Don't complain about the cost of hunting in Texas if you haven't taken advantage of the many public hunting opportunities available. There are several raffles that give you a 1 in 10 chance of winning - did you buy your $10 permit?

About this time each year, many of us that enjoy spending time on the water fishing or in the field or woods hunting decide we need to make a few changes in the way we operate. Looking back over the past 12 months, I can find many areas in my outdoor activities that would bode well with a little ‘tweaking’. There are many little things that can be done to increase the ‘fun’ aspect of an outdoors experience and lessen the work; after all, hunting and fishing does require a good amount of spent energy. Sportsmen detest calling this ‘work’ but when one is in his or her upper fifties, as is yours truly, it’s time to take stock and hunt and fish a bit smarter than in those early days when there was a bit more energy to expend.

We are now in the coldest period of the year and we’re all waiting for the spring warm up to head back to our favored waters in quest of bass, catfish and stripers, right? Granted, many anglers do wait for spring and warming weather but, with a little knowledge and preparation, there’s some line sizzling action to be had, and RIGHT NOW!  If you’re looking for a cure for cabin fever and the very real opportunity to catch some of the biggest fish of the year, let me introduce you to my top winter fishing destinations.