For many Michiganders, Morel hunting is a favorite spring pastime.

The time is here again.  Morel season.  For so many, this is not just a hobby, but a way of life.  

Many people in the state were raised hunting for the ever-elusive Morel.  They can recall trips with parents and other relatives into the deep woods north of Clare, all the way up to above the bridge, searching for the natural delicacy.

Even with the prices of these at a pretty penny for just one pound, many would not sell their finds for millions of dollars.  It seems to be a common perception that the hunt is where the real money is.

So, this spring, get out in the woods.  Get your hands dirty, and take in some of mother nature's creation.  You never know what you might find!

Found some Morels? Follow this link for a nice recipe!

http://www.wideopenspaces.com/springtime-succulence-fried-turkey-morel-mushrooms-video/?utm_content=bufferb51c4&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=Buffer

Sucker spearing season here in Michigan begins soon. 

PHOTO CREDIT -Michigan DNR

With the melting of the snow and the new leaf buds hitting the trees, now is the time to get out the spears and lanterns.  It's time to go sucker spearing.

In recent years, most following the sucker run closely have been met literally by hell from high water. The creeks and streams of Michigan's woods have been above their banks, and by the time they sink back to walkable levels, the few fish that remain are unhealthy and nearing death.

With this year's spring showers coming early and often, weather reports suggest a chance of a one-week dry window, something that is music to the ears of those with a spear in hand.

Often, it only takes one night of spearing to collect a year's supply of fish.  When the run is at its peak, it is not uncommon to see anglers with full bags of  fish from only an hour or two of spearing.

This year promises to bring surprises, whether good or bad.  When it comes to spearing, it is not a matter of if a setback comes, but rather when.

Those who successfully adjust will find smokers full of fish one month from now.

Picking up what I can't put down

A late-summer's catfish in 2015.

Picking up what I can't put down

As those who have been following my blog have discovered, I am a fisherman at heart.  It consumes every free moment for me, and I enjoy the thrill of every cast.

The fish pictured above was one of those thrills.  At one of my favorite fishing holes, this grumpy old cat came out to play, and we had a hell of a fight.

The night had been slow, and the bite was not really there.  It was a hot one, it had to be 80 degrees even when this picture was taken at 10 p.m.

We were ready to call a loss, and were reeling up our lines.  Then, we were stopped by a screaming noise.

It sounded like a coyote.  Wrong. It was actually the reel on my heavy-duty pole, screaming out line.

After a ten-minute fight and being stung by the fish twice, I grabbed a hold of him and threw him to shore.

These are the moments that keep me coming back to the water.  These are the moments that keep me wondering what's lurking under the surface.