Gear

Tackle Organization – Now is the Time

March 31, 2022 by Trent Marsh

Fishing tackle organization might be one of the most frustrating parts of angling. No matter what you do to try to keep things organized, somehow it always ends up a mess. Honestly, that’s because of anglers, not the tackle. We can do a better job. We have the tools.

There’s no better time than right now to get things sorted out. Fishing sales are kicking off, and before long the icy grip of winter will have slipped away.

_{Tired of your tackle organization looking like this?}

Of course, I’m talking to my Yankee brethren, not those spoiled anglers in the south who can fish all year.

For us in the north, as the last bits of ice give way, now is the time to attack the tackle, and make spring fishing less of a pain.

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You Need This Appalachian Gear Company All-Paca Fleece Beanie

October 1, 2021 by Alan Clemons

The All-Paca Fleece Beanie from Appalachian Gear Company in North Carolina is thin and comfortable, yet retains head to keep you warm when you’re in chilly conditions. (Photo: Appalachian Gear Company)

The authors at Tag Soup Adventures may receive free or discounted products to include in reviews or stories on the site.

I’m always looking for something better when it comes to winter clothing. The latest I’ve been trying is the Appalachian Gear Company All-Paca Fleece Beanie. Socks, boots, pullovers and hoodies, gloves and beanies always nab my interest if I think it’ll keep me warmer, drier or more comfortable than what I already own and use.

I don’t worry that much about summer. Winter, though, even in the Southeast sometimes can be bone-chilling thanks to the humidity and low temps. Add wind and it’s pretty tough for us. I know everyone in the Midwest and Northeast giggles about us “cold Southerners” but it’s all relative. I laugh at them in summer when it’s 88 and they’re whining like babies about the heat. It’s all relative.

A couple of months ago I bought the All-Paca Fleece Beanie from Appalachian Gear Company. This small but growing company is located in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. I’ve been there to visit the Revolutionary War site where our tough-as-hell and woods-wise boys and men held off the British. (Mowed them down is more accurate, but that’s for another column). Kings Mountain and Gaston County are lovely areas for outdoors pursuits. You should visit sometime.

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Three Excellent Ways to Guard Your Personal Protective Equipment

May 11, 2021 by Alan Clemons

*Andy Larsson’s Skinner Sights HTF Garment Bag, a winner for concealment. (Photo: Alan Clemons)*

In the matter of standing out in a crowd, the world is filled now with Look At Me people trying to grab some spotlight. They’re on social media yammering about the latest grievance, clamoring for attention, crying that they’re ‘terrified’ of something or generally are a wad of crybabies seeking affirmation. Some of them actually work but still need the pat on the head every day to get through their lives. Their idea of personal protective equipment is a cell phone.

Others do their business and want to blend into the crowd. These are the gray men. I guess in today’s world they would be the Gray People because they can be men or women. They do their work, go about their business, tend to their families, and don’t stand out in any great form or fashion. They are prepared and practice situational awareness. Those who know of these things sometimes notice these people but don’t necessarily acknowledge them. The Gray People are just taking care of themselves and their families. Their idea of personal protective equipment is quite different. Should situations digress to nut-cutting time, they may then let themselves be known if they believe necessary to do so.

Until then, remaining gray — in the background, just another guy or gal — is critical. Here are three items you may find useful.

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