Sportsman's Connection

30/10/2023

New! - Laser engraved 3D wood golf course maps! Amazing detail and quality. Order yours today and receive free shipping. From the leader in outdoor mapping products. scmaps.com

29/10/2023

New! - Laser engraved 3D wood golf course maps! Amazing detail and quality. Order yours today for the holidays. Guaranteed delivery before Christmas and free shipping! From the leader in outdoor mapping products. scmaps.com

09/10/2023

What an amazing trophy! We're so excited to have our 3D Engraved Lake Maps used as trophies in the Champions Tour Bass Fishing Tournament! Custom maps available for ALL lakes & bays. Great Gifts. Order yours today! https://scmaps.com/wood-engraved-lake-maps/

16/09/2023

Great time at the Pecan Street Festival in Austin, TX. Join us at booth 112-113! https://pecanstreetfestival.org/event-info/

06/09/2023

Such a great feedback from our Wood Engraved Lake Map customer!
"Best Father's Day gift we have ever gotten my dad which produced the biggest smile captured"
-Scott E.
https://scmaps.com/wood-engraved-lake-maps/

Sportsman's Connection is the leading provider of maps and comprehensive information for fishing and

02/09/2023

These stunning laser engraved contour lake maps are the perfect addition to any lake house, cabin, office or living room. Made in USA.

28/07/2023

Nestled in the Piney Woods region of Texas, approximately 90 miles east of Dallas, lies Lake Fork—a veritable haven for fishing enthusiasts and widely recognized as one of the best trophy bass fishing lakes in the world. Since its impoundment in 1980, Lake Fork has consistently produces world class bass, most notably the 18.18-pound largemouth caught in 1992, the largest recorded in Texas history as of 2023. Every year, the lake produces more 13+ pound bass than any other lake in the Lone Star State.
The best time for bass fishing in Lake Fork is typically during the spring, between February and April, when the fish are spawning. However, the lake's productive ecosystem ensures good fishing all year round, providing anglers with ample opportunities to catch both quantity and quality. Several fishing tournaments are held throughout the year at Lake Fork, attracting participants from across the globe.
Additionally, Lake Fork provides ample opportunities for families and friends to come together in the great outdoors. From camping to hunting to water sports, Lake Fork offers tranquility in nature and allows us to create unforgettable moments with those we love.
Now, what if you could have a piece of that memory with you all the time? With Sportsman's Connection's beautifully crafted wood-engraved lake maps, you can do just that. Our Lake Fork map isn't just an accurate representation of the lake's expanses; it's a piece of art that symbolizes your adventures, the thrill of the catch, and the serenity of the waters. These maps are a fantastic piece of home décor for fishing and lake life enthusiasts, or as a unique gift for your angler friends.

25/05/2023

Our first Coastal Wood Engraved Map!
Post your requests here to get a custom coastal map.

21/04/2023

See what customers are saying about our new 3D laser engraved contour lake maps.

05/04/2023

How to Read Bass During Spring Spawning Season

The spring spawning season has started in a number of areas across the country and as water temperatures warm up, the Largemouth Bass and Smallies are on the run. Here are some bass fishing tips to take with you when getting back out on the water in areas without season restrictions.

When does the spring spawn for bass begin?
Weather plays a huge part in fishing during the spawning season. When water temps creep above 50-degrees, bass begin to metabolize normally and start feeding outside of their suspension depths. Currents also begin to move when waters warm up and rise. Bass will head for shallow coves, creeks, and grassy banks or hydrilla flats in search of bait fish to rebound from slower wintertime feeding patterns.

Bass prepare for their spawn by making nest beds in the shallows and usually wait for water levels to stabilize before laying their eggs. This could take weeks in some instances depending on the amount of rain or drought in the area and during this time of early spring is when bass can be most active.

What to look for on the GPS
Look for shallow grass flats under ten feet on the map that have slight contour line changes of 3 feet increments that are the best area to flip or pitch a rattle trap or Texas rig, especially if the shallows fishing hold vegetation or standing timber. Shorelines that face direct sunlight are also the best places to scan from the shore or boat.
Lures to consider
Try fishing near points and ledges around the pre-spawn season when bass are hanging off ledges and humps. Football jigs and crankbaits work better for the deeper parts, but when the bass move toward the trees, try jigs or squarebill baits. If trolling banks or fishing from the shore, Alabama rigs are great for mimicking a school of bait.

Punch the w**d mats with jigs or creature baits after waters return to a steady level and warmth. Bass will return post-spawn from creeks and rivers that are attached to large lake bodies.
Keep in mind, dirty water means warmer water, and usually these shallow areas of turbid water are where bass will be found nearby on ledges or points a few weeks into the spring. More than likely, the bass have laid their eggs and may already be regrouping in depths between 6 and 20 feet. Remember, when fishing murky shallows, use darker color lures, and when casting in clear water, use colorful and bright patterns.

Not all bass will spawn at the same time and some will still be found in either shallow waters or right on the ledges of drop-offs.
Check out our fishing map guides for more information about lakes in the areas that you fish at https://scmaps.com/

03/04/2023

Float Fishing Riverbanks
When fishing w**dy riverbanks with soft plastic baits, many anglers choose a w**dless setup like the Texas or Carolina rig. But if you are looking to use the traditional float fishing rig with cut bait or live when drift fishing river channels carpeted in rocks, keeping your sinker and hook from snagging the bottom will save you a ton of time and hassle. The float rig is ideal for drift fishing in light to moderate river currents, and though it may seem like a complex rig set up at first, it's handy to have in your tackle box.
Bubble rigs and popping corks are the same setups as the typical bobber and hook method. The float acts as a fish-on indicator but in the case of using a popping cork, it doubles as a fish attractor that pulls interested fish closer to the bait when retrieved. Floats also keep your live bait above the river bottom in the strike zone and allow anglers to maintain a visual of their bait downstream which enables a quick retrieval when seeing upcoming debris or river obstacles.
Always adjust your float rig length and weight to the speed of the river current. If the water is calm, you can use a lightweight drop shot or sinker with a small to medium size float. When the current is ripping, you will need a heavier sinker and a larger float or cork. It’s wise to keep your bait moving, and bottom-bouncing is a great technique to avoid snagging the rocks or any bottom debris if you're cruising with the current downstream. This technique can also be used for jigging soft plastics on weighted jig heads.
The average float rig requires 12 to 24-inches of monofilament leader. To suspend your bait in the strike zone a few feet above the bottom, you’ll want to tie your sinker at the bottom of the leader while keeping the hook in the middle of the leader and the float above the hook where it rests on the mainline and leader. Some anglers will use a swivel rather than a line-to-line knot. Keep in mind that you will need beads to act as stoppers above and below the float or cork, so it does not interfere with the hook or bait.
The best bait to use on the river is live bait. Get your hands on live nightcrawlers, baitfish like shad, sunfish, or minnows, insects, or crawdads if you are float fishing. Cut baits work too, and depending on the river and time of year, most likely you’ll pull in catfish on the larger cut baits.
Check out our fishing map guides for more information about lakes in the areas that you fish at https://scmaps.com/

03/04/2023

Early Season Crappie
Different strokes for different folks depending upon what part of the country you fish, but spring is an awesome time to fish for slab crappies.
Crappies are still moving slowly, especially shortly after ice-out in the northern states. The northern shoreline water warms up first due to the sun’s southern exposure, which attracts baitfish that crappies move into shallower water to feed on. Creek inlets are also a good spot. Try tiny micro jigs or #12 hooks tipped with small minnows or waxies on 4-6 pound mono and small split shot under a sensitive float, twitching the line ever so slightly to trigger slow metabolism crappie bites in cold water. The early morning and evening are still the best time to catch them but the bite can be good all day with enough patience. Speaking of patience, when you detect a strike, allow more time for the crappie to take the bait as they can be very finicky this time of year. Setting the hook too soon often pulls the small minnow out of their soft mouth before it can be hooked.
Shore fishing can be a great way to find the slabs when they are in the shallows but if you are in a boat, move quietly with paddles, oars or an electric troll motor and toss your line into the shallows until you find active fish. As the water warms, crappies will become more active as they begin their pre-spawn stage in the same shallow water. This is when a plain flu flu type jig without a float, weight or live bait will trigger bites, sometimes in a flurry as their hunger increases.
Just prior and into the spawn is when some of the bigger slabs are the most vulnerable. Crappie populations are notoriously cyclical depending largely upon the success of the year’s annual spawn so it is sound practice to release most of the big females and bulls to preserve and enhance the future of the fishery.
For fishing maps and information to catch crappies in your neck of the woods, check out Sportsman’s Connection’s regional fishing map guides in print and eBook at https://scmaps.com/fishing-map-guides/. Good luck!

01/04/2023

Introducing our stunning wood engraved lake maps! Using advanced geospatial data and cutting-edge design software, our GIS and Design team creates maps that are both accurate and visually striking. With attention to detail and a passion for nature, our team brings the beauty of each lake to life in every map. From the intricate contours to the exquisite wood engraving, our maps are true works of art. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a lake lover, or just looking for the perfect gift, our wood engraved maps are a great addition to any home or office!

29/03/2023

Check out our Wood Engraved Lake Map product demo!

23/03/2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYnbM7j8Cg0

I have been trying out the All-Outdoors Atlas & Field Guide for a few months now, and I have to say I am rather impressed. The maps are accurate and easy to ...

09/02/2023

Great photo and review from one of our customers who purchased a Wood Engraved Map:

"We love our map! Perfect addition to our lake home!"
-Sally C.

https://scmaps.com/WEM-25625-Briggs/

03/02/2023

We love to hear from our customers!
"It was beautiful & well worth the purchase. We bought it as a gift for my stepdad after he caught his largest fish to date on Ontario. He had it on the wall within 24 hours!"
-Darrian C.
https://scmaps.com/WEM-11286-Ontario-Lake/

26/01/2023

Some of the best fishing during the late winter in the Great Lakes include lake Trout, Whitefish, and Burbot. These fish are often found in deeper waters and can be caught using various techniques such as jigging or trolling.

Check out beautiful maps of the Great Lakes available for purchase! https://scmaps.com/wood-engraved-maps/great-lakes/

20/01/2023

Ice fishing is a popular winter activity in many parts of the United States, but it can be especially challenging during the late season. As the weather starts to warm up and the ice begins to melt, it can be difficult to find and catch fish. However, with the right tactics, you can still have a successful late season ice fishing trip.
- Fish in deep water: As the ice begins to melt, fish will often move to deeper water to avoid the warmer temperatures. Look for areas of the lake or river that are at least 20 feet deep and try fishing there.
- Use a flasher or sonar: A flasher or sonar device can help you locate fish that are in deeper water. These devices use sound waves to detect the presence of fish and can give you an idea of where to focus your fishing efforts.
- Fish with live bait: Live bait, such as minnows or worms, can be more effective than artificial lures during the late season. Fish are more likely to be attracted to the natural scent and movement of live bait.
- Fish at different depths: As the ice begins to melt, fish will move to different depths in search of warmer water. Try fishing at different depths to see where the fish are holding.
- Fish during the warmest part of the day: Fish are more active during the warmest part of the day, so try fishing during the afternoon when the sun is shining.
- Keep an eye on the weather: Always be aware of the weather and pay attention to the forecast. If the weather is going to get warm and the ice is going to melt, it's best to stay off the ice for safety reasons.

By following these tactics, you can still have a successful late season ice fishing trip. Remember to always fish responsibly, check the ice thickness, and follow all local regulations. With the right approach, you can still catch fish and enjoy the winter outdoors.

For more information and tips check out Sportsman's Connection Fishing Map Guides🎣 https://scmaps.com/fishing-map-guides/

15/12/2022

Share your submission under this post to have a chance to win a 15" x 22” WOOD ENGRAVED LAKE MAP of your favorite lake!
Contest ends on January 15,2023

1. Post a photo of your best catch
2. Fish caught, Name of the lake & state
3. Brief story
4. Tag three of your friends

Fishing Map Guides, All-Outdoors Atlases, and digital maps covering the best fishing and outdoor activities in several states.

14/12/2022

Wow! We certainly didn’t expect such a great response to our brand-new custom Wood Engraved Map line. We’ve received more orders than expected and are accelerating production as quickly as we can to meet the demand. We sincerely apologize for the long wait on any orders and are diligently working to get as many delivered as possible before the Holidays.
We are a family-owned and operated US based business still in the process of growing our team and greatly appreciate your support. Please keep in mind that each map has varying production times according to detail and complexity. All of our maps are hand-designed and assembled within the US to our vigorous standards of quality and craftsmanship.

Please bear with our customer service team as we follow-up and respond to all inquiries as best we can. We care deeply about every order and will get back to you.
We thank you for your understanding and patience.
From our family to yours, we wish you a very happy holiday season!

05/12/2022

Our website is temporarily down due to BigCommerce having widespread server issues. Their engineers are working to restore access to our site. In the meantime, please call us at (888) 572-0182 for any questions or to place an order. We apologize for the inconvenience this caused.

22/11/2022

Come visit us at St. Paul Ice Fishing & Winter Sports Show!
December 2nd - 4th, 2022
https://conta.cc/3VknmAo

22/11/2022

21/11/2022

Highly Detailed Wood Engraved Lake Maps. Shop for a unique gift today! Looks great in home, office, cabin, or cottage.
https://scmaps.com/wood-engraved-lake-maps/

28/09/2022

Fall Time Crappie

Crappie are biting before the frosty temps set in. When water temps change, crappie scatter to new locations. Some will suspend in deeper waters or hang near the surface where there is a pe*******on of sunlight. They will also gravitate toward more oxygen-rich water, so shoot for any creek inlets, especially if there are any nearby standing timber or dock cover.
Crappie during the fall season will typically find what minnows they can.
This slab was one of several caught by our founder's better half off of a pier on a 1/8 ounce, fluorescent, plain, white jig tipped with a small minnow straight-lining near the bottom at about 25 feet. Most of the bigger fish hit as the jig fluttered near the bottom after raising the line about 3 to 4 feet and letting it drop. Small jigs or plain minnows under floats can be effective when the bite is light. Twitch the bobber or real the line in slowly, stopping to allow the fish to bite the minnow when they think it is getting away.
Adjust your slip bobber setting to various depths since the fish often stratify, although they tend to run in the deeper part of the column this time of year. Take your time to allow the fish to grab the bait before setting the hook as the bite tends to be light. Fishing right through the winter months can be productive if you can tolerate the cold.
Sportsman’s Connection is the leading publisher of regional fishing map books and outdoor atlases in print and eBook along with other mapping products. https://scmaps.com/

19/09/2022

Raise your muskie, it’s Monday!!

Overcast and calm = topwater!
This fish came completely out of the water when it ate my topwater, and it looked just like a scene from shark week!

With another cool down hitting this week, and new moon coming up next weekend I’ve been daydreaming about some big fall Muskies!

Who is spending time on the water vs the woods?! 🎣 or 🍁

Credit:

17/09/2022

Bull down! Amazing kill by our influencer

15/09/2022

Check out this young angler from Rockwall County that won the Bassmaster Junior National Championship in Tennessee at https://blueribbonnews.com/2022/09/rockwall-county-teen-angler-wins-national-championship-title/
*
*
*

13/09/2022

There are a few things you should avoid when fly fishing for Trout. Check out this article that gives you the do's and don'ts at https://www.hatchmag.com/articles/seven-deadly-sins-fly-fishing/7715256 *
*
*