fishing

Last spring we reported that legendary Vermont-based sporting outfitters Orvis had published a great new book on fly fishing's finest destinations. Now the company has come out with an equally compelling companion volume on hunting game birds. Great Hunting Lodges of North America: Wingshooting's Finest Destinations (Rizzoli) is a lavishly illustrated look at the very best upland and waterfowl hunting destinations around. Profiles of almost 20 featured Orvis destinations celebrate the great American sporting tradition and include detailed information on the local game species and wildlife, the lodge and the surrounding countryside, along with in-depth sidebars on key game birds and sporting dogs. Even if you're merely an armchair adventurer who's never fired a shotgun the great outdoor photography is worth the price of admission in its own right. Featured lodges include the Eagle Nest Lodge in Montana, Flying B Ranch in Idaho, Greystone Castle in Texas, The High Lonesome Ranch in Colorado, Mexico's Rancho Caracol, Deer Creek Lodge in Kentucky, Harris Springs Sportsman's Preserve in South Carolina and Pine Hill Plantation in Georgia. Check out the gallery for a preview.

Gallery: Great Hunting Lodges of North America

Originally released in 1994, Grant McClintock's classic angler's almanac Flywater: Fly-Fishing Rivers of the West documented his year-long journey visiting the creeks, springs and freestone rivers that make the West the world's premiere destination for fly fishing. Now Universe has issued an updated edition complete with new photographs from McClintock's collection, revealing new river finds full of trout and steelhead. The destinations pictured in more than 200 full-color photos include New Mexico, California, Colorado, Utah, Oregon, Washington, Montana and Wyoming; the cover shows picturesque Pelican Point on Montana's Missouri River. Interspersed with the photos, McClintock explains the complexities of fly fishing in each type of "flywater". The book also features a foreword by renowned newsman and fly fishing enthusiast Tom Brokaw, who notes that McClintock magnificently captures the sport's "sense of majesty and humility – majesty in the surroundings and the humility that comes with understanding that the fly-fishing angler is there on nature's terms."

Scottish Pursuits at Gleneagle Hotel in Scotland

When the Gleneagles Hotel opened in 1924, it was described as 'a Riviera in the Highlands' and 'the eighth wonder of the world'. Then as now, the Gleneagles Hotel was the glorious playground for people dedicated to leisure and pleasure in the most luxurious surroundings. Nearly ninety years later, Gleneagles, which is still considered one of the world's most coveted five star resorts, is nominated for a Luxist Award for Best Family Luxury Summer Vacation.

Built by the former Caledonian Railway Company (and complete with its own railway station), the resort has long been a fixed part of high society's calendar. During the 1950's, after the London "season", the elite went to Gleneagles for grouse shooting.
The hotel was only opened during the summer months until the early 1980's when a total renovation and restoration program was initiated. Since then, a total capital investment of more than £46 million has made it possible to enjoy the elegance and traditions of Gleneagles all year round.

Gallery: Country Pursuits in Scotland at Gleneagles

When it comes to fly fishing, legendary Vermont-based sporting outfitters Orvis is the recognized authority. The company celebrates nearly 50 Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing lodges across the U.S. and Canada in a nifty new book for the armchair angler, Great Fishing Lodges of North America. The perfect tool for planning your next outing as well as a rich visual feast for anyone interested in sport fishing or the lodge lifestyle, the book highlights the best destinations from Alaska to Florida, Montana to Maine, and across Canada.

Each lodge is profiled and portrayed along with detailed information on the local waters and its game fish, the lodge, amenities and activities, landscape, and game species and wildlife in the area. Featured lodges in include the Alaska Sportsman's Lodge (Lake Iliamna, AK); The Essex, Vermont's Culinary Resort & Spa (Burlington, VT); Lake Placid Lodge (Lake Placid, NY); Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock (Blowing Rock, NC; The Blue Damsel Lodge (Clinton, MT); North Fork Ranch (Shawnee, CO); Cow Creek Ranch (Pecos, New Mexico); Moose Lake Lodge (Anahim Lake, British Columbia); and more.

Gallery: Great Fishing Lodges

Alaska Sportsman's Lodge, Lake Iliamna, AK

Morrison's Rogue River Lodge, Merlin, OR

What do Norway, a Hamam, the Arctic, a hot tub, Zen, fish, and high-diving have in common? The Vulkana, that's what, a former fishing trawler turned haven for seaborne sybarites. The 75-foot vessel, dating from the fifties, is permanently based in the northern Norwegian city of Tromso but can be hired for polar excursions for up to 12 people.

In addition to the Hamam, hot tub, Zen lounge and 7-meter-high diving board, also on-board the Vulkana are a galley-restaurant, a sauna, three double-berth cabins and one six-berth cabin, women's and men's dressing rooms with separate showers and a make-up room for women, and a man said to be the best sushi chef in all of Scandinavia.

Taking full advantage of the ship is done with an Arctic cruise and deep-sea fishing, or a trip to the polar lands for off-piste skiing and mountain trekking. It's not a bad karmic twist for a former herring-getter, and the calm you'll feel during an evening of hot-tubbing under the Northern Lights while you snack on 5-star preparation of the day's catch might give your karma a little boost as well.

This season famed UK outerwear company Barbour has come out with a collection inspired by a classic British summer sporting escape to the country. Building on the brand's impressive heritage – the firm, founded in 1894, holds Royal Warrants from HM Queen Elizabeth II, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, and HRH The Prince of Wales – the new designs are attractively updated with bright bursts of color, functional detailing and innovative fabrics and finishes. Lightweight outerwear is offered in multiple fabrications including 4 oz. waxed cotton, carbon coated, Duralinen, washed cotton and cotton twill. Fine knits, casual layers and shirts are inspired by polo, cricket and rugby, while other new styles draw from Barbour's long association with international motorcycling and fly-fishing. Distinctive contrast lining designs and reversible quilt and blouson styles round out the new offerings.

There are new additions to each of Barbour's collections: Heritage, Contemporary, Classic, and Sporting. Within the Heritage collection, styles based on Barbour's original motorcycle racing designs explore new lengths, detailing, and lightweight fabrics. A range of T-shirts celebrates the British motorcycle trials heritage. Fine, lightweight midlayers, casual polos and cotton knits add plenty of contrast pattern and color. A new Dry Fly multi pocket casual jacket style, offered in wax, carbon, Duralinen and cotton twill, is adapted from the firm's fishing archive complete with pockets and "D" rings, and its more functional counterpart is introduced into the active Sporting range. Barbour's iconic quilting fabric is reversed to provide shiny statement quilts and gilets such as the Fast Back reversible quilt inspired by 1960s styles, in a bright Atlantic blue.

The Contemporary Collection has evolved from the more classic Barbour garments to become a slightly edgier and more modern wardrobe in its own right. With a slimmer fit and the use of fresh modern fabrics alongside traditional waxes, the designs are perfect for those who wish to take their Barbour-inspired life beyond the country. Key new Contemporary designs include a cotton and linen Sapper jacket with a vintage-inspired Union Jack pattern liner; a short Harrington Blouson jacket in flyweight waxed cotton with a stowaway hood; and a Carbon Durham Kagoule hooded sailing jacket (above) with embroidered Barbour ensign flags on the sleeve, available in yellow, navy and red.

Gallery: Barbour S/S 2010

On warm weather spring getaways fishing can be a great way to get out on the water and do a little something different. Sportfishing can be a very rewarding activity if it is done correctly the first time. After the first outing on the high seas, the rest is normally smooth sailing. First, find a local saltwater fishing club or a lodge. You can typically find ads for these in a phonebook, by word of mouth, or on some forums online. However, be prepared to cough up a fair amount of money, as charters can cost up to $150 per person. Next, call the company and find out what kind of boats they have available for day or half day rental. When fishing in a group, a 35-foot boat should do just fine.

Depending on the target species, types of bait can vary greatly. Try your luck with cut mackerel or pogies, available at most local bait shops. If going fishing without a guide, you will definitely have to get your hands dirty preparing bait. The preparation of cut bait is fairly simple. All you have to do is cut a baitfish into three or four pieces depending on the size of the target species. Next, put a hook into the piece of bait so that the hook goes around the spine of the fish. Remember to put a weight of about 1 ounce on the line about 2 feet closer to the rod tip than the bait. Recommended line strength is about 30 pound test.

Cawdor Castle, one of Scotland's greatest estates which dates back to 1380, is the centerpiece of a beautiful new book focusing on the very best of Scottish style. Highland Living: Landscape, Style, and Traditions of Scotland (Flammarion, $39.95) by Stéphane Bern and Franck Ferrand with photographs by Guillaume de Laubier opens with a foreword by the castle's formidable mistress, Angelika, the Dowager Countess Cawdor (above). Born in Bohemia and raised in Africa, the exotic beauty was a fashion editor at Vogue and directed a marketing company in Paris before marrying the late Hugh, 6th Earl Cawdor and 24th Thane, and falling in love with the Scottish Highlands. In 30 years at Cawdor she has given new life to the legendary estate while preserving its historic heritage and way of Highland living.

At the heart of Scotland lies the legendary Cawdor Castle, best known for its literary connection to William Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth, the title character of which was made Thane of Cawdor. With its rich history, vibrant grounds and deep lochs, ancient, stony ruins, stewardship of revered traditions, and completely sustainable existence, the Cawdor estate, occupying over 49,000 acres, exemplifies the essence of the Highlands. Its magnificent interiors are filled with glorious antiques and handcrafted furniture, tartan accessories, hunting trophies and painted landscapes. Kilts and bagpipes, salmon and fly fishing, grouse shooting, hunting dogs, Land Rovers, shotguns and Barbour jackets, the shady realm of the Big Wood, thematic gardens, windswept moors, haggis and Scotch whisky are all part of life at the storied Castle.

Gallery: Highland Living at Cawdor

Microsoft founder Bill Gates, the world's richest man, has reportedly purchased Irma Lake Lodge in Wyoming, a 492-acre ranch that once belonged to Western legend "Buffalo Bill" Cody, for $8.9 million. The deal was done via Gates' investment manager, the Cody Enterprise reports. The Shoshone Forest borders the beautiful property (above) on two sides and the terrain varies from open knolls to thick conifer forests, aspen groves and rocky outcroppings. Dotted across the ranch are four lakes and three picturesque ponds.

Named by Buffalo Bill after his youngest daughter, Irma Lake is the largest body of water with approximately 12 acres. The estate includes a 15,000-square-foot contemporary log cabin-style main residence (below) with with expansive open spaces and patios, a five-bedroom guesthouse, stables, Buffalo Bill's original cabin, a caretaker's house, and a dairy cabin. In addition to amazing views, there are several species of fish to be found on the property as well as "some of the finest big game hunting the west has to offer."

Gallery: Irma Lake

After failing to sell parcels of his 6,000-acre Pecos River ranch in New Mexico, actor Val Kilmer has now listed the entire estate for $33 million. The 49-year-old star, who recently announced that he may run for governor of New Mexico next year, says he's listing the property so that "someone who has the time and the finances" can maintain and preserve it, the Wall St. Journal reports. Back in 2006 my colleague Deirdre Woollard reported that Kilmer was offering an 1,800 acre parcel for $18 million.

The ranch, which features six miles of trout fishing, canyons, pine forests, a stable and a rock quarry, is about 25 miles southeast of Santa Fe. The main house is a 5,600-sq.-ft. log and stucco contemporary with four bedrooms. There are also two one bedroom guest houses and a two bedroom foreman's house. The star of The Doors and Batman Forever assembled the impressive property, which remains largely unspoiled, about 13 years ago.

Gallery: Val Kilmer's Pecos River Ranch

, according to listing broker LandVest, "represents the first time in more than a century that these lands have become available on the open market."

Robert Wells, heir to the Fiesta Dinnerware collection (so embedded in the American consciousness it even became the topic of a recently produced off-Broadway play), has bequeathed $9 million to The Nature Conservancy. His attorney cited Wells's respect for the Conservancy's "wide footprint" after traveling to places like the Chilean coasts, New Zealand and Alaska.

Twenty percent of the gift is earmarked for local conservation efforts in Wells's home state of West Virgina, specifically in the Central Appalachian Mountains. The bulk of the bequest will go towards global programs on behalf of the nature-loving recreational fisherman. The first date he took his wife on in the early 1950s? A 4:30 am catfishing expedition. Carolyn Wells also left a significant gift to the Conservancy following her death in 2005.

Love fishing? Book yourself a spot on the luxury ship Atmosphere for a fly fishing trip along the Chilean wilderness coast. Priced at $15,000 - $25,000, it's the most expensive fishing trip in the world and has plenty of fun luxuries to make that price tag worthwhile. Covering Patagonia by air, land, and water, several different kinds of boats and even a helicopter equipped with all the toys will whisk you away to remote rivers and lakes for dream fishing excursions -- or if you're not in the mood for that you can stay on the ship for awesome food, a massage, and maybe a whale watching excursion instead.

Via Gadling

I don't know about you but I am completely obsessed with the show "Deadliest Catch" that profiles crab fishermen. The Crab Catch package at Hastings House on Salt Spring Island in Canada won't be quite so dangerous but you do get to experience a crab fishing expedition with crab fisherman, Gary Le Marchant, on the 24' Welbury Bay crabbing boat. Guests will be given rain slickers and issued a crab fishing license. Gary will offer a hands-on workshop on crab information including a lesson in crab cleaning. The next night, guests will be treated to an evening of crab cooking instruction with chef Marcel Kauer who will demonstrate the best way to cook and dress a crab. The two-night/three-day Crab Catch package runs from May 1 to September 30, and is priced starting at $650 CAD per person (based on double occupancy). The package includes continental breakfast daily, afternoon treats, the crab excursion, a four-course Chef's dinner of crab specialties and each couple will receive a recipe book and measuring tool to take home.

Sport fishermen are a breed unto themselves, each holiday offers the chance to hook that one fish that dreams are made of. For those in pursuit of the big one, a new game lodge has been developed to offer a pleasant vacation while fishing in the abundant waters off Costa Rica. The Bahia Escondida Big Game Lodge in Golfito is situated in Algo Mas, the former management home of Chiquita Banana, which offers accommodations for six. The Lodge also has the services of a personal chef and a concierge so that you can focus on the fish. But if you are interested in the fishing, you are going to need a boat. The 51-foot Whiticar known as Shamrock is guided by Captain Tommy Lynskey into prime areas to catch sailfish, tuna and marlin. A five-day, four-night package includes a private charter from San Jose, four nights at Algo Mas and three days of fishing on Shamrock for $10,900 for up to six guests.