Orcas are extremely fascinating large black and white mammals who rule any body of water they live in. You may have heard about Orcas attacking other animals and even occasionally humans — so you may be curious about how much damage their bite can actually do.

Orcas have an estimated bite force of 19,000 PSI which means they are at the top of the ocean food chain and can take down anything that comes into its path. However, although Orcas spend most of their time hunting for food, they are not typically overly aggressive mammals and won’t generally bother with some other types of sea creatures.

In the wild, Orcas live an average of 30 to 50 years — with female Orcas occasionally living up to 100 years old. In captivity, this number is much lower — Orcas typically only live about 17 to 29 years. And there are many more interesting facts about Orcas including how they use their teeth as well as how they compare to sharks and other animals.

How Strong Is An Orca’s Bite?

It’s difficult to get an exact measurement of how hard an orca can bite, but it’s estimated that its bite force is an incredible 19,000 PSI (Pounds per square inch). To put this into perspective, the dog with the highest bite force (the Kangal) has a bite force of 743 PSI. This bite force can vary depending on the size, age, and sex of the Orca doing the biting, as well as how it is measured.

How Sharp Are Orca’s Teeth?

The large teeth of an Orca are conical (cone-shaped) and interlocking. These teeth are very sharp however they are not meant to use to simply chew food — they’re meant to rip the food apart into smaller chunks the Orca can simply swallow.

How Many Teeth Does An Orca Whale Have?

Orcas have teeth lining both their upper and lower jaws — they have 48 to 52 teeth in total! Orcas have 10 – 14 large teeth on either side of their jaw on both the upper and lower jaws. Their teeth start to grow in when they are just a few weeks old and will have their complete set of full-grown teeth by the time they are about 11 or 12 weeks of age.

How Big Are Orca’s Teeth?

Orcas have 48 to 52 teeth and all of them grow to be about four inches long. They are quite sharp in addition to being large for their size.

Do Orcas Teeth Grow Back?

Orcas only get one set of teeth in their lifetime, so any teeth they happen to lose will not be replaced. Since their teeth are large and they have quite a strong base, they don’t lose them too easily. So, most Orcas will retain most of their teeth throughout their lifetime.

Orca Teeth vs Shark Teeth

Although they may seem similar, Orcas and Sharks are quite different, and one main difference is the number of teeth they have as well as how they use them.

Orca Teeth. Orcas have only one set of roughly 50 teeth and they use these sharp, strong teeth to rip their food apart before they swallow the chunks whole.

Shark Teeth. Sharks have many rows of teeth — so they can have a few hundred up to a few thousand teeth! Sharks continuously lose their teethby biting and chewing (losing around 100 teeth a day is not uncommon!) but there are always new teeth ready to replace them. Sharks use their triangular-shaped, razor-sharp teeth to kill, rip apart, and chew up their prey.

Are Killer Whales And Orcas The Same Thing?

Orcas are commonly referred to as killer whales and the names are often used interchangeably — even by marine experts.

However, killer whales are actually not whales at all! Killer whales are actually dolphins — in fact, they’re the largest member of the dolphin family. All whales, dolphins, and porpoises fall under the order of Cetacea. However, it’s the teeth of an Orca that makes them fall under the suborder called Odontoceti — which means toothed whale. This is one popular theory about why Orcas are referred to as killer whales.

Another popular theory about how Orcas became known as killer whales is that in the past whalers called Orcas “killers of whales” and the name eventually got shortened and it stuck.

Are Killer Whales Aggressive?

While killer whales can look very aggressive when it comes to finding and eating their prey, they don’t generally seek to harm humans on purpose. And the aggression they show is simply them tearing apart their food to feed themselves and the other Orcas in their pod.

However, if an Orca is in a situation where they feel threatened, are protecting their family, or are prodded when they’re feeling emotionally unstable, they will likely lash out and injure — or even kill — any human that’s in their vicinity. It’s also often said that if killer whales are kept in captivity, they may get frustrated and depressed and lash out at a trainer or another human.

Generally, the aim of a killer whale is only to play in a friendly way with the humans they come into contact with. But unfortunately, their playing often will hurt a human because of the Orca’s strength, and the fact that they will often drag them underwater where they will usually drown.

Can Orcas See Color?

Orcas have excellent eyesight and they can see color — but not in the same way that humans can. Orcas have two types of color receptors while most humans have three types of receptors. Therefore, Orcas have trouble seeing the red-green axis.

Do Orcas Eat Sharks?

Although sharks are major predators of the waters they live in, the one great natural enemy of a shark is the Orca! The Orca will win in a fight against a shark almost every time.

However, Orcas generally don’t hunt for sharks because while they will usually win, sharks have razor-sharp teeth and the fight they put up will generally harm the Orca before the Orca can finish them off.

Orcas have a very diverse carnivore diet and will typically hunt a variety of fish, as well as penguins, seals, moose, seabirds, whales, and even other dolphins. Orcas tend to hunt in pods of about 40 — mostly made of up families. Resident pods tend to be less aggressive and hunt only for fish and smaller sea creatures, while transient pods work together to hunt larger marine mammals — which they then share amongst themselves.

How Tall Is An Orca’s Dorsal Fin?

The dorsal fin is a major distinguishing feature of the Orca. Just behind the dorsal fin is a saddle-shaped grey area, referred to appropriately as a “saddle”.

Once an Orca is fully grown, its dorsal fin is tall and triangular and is an average of six feet tall.

Most female Orcas have slightly smaller, more curved dorsal fins that reach about three to four feet high.

How Big Do Orcas Get?

Orcas are considered to be the largest species of the dolphin family. Male Orcas will grow to be between 20 – 26 feet long, with female Orcas generally being a bit smaller — coming in between 18 – 22 feet long. To put this into perspective male Orcas are roughly the size of a bus. The longest Orca ever recorded was 32 feet long.

Male Orcas will typically weigh 12,000 pounds or more, while female Orcas generally weigh between 8,000 and 11,000 pounds.

Even when they are born, baby Orcas (calves) are roughly seven to eight feet long and weigh an average of 400 pounds.

How Often Do Orcas Eat?

Orcas need between 150 and 300 pounds of food every day in order to stay healthy and active. If an Orca is extremely active, they may need up to 375 pounds of food to make up for the calories they burn while hunting and traveling.

It’s not uncommon for an Orca to spend up to 90% of their day hunting for food.

Could An Orca Bite A Crocodile In Half?

With their super sharp teeth, an Orca very likely could bite a crocodile in half, however,it’s quite unlikely that would actually happen. Since Orcas tend to tear their food up before they eat it if they were to capture a crocodile, they would likely hold onto it with their teeth and slam it around until it was immobilized and then use their teeth to rip it apart.

Alternatively, if it was a large Orca that came upon a smaller crocodile the Orca may just swallow up the entire crocodile whole.

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Randy Haines of Amery was bowhunting recently when an antlered buck walked near his tree stand in Polk County.

He drew his bow, took aim at the deer and released an arrow, which found its mark.

The events to this point were similar to thousands of other hunting stories in Wisconsin this fall.

But when Haines recovered the animal, he noticed something different.

The young buck had a whitish rump patch and a black tip on its tail. Its facial markings, too, were not something seen on most whitetails.

It was a mule deer, a species found in the western U.S. and parts of Canada and Mexico.

The closest established population of wild mule deer to Wisconsin is found in central South Dakota, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Haines contacted the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and told them about his kill. Conservation wardens and wildlife biologists with the DNR confirmed it was a mule deer.

Haines acted legally in shooting and tagging the animal. He now has one of the most unusual Wisconsin hunting tales of 2015.

The big question is: Where did the muley come from?

Is it a wild deer that traveled from the western U.S. into Wisconsin? Or is it an escapee from a captive facility?

Escapes from deer farms are especially concerning for the health of Wisconsin’s wild deer herd.

If you’re looking at probabilities, a wild mule deer has never been documented traveling 600 or more miles on its own power from its native range into Wisconsin.

On the other hand, animals escape from Wisconsin deer farms or shooting preserves at least several times a year.

State wildlife officials weren’t drawing any conclusions Wednesday.

“At this point, we really don’t know where (the mule deer) came from,” said Bob Nack, DNR big game section chief. “It’s not something we see every day, that’s for sure.”

Nack said the DNR had received reports in recent weeks of a mule deer being sighted and captured on trail cams in northwestern Wisconsin.

So when the kill was reported, it wasn’t a complete surprise.

Conservation wardens inspected the dead buck and found no signs of ear tags or other markings typical of a captive animal, Nack said.

Tissue samples were taken from the mule deer and submitted by the DNR for chronic wasting disease testing.

The deer was not aged by the department, but is thought to be 11/2 to 21/2 years old. It had relatively small, forked antlers and its body appeared to be in good condition.

White-tailed deer, along with their bigger relatives elk (about 200 animals) and moose (a dozen or so), are the only members of the deer family typically found in the wild in Wisconsin.

But a few mule deer have been documented over the years in the Badger State, including one that was killed in 1988, according to Kevin Wallenfang, DNR big game ecologist.

And in 2011, a Vernon County resident sent trail cam photos to Nack that showed what appeared to be a young mule deer.

In was not determined in either case, however, whether the mule deer were wild or escapees.

Could a mule deer walk from its native range to Wisconsin?

If it did, it would have to pass through Minnesota, which has no established mule deer population, according to Pete Takash, fish and wildlife information program leader for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Depending on where they live, some mule deer do migrate, said Kent Hersey, big game project leader for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.

Hersey said typical mule deer movements are 5 to 10 miles between winter and summer ranges, with the extremes being 0 and 100.

Hersey, a native of Pennsylvania, said Wisconsin doesn’t feature typical mule deer habitat.

“I’ve never heard of a mule deer east of the Mississippi River,” Hersey said. “But in some wildlife, a young male will do surprising things.”

Hersey also said this: “You never can discount it being a release from a captive facility.”

Wisconsin has about 500 captive deer facilities. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection on Wednesday did not provide information on the number of facilities in Wisconsin that have mule deer.

But at least some shooting preserves have captive mule deer and allow paying customers to kill the animals.

Deer Haven Acres in Adams offers mule deer hunting on its fenced shooting preserve, according to its website. And Huntingtripsrus.com advertises mule deer hunts at unspecified locations in Wisconsin.

As chronic wasting disease continues to spread across Wisconsin and other states and provinces in North America, wildlife health advocates are advising increased scrutiny on deer farming practices and regulations.

So a young mule deer several hundred miles out of place isn’t just a novelty that draws interest on hunting chat rooms.

It also raises alarm bells with those concerned about the future of Wisconsin’s wild deer resource.

“I’ve lived in this area my entire life, and I’ve never seen or heard of a wild mule deer here,” said Dave Clausen, a retired veterinarian and former chairman of the Natural Resources Board from Amery. “Maybe we’ll start to see a whole herd of them. Or more likely, it was an animal that escaped. Hopefully we’ll be able to find out.”

Deer farmers are required to report escaped animals. No such reports were available Wednesday.

State wildlife officials didn’t rule out the possibility of it being a wild deer.

“You don’t expect a mule deer in Wisconsin, but when it comes to wildlife, nothing surprises me any more,” Nack said.

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Do you know what terrifies me more than any other violent encounter?

A knife fight.

I heard someone once say the loser of a knife fight leaves in a hearse, and the winner goes in an ambulance.

It seems, in general, a knife fight is over before it ever starts.

It’s a terrifying proposition to find yourself in any violent situation. But, as Americans, we carry firearms to bridge the gap and protect ourselves against violent attacks.

However, sometimes we can’t have a gun…or a gun might not be the best choice…or maybe the attack happened so fast you can’t access your firearm.

That is where a knife comes into play.

Is it likely you’ll ever use your knife in a self-defense situation?

No, not very likely.

It’s also not statistically likely you’ll use your firearm or tourniquet.

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared to defend yourself with anything on hand.

With that in mind, I’ve gathered some of the best self-defense knives on the market priced under $300.

Why Under $300

For many, a knife that costs $50 is too much. For most, anything over $300 seems crazy.

However, in the knife world, knife guys and gals pay way more than that for some knives.

In truth, the world of knives is massive.

Knives from companies like Microtech can go for as much as $1,000. So, $300 seems a bit more friendly.

This list compiles blades from $20 to $200, ensuring there’s something for just about everyone’s price range.

What to Consider

Before throwing down money on a knife, there are a few things to consider.

Access

How is the knife carried, and how fast can you access it?

Accessing the blade should be rapid and easy to do without much difficulty.

Drawing the knife and getting it into action should be second nature and without complication.

Deployment

Fixed blade knives do not have deployment issues, but folding knives and automatic knives need blades that easily deploy with a single hand. Ambidexterity is a bonus as well.

Concealability

How easily does the knife conceal in regular clothing?

It’s tough to carry a Ka-Bar with a t-shirt to cover it.

A normal person’s defensive blade will need to be concealed. Sadly, that eliminates bowie knives but still opens up some decent fixed blade options.

Get Training!

Like a firearm, you should get some serious training for defensive knives.

Companies like Shiv Works and Active Response Training will get you the skills you need to employ a knife in a defensive situation.

Best Self Defense Knives Under $300

1. Emerson Mini CQC 15

Emerson rose to prominence by making knives for special operations troops.

Ernest Emerson’s small shop became the favorite knifemaker for the Navy SEALs, and word about his fine knives quickly spread.

I carried an Emerson CQC 7 for years as a Marine and became a huge fan of these knives.

While the CQC 7 is great, the Mini CQC 15 is better.

The Mini CQC 15 is a combination of the CQC 7 and Commander models.

It mixes the penetration capability of the CQC 7’s tanto tip with the deep and slash-friendly belly of the Commander.

It allows the user to slash and stab with equal effectiveness.

Emerson knives also sport the wave feature that allows you to open the blade as you draw it from your pocket.

It takes a little practice, but once you’ve mastered it, the Emerson jumps into action.

Your hand won’t slip off the roughly textured G-10 panels.

In fact, if you have a tight grip on the knife and something yanks it from you, some skin is coming with it.

It’s rough but provides a good grip, even when wearing gloves.

As a bonus, it’s also a great knife for EDC tasks and tough enough for camping and general outdoors use.

As far as folding fighting knives go, the Mini CQC 15 is quite versatile.

2. Ka-Bar TDI Investigator

Ka-Bar’s Master series takes numerous knife users’ expertise and boils it into a few purpose-built designs.

Tactical Defense Institute owner and lead instructor John Brenner designed the TDI to be the ultimate police self-defense knife — with firearm retention being the knife’s primary goal.

John’s 33-year police career drove the design, and the end result was a simple but very effective fighting knife.

The Investigator is the compact model and makes concealed carry easier.

As a civilian concealed carrier, I like simplicity, and the TDI makes things very simple.

The somewhat curve to the handle provides you a simplistic design.

Slashing and stabbing with the Investigator is easy as well.

In a hand-to-hand fight, fancy techniques are unlikely. But, if you can punch, you can use the TDI Investigator.

The short blade is unlikely to reach vital organs in the torso, but the sight of your own blood and a large gaping wound would likely deter further violence.

If an attacker gets in knife range, I’d prefer to attack, take the fight out of them, and then beat feet.

Something simple like the Investigator allows that.

As a fixed blade, deployment isn’t an issue, and the sheath allows for a multitude of carry options.

3. Cold Steel Hide Out

Neck knives are all the rage for those looking to carry a fixed blade in the most convenient way possible.

Hide Out turns out to be a rather appropriate name for this neck knife.

Cold Steel designed the Hide Out to be a deep conceal fixed blade dagger design with a 3-inch blade but weighing a mere 1.9-ounces.

A dagger design allows you to stick and stab easily and slash when necessary.

The tip is painfully sharp and will dig in without remorse when told to.

Fixed blades don’t break, or at least they don’t break as often as folding or automatic knives.

Our edge provides a slight belly for slashing, but this is more of a poker than a slasher: more Freddy and less Jason.

A weatherproof material called Kray-Ex adorns the handle and provides a rubberized-like grip with an aggressive texture.

Kray-Ex ensures the knife stays in your hand and provides some degree of comfort as well.

The sheath is polymer and complete with many lashing points to make a necklace or to attach the knife nearly anywhere.

You might say that guy is a little small to be a dagger.

Well, right now, he’s Luke, and you’re a jailed Princess Leia. So, you take what you can get.

It’s small but easy to use and carry.

It’s also relatively affordable and very well made.

4. Hogue OTF

Switchblades are clearly as dangerous as machine guns; at least the regulations regarding them would make it seem so.

Sadly, lots of state laws prohibit the sale and carry of automatic knives. So, before you run out and buy one, it’s worth investigating your local laws.

In short, research before you buy!

If you can carry an automatic knife, then the Hogue OTF might be the one for you.

OTF knives tend to be pricey.

John Wick’s Microtech costs more than a Glock on average.

The Hogue OTF comes in at less than $250. It’s not a budget blade that will fall apart after a few uses, either.

I’ve used mine for years now and carry it all the time.

As an OTF blade, the Hogue deploys with the press of a button, so one-handed deployment is quite simple.

Hearing that schwick as blade deploys is oh so satisfying.

The blade is a clip point with a might swedge for easy cutting and stabbing. It uses a premium grade 154 CM steel that is incredibly tough and quite durable for defensive tasks.

A big grip fills your hand for an effective hammer grip.

Getting slashy and stabbing with the Hogue OTF proves simple, and it will double as a very effective EDC blade.

One-handed deployment will never be easier than with an automatic knife.

Give one a spin, and it’s tough to go back to a standard folder.

But again, local laws supersede the love of a cool tool. Always research your local laws before buying an auto.

5. Toor Knives Jank Shank

Shank is absolutely the best term to describe the Jank Shank.

Look at the simplicity of the little knife and tell me it doesn’t look like a refined prison shank.

The Jank Shank is a simple, lightweight, and ultra-thin fixed blade knife.

Toor Knives is a small company doing big things, and the Jank Shank is a small thing that does big things.

This minimalist design is made for shiving, slashing, and shankin’ with a needle-like blade.

It’s made from CPM 35 VN, a tough tool steel, falling in the premium category of knife blades.

The 3-inch blade is nothing to fuss at and will penetrate deep enough to change someone’s mind when it comes to attacking you.

While it lacks a belly, it will still slice when needed. Ultimately, it’s all about jabs with the Jank Shank.

The Jank Shank has a rear pinky hole to increase retention and make drawing from the sheath easy.

Toor Knives has a multitude of sheath and carry options.

So, you can go traditional IWB, horizontal, or whatever else you need to conceal your shank.

6. Ka-Bar LDK

Another Ka-Bar in the TDI family in the LDK. Kind of. The LDK was designed by a friend of the website, Greg Ellifritz.

LDK stands for Last Ditch Knife, and this fella is teeny tiny.

It’s small enough to work as a neck knife, be laced into a boot, or even stash in a wallet.

Truly, it qualifies as a last-ditch weapon, offering you minimal blade.

That said, the blade is designed to replicate the design of a scalpel. So, even though it’s small, it’s quite effective at cutting flesh.

Like the TDI-style knives, it works well as a punch dagger and is superbly simple to use.

When held, it allows you to add an additional sting to every punch.

At super close quarters, the little blade will open a bad guy up with rapid slashes and punches.

It’s small but mighty and insanely easy to carry and conceal. It can be carried in nearly any style of dress.

It’s friendly to cargo pants and sundresses.

There is no reason ever to be unarmed when something like the LDK exists.

Plus, it’s super cheap and affordable. At less than $20, it’s the cheapest knife on this list by a large margin.

Sometimes simple and small is enough.

Have you tried the Ka-Bar LDK? If so, rate it below!

7. Benchmade SOCP

Finally, we reach the SOCP.

The SOCP is a compact and ultra-thin dagger that was initially designed for military use.

This knife is far from traditional but is inherently modern and easy to use.

While it’s rather long, it is thin, and the included sheath makes it easy to conceal and carry.

The ring at the end of the handle ensures a sure draw and excellent retention.

Users are inclined to use an ice pick grip that allows downward stabs and slashes.

The idea behind the SOCP is simple.

When someone gets on top of you and starts grappling and fighting with you, the SOCP allows you to slash and stab, creating distance between you and the bad guy.

Let the SOCP take the steam out of a violent attacker and retreat.

With how thin the knife is, you can draw your firearm and engage without ditching the knife — very Solid Snake in its design.

The SOCP blade is rather long and will provide some serious sting to the bad guy when needed.

Admittedly it’s not a very good utility knife for EDC purposes.

It’s a bit much to open a piece of mail or to cut through some cardboard.

For creating distance and escaping a threat, though, it’s perfect. Plus, as a fixed blade, there are no deployment worries.

Benchmade also makes a training blade for safe practice. A knife is like a gun, and training is required to be proficient with it.

Conclusion

While the prospect of using a knife defensively is terrifying, it’s still wise to consider a knife as a viable weapon. Not as an alternative to a firearm, but to compliment it, or as a force multiplier in a gun-free zone.

We’ll say it one last time: before you run off half-cocked and buy an automatic knife or a dagger, research your local laws.

If you think gun laws are confusing, wait until you read about knife laws. In some states, it’s easier to carry a gun than specific types of knives.

Do your due diligence, folks.

Agree with my picks? Have your own? Let us know below! Ready for more knife recommendations? We have the 10 Best Tactical Knives and the 4 Best Survival Knives ready for you to read.

We have discussed a lot of different types of batteries on our blog. We have talked about batteries based on performance, functionality, weather, usage and a lot of other factors.

In this article, we are going to discuss the different batteries available for you if you need a car battery, specifically the best group 27 deep cycle battery. Different cars with different designs require different size batteries.

Now, if you know about batteries, you must also know that the design of batteries also affects their performance. As it turns out, Group 27 is one of the most popular battery groups and is very common in vehicles, both terrestrial and marine.

Group 27 batteries offer a great size-to-performance ratio. They are mostly used in vehicles requiring high power such as Jeep Wrangler. Group 27 batteries are also seen in other domains such as scooters and other appliances. It greatly depends on what the type of battery is.

In this article, we’ll be mostly looking at deep-cycle batteries. It is very important, however, to figure out beforehand what kind of battery fits your requirement. Getting the wrong battery can be a real hassle and can often cause problems in the long run.

Luckily, we have discussed at the end of this article how you can find the best deep-cycle battery for you. But before that, let us have a quick look at the different products available in the market for you to choose from.

Best Group 27 Deep Cycle Batteries – Our Top Picks

How to find the Best Group 27 deep-cycle battery?

Choosing a good battery can be really tricky but in this section, we are going to talk about a few points you can keep in mind while buying a new deep-cycle battery.

Since you have already identified the size of the battery you want, a lot of the work is already done. Keep these points in mind when you buy a deep-cycle battery.

Capacity

Needless to say, one of the most important features of deep-cycle batteries is their capacity. 100Ah batteries are widely used but that doesn’t mean that a 100Ah battery would be the best choice for you too.

As the capacity increases, the price also increases and you should try to figure out your exact power consumption to get a good idea of the exact battery capacity you need. It will help you save some money and also improve your overall performance.

Battery Type

We have looked at a few different battery types in this article. Flooded, AGM, Li-Ion and Gel are some of the most common battery types available in the market. Each has its own advantage and disadvantage.

Before you buy a battery, make sure you read about the different battery types available in the market and see which one’s the best for you.

Price and Warranty

Last but not the least, you should always make sure that you get reliable batteries. Getting a reasonably priced battery with a good warranty is a safer option than buying cheap batteries with no warranty.

There are a lot of budget options when it comes to batteries but make sure the battery you are buying has a decent quality.

Batteries with warranties are always a good deal as it makes sure your investment is safe in case something goes wrong.

Here is a helpful video on how to choose the right car battery:

FAQs

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed the best Group 27 deep-cycle batteries available in the market. Towards the end, we also talked in brief about some things you should look out for while buying yourself a deep-cycle battery. We hope you found the article helpful.

Being adopted by a major military is the dream for every firearm manufacture.

But government procurement is a messy business and raises the question…Did the US Army make the right decision by choosing the Sig Sauer P320 as its new sidearm?

And just because they chose it…does the P320 make sense for you?

We’ll cover everything about the P320 in our review…from features to accuracy, reliability, ergonomics, upgrades, and pricing. By the end, you’ll know if the P320 is right for you or if the Army is stuck with a dud.

And now complete with a hands-on video review:

If that helped, please subscribe to our YouTube channel since we’re adding new videos every week!

Striker vs Hammer

Times are changing and the striker fired polymer king Glock, is being given a run for its money by Sig Sauer.

Normally known for its double action, single action hammer fired pistols, Sig Sauer is the gold standard for semi-auto handguns.

Their entry into the striker fired market is the p320, a welcomed sight in a stagnating market and a very real replacement for Glock pistols for CCW and general shooting.

Not sure about gun actions? Check out our Single/Double Action vs Striker Fired article.

Why would Sig want to make a striker fired gun?

Well, striker fired guns have a lot of advantages that people love…a consistent trigger pull and increased internal safeties are the main reasons armed citizens, police agencies, and elite military units are switching to striker fired guns. The SEALS did it with the Glock 19.

The mechanisms that make up striker fired guns are also very easy to produce, assemble and easy for armorers to fix. All this makes striker guns cheaper than traditional guns.

This is where the Sig Sauer P320 comes in.

The major difference between the p320 and every other double stack pistol Sig Sauer has ever made is that others use hammers and the P320 uses a striker.

It offers the quality and reliability of Sig Sauer, with a tried and true striker system and ingenious features that make it a novel gun.

In a world of “innovative” guns, this truly is an innovated design and a step in the right direction for the future of pistols.

General Opinion and Background

The model tested for review was my personal Nitron carry in 9mm.

There has been a total of about 1,700 rounds of FMJ plinking and training ammo through it and about 250 defensive rounds through the bore. I would feel comfortable saying it has 2000 rounds total.

The best 9mm ammo for self-defense and plinking.

The only stoppages have been ammo related, all with steel cased ammo, including a squib load.

My overall impression is that this is a good pistol when compared to a Glock, XD, or M&P but subpar compared to a legacy P-series Sig Sauer gun.

The construction of the gun is better than others in its class but isn’t as good as an H&K, legacy Sig Sauer, or any of the high end 1911’s.

This is very much a carry or light duty gun.

If you shoot competition and can’t afford better, this is a good gun, otherwise look elsewhere.

If you plan on actually shooting a gun a lot, get a better gun. Better in the sense it has better ergonomics, and is more specialized for what you need.

*Update January 2019* Sig has released their civilian version of the Army’s M17…the P320-M17. Check out our full review if that suits your fancy.

Features

Safety

The Sig Sauer p320 has the usual suspect of safety features including firing pin, trigger bar, and others that make the gun just as safe as other pistols in the Sig line.

What this pistol does have that no other striker fired gun does…is a single piece trigger.

The trigger pack inside the gun is designed to have a one-piece trigger instead of the widespread two-piece hinged trigger of Glock and M&P design that houses a safety feature to control the striker. The safeties of this gun are all truly passive and operate without input from the shooter.

This makes the trigger very smooth, consistent and can be had in either a standard, short reach or small bladed design.

Fire Control Unit & Caliber X-Change

One of the coolest features of this gun is what part constitutes the “gun.”

As far as the ATF is concerned the “gun” is the part that has the serial number on it. That means everything else is just a part.

Here’s what the serialized P320 looks like…

The steel fire control unit inside the P320…

The slide, and more importantly, the grip frame, are not serialized. You can shoot all the common calibers out of this weapon by just changing slides and mags. You can also re-size the gun to your hand by having the entire grip changed, not just a few panels.

Sig calls them Caliber X-Change kits.

Sig offers kits to change sizes, Full Size, Compact, and Subcompact and caliber change kits for .380acp, 9mm, .40s&w, and .357 Sig. The kits include the new slide, grip module, and proper magazine for the caliber and grip size.

It should be noted that while Sig has said that .45 ACP kits are “coming soon” they have been “coming soon” for about 2 years, so maybe not as soon as it sounds. Currently, if your P320 is in .45 ACP you cannot change it to ANY other caliber. Likewise, if your P320 isn’t in .45 ACP, you cannot change it to .45 ACP.

This system works well but is a dumb way to go about it. To convert a Glock, for example, you choose from the calibers that your gun can fit and need a new barrel and a magazine. You can save several hundred dollars over buying a new weapon with this system.

The only annoying thing is the price…Caliber X-Change kits are around $400.

You only save $150 or so when you buy a Caliber X-Change kit. You might as well buy a new gun if you want a different size or different caliber.

Especially if you factor in the cost of extra magazines. The guns come with two, the x-change kits only have one.

Buy the new gun, thank us later.

Grip Frames

Sharing both grip frames and magazines with the P250 the P320 has the ability to tailor the size of the gun and the circumference of the grip width, with just the change of the plastic grip frame.

The serialized part of the gun the steel fire control unit mentioned above. This means you can buy grip frames online and have them shipped to your house, no FFL required.

This is perfect for people who want different grip sizes or want a pro to stipple their grip since now you can just send the hunk of plastic through the regular mail. And if they/you mess up…you’re only out $45.

Integrated Red Dot

Sig Sauer joins others with a cutout for a red dot sight available from the factory.

The twist is that theirs comes with a red dot sight installed as well. The “RX’ model comes with Sig’s own Romeo 1 red dot.

While not as proven as other red dot sights, having shot with one I’d have no problem carrying one or stacking it up next to a Leupold or Trijicon.

Take Down

The takedown of this pistol is easy and can be done without pulling the trigger. All you do is lock the slide back, rotate the takedown lever clockwise and then slide off the upper half the gun.

I have noticed that it is easier to put the slide back on with an empty magazine inserted because it lifts the slide lock and makes it easier to move the slide rearward and rotate the takedown pin counterclockwise.

Accuracy & Reliability

The gun is accurate enough to be used in a competition and will easily outshoot most shooters.

The gun functions and fires all hollow point and plinking ammo you can feed through it into one ragged hole if you do your part.

However, there are a few things to note about the accuracy of this gun.

The trigger blade is large and deeply curved. Until you get used to it the trigger can be a serious hindrance to accuracy.

The trigger pull is consistent with no stacking and seems to be within the 6-7 lbs that a striker fired gun needs.

Stacking is where the trigger gets heavier as you pull it until it breaks, common on older pistol designs, especially double action triggers.

Finally, the grip panels are good and the overall width of the grip can be tailored by ordering one of several different available plastic frames.

Ergonomics

This gun feels very much like a Sig.

The high bore axis makes it feel a little like holding a ray gun but it is very comfortable in the hand.

The plastic frame feels warm even in cold weather and the grip panels feel almost like skateboard tape, but without the sand. It’s a subdued stippling that works better than it looks. I hate saying this but…the gun almost needs to be felt in hand and fired to appreciate it.

The slide serrations should be larger, I had trouble racking the slide with sweaty hands. Deep slide serrations like those found on the S&W M&P would be great here.

Truth be told, I have huge hands so this might be a slight bias but the P320 feels good in the hand…but I don’t like the mag release or the baseplate.

I had trouble in both bare and gloved hand with the mag dropping free for a reload. This is definitely a problem and if you carry the compact or subcompact models you might have the same problem.

This is because the magazine floorplate is a piece of the grip and if you have a meaty palm then you’ll prevent the magazine from dropping free. I never had any problems with the magazine jamming and not coming out, just an ergonomic problem with the gun in general.

The feeling of the pistol is hand feels wonky with a loaded magazine, once you put rounds in the gun it handles like a dream, despite the high bore axis.

I don’t use the slide lock to run the gun but it is easy to use if you’re inclined.

The magazines when I first got them were very, very stiff and had to be downloaded by 2. The fix was for the magazines needed to be left loaded for two weeks, then you can load them to capacity.

The trigger is nothing special…it’s a decent striker fired trigger without stacking and decent weight.

I have large fingers but many report the trigger blade being too wide and uncomfortable to shoot. I didn’t find any problems while shooting, but the ladies who shot my gun had to use almost their entire finger.

Quality & Durability

The Sig P320 is an entry-level Sig gun. That doesn’t mean that it is low quality.

Sig Sauer makes by far the best polymer framed guns in the world and by far some of the most accurate and dependable pistols. You must accept the fact though…the grip frame is made to be almost disposable.

This is important because the plastic of the 320 isn’t as resilient as Glocks or M&Ps.

All the models offer Picatinny rails that are squared away under the barrel, in front of the trigger guard for mounting a light or laser. The whole gun, finish included just seems more susceptible to dings, and scratches…more so than any other gun I’ve ever used.

The finish on the gun is said to be the same as on other guns, but my Sig P250, the predecessor of the P320, seems infinitely more durable with regards to finish. This, of course, doesn’t hurt the reliability of the gun, just affects the quality and long-term appearance.

I live in South Florida, and in December the average temperature is still around 80 degrees with 70% or so humidity.

Guns rust literally on store shelves here, but the Sig P320 doesn’t. The first week I got this pistol I took it kayaking and I accidentally dropped the whole pistol into a pool of salt water.

I did nothing more than field strip it and reassemble it wet. Never had a problem with rust or reliability.

Applications

Guns obviously have more than one use but a .50 BMG rifle is bad for plinking just like a .22 LR pistol is bad for self-defense.

The Sig Sauer P320 is good for many things but there are a few models that are better suited than others.

The RX Carry is probably the most capable of the bunch. It comes with a red dot sight mounted on the slide. The carry model, in general, is a great size, it’s plenty big enough to use for serious work but small enough to conceal.

The Tacops models are a good model for duty use if you are an officer or security guard that can choose their own weapon. The factory included 21 rounds magazines are only useful for open carry or for competition/range use.

Aftermarket Support

Currently there the Sig P320 lags behind the classic Sig guns in regards for professional quality gear but it is being embraced by and large by consumer gear manufacturers.

If more agencies and large Security firms adopt the Sig P320 we might see a rise in the duty gear selection but only time will tell.

Holsters

Nearly every custom Kydex maker has holsters for this gun so for concealed carry or for range use you should be fine. Including holsters for weapon lights, red dot sights, and suppressor height sights.

If you’re an officer or security guard that can choose their own weapon this is a great pistol but it can be difficult to find retention holsters.

There are the typical level 2 and level 3 drop leg and duty holsters available from the usual suspects. However, if you need a holster for plainclothes police or detective work you’re better off with a shoulder holster than looking for a concealable holster with retention.

Magazines

The biggest downside of the Sig Sauer p320 is the premium price of magazines.

That goes for the full capacity and the state compliant models with limited round counts.

Sig Sauer does offer extended 21 round magazines to the tune of $58. Sig Sauer has also been plagued with high shipping costs and long wait times due to extreme order volume. Order from a retailer if you can find a deal or need the mags quick.

The magazines currently used are the same design from the p250 and they haven’t come down in price so I don’t believe they’ll come down in price anytime soon. Aftermarket magazines aren’t available but they could come depending on the long-term success, and honestly the competition use, of this pistol.

Weapon Light

No defensive gun is complete without a good light mounted on it, for the P320 (and most other guns) the Streamlight TLR-7 is an outstanding choice.

Delivering high lumens, great durability, and coming in at a decent price – it’s a must-have.

Parts & Upgrades

Sights aside, there aren’t many parts available for the P320 yet.

Sig Sauer offers replacement spring kits and grip modules as well as the previously mentioned caliber X-change kits. The offer a thin-bladed trigger that is available for purchase, it’s not an upgraded trigger, just a different blade.

The only “big” upgrade currently offered is the Apex Trigger kit available. I haven’t used the trigger myself so I can’t comment on its use but it is a completely flat faced trigger that looks like a competition upgrade and is getting good reports thus far.

Sig Sauer is also offering a grip module that has a built-in laser. It looks like an overgrown S&W Bodyguard .380 and is very expensive. You also lose the ability to mount a light and need a custom holster.

I’d steer clear, at least until the part has been proven in the field

In searching for life elsewhere in the universe, the primary criterion scientists use to identify candidate planets is the existence of water. Mammals generally are composed of 70-75 percent water, and all known plants and animals contain some amount of it. In fact, most species must ingest free water every day. White-tailed deer are no exception. But if you were to ask a group of hunters or landowners to name the most important factors in deer herd health, water probably wouldn’t end up in the top three.

In eastern North America, water seldom is considered to be limiting, as there usually appear to be creeks, rivers, ponds and lakes within easy reach. Yet it has been our experience that every deer-management program should consider water availability in terms of both timing and location. Here at the Institute for Whitetailed Deer Management & Research in East Texas, over the past 30 years we’ve studied all aspects of water needs for whitetails, particularly the when, where and how of supplying it.

THE NEED FOR WATER

A whitetail needs from one-half to one gallon of water per day throughout the year. This is principally to support rumen activity, body temperature regulation and electrolyte balance.

There’s long been a misconception that the greatest water requirement occurs during the hotter months. You might be surprised to learn there’s an equal — and in some cases greater — water demand during winter. The increased metabolism required to maintain body temperature places a huge demand on internal water resources. Having often hunted the far North Woods in subzero temperatures, I can attest to my own need for additional water under such conditions. When all surface water is frozen, deer stay hydrated through water content in browse.

The bottom line is that any sound management program should include a significant effort to ensure deer have water readily available every day of the year. The primary questions, then, focus on how and where to provide that water.

While bucks are well known to be quite vagrant during the rut, whitetails have relatively small home ranges during most of the year. In many cases, the majority of their year is spent inside a square mile. Going even farther, the actual area a whitetail would “prefer” to roam is only about 100 acres during much of the year. We learned this during our early radio-telemetry studies here in East Texas, in which we monitored what happened to average home range size as we gradually improved habitat to the perfect distribution of key elements.

Unfortunately, much whitetail range falls far short of this potential. In developing management plans for landowners, the first thing we do is overlay a 100-acre grid on a property map (even if it’s smaller than 100 acres), then determine what key habitat elements are present or absent in each grid. For smaller properties, we examine what the neighboring lands within the 100-acre grid provide. One of those key elements is year-round water sources.

However, water sources often can’t be counted on throughout the entire year. Even perennial streams dry up during times of drought. That is when supplemental water can be critical. Ponds and lakes often freeze over during much of the winter, effectively creating a “desert” environment for your deer. So, being able to anticipate when and where water will be lacking is a very important part of management.

We often search historical climatic records to get a better idea of the reliability of water sources in a specific area. Local residents and resource management professionals also can be good sources of information in making such assessments. In general, however, we always add in a worst-case scenario to every management plan, just to be safe. Remember, while whitetails don’t want to migrate during hard times, they can and will do so if things turn bad enough. Adding a reliable water source, even when it appears there’s no need for one, is a wise management strategy.

Whitetails can be very “picky” about the water they drink, but not necessarily in the way you’d think. They tend to avoid running water, presumably due to the noise flowing water makes. Also, the places from which deer prefer to drink often contain water you wouldn’t even consider drinking! Mud puddles filled with green algae scum often are highly preferred by deer.

Our research has shown deer tend to use other criteria for choosing watering locations. In 2011, we conducted a study near Alice, Texas, to determine which factors influenced the choice of watering areas by whitetails. We took measurements of the physical characteristics, water quality, surrounding vegetation and proximity to human activity (roads, hunting blinds and residences) for each of 27 artificial watering stations on an 810-acre ranch.

Most of the watering stations were constructed by excavating depressions and supplying each with a “dripping” faucet connected to a network of PVC pipes from a well. We used infrared trail cameras to monitor each location’s use by deer and other wildlife. Then we compared use to a host of variables, looking to determine which had the greatest impact. Fourteen habitat variables, 28 water quality variables, five water characteristic variables, and seven spatial variables (distances to roads, habitations, feeders, hunting blinds and other water sources) were measured for each location.

During this year-long study, we recorded an impressive array of animals using our watering sites. Among them were whitetails, turkeys, bobcats, coyotes, small mammals, birds and reptiles. It was obvious that supplying supplemental water benefitted far more than deer. In late spring, we recorded 671 visits to water stations by 177 bucks and 494 does. In late summer, we recorded an additional 353 buck, 734 doe and 143 fawn visitations. The most important variable influencing deer visits was the distance to the nearest high-use road. This accounted for an estimated 62.9 percent of variation, with water stations nearest to the main ranch road receiving the lower number of visits. Not surprisingly, water stations near human activity were used less than those left undisturbed.

Water stations near hunting blinds also received less use, even outside of the hunting season. Stations surrounded by a diversity of screening vegetation with a large amount of bare shoreline were preferred. Our study also showed preference for water near food sources. Meanwhile, water quality appeared to have little impact on use. If you want to develop some artificial watering stations, we suggest you consider places that are away from roads and human habitations, are near food sources and have adequate screening cover to provide security to your deer. The next question is, what’s the best way to supply water to deer?

Water can be supplied in many ways, including ponds, lakes, water troughs and dugouts with a water supply. We’ve experimented enough to see that each has its positives and negatives. In the case of ponds and lakes, there’s the obvious negative of cost. Here in East Texas the cost of constructing a half-acre pond is about $5,000, including layout, excavation and dirt work. The cost of a true lake can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The benefit of a pond or lake is that it can provide other recreational benefits, forest protection and potential income. A pond with a surface acre of water should be valued at $30,000 in added benefits, particularly from fisheries. Yet not every parcel of land has potential sites for impoundments. And even when there are suitable sites, soils might be limiting (low water-holding capacity). Another negative to consider is such deer diseases as epizootic hemorrhagic disease and bluetongue. In times of low rainfall, the water level drops significantly, exposing muddy shoreline. These viral diseases are vectored by biting midges (gnats), whose maggots live and mature in rich organic mud. The midges emerge as adults in the late evening, when deer come to water. They have a blood meal by biting the exposed stomach skin of a deer, infecting it with the virus in the process. Sick deer also tend to come to the water to cool off from high fever; setting up a perfect storm for spreading diseases.

For many years, Dr. Kroll managed the Four Canyon Ranch near Camp Wood, Texas. This scenic area lying on the southwestern edge of the Edwards Plateau is comprised of rough limestone outcrops and canyons. In spite of its scenic grandeur, the ranch is conspicuously lacking in surface water. Wells are expensive to drill and often fail to produce, making supplying water to deer an expensive proposition. Over dinner, owner Ken Bailey and Dr. Kroll hatched a scheme to economically supply water evenly over the ranch. Instead of drilling wells, why not place water tanks connected to water troughs in strategic locations?

Of course, there had to be a water supply. The answer to that question came in the form of a surplus water truck costing $2,000. It was easily filled from a nearby river, with water then being carried to the tanks. This began over 25 years ago, and as far as we know, that truck is still in service. Since that time, we’ve had phenomenal success deploying water stations — each composed of a tank, water line, shallow trough and float valve — across North America.

In Texas, it was this system that saved many deer herds during the so-called “millennial” drought of 2011, even as other landowners lost large numbers of deer. Subsequent research revealed a surprising added benefit. You might think that deer use the artificial sites only when water is limiting; however, we discovered they continue to use them even when water is plentiful. We recently discovered the reason for this. Deer, especially does, tend to avoid social conflicts between rival “clans.” Well-spaced water and food sources tend to reduce these conflicts, which have the added benefit of increased fawn survival and antler quality.

Lastly, artificial water sources can actually reduce disease in the deer herd. Many professional biologists say we should avoid anything that attracts deer to a specific site, because bunching theoretically could spread certain diseases. However, our research has shown that providing artificial water is biologically sound.

For starters, supplemental water sources can help to spread deer out over the landscape. Also, easy access to water reduces stress. And perhaps most importantly, such water sources reduce production of disease-transmitting organisms, such as the midges that cause the spread of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in deer. There’s little or no mud around artificial troughs, eliminating habitat for disease vectors such as gnats and flies.

Today, we install artificial watering stations at the rate of one per 100 acres anywhere there’s no reliable natural water source. The cost of each unit is under $600. That’s less than you’ll spend on food plots, feed and attractants in the average hunting season. Average water consumption per deer is about one half-gallon per day over the year. We install a 300- or 400-gallon tank at each site, so one filling will supply approximately 600-800 deer-days of use. The average number of deer using a watering station has been no more than 12. At that rate, each station needs refilling about every six weeks.

We suggest you either acquire a black storage tank or paint yours dark green to prevent algae growth. Also, locate the tank in a shady area to avoid overheating the stored water. Although a tank must be accessible to the vehicle used to deliver the water, we try to locate watering stations away from areas of frequent human disturbance. We also like to put them adjacent to food sources such as food plots, feeders and natural food locations (browse and mast). We don’t hunt these areas, as we want to provide safe havens for doe clans and buck groups.

As we’ve yet to discover a negative in providing artificial water, we decided it was time to convey this information to the public. This might all seem like a great deal of trouble, but managing whitetails has become a sport in and of itself. The whitetail lifestyle now is a 365-day affair, and it brings far more joy than just killing a buck.

Want to know what the absolute best inshore fishing lures are?

We’re constantly getting questions from the Salt Strong community about what the best lures for inshore fishing are, what our favorite lures are and how to fish each lure for different inshore species.

We decided to answer your questions once and for all and show you the top five inshore fishing lures of all time!

To do that, we came together to talk about our favorite lures. We narrowed it down to five that we think every inshore angler should have in their tackle box.

In this podcast episode, we go over the top inshore fishing lures of all time and how to best use them.

Do you have a favorite inshore fishing lure? Have any questions about our top inshore fishing lures?

Let us know in the comments below!

To learn more about the best fishing lures for every kind of fishing and get access to exclusive fishing gear, don’t forget to check out the Salt Strong Insider Fishing Club.

The Top Five Inshore Fishing Lures

We’ve narrowed down the best five fishing lures for inshore fishing after extensive research and testing.

These lures have helped us catch literally thousands of fish. Being confident in how to use them can do the same for you.

In no particular order, the top five inshore fishing lures of all time are:

1. The Paddletail Lure

One of the best lures to find fish in new areas is the soft plastic paddletail on a jig head.

This is an inexpensive and easy-to-use lure that catches just about any inshore fish there is. It is especially effective for catching trout and redfish on the flats or near structure.

The paddletail jig can be worked with a straight retrieve or with a twitch-twitch motion bouncing it off the bottom. Both retrievals will catch fish.

There are many manufacturers of paddletail lures, so you have a ton to choose from.

Our personal favorite is the Slam Shady 2.0 paddletail.

It’s white with gold and silver flecks to attract fish, and the tail has incredible action that elicits tons of reaction strikes.

Click here to get a free pack to try out! (While supplies last.)

2. The Weedless Spoon

This lure is a timeless classic that catches just about any kind of fish there is.

While these lures do not look spectacular compared to other fishing lures, they are extremely effective.

Spoons create a lot of vibrations and flash in the water. They are designed not to look like any prey in particular, but rather create a lot of commotion and flash that inshore fish cannot resist.

Gold spoons seem to be the most popular of all for inshore anglers, but almost any color can work just fine. Our personal favorite is the Johnson Minnow Spoon, which is a weedless spoon we can work through grass and mudflats.

3. Topwater Plugs

Possibly the most exciting way to catch fish, topwater lures are an effective way to entice inshore fish and produce explosive visual strikes.

The “walk-the-dog” types of topwater lures are deadly just about anywhere there are inshore feeding fish. They are especially great over shallow water where fish do not have to rise up off the bottom too far to eat the lure.

Some of our favorite topwater plugs are the Heddon Super Spook and the Rapala Skitterwalk. We like to replace the treble hooks with single inline hooks to help keep ourselves safe and for protecting fish that are to be released. Single inline hooks dig into fish with hard mouths better than treble hooks – which is an important advantage when fishing for species such as tarpon.

Our favorite is our very own Moonwalker Topwater Lure.

Tip: fish topwater lures in the early morning and evening/night time for the best results. We particularly like the early morning because there is usually less floating debris (such as dead grass) than at night.

4. The Bucktail Jig

Bucktail jigs are the original gangsters of inshore fishing and are still just as effective today as they were 100 years ago.

This lure is cheap to buy and even easier to make at home if you have the materials (click here for a jig making tutorial). All it takes is a jig head, some bucktail (which you can buy online or at any fly fishing shop), and thread to hold it all together.

These are one of our go-to lures for big snook and are great for other inshore species such as pompano, redfish, trout, and even bass.

You can use heavier bucktails to catch massive snook and tarpon in deep water with heavy current or use tiny bucktail jigs to catch trout on the flats. Both tactics are effective.

5. Jerk Baits and Twitch Baits

Suspending jerk baits and twitch baits are lures that every inshore angler should have and know how to use.

For soft plastic jerk baits, we love the 5-inch Alabama Leprechaun jerk shad rigged weedless on a weighted hook. This is our go-to rig for fishing on grass flats and is deadly for redfish, trout, snook, and pretty much any other predator fish that feeds on the flats.

Tip: These soft plastic jerk baits have to be rigged correctly in order to work. If they’re rigged incorrectly, they’ll spin or have terrible action in the water and won’t catch fish.

Note: The jerk shad is a lure that helped land a catch of a lifetime when sight fishing from our 3rd-floor balcony (see the balcony catch video here).

Conversely, hardbody twitch baits that work in a similar way to their soft plastic cousins are another lure type you need to know how to use. You can work these just like your jerk baits.

Most twitch baits are not weedless, so keeping these off the bottom is a more effective way to fish these lures.

We especially like the MirrOlure MirrOdine.

It is one of our favorite twitch baits and has a great profile in the water.

Bonus Inshore Lures: Shrimp Lures

One thing we didn’t mention in our top five inshore fishing lures list was lures that imitate shrimp.

We all know that just about any inshore fish absolutely loves to eat shrimp. Having some lures that look like shrimp is always a good idea as they will likely catch a ton of fish when you use them.

The ultimate artificial shrimp imitation is the Power Prawn shrimp lure rigged on Power Prawn jigheads. This shrimp lure is hands down the best we’ve come across and catches all species of fish!

The Berkley Gulp Shrimp on a jig head is one of our absolute favorite lures when the conditions are turned up and choppy. The scent from the Gulp Shrimp adds another element to entice the fish to eat your lure.

So far, the Gulp products are the only ones we’ve been able to find that smell so good to fish that the used ones can be cut into small pieces for catching tons of pinfish and other small baitfish.

The D.O.A. Shrimp is another staple every inshore fisherman should have. These lures are extremely versatile and can be rigged on an unweighted hook, jig head, and even a popping cork. Each method will catch fish.

Savage Gear shrimp is another one that we’ve had success with, and there of course are many more options.

Learn more about the Insider Fishing Club

Top Five Inshore Fishing Lures [PODCAST]

You can watch the video version of this podcast below (which I highly recommend), listen to the audio version by clicking the play button underneath it, or listen to it on iTunes, Stitcher, or Spotify.

Note: Don’t forget to subscribe to the Salt Strong podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or Spotify.

Related Podcasts:

• IS THERE A SECRET WAY TO WORK YOUR LURE?
• SWIMBAIT, CRANKBAIT, JERKBAIT, & TWITCHBAIT (WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?)

Conclusion

Having a couple of lures you can use confidently and often will up your fishing game and help you catch more fish.

The lures above are proven to catch fish. Knowing how to use all of them will allow you to effectively fish the entire water column, which is critical when you are trying to locate where the fish are.

Remember, the most important thing is to find the feeding zone. Most of the time when you find the feeding zone, it won’t matter what lure you’re using — the fish will eat it.

However, these lures will have you prepared for every fishing situation when you do find the feeding zone.

If you have any questions or comments about this article, let us know in the comments section.

To learn more about the Insider Fishing Club, click here now.

P.S. – To see all of the past podcast episodes, click here now.

Tight lines!

Related Articles:

• 7 ESSENTIAL SALTWATER FISHING LURES THAT CATCH FISH PRETTY MUCH ANYWHERE
• JOHNSON SILVER MINNOW WEEDLESS SPOON REVIEW & RIGGING TIPS
• HOW TO CATCH MORE REDFISH, SNOOK, & GROUPER WITH JUST ONE LURE

Have you ever wanted to go on an iguana hunt? Florida is the perfect place to do it! With its warm climate and abundance of iguanas, the Sunshine State is a mecca for iguana hunting. In this ultimate guide, we’ll show you how to plan and execute a successful Iguana hunt in Florida. We’ll cover everything from equipment and supplies, to where to find the best hunting spots. So whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you have a successful and enjoyable hunt. Let’s get started!

Is hunting green iguanas even legal in Florida?

Yes, iguana hunting is legal in Florida. Green iguanas are an exotic reptile species that, other than Florida’s anti-cruelty law, is not safeguarded in the state. On private properties where landowner permission has been granted, this species can be kindly euthanized year-round without a permit or hunting license on 25 designated public lands throughout South Florida.

Are Green Iguanas an Invasive Specie to Florida?

Yes, green iguanas are an invasive specie in Florida. They were first introduced to the state as pets, but they have since become naturalized and now pose a threat to native wildlife. The green iguana is disruptive to local ecosystems and studies show that their population size has increased exponentially over the last decade. They are capable of destroying vegetation and may even spread disease. Therefore, the green iguana is considered a pest species in Florida and their population is actively managed.

Why are Green Iguanas Invasive to Florida?

Green iguanas have been found to out-compete native wildlife, including birds and small mammals, for food. They also eat plants that are important to the local ecosystem, such as fruit trees and sea grape bushes. Additionally, green iguanas can carry salmonella bacteria which they can spread through their droppings. Studies have even shown green iguanas to be implicated in the transmission of other diseases, including chytridiomycosis. All of these factors have led to green iguanas being labeled as an invasive species in Florida and actively managed by state wildlife authorities.

Where are Green Iguanas Native to?

Green iguanas are native to Central and South America. They are most commonly found in tropical forests, but have been known to inhabit other habitats such as grasslands, marshes, rainforests and coastal areas. They can be found from Mexico down to northern Argentina. In recent years green iguanas have been introduced to parts of the US, including Florida and Hawaii. As an invasive species, green iguanas can be found in many areas where they are not native.

Did Green Iguanas come from a Cuban Cargo Ships in the 1960s?

There is a popular theory that green iguanas were introduced to Florida from Cuban cargo ships in the 1960s. However, the truth is that green iguanas have been present in the US for much longer than that. As early as 1910, green iguanas had been imported into the US and kept as pets. It is possible that green iguanas have been released into the wild due to their popularity as pets, and it is likely that they were first introduced to Florida in this way. Regardless of how green iguanas got to Florida, they are now firmly established in the state and actively managed by wildlife authorities.

Are iguanas aggressive?

Green iguanas can be very aggressive when they feel threatened. If a green iguana feels cornered, it may strike out with its powerful tail or bite. Bites from green iguanas can draw blood and even cause severe lacerations in some cases. Therefore, green iguanas should be approached with caution and given plenty of space. In general, green iguanas are not dangerous to humans, but they should still be respected and given the space they need.

How painful is an iguana bite?

Iguanas have sharp teeth and strong jaws that can deliver a bite that is both painful and dangerous. The pain of an iguana bite can range from mild to severe, depending on how deep the bite penetrates the skin. In some cases, green iguanas may even cause lacerations or puncture wounds due to their sharp teeth. Additionally, green iguanas may carry salmonella bacteria which can cause illness if ingested through an open wound. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention right away after being bitten by a green iguana.

What is the biggest iguana in Florida?

The green iguana is the largest iguana species found in Florida, reaching lengths of up to 6 feet. This makes green iguanas one of the biggest lizards found in the state and they can be a scary sight when encountered in the wild. In order to protect against green iguanas and their potential damage to local ecosystems, they are actively managed by wildlife authorities in Florida.

Is it beneficial to join an iguana hunting Florida Safari with an Expert?

Absolutely! Joining a Florida Safari with an expert provides safe and productive hunting experience. The experts are knowledgeable about the local environment, have in-depth knowledge of iguanas and can teach safe handling techniques. With their guidance, you will be able to hunt green iguanas safely while learning more about this fascinating species as well as its importance to the local ecosystem. It is also important to remember that green iguanas are an invasive species and it is beneficial to help reduce their populations when possible. An expert guide will ensure that your hunting experience is safe, educational and beneficial for both yourself and the environment!

What kind of gun is used to hunt iguanas?

The most common weapon used to hunt green iguanas is an airgun or pellet gun. Airguns are becoming increasingly popular for hunting small game and reptiles, due to their accuracy and low levels of noise. Pellet guns are similar to airguns but fire smaller pellets at higher velocities than airguns, making them even more accurate and effective. It is important to remember that airguns and pellet guns should only be used in accordance with local laws and regulations. Additionally, airguns are not recommended for use near populated areas due to the potential for injury or property damage. When hunting green iguanas, it is important to make sure you have the proper safety equipment and airgun or pellet gun. With the right knowledge and equipment, hunting green iguanas can be a safe and enjoyable experience!

Can you shoot iguanas in Florida with a pellet gun?

Yes, pellet guns can be used to hunt iguanas in Florida. However, it is important to remember that pellet guns should only be used in accordance with state and local laws and regulations. Additionally, pellet guns are not recommended for use near populated areas due to the potential for injury or property damage. It is also important to make sure you have the proper safety equipment and pellet gun before going hunting. When used safely, pellet guns can be an effective tool for hunting green iguanas to help reduce their population in Florida.

Can you shoot iguanas in Florida with an air gun?

Yes, air guns can be used to hunt iguanas in Florida. However, it is important to remember that air guns should only be used in accordance with state and local laws and regulations. Additionally, air guns are not recommended for use near populated areas due to the potential for injury or property damage. It is also important to make sure you have the proper safety equipment and air gun before going hunting. When used safely, air guns can be an effective tool for hunting green iguanas.

What is the Most Popular location to go iguana hunting Florida?

The most popular destination to go iguana hunting in Florida is near Davie. Davie is one of the best locations in Florida to hunt the Green Iguana. This area is home to large populations of iguanas and provides plenty of opportunities for safe, successful hunts. With its diverse habitats, including mangroves and wetland environments, south Florida is the perfect place to hunt green iguanas. The experts found in this region are knowledgeable about the environment and can provide advice and guidance on how to safely handle your prey once it has been captured. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced hunter, south Florida offers a unique opportunity to learn more about these fascinating creatures while helping protect ecosystems against their invasions.

How far is Iguana Hunting near Orlando?

Iguana hunting near Orlando is approximately 80 miles away. Davie, Florida is the most popular destination for iguana hunting in the area and is only an hour and twenty minutes from Orlando when driving. Davie offers a diverse landscape with mangrove swamps, wetlands, and other areas that provide plenty of opportunities to successfully hunt green iguanas. Davie is also home to trained experts who are knowledgeable about the environment and can provide advice and guidance on how to handle your prey once it has been captured. If you’re looking for a unique hunting experience, Davie is the perfect place to go!

How far is Iguana Hunting near Fort Myers, Florida

Davie, Florida is the most popular destination for iguana hunting in the area and is only an hour and forty-five minutes from Fort Myers when driving. Davie offers a diverse landscape with mangrove swamps, wetlands, and other areas that provide plenty of opportunities to successfully hunt green iguanas.

How far is Iguana Hunting near Tampa

Davie, Florida is the most popular destination for iguana hunting in the area and is only about one hour and fifty minutes from Tampa when driving. Davie offers a diverse landscape with mangrove swamps, wetlands, and other areas that provide plenty of opportunities to successfully hunt green iguanas.

How Many Iguanas can you get in one Hunt?

The number of iguanas you can get in one hunt will vary based on the size of your hunting party, as well as the skill level of each member. Generally speaking, its not uncommon to bring back an average of 10 iguanas harvested by a single group in one outing. However, this range can fluctuate depending on the weather, season, and other factors.

Can you eat the Iguana Meat?

After your hunt, its a great idea to toss your game into an iced cooler if you are planning to cook the iguana meat. Thats right! Iguana meat is delicious and can be used in a variety of dishes. The most popular way to cook iguana meat is by grilling or roasting the whole animal. You can also use iguana tail meat to make delicious tacos, burritos, stews, soups and more. However, it is important to note that wild-caught iguanas should never be eaten raw due to the risk of salmonella contamination. Additionally, when handling iguanas for consumption, always wear protective gloves and thoroughly wash your hands with soap before cooking the meat. Finally, remember to discard any leftovers promptly after consuming as they may still contain harmful bacteria. With these precautions taken into consideration, you can enjoy delicious iguana

What is iguana meat called?

Iguana meat is sometimes referred to as chicken of the trees. This nickname alludes to the fact that iguana meat provides a similar texture and flavor profile to chicken, but with an exotic twist! Additionally, it is an excellent source of protein and other nutrients like iron and vitamin B12, making it a great addition to any diet. So next time you’re looking for something new, why not give iguana meat a try? You won’t be disappointed!

What part of the iguana do you eat?

The tail of the iguana is the most commonly eaten part. The tail meat can be cooked in a variety of ways such as grilling, roasting, or boiling. Additionally, you can also use the tail for soup, tacos, burritos, stews and more.

What does iguana taste like?

Iguana meat has a light and mild chicken-like flavor with a slightly gamey taste. It is also firm and chewy, similar to chicken thighs or wings. The mildness of the flavor allows it to take on an array of spices, making for delicious dishes such as fajitas or tacos.

What is the best recipe with Iguana meat?

One of the most popular recipes for iguana is Iguana Fajitas. This delicious dish combines grilled iguana tail with bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes and spices to make a flavorful and unique fajita filling. For an even more exotic twist, try adding some diced mango or pineapple to the mix! To make this dish, simply marinate the iguana in some lime juice, garlic powder, and chili powder for at least an hour before grilling. Once cooked, combine the tail with sautéed vegetables and serve over toasted tortillas. Enjoy!

Alternatively, try making a traditional Iguana Soup by combining diced iguana tail with potatoes, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers and garlic in a broth of your choice. Simmer the ingredients until they are cooked through and then garnish with fresh cilantro or diced avocado before serving. Enjoy! Regardless of which recipe you choose, iguana meat is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party!

Is there any iguana hunting Florida outfitters?

Yes! Rockon Recreation Rentals is a 5 star-rated iguana hunting outfitter based in Florida. Their expert guides will help you plan your hunt and provide you with the necessary equipment to ensure a successful outing. Additionally, Rockon Recreation Rentals is dedicated to responsible harvesting practices which protect local wildlife populations. So if you are looking for an adventurous experience that won’t break the bank, rockon recreation rentals should be your first choice! Whether you are planning on eating the iguana meat or simply going for the experience of hunting, rockon recreation rentals has got you covered.

Beware of outfitters with low or no ratings, as several have popped up as people lost their jobs in the pandemic, and have little to no experience. Feel confident booking with a company like Rockon Recreation Rentals who has hosted hundreds of successful hunts with 5 star reviews from Google that you can rely on.

How much does it cost to hunt iguanas in Florida?

Typically, a half-day hunt with Rockon Recreation Rentals will cost around $500 – $600 depending on the size of the group. A two-person party would be in the $500 range, while adding a third person to the party is just $100 more. This includes all necessary equipment, guidance from experienced guides, and access to exclusive hunting sites across Florida.

Have a larger group? No worries, we can accommodate two parties of up to three people each party for a full party of six to enjoy in on all the fun.

With rates like these, you can be sure that you’re getting the best experience at an affordable price! So if you’re looking for a unique outdoor adventure that won’t break the bank, iguana hunting in Florida with Rockon Recreation Rentals is definitely worth considering!

Where can I book iguana hunting near me?

If you’re looking for a top-notch iguana hunting experience near you, Rockon Recreation Rentals is the perfect choice! They offer half-day and full-day hunts. If you think Florida Iguana Hunting might be your next big adventure, you should book one today! Booking your hunt with Rockon Recreation Rentals is easy – all you need to do is visit their website and fill out the online form with your personal details. Once done, they will be in touch within 24 hours to confirm your booking and provide further information about the hunt.

Come join us on an unforgettable experience!