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Gear of the week
Gear name: Supernatural
Supernatural
Company: Ameristep (https://www.everybodyshops.com/ameristep-supernatural-hunt-ground-blind.html)
Gear type: Ground blind
Product description: What makes this different from other ground blinds? Ameristep says it uses “Naturshell,” a proprietary fabric with natural fibers. That’s said to eliminate glare and sheen. It also features patent-pending organic-shaped windows, meaning ones with no straight edges or corners that draw the attention of deer, turkeys and other wildlife. Those windows have daisy-chain window curtains that can be operated silently with one hand and replaceable shoot-through mesh camo window screens, too.
Available options: This comes in Realtree Xtra camo. Brush pockets above and below the windows allow for adding natural vegetation.
Suggested retail price: $249.99.
Notable: The Supernatural stands 67 inches high and has a 59-by-59-imch footprint. It weighs 20 pounds and comes with a carrying case, stakes and tie-down rope.
Tip of the week
Anyone who’s ever gone on a picnic and used a leftover chunk of hot dog as bait knows how much channel catfish like them. You can make them even more effective with a little preparation, though. Before going out, cut the hot dogs into ¾-inch pieces. Place them in a sealable plastic bag, add garlic – more is better – then cover with water. Let that soak for a while and you’ll have a bait that draws catfish in.
Recipe of the week
Catfish corn dogs
Ingredients
- catfish fillets, cut into 4-inch sections
- 1 ½ cups cornmeal
- 3 cups Bisquick mix or something similar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 4 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- 3 cups water
Directions
Is this really just fried fish on a skewer? Yes. But it’s fun and tasty, so who cares?
Mix the cornmeal, Bisquick, sugar and salt together, then incrementally add the water. The goal is to get a batter the consistency of pancakes.
Put the fish fillets on a skewer and season with the Old Bay. Dip it in the batter.
Fry 4 to 5 minutes, until the batter is golden brown and the fish is cooked through. Drain on paper towels, then serve.
