Texas Outdoors, Author at Texas Outdoors

The Best River Fishing Destinations in the United States

If you’re looking to fish the most beautiful rivers in America, grab your gear and get out of your comfort zone by checking out these destinations.

There’s nothing quite like getting out on the river for a day of fishing. Many enthusiasts consider river fishing a relaxing and enjoyable outdoor activity. As you plan your next nature-bound vacation, read up on some of the best destinations for river fishing in the United States.

Alaska: Soldotna River Walk

Have you ever been night fishing? Many enthusiasts make Soldotna their destination when looking for sockeye. After dark, sockeye salmon tend to swim closer to the shore, so you won’t need to wade in too deep. Pack your hip waders and prepare for an ethereal night of fishing in the dark.

Idaho: Snake River

The boisterous twists of the Snake River run through Hells Canyon, the deepest canyon gorge on the North American continent. Plenty of fish, from trout to crappie to chinook salmon, call this river home. Enjoy the biodiversity of the river and the majestic nature views all around you.

Florida: Suwannee River

This delightful blackwater stream in Florida runs through a variety of marshes and wetlands, flowing more than 200 miles from Georgia all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Bass, both largemouth and smallmouth, abound here—you may even catch one that’s trophy-sized!

Montana: Yellowstone River

The Yellowstone River is the longest undammed river in the continental United States. Whether you prefer to wade in or take a boat out, you’ll see for yourself why it’s renowned for its trout fishing. For an unforgettable fly-fishing experience, head out to the mighty Yellowstone.

Texas: Brazos River

Don’t feel like traveling far? There are plenty of incredible rivers for fishing right here in Texas. The Brazos River, while muddy in many parts, boasts some of the best angling around right below Possum Kingdom Lake. Catch a wide variety of bass and channel catfish in these copper-tinted waters.

The best river fishing destinations in the United States aren’t always crowded tourist traps. Often, they’re tucked away in the wilderness or only famous among anglers. Grab your rod, reel, and tackle box and head out to one of these rivers for a productive day—or night—of fishing!

What Upgrades Should You Make for Your Fishing Boat?

Fishing isn’t about luck; it’s about strategy. Upgrading your fishing boat ensures success with every cast. Add these improvements to increase your odds.

Every fisher needs a dependable boat. Whether you prefer bowfishing, flounder gigging, or using a rod and reel, your boat could be the difference between a successful catch and a dead end. With so many options available, deciding between boating updates can feel exhausting.

Your enhancements will largely depend on the types of fishing you do. However, there are some upgrades you should make for your fishing boat regardless of your angling preferences. Reel in the big ones by making these helpful renovations.

Optimize Your Motor

If you’ve been fishing for a while, your boat has probably seen better days. Old engines require more effort to travel a short distance and are costly to maintain. Optimizing your motor will get you from point A to point B in record time.

Replace outdated outboard motors with newer models for maximum efficiency. Add an on-boat battery charger to ensure you always have enough power. For trolling motors, learn how to bond a portable generator for bowfishing to enhance performance and prevent electrical malfunctions.

Build a Live-Bait Tank

Every budding angler remembers using worms and minnows for bait. While some veterans believe that lure fishing is the mark of an expert, there are still several advantages to fishing with live bait. If this is how you choose to fish, you’ll need a live-bait tank to keep your options fresh.

There’s nothing worse than realizing you’re out of bait in the middle of a trip. Installing your own live-bait tank will help you avoid that problem. Crafty anglers can build their own tanks; however, there are plenty of 20+ gallon tanks on the market that will keep your bait alive.

Install an LED Light System

Another upgrade you should make for your fishing boat is adding an LED light system. This is especially helpful for night-fishers who need to illuminate dark waters. LED lights last longer and are more energy-efficient, making them the perfect addition to your setup.

Apply LED light strips to interior railings and steering areas to help your vision. These lights are low enough that they won’t disturb any potential catches. Gone are the days of juggling flashlights, rods, and bait!

You could also consider using radar technology or fish-finding software and upgrading your anchor to improve your experience. Customizing your boat to fit your needs will increase your odds and make you a more successful angler.

The Most Important Safety Rules for Going Off-Roading

Off-roading is a fun outdoor activity, but it can do some damage to your car if you’re not ready. Here are a few safety rules for going off-roading.

Off-roading is an exciting activity where you bring your car or dirt bike to unsurfaced roads consisting of dirt, mud, snow, and rocks. It’s fun to do with your friends or family on the weekend or even as part of a competition. However, there are some things to do before off-roading to ensure you and everyone you’re with remain safe. Read on to learn the most important safety rules for going off-roading.

Tell People Where You’re Going

Off-roading is thrilling because you can get away from the main roads and go out into the middle of nowhere! Unfortunately, when you go this far from civilization, you’re more likely to lose your cellular signal, and if anything happens, you have no form of communication. This possibility is why it is so critical to tell people where you’re going beforehand and how long you expect to be away. If any accidents happen, you’ll have to wait until someone comes to help you.

Bring Another Car With You

Along with letting people know where you are, you should bring another car with you. An extra car can tow you out if the mud traps your vehicle, and if it’s impossible to get free, you have a way to get home. Of course, sticking in the mud in the first place isn’t ideal, but you should prepare for the worst-case scenario. Otherwise, you’ll end up with no car, no cellular signal, and no assistance.

Find the Perfect Tires

You can go off-roading in your regular tires, but you may want to consider changing them for a better alternative. Standard tires aren’t the best for off-roading, and the drive can seriously mess them up. Instead, you should look for the best off-roading tires for your vehicle. With the proper tires, off-roading will be a fun and sustainable activity for your vehicle.

Wear a Seatbelt

You may not be on the main roads where the law can spot you, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear your seatbelt. If anything, wearing your seatbelts while off-roading is even more critical. Without a well-paved road, your vehicle will experience a lot of bumps, big rocks, sharp turns, and other hazards that can mess up your car. Wearing your seatbelt keeps you safe, and if a hazard leads to your car flipping over, buckling in will be essential.

Prepare for off-roading with these safety rules to ensure you have an exciting and safe time the next time you go out. These safety rules don’t mean you will be safe, though, as you must still be careful when driving behind the wheel. The Texas roads can be reasonably safe, but when going off-road, you are venturing into the unknown. While you can still have fun, you should always focus on safety.

The Equipment You Need To Start Tying Your Own Flies

Are you interested in tying your own flies but unsure where to begin? Let us help with our guide on the essential equipment every fly-tying workshop needs!

If you love to fly fish but get your flies from a fly fishing outfitter, you should consider making your flies yourself! In our guide, we’ll explain why you should start tying and get you started with the equipment you need to tie your own flies.

Why You Should Tie Your Own Flies

What’s the benefit of making your own flies in the first place? Well, if you ask any angler who ties their own flies, they’ll tell you that it may be a hassle at first, but the reward is definitely worth the effort.

Making your own flies allows for customization, so you can experiment and tinker to find the ideal fly for your favorite fishing spot. Once you catch fish using a fly crafted with your two hands, the satisfaction is double what you’d feel with a store-bought fly!

Pro Tip: Tying your own flies also saves you money long-term over buying new flies from fly fishing outfitters.

Essential Fly-Tying Equipment:

Ready to get tying? First, there’s some equipment you’ll need to start tying your own flies!

Vise

The first and most essential tool for your fly-tying hobby is a vise. The vise holds the hook of your fly in place while you’re tying and constructing it—you can’t make your own fly without one!

Your first decision will be to choose between a rotary and stationary vise. Both vises have their advantages, so it’ll come down to your individual preferences.

Bobbins

A bobbin supports the thread while the angler wraps the fly and gives them better aim and control of the line. Some intricate and high-quality (and high-priced) bobbins are available for experienced fly-tyers. For a beginner, it’s best to go with a simple and minimalist bobbin.

Thread

Speaking of thread, you won’t be able to make a fly without some! Anglers use many thread types, so you’ll want an assortment of sizes, colors, and strengths for your new fly-tying workshop.

Hackle Pliers

Flies often feature feathers or some other long, delicate material to attract fish. These airy and light materials can be difficult to secure with bare hands, which is where hackle pliers come in!

After creating a few flies for yourself, you may be able to make one without using hackle pliers—but for beginners, we recommend using pliers.

Whip Finisher

A fly isn’t finished until it’s neatly wrapped and the thread is tied. The final knot of a fly is difficult, especially for those new to fly-tying. This is where the whip finisher comes in hand.

A whip finisher keeps the thread and materials in place while tying, making the finishing knot and step of fly-tying a breeze for even new fly-tyers.

Top Reasons People Carry a Concealed Weapon While Hiking

The more prepared you are for your time outdoors, the better your hike. Learn the top reasons to carry a concealed firearm when hiking or backpacking.

Concealed carry helps keep you and your hiking party safe. Whether you’re in a remote area or somewhere more populated, a firearm can offer you protection and peace of mind. Learn the top reasons people carry a concealed weapon while hiking.

1. Protection From Wild or Violent Animals

One of the best reasons to carry a firearm while you hike or backpack is to fend off wild or violent animals. Fighting a wild animal with your bare hands isn’t a reliable option for securing your safety. Sometimes, just the loud sound of your firearm is enough to frighten a wild animal and prompt them to run away.

Even if you’re not facing a wild animal, encountering a violent domesticated pet is still dangerous. Every year, there are millions of dog bites from aggressive dogs in the US, and some of those cases prove fatal. Hopefully, you’ll never have to defend yourself from an aggressive animal, but if you do, a gun will help.

2. Protection From Human Aggressors

The next reason to carry a concealed weapon while hiking is to protect yourself from human aggressors. Whether you’re in a remote area or on a popular trail, stay aware of the people around you. While most people you encounter will be genuine outdoor enthusiasts such as yourself, some bad actors take advantage of trail conditions to attack people.

To increase your safety, hike in pairs and let a third party know about your plans. Also, stay visually alert and listen to your surroundings. If you wear earbuds, keep one out so that you can still hear clearly.

Learn to feel comfortable carrying a gun so that you can keep your weapon concealed from potential attackers. If someone chooses to attack you, you can defend yourself with your firearm.

3. Emergency Signaling

If you get lost or stranded in the wilderness, you’ll need all the help you can get to return to safety. Many times, you can’t rely on your cell phone in a remote area. You’ll need to signal for help.

Perhaps the most common distress signal is the signal fire. If you build a proper signal fire, you can attract attention from miles away. But in addition to this popular option, you can use your weapon to create an auditory signal.

Fire three spaced-out shots to signal distress. By spacing the shots five seconds apart, you help other people around your area identify the sound as a distress signal and identify the location it’s coming from.

Tips for Setting Up the Ultimate Campsite

When it comes to setting up the ultimate campsite, there are a few routes you can take. These tried-and-true methods will guarantee a fun and safe experience.

Camping isn’t for the faint of heart. If you’re planning on roughing it in the wild, you need a certain level of resilience. Picking up some necessary survival skills will set you up for a fun and exciting outdoor experience.

First, you need to know how to make your camping ground work for you. Setting up the ultimate campsite will save you from having a horrible adventure. Those new to the world of camping can use these tips to start on the right foot.

Get Off the Ground

There’s nothing wrong with sleeping on the ground. However, you’ll feel more at ease if you’re able to elevate your campsite. You can use a variety of tools and resources to get off the ground and create a more comfortable arrangement.

Bring an extra layer of sleeping material, like a cot or foam padding, so you don’t have to sleep in the dirt. If you want to get really fancy, invest in a truck camper and rest on your roof. Either way, make the most of your camping trip by setting yourself up for a good night’s sleep.

Build the Perfect Campfire

It’s not a real camping trip if you don’t maintain a fire. However, newcomers might not have the experience necessary to build the perfect campfire. You need this feature to stay warm, cook food, and keep the critters away.

Be sure to keep your fire a safe distance away from your campsite; you should also keep factors like wind and rain in mind so you don’t lose your hard work. Your tinder should be dead and dry, so collect plenty of sticks, twigs, grass, and leaves to keep your fire going.

Create a Stellar Kitchen

No campground is complete without an amazing kitchen. If you want to set up the ultimate campsite, you need a place to refuel. After a long day of hitting the trails and exploring the terrain, you’ll want an area to make all your favorite meals.

Bring a portable grill to cook lean meats and high-fiber veggies that provide plenty of nourishment. And assemble your meals downwind to avoid attracting predators. You should also hang your trash and food scraps from a tree away from your site so you don’t invite any unwanted guests.

If you do it right, camping could become your new favorite pastime. Use these tips to prepare for your adventure, and you’ll always have a good experience.

Best Places To Paddleboard in the United States

Paddleboarding is a joy to many, assuming you show up to the right place. Look on to learn about the best places to paddleboard in the United States!

The US is a big place, meaning it has ample opportunity for you to explore on your paddleboard. While some places are certainly better than others, we have compiled some of the best places to paddleboard in the US. Look below to get some ideas for your next vacation getaway!

Arizona’s Black Canyon

Pass through desert mountains where huge horned sheep graze and arrive at Black Canyon with hot springs and wild camping. There, you can explore the Colorado River’s clean waters on your paddle board. This somewhat long stretch of the Black Canyon Trail, running across Arizona and Nevada from Willow Beach to the Hoover Dam, doesn’t require a canoeing or camping permission. That is, if you start from Willow Beach. This is a great area to soak up some sun or have fun in a canyon trip through some of Americas most beautiful river canyons.

Glacier Bay, Alaska

Glacier Bay, an Alaskan biosphere reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located west of Juneau and is only accessible by boat or a 30-minute flight from Juneau. It provides a variety of paddling conditions, from tranquil lakes where you can fish or do yoga on your board to tough coves that serve as arctic surfing and windsurfing spots. Glacier Bay gives ample opportunity to view wildlife, from bald eagles to arctic moose. Bring your binoculars if you decide to go!

Ladybird Lake, Texas

Visit Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin, Texas, and enjoy live music while paddling beneath the well-known bat colony. Since motorized boats are not permitted on the water, the lake’s longest water path from Red Bud Beach to Festival Beach is completely undisturbed, making it perfect for a calming getaway. Getting into the water is simple from anyplace close to the lake thanks to eight official access sites and many more unofficial ones. Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World, so as you paddle, you should anticipate hearing music coming from someplace on land, making this a memorable experience.

We hope you have enjoyed our recap of the best places to paddleboard in the US. While it can be hard to choose a destination, picking the right paddleboard is your first big decision. Make sure you bring the proper gear for your paddle boarding trip before getting on the water!

5 Common Causes of Wildland Fires To Avoid

Fires in the great outdoors are common and have many causes. People should take extreme caution to avoid these five causes as much as possible.

Nature is a beautiful thing to experience and impacts humanity in many ways. And just as nature affects us, we also affect it and cause harm. Wildfires are common occurrences in the natural world, with multiple factors that cause them to break out, both natural and human. People should do everything they can to avoid starting wildfires to help preserve nature and keep people safe.

Lightning

Lightning is a common natural cause of wildland fires. A lightning bolt is about 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit; when it strikes the ground, it burns any nearby objects. When lighting sets a patch of earth ablaze, that fire spreads with extreme heat and begins to take the land in a blazing sweep.

While lightning is a natural phenomenon, people can put away or cover fire-prone objects such as machines or metal wiring before a thunderstorm. Doing so can decrease the chance of lightning striking and causing a fire.

Hot Coals

Lots of people have BBQs in Texas, especially during the summer, and at some point, a person may dispose of the hot coals too quickly. A fire may start if the ashes from the coals make contact with the leaves in a tree or a pile of papers. Hot coals are especially dangerous in places such as parks where plenty of trees and bushes may catch fire. Make sure your coals are completely cool and don’t have any glowing red bits before you dispose of them.

Malfunctioning Machines

Our machines are susceptible to malfunctioning and short circuits, potentially producing wildfires. Factories and plants located in grasslands and forested areas may be at risk of a wildfire if they don’t have proper safety measures such as sprinklers and fire extinguishers. If dried leaves are present around burning machines, this may cause a type of wildland fire called a surface fire that burns along the surface of the ground.

Arson

Unfortunately, arson is another cause of wildland fires. When a person burns a house or building, the fire could spread to other buildings or parts of nature and cause a wildland fire. Arson occurs more often than you may think. Thankfully, we can prevent the fire from spreading with the proper safety protocols.

Improperly Built Campfires

It’s always important to practice campfire safety to ensure people remain safe while camping. Uncontrolled campfires are a common cause of wildland fires and are an immediate threat to forested areas. Learning proper campfire safety and having items like a pale of water will help you avoid dangerous fires that may put your life at risk.

There are many causes of wildland fires, and we should always be prepared for them. Practice safety and precaution as much as possible to prevent a fire from starting in your area.

The Most Helpful Tips When Camping in an RV

The great outdoors is a blast for a weekend camping trip. Those looking to camp with an RV may want to brush up on these helpful tips before heading out.

Everybody loves a good camping trip. Setting up your tent and cooking over an open fire is a common treat. However, sometimes you want to try camping with a little more comfort and accessibility. Here are some of the most helpful tips when camping in an RV that you can utilize on your next big trip.

Check Out the Campsite

Recreational vehicles come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s a good idea to learn a little bit about where you’re camping before you try to drive your RV out there. You’ll want to ensure your RV can safely reach the campsite and double-check that you will have room to set up camp around the parking space. Accounting for the size of your vehicle and the dimensions of the camping spot is essential before you make any reservations.

Ensure You Have Enough Power

You don’t need to concern yourself with this too much if your campground of choice has adequate hookups for your RV, but a proper power supply is essential when you’re boondocking out in the wilderness. Knowing how to conserve battery power in your RV ensures you don’t strand yourself in the middle of the woods. Additionally, it always helps to have a backup battery source.

Arrive Before Nightfall

Getting to your destination before the sun goes down is a valuable piece of advice no matter what form of camping you choose, but it’s an especially helpful tip when camping in an RV. When you arrive after nightfall, you’ll probably be tired and ready for bed, but you’ll still need to set up camp. Trying to properly park your RV in the dark and take care of any necessary hookups without sunlight is a hassle you don’t want to deal with. Even if it means waking up an hour earlier to get on the road, it’s a good idea to reach your destination during daylight hours.

Best Fishing Spots in Texas To Visit This Summer

Texas is a big state with plenty of fantastic fishing opportunities. Check out one of these great fishing spots on your next weekend angling trip.

Few things are better than an afternoon of fishing. Casting your line out and enjoying the serenity of nature by yourself or with a few friends is one of the most incredible sensations on earth. When planning your next fishing trip, consider some of the best fishing spots in Texas when visiting over the summer.

Falcon Lake

Falcon Lake is one of the best bigmouth bass fishing spots in the entire Lone Star State. This reservoir is situated off of the Rio Grande. The secluded location makes it a great spot to get away from the city, if you’re up for the challenge of getting there. Falcon Lake is a good source of three-pound bass, making it worth planning a fishing trip here.

Lake Travis

Lake Travis is the place for you if you’re seeking a livelier experience enjoying a little partying alongside your fishing. Lake Travis is famous for summertime festivals, party boats, and a more festive atmosphere. Aside from hosting white bass, largemouth bass, and Guadalupe bass, Lake Travis offers plenty of sights to see when you put your rod away for the day.

Caddo Lake

Caddo Lake stands out as one of the natural lakes of Texas, and is one of the best fishing spots to visit this summer. Between the hanging Spanish moss and lily pads out on the water, Caddo Lake is a gorgeous spot for those looking to spend some time in nature. This lake offers bass, crappie, and sunfish; if you’re a fishing enthusiast, this is a spot you have to experience at least once.

Guadalupe River

The Guadalupe River is only a short drive from Austin and an excellent location for a weekend camping trip. Thanks to the Texas parks department, this iconic river remains full of trout—Brown and Rainbow trout fill these waters. And when you’re done fishing and want to explore the lush Texas forests, this is a great place to set up camp.

Backpacking Bucket List: 4 Trips Everyone Should Try

Do you want to take a once-in-a-lifetime backpacking journey? Then you need to look at our bucket list for the hiking trips everyone needs to experience!

Few things can beat a backpacking trip through the wilderness and experiencing nature as it was meant to be enjoyed. If you’re looking for your next backpacking destination, check out our bucket list of the hiking trips everyone should try at least once.

Essential Sun Protection for Summer Hikes

Are you looking for ways to protect yourself from the sun while hiking? Here are some examples of essential sun protection for summer hikes.

While the summertime sun is beautiful and provides light for all our fun seasonal activities, too much direct sunlight can be damaging to the skin. Therefore, taking the proper precautions when spending extended time out in the sun is important, especially when hiking. You should know general hot-weather hiking tips and how to stay safe when climbing in the mountains if that will also be part of your treks. Here are some examples of essential sun protection for summer hikes.