Hunters who have to make long shots at game in open country, be it a groundhog or a pronghorn 300 yards away, might want to check out the new shooting sticks made by BOG Gear LLC. The company's three sticks -- all marketed under the name BOG-PODS -- include a monopod, bipod, and tripod. Height markers on each leg allow for exact adjustments from 22-68 inches. There are rubber feet on the lower section of each leg for use on dry ground; if the ground if frozen, the rubber feet come off to reveal hardened spikes that can dig into ice. A rubber coated v-rest that swivels 360 degrees tops each stick. Suggested retail price is $39.99 for the monopod, $69.99 for the bipod, and $99.99 for the tripod. For information: visit www.boggear.com or e-mail info@boggear.com .
Lure of the week X-Rap Shad
Company: Rapala
Lure type: Crankbait.
Sizes and colors: The X-Rap Shad is available in two sizes -- 2 1/2 inches, with a swimming depth of six to 11 feet and 31/8 inches, with a swimming depth of seven to 10 fet.. It comes in 15 color patterns.
Target species: Largemouth and smallmouth bass and walleyes.
Technique: Cast around structure. When the fish are slow, reel in with a sweeping motion. When fish are more aggresuse a more errectic retrieve.
Sugg. retail price: $6.99
Notable: The X-Rap Shad -- a combination of Rapala's Shad Rap and X-Rap line of lures -- features a translucent body with internal scale patterns, a holographic foil appearance, and a feathered tail.
Tip of the week
With warmer weather on the way, now is when people plan to do a lot of hiking and paddling. You have to be in shape to enjoy yourself, however. If you expect to do some hiking, conditioning walks around home, maybe before or after work, will prepare you for weekend trips. If you plan to canoe or kayak, do some pushups to tone the same muscles you'll be using on the water. In either case, take plenty of water and some quick-energy snacks, like chocolate, peanuts and dried fruit, along with you to stay hydrated and energized when you're on the trail and in the boat.
Recipe of the week Baked walleye fillets
Ingredients
• 1 pound of walleye fillets• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley• 1 clove garlic, minced• 1 tablespoon lemon juice• 1 large tomato, thinly sliced• 3/4 teaspoon seasoned salt• 2 tablespoons white wine• 3 tablespoons olive oil• 3 slices lemon
Directions
Arrange the fish in an eight- or nine-inch-square baking dish. Sprinkle with parsley, lemon juice and salt. Heat the oil in small skillet, then fry the onion and garlic until limp. Top the fish with that mixture, including the oil. Arrange tomato on onion mix and pour wine over it all. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes until the fish flakes easily. Garnish with fresh lemon slices.
-- Bob Frye
