CHECK THE REGS

My first fish in the state of Minnesota was illegal.

The photograph above shows a beautiful healthy smallmouth bass, a big smile on my face, and my ever so popular white sunglasses, but there's a big issue that is not shown in the photograph.  This fish was caught during the closed season for bass here in Minnesota, and I had no idea.

I had completely forgot that I wasn't in Illinois, and overlooking the fact that each state has different regulations, even for catch and release.  I'm thankful for the 2 guys that shot me a message to inform me, because, I would have kept fishing on my lunch break while unknowingly breaking the rules.  Big shout out goes to Tom of Voyageur Pursuits and Aaron of Scavenger Fly.  You guys saved me a future fishing ticket, and I THANK YOU!

Minnesota Fishing Dates

Walleye, Northern Pike and Bass - May 13 - Feb 25

Musky - June 3 - Dec 1

Crappie, Blueys, White Bass, Perch, Channel Cats, Bull heads - Open year round

For more information on Minnesota fishing regulations, please visit this link - MINNESOTA FISHING REGULATIONS

If you're traveling or have moved to a new state, don't be like me, remember to check the regulations.

BREAKING NEWS!

I am moving to Minnesota.  

Yep, you read that right.  I, Justin M. Carfagnini, am picking up and leaving the state of Illinois, where I have resided almost all of my 34 years of existence.  This has been in the works for a few months, and now it's official.

Am I excited - Absolutely.

Am I scared - You bet your behind.

The move is going to come quick, and I have to be in the Minneapolis area on February 1st, so, there's a few things I need to take care of by that time, like...finding a place to live. Hahaha!

I'm really excited for this new opportunity, and I'm looking forward to experience life in a new city/state that I have only visited one time.  Talk about taking a leap.

Lets all hope the outcome is much better than that.

How fitting I rerecorded this cover of Green Day - Good Riddance just the other day.  This was the first song I learned how to play on the guitar.

It's Colder Up North

A decision has been made, and I have decided that I will be doing a multi-state road trip.  After work on Thursday (Today), I will be headed in my favorite direction for adventure...North.  I am planning on doing some exploring in Northern Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  I'm going to be doing quite a bit of hiking to seek out new rivers, lakes, access points, and sights I'm not used to seeing in the summer months.

I will most certainly be wetting a line, as well.  Hoping to find some rivers with shore/wading access way up North that come from Lake Superior, and maybe, just maybe, there will be some willing salmon or trout that will want to party.  

A few other things I'm sure I'll encounter on my adventure.

• Cheese Curds
• New Glarus Beer
• Friday Fish Fry
• Peace
• Quiet

Thank you, all, for your suggestions!  
Hope everyone has a great weekend!