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Outdoors

Find the basics

Plenty of outdoors instruction awaits those willing to go online.

By DAVID A. BROWN
Published October 8, 2005

This is hard to admit, but I don't know everything about hunting, fishing, boating or any outdoors topic for that matter.

Fortunately, there is no lack of information at my disposal. The same information is available for anyone willing to do a little digging.

Sometimes you just want to know how to tie an improved clinch knot, or how to thoroughly clean a shotgun.

Maybe you need to know how to identify local gamefish and learn the legal limits. Or, perhaps you'd like to get a better handle on weather forecasting and recognizing navigational aids. Whatever you seek, there is a good chance that the answer resides in cyberspace.

I know not everyone owns a computer and some who do still don't have Internet access. For these rare cases, public libraries, Internet cafes and friends or relatives with online connections reduce the access gaps.

Searching the Internet is kind of like finding where the fish are biting.

Take a chart of your general area, and at any moment of any day the viable options are more than you can reach in 24 hours. So you narrow your search.

What species do you want to catch? What are your geographic boundaries? Do you want to work shallow or deep? What baits and techniques do you want to employ?

All of these details - and similar points for hunting, boating, etc. - will determine which spots best suit your objectives. You have to investigate each of the likely locations, but it beats the pants off random drifting.

Locating helpful outdoors information on the Internet is no different. You need to decide if you just want to read a general assortment of information or if you want to find a specific nugget of knowledge.

General outdoors topics will get you started, but the more specific you can make your search the better.

Each search engine offers tips for "search parameters" - the way you enter your information. Don't bother opening every "hit" your search returns and understand that search engines sort by relevance, which means Entry 1 has a stronger connection to your parameters than No. 73.

Finding a honey hole of online information feels about as good as locating a productive oyster bar or rock pile. But there's nothing wrong with poking around well-known spots - in the water or on the Internet.

For example, Florida hunters and anglers have an excellent resource in the state's Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission site (www.myfwc.com)

In addition to clearly outlining all regulations concerning the use of game and fish resources, the site offers species summaries, hunting forecasts and news items such as regulatory issues and public educational events.

Other helpful sites include:

U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety (www.uscgboating.org) - It summarizes "Rules of the Road" for boat operation, aids to navigation (markers, beacons, etc.), and other topics of interest to boaters.

Whitetails.com - It has an extensive list of deer hunting tips, ranging from archery to field baiting to game dressing.

Florida Guides Association (http://www.florida-guides.com) - You will learn a lot by spending a day on the water with a professional fishing guide.

National Marine Institute (www.marineinstitute.org) - The Nautical Terms section will help you learn to use proper boat-speak.

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (www.noaa.com) - It provides marine weather, fisheries news and oceanic research.

Coastal Conservation Association (www.ccaflorida.org) - It is a non-profit marine conservation and advocacy group.

One of 19 state chapters, Florida's organization has 28 local chapters. Look here for news and opinions on issues affecting saltwater fishing.

Many online retailers offer technique and outfitting tips. This info helps sell their wares, but it also is a free source of information - often from professional outdoorsmen.

Likewise, many outdoor publications have web sites with free content. Occasionally, you may run across private individuals who maintain helpful online resources.

Also check out the web sites of specialty groups such Ducks Unlimited (www.ducks.org) National Wild Turkey Federation (www.nwtf.org) and Extreme Edge Kayak Fishing (www.extremeedgefishing.com) for instruction and leads for further searches.

Portal sites such as www.fishingworks.com www.fishtheoutdoors.com and www.hunttheoutdoors.com offer links to a variety of topics, as well as related sites.

Numerically, outdoor sports are heavy with adult males, but women and children make up a vibrant segment of the market.

Ladies Let's Go Fishing (www.ladiesletsgofishing.com) focuses on instruction for female anglers, while groups such as Kids All American Fishing (www.kids-fishing.com) promote youth involvement. Many sites include kids sections, as well.

So look around - the information is available.

But just like the outdoors activities we enjoy, reaching the objective requires effort and determination.

Set your goals, chart your course and enjoy your successes. And when you locate an informational gem, share it with a friend.

[Last modified October 8, 2005, 01:26:19]