If you like to daydream ahead about things to do and places to go with the Quad-City Times Plus 60 Club, here’s a chance to circle an important date on your calendar — especially if you like to go fishing.

Northeast

Mississippi River Pools 9 to 15: Ice conditions on Pools 9-11 are solid with 24 inches of ice on most backwaters. Ice fishing has been slower over the past week. On Pool 10 Bussey Lake reports slow fishing except right before dark with a few crappies being caught. The spillway above Harper's Ferry has had slow to good fishing with a few crappies being caught there also. Due to the ice cover there has been no open water fishing for walleye at lock and dam 10 in Guttenberg.

Northeast

Mississippi River Pools 9 to 15: Ice conditions remain solid with 12 to 18 inches of ice in most areas. Cold weather forecast for this week should only strengthen ice. The cold weather has iced in the DNR ramp in Guttenberg and due to the ice pack open water fishing for walleye is not recommended at this time. Anglers can call the DNR office in Guttenberg for ice conditions if the weather improves. In lower Pool 11, Sunfish Lake has been very popular with slow to good fishing and some nice yellow perch being caught. In Pool 10, Bussey Lake has been good in the late afternoon for bluegills. Methodist Lake in the Sny Magill area has had mixed reports with slow to good fishing for bluegills and some nice crappies. Near Harpers Ferry, Joyce Lake is slow to good fishing with a mixed bag of bluegill and crappie and anglers have reported a few nice crappie near the spillway. In Pool 9 Shore Slough has reported good fishing and Fish Lake near New Albin has been popular.

It is with great pleasure and excitement that I have the opportunity to present the inaugural issue of MARLIN WORLD.

LINK TO MAGAZINE: http://viewer.zmags.com/showmag.php?mid=pgptf

1. Click anywhere on the screen to ZOOM in and read.

The idea for Outdoorsman Exchange came about in an instant, but in a way it was sometime in the making – we just didn’t realize it at the time.

For years my husband, Paul, has wanted to go on an elk hunt. I’ve encouraged him many times. He and his brothers talk how they should all go elk hunting out west with their Dad before age took its toll on him. Pursuit of that dream sounded good but there was always the financial reality check that held my husband back. He couldn’t justify spending money on a guided hunting trip and felt a guided trip was the only way to go for a successful hunt. This voice inside kept telling him - we need to save money for more sensible things like kids braces, college funds, etc. Most everyone can relate to these thoughts, unless you’re an heir to a fortune.