Originally from Asia and European countries, Zebra mussels came to Minnesota through the Great Lakes by attaching themselves to foreign ships departing with coal and iron ore pellets. They eventually worked their way into the Mississippi River and are now in Lake Minnetonka!
Wayzata Bay is the first to be infected. So what does this mean for Dick Osgood, executive director of the Lake Minnetonka Association and the residents living on the lake? Continue Reading »
Posted in Fishing, Outdoors | Tagged Dick Osgood, DNR, Eurasian Milfoil, How to kill Zebra Mussels, Infestation, Invasive, Lake Minnetonka, Lake Minnetonka Association, Minnesota, Wayzata Bay, Zebra Mussel | Leave a Comment »
It was my turn to plan this years springs canoe trip. After searching the Minnesota DNR’s website and fumbling through piles of river maps, I narrowed my search to two rivers.
The first river I chose was the Cannon River, located 60-miles south of the Minneapolis. Like the Jay Cooke and Gooseberry Falls State Parks this river has Nerstrand Big Woods State Park and Rice Lake State Park, which are easily within driving distance.
The second river called, “Long Prairie River” located north of Alexandria Minnesota is approximately 3 hours and 142 miles from Minneapolis. So, why did I pick one river so close to home — and another so far away? Continue Reading »
Posted in Camping, Canoeing, Outdoors | Tagged Camping with Kids, Cannon River, Gooseberry Falls, Jay Cooke, Lake Carlos State Park, Long Prairie River, Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, Outdoor Camping, Reservations, State Parks | Leave a Comment »
On Father’s Day, my old man showed us, “You’re never to old to ride!”
Posted in Outdoors | Tagged 1976 Honda CB360T, 1976 Kawasaki KZ400, Fathers Day, FML Outdoors, Motorcycle | Leave a Comment »
While fishing on the Mississippi River, south of the Ford Dam, Josh hooks into
a huge 40-inch Flathead Cat. Using only 8-pound test the fight took nearly
15-minutes. Pictured holding the fish is fishing partner Derrick, while Josh stands
in the background collecting his thoughts as to, “What just happened?
Posted in Fishing, Outdoors | Tagged Catfish, Channel Catfish, Fat Man's Landing, FML Outdoors, Minnesota, Mississippi River | 1 Comment »
Now, there’s a billboard I’d like to see!
The original floating lure, first invented in 1936 by Laurie Rapala, eventually becoming Normark fishing industries by 1959. Back then, catching more fish
was the game — and still is today!
This Worlds Leading manufacturer of crankbaits, created the most realistic lure on the market. Considered a classic — today there are many more advanced options.
We all want to catch more fish and tell stories about the-big-fish-that-got-away. So, how is it that soft bait manufacturers are able to keep pace with the number one high-tech lure manufacturer?
Posted in Fishing, Muskie, Northern Pike, Outdoors, Sunfish, Tiger Muskie, Walleye | Tagged Berkley, Catch More Fish, Crankbaits, Deep Water, Fat Rap, Flat Rap, Gulp, Magnum, Max Rap, Normark, Original Floater, Rapala, Rattln' Rap, Shad Rap, Troll-to Series, Trolling, X-Rap | Leave a Comment »
You may recall Dennis Hopper, in his best known performance, riding alongside Peter Fonda in the classic movie, “Easy Rider” but how many have ever seen the documentary footage of Mr. Hopper fishing in Thailand for the elusive giant squid?
In an expedition to be the first to catch this deep-sea creature, host John Lurie, fishing alongside Mr. Hopper are very entertaining as they prove to us…they know nothing about fishing in the contemporary film “Fishing with John.”
Posted in Fishing Videos, Hunting, Outdoors | Tagged Dennis Hopper, Easy Rider, Film, Fishing, Fishing with John, Giant Squid, Peter Fonda, Poster, Thailand | Leave a Comment »
Last year’s prairie field — stands colorful as urban sprawl grows near.
Fat Man’s Landing, MN
Posted in Outdoors, Photography | Tagged Daisy's, Field, Prairie Grass, Spring | Leave a Comment »
Big ideas…sometimes come from small inspirations.
Fat Man’s Landing, MN
Posted in Outdoors, Photography | Tagged Green Moss, Macro, Outdoor photography | Leave a Comment »
A reminder to everyone…enjoy beauty from more than one perspective.
Fat Man’s Landing, MN
Posted in Outdoors, Photography | Tagged Blue Sky, Branches | Leave a Comment »
My black lab, James is a little over a year old. Some say a great age to learn basic obedience, but perhaps too young to hunt. Waiting until he is closer to two for field training is best.
In looking for ways to train myself, I came across a book called, All Dogs Need Some Training by Liz Palika.
Besides learning basic commands for your dog, she also includes very simple exercises dog’s will be eager to learn. Chapter 8 has some good games for dogs. Liz shares helpful thoughts on how dogs perceive owners and vice versa. Thanks, Liz! Great book!
Posted in Outdoors | Tagged Black Lab, Books, Dog Training, How To, Hunting, Lessons, Obedience, Training | Leave a Comment »
On a bike ride through Carver Park, I came across this tree
playing host to a family of Honey Bees.
Fat Man’s Landing, MN
Posted in Outdoors | Tagged Carver Park Reserve, Honey Bees, Three Rivers Park | Leave a Comment »
Chad and Jodi Hines of Willow Creek Kennels, located just outside
Little Falls, MN are doing things right!
These two lovebirds, grew up loving and training dogs! Now — husband and wife team, putting their passion to work, the two have created a one-of-a-kind gun dog training facility, as well as game hunting preserve!
Back in 2008, my German Wirehaired Pointer received her first gun training at Willow Creek Kennels. After 4 weeks, my dog came home knowing exactly what to do! She even hunts ducks! This is because Chad took the time to introduce Abby to waterfowl, as well as upland game.
Today, when my dog Abby is not in the field, she’s hiding stuff in the backyard and then pretending to find it! Perhaps this wasn’t part of her training…but after visiting with Willow Creek Kennel’s skillful trainers…You’ll soon understand how serious they are about your young pup and providing the right start!
You can learn more about Willow Creek Kennels by clicking here! Tell’em Fat Man’s Landing sent you!
Little Falls, MN
Abby is a German Wirehaired Pointer
Posted in Outdoors | Tagged Bording, Dog Training, Hunting, Little Falls, Minnesota, Pheasants, Preserve, Upland Game, Willow Creek Kennels | Leave a Comment »
Happy May Day.
Fat Man’s Landing, MN
Posted in Outdoors | Tagged Apple Blossom, Apple Wine, Flowers, May Day | Leave a Comment »
On our search to find Morels, I found this old gal hanging out with this tree.
Fat Man’s Landing, MN
Posted in Outdoors | Tagged Hiking, Outdoor photography | Leave a Comment »
With temperatures in the low 70’s and high-skies, it was a great day for a walk!
To find the elusive mushroom, you must use all your deer hunting instincts!
Questions will flow through your mind, like: “If I were a mushroom…where would I hide?” Start looking in those areas where your mind takes you.
We intensely watch the ground to catch a glimpse of a Morel, but did you see those footprints? Perhaps, from another mushroom hunter that has already been here? Make corrections to your plans if you feel things are not right.
It’s very dry this year. The local forecast calls for rain. This will be good for mushroom lovers next week. Today, I must use my hunters instinct.
I decided to concentrate on the north and south-facing hills where it’s cool and shady. I walked straight to bottom of the hill to the first tree with bark falling off. Turning to my buddy Ryan, I said, “Guess what I see?” Sure enough. It was a Morel — twenty to be exact!
Morels will evade those who give up to quickly. You must use your instincts!
Your determination will help fill your desire to find Morel mushrooms.
Special Reminder: It’s Turkey season! Wear at least one article of clothing (above the waste) that is blaze orange.
Fat Man’s Landing, MN
Posted in Outdoors | Tagged Minnesota, Morel Mushrooms | Leave a Comment »
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