Outdoors Rambler with Ken Perrotte

FISHING

For me, fishing is something that should be fun. It can also be great therapy. Here is an ever-increasing collection of stories, videos and photos, plus links. Check 'em out!

Manistee River Fly Fishing Trip Yields Browns, Brookies and a Bonus Big Buck Sighting

Daybreak fog over northern Michigan’s Manistee River was thick as Tim Riley quietly dipped his oars to maneuver our drift boat closer to...

PIER GROUPS -- Friends are Just a Cast Away When You Enjoy a Day on a Virginia Fishing Pier

Ken Perrotte

Sep 7

PIER GROUPS -- Friends are Just a Cast Away When You Enjoy a Day on a Virginia Fishing Pier

Note: The article originally appeared in the March/April 2020 edition of Virginia Wildlife. Here is it, slightly expanded -- with many...

Florida Woman Notches World Record Halibut, Spearfishing the Beast in an Alaskan Kelp Forest

Ken Perrotte

Aug 4

Florida Woman Notches World Record Halibut, Spearfishing the Beast in an Alaskan Kelp Forest

A 32-year-old woman from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., was just certified as the new International Underwater Spearfishing Association (IUSA)...

Soft Lure Wins 2021 ICAST Best of Show; Pure Fishing Dominates Competition This Year

Ken Perrotte

Jul 30

Soft Lure Wins 2021 ICAST Best of Show; Pure Fishing Dominates Competition This Year

A soft lure won Best of Show honors at last week’s ICAST (International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades) show in Orlando,...

Flashback to When Catching Daytime Swordfish was Mostly a Fantasy -- Then Came the Stanczyks

Ken Perrotte

May 29

Flashback to When Catching Daytime Swordfish was Mostly a Fantasy -- Then Came the Stanczyks

By Ken Perrotte Author's note: Lately, my mind is flowing back to some incredible fishing trips I've written about in the Florida Keys,...

Virginians Fare Well in 2021 Bassmaster Northern Open on James River with 14 in the top 40

Ken Perrotte

May 20

Virginians Fare Well in 2021 Bassmaster Northern Open on James River with 14 in the top 40

Idahoan Brandon Palaniuk claimed the top prize at last weekend’s Bassmaster Northern Open on the James River, with a crowded field of...

Florida Inshore Fishing Coast-to-Coast Offers Exciting Light-Tackle Action; Catch the 'Slam'

Ken Perrotte

Apr 8

Florida Inshore Fishing Coast-to-Coast Offers Exciting Light-Tackle Action; Catch the 'Slam'

Great inshore fishing on Florida's coasts - includes snook, redfish and spotted seatrout slam. St. Augustine, Charlotte Harbor, Ft Myers

Wishin' I was (Crappie) Fishing in Mississippi

Ken Perrotte

Mar 12

Wishin' I was (Crappie) Fishing in Mississippi

Lake Washington in the Mississippi Delta a couple hours south of Memphis offers incredible action to crappie anglers. The fish in the...

Crappie Cleaning 101 - Pico Lures' Mitch Glenn Superbly Demonstrates Fish Filleting for Novices

Ken Perrotte

Mar 5

Crappie Cleaning 101 - Pico Lures' Mitch Glenn Superbly Demonstrates Fish Filleting for Novices

Pico Lures owner Mitch Glenn Mitch delivers an excellent tutorial and demonstration of how to clean a crappie using a fillet knife. The...

It's a 'Cisco Disco' and 'Laker Love-In' Fishing Trip on Lake Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay -

Ken Perrotte

Oct 7, 2020

It's a 'Cisco Disco' and 'Laker Love-In' Fishing Trip on Lake Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay -

Trolling deep water successfully requires technical know-how and the right equipment. It is often the only way to catch fish on some...

Northern Michigan a Fishing, Hunting Wonderland - Did Someone Say 'Salmon on the Fly'?

Ken Perrotte

Oct 1, 2020

Northern Michigan a Fishing, Hunting Wonderland - Did Someone Say 'Salmon on the Fly'?

The river tributary Lake Huron in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula was stained a deep tea color. Yet, the big fish clearly stood out 10 yards away

'Days of Wine and Crappie Fishing' - My Latest Article in Crappie Now - a NW New York Hotspot

Ken Perrotte

Sep 11, 2020

'Days of Wine and Crappie Fishing' - My Latest Article in Crappie Now - a NW New York Hotspot

Northern New York state is known for its expansive borders along two of the Great lakes, Erie and Ontario. In the state’s...

Conservation Partnership Webinar Assesses Menhaden Management in Atlantic and Gulf

Ken Perrotte

Jul 23, 2020

Conservation Partnership Webinar Assesses Menhaden Management in Atlantic and Gulf

A shorter version of this article ran in the July 23, 20202 issue of the Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star. The Virginia General Assembly...

'Winners Announced in 'Virtual' ICAST New Product Showcase - Few Surprises

Ken Perrotte

Jul 16, 2020

'Winners Announced in 'Virtual' ICAST New Product Showcase - Few Surprises

'Virtual' ICAST a Good Effort, But Let's Not Let It Become Part of a 'New Normal' The COVID-19 coronavirus has done nearly immeasurable...

Spring Tuna Fishing on Fire for Anglers Heading Out from OBX or VA Beach - Incredible Action!

Ken Perrotte

Jun 17, 2020

Spring Tuna Fishing on Fire for Anglers Heading Out from OBX or VA Beach - Incredible Action!

We were back at the docks at 11:30 with more than 600 pounds of tuna. Wow!

Hot Slabs in the Summertime - Fishing for Crappie on Florida's St. John's River at Night

Ken Perrotte

Jun 17, 2020

Hot Slabs in the Summertime - Fishing for Crappie on Florida's St. John's River at Night

Jack Smith, a lifetime crappie angler who says the “nighttime is the right time” when it comes to catching slabbers...

'America's Favorite Flies' -- Creative, Beautiful, Keepsake Any Fly Fisherman Would Love to Own

Ken Perrotte

Apr 30, 2020

'America's Favorite Flies' -- Creative, Beautiful, Keepsake Any Fly Fisherman Would Love to Own

Book Review - America's Favorite Flies

Crappie Fishing the Historic Chickahominy River - Stately Cypress Trees, Scenic Beauty, Hungry Fish

Ken Perrotte

Apr 25, 2020

Crappie Fishing the Historic Chickahominy River - Stately Cypress Trees, Scenic Beauty, Hungry Fish

Virginia’s Chickahominy River and its 1,230-acre impoundment, Lake Chickahominy Virginia are cypress-laden wonderlands nestled between...

'Come to the Light' - Hardwater Crappie Fishing in the Green Mountain State - a Winter Wonderland

Ken Perrotte

Mar 21, 2020

'Come to the Light' - Hardwater Crappie Fishing in the Green Mountain State - a Winter Wonderland

Vermont has long been known as a winter wonderland. Crappie fishing on Lake Champlain through the ice can be hot with the right set up....

Shortened Spring Striped Bass Seasons Reflect Need to Protect Spawning-Sized Fish

Ken Perrotte

Mar 19, 2020

Shortened Spring Striped Bass Seasons Reflect Need to Protect Spawning-Sized Fish

Virginia, Maryland and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission shorten spring striped bass seasons to decrease harvest of spawning-sized fish

Northern Snakehead Impacts on Fisheries: Biologists Reaching Differing Conclusions

By Ken Perrotte

Dec 12, 2019

Northern Snakehead Impacts on Fisheries: Biologists Reaching Differing Conclusions

TODAY, SOME 17 years after northern snakehead fish were discovered in a Maryland pond and a Virginia tidal creek, the toothy fish that...

Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Approves 18 Percent Reduction in Striper Take

By Ken Perrotte

Oct 31, 2019

Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Approves 18 Percent Reduction in Striper Take

The Good Old days of Striped Bass Fishing on the Lower Potomac The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Striped Bass Board...

For Many Anglers, The 'Good Old Days' for Eastern Lake Erie Walleye Fishing is NOW

By Ken Perrotte

Aug 20, 2019

For Many Anglers, The 'Good Old Days' for Eastern Lake Erie Walleye Fishing is NOW

Note: Blog Includes Video. Anglers frequently ask each other, “What’s your favorite fish to catch?” The followup question is often,...

ICAST 2019 - Some 'Wow' New Gear Offerings and a Look at the Novel and Niche

By Ken Perrotte

Jul 21, 2019

ICAST 2019 - Some 'Wow' New Gear Offerings and a Look at the Novel and Niche

Note: A portion of this blog appeared in my newspaper column in the July 26, 2019 edition of the Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star. Click...

Southwest Florida Rebounding from Red Tide; Charter Captains Cautiously Optimistic

By Ken Perrotte

Jul 18, 2019

Southwest Florida Rebounding from Red Tide; Charter Captains Cautiously Optimistic

A portion of this blog also appeared in the Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star on July 18, 2019 Jennifer Huber of the Punta Gorda/Englewood...

Fearless Crew Fights Fish & Big Swells During Outer Banks Offshore Outing

By Ken Perrotte

Jun 19, 2019

Fearless Crew Fights Fish & Big Swells During Outer Banks Offshore Outing

Note: Blog Includes Video. "You never know unless you go." That saying has had me talk myself into plenty of fishing or hunting trips...

Striped Bass Populations Dipping Below Stock Thresholds - Seasons in Jeopardy

By Ken Perrotte

Apr 6, 2019

Striped Bass Populations Dipping Below Stock Thresholds - Seasons in Jeopardy

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission is considering banning recreational fishing for trophy-sized striped bass this spring in the...

Where No Ned Has Gone Before - Alternative Ned Rigs Elevate Your Finesse Game

By Ted Pilgrim

Nov 16, 2018

Where No Ned Has Gone Before - Alternative Ned Rigs Elevate Your Finesse Game

Editor's Note: The Outdoors Rambler used the "Ned Rig" and Z-Man soft plastics earlier this spring to catch dozens of chunky smallmouth...

Bikers, Hikers, Anglers & Bluegrass Fans Find Lots to Love with Smyth County, VA

By Ken Perrotte

Oct 19, 2018

Bikers, Hikers, Anglers & Bluegrass Fans Find Lots to Love with Smyth County, VA

Bikers and mountain enthusiasts discover incredible adventures when they trek Virginia Route 16, a two-lane road snaking over three...

Lake Erie - Head to Walleye Heaven & See Why Pros and Novices Can Have a Blast!

By Ken Perrotte

Aug 23, 2018

Lake Erie - Head to Walleye Heaven & See Why Pros and Novices Can Have a Blast!

I've often heard Lake Erie described as the best walleye fishing in the United States, but never made an opportunity to fish this lake...

ICAST 2018's New Product Entries: mind-blowing electronics, cool lures, hi-tech rods

By Ken Perrotte

Jul 22, 2018

ICAST 2018's New Product Entries: mind-blowing electronics, cool lures, hi-tech rods

The 2018 International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, better known as ICAST, show at the Orange County Convention Center in...

Tackling 'Football' Blackfin Tuna Fishing with Gusto in the Gulf Stream

By Ken Perrotte

Jul 18, 2018

Tackling 'Football' Blackfin Tuna Fishing with Gusto in the Gulf Stream

Fort Pierce, Fla – The annual International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) show in Orlando last week offered another...

Banging the Drums North of New Orleans with Early Summer, Light Tackle Fishing Action

By Ken Perrotte

Jul 6, 2018

Banging the Drums North of New Orleans with Early Summer, Light Tackle Fishing Action

Here’s a little video I put together of the fun we had in early June 2018 catching black drum near the L&N Train Bridge where The...

Cobia - Summertime King of the Chesapeake is a Royal Dining Treat When Grilled and Dilled

By Ken Perrotte

Jun 18, 2018

Cobia - Summertime King of the Chesapeake is a Royal Dining Treat When Grilled and Dilled

When it comes to summertime saltwater fishing in the Lower and Middle Chesapeake Bay, the hard-fighting cobia is the undisputed king....

Lake Champlain is Smallmouth Bass Heaven; Panfish & Northern Pike Add to Fishing Fun

By Ken Perrotte

May 22, 2018

Lake Champlain is Smallmouth Bass Heaven; Panfish & Northern Pike Add to Fishing Fun

It sometimes seems my life isn’t complete without one good spring smallmouth fishing trip to the home waters of Lake Champlain -- on the...

Fishing Scenic Lake Ouachita with Old Town Predator PDL - Mixed Bag/Great Water

By Ken Perrotte

May 9, 2018

Fishing Scenic Lake Ouachita with Old Town Predator PDL - Mixed Bag/Great Water

A group of outdoors writer and industry representatives had a blast fishing Arkansas's gorgeous Lake Ouachita during the last week of...

Walleye Stocking Going Well in Virginia!

Virginia Dept of Game & Inland Fisheries

Mar 12, 2018

Walleye Stocking Going Well in Virginia!

In 2017, DGIF stocked 830,000 fingerling walleye. The following report offers walleye sampling results and fishing forecasts on those...

‘Come to the light’ – Ice Fishing: the Cold, Windy and Surreal on Lake Champlain

By Ken Perrotte

Feb 14, 2018

‘Come to the light’ – Ice Fishing: the Cold, Windy and Surreal on Lake Champlain

Some of my southern outdoors brethren think I’m nuts to love ice fishing, but the affliction is genuine. Growing up in northern Vermont,...

Virginia State Record Triggerfish Certified

Ken Perrotte

Dec 14, 2017

Virginia State Record Triggerfish Certified

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission makes this announcement: A 6-pound 12-ounce gray triggerfish, caught on November 1, 2017 by Dave...

Rockfish a Sportfish Staple and Still Rolling in the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay

By Ken Perrotte

Dec 3, 2017

Rockfish a Sportfish Staple and Still Rolling in the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay

The striped bass, locally called a “rockfish,” is arguably the most important sport fish in the Chesapeake Bay region. The fish receive a...

Everyone Feels Excited When a Youngster Gets to Crank In a Trophy-Sized Fish!

By Ken Perrotte

Nov 29, 2017

Everyone Feels Excited When a Youngster Gets to Crank In a Trophy-Sized Fish!

I've been with many kids when they've caught their first fish. Taking children fishing is a special, memory-making experience. Lest...

Salt Water Sportsman National Seminar Series Returns to Hampton, Virginia

Ken Perrotte

Nov 22, 2017

Salt Water Sportsman National Seminar Series Returns to Hampton, Virginia

The Salt Water Sportsman National Seminar Series will bring its mid-Atlantic edition to Hampton, Virginia, Jan. 13, 2018. The Dr. Mary...

A New Version of March Madness – Ice Fishing in the Great White North - Lake Champlain Beckons

By Ken Perrotte

Nov 1, 2017

A New Version of March Madness – Ice Fishing in the Great White North - Lake Champlain Beckons

“Are you crazy,” a couple people asked – rhetorically, of course – when I announced plans to escape a balmy Virginia early spring for an...

Tackling Tench! Fishing With Paddy Murphy in County Cavan during Visit to Ancestral Land

By Ken Perrotte

Oct 31, 2017

Tackling Tench! Fishing With Paddy Murphy in County Cavan during Visit to Ancestral Land

Note: this article first ran in the Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star in August 2016, right after my return from a 10-day trip to Ireland....

Siegler Reels - Small Company Showing Grit in Saltwater Fishing Reel Market

By Ken Perrotte

Oct 31, 2017

Siegler Reels - Small Company Showing Grit in Saltwater Fishing Reel Market

It’s no secret that big corporations in the outdoors industry are always on the lookout for any upstarts trying to gain some of their...

Minnesota's Lakes Offer Outdoor Smorgasbord

By Ken Perrotte

Oct 30, 2017

Minnesota's Lakes Offer Outdoor Smorgasbord

BAUDETTE, Minn.—The mouth of the Rainy River, just north of here, was misleadingly calm as our 27-foot Sportcraft fishing boat joined the...

Fat Cats and Behemoth Bass in Scenic Chattanooga - It's Easy to Get Hooked!

By Ken Perrotte

Oct 27, 2017

Fat Cats and Behemoth Bass in Scenic Chattanooga - It's Easy to Get Hooked!

When it comes to unique urban settings to hook into chunky catfish, Chattanooga, Tennessee, is tough to beat. The city is a showpiece...

Go Goliath on Florida's Gulf Coast; Fish, Food, Fun in Sun - But Watch Out, These Fish can Hurt You!

By Ken Perrotte

Oct 2, 2017

Go Goliath on Florida's Gulf Coast; Fish, Food, Fun in Sun - But Watch Out, These Fish can Hurt You!

If you’re looking for a total saltwater heaven destination check out the area around Charlotte Harbor, Florida, where three rivers...

Sunshine State Offers Family Fishing Fun - Pontoon Boat Offers Comfort on Inshore Expeditions

By Ken Perrotte

Jul 19, 2017

Sunshine State Offers Family Fishing Fun - Pontoon Boat Offers Comfort on Inshore Expeditions

One of the best things about going to the American Sportfishing Association’s big annual trade show in Orlando is that it’s usually...

First Place, 2018, 2019 & 2020 Realtree Website Excellence Award

FISHING

FEATURED STORIES

Manistee River Fly Fishing Trip Yields Browns, Brookies and a Bonus Big Buck Sighting

PIER GROUPS -- Friends are Just a Cast Away When You Enjoy a Day on a Virginia Fishing Pier

Florida Woman Notches World Record Halibut, Spearfishing the Beast in an Alaskan Kelp Forest

Soft Lure Wins 2021 ICAST Best of Show; Pure Fishing Dominates Competition This Year

Flashback to When Catching Daytime Swordfish was Mostly a Fantasy -- Then Came the Stanczyks

Virginians Fare Well in 2021 Bassmaster Northern Open on James River with 14 in the top 40

Florida Inshore Fishing Coast-to-Coast Offers Exciting Light-Tackle Action; Catch the 'Slam'

Wishin' I was (Crappie) Fishing in Mississippi

Crappie Cleaning 101 - Pico Lures' Mitch Glenn Superbly Demonstrates Fish Filleting for Novices

It's a 'Cisco Disco' and 'Laker Love-In' Fishing Trip on Lake Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay -

Northern Michigan a Fishing, Hunting Wonderland - Did Someone Say 'Salmon on the Fly'?

'Days of Wine and Crappie Fishing' - My Latest Article in Crappie Now - a NW New York Hotspot

Conservation Partnership Webinar Assesses Menhaden Management in Atlantic and Gulf

'Winners Announced in 'Virtual' ICAST New Product Showcase - Few Surprises

Spring Tuna Fishing on Fire for Anglers Heading Out from OBX or VA Beach - Incredible Action!

Hot Slabs in the Summertime - Fishing for Crappie on Florida's St. John's River at Night

'America's Favorite Flies' -- Creative, Beautiful, Keepsake Any Fly Fisherman Would Love to Own

Crappie Fishing the Historic Chickahominy River - Stately Cypress Trees, Scenic Beauty, Hungry Fish

'Come to the Light' - Hardwater Crappie Fishing in the Green Mountain State - a Winter Wonderland

Shortened Spring Striped Bass Seasons Reflect Need to Protect Spawning-Sized Fish

Northern Snakehead Impacts on Fisheries: Biologists Reaching Differing Conclusions

Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Approves 18 Percent Reduction in Striper Take

For Many Anglers, The 'Good Old Days' for Eastern Lake Erie Walleye Fishing is NOW

ICAST 2019 - Some 'Wow' New Gear Offerings and a Look at the Novel and Niche

Southwest Florida Rebounding from Red Tide; Charter Captains Cautiously Optimistic

Fearless Crew Fights Fish & Big Swells During Outer Banks Offshore Outing

Striped Bass Populations Dipping Below Stock Thresholds - Seasons in Jeopardy

Where No Ned Has Gone Before - Alternative Ned Rigs Elevate Your Finesse Game

Bikers, Hikers, Anglers & Bluegrass Fans Find Lots to Love with Smyth County, VA

Lake Erie - Head to Walleye Heaven & See Why Pros and Novices Can Have a Blast!

ICAST 2018's New Product Entries: mind-blowing electronics, cool lures, hi-tech rods

Tackling 'Football' Blackfin Tuna Fishing with Gusto in the Gulf Stream

Banging the Drums North of New Orleans with Early Summer, Light Tackle Fishing Action

Cobia - Summertime King of the Chesapeake is a Royal Dining Treat When Grilled and Dilled

Lake Champlain is Smallmouth Bass Heaven; Panfish & Northern Pike Add to Fishing Fun

Fishing Scenic Lake Ouachita with Old Town Predator PDL - Mixed Bag/Great Water

Walleye Stocking Going Well in Virginia!

‘Come to the light’ – Ice Fishing: the Cold, Windy and Surreal on Lake Champlain

Virginia State Record Triggerfish Certified

Rockfish a Sportfish Staple and Still Rolling in the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay

Everyone Feels Excited When a Youngster Gets to Crank In a Trophy-Sized Fish!

Salt Water Sportsman National Seminar Series Returns to Hampton, Virginia

A New Version of March Madness – Ice Fishing in the Great White North - Lake Champlain Beckons

Tackling Tench! Fishing With Paddy Murphy in County Cavan during Visit to Ancestral Land

Siegler Reels - Small Company Showing Grit in Saltwater Fishing Reel Market

Minnesota's Lakes Offer Outdoor Smorgasbord

Fat Cats and Behemoth Bass in Scenic Chattanooga - It's Easy to Get Hooked!

Go Goliath on Florida's Gulf Coast; Fish, Food, Fun in Sun - But Watch Out, These Fish can Hurt You!

Sunshine State Offers Family Fishing Fun - Pontoon Boat Offers Comfort on Inshore Expeditions