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Addressing the ‘Why’ of being a fisherman

Often asked but rarely truly answered, the question “why” seeks to understand the motivations for our actions. Why this? Why that? Deep questions, when you stop and ponder them. The answers might come quickly, but do they really tell the back story? So why, you might ask, does Jack like fishing? Good question. I could spew a lot of pat answers, the kind that anybody might offer in response to why. But there’s more to the story. “Why” is really about another way to gain understanding not just about ourselves, but the world around us. Allow me to borrow a passage ...

A lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving

Regardless of our personal circumstances, most of us have many good reasons to be grateful this Thanksgiving season for the wonderful people and happy circumstances in our lives. While we may occasionally grumble and sometimes wonder whether we’ve made all the right decisions, we mostly have much to celebrate as we reflect this Thanksgiving. That applies to us anglers, as well. What a fishing year 2023 has been. I’m a glass-half-full guy anyway, so it’s especially easy for me to max out on happiness while fishing. But even so, this spring, summer and fall delivered some of ...

Riffle brings passion to angling business

Ask Mike Riffle about his retirement project and be prepared for a thorough recap of his 40 years of bass tournament experience and all manner of other influential moments in his life. Riffle is the epitome of the passionate angler with exuberance that spills over into operation of his 330 Bait Co. He makes and markets everything from jigs and sinkers to spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and other lures popular among bass anglers. Blessed with a bubbly knack for storytelling, Riffle seizes the opportunity to spin the features and benefits for the tackle he makes in his shop at home in ...

New store provides resource for local anglers

Competition for local anglers’ dollars will increase later this month when the iconic Bass Pro Shops brand opens a new store in Niles’ Eastwood Mall complex. To be known as Bass Pro Shops Outpost, the new store will sell top name-brand fishing equipment, along with Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris Signature Series rods, reels and terminal baits and tackle relevant to the fisheries in Northeastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania, according to a spokesperson for Bass Pro Shops. “This new location will make it easier for families to spend time enjoying nature together,” store general ...

Mahoning continues postseason successes

Friday night lights will continue to shine down on Mahoning County tonight when the Ohio High School Athletic Association football tournament kicks off its second week of play. The regional quarterfinal slate includes a trio of games involving a pair of Mahoning County schools. In Division III, Canfield will play host to Ursuline in what is a rematch from a third-round game played a year ago. In Division IV, Struthers will travel to Poland for a second time in three weeks. In Division VII, Lowellville will make its second trip this year to Berlin Center to take on Western Reserve. ...

Blaney provides local tie to NASCAR championship

As we go into the final NASCAR race to crown a champion isn’t it great to have a driver with local roots vying for the championship? Ryan Blaney calls High Point, N.C., home, but he was born in Warren. For many years we have had so many great local drivers, but only two have made it to the NASCAR level — Dave and son Ryan. The Blaney family has won countless races across the country. Grandpa Lou, a racing legend, has won hundreds of races in the Modifieds and Sprint cars, son Dave is a former World of Outlaws champion, Chili Bowl winner, won the Knoxville Nationals, and USAC ...