I have always been a firm believer that fishing and drinking do not mix. Being out on the water in a small boat with a fishing buddy or two and swinging sharp hooks over each other's heads seems dangerous enough without adding alcohol to the equation. Besides, if you take fishing seriously then it requires a certain amount of concentration and attention to detail - both of which I don't have after a few drinks. I never thought that this opinion would change, but today I was introduced to a new product that bent the rules.

The Booze Bait is a unique fishing lure made from a wine cork and a beer bottle cap. It's a simple top water popper with the cork as the body and the cap attached to the front to create the popping sound. It's an innovative way for anglers to recycle their corks and beer caps. Page Skelton, the creator of the Booze Bait, is even offering a free lure when you trade in 75 or more used corks and caps.

"The exchange program offers folks a fun incentive to recycle items that are normally thrown away," says Skelton. "Plus, it's a great way for people to try our fishing lure or pass it along to the fisherman in their lives!"

To participate in Booze Bait's recycling program, simply send mixed quantities of 75 or more used wine corks and beer bottle caps to:

The Booze Bait Fishing Lure Company
P.O. Box 4901
Chapel Hill, NC 27515

For more information about Booze Bait cork & cap fishing lures, log onto www.BoozeBait.com.

Finally, fishing and booze have found a way to safely mix on the water!