Are you looking to improve your shooting accuracy? If so, you need to learn about the 223 effective range. This is the distance at which a rifle can be accurately fired. In this blog post, we will discuss what the 223 effective range is and how you can use it to your advantage when shooting targets. We will also provide some tips on how to improve your shooting accuracy!

223 Effective Range

The 223 effective range is the distance at which a rifle can be accurately fired.

The effective range for 223 is 400 to 600 yards.

This means that if you are shooting at a target that is within this range, you should be able to hit it with little to no problem. However, if you are shooting at a target that is outside of this range, your accuracy will start to decrease.

What is the effective range of a 223 round?

223 rounds are most effective when fired from a distance of 100 yards or less. Beyond that distance, the round begins to lose its accuracy and effectiveness.

So, if you’re looking to hit your target every time with a 223 round, make sure you’re firing from 100 yards or less. With practice and proper aim, you’ll be hitting your target every time in no time!

couple hundred rounds through it before finding its true potential. At first glance, the rifle may seem like any other hunting rifle. But upon closer inspection, one would notice the many unique features that make this weapon truly special.

The first thing that sets the 223 aside from other rifles is its range. The 223 has an incredibly long range, making it ideal for hunting big game. With a properly sighted in rifle, the 223 can take down an animal from over 500 yards away!

Not only does the 223 have an impressive range, but it is also incredibly accurate. When fired from a distance of 100 yards or less, the 223 round is almost guaranteed to hit its target. Beyond that distance, the round begins to lose its accuracy and effectiveness.

How far does a 223 drop at 300 yards?

At 300 yards, a 223 will drop about 23 inches. This is why it is important to know the effective range of your firearm. The further away your target is, the more important it becomes to account for bullet drop.

There are a few things you can do to improve your accuracy at long range:

• – Use a scope or red dot sight. This will help you see your target better and make more accurate shots.
• – Use higher quality ammunition. Match grade ammunition is designed to be more accurate than standard ammo.
• – Practice, practice, practice! The more you shoot, the better you’ll become at hitting your targets.

How far does a 223 drop at 500 yards?

223 drop at 500 yards is relatively minimal. You can expect to see a drop of around two inches at that range. That being said, the bullet will still be highly effective at that range. If you are looking to hit your target every time, make sure to practice your shots and know your gun inside and out.

There are several factors that affect the 223 effective range. These include the type of rifle you are using, the ammunition you are using, and the distance between you and your target. If you want to improve your shooting accuracy, it is important to understand these factors and how they can impact your shots.

One of the best ways to improve your shooting accuracy is to practice regularly. The more you practice, the better you will become at hitting your target. You can also try different types of rifles and ammunition to see what works best for you. Experimenting with different firearms and ammo is a great way to find the perfect combination for your needs.

What is the range of a 223 AR-15?

223 AR-15 rifles have a range of around 500 yards. However, the effective range will depend on the shooter’s skill level and the type of ammunition being used. For most shooters, the effective range will be much shorter than 500 yards.

There are a few things that you can do to improve your chances of hitting your target at long range. First, make sure that you are using quality ammunition. Second, practice shooting at long range so that you can get a feel for how your rifle behaves at different ranges. Finally, use a scope or other sighting device to help you aim more accurately.

Whats better 308 or 223?

There are a lot of factors that go into determining which is better, 308 or 223. It really depends on what you’re looking for and what you’re trying to accomplish. If you’re just starting out, then the 223 is probably the better choice. It’s less expensive and has a shorter learning curve. However, if you’re looking for more power and accuracy, then the 308 is the way to go.

How far will a 223 bullet travel?

A223 bullet can travel quite far depending on conditions such as windspeed and direction, elevation, humidity, etc. In general though, most 223 bullets can travel over 1000 yards with relatively good accuracy. This makes the 223 an excellent choice for long range shooting.

How far can a 223 rifle shoot?

Most 223 rifles are designed to be accurate up to around 500 yards. However, with the right ammunition and optics, it is possible to extend that range significantly. There have been reports of people hitting targets at over 1000 yards with a223 rifle.

What is the most accurate 223 caliber rifle?

There are a lot of different factors that go into making a rifle accurate. It really depends on the individual gun and how it’s set up. Some people believe that the AR-15 platform is one of the most accurate options out there. Others swear by bolt action rifles like the Remington 700 series. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what is the most accurate 223 caliber rifle for your needs.

Maintain window panes and other glass objects properly without spots or fingerprints with the best glass cleaning cloths. These clothes are made of microfiber and have an ultra-soft texture that glides over the glass surface without causing any cracks or leaving residue.

Whether it is mirrors, window panels, TV or computer screens, drinking glasses, or other glass surfaces, these products can leave them spotless with a few wipes. They are also eco-friendly as they can be washed and reused. Also, they do not need any harmful chemicals to clean the surfaces. You can dampen the cloth in water for a lint-free, easy cleaning.

So, go through our list to pick the right glass cleaning cloth for your home.

12 Best Glass Cleaning Cloths

1. Best For Delicate Surfaces: MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloths

Designed to keep your glass objects squeaky clean, the MagicFiber microfiber cleaning clothes remove oil, fingerprints, dirt, dust, and smudges without using any chemical cleaners. The saw-tooth pattern and fused edges prevent the formation of frayed edges and loose strings. They keep your glassware, glasses, camera lenses, watches, television, laptops, baby toys, etc., sparkly clean. Reviewer Caesar from Caesar’s Critiques says, “They are six by seven inches and are individually wrapped. I like the fact that it’s not going to leave anything on the glass. It cleans like a champ-my glasses are nice and crystal clear.” They can easily fit camera bags, eyeglass cases, tablet cases, and laptop sleeves. Try this glass-cleaning microfiber cloth for a lint-free, streak-free, and scratch-free cleaning experience. This video review, showcasing a tester testing this product, can help you make an informed decision.

Pros

• Safe on delicate surfaces
• Made of high-quality material
• Eco-friendly microfiber towels
• Hand-washable and reusable
• Easy to grip

Cons

• May be slightly thicker than expected
• May be smaller than expected

2. Best Scratch-Free: Care Touch Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

The high-quality microfiber cleaning cloth can help clean eyeglasses, TVs, computer monitors, laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc. The soft material leaves a smudge-free, clean, and smooth surface, eliminating dirt and dust without leaving any lint or streak from the material on delicate surfaces. You can use them for various optics and they can help you clean easily without any chemicals or cleaning solutions.

Pros

• Individually wrapped
• Machine wash-compatible
• Long-lasting
• Quick-drying
• Lightweight

Cons

• May be smaller than expected
• May get dirty quickly

3. Best High-Absorbent: MR.Siga Microfiber Cleaning Cloths

MR. Siga microfiber cleaning clothes deliver spotlessly clean surfaces with their innovative, safe, and hygienic cleaning materials without using any toxic chemical substances. They are extremely soft and skin-friendly. They are non-abrasive cleaning clothes that will not scratch items or scrape paint, coatings, or other surfaces. These multipurpose microfiber towels can be efficiently used as kitchen towels, bathroom towels, floor mops, car towels, and window/mirror cloths. They can be efficiently used to keep glassware, mirrors, laptops, mobile phones, television, etc. polished and clean. These generously sized glass cleaning microfiber cloths can be washed and reused multiple times. Its variants are available in four vibrant colors of yellow, blue, maroon, and green. If you are still unsure, check out this honest review showcasing a tester’s experience with the product.

Pros

• Made of polyester and nylon material
• Long-lasting and reinforced edges
• Quick-drying fabric
• Machine and hand washable
• Lightweight

Cons

• May be slightly rough to use
• May be thinner than expected

4. Best For Oil Smudges: Aidea Microfiber Glass Cleaning Cloth

Available in bright and attractive colors, the soft microfiber cloth by Aidea ensures streak-free shine on surfaces, leaving no scratches behind. The tight weave leaves no wiping or cleaning stains. Made of 85% polyester, its high absorption power is coupled with quick-drying, which saves time and makes cleaning super easy. It can help you remove dust, fingerprints, and oil smudges on surfaces like glasses, goblets, mirrors, watches, smart devices, and stainless steel like magic.

Pros

• Lint-free
• Non-abrasive
• Machine washable
• Durable

Cons

• Fabric may snag with use
• May not be suitable for thick layers of dirt

5. Best Anti-Smudge: Xthel Microfiber Cleaning Cloths

For a lint-free and streak-free shine, the Xthel Microfiber Cleaning Cloths, with super absorbent capacity, are the best choice. These extremely soft & gentle cleaning cloths easily remove dust and grime, oily fingerprints, and leave no streaks or residue. Made of high-quality tightly woven microfiber material, they don’t smudge the surface and leave it looking amazingly new. They contain no harsh chemicals and are completely safe to be wiped on your prized electronics like camera lenses, laptops, mobile phones, iPad, LCD TV screens, etc. Besides, these reusable microfiber clothes are also long-lasting and sustainable.

Pros

• Saw-tooth patterned edges
• Prevents fraying
• Have a silky sheen
• Does not allow the dust to settle down
• Doesn’t scratch surfaces
• Machine washable

Cons

• May not withstand rough use
• May be slightly thick

6. Best Oversized: Elite Tech Gear Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

The high-tech microfiber cloth by Elite Tech Gear makes cleaning both large and small surfaces a cinch. Available in a pack of six, it features five large 6 x 7-inch and one oversized 12 x 12-inch cloths, perfect for your eyeglasses, iPads, smartphones, windows, mirrors, and much more. The microfiber lens cleaning cloth comes in individual packaging, making it easy to carry around in your daily or travel bags or eyeglass case. Easy to use with little pressure or effort, they leave no spots, scratches, smudges, or streaks on surfaces.

Pros

• Smooth texture
• Thick and durable
• Can be washed fifty times
• Available in many sizes

Cons

• May not be suitable for machine wash
• May begin to shed over time

7. Best Multipurpose: Homexcel Microfiber Cleaning Cloths

Featuring a grid pattern, the Homeexcel microfiber cleaning cloth traps dust, dirt, liquid, and debris and wipes out all stains and smudges effectively. Made from 87% polyester and 13% polyamide, the cloths are scratch-free, non-abrasive, and suitable for almost all household surfaces. Be it windows, furniture, kitchen tops, cars, electronic gadgets, or delicate surfaces—the soft, super-absorbent cloth does its job well.

Pros

• Lint-free
• Lightweight
• Quick-drying cloths
• Machine washable

Cons

• May have to be washed before use
• Some may find the cloth thin

8. Best Lint-Free: SmoTecQ Microfiber Glass Cleaning Cloth

The SmoTecQ Microfiber Glass Cleaning Cloth is uniquely blended fiber weaved for optimal softness, durability, and absorption. These cleaning cloths can effectively remove dust, oil, smudges, fingerprints, and dirt. They are safe to clean delicate surfaces of smartphones, glasses, laptops, car screens, lenses, and glassware. These small microfiber towels can help you ace the test of cleanliness as they leave no smudges, streaks, or smears on surfaces. Available in assorted colors of black, gray, yellow, blue, green, and pink with two clothes of each color, these microfiber glass cleaning cloths are attractive, convenient, and economical.

Pros

• Saw-tooth edges
• Hand washable and reusable
• Lint-free
• Environmentally friendly

Cons

• May be slightly thinner than expected
• May shrink slightly over time

9. Best Reusable: Care Touch Microfiber Lens Cloth

Fashioned for keeping the delicate surfaces of your expensive lenses and optics clean, the Care Touch Microfiber Lens Cloth is made with an extra-fine microfiber cloth with durable material. This microfiber eyeglass cleaning cloth is gentle on dainty surfaces. The edges of this superior cleaning cloth are heat-treated to prevent the sides from fraying. This versatile cleaning cloth works amazingly on glass and metal surfaces. It can be used to clean crystal, camera lenses, watches/jewelry, and glasses and effectively removes fingerprints, smudges, and dirt particles. They work well on anti-reflective, transition, anti-fog, and other coatings. These clothes are reusable and machine-washable.

Pros

• Ultra-soft
• Lint-free
• Safe for wiping all glass surfaces
• Saw-toothed edges
• Does not fray

Cons

• May be slightly smaller

10. Best For Different Surfaces: Optix 55 Microfiber Cloths

Designed for the cleanliness-loving person in you, the Optix 55 Microfiber Glass Cleaning Cloths are superior tools for cleaning and germ removal from glass objects. They pick up light dust and germs easily and are safe to be used on all types of surfaces – smartphones, tablets, TV screens, laptops, and camera lenses. These multipurpose cleaning cloths can be used at home, workplace, and inside the car. They are lightweight and lint-free. You can use this glass wipe cloth without having to use harmful chemicals or sprays for spotlessly clean surfaces. They can be washed to retain their original color, making them ideal for daily use.

Pros

• Removes fingerprints
• Leaves no streaks and residue
• Individually wrapped in vinyl pouches
• Soft and delicate
• Long-lasting

Cons

• May be slightly rough for certain glass surfaces

11. Best Non-Fading: Metene Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

Made of a high-quality microfiber blend, the soft cloth by Metene helps you clean your belongings with utmost care. The cloth rids a variety of surfaces of dirt, debris, grease, and moisture, leaving surfaces streak-free, scratch-free, and bacteria-free. They have no harsh chemicals and are safe for use on expensive gadgets such as camera lenses, tablets, laptops, and iPads. Each cloth is carefully packaged individually for convenient use and is easy to carry in your pocket, purse, or eyeglass case.

Pros

• Lint-free
• Does not fade
• Available in several colors
• Safe on delicate surfaces
• Can be washed 600+ times

Cons

• May not be suitable for stubborn stains

12. Best Non-Abrasive: Zerla Microfiber Glass Cleaning Clothes

Made with high-density microfiber guaranteeing maximum cleaning with minimum residue, the Zerla microfiber glass cleaning clothes have high tensile strength and facilitate superior cleaning. The non-abrasive design does not scratch surfaces, paints, furniture, stainless steel, or clear coats. Best for cleaning and dusting the kitchen, home, car, bath, and glasses, they can handle the toughest of grease, dirt, dust, and spills while remaining safe on all surfaces. These cleaning cloths can be machine washed often to remove trapped dirt, dust, and grease and can be used multiple times. They are high heat and fire-resistant and free of any chemical compounds.

Pros

• Provides lint- and streak-free results
• Reinforced edges
• Absorbs water eight times its weight
• Made of polyester and polyamide material

Cons

• May be slightly stiff
• May be somewhat textured

Paula Tarling, an experienced domestic cleaner and influencer, says, “Glass cleaning cloths are also great for keeping your taps and tiles shiny. Always wash the cloths on a hot wash and never use fabric softener as it can ruin the cloths’ absorbency.”

How To Choose The Right Glass Cleaning Cloth?

These are some points to keep in mind while choosing a glass cleaning cloth.

1. Water absorbency: The first thing to keep in mind while selecting a glass cleaning cloth is to check how much water the cloth can absorb. A cloth with high absorbency provides cleaner surfaces and does not leave any smudge or strain. These cleaning cloths can be washed for regular use.
2. Material used: The material used is another important factor. Glasses require special care and cleaning cloths made of microfiber are the best. They are soft, super absorbent, and have the tensile strength to clean grime, dust, and fingerprints.
3. Washable: Another key feature to consider is that the cloth should be either hand-washable or machine-washable. The cleaning cloth accumulates a lot of dirt and grime and needs to be cleaned regularly. Once washed, they can be used multiple times for spotless cleaning.
4. Size: Glass cleaning clothes of different sizes are available in the market. It is important to choose the right size for your cleaning purpose. Window panes will require large cleaning clothes while a small-sized cleaning cloth will suffice for spectacles, iPhone, iPad, camera lenses, etc.

Why Trust MomJunction?

After careful research and analysis, we have curated this list of the best glass cleaning cloths. These cleaning cloths have been chosen after going through numerous user reviews and ratings on several trustworthy websites to ensure quality and easy usage. We have also included an informative buying guide and offered some tips on how to choose the right product based on factors such as material, absorbency, and maintenance.

By DAVID RAINER, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

With Alabama Governor Kay Ivey’s signature this week, new legislation will provide hunters in Alabama with another opportunity to harvest two specific animals. The legislation allows Conservation Commissioner Chris Blankenship to establish a season for hunting feral hogs and coyotes at night without the need for a depredation permit.

When the season is finalized, Alabama residents will be able to purchase a $15 license ($51 for non-residents) to hunt feral hogs and coyotes at night.

Matt Weathers, Chief of Enforcement with the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division, said the new permit will make it much easier on hunters and the WFF staff.

“To this point in our state, those who wish to hunt feral swine or coyotes during nighttime hours have to get a permit that is only issued to landowners,” Weathers said. “Those landowners can list friends, family or delegates on the permit to take those animals at night for crop damage, property damage or livestock damage. This is done through special permitting through the local WFF District Office.

“The new law provides for a license that allows anyone in the state to hunt feral swine and coyotes at night by buying a license to hunt on any private or leased property where they have permission to hunt. So, if you lease a hunting club, if the person or corporation you lease that property from allows you to hunt at night, you can purchase the license to hunt those animals at night on your hunting club. And you can do that without the landowner coming to us to get a permit.

“It represents a new hunting activity for the state, and it will enlist as many as 200,000 hunters in this fight against two insidious predators. So, a new hunting activity; that’s a good thing. You have more feral swine and coyotes being removed from the state; that’s a good thing, too. It’s a win-win.”

Weathers said the depredation permits will continue to be available to landowners who prefer not to buy the new license.

“However, as long as the landowner gives permission, you can buy that new license to hunt at night,” he said. “This streamlines the process and provides the ability to hunt on very short notice.”

The damage wreaked by feral hogs on agriculture and wildlife habitat is substantial throughout the South. Estimates are that feral swine cause $50 million in private property damage in Alabama annually. The damage to wildlife habitat is difficult to quantify, but feral hogs compete with the native wildlife, like white-tailed deer and wild turkeys, for food and also damage the native habitat.

Coyotes are known to be quite effective predators of whitetail fawns and can have significant impacts on populations of white-tailed deer.

Weathers said the new license is specific to these two species.

“This license does not allow you to take any other game animal at night,” he said. “It’s a good way to control predators on your hunting club or property. And this gives you the opportunity to utilize that property or hunting club during the months when it’s a little too hot to hunt during the daytime. It gives you a little more value in your hunting lease.

“All parties involved, except for the feral swine and coyotes, are going to benefit from it.”

Weathers said several regulations will be amended to allow for equipment used for hunting at night.

“Those who buy the license will be able to use equipment that has heretofore been prohibited,” he said. “During the established season, you will be able to use night vision or thermal optics. You can have lights attached to your firearms. Those technologies are emerging and make the taking of these animals a lot more efficient.”

How It All Began

The Labrador Retriever was developed in Newfoundland to help early settlers hunt and fish in the cold, northern climate. There was only one type of dog.

This was the case until around the 1940s, when showing dogs became more popular. Two types of Labradors were then bred for.

The traditional Lab continued to be developed for its working abilities. They have more energy and more drive, and they have a slimmer build that enables them to be more agile. This type of Lab is called the American. They excel at hunting and taking part in field trials.

The new Lab in town was developed from the traditional and bred for appearance and to excel in the show ring – these are known as English Labs and are not particularly bred for work.

The British Lab is somewhere in-between!

Let’s dig a little deeper to find out more!

The Athletic American Labrdor retriever

If you’re looking for a working Labrador, look no further than the American. They were specifically bred to hunt and later to perform well in field trials. It’s worth noting that a A good American lab will have Field Trial Champions in his pedigree.

Even though English and British Labradors can do well as working dogs, the American lines are Olympians in that arena and performance-tested to excel.

So, what are the traits of a working wonder dog? If you look at the photo above, compared to an English Lab, you will see:

A slim body with a narrower head. A longer, rangier, harder body. Outstanding natural balance and athleticism. More endurance and an excellent attitude towards accomplishing goals. Higher energy. Better at motion exercises and works well with handlers to accomplish complex tasks such as retrieving – and very sensitive to handler direction. Tough dogs that run through briers and bush without thinking. Not smarter than English labs, but recognize patterns more quickly. They are very active and constantly looking at their owners to do fun things with them. They live for activities such as kayaking, dummy retrieving, swimming, running after or riding four-wheelers, and more! “On the go” dogs that will retrieve until they fall over. Owners must keep an eye on them so they don’t overexert themselves. Have trouble being still, and calm, attentive behavior and good manners need to be trained but they take very well to training.

The American Labrador retriever is best for an active and fit family. Or use the American Lab to be your highly successful hunting partner.

The Picture-Perfect English Labrador

Roll out the red carpet for these gorgeous dogs. English Labradors are selected for their show-stopping looks to appear in movies and on TV ads. And they’re definitely more likely to win an Oscar than master an Olympic sport!

English Labradors were bred from the working Labrador lines to perform well in the show ring and dazzle us with their good looks!

So how does the English Lab differ from the American?

English labs are also called Show Labradors, so their name gives us a clue! They have a sturdier build than the other lines, with a heavier, blockier head, shorter, stubbier legs, bigger feet, broader chests, and squishier, cuddlier bodies. As a result, they’re considered prettier than their working cousins and not usually performance-tested. It’s a look that people just can’t resist! They’re pretty chill, and after morning exercise or play, they’re ready to lie down and rest. They have more trouble with physically and mentally demanding activities. After a few rounds of retrieving, these regal dogs are happy to leave continued exercise to their working dog pals! English Labradors are very food-oriented and are easily trained with treats. Show them something yummy to eat, and they’ll put a lot of energy into getting that food, at least in the beginning stages of a training session. While they’re excited about food, they can’t do many reps because their shorter, stockier physique makes it harder for them to deal with the heat. They are calmer than the Americans with better manners and attention spans but have an off-switch and do not need as much exercise.

English labs are much better for less-active families or those that want everyone to compliment them on their dog’s movie-star looks!

The Lesser-Known British Labrador

You won’t be surprised that British Lab lines are often confused with English Lab lines. Despite the name, British Labradors are actually European imports coming from European hunting lines. If you study their pedigrees, most of them come from Ireland, Scandinavia, and France. What do we know about the British Lab?

Their body shapes and temperament are between American and English lines. However, they are working dogs bred more in line with the traditional Lab. We value them for their excellent work ethics, intelligence, and good off switch. They have a strong desire to hunt but are calmer like the English Labs and not highly strung. Great gundogs – they’re all about adventure but calm enough to be service dogs. Some Labrador breeders proudly brag that they’re “masters in the field but gentle in the house,” which might be the best way to sum them up.

What All Labs Have In Common

Labrador Retrievers are widely regarded to be the most popular dogs in the world. And it’s easy to see why.

Intelligent, funny, family-friendly, easily trainable, loving and loyal with an intense desire to please, although they have their differences, ALL Labs share these wonderful qualities.

Of course, it’s a trade-off when it comes to Labs. Each type is a Lab through and through, and the only differences lie in what they do best.

People love English Labs because of how they look and don’t need as much exercise. Hunters and active families will look to the American. The British might be perfect for others.

Any Lab will enhance your life; you just need to find the one that best suits your pack!

Silver labs

Silver labs are often offered as something rare or special. Well’ they are no labs! They are crosses between a lab and a weimaraner and should be sold as such. Not only is their coat different, so is their behavior and conformation. Well, weimaraners are nice dogs too but no one is marketing a labradoodle as purebred. On the east coast they are sold as “Georgian Bay Sporting Dog” or “Georgian Bay Retriever”

Videos

Below some videos with Stonnie Dennis.

He explains in detail the differences between the lab lines.

He also has plenty of great training tips.

English vs American Labrador Retrievers Part 1

English vs American Labrador Retrievers Part 2

Jokichi Takamine, a Japanese chemist from a sake-making family, moved to New Orleans in 1884 to represent Japan at the city’s World Cotton Centennial, that year’s World Fair. He fell in love with a local wealthy white woman and they married, an unusual pairing for the time. In addition to his social iconoclasm, Takamine was a shrewd businessman who wanted to promote Japanese culture in the United States. His successes are too numerous to list in a story about koji: He patented the first hormone, adrenaline, which made him fabulously wealthy. With the money from that and other successful businesses, he financed the Japanese government’s gift of cherry trees, whose blossoms still grace Washington, D.C.’s tidal basin every April.

Takamine also introduced Americans to koji. In Japan, he had patented a process to grow koji on wheat bran, and he realized that koji and the enzymes it produced could dramatically speed up the whiskey-making process, its enzymes freeing sugar much faster than traditional malting. So Takamine partnered with his father-in-law in an attempt to transform the whiskey business.

Joan Bennett, professor at Rutgers University and former president of the American Society for Microbiology, believes that Takamine was not exactly welcomed into the world of 1800s American whiskey. Bennett has become somewhat obsessed with the Takamine story and has even written a short piece about him in Inoculum, the newsletter of the Mycological Society of America.

Bennett first discovered Takamine three decades ago, when she was a young scientist, writing her first review article on the genus Aspergillus. While amassing dates on great moments in the fungus’s history in microbiology, she discovered, to her surprise, that Takamine had patented the first fungal enzyme from Aspergillus. Six months later, wandering through the stacks at Tulane University’s library, where she worked at the time, Bennett randomly came across a narrow book about Takamine and wondered what could have been written about the Aspergillus patent holder. She discovered a vanity biography commissioned by his wife, Caroline, after he died.

Takamine did leave one koji-size mark on American history: The patent that Bennett discovered in her research was arguably the first biotechnology patent in the United States, given to him in 1891 for an enzyme created by koji he named Taka-diastase. This is the same enzyme that failed Takamine in the whiskey business, but he thought it could also be useful in aiding digestion, perhaps, says Bennett, due to a popular theory at the time that indigestion was caused by too much starch. Takamine used that enzyme to create and sell a popular Alka-Seltzer-like digestive aid called, appropriately, Takadiastase, which was a hit in late 1800s America and is still popular today in Japan. Bennett calls Takamine a “huge and somewhat overlooked figure in the history of biotechnology.”

The use of Aspergillus in biotech has continued since Takamine’s discoveries. The cholesterol-lowering drug Lovastatin is produced by a koji cousin. Aspergillus niger, used to ferment pu-ehr tea, is also employed industrially to produce citric acid.

But, other than the handful of companies making soy sauce and miso in the United States, koji’s potential as a creative ingredient in food fermentation and transformation has largely evaded American chefs. Until recently.

Trotlining is one of the oldest fishing methods and still one of the most fun and reliable ways to ensure a good catch. There is no faster way to fill the freezer than learning to master the trotline. Even as a 10-year-old, I found that setting one up was a fairly easy lift. However, picking the best location takes some skill.

Trotlines should be set where there is some kind of current. A gentle lake current, such as an inlet stream, the fork where two streams or rivers come together, and gentle river eddies are all perfect trotline areas. Trotlines should never be set where state regulations make them illegal.

When it comes to setting trotlines, the general idea is easy. Stretch a line with a number of baited hooks hanging from it across a promising bit of stream, anchoring it on both ends. How complicated it gets from there depends on the style of the angler and the savvy of the fish. This article covers the basics of placing trotlines plus a few good ideas to try.

1. Locate the Current to Set Your Trotline

When it comes to setting trotlines for catfish, one of the most important things is to set the line where “catfish will come to feed.” Many fish love moving water and will usually travel upstream to find food that they smell in the water while they are downstream.

While several species are notorious for hiding out in holes and undercuts when they come to feed, they tend to hunt where the water is a little shallower, and it’s moving. When pole fishing, anglers try to lure a bite while they are in their hiding place. However, trotline fishing depends on the fish coming out to find food, so natural feeding places must be identified.

• Look in river bends where the current swirls sideways a little, bringing food into the current.
• Stream junctions where two or more streams flow together, causing a swirling smorgasbord of snacks brought downstream.
• Other places where the current will bring tasty morsels downstream. This does not mean fast-moving water, necessarily, but areas where the stream should bring fresh bites that a fish will come looking for.
• Lakes can be hard to trotline, especially when regulations allow only one trotline per angler. It is hard to decide where to place it until a honey hole is discovered. Walk or cruise the lake to discover areas where the water has some kind of current. Inlet areas are perfect. Start by trotline fishing those areas with anchors.

Once a promising area is identified, the trotline can be set with bait so that the fish is not disappointed.

This video gives some additional great tips for both finding a good location and what times of year to set a line:

Related The 4 Best Tasting Types of Panfish.

2. Run the Trotline From Tree to Tree

The easiest way to set a catfish trotline is to anchor between two trees, sturdy tree roots, or two stumps.

• Anchor one end to a tree on one side of the stream or river.
• Boat or swim across to the other side and anchor the opposite end to a tree on the other bank.
• Small weights should be placed at intervals along the line to keep it from floating up.

Catfish feed on and near the bottom, so a bunch of bait floating high up in the current will not be very effective. Weights placed at intervals should keep the line evenly submerged. The height can be adjusted by adding or taking away slack on the lines fixed to the trees on either side.

3. Run the Trotline at an Angle and Vary the Depth

Experienced anglers have figured out a few ways to maximize the catch on trotlines. The key is envisioning how the fish are going to enter the fishing area and what they will be looking for. As they swim up toward a gentle current such as a stream inlet to a lake, they will also vary their depth as the bottom ascends to join the stream.

• Set trotlines at a 45-degree angle to the current, or as close as possible. A fish who is swimming upstream in search of food will have a single chance to spot and bite at bait set in a straight line. Put a nice slant on the trotline and increase the chances of a bite with every swish of the fish’s tail as it cruises up the line.
• Set trotlines at an uneven depth. The river bottom or lake bottom is not an even depth. Lines set in a straight line and all at the same depth will likely set some baits in the mud, while some are hanging too high in the current. Know the bottom. Set the line high toward the bank and low in the middle to follow the streambed.
• Sometimes the best setup is to have one end anchored to the bank and the other end anchored in the middle of the stream to place the trotline across a little current swirl that will be irresistible to catfish.

Be willing to think outside the box but within state regulations when it comes to setting trotlines.

4. The Floating Trotline

A different way to set trotlines is to create a floating trotline with longer lines. This method uses the current to help bob the baited hooks, increasing the temptation on the end of each snood.

• Make a regular trotline setup, but do not anchor the ends to trees or stumps.
• Each end of the trotline has a separate nylon anchor line that attaches to anchors a few feet below the trotline on the bottom. Think of the setup as a capital H, with the middle bar being the length of the trotline. There is an anchor on the base of each upright of the H.
• Each anchor line also has a floating buoy on the top to keep the anchor line tight between the anchor and the buoy. Imagine the buoys being placed on the top of each upright on the H.
• Floats are attached with line leads at intervals along the trotline to keep it bobbing up in the water rather than sagging onto the bottom. These floats will be visible on the top of the water, but the trotline will be a few feet under the water, suspended by the float lines.

This is a great way to trotline, especially in lakes where there are not good shoreline anchor points anyway. Plus, the depth of the trotline can be adjusted by attaching longer leads between the trotline and the floats.

Having trouble spotting your trotlines? Check out this video which has a really good idea:

Make Sure the Trotline is Legal

Some states have banned trotlines altogether, while other states have regulations regarding the type, makeup, and placement of trotlines. There are a lot of different reasons for this.

• Trotlines stretched across navigable waterways are hazardous, and in nearly all states, this is illegal.
• Some states require that trotlines have identification on them and that they be removed within a certain timeframe. Those left past the allotted time are considered forfeit.
• Other states ban live bait or have regulations on the type of bait that can be used on trotlines.
• Some states disallow certain kinds of lines, hooks, weights, and floats.
• Some states allow trot lining during the day but not overnight.

Whether the trotline is built or purchased, it is important to make sure that the line falls within the state and county Fish and Game regulations. Illegal trotlines will be confiscated, and the anglers can face heavy fines for poaching.

Final Thoughts

Trotlines are a fun, efficient, and traditional way to catch a mess of catfish and other bottom-feeders like crabs. The key is to be willing to think like a fish and try different ways of trotline fishing until the perfect setup is discovered.

As with anything, persistence is key. You have to learn what works best in your location and what setup brings in the most fish. Of course, as you know, that challenge is the fun part and why we are doing this in the first place.

Thanks for reading!

For more, check out 4 Best Tasting Freshwater Fish (And How To Prepare Them).

Image courtesy of K.C. District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Reverse Sear for the Win!

Simple equation of: Meat + Heat = Awesome. Yes, but there are some other things at play here. The equation comes out to be: Meat + (rate and intensity) Heat = Awesome, more or less. Scorching hot direct radiant heat is great for caramelizing the outside, creating a desired sear, and getting the fancy grill marks. However a piece of thick steak will get over charred and become well done on the outside while leaving the inside raw, leaving a bitter outside and cold inside. Indirect heat, or placing steak along side of the heat source, utilizes convection heat which slows the cooking process. Smoker grills use this style of cooking because it gives time for the heat to slowly work, allowing for more of the meat to be cooked to desired doneness. However it does take a long time, and getting a sear is difficult.

Reverse Sear embraces both styles of heating; convection and radiation to give your steak the largest amount of your desired sweet spot and a beautiful caramelized sear. Now, I can understand why some would say, “Why would you go through this whole process? My method works great.” Let me explain.

Wildgame is LEAN. Marbled fat in meat can act as insurance, to add moisture to a steak. Where a beef ribeye can handle longer periods of direct heat, venison backstrap cannot, leaving your veni gold overdone and dry. Cooking lower and slower extends your window of sweet spot cooking.

Speaking of sweet spot cooking. Reverse Sear lessens the “bullseye” effect of a steak. When cooking over direct heat, the outermost layer will be well done, and then a ring of medium, and a ring a medium rare, then finally a center spot of rare, resembling a bullseye. Reverse sear allows you to get add heat slowly, allowing the middle to come to desired temp, before the outside has exceeded that desired temp range. Leaving a consistent cook throughout the whole steak.

Sous vide is still expensive. What was once only attainable by restaurants, water immersion cooking, called sous vide is now available in the home kitchen. Set the temp on the machine or wand and the water stays consistently at that temp. Allowing for precise control, and prefect desired doneness. The only drawback is the price for one of these units is still a couple hundred dollars for a quality unit. Reverse Sear can give you similar results without an expensive purchase of a specialized tool.

Reverse Sear can be used on not just small cuts, which prevent from over cooking, but can be used for larger cuts to ensure proper cook all the way through. Using a probe thermometer or thermo-pen, a whole haunch could be cooked to medium rare with the same technique as a tenderloin.

Oh, and seeing how you are already searing in a pan at the end, you might as well make a pan sauce using those stuck on bits. Little bit of stock, little bit of cream, touch of mustard, salt and pepper, and you are adding extra distance to an already home run piece of meat.

What follows is a 9 step breakdown of doing a Reverse Sear. The basic idea is oven before pan, leave it to me to over complicate it. My bold statement is this, follow these steps and you will not be sorry, in fact you will start using this method more and more and get really good at it. I can’t say it will change your life, but bets are that you will post your outstanding results for everyone to see. Just make sure you hashtag Huntavore when you do.

Equipment:

• Sheet Pan
• Wire Rack
• Probe Thermometer/Thermo Pen
• Cast Iron Pan or Grill

Cooking:

1. Preheat oven to 300F
2. Season the cut of venison with salt and pepper (or whatever you like). I like to put the salt and pepper on a plate and roll the venison in it, get good coverage.
3. Place wire rack on the sheet pan, then set the meat on the rack. Let the meat come up to room temperature.
4. Once meat is at room temp and oven is preheated, set the whole thing in the oven. Time will depend on size of the cut or thickness of the steak.
5. First thermometer check the center of the meat at 20 minutes. Based on how close your internal temperature has gotten, and how fast its rising, adjust check times. PRO TIP: I set a timer or I tend to check too often. “If your lookin, you ain’t cookin.”
6. Pull the meat 5 degrees before your desired doneness. The current heat in the meat will finish the cook as you rest the venison or steak (5-10 minutes).
7. As the meat rests, get your grill or pan hot. Add oil or butter (personally I add both) and then set the meat in the center. Give each side 30-45 seconds to let a good sear form. Make sure to hit the edges as well. HEADS UP! Steam and smoke will be a factor here, nothing to be alarmed about.
8. Baste butter and oil over the top as the bottom sears. Remove from heat. Total sear time as little as 1-2 minutes depending on how you desire your sear.
9. Slice, plate, serve, be a hero!

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In my younger years, one of my favorite things to do was plop down on a Saturday morning and watch hunting shows with my dad. These guys made it look so easy. It was the same hunters, too, might I add. Time after time, year after year, bucks, bulls and whatever else they were hunting would hit the ground. I felt the same way about flipping through hunting magazines. The same faces graced the pages with each lap the earth took around the sun. Grins from ear to ear sitting behind a set of giant antlers. And, again, I noticed the same pattern on hunting forums and social media. For some reason, it is the same exact people every season filling tags. The old saying goes, “10% of the hunters kill 100% of the game.” I accepted that as truth, but questioned how to become part of that 10%. Were they all just that lucky? I’m a far stretch away from a master, but I’ve managed to maintain a consistency throughout the years with filling tags. I’ve also had the pleasure of observing “the how” of very successful hunters around me. There are no doubt some commonalities I’ve noticed among the “lucky” 10%.

They are relentless

My first years of learning to bear hunt here in Arizona were rough to say the least. I just couldn’t crack the code on these things. So, when a bear hunting mentor of mine offered to come out scouting with me, my truck door flew open for him so fast it dang near came off the hinges. Before that, though, he said, “Meet me at this gas station at 1 a.m.” I’m no stranger to getting up early, but that was next level early or I guess it could be called late at that point. We found a great bear that morning though and that’s when everything started to click for me. This guy was one of the most successful hunters I knew and now it was apparent why.

Nothing is too far and no alarm is too early. The boundaries that most hunters put up are nonexistent among the 10%. I’ve noticed that all of them have a no quit, whatever it takes attitude. If the only way to effectively hunt an area is to hike three hours in the dark before light, then that’s what they do. If an animal is a 45 minute hike away and there is an hour left of light, guess what? They’re making a run for it. I’ve also noticed that most hunters indeed know this stuff. They know what it would take to kill that animal. However, what separates the 10% from them is the 10% are willing to actually do these things and much more. They are relentless and there is no stopping them.

A mind built of steel

Tough hunts have a way of eating away at someone. The day after day grind of no animals, bad weather, hunting pressure, etc., can become all too frustrating. And I can guarantee that every season I’ll witness someone throwing in the towel for one of those reasons or similar ones. Which is a shame really. This thing that we look forward to so much being tossed at the wayside because the hunt wasn’t as smooth as we envisioned. Things are rarely perfect on hunts and tags aren’t going to be filled sitting at home. When that 10% becomes submerged in a pool of adversity is where they really shine. Mental fortitude is a value that is rich among them. They know how quickly things can change and, by merely being present, they are opening themselves up for opportunity. These hunters know how to take a hit and run with it. Which brings me to my next point.

Failure is their friend

With my headlamp bouncing up and down through the high desert of Arizona, I had a smile on my face. I had just experienced the best day of bear hunting ever and while there were arrows missing from my quiver, my backpack was squeaky clean. My arrows indeed took a one way trip to the danger zone, but never connected. Nonetheless, the numerous lessons I learned that evening was worth much more than just my arrow zipping through the lungs of a bear. Don’t get me wrong: that would have provided some much appreciated instant gratification. However, the lessons are part of the long game and are equally appreciated.

If there is just one thing that all of these consistently successful hunters have in common, it’s that they’ve all failed beyond belief in the field. What differentiates them from the rest is that they’ve learned how to take their failures and look at them more as lessons instead of something negative. Failure is often looked at as a bad thing, but in all reality it puts you that much closer to success. Whether it’s missing a shot or blowing a stalk, you just learned something valuable that you didn’t know beforehand. In these moments, genuine gold nuggets of information are bestowed upon us. These are things that we can only learn from being in the moment, in the field. So, no matter how bent you might be about messing up, recognize where you fell short, but let it shine light on what you can do right next time. Failure is a friend, not an enemy.

Preparation meets opportunity

You see it every day. I’m sure you do as your thumb effortlessly glides across the screen of your phone. Some hunters out there are hitting the ground running literally every day in preparation for their hunts. Whether it’s shooting, training or scouting, they’re committed to the game that they play and have every intention of winning it. And, as we’ve established, quite often they do. While some might think it’s for attention on social media, this hunting preparation is far from that. These folks know how stacked the deck is against them and are trying to mitigate that at every turn. Instead of waiting to get lucky, they make their own luck through unwavering effort and dedication. A professional fighter doesn’t sit on the couch eating bags of chips before a fight. Athletes like this train hard with purpose and they train to win. Hunting is no different and that’s why these select few hunters tend to get more opportunities than others. And, just like a fighter, when that opportunity presents itself, they recognize it and capitalize on it.

When the rubber meets the road

Every person I’ve met or talked to in the 10% club shares what I’ve listed above to some degree. What is evident after talking about all of this is that if you want great results, then you need to put out great effort. There are no magic tricks to being part of the 10%. It isn’t a certain piece of gear that will push you into the success bracket. Just choices and acting upon them. Being willing to do what most wouldn’t, go where most won’t and embrace every aspect of hunting from the preparation to pulling the trigger. Revel in both failure and success. Enjoy the whole process. That’s the secret. 10% of the hunters do kill 100% of the game, but they put in 90% more effort to get there.

From marshy backwaters and iced-over lakes to clear cobbly mountain rivers, from tidal flats and murky bays to the wild blue outback of the offshore ocean, anglers in North America enjoy the pursuit of some of the finest game fish anywhere. And here at Mountain House, we’ve been helping fuel fishing trips since 1969-including with just-add-water meals that pair nicely with fresh-caught trout or panfish!

To celebrate the marvelous diversity of North American game fish, let’s put the spotlight on some of the most popular—and some of the most all-out legendary—from both freshwater and saltwater habitats. (That includes the “anadromous” game fish, such as salmon, that run between fresh- and saltwater.)

We’ll start things off by looking at those fish that, statistics suggest, are the most-cast-for among anglers in the United States, and then celebrate a non-exhaustive roster of game fish that can be called genuine finned legends.

The Most Popular Game Fish in the U.S.

According to the most recent (2016) National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation produced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, these are the most popular game fish in the U.S.

Freshwater—excepting the Great Lakes:

1. Black Bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth)
2. Panfish
3. Trout
4. Catfish/Bullhead
5. Crappie
6. White Bass, Striped Bass, and Striped-Bass Hybrids

Freshwater—Great Lakes:

1. Walleye/Sauger
2. Salmon
3. Steelhead

Saltwater:

1. Red Drum (Redfish)
2. Striped Bass
3. Flatfish (Flounder, Hybrid)
4. Sea Trout (Weakfish)
5. Bluefish
6. Salmon

Greatest Game Fish of North America

We don’t have the room to do a truly comprehensive runthrough of the most all-out esteemed freshwater and saltwater game fish of North America. But the following certainly all deserve a place on such a list. What constitutes “greatest?” Well, it’s certainly subjective, but these fish all demonstrate the significant fighting spirit, elusive wiliness, or impressive size—sometimes all of the above—which really fire anglers’ dreams.

(1) The Black Basses

Among the black-bass genus, Micropterus, are two of the most iconic freshwater sportfish on the continent: the largemouth and smallmouth basses. Largemouth bass strike lures across a large native range of eastern North America—from the Hudson Bay and Great Lakes drainages down into the Mississippi and throughout the South and Southeast—but have also been widely introduced elsewhere on the continent and around the world. Basis of a major multibillion-dollar recreational angling industry, largemouths favor lakes, marshes, swamps, and sluggish alluvial waters, and prey on other fish, frogs, and crayfish.

Smallmouth bass—even more renowned than largemouths for pure fighting spirit—are less tolerant of warm waters than their largemouth cousins, not extending into the Deep South. They’re also more likely to be found in colder, swifter streams and rivers.

(2) Walleye

This toothy, zombie-eyed fish, found from the Arctic Mackenzie River down to the Mississippi and introduced extensively outside this native geography, inspires obsession among warm-water and icefishing fanatics alike. Record walleyes have spanned 3.5 feet and weighed 25 pounds. Fond of big, murky, shallow lakes and boasting sharp low-light vision, walleye often hunt at night and in the crepuscular (twilight) hours. The walleye’s smaller relative, the sauger, is another prized game fish.

(3) Muskellunge

The mighty “muskie” is the king of the widespread pike clan and found only in North America, where it occupies the Hudson Bay, St. Lawrence, Great Lakes, and Mississippi basins. This apex freshwater ambush predator—which gobbles everything from other fish such as yellow perch and gizzard shad to muskrats and waterfowl—may exceed six feet in maximum length and weigh upwards of 70 pounds or more. Despite the muskie’s typical hovering or slow-cruise mode, it can burst to 30 miles per hour to strike. Besides its important role topping the aquatic ecosystems it inhabits, this “fish of 10,000 casts” is coveted and challenging quarry.

(4) Northern Pike

The muskie’s only slightly smaller relative, the northern pike also ranks as the most broadly distributed freshwater fish in the world, prowling a huge Eurasian range as well as much of northern and central North America. A common predator targeting fish, frogs, small mammals, and waterbirds in clear lakes and alluvial backwaters, northerns are also well known for their cannibalistic tendencies. The long-standing North American record for northern pike is a 46-pound, 2-oz. fish hauled from New York’s Sacandaga Lake back in 1940.

(5) Trout/Char

These beautiful salmonids haunt many an angler’s dream from the Southern Appalachians to the temperate rainforests of the Pacific coast. From brook trout in the east and “lakers” in the Northland to cutthroats, rainbows, and the anadromous steelhead, North America’s trout and char are big-time quarry for spincasters and fly-fishers alike. And boy, does trout-fishing take you into some drop-dead gorgeous country… (Check out our roundup of some of the best trout streams in the U.S.!)

(6) Salmon

With their epic journeys between pelagic ocean and interior spawning rivers—journeys involving almost unbelievable physical strength and endurance—salmon capture the imaginations of anglers and non-anglers alike. They support huge recreational and commercial fisheries. North America’s species include Atlantic, coho, Chinook (king), sockeye (including the land-locked kokanee form), chum, and pink salmon. The Atlantic salmon and the bigger-yet Chinook are the biggest, historically tipping the scales past 100 pounds.

(7) Striped Bass

The much-admired striper ranks as the largest of the temperate basses, seven species of which call North American waters home. This sturdy fish—which can reach six feet long and weigh north of 100 pounds—is, like salmon, anadromous, feeding in the ocean and spawning in rivers. Unlike most salmon, though, an individual striped bass can make multiple spawning runs in one lifetime. Stripers inhabit the Atlantic coast from about the mouth of the St. Lawrence south to the tip of Florida as well as the Gulf of Mexico, with introduced populations on the Pacific coast and in numerous landlocked lakes. Surf-casting is among the go-to methods for landing stripers, which are strong fighters and impressive jumpers.

(8) Red Drum

The hard-hitting red drum—aka redfish, aka spot-tail bass—delights inshore anglers, especially along the Gulf Coast, and especially when the migratory schools of spring and fall course through inlets and bays. Most coveted are the biggest redfish, the “bullreds,” which in exceptional cases may reach five feet and weigh on the order of 90 pounds.

(9) Mahi-Mahi

The unmistakable mahi-mahi—also called dorado or dolphinfish—is among the flashiest sportfish of the pelagic realm, what with its vivid bluish-green body, its long dorsal crest, and the agile fleetness it employs in pursuit of flying-fish and other prey. That vibrant mahi-mahi body—which can reach seven feet in length—is marvelously sleek, but the head is distinctively blunt and high-browed. Offshore anglers chase mahi-mahi on the Atlantic coast from Massachusetts southward, in the Gulf of Mexico, and off California and Hawaii.

(10) Wahoo

Sleek the mahi-mahi may be; sleeker yet is the wahoo (ono in Hawaii), that great dart-shaped speedster of the high seas. “Hoos” are big mackerels, capable of reaching six feet and more than 180 pounds, and just about everything about them—from the pointy tips of the needle-tooth jaws to the forked tail—looks sharp-edged. The thrillingly fast wahoo, which snaps up squid and small fish, is a celebrated, energetic fighter (and also popular for eating).

(11) Yellowfin Tuna

Supporting a major commercial industry, yellowfin tuna are also legendary sportfish, renowned for their size, their beauty, and their stunning speed and agility. Reaching seven feet and 400-plus pounds, yellowfins range in the Atlantic from Massachusetts south and in the Pacific as far north as California’s Central Coast.

(12) Tarpon

Easily on the shortlist of greatest saltwater game fish of North America, the tarpon is the spectacular “silver king” of the subtropical Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. These hulking, heavy-scaled fish, which may reach eight feet and weigh more than 300 pounds, would be impressive enough from a size perspective alone, but it’s their tremendous strength, mettle, and aerial ability that takes them into rarefied status.

(13) The Billfishes

Billfish account for some of the biggest, most visually striking, and swiftest of all fish, and certainly their ranks include arguably the most coveted saltwater game fish on Earth. Smaller species in North American waters (though all of them very large bony fish) include the lovely sailfish, longbill spearfish, and the white and striped marlins. The swordfish—the hulking “broadbill”—is a grand fighter that may reach 14 feet and more than half a ton. And then there’s the superlative blue marlin, that swift, high-leaping, utterly incredible giant that can exceed 16 feet and more than 1,800 pounds. It’s hard to imagine a more impressive beast on the other end of your line.

Don’t Forget Mountain House on Your Next Fishing Trip

Now, we’re entirely aware there are many fantastic species we’ve left off the above list, from heavyweight blue catfish and white sturgeon to king mackerel, permit, and bluefish. But hey, that’s the wonderful diversity of the saltwater and freshwater game fish of North America!

Meanwhile, whether they’re biting or not, make sure you’ve got some delicious, just-add-water Mountain House meals along for your next angling adventure! (Bonus: You can even use a Mountain House pouch to cook a fish.)