Once an individual starts competing, things change. At that moment you are thrust into a world of professionalism. It's tough out there. Then real costs kick in. It's very difficult for someone to justify enormous expenses incurred by showing without some real measured level of success. These are simply cold hard facts.

What I am advocating is a return to those things that first held our interest. I do not feel it is necessary to abandon interest in a particular discipline. Instead, think of it as adding to, expanding, or enhancing your fundamental interest in horses and riding. Don't allow yourself to become so absorbed by something to exclusion of everything else. We must protect ourselves from becoming burned out by overkill.

Enjoy to fullest those aspects of riding that really hold your interest, but maintain a balance. That balance is key. Remember, more you limit yourself, sooner decline will begin. I don't mean to suggest that we are all domed, I am merely trying to bring your attention to a possibility which could arise for some, if we as a group do not address it.

I would suggest that we look for opportunities to expand our activities rather than limit them. Suggest that trail ride, get a group together and go watch a show in a completely different discipline, not to criticize but to learn, find one of those stable tours. I think you get idea. Start expanding your exposure and take along some friends and most of all relax, learn, and enjoy.

You have permission to copy and reuse this article provided there are no changes made to article and credit is given to author and link to his website remains in place. Please notify him by email if you are going to use this article. You may contact Bill Dunigan through his website: http://www.barrelracingclinic.com/

Nuggets From A Cincinnati Catfish Guide

I attended a seminar other week by a local professional catfish guide. This guide

works Ohio River about 15 miles above and below Cincinnati. His information relates to

catfishing on bigger rivers such as Ohio.

The fishing spot he takes his clients fishing depends on amount of current in

river. The pool stage for Ohio at Cincinnati is 26.6 feet. According to him when

river is in pool than catfishing is very poor. He prefers river to be in 27 to 28

feet range with some current for best fishing action. Once river gets above 30 feet

then current is too strong for good fishing.

When there is some current he prefers to bait with fresh cut bait. The current allows

scent trail to spread all over to catfish. In low or no current conditions he uses live

bait. The vibrations of live bait will be pickup by catfish in quite waters. Skipjacks are bait fish he prefers for they have a very oily body that produces a

excellent scent trail. The big problem is locating skipjacks to use as bait. Normally

you just have to fish for skipjacks and load up a small cooler. Then get home and bag

them for a freezer. Shad are much easier to locate and to catch for a fishing trip. Once a

school is spotted just throw out your casting net. He normally makes a couple casts and

has his large live well loaded for his client’s trip.

He uses a simple rig of, main line 30 pound mono, 2-4 ounces of sinker, tied to a mono

leader of 50 pound test. He prefers a 6/0 to 8/0 octopus circle style hooks. He has FLAT

sinker which are great, however they are hard to come by around here.

According to him catfish will be found in 30 feet or deeper holes, Garr and other

fish usually do not stay in water that deep. Flatheads are home bodies; hang tight to

structure such as sunken barges, boulders, and sunken trees. Blue cats like cooler water,

stronger current and will suspend.

The action for cats picks up when water temperature is in 68-70 degree range. The

day time temperatures are much higher in summer around here. During summer months,

the local pleasure boats forces you to fish at night or early morning around downtown

Cincinnati.

He does watch his depth finder for any big changes on river bottom. To him any sudden

change in depth is what he will check out. He really does not depend on marking fish. Since

he has spent so many hours on this section of Ohio River he already knows nearly all

honey holes. He does suggest only checking out area of river between New Richmond

and North Bend Ohio. Along that stretch of river pay special attention to outside bends of

the river. If there is a local heavy rain, check storm sewers that flow into river.

That stuff washing into river sets off a dinner bell response to catfish, and they put

on feed bag.

Hopefully, these nuggets of information from a professional catfish guide will put more and

bigger catfish at other end of your line this season. Tight lines to all.

nlcatfish@fuse.net webmaster for Cincinnati Catfishing www.cincinnaticatfishing.com AND SHOP WITHOUT DROPPING www.cincinnaticatfishing.com/Shop1.html Over700Bargings4YOU www.bargins4tightbudgets.com