Welcome to Heavy Hitter Fishing Gear

10:30 a.m. — Operation Christmas Drop needs your donations (Pacific Daily News)

10:30 a.m. — Donations are needed for the 57th annual Operation Christmas Drop. Fishing nets, construction materials, powdered milk, canned goods, rice, coolers, clothing, shoes, tools, toys and school supplies are perfect donations, according to the operation's Web site, www. christmasdrop.com.

With Winter Temperatures Comes Thin Ice Warnings (WKBT La Crosse)

Some chilly overnight temperatures have promped ice to form earlier than in past years, and already winter sportsmen are heading to their ice houses for fishing.  But, the first ice can be very dangerous.

Dan Haifley, Our Ocean Backyard: Our region was built on fishing (Santa Cruz Sentinel)

My friend Barbara Karleen often provides suggestions for this column, so when I told her I was going to do a series on the history and state of fishing in Central California, her reply was instant.

Flatlanders in Idaho skip skiing, go fishing (KOMO Seattle)

Not everyone will buy a lift ticket or trudge to the top of a nearby peak to enjoy winter sports this year. A few hardy outdoors folks will grab the fishing gear and an auger, and head to the lake to ice-fish.

HILTS: Local seminars highlight ice fishing (The Journal-Register)

By Bill Hilts Jr. With the unexpected early arrival of winter — including cold temperatures and snow — some of the traditional seasonal activities are already upon us. Skiing is underway in the Southern Tier hills and ice fishing is just around the corner in many of the inland lakes.

World’s best tented camps (MSNBC)

Tents have always meant escape—if only to the backyard. But the latest experiences under cover are giving the concept a designer makeover.

Seal Rock Garden Club to offer winter greens wonderland (Newport News-Times)

Once again, the elves from Santa's workshop have joined forces with the members of the Seal Rock Garden Club to create an array of holiday greens for the annual winter holiday sale.