Little-Known Missouri Catfish Fishing Spots and Techniques
March 3, 2010
When fishing the waters of Missouri, catfish fishing will produce any number of the three largest freshwater catfish in the country – blues, channels, and flatheads. You’ll find them in all sizes and in several different locations in the state.
Unfortunately, because of a number of environmental concerns (start with soil erosion and add pollution, gravel mining, and reservoir construction) have affected the bullhead catfish population, so while you can find a few bullheads large enough to consider in some of the prairie streams, you should not overly concern yourself with this species in this state.
However, Missouri catfish fishing can be found in almost any area of the state, especially if you are searching for small channel cats. In fact, most people who desire a quite catfishing excursion don’t even have to leave town to find a good catch. Light tackle angling is extremely popular because there are a lot of urban lakes that are stocked with channel catfish that are sizeable enough for harvest several times a year.
Most individuals living in the state are within a bus trip, bike ride, or even walk of a great Missouri catfish fishing locale. Ponds provide some of the best locations to catch small channel cats, with several impoundments provided by the Missouri Department of Conservation, including Binder Lake (Jefferson County), Crane Lake (Iron County), Blue Springs Lake (near Kansas City), and many more.
You should also check out warm water rivers for small channel cats, including the Elk River downstream from Noel, portions of the Mississippi River especially near St. Louis, and Big River in St. Francis County.
For larger channel cats in Missouri, catfish fishing is abundant mainly in the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. While the state record for pole and line channel cat fishing is nearly 35 pounds, you can regularly reel in 10- and 20-pounders in these areas. However, trophy-sized channel cats are minimal and rarely found within the state.
For the best chance of finding one of the larger specimens, fish the lower areas of the tributaries flowing into the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers in May and June. You could also pay a visit to either Lake Jacomo or Nodaway County Community Lake, which are renowned for containing a greater number of large channel catfish than other areas of the state.
If you are searching for blues in Missouri, catfish fishing should concentrate on the Mississippi River, the Missouri River, or the Osage River, since the Missouri Department of Conservation doesn’t stock blue catfish outside of its native habitat any longer.
Find a slow or moderate current with shallow water that is preferably less than ten feet deep, and use river worms or bits of shad to attract the fish. For larger blue cats, target the deepest current-washed holes, using only shad or river herring to attract the trophy-sized catch.
Cessna 182 Pro Deluxe Electric RTF RC Plane, w/ 2.4 Radio & Rx, BRAND NEW!!!
March 3, 2010
- 2.4 Ghz Dual Spectrum Radio System
- 20 Minute Run Times
- Powerful Electric Himag 480 Motor
- 4 Channel control, ailerons, elevator, rudder, throttle
- Peak balanced A/C charger included
Product Description
The New Cessna 182 Pro Deluxe Electric Remote Controlled Airplane has several performance enhancements over the regular version. The Himag motor provides 40% more power than a standard speed 480. The Cessna Pro ships with a 2200 mah Lipoly 7.4 volt that provides over 20 minutes of run time!! A 2.4 GHZ DSM radio for glitch free flying with a range of up to 5500 feet. Now includes a new wing with 2 aileron servos (1 for each aileron) for more precise control and quick… More >>
Cessna 182 Pro Deluxe Electric RTF RC Plane, w/ 2.4 Radio & Rx, BRAND NEW!!!
Flying to Crested Butte / Gunnison – Airfare, Flights & Car Rentals
March 3, 2010
Flying to Crested Butte – Car Rentals & Transfers
Nestled in the mountains of Colorado’s interior Rockies, the town of Crested Butte provides the unique combination of solitude while remaining easy to get to. Here you will experience the splendor of an authentic Colorado vacation. Witness the charm of this Victorian mountain town either in the winter or summer. When the snow flies, Crested Butte comes alive with tourists and locals adorned with skis over their shoulders. Mount Crested Butte provides a playground for skiers and snowboarders. Known for world class extreme skiing while also containing some of the best groomed terrain on the planet, this town offers all levels of skiing ability. Coming for the summer? Explore the palette of colors that saturate the nearby mountains and valleys. The Crested Butte wildflower festival attracts thousands of people looking for the famed Colorado columbine.
Getting to Crested Butte, Colorado
Although Crested Butte is far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life, getting to this town is as easy as hopping on a plane. Many visitors choose to book flights to Crested Butte (Airport code GUN). Flights from all over the country will drop you right in the heart of the Rocky mountains. All major airlines fly to Denver International Airport where you can take cheap connection flights to Gunnison Crested Butte Airport. Flights are served year-round.
Once you’re airfare is booked, it is time to sort out what time of ground transportation you would like to utilize. You can book Crested Butte car rentals and have the freedom to explore nearby mountain towns. It is advisable to rent your car in advance to ensure availability. Often times you can find Crested Butte car rental online at discount rates.
If you’re planning on visiting Crested Butte from out of state and are packing the car for a road trip, the following directions will point you in the right direction.
From Denver:
From Denver International Airport, take Interstate 70 west, exit to Highway 470 west, Highway 285 south to Fairplay then Poncha Springs, Highway 50 west to Gunnison, then Highway 135 north into Crested Butte.
From Colorado Springs:
Take Highway 24 west to Highway 285, Highway 285 south to Poncha Springs, Highway 50 west to Gunnison, then Highway 135 north into Crested Butte.
From Montrose:
Take Highway 50 east to Gunnison, then Highway 135 north into Crested Butte.
From Texas and Oklahoma:
Take Interstate 25 north through Trinidad to Walsenburg, Highway 160 west to Alamosa, Highway 285 north to Saguache, Highway 114 north to Highway 50, Highway 50 west to Gunnison, then Highway 135 north into Crested Butte.
From Arizona and Phoenix:
Take Interstate 17 to Flagstaff, north on Highway 89, Highway 160 to Cortez, north on Highway 145, Highway 62 to Ridgway, Highway 550 north to Montrose, Highway 50 east to Gunnison, then Highway 135 north into Crested Butte.
From California and Southern Nevada – Los Angeles – Las Vegas:
Take Interstate 15 to Las Vegas, Interstate 70 to Grand Junction, Highway 50 east to Montrose and on to Gunnison, then Highway 135 north into Crested Butte.
From Northern California and Utah – San Francisco – Salt Lake City:
Take Interstate 80 to Salt Lake City, Interstate 15 via Highway 6 and Interstate 70 to Grand Junction, Highway 50 east to Gunnison, then Highway 135 north into Crested Butte.
From New Mexico – Santa Fe – Albuquerque – Taos:
From Highway 285, take Highway 160 west to Alamosa, Highway 285 north to Saguache, Highway 114 north to Highway 50, Highway 50 west to Gunnison, then Highway 135 north into Crested Butte.
Whether you’re planning on booking flights to Crested Butte, renting a car, or taking a shuttle, this mountain town will beg you to make repeat visits. Come explore Crested Butte and book your vacation today.
Private Pilot License, Post Solo Flight Training Requirements
March 3, 2010
After you solo or have completed the solo requirements, your instructor should move you ahead to the next phase of training even if you are not quite ready to solo. Like I have said before many flight schools and instructors will not move you forward until you have solo’ed.I personally move everyone forwards since the goal is to get you licensed on a budget without loosing quality of flight training.Here are the Post Solo Requirements for your Private Pilot License Training. Once again they start off general and get more specific.(a) General. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a student pilot must meet the requirements of this section before-(i) Conducting a solo cross-country flight, or any flight greater than 25 nautical miles from the airport from where the flight originated.(ii) Making a solo flight and landing at any location other than the airport of origination.(2) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a student pilot who seeks solo cross-country flight privileges must:(i) Have received flight training from an instructor authorized to provide flight training on the maneuvers and procedures of this section that are appropriate to the make and model of aircraft for which solo cross-country privileges are sought;(ii) Have demonstrated cross-country proficiency on the appropriate maneuvers and procedures of this section to an authorized instructor;(iii) Have satisfactorily accomplished the pre-solo flight maneuvers and procedures required by §61.87( The Pre Solo requirements ) of this part in the make and model of aircraft or similar make and model of aircraft for which solo cross-country privileges are sought; and(iv) Comply with any limitations included in the authorized instructor’s endorsement that are required by paragraph (c) of this section.This is once again a general requirement for Student Pilot Solo Cross Countries. Now I will dig into them a little more and you find the following.(3) A student pilot who seeks solo cross-country flight privileges must have received ground and flight training from an authorized instructor on the cross-country maneuvers and procedures listed in this section that are appropriate to the aircraft to be flown.There is a lot more in this regulation. But the important part for this discussion is what is required for you to be eligible for Solo Cross Countries: As you move down this regulation you find the following:(e) Maneuvers and procedures for cross-country flight training in a single-engine airplane. A student pilot who is receiving training for cross-country flight in a single-engine airplane must receive and log flight training in the following maneuvers and procedures:(1) Use of aeronautical charts for VFR navigation using pilotage and dead reckoning with the aid of a magnetic compass;(2) Use of aircraft performance charts pertaining to cross-country flight;(3) Procurement and analysis of aeronautical weather reports andforecasts, including recognition of critical weather situations and estimating visibility while in flight;(4) Emergency procedures;(5) Traffic pattern procedures that include area departure, area arrival, entry into the traffic pattern, and approach;(6) Procedures and operating practices for collision avoidance, wake turbulence precautions, and windshear avoidance;(7) Recognition, avoidance, and operational restrictions of hazardous terrain features in the geographical area where the cross-country flight will be flown;(8) Procedures for operating the instruments and equipment installed in the aircraft to be flown, including recognition and use of the proper operational procedures and indications;(9) Use of radios for VFR navigation and two-way communications;(10) Takeoff, approach, and landing procedures, including short-field, soft-field, and crosswind takeoffs, approaches, and landings;(11) Climbs at best angle and best rate; and(12) Control and maneuvering solely by reference to flight instruments, including straight and level flight, turns, descents, climbs, use of radio aids, and ATC directives.Notice there are no hour requirements in this regulation. All of these areas need to be in your logbook but the hour requirements only come into play in the general requirements.Hope to See You In the SkyAirfreddy
Is Investing in Arizona a Good Investment?
March 3, 2010
Home values have been appreciating in recent years. Some investors who were investing in commercial properties are now investing in residential properties. In Arizona, Tucson is an exciting investment atmosphere. Investors are investing in Tucson because it gives them a high rate of return. Tucson is a great area for second home purchases also. There are a very high percentage of winter visitors in Tucson.
The investor can purchase a second home, rent it on a short term basis to a winter visitor at a high rate, and be left with a vacant home to come visit the rest of the year. Apart from homes, many investors have succeeded investing in commercial properties as well as vacant land. Most of the U.S. wealth is a result of real estate investment. Most people will start by using a rental home first. Then when comfortable and see the benefits they buy more. The best places to buy house in Tucson include Catalina foothills, continental ranch, northwest and west Tucson, sahaurita, Pima country, Oro Valley, and Dove Mountain, among many others.
There are various other good places to live in Arizona. The White Mountains are in the northeastern Arizona between phoenix and the New Mexico. White Mountains in Arizona are over 750 square miles, but only 13 percent of it is private Arizona land for sale. This area is beautiful because it offers hours of bird watching, quad riding, skiing, snowmobiling, camping, hunting, fishing, and hiking. Most people love to live in this area because they want to get ride from the pollution of the city and lead a happy life which is not possible in cities.
The two hot spots in Arizona are temple Town Lake and Arizona canal near downtown Scottsdale. Most of the area in temple Town Lake is designated for private development and the rest is kept as open space, wildlife habitat and parks. This town conducts 50 community events throughout the year. The future temple marketplace is slotted to provide 130 acres of outdoor mall with dining, shopping, and a multiplex movie theatre. This area has a stunning lake and mountain views from your private patio, courtyard and balcony.
As this area is developed you can reach the sky harbor international airport and Arizona state university very quickly. In Arizona canal near downtown Scottsdale there is significantly less water. As the banks of the canal undergo landscaping improvements the area is quickly becoming a hot spot for walking, biking and jogging. The two Arizona’s hottest waterfront developments, temple town lake and the Arizona canal near downtown scoots dale are both great options for people looking to enjoy the urban lifestyle without the responsibilities of traditional home owning.
Scottsdale is considered one of the world’s most popular retirement areas. It is known as a city of luxury. One of the interesting points of scoots dale is that there are incredible golf facilities that are located throughout the country. Scottsdale is a legend for its fantastic nightlife.
Helpful Ways to Plan your Next Airplane Tour
March 3, 2010
Plane Tours are an excellent selection if you want to experience a flightseeing tour.
You will likely be amazed at all the choices that you will have if you decide to do a little sightseeing from high up above! Let’s take a closer look at the world of airplane tours.
Whether you decide to take an airplane tour in Canada, Arizona, New York, Florida, Sedona or the Grand Canyon, you will likely enjoy this 1-Day activity while you experience the beautiful scenery that exists on many of the scenic flights.
There are many airplane scenic tours that are available in the USA, Canada as well as other parts of the world.
For example, in Arizona, there are tours that will take you inside the heart of the Grand Canyon, if you really desire a close up look without having to hike down into the Grand Canyon.
Many plane tours exist that include spectacular views of not only the Grand Canyon, that also include a four-wheel drive in the picture. These tours are considered combination tours that allow the guest to experience both a view from up above as well as down below in a four-wheel drive vehicle, too! Fun!
Airplane tours can be a life long memorable experience if you plan ahead and follow some very basic but necessary tips prior to making any reservations, regardless of where you fly. It is important to choose a plane tour company that is both well documented and well known for its superior service and track record.
Here are some helpful tips when planning your next air-tour, no matter where you plan to experience your next air tour. This important information can be used for any of your scenic flights.
You will likely feel better and safer if you fly with a company who has been in operation for a lengthy period of time and with one who has an excelllent safety record.
When inquiring about an air tour, ask specifically what is included in the price they are quoting you, such as:
How Long Is The Tour?
What Special Attractions Will Be Seen?
Are The Planes Air-Conditioned? (All of the Arizona companies I researched noted that all of the planes had air-conditioning, but it would be wise to confirm this, especially during the summer months.)
Are The Tours Narrated?
Many scenic flights include narration along with individual stereo headsets for optimal audio of the information provided by the tour guide.
What Is Their Cancellation Policy? Please note that not all tour companies honor a refund policy, so it is important to inquire about a refund, should you need one. Some companies do offer a full refund with a 48-hour notice.
Are There Any Special Prices On Any Of The Tours? You can sometimes find summer or winter specials and save a significant amount of money, so ask about any current or upcoming specials. Here is another great tip that you can use. Most of the nearby hotels will have numerous attraction coupons, including air-tours, inside the lobby area.
What Kind Of Safety Record Exists?
The Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, now requires every passenger to provide proof of identification with a photo-id.
You will be required to provide either a state issued drivers license or a valid passport. You really do have many options to enjoy if planning on taking advantage of the variety of tours that are available.
Here are a few examples flightseeing options in Arizona
Take a tour from the small town of Page, Arizona, to the world famous Grand Canyon Airport on the South Rim.
These tours provide both spectacular views of the Grand Canyon as well as the history behind the canyon Some of these tours also include the option for you to stop in and experience the IMAX theatre while you are there.
Tours come in a wide variety of packages. You can go on a “short and sweet” air tour for a mere 20 minutes for under 100 dollars, a four-to-five hour airplane tour, or even an overnight tour, giving you the opportunity to witness a beautiful Grand Canyon sunset at the Grand Canyon Hotel which includes sightseeing the very next day.
I also discovered a four-to-five hour airplane tour in Arizona inclusive of not only a plane tour, but also a helicopter tour along with a boat cruise!
This particular air-tour was one of the more expensive tours in Arizona, which cost just shy of $400 per person, but it also included a helicopter ride and a boat tour, too. This specific tour includes a memorable air tour through the world famous Sedona area before heading north to the Grand Canyon, topped off with a delicious Barbeque meal!
Arizona MLS Real Estate Listings
March 3, 2010
Kingman Arizona real estate listings: Ideal for hard-working families or couples who just want to enjoy the outdoors. The early history of Kingman saw a flood of gold miners in the 1860s, but today’s economy thrives on tourism, manufacturing, distribution and transportation. Industries like True Serve Hardware, Goodyear Tire and American Woodmark Corp have settled here. The favorable taxes, close proximity to other state markets and Santa Fe Railway all facilitate business. For those who’ve retired, there is much to see and do in Kingman, without feeling bombarded by city culture. According to the official Tourist site, “The roots of Arizona real estate listings are captured by the Historic Route 66 Museum, Army Airfield Museum, and the Mohave Museum of History and Arts that recount the travels on Route 66, depict the World War II era and the early days of railroading, mining and ranching. At an elevation of around 3,300 feet Kingman offers a temperate climate year-round.” Additionally, half the land is owned by the US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, which preserves the natural surroundings – the Colorado River, Lake Mead, Lake Mohave (man-made), Lake Havasu (man-made) and the Hualapai Mountain Range. Water enthusiasts will enjoy the 1,000 miles of shoreline in the middle of the desert and those looking to “get their kicks on Route 66″ will find the longest stretch of open historic road here. The Northwest Arizona MLS are conveniently close to the Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon and a Multiple Resource Historic District.
Arizona MLS: Like the mythological bird, Phoenix the city rises from the desert ashes to be one of the largest, most thriving cities in America. Home buyers are drawn to the Arizona real estate listings in search of sunshine, world class resorts, award-winning golf courses and Southwestern charm. In fact, 11,000 new residents arrive to Arizona each month. Houses are dabbled with hints of Spanish-influenced architecture – rounded archways, red roof tiles, ranch layouts, stucco exteriors and vivid color schemes. While it may be surprising to imagine agriculture thriving in the desert, the more fertile areas can harvest cotton, dates, olives, citrus and subtropical fruits. Seen as a less expensive and equally scenic alternative to California, a number of Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 high-tech companies set up their manufacturing, research and development bases here that includes computers, electronics and aerospace engineering. Home buyers looking the Arizona MLS for a cultural hub won’t be disappointed, given the number of museums, theaters, golf courses, horse races and professional sports teams. Given the number of foreclosures and 15 straight months of falling prices, there are a number of outstanding deals to be had in Phoenix, Arizona real estate.
Grand Canyon – a Trip you Have to Take
March 3, 2010
Every American (okay, every human for that matter) owes it to him/herself to head to Arizona and visit the Grand Canyon at least once in their lifetimes. It’s truly amazing to see how a little trickle of water eventually turned into the Colorado River, which eventually carved out the Grand Canyon.
You can approach your trip to the Grand Canyon in a couple different ways. One way is to stay within the park at one of the lodges on the South Rim and take time to experience all the different things the park has to offer. The other way is to stay in one of the surrounding Arizona towns and take a day trip to the Grand Canyon for a “hit and run” view of the Canyon. Both have their plusses.
The part of the Grand Canyon The South Rim is the part of the Grand Canyon most people are familiar with. It sits on the Arizona side and can be accessed all year round. The North Rim is closed from mid-October to mid-May, and is not as visited as the South Rim.
The benefit of staying within the park is the ability to take your time to view the magnificent Canyon from different viewing points, which you can access by walking the rim trail or taking a shuttle from point to point. For those of you staying for several days, a trip to the Northern Rim of the Grand Canyon would be a lovely addition, though the drive is about 4 – 5 hours long. For those not wanting to drive, there is a shuttle which provides rim to rim service from mid-May to Mid-October.
For those staying on the South Rim, there are numerous trails down the canyon, as well as a trail along the top of the Canyon called the “Rim Trail.” If you’re staying in one of the lodges and are planning a day hike into the inner Canyon, just be aware that you probably cannot make it down and back in one day. As a matter of fact, each year around 250 people are rescued from the inner Canyon, the majority of whom are able-bodied young men between the ages of 18 to 40 who attempted to hike down and back in one ay. Don’t be one of them. A good day hike would be a couple hours down and then back up. The hike up will take longer than the hike down. Also, be sure to wear good hiking shoes as some trails can be very rocky.
Some people choose to hike down one day and either camp at the bottom or stay in the Phantom Ranch. Be aware, however, that you have to make arrangements well in advance of your trip if you choose to stay at the bottom. Campers require a backcountry permit, and Phantom Ranch is usually booked months ahead. Permits are sometimes available on that day, but why risk it? For reservations at the Phantom Ranch, you can call 888-297-2757.
Some people prefer to stay outside the park and visit the Canyon for a few hours and move on. There are numerous areas in Northern Arizona where one can stay and take a side trip to the Grand Canyon, such as Sedona and Flagstaff. While such locations are still lengthy drives (an hour from Flagstaff, two from Sedona), it’s still close enough for a day trip. Both Sedona and Flagstaff are lovely places to stay, with Sedona being the most ‘touristy” of the two towns. Flagstaff, to me, is the quirkier of the two, perhaps because it is a “university town,” home to Northern Arizona University.
Sedona and Flagstaff are also visually different. Flagstaff is surrounded by a pine forest, while Sedona is in “red rock” country. Sedona abounds with numerous high-end resorts, galleries and expensive eateries. Flagstaff is cheaper all-around, with inexpensive lodging and restaurants. Both are close enough for a day trip to the Grand Canyon.
Of course, you can always opt for an even quicker bus tour, hopping from one tourist stop to the next. But, why not take a cue from that little trickle of water which started it all? Take your time and enjoy the view.
