Woods & Waters Magazine marked it’s 35th anniversary in 2022. It was begun in 1987 by A.J. Balita to address a need to provide fishing and hunting information as well as assist hunting and fishing product retailers, guides, destinations, outdoor service providers and product marketers/manufacturers reach a targeted user group.
Balita hired current Publisher C.C. McCotter in 1993 as an account manager and graphic designer. The 24-year-old worked his way to Associate Editor in seven years learning all aspects of the business and purchased the publication January 1, 2001. McCotter is an award-winning outdoor writer, guide, designer, hunter, shooting enthusiast, photographer and videographer with a knack for finding a good outdoor story and a passion for bringing it to others to share the experience.
After taking the helm of W2 he instituted a number of changes including the creation of special sections in the publication that targeted specific audiences. Bass tournament anglers have the Tournament Results Pages. Adventure seekers thrill to peruse the Destination File and Bucket List Series. Wingshooting enthusiasts enjoy a monthly column from Kate Ahnstrom. River fishing lovers experience River Fishing with noted guide Sam Scott. Smallmouth and largemouth bass anglers tune in to read The Smallmouth King column featuring respected guide Chris Gorsuch and Steve Chaconas’ column Hook, Line & Thinker. McCotter has also fostered contributions from talented and award-winning staff writers like Dr. Peter Brookes, Aaron Ball, Capt. Pete Wallace, Robert Runnett and others.
A special Destinations section featuring rental accommodations and real estate was established by McCotter that offers readers places to stay on their adventures as well as outstanding real estate options. Tide/Moon Charts, an extensive Calendar of Events and Regional Focus Reports from around the state written by local experts are all part of the upgraded Woods & Waters.
More recently, McCotter created a popular line of Woods & Waters Outfitters apparel to further position the brand, expanded into social media and will begin to draw on 35 years of outdoor contacts with a new YouTube channel with the goal of creating unique and inspiring outdoor content with the assistance of a new Digital Content Manager.
You can reach McCotter via email at woodsandwateramgazine@gmail.com.
