Stuff We Like Inspired by our Travel
Fishing should be fun. Part of that is art and food and other things that don't put fish in the boat, but nevertheless make you enjoy the process more.
Fishing Jewelry: I Am a Material Girl
If you like to fish and you like jewelry, why not combine those passions? I’ve picked up fishy pieces (both pricey and inexpensive) all over the world to remind us of our travels and our on the water exploits.
That’s What She Said
The Robbins households are all havens for immaturity. Every family member, from the youngest to the oldest, laughs when the ketchup bottle “farts.” We’re all veterans of the “pull my finger” routine. I may have taken it to another level, barely managing to stifle a laugh whenever my fishing partner says “stick it in that bush.”
Fly and Functional Peacock Bass Art
I had so much fun writing about Cliff Outdoors fly boxes adorned with roosterfish that I’ve continued to spend hours upon hours combing through Instagram. Not surprisingly, a great number of angling artists have used these perfect palettes to paint or draw their favorite species. Many have chosen peacock bass at their subjects.
Book Review: Fishing Guide to Central America’s Prolific Pacific
If you’re looking for a quick and clear book on where and when to fish the Pacific side of Central America, Ray Rychnovsky’s “Fishing Guide to Central America’s Prolific Pacific” is a good place to start.
More Tips for Building Your Career as an Outdoor Writer
I’ve already outlined some of the big-ticket, non-negotiable rules that’ll help you get more work and complete it more efficiently, but here are seven more that have really helped me build my outdor writing career. They’re not exactly secrets, but ignore them at your own peril.
A Moveable Feast in Panama
In Panama, some of the charter boats work together with the commercial boats, making use of makeshift fish aggregating devices to catch monster yellowfin tuna.
Roosters on the Fly (Box)
In my search for fishing art, I’ve repeatedly come across the yellow fly boxes made by Cliff Outdoors. Their yellow exterior lends itself particularly well to artwork. Normally that consists of trout or tarpon or redfish or some other more widely-spread species, but I’ve also found plenty with great renderings of Pez Gallo.
No Stain, No Gain
Part of the fun of tuna fishing is that you later eat the suckers, but getting there requires that you stick a gaff in ‘em and then bleed ‘em out – and bleed they do, a seemingly endless red stream. Several clothing companies have recognized this and have taken both lighthearted and practical ways of dealing with it.
Big Bass Beatdown for Mr. Boss
Leroy Boss booked four days of fishing with Hill Country Hammer Guides and was rewarded with the trip of a lifetime – a 13-03 largemouth on Day One, and a 12-10 on Day Four. He commemorated the experience with an unbelievable table mount of the two bass, along with myriad other critters and habitat.
Pretty Like a Bluefin Trevally
During our most recent trip to Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge, Hanna and I both caught bluefin trevally. Pictures do not do justice to their vibrant blue streaks, spots and splotches. They may not be a “bucket list” species for many anglers, so I was surprised to find that you can nevertheless get clothing that replicates their colors.
My Favorite Fishing Meals of 2021
In the Robbins house we are constantly thinking about the next meal, or even the next meal after that. I guess you could call us foodies. We are willing to try almost anything. Of course, some meals stand out more than others. In a year full of great dining, both at home and on the road, here are some of my favorites.
Best Books About Tournament Bass Fishing
If you can’t be on the water but you’re obsessed with tournament fishing, consider picking up one of these books that shaped and reported on the sport of professional bass angling.
Who Bent it Best?
Hulk Hogan, William “The Refrigerator” Perry and Pete Robbins — as far as we know, only one of them has fished for tuna in Panama.
Spreadsheets Will Make You a Better Outdoor Writer
Even if you're a non-techie or not very business minded, your writing business will improve if you learn to use a simple spreadsheet. Microsoft Excel helps me stay organized. I don't miss deadlines and I make sure that I get paid.
Unregrettable
One of the most famous quotations in sports mythology and inspirational meme-world is Wayne Gretzky’s “You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.” It’s true that once an opportunity has gone by that particular window has closed. As such, I have certain regrets in my fishing career, but none of them can’t be fixed.
Bass Tackle in Ditka’s Backyard
On a recent trip to the Chicago suburbs, I visited Angler’s International Resources, a top notch tackle store for hard core bass anglers. Make an effort to get there the next time you’re in the Windy City.
Panama Poker
A triple is always a good thing. Here are two examples of three of a kind from the Gulf of Chiriquí. Which hand would force you to push all of your chips to the center of the table?
Tattoo Tuesday: Cat Got Your Tongue?
I’ve seen some great catfish mounts across the country. Upon a little bit of examination, I’ve also noticed that there are lots of catfish tattoos out there. Here are some of my favorites.
The Best Tuna Poke Recipe EVER
My first question when we returned to Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge was whether Chef Eddie would teach me to make his incredible tuna poke. Now you can make it at home with this simple tutorial and recipe.
Best Fishing Travel Snacks
When you travel by air to a distant fishing destination, you may have to go a long time between meals — or you may dislike some of what is served. Be sure to bring appropriate and legal snacks in your baggage to avoid emergencies.