I have been very blessed by the Good Lord, and my family, to be able to pursue my passions for fishing, hunting and outdoor sports, as a career for many years now, and to be able to help people enjoy God’s great outdoors. In addition to being one of Southern Illinois’ only full-time fishing guides, working its magnificent waters, I also get to travel to dozens of other incredible destinations throughout the world, doing television and magazine work at the locations where my business offers guided trips and vacations. And, I am glad to be able to share my experiences with my readers, customers and fans.
Scuba diving and snorkeling sports are great fun for people of all ages. They’re non-stop summer enjoyment for the whole family. Before young children are ready for scuba, a simple mask and snorkel will open them up to a whole new world beneath the surface. Older children and adults can also greatly enjoy snorkeling, but scuba offers the chance to plunge into another realm far below. Regardless of the sport that an outdoor enthusiast selects, getting into water and discovering the great underwater world is an experience like few others. It’s a journey, an adventure of wonder and possibility.
*Descending Into The Unknown
Most folks that have enjoyed spending time pursuing other water sports have wondered just what it would be like to descend into the watery unknown. When you get into this other world it can feel like stepping off the map. You’ll see things in a way that you’ve never seen before. Wary fish that anglers try so hard to outsmart will often swim right up to you. While fish may spook away from a human walking along the shoreline or a boat slowly motoring overhead, they are often surprisingly curious about a creature that is actually in their environment with them.
*Underwater Wildlife
I have been able to get right up close to many fish of various species while underwater with them. Scuba diving obviously makes this easier, but taking a deep breath while snorkeling and swimming down an extra ten feet can make the fish feel much more comfortable as well. Sometimes, you can swim right up to fish that are resting on the bottom or suspending near a piece of cover. To observe fish in their natural environment with them is truly a unique experience. Fish aren’t the only things that you’ll likely encounter. There’s a wide variety creatures that can be observed underwater like turtles, crustaceans and even aquatic birds.
