On page 13, the Utah Fishing Guidebook states, “Fishing for crayfish (also called crawdads) is a fun activity for the whole family.” But I’m here to tell you that crawdaddin’ is not just “fun,” it’s crazy-awesome and you have got to give it a try.

Seeing a striper boil in person was awesome—it’s louder and more frenzied than I imagined. The final fish count included three respectable stripers, one obscenely large bluegill, a couple largemouth bass and a few smallies.

It’s been a long time since I made requests to Santa, but just in case he happens across this blog post, I’m going on the record. Here are some of my on-the-water wishes for 2012.

A few weeks ago, I convinced a coworker (who has a reputation as a top-notch tiger muskie fisherman) to show me and my friend, Melissa, how to catch Utah’s most coveted sportfish. We headed out super-early to Newton Reservoir in Cache Valley (north and east of Logan) and fished all day.

A little over a year ago, I admitted to my coworkers that even though I’d worked for the DWR for nearly 13 years, I had never taken Hunter Education. Then, I encouraged (guilt-tripped?) a handful of my colleagues into taking the class with me.

Now, I enjoy a good marmalade as much as the next person, but if you’re looking for a fun and unique gift, a Utah fishing license is just what you need. For only $26, you can give those special people on your list a fishing license.

Grocery shopping is one of my least favorite things to do, but add free samples to the mix and now you’re talking! I know I’m not alone in my love of free samples or try-before-you-buy promotions, so I want to make sure you know about the…

Wouldn’t it be nice to give your loved ones and friends something they really wanted this year — something that would make them happier and more successful? You could hear those magical words, “that is just what I wanted!”

Remember your first fishing trip? Whether you were young or old, successful or skunked, that initial trip makes a lasting impression. And you never forget who took you. For me, it was my brother, Joe.

In December 2007, the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation conducted an online survey of 3,000 people who had fished or boated within the past three years. If you are not a boater or angler, these results will surprise you!