Angling to keep your distance outdoors
April 8, 2020
LITTLE ROCK — With many states issuing orders to “stay at home” or “shelter in place,” some Arkansas anglers may worry that their favorite outdoor pursuits are in jeopardy. Although a couple of these states have ordered partial or complete halts to fishing within their borders, most, including Arkansas, are trying to keep the outdoors open for people to enjoy during this time of social distancing. Even in states with “stay at home” orders, outdoor exercise and recreation like fishing are listed as exceptions and healthy alternatives to sitting inside. People still need to be mindful of extending the same precautions they have in indoor settings when heading to their favorite fishing location. Here are a few things to keep in mind before loading the boat or car with the rods, reels and minnow bucket.
Buffalo National River closure includes angling, turkey hunting
April 6, 2020
JASPER — Last week’s closure of the Buffalo National River closes all use of the Buffalo National River Wildlife Management Area until further notice. This includes a closure to angling in this section of the Buffalo, as well as turkey hunting within this WMA during the upcoming season.
Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report
April 1, 2020
John Volpe with a 5-pound bass he caught on a rubber worm at a private pond in Pulaski County. Photo provided by Joe Volpe.
Drumming up spring fishing excitement
April 1, 2020
JONESBORO — Many spring anglers turn their thoughts to a wonderful silver-hued fish, the crappie. Another silver fish is readily available to anglers throughout The Natural State and provides a great angling opportunity. Freshwater drum often is overlooked by anglers, despite its hard fight, potential to reach large sizes and fine table quality.
Fiddling your way to fresh bait
March 25, 2020
LITTLE ROCK – Going fishing doesn’t have to mean expensive equipment. It simply takes a hook, some fishing line and some sort of bait. You could dig around in the refrigerator for food-type baits, or make the bait-gathering duty an adventure in itself by gathering worms from the wild. Earthworms are excellent live bait for catfish, bream, bass and even an occasional crappie. And handling a nightcrawler or two will definitely prevent you from getting your hands near your face before washing them. One technique to stock up on some nightcrawlers is to break out a fiddle.
Fishing rod perfect measuring stick for social distancing
March 25, 2020
LITTLE ROCK — People confused about how far to stand from others when social distancing could learn a lot from an angler. Just act like you’re casting a fishing rod.
AGFC waives fishing license requirement during extended spring break in Arkansas
March 19, 2020
LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, in cooperation with Gov. Asa Hutchinson, voted during a specially called meeting today to waive all fishing license and trout permit requirements for residents and nonresidents starting this weekend at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, March 21 through 11:59 p.m Sunday, March 29.