Answers to the 'why fish?' question come from within

Why do we do it?

Why do we spend countless hours chasing a dream?

And why do we have to run to the local tackle shop to buy the latest gizmo that promises to bring the "big one" to the side of the boat?

I rarely watch weekend outdoor television shows. Most of the Bubbas are dressed in the latest camo gear and they usually whisper to the camera about the big deer heading toward the tree stand.

On the TV fishing shows I can barely understand what many of the southern boys are saying while they're reeling in a fish.

Look, one of the facts in this business in that rural folks have generally involved themselves with hunting for the table. Rabbit, pheasant, duck and geese, as well as some other critters, were normal courses for those living in the country.

But regarding the outdoor television shows, far too many of them failed to teach me and lots of other viewers anything that would make us better anglers and hunters.

Of course there's the Lindner and Winkelman extravaganzas. They're exceptions that go to great lengths to make sure the viewer has a better understating of what's below the surface.

My informal survey of anglers and hunters started last January during America's Outdoor Show held in the Donald Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. I had one easy question - "Why do you fish and hunt?"

I queried 70 people and their responses were hardly surprising. Fifty anglers said they enjoyed being in a boat or on shore while catching a few fish. Twenty told me they always go with a positive attitude and believe they will catch a big or trophy fish.

Regarding hunting, 65 people said they hunt to bring wild game home for the table, while the balance of the group admitted they pass up the smaller table fare and go for a trophy deer, moose, elk or whatever big game animal they pursue.

And then some turned the tables on me and asked me why I fish and hunt.

The first part of my answer brought me back to a conversation with Outdoor Notebook editor Bob Macuilis about two years ago.

We both agreed that fishing is all about the tug at the business end of our lines, not so much to size and weight of the fish that chose to snarf up the bait offering.

The "tug" is what keeps so many of us interested and coming back for more. The tug is just a signal to those of us on the cranking end of the rod and reel that the never-ending cycle of fishing and catching is enjoyment for the people with the urge to test their skills.

Several years ago Spence Petros and I drifted across a local lake catching largemouth bass. After an hour of this wonderful action we decided to switch to crappies and see just how many we could find and catch. We hit the mother lode when every cast brought crappies to the boat running 12-15 inches. We didn't keep any, but continued sticking with action for over an hour because it was lots of fun.

In my book, fishing is supposed to be fun and not a contest of egos. I understand the professional tournament fishermen are out to catch the heaviest stringers so they can cash a big check.

Personally, I would prefer to catch some 10-inch bluegills and crappies and serve them to my wife with some great wine, a salad, and then watch her enjoy.

Now that's fishing, catching and eating.

America's Outdoor Show stocks up on talentWord just in from our modern-day P.T. Barnum, Jim Sugarman, organizer of America's Outdoor Show in Rosemont (americasoutdoorshow.com) is that the 2011 event looks like it will be "red hot."Sugarman was only willing to hand out a tidbit of info regarding the angling celebrities that will be on the main stage. Included on the schedule will be Al and nephew James Lindner, Babe Winkelman, and B.A.S.S. superstar Kevin Van Dam. Those names alone should warm many anglers' hearts during the month of January.Fishing report:Fox Chain: Some of the better walleye fishing can be had on Pistakee Lake now near the south end before the river. Crappie action on Petite Lake and Fox Lake very good, while the muskie activity continues on Channel Lake.Fox River: The crappie bite improves every day, especially in shallow water.Lake Michigan: Excellent king fishing right outside Waukegan Harbor. Some brown trout showing up as well. Perching seems to have come to a complete halt.Lake Geneva: Good crappie action right outside the Abbey Harbor. Bass tucked in to the weeds in Williams bay.Bangs Lake: Crappie activity slow, but largemouth bass chasing stick baits and Texas Rigs. bull; Mike Jackson can be reached via e-mail at angler88@att.net, and you can catch his radio program 6-7 a.m. Sundays on WSBC 1240-AM.