January 2017 Archives - Carolina Sportsman

Matrix Minnow results can put a smile on the face of anglers young and old.

The Matrix Minnow

One good hard bait deserves another, and that is what Chas Champagne of Slidell has done with the introduction this month of the Matrix Minnow. […]

This Quatix 3 is in “Clark Kent” trim with its default watch face and black leather band.

Marine electronics for your wrist

Allan Tarvid

An electronic watch can be as smart as Einstein and still be useless to fishermen if it isn’t waterproof. […]

Hunting exotic animals is a great way for a bowhunter to extend hunting after the end of deer season.

January marks the end of hunting seasons across most of the country, with some ending at the first of the month, some at the end. Bowhunters are often at a loss when they realize they’re face a long offseason, wishing they were in a tree stand. […]

Summer and fall drought conditions have left a lot of mountain streams at lower levels, but fishing hasn’t suffered.

Dry weather is a variable

Robert Satterwhite

Western North Carolina and South Carolina’s Upstate had the driest summer and fall on record, seasons marked by scores of wildfires, closures of state parks, burning bans and water restrictions. […]

When the temperature drops and shuts down stripers, big blue catfish become a great option on Lakes Marion and Moultrie.

Forage is key to January

Terry Madewell

January’s unpredictable weather, along with cold water temperatures, is a given, and it makes targeting a single species of fish on the Santee Cooper lakes risky in terms of enjoying good action — but fast action and quality fish are available. A key is to allow the weather and water conditions to dictate what’s best at any given time. […]

Shearwater 260

Jerry Dilsaver

The Shearwater 260, the newest boat in Shearwater’s line, is a product of two years of development to establish a new standard in bay boats. Built by American Marine Sports in Groveland, Fla., the 260 includes more fishing-friendly and creature-comfort features than any other bay boat. […]

A layout blind offers goose hunters plenty of concealment when hunting fields.

Blinds for goose hunting aren’t all alike

Pete Rogers

Goose hunters have used a lot of different types of blinds through the years, from cutting limbs for a perimeter to manufactured grass that hides entire boats. […]

The Tideline 235 Hybrid is a catamaran that is at home offshore or in skinny water.

Tideline Boats 235 Hybrid

Jerry Dilsaver

As the only catamaran, the Tideline 235 Hybrid is the odd boat out in this review. Don’t take that to reflect anything negative; it may be a strong positive. The hybrid designation of the 235 is different, too. […]

Being big, heavy birds, Canada geese take slightly bigger shotgun loads to kill them cleanly.

Change out duck loads for bigger shot

Pete Rogers

With the average goose weighting anywhere from 6 to 16 pounds, heavier loads are commonly used for Canadas compared to ducks. […]

The Bulls Bay 2300 CC is a wonderful, no-frills center console that will fit a lot of anglers’ budgets.

Bulls Bay 230 CC

Jerry Dilsaver

Carolina Composites of Walterboro, S.C., make no bones about its Bulls Bay line. Several classic hull designs that have been popular for a while have been located, retooled and modernized to produce a line of affordable boats with the features needed for comfortable and successful fishing. […]