Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

One of the things that excite me the most as a bass angler is walking up to a flooded lake loaded with vegetation. As I stare out over the lake, I can’t help but think about all the opportunities for catching bass that lie beneath. 

The problem is getting a lure into the water without getting hung up on every cast. Having to dodge lily pads, low-hanging trees and standing timber is a serious challenge for a lot of anglers, but it’s even more challenging when there isn’t a lot of open water. 

These are the types of ponds I really enjoy so I’ve spent a lot of time focusing on this type of fishing, what lures to use, how to cast and how to pull the lunkers out of their hiding spots. 

Here are some of my biggest tips for finding bass in heavy cover. 

Back Off 

If you’re fishing from a boat, most people think you need to get right on top of the cover to prevent a miscast and getting hung up on something. This is where perfecting your cast really comes into play. 

I travel full-time with my two dogs, and because we’re gluttons for adventure, we frequently find ourselves boondocking or dry camping. We don’t like to disturb other campers, so we rely on our solar setup more than our generator. And, as northern portions of our country start to experience warmer summers, the dream of escaping the Texas summers we know becomes more of a challenge.

This has led us to get exceptionally creative about how we stay cool while camping in the heat.

We have altered schedules – we only go on walks/hikes/adventures in the mornings and evenings when the sun is a little more bearable, we get out of the rig and seek shade or waterfront parking spots at the hottest portion of the day and we, of course, pack up and leave when temperatures get into the high 90s/triple digits.

Keeping pets cool in the summer is especially important considering that pets don’t generally have sweat glands in the same way that humans do, and are more susceptible to heat stroke and overheating. Plus, no one enjoys marinating in the summer heat wearing a fur coat.

If you travel with pets, it feels like a given that you love them like family and want the best for them. That includes keeping them safe and comfortable as they accompany you on your adventures. If this sounds like you, you’re in the right place. Keep reading for six of my pups’ favorite summer must-haves for making travel bearable during the warmest months of the year.

Every camper will tell you that there’s never a dull moment when you’re camping. Whether you’re visiting a campsite for the first time or reclaiming your beloved spot at the campground you visit every fall, camping is full of adventure.

We wanted to hear your stories, so we asked and you answered! Spark up the campfire, have a seat in your favorite camp chair, grab a beverage, and check out the coolest and craziest things real campers have seen while camping.

Close Encounters with Wildlife

Lions, tigers, and bears — oh, wait. There aren’t any lion or tiger encounters to share, but there are plenty about bears. It seems one of the most common wildlife animals to run into while camping is none other than a bear.

From thieving bears who steal food, backpacks, and clothing to a mama bear watching over her cubs, these close encounters are just a reminder that we aren’t always camping alone. Of course, practice smart bear safety when camping to keep you and the wildlife safe and unharmed.

“While backpacking in Sequoia [National Park], I came across a mama bear and four cubs. I was about 30-feet away from them but separated by a large log. I watched the cubs play like kittens chasing each other up and down the tree. I sat and watched them for about 30 minutes while mama bear made sure I did not come any closer. It was a real National Geographic moment.” -Bill W.

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Non-Profit ‘National Parks Traveler’ Creates New Digital Guide for RVers

RVers love national parks. A visit to one or more of our nation’s wonderful national parks is on every RVer’s bucket list. National parks connect us to our nation’s past, provide a safe way to experience nature and enjoy the land, and are a great excuse for a road trip. The old adage, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey” doesn’t really apply to our national parks, which are not only a great destination, but often a journey within themselves. For RVers especially, the journey is often equally as important as the destination. National Parks Traveler has just made visiting National Parks even easier.

Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

While there are a few popular printed guides for our National Parks, they aren’t geared towards RVers specifically, and they aren’t digital. This important distinction was noticed by the folks at National Parks Traveler. National Parks Traveler is the world’s top-rated, editorially independent, nonprofit media organization dedicated to covering national parks and protected areas on a daily basis.

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The West Coast is a beautiful place to travel and camp. It’s populated by lush forests, beautiful mountains, and of course, miles of open ocean.

If you want to explore this area, you may want to look into coastal campsites with easy access to the beach and hiking trails. There are too many parks to count, but some stand above the others in terms of quality.

No matter what you’re looking for on your next adventure, there’s sure to be a campground that fits the bill. Some are close to cities, while others are remote and secluded. Below, we’ve selected 10 fantastic coastal campsites to keep in mind. These campgrounds were chosen due to their excellent location and high ratings. You can find more campsites with a quick search on RV LIFE Campground Reviews or the RV LIFE App. Let’s get started!

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RV gray water is called gray water because the used soapy water in it gives it a grayish hue. Gray water is flushed from the sinks and shower and is stored in the gray water tank until it’s dumped. A separate gray water holding tank is handy to have, especially when you are RV camping without access to sewage hookups. 

The one problem with an RV gray water holding tank is that it fills up a lot faster than the black water holding tank. This is because we tend to use more water for showering, washing, or cooking food than we do for flushing the toilet. 

When the gray water tank is full, it tends to back up into the shower or the closest sink. So, what can you do when the gray water tank is full? Is it okay to just dump the water on the ground?  

The smallest of the motorized RV types is the Class B RV. Lately, they’ve surged in popularity among RVers.

Class B Motorhomes are built on cargo van chassis like the Mercedes Sprinter, the Ford Transit, or even the Ram ProMaster. They don’t often have slides, so they’re lighter, and they’re typically less than 30 feet long. This makes driving a Class B easier than driving a Class A or Class C RV for some people.

Class B RVs are popular with those who wish to focus on spending more time outside their RV rather than inside, prefer a quick travel pace, or those that adventure out of it rather than live in it full-time. They’re also popular with solo RVers as well as couples who are looking to switch into a rig that may be more comfortably driven by both partners.

As popular as Class B RVs have become, they’re not right for everyone. Motorized RV owners of all ages, might prefer Class As or Class Cs, and RVing with a toad.

So how do you know if a Class B RV is the one to buy? We take a look at the pros and cons of a Class B RV as well as a compromise to help you decide which RV is the one for you.

If you love tent camping but want a few more amenities, a pop-up camper is a great option. Pop-up campers are excellent towable RVs for folks that don’t want to upgrade to a truck or simply want to go RVing more affordably.

Pop-ups are the most affordable RVs you’ll find, and they offer a lot for the money. If you’re looking for an upgrade from a tent or want a good beginner RV, a pop-up is a smart way to go.

Shop new and used Pop Up RVs online from Camping World, or read on to learn some advantages of pop-up campers.

1. Pop-Up Campers are Affordable

Of all the RVs out there, the pop-up is by far the most affordable option. This is even true of brand new models, but the used market is an excellent option too. You can often find a used pop-up in good condition for less than $10,000 if you don’t mind a camper with minimal features.

The simplicity of a pop-up camper is what keeps their price tags low, but that doesn’t mean you have to go without amenities. Most pop-ups feature a nice kitchen area with a sink, a dinette, and two queen beds for ample sleeping space.

Making healthy snacks and meals for your dog doesn’t have to be difficult. Learning the basics of safe ingredients for your dog is a good beginning! Being able to make your dog’s treats, snacks and occasional meals is possible, even while traveling. We know! We have been making our dogs treats and meals for over ten years, and for over six years on the road with our pets in our RV!  

Convenience is key to many of us. I have found that being able to shop for our food and our dogs’ food at the same place is easier than having to go to a pet supply store! I can also control the ingredients that go into my dogs’ food and save money. Just a little preparation and packing ahead of time, especially on travel days in the RV makes for easy snacks and mealtimes.    

Make sure to pick up a cooler, cooking utensils, food storage containers, and dog supplies at your nearest Camping World.  A cooler is essential in our RV to pack our dog’s meals and snacks ahead on travel days! These are just a few of the 2 Traveling Dogs’ favorite supplemental meals and snacks on the road! 

Please note, we are not dog nutritionists. Always consult your personal veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet.  

Chicken Jerky For Dogs

Easily, our dogs’ favorite, go-to treat anywhere, any time, any place! Chicken jerky for dogs is not only easy but cost-effective and delicious. If your dog is not a fan of chicken, feel free to substitute beef or boneless fish.

Trading an RV in? Do the right things, and you’ll get the most for your RV. In this video, we’ll go over all the things you should do when you trade in your model. Marcus starts on the outside and works his way in, touching on every detail that you must address to get the very best RV trade-in value possible.

Selling an RV or travel trailer is a lot like selling a home. Focus on curb appeal and make sure all the parts of the unit work properly. Ensure nothing is damaged or out of place. Assess your RV through the eyes of a buyer and an appraiser.

What would potential buyers want to see? What would you want to see if you were buying the RV you’re selling?

Prepare Your RV Before the Sale

Proper preparation is important in everything you do. You must prepare your RV before you trade it in. Here are Marcus’s suggestions for prospective sellers on where to begin and what to focus on when selling recreational vehicles:

Wash and Detail Your Unit

It’s amazing what a good cleaning will do for your possible trade-in value. People buy with their eyes first and then with their noses. The fact of the matter is a dirty or smelly RV gets a fraction of the sales price it could have if it came clean and ready to go. You want your unit to appear as close to brand new as possible.

Find more value at top travel destinations across North America. Thirty-one campgrounds have recently joined the Good Sam Campground network, increasing your odds of finding savings on the road. Good Sam members get a 10 percent discount at any of our roughly 2,000 Good Sam Campgrounds in North America.

If you’re not a member, Sign up online to purchase a membership or simply buy it at the Good Sam Campground you visit (discounts apply immediately). As you plan your trip, check each campground’s link to determine seasonal availability and make reservations.

Visit one of these new Good Sam Campgrounds today:

River Ridge Resort, Guntersville

Birdwatchers flock to this region to see migratory avians fly over Lake Guntersville. The fishing isn’t bad here either, and visitors can enjoy this region from River Ridge RV Park, which has a marina with kayaking along with nearby trails for hiking, biking and ATV riding.

Whether you love hosting everyone at the campground for the big game or looking for something with plenty of space for your family, these RVs with front entertainment are an excellent option. We’ll show you four amazing floorplans that provide a front entertainment center so that you can find the perfect design for your future vacations. Learn more below!

You’ll find sleeping for four inside this CrossRoads Zinger 259FL travel trailer on sale at RVingPlanet.com. You’ll love front entertainment center that gives you a 50″ TV, plenty of storage space, and a sofa for seating. The walk-thru bathroom gives you a great space for getting ready in the mornings.

Additional Features:

Save big on your adventures with this used 2018 Keystone Outback 333FE travel trailer available today! The living room features dual opposing slides with ample seating for you and your guests. In the bedroom, the king bed makes it really easy to get a great night’s sleep.

Additional Features:

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Fishing is a favorite pastime of many campers. Whether you prefer tent camping, RVing, or staying in cabins, there are plenty of destinations for you to check out this year. It can sometimes be hard to find campsites with fishing nearby though (especially if you want to actually catch something). 

To help you out, we’ve found 10 great campsites that are located close to popular fishing destinations. We’ve got options for river fishing, ocean fishing, and even ice fishing! No matter what your style is, one of these destinations is bound to speak to you.

The campsites are also spread out over the U.S. so everyone should be able to find something that’s close to them. You can find even more great campgrounds and RV parks with a quick search on RV LIFE Campground Reviews or while planning your travels on RV LIFE Trip Wizard.

Grab your fishing pole and pack your camping gear because it’s time to find your new favorite campsite!

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20 RVing Hacks To Keep You Comfortable And Organized

We all want life to be simple when we are RVing. These easy hacks will help you get the most out of your RV with little to no effort on your part. We researched the best RVing hacks that will keep your RV comfortable and organized wherever you happen to be. 

RV storage hacks

Some RVs are better equipped with storage than others. However, all RVs have very limited storage. It’s a good idea to have multifunctional items in the RV to minimize storage needs and lighten your load. Here are some of the best RV storage hacks we’ve heard of.  

1. Get some 5-gallon buckets.

One of the best RVing tips is for everything in the RV to have multiple uses. While that’s not always possible, having 5-gallon buckets with lids can give you:

2. Use gamma seal lids on buckets.

Tenacious 5-gallon bucket lids can be hard to get on and off. Gamma seal lids are twist-off lids that fit onto any 5-gallon bucket to make sealing and unsealing the bucket as easy as taking the lid off a jar.