakes are located in West Tennessee and range from 87 acres to 560 acres in size. The newest and largest lake, Gibson County Lake, was impounded in September 1999 and opened to the public April 1, 2003. This lake also has a recreational zone which allows waterskiing, personal watercraft, and swimming. The remaining eight lakes are located in Middle Tennessee and range from 12 acres to 325 acres in size.
One of the 4 lakes at Williamsport (Whippoorwill) is for youth-adult fishing only and an embayment of Laurel Hill Lake is designated for youth-only fishing. In addition to these, there are a couple of ponds totaling approximately 15 acres designated as youth fishing ponds. These ponds are located on the Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness WMA in White County. For more information about these ponds call the Region 3 TWRA office at 1-800-262-6704.
If the family wants to get away from it all, then consider one of these 18 Family Fishing Lakes to pursue your thoughts, and relinquish your worries to the tug of bluegill, bass, or catfish. You might find something you've lost while enjoying an activity which is basic, simple and just plain fun and relaxing.
Humminbird News
Expanding on an impressive list of sonar capabilities, Humminbird® announces the addition of Down ImagingTM Sonar to its groundbreaking Side Imaging® technology.
"Humminbird's goal continues to be to provide anglers with the most innovative technology and Down Imaging is the next step in that process," said Dale Logue, product manager for Humminbird. "Adding Down Imaging to Side Imaging, and our new SwitchFireTM Traditional Sonar, the opportunity to find highly productive fishing spots is unprecedented."
Like Humminbird's innovative Side Imaging Sonar, which revolutionized the marine electronics industry, Down Imaging presents picture-like images of the bottom. Down Imaging views are focused directly beneath the angler's boat, giving a detailed look at structure and the water column. Down Imaging and Side Imaging together give anglers an incredibly detailed, full 180° view of the bottom.
Split-screen viewing options provide the ability to view Side Imaging, Down Imaging and SwitchFire Sonar separately, in groups of two, or all three at once.
A free software upgrade to add Down Imaging will be available in January to current owners of Humminbird models with Side Imaging (except 797c2 SI) by simply registering their product at Humminbird.com. No new hardware or transducer is required. All new Side Imaging models (998c SI and 898c SI) come standard with Down Imaging capabilities, with existing models (1197c SI and 798c SI) adding the feature as a running change in 2010. (www.humminbird.com/)
Ranger Notes
For competitive anglers, fishing guides and boating enthusiasts, Ranger's Z500 Series is the most sought after collection of high performance fishing boats on the market today. These scientifically advanced designs fused with Ranger's legendary construction standards represent a legacy of leadership some 40 years in the making.
Building on that heritage, the all-new Z518 and Z519 further establish Ranger's Z500 Series and bring even more options to anglers looking for the ultimate fishing experience. Both models feature the look, feel and muscle associated with Ranger's flagship designs. Stainless steel hardware, compression lid locks, plush interiors and an industry-leading list of standard equipment highlight these newest members of the Ranger Family.
Both the Z518 and Z519 feature an ultra competitive price as well as the same smooth, responsive and dry ride characteristics for which Ranger is known. The Z518 measures 18 feet, 8 inches in length and carries a maximum 200 horsepower rating; a configuration extremely popular among anglers looking for a smaller, more maneuverable design with plenty of power. Available with a wide range of factory-rigged outboards, the Z518 is balanced by a 38-gallon fuel capacity, 92 ½ -inch beam and features a storage system built with the tournament angler in mind. Standard equipment includes a Minn Kota trolling motor, Lowrance electronics, LED compartment light package, on-board battery charger, remote oil fill, Ranger's exclusive SRS Soft Ride Seating system and much more.
For anglers looking for a slightly larger package, the Z519 measures a comfortable 19 feet, 6 inches and carries a maximum 225 horsepower rating. Much like the Z518, the Z519 features loads of standard equipment including Lowrance electronics, a Minn Kota trolling motor, padded front casting deck, multi-function gauge package, integrated tackle management system and much more. The Z519's interior is highlighted by a completely redesigned console that's not only taller for more protection, but offers built-in mounting options for today's popular, large-screened electronics directly above the steering wheel - eliminating the need for gimbal and swivel mounts in most cases. The redesigned consoles also integrate a stylish-yet-functional concave beveling on the outside, allowing the tips of rods stored on the front deck to stay more secure while in use. (www.rangerboats.com/)
Charlie’s Kitchen: Beef Stew
1 lb beef stew meat
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
2 large cans crushed tomatoes
4 small cans tomato sauce
2 small white onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 large potatoes
8 medium carrots1 6-ounce frozen yellow corn
1 6-ounce frozen green peas
1 6-ounce frozen green beans
2 Beef bullion cubes
2 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Black pepper
1. Coat beef stew meat in flour and brown in vegetable oil. Drain.
2. Place canned tomatoes and tomato sauce in a large stock pot. Add stew meat.
3. Peel and dice onions and garlic. Add to pot.
4. Peel and cut potatoes into cubes. Add to pot.
5. Peel and slice carrots into medium slices. Add to pot.
5. Add the frozen vegetables to pot. Fill pot to top with water.
6. Add beef bullion cubes, salt and pepper.
7. Bring the beef stew to a boil and reduce heat. Simmer slowly for 1 1/2 hours. Check that beef stew is done by meat and potatoes being tender. Remove bay leaf and serve.
