Pennsylvania

The Keystone State s Official Fishing and Boating Magazine STRAIGHT

TALK On October 9, 1983, James G. Watt resigned as Secretary of the Interior. His resignation was long overdue, but in the final furor, caused by his own insensitive remarks, his real record was obscured. President Reagan said at the time that he "feels that (Watt) has completed the principal objectives that he and 1 agreed upon." The President went on to state, "Jim has done an outstanding job as a member of my Cabinet, and in his stewardship of the natural resources of the nation. He has initiated a careful balance between the needs of the people and the importance of protecting the environment." When Mr. Watt first came into office about 21/: years ago, we said up front that we would give anyone the benefit of the doubt—in spite of trepidations caused by his previous reputation. Mr. Watt began to push his doctrine of deregulation and exploitation of the country's natural resources, much of which has been saved only by actions of a responsible Congress reacting to public outcry. At one point. Watt responded to critics of his environmental policies by stating that they were "pursuing the greater objective of the central control of society as the Nazis and Bolsheviks did." Selling almost 2 billion tons of coal reserves in one Tire sale," he cut the price of minimum acceptable bids almost in half to guarantee some interest from the coal industry, and sacrificed fair market values to avoid the embarrassment of unsuccessful sales. Such irresponsible actions had one definite effect—they drew down SECRETARIES prices and had a significant adverse economic impact. Mr. Watt was quoted as saying, "We will use the budget system to be the excuse to make OF THE major policy decisions," and in fact, he was successful in gutting a number INTERIOR of laws without any actual changes in the legislation. One of Mr. Watt's tactics was to drive a wedge between his opposition by courting hunters and fishermen at the expense of the environmental purists. Calling these the "hook and bullet boys," he deliberately provoked adversaries by describing how his love of nature had been nourished by a snowmobile trip to the mountains. Well, Mr. Watt has gone; and in his place we now see Judge William Clark, former national security advisor to the President, nominated with probable confirmation. Recognizing that the policies Mr. Watt has implemented were those of the President who appointed him, we have to believe Mr. Clark's position will be very much the same, even if perhaps not attended by such an arrogant attitude. This is the same president who during a controversy surrounding the preservation of California redwoods was quoted as saying, "If you've seen one, you've seen them all." We don't see any point in wasting time giving the new Secretary ot the Interior the benefit of any doubt—we think we're going to see the dismemberment of public lands continue and exploitation for the benefit of developers accelerate. We have to add one more observation—something else is lost. Hundreds of professional employees in the Department of the Interior have survived these 2'/2 years only by being survivors, and those who do not toe the line have been ruthlessly cast out. Those dedicated public servants who continue to pursue the ethic of conservation in-the Department do so at their own risk. They need to be nurtured and protected until it is all put back right again

Pennsylvania Angler $m "Pennsylvania

DECEMBER 1983 VOL. 52 NO. 12 Official Publication of the Pennsylvania Fish Commission

4 Winter Trout by David A. Wonder lich Here's how you can experience good action on all approved trout waters during the extended season.

8 Jeb Burrows and the Green Peril by Will Ackerman The main character's "Green-Peril" affliction may exist in each of us, so this story is a valuable lesson for all conservationists.

13 Mini-Spoons for an Ice Fishing Bonanza by Ray Matousek The author shows you how to make a tiny lure for big ice fishing success.

15 Mold Your Own Sinkers by C. Boyd Pfeiffer Here's the bottom line on making this kind of tackle. Now you can maintain a large supply at a reasonable cost.

18 Selecting Hackle by Chauncy K. Lively You can really stick your neck out and chance the quality of much hackle. Your hard-earned cash is worth more than that, so here are tips on choosing the best capes for your flies.

26 Newton Lake: Northeastern Pennsylvania's Panfish Hotspot by Gerry Kingdom Perch, bluegills, and pickerel highlight the hard-water action at this waterway, and the author explains how to catch 'em.

Straight Talk 2 Anglers Currents 20 The Law and You 20 Notes from the Streams 21 The (Over Anglers Notebook 22 Mail 23 Boating 25 Profile 30

Nautical niceties page 25 Racing to a flag-waving tip-up is just one bit of excitement that's part of the holiday season. This Staff month's cover, photographed by Tom Fegely, captures that seasonal spirit. For additional timely topics, turn EDITOR Art Michaels to pages 4, 13, and 26. GRAPHICS Ted Walke ART Tom Duran PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION BOATING ADVISORY PHOTOGRAPHER Russ Gettig J. Wayne Yorks, President BOARD CIRCULATION Eleanor Mutch Benton STAFF ASSISTANT Jayne Povleski Ross J. Huhn, Vice President Clayton Buchanan, Chairman Saltsburg Pittsburgh Marilyn Black Calvin J. Kern Nicholas Apfl POSTMASTER: Send 3579 forms to Pennsylvania Fish Meadville Whitehall Fairless Hills Commission, P.O. Box 1673. Harrisburg, PA 17105- Walter F. Gibbs Robert L. Martin Charles Chattaway '673. Pennsylvania Angler (1SSN0031-434X), * 1983. is Titusville Bellefonte Monongahela Published monthly. Second class postage paid at Harris­ Leonard A. Green Theodore T. Metzger, Jr. Sherwood Krum burg, PA. Subscription rates: one year. $5: three years. $H; single copies are SOc each. For subscription and Carlisle Johnstown Hawley Change of address, contact Angler Circulation. Penn­ Jerome E. Southerton Leon Lyon sylvania Fish Commission. P.O. Box 1673. Harrisburg. Honesdale Bellefonte PA 17105-1673. Address all other correspondence to: The Editor. Pennsylvania Angler. P.O. Box 1673. Harrisburg. PA 17105-1673.

Winder

by David A. Wonderlich

photos by the author

here the dogwoods blossomed against the green pastels of spring and laurel greeted the angler in fragrant mountainside bouquets, there are noWw snow and barren limbs silhouetted against the cold sky. Where the mayflies danced and the slurping trout fed, only the rippling water and the voice of winter in the pines remain. Beneath this frozen, dormant facade life still pulses. Leaf-green scarlet-spotted trout hold in the deeper, slower current: waiting, watching, ready. Since the Pennsylvania Fish Commission opened trout fishing year-round in some waterways, more and more anglers dressed in down parkas and felt-lined boots have found a fishing experience that few appreciate: winter trout fishing in open water. Where to fish You must first determine which streams are the best bet for winter trout. Creeks in which temperatures warm above the 75-degree mark during the summer are only marginally productive in winter. Although many anglers consider this type of water to be void of trout until the hatchery truck arrives the following spring, the area contains an occasional trout. As the water temperatures drop in the fall, trout populations that survived the summer months in cold, deep spring seeps redistribute and again occupy the runs, pools, and pocket water they inhabited earlier. The drawback here is that water is the first to freeze over for the same reason it warmed to 75 F. or 80°F. in the summer: it is wide, slow for long stretches, and open. Another group of streams where winter trout fishing could be productive includes stream tributaries to fall/winter trout-stocked lakes or those streams to which these lakes discharge.

December 1983 Approved trout water Streams and runs (smaller water) with a faster flow corn, cheese, salmon eggs, wet flies, nymphs, streamers. usually have long sections completely free of ice. If the and spinners all take winter trout. But they must be fished stream stays below 70° F. in the summer and is listed in deeply and as slowly as possible. the Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws as In addition to the various baits and spinners, productive approved trout water and downstream areas, you have wets and nymphs include (in sizes 12 and 14) the Adams. found a prime-candidate waterway for winter trout. Along Hare's Ear, and Lead-Winged Coachman. The streamer with the approved trout waters and downstream areas, the that may be the top producer for both freestone and handbook also contains listings and locations for trophy limestone waters is the Wooly Bugger. Tied in black, trout areas, fly-fishing sections, and catch-and-release green, white, yellow, red, and brown with black or body- areas. Because of the stream standards and fish matching palmered hackle, this offering is the fly for populations necessary to be classified as a special winter trout. Freestone trout seem to prefer the white and regulation area, these are all excellent winter trout fishing more subdued, darker colors with black hackle. The locations. However, you can creel trout only in certain limestone trout like the brighter colors and badger or stream sections during the extended season. Consult your matching hackle. Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws to be certain Fly fishermen need their floating line when drifting size you observe the regulations in each waterway you fish. 16 or 18 shrimp and scud patterns on limestone water, and Once you have located the trout stream of your choice, when presenting the black slate-winged stone fly (size 16) you'll notice it is on the low side and crystal clear (except during the hatch on sunny days, beginning at the end of for limestone waters). The level has dropped since its January on freestone water. height during rainfalls, but it is not at the low levels of Trout are cold blooded; with the water temperature August. Take care to approach the stream just as you around 34° F. to 38° F. They have a very slow would in low, summer water so the trout aren't spooked. metabolism that allows them to exist on very little food. A low profile on sunny days is also a must; your shadow They move more slowly and usually won't travel far for a across a pool quickly erases any chances you had of meal, although they won't pass up an appropriate bait connecting with a trout. drifted slowly by. For success, work an area completely before moving on. Baits and flies Begin with short casts and increase the distance with each The key to catching winter trout is not what you use, cast to be sure your offering is presented close enough to but how you use it. Redworms, mealworms, minnows. tempt the holding trout.

>— -* ,i

r4t<*Lra38fc >' Strikes Keep in mind that the trout are in water where they expend the least amount of energy, have protection, and where food drifts by. Slowly and deliberately work the offering through the bottom of deeper runs, along undercut banks, and in pools. Do it several times to cover the water adequately, and feel for light hits. When you think you feel a strike, set the hook. Winter trout strike softly and may feel as if the bait were striking the bottom. If you feel the bouncing and strike with no success, your bait and presentation is doing what it is supposed to do. Keep striking; there is a good chance that the next "bounce" will be a trout.

Dress code Dress warmly! I like to wear hip boots with several pairs of wool socks. If I'm going to fish a walking stretch I wear layers of wool covered with my hooded raincoat for protection from the wind. In this way I remain comfortable without sweating. If I fish a long pool where 1 won't do much walking. I use my down parka and felt- lined boots to stay warm. In either case, gloves are a must; take along an extra pair because the first pair will eventually get wet. A warm hat to cover your ears is also important. It is best to stay out of the water, not venture too far from the car, and always fish with a friend. You can slowly "get used to" colder temperatures, expend more energy than you realize, and find yourself afflicted with hypothermia. Common-sense rules of staying warm, dry, having a companion, and not overdoing it should keep you out of trouble. When you see the deep reds, blues, and greens of winter trout, and experience their numbers and willingness to strike, and when they hit and fight and splash against the background of white, you may find yourself among the growing numbers who enjoy the barren wood along the How you fish your baits, flies, and lures is the key to open stream, fishing for winter trotit. [PA] winter trout fishing success. Work a spot completely before moving on, and begin with short casts, increasing the distance with each cast to be sure your David A. Wonderlich is a freelance writer-photographer offering is placed close enough to waiting fish. and avid—year-round—trout fisherman. December 1983 7 •**»&• drawings by Ralph Phillips hat was the year that Old Man Burrows declared his private war on the frogs. It was a war touched off he war raged on. Frogs aren't necessarily among Tby misunderstanding and a woeful lack of Tnature's honor students, but even frogs are likely to communication. The frogs were only doing what frogs do cozy up to the idea that something is amiss when one best: pursuing what little they had in life to enjoy and minute they're rolling along as a quartet, belting out four- bragging about it. What Mr. Burrows heard all the sleepless part harmony, then a trio, then a duet . . . night as nothing but an irritating, cacophonous racket was Even frogs catch on, so Jeb began to find the pickings actually a bassooning chorus of basal froggy voices raised steadily harder to get. At first he thought he was winning, in tribute to the sweetness of good, clean, insect-laden life. thinning them out to extinction, but as soon as he docked But to Jeb they were just very noisy frogs, and no his boat and tried to snore away the rest of the night, argument to the contrary was likely to change his mind. So there'd begin for all the world to hear a resonating with a firmly set thick chin, he resolved to rid himself once testimonial that the frogs not only were not beaten, but and for all of the Green Peril. were in rarer voice than ever. They were not to be gotten For the first few weeks of open hostilities, little was seen rid of easily, and the conflict raged on. of Jeb, but much was heard, by word of deed and by direct After two months of pitch-and-wane warfare, it became association with the frequent shotgun blasts that audibly apparent to Jeb that he would have to enlist the aid punctuated the evenings. Naturally, what he was doing was of an ally, if he were to have any chance of victory before well outside the good graces of the law, but to correct the winter set in. The hideous vision of those froggy survivors offense one must first catch the offender, and no one setting about their repopulation program next spring would (outside of the frogs) knew the bends and sanctuaries of have kept him awake nights even if they (the survivors) that stretch of water better than Jeb. hadn't. The problem faced was where to look. 8 Pennsylvania Angler L Frog dogs, frog hawks, frog traps, electronic frog irradicators, anti-frog mines, frog cats, vast networks of frog nets, scarefrogs, bacteriological frog warfare, creek- spanning frog fences. Nothing seemed right. Nothing was just what Jeb felt he was searching for. He was stalemated For the first few weeks of open and stymied. hostilities, much was heard, by inally, one bright autumn day when everything about Fhim blazed in fall glory and Jeb was weary with word of deed and by direct associ­ gloom, he chanced to observe an obscure, underpublicized natural law in action. His situation took on a sudden, ation with the frequent shotgun dramatic change. It happened while he was hunkered on blasts that punctuated the eve­ the rotting back steps of his rotting back stoop. He was staring idly at the dirt, mixed pebbles, and trash on his nings. lawn when a small red ant happened along and caught his attention. The ant skittered in short anxious bursts, its antennae testing and twitching from side to side as it navigated through the rubble, apparently worried about There seemed three likely untapped reservoirs of something. Suddenly, a much larger black ant hopped assistance available to Jeb. He had either to find someone, from where it had been lurking behind a beer bottle cap or someones, who hated frogs with anything approaching and greeted its little cousin with a quick snipping embrace his enlightened passion, or he had to find someone willing that left two small red halves wiggling unhappily in the to accept an extremely nominal bounty for hunting them dust. down. Or he had to find a natural enemy. At first shocked by the insidiousness of the treachery, The first possibility he eliminated almost immediately. Jeb slowly saw the light. Like the gentle tickle of a June Like any member of a grand new movement, he was keenly cloudburst he was inspired. He raised his face to the sky, aware of the loneliness at the front. It would be some time overwhelmed, his hands quivering and eyes blazing. before the rest of the world caught up to his cries of "Territoriality! Of course! That's the answer. That's warning. what it's all about." Jeb wasn't too sure just how territorial ption two seemed the easiest because his neighborhood frogs actually were, but if the usurper was larger enough, Owas fraught with bands of mercenaries, generically terrible enough, threatening enough ... He pushed up to called "teenagers," who would do just about anything for a his feet with renewed enthusiasm and scurried into the price—provided they didn't run the risk of manual labor. house. Jeb felt a few pangs of guilt about unleashing that kind of For five days and five nights, nervous frogs paid careful heartless pestilence on much of anything—even frogs—but visits to one another discussing the obvious absence of as it worked out, his remorse was too early spent, because, their most obvious enemy. Where could he be? What was other than frogs, there were few around as patently poverty he up to? They even considered sending a contingent up to stricken as Jeb. Whatever the price, he didn't have it. his house to see if some misery had befallen him. His "Natural enemy?" pondered Jeb. He scratched his missing had taken a lot of the fun—or at least much of pink, thinning scalp. Actually, he realized, "enemy" was the challenge—out of their nocturnal jam sessions. inappropriate. What he was really looking for was a "frog Then, on the rainy evening of the sixth day. a most lover." Something that loved the whole frog or just parts; horrible, astounding arrival waddled up to the creek raw, boiled, fried, or diced; ala carte, under glass, garnished banks. The frazzled frogs watched, while whatever-it-was or bare; as an appetizer, entree, dessert, or midnight snack. stopped, making a noise that sounded like someone He needed to locate something that just had a yen for frogs beating an empty 60-gallon drum with a 12-pound carp. and a virtually insatiable appetite. Also—and herein lay the problem- something that he could, at least in part, control. He knew fish like frogs. Jeb considered one of the sweetest sounds in the unblemished wilds that of a five- pound smallmouth bass taking a victory jump after Frog dogs, frog hawks, frog traps, catching up to a frantic, errant, and ultimately, digested frog. But fish would be difficult to train, and besides, they electronic frog irradicators, anti- had their limitations. Frogs might not be too cerebral, but frog mines, scarefrogs—Nothing even they know enough to get out of the pot when the soup's on and it'd take a mighty hungry fish to follow one seemed right. up onto land. That idea seemed out. Birds? The only bird he had ever actually seen eat a frog was a crane or heron (Jeb could never sort those two out), but either way they were in pretty Short supply. He paused, wistfully savoring the vision of a frog thrashing its last few kicks from where it was shish-kebobbed on the end of an epee-like beak. But he sighed; they seemed out, too. December 1983 9 The thing was immense (by frog standards), shaped like a huge green fig with brown and orange spots, flippers front and back, yellow glowing eyes, and a red mouth that didn't seem to move when it croaked or belched or did The thing was immense, shaped whatever it was that it was doing. ost of the older, wiser frogs didn't need any more like a huge, green fig with brown Mthan one look and a quick listen to know that the neighborhood was going to pieces, and in no time at all and orange spots, flippers front they were breaststroking down the creek for less crowded and back, yellow glowing eyes, pastures. Those few left were packing lunch for the trip. One brash youngster decided to go up to the large and a red mouth. intruder and see if it was as forbidding as it looked. A narrow miss and a mad dash later he decided against a second try. That thing might look something like a gigantic frog, but it was very low on amphibian amenities. Quiet descended on the creek, and it was the most fter trying a few likely looking spots, and skiing back beautiful thing that Jeb had ever not heard. Ainto the waiting clutches of the creek, Jeb grudgingly "Rrruuperrttt," he called, tantalizing the silence. Nothing accepted that to get out he would have to swim back called back. "Rrruuperrttt?"he asked. Still nothing but the upstream against the current to his dock, or go gentle pittering of the raindrops skipping off the downstream a few hundred feet, where the banks were surrounding leaves. lower. The second choice was the farthest but seemed the Jeb cautiously allowed himself some hope. He hopped easiest, and though he might be seen trying to sneak home forward, blatted again, took another step, hit some slick from that far away, he was pretty well-disguised and there mud, and went into a flapping freefall down the greasy were few people around who would admit to seeing a 5- bank. "Rrruu . . . Splurt!. . . perrttt." foot, 8-inch frog strolling through town—even during a As the icy water of the creek engulfed him, Jeb storm. And off he stroked. experienced the brief fear that "silence" was going to be a A short time later Jeb was about halfway to his commodity he would have a large supply of for a very long destination and happily enjoying the almost complete time. Fortunately, however, the suit he constructed to absence of frog noise, when human voices began to skip bamboozle the frogs was generously padded with foam across the water toward him. By rolling onto one side he rubber, to give him the proper proportions, and his turned his stationary frog head enough to make out a light flippers were real. So in no time he was doggy—or and a rowboat with two occupants headed his way. froggy—paddling around on the surface, trying to figure "Ma Garsh!" the occupant in the bow of the boat cried out a way back up the slimy, nearly vertical bank. hoarsely. He pointed a lethal-looking trident in Jeb's direction. "Percy, lookee there." A shaft of light from his imbo Bhoar took aim down the valley of the twin flashlight shot through the night and stabbed Jeb in the J barrels. "Never you mind 'bout no noise," he said eyes. "If'n that there ain't the most grandee frog critter ah confidently. "That idiot Burrows bin shootin' off so much ever seed, ah ain't never seed on. An' you know ah know lately, ever' one'11 jist thank it's him." ma frog critters when ah see 'urn." "OH BOY!" Jeb dug for the bed of the creek just as Percy, the one manning the oars, glanced over his Jimbo accidentally pulled both triggers of his shotgun. A shoulder at what his partner was eyeing. He did a roar chased through the night, blowing a hole in the disbelieving double take. "Yup, Jimbo, that's shore "bout water—exactly where Jeb had just vacated—and recoiling the biggest frog ah ever seed," he quickly agreed. "Do ya Bhoar over his partner, over the lantern, and into the wanna go over an' skewer it?" bottom of the boat. eb groaned, "Oh no . . . It's Jimbo Bhoar and his crony After they untangled, Percy remanned the oars and Jin crime, Percy Hatch, the two biggest poachers ever to excitedly pulled the boat over to the place where their dynamite a trout hole. And they think I'm a frog." But of target had been. course they think it—that's precisely what he was "Thar!" shouted Jimbo. He pointed to some remains supposed to be, he reminded himself. Sweat began to pour that popped to the surface a few feet away. generously down Jeb's face and curl into his tilted nose as "A knowed ah got 'im! Ah knowed it!' he feverishly tried to think of what to do. "Now don't that beat a egg?" In the dim, lemony glow of the lantern he saw Jimbo Percy asked, when they fished put the fierce-looking gig away. "Thank heaven for that, their "kill" from the water. anyway," muttered Jeb. "Looks ta me lak ya "I'll hafta use ma gun on 'im," said Jimbo. "He's too blowed the skin clean darn big ta stick. Might jist get 'im mad." He lifted what off'n the darn looked to Jeb like a double-barreled bazooka from the thing, bottom of the boat. Jimbo." "Jimbo! It's me! Jeb Burrows!" screamed Jeb. "It's me!" But on the outside the sound his pleading made filtering through the nose holes was, "Aaaataack ooots mmm..., etc." "Listen to that thing," growled Percy, as they neared to within 10 feet of Jeb's frantic flailing body. "Sounds ta me lak it's gittin' set ta charge, Jimbo. But do ya thank ya otta use that there piece? It'll make a awful lotta noise." *,} TURTLES of Fiuiflnnii

"OH BOY!!" Jeb dug for the creek bed just as Jimbo accidentally pulled both triggers of his shotgun.

Sure enough, stuck on the end of Jimbo's gig was what appeared to be the headless skin of the biggest frog ever seen by mortal man—or by Jimbo and Percy. The two poachers continued hunting for a while, grumbling dejectedly and complaining to each other, but they soon left, whining heartily about the enormous prize that had eluded them this night. idden in the brush, a naked Jeb Burrows machine- Hgunned a long sigh of relief through violently chattering teeth as he watched and listened to them row off. It had been swelteringly uncomfortable inside the frog suit, and now that it was gone, the only things he had to keep himself warm were indignation and pride. Both were Publications on rapidly floating away. He looked miserably downstream where another hundred feet of liquid ice lay ahead of him Reptiles and Amphibians and then a long streak home. "So much for a disguise," he groaned. But the possibility of a night in the pokey for indecent exposure Jeb and the green peril aside, the Fish Commission didn't stack up as all that bad beside staying there and has available several informative, educational turning purple. So off he determinedly splashed. publications on reptiles and amphibians. First. Pennsylvania Reptiles and Amphibians is a 26-page Some good will surface of nearly anything, if picked booklet illustrated with black-and-white pictures that carefully enough through. Thus it was with Jeb Burrows identifies and describes the 21 species of snakes, 14 and his experiences of that fateful evening. The hostilities species of turtles, four species of lizards, 21 species of were put on indefinite hold. He still didn't care much for salamanders, and of course, the 15 species of frogs the cherubbing racket that the frogs made—that much found within the Commonwealth. This book is hadn't changed—but having been there himself for a time, available postpaid for 50c. Jeb could at least and at last reluctantly agree that frogs just might have some reason to sing after all. \7Z] Full-color wall charts, which measure 17 inches by 22 inches, are also available. These include "Frogs of Pennsylvania," "Snakes of Pennsylvania," "Turtles of Pennsylvania," and "Salamanders of Pennsylvania," and each contains the excellent artwork of Fish Commission artist Tom Duran. These charts are suitable for framing. Each is available for $1.50 postpaid. To order these publications, make checks or money orders payable to Pennsylvania Fish Commission, and send orders to: Publications Section, Pennsylvania Fish Commission, P.O. Box 1673. Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673. Be sure your name and address appear both on your check and on your request. For additional information on reptiles and amphibians, be sure to consult your Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws.

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12 Pennsylvania Angler mini-spoons for an Ice Fishing Bonanza by Ray Matousek Photos by the author

ne of my favorite fishing seasons begins when the O water turns hard. My favorite species at this time of year are the ever-present panfish, and the most successful, fun way to take these fish is with a tiny bobber over a mini-spoon. What is a mini-spoon? It is basically a weighted hook that is dressed a bit to entice fish. also different dressings. Some have more than the float rocking from side Mini-spoons have as many names rubber legs while others have a tad of to side in the hole. Other days fish as any one lure could—Ice flies, hair to make them more appealing. I just seem to inhale the bait as the panfish spoons. Pin Mins, and have been successful with both plain bobber dips once or twice before weighted hooks. Although most mini-spoons and those with rubber completely submerging. There have effective through the ice, they can legs. In most cases, the legs are about been times when my dad left his rod also be used in open water. an inch long. This works fine much unattended and returned to find the of the time, but I have found that outfit gone. We like to think it was Great variety trimming the legs down to a quarter- something big that grabbed hold and Mini-spoons have many shapes and inch or half-inch makes the lure made the gear disappear. After seeing sizes. Most are designed on size 10 or appear quite smaller and more 'gills when they're hungry, I think 12 hooks. Depending on the shape of appealing to slowed-down winter fish. one just grabbed the bait and ran; the body, they react differently Sometimes the long pulsating legs slippery ice aided the thievery. underwater. Some are scoop-shaped tantalize fish into striking. A friend who surely catches his to give a rocking motion when they These lures work on bluegills, share of panfish with mini-spoons fall to the bottom or while they are crappies, and trout. For these species would rather not fish with a float. He jigged, and others have just a straight the mini-spoons are best tipped with jigs and depends on his sense of feel up-and-down movement when they some type of scaled-down bait, and 1 for setting the hook in a bait thief. are twitched. Some look like a find maggots to be most productive. The method works. However, when splitshot on the hook; others appear Some prefer using wax worms for using them in this manner, a short, as ants or have a round or oval good catches. I am not disputing stiff rod is best. It transmits the tap a shape. their use, but my tally sheet scores lot quicker than does its longer, The different shapes, and especially highest when maggots are the softer counterpart, but this method sizes, can spell the difference between mainstay of my bait. Any bait that removes some of the sport after the taking fish and returning home you might use on a plain hook for fish is hooked. You must decide on skunked. 1 recommend your having a these fish will work. Some anglers the method that suits you best. selection of colors and sizes. Over the prefer mousies, and I have used years I have found that color is them, too, but with poor results. Rods and line usually more important than shape or I always use soft rods with mini- size. Fluorescent orange and Bobbers spoons and bobbers, and little fish chartreuse are by far most popular, When ice fishing with mini-spoons, give a good accounting of themselves but you can't make fish hit something 1 like to use a bobber to keep the with two-pound-test line. they don't want. It is far easier to lure in the fish zone. There are few When you use this method of switch than fight. things in this world that excite me bobber fishing, keep the line straight more than a bobber coming to life as between the bait and float. A kinked Best dressings a fish tampers with the offering. At line lets the fish play with the bait. Besides shapes and sizes, there are times this movement will be nothing Furthermore, should there be a need December 1983 13 for added weight to get the lure color. If you're using the wire, wrap tie a three-foot, clear leader on the end. down, put it on the hook. If that isn't it around the hook until there is suitable, add a dropper line and put enough to weight it as much as you Baiting up the splitshot onto that line. Otherwise like. These also can be painted. For When baiting mini-spoons there the fish will be able to feed without added flash, wrap a piece of aren't any hard-and-fast rules, but 1 your knowledge. aluminum foil around the shot or have my favorite way. When 1 use We don't know what's on the wire, instead of painting. You can maggots, I slip a couple of them minds of fish in their ice-darkened also use tin for making mini-spoons, through the side and slide them world, but it does seem that but be careful not to cut yourself around to the body of the lure. The occasionally they will take only the when wrapping it around the hook. third one goes on lengthwise. 1 have smallest offerings. There have been a There is also danger when baiting up found that this one should cover the few times when even the standard- with cold hands. A little slip and point of the hook. It seems that few sized mini-spoons are too large to your own blood might sweeten the pay attention to this idea. 1 have entice a fish into striking. The bait. spent long periods after a bite when 1 smallest spoons available are really Any of these spoons works best didn't check the bait. Inevitably, tiny and can be a problem to get to with light line—the lighter the better. when 1 brought it up, the point was sink to the bottom. I have seen some 1 favor two-pound monofilament for exposed. It may be my imagination big fish fall prey to these sub- most endeavors with panfish. With but bluegills avoid hooks if that point miniature spoons, so when things are light rods a bluegill is quite a is showing. When hooking up a wax slow be sure to give them a try. challenge. Although 1 prefer clear worm. I use only one, and I slide it Trilene for most of my angling, two- onto the hook from one end and slip Making mini-spoons pound-test golden Stren can be useful it on as far as it will go. In both They can be made with a few on the ice. Blowing wind and many cases, be sure the maggot or wax inexpensive items. 1 prefer buying dark, dismal days and nighttime ice worm goes beyond the barb. mine because they don't cost that fishing makes clear line disappear Otherwise it will slip right off. much. To put them together yourself whenever you try to change baits or When safe ice forms on Keystone you'll need some small hooks, when it gets caught on something. State waterways, take a few of these splitshot, and some wire. The Yellow line is definitely easier to find. mini-spoons, a box of maggots, and splitshot can be clamped right onto For those who feel fish are sensitive see if you can improve your ice the hook and painted a favorite to yellow line, use it on the reel and fishing catches. | PA]

14 Pennsylvania Angler // you use sinkers, here s how to save money and greatly increase your supply. MOLD T@yt ©mm mwm by C. Boyd Pfeiffer

Tools and materials necessary for molding sinkers include a melting pot, a ladle, molds, lead, gloves, and eyes or swivels for some molds.

I photos by the author et some scrap lead and a sinker mold in the sizes and styles of sinkers you use most often, and you can be set with a lifetime supply company, or at low cost from junkyards available from tackle stores and mail of sinkers. Never mind the fluctuations or plumbing supply houses, you can order fishing supply houses. Molds of price and availability that occur at make sinkers for pennies each. One nice should have wood handles for easy tackle stores. thing about making sinkers is that they manipulation and multiple cavities to Molding sinkers is as easy as any require only inexpensive molds; they do make the maximum number of sinkers tackle making, and the savings can be not have to be perfect, as do molded with each pouring. Molds are available considerable. Sinkers generally sell for bucktails, and they can be made quickly that let you make all types of sinkers, about 15c to 19c an ounce, with some in quantity and stored until needed. including bank, pyramid, egg, splitshot, specialized types costing much more. clinch, flat, snagless, trolling, and Still, for the cost of scrap lead, often Basics others. Some sinkers can be molded available free as wheel weights from To make your own sinkers you need without additions or inserts, while garages, cable sheathing from the phone a mold. Inexpensive molds are readily others require either inserts of an eye or December 1983 15 Blackening a mold cavity with a candle flame helps dissipate the heat and form more perfect castings.

swivel. Others like splitshot, worm weight, or egg sinker molds come with a core rod or plate to form the slot or hole in the sinker automatically. Lead While any readily available lead or lead alloy (such as wheel weights or printer's metal) works for most larger sinkers, use the softer, easier pouring lead for molding smaller sinkers for more complete cavity filling. For sinkers that are bent onto line, such as clinch or splitshot sinkers, the softer lead allows easy use and re-use while fishing. In molding sinkers, work with several molds, preferably with a friend. In this way one of you can pour the molten lead into the mold while the other Placing barrel swivels into a bass-casting sinker mold. These swivels form the empties the molds and adds the core eyes of the sinkers. Many other molds form their own eyes with lead—swivels rods or insert eyes if required. are not required. Getting started Begin by melting the lead in a plumber's pot, self-heating pot, or old. small, cooking pot. If you use one of the lead alloys, work with a small spoon to remove any slag metal wheel clamps or dirt from the top of the molten lead. Wait until the lead has a purplish sheen and is completely liquid.

Safety Because lead gives off fumes while molten, be sure to allow for adequate ventilation by opening windows or turning on a kitchen fan if working indoors, or work on a camp stove outdoors. Also, for safety's sake, make sure that dogs, cats, and children are not in the area. Use a mask, too, so you don't breathe the fumes. While you are heating the lead, place the molds on low heat to warm them Pouring the molten lead into the sinker mold with a ladle. partially. Pouring lead into a cold mold creates incomplete castings. Do not overheat, which could warp the mold and invalidate any manufacturer's war­ ranty.

16 Pennsylvania Angler Mold with castings of worm sinkers with the core rod still in place.

Molten lead Once the lead is molten and the molds warm, add any insert core rods, plates, or any eyes or swivels. Make sure that the eyes or swivels are the right size for the mold. Close the mold, and with a ladle pour the lead into each cavity through the sprue. Pour over a board or thick pad to protect any countertops or surfaces from the heat and spilled lead. When each mold is filled, let it cool for a few minutes before opening. Open the mold and remove the sinkers with pliers, because the lead will still be very hot. Any malformed sinkers can im­ mediately be thrown back into the Sinkers with molded eyes can sometimes hecome slightly Mocked with lead. melting pot for re-use. Use a reamer to clear the eyes quickly and easily. Finishing the job When the sinkers are cold enough, use wire cutters to cut away the sprue portion of the casting, leaving the completed sinker. In some cases, as with bank sinkers using swivels for eyes and trolling sinkers with wire eyes, some cleaning around the eyes might be necessary. Use a wire cutter, knife, or file for this task. Molds with inserts, like the plate for splitshot molds and the core rod in egg sinker molds, require a different treat­ ment. For those molds, lightly oil the core rod and remove the core before opening the mold immediately after pouring. This makes it easy to pull the core completely out to leave finished sinkers. Then open the mold and follow the cleaning instructions as above, if necessary. Sinkers are ready to use as soon as they come out of the mold, and a few hours once a year can give you and your buddies a season's supply. | PAJ Here are finished sinkers of all styles, including egg, hank, pyramid, snagless, bass-casting, and worm kinds. Lead at the right is excess cut from the sinkers at C. Boyd Pfeiffer is the author q/Tackle the sprue holes. Craft, published by Crown Publishers, Inc.

December 1983 17 Of all the materials used in fly Selecting Hackle tying, hackle feathers are perhaps the most versatile. They can be used to represent legs, wings, and tails; and with the barbules trimmed short, they can be used as body ribbing. In most dry flies the hackles, more than any other component, bear the greatest responsibility for the pattern's flotation. They may be vertically wound, collar-style, near the head of the fly or in spaced turns over the length of the body, as in palmers. They may be wound horizontally in a flat plane, either above or below the body, to achieve parachute hackling. Not too many years ago, fly tyers were grumbling about the apparent deterioration of quality in the available dry fly hackles. A cape with true size-22 and size-24 hackles was rare, and when such a treasure was found it was hoarded. Then the so- called "genetic hackle" came on the scene, and suddenly tyers found themselves with superior-quality capes. by Chauncy K. Lively Pioneered by such as the Metz Hatchery in Pennsylvania, several photos by the author poultry growers across the country began to breed selectively for hackle

2. Hen capes provide webby hackles for wet flies. 1. These hackles have identical barbule lengths. The genetic hackle on the right is 3. The dark stripes of furnace about twice as long as the and badger hackles consist of web. imported hackle on the left.

18 Pennsylvania Angler quality, and the results were wet flies. Then brush the barbules For wet flies the hackles should be phenomenal. When Halford back and forth to test their soft and webby. The web absorbs developed his celebrated dry flies in springiness. If they don't spring back water and promotes quick sinking of England around the turn of the readily, they're not what you're the fly while the softness of the barbs century, he advocated a four-to-one looking for. Prime hackles generally allows them to undulate in the ratio of usable hackle length to have a sheen, but this criterion is not current, giving an illusion of life. In barbule length. In 35 years of fly always valid because poor capes addition to hen capes, poor-quality tying before the appearance of genetic sometimes appear shiny. rooster capes often provide suitable hackle, I had never seen a hackle Finding a single cape with wet fly hackle. The latter also serve with a ratio much better than three consistently good quality in its as a source of hackle-point wing to one. Of course, these ratios were hackles over the full range of sizes is material. The small body feathers of computed after the removal of the virtually impossible. If a cape has grouse and partridge are also base web, deducting the portion of midge hackles in quantity, chances excellent as wet fly and nymph the tip held by the hackle pliers. I are it has few good hackles larger hackle. The mottled appearance of now have Metz capes with hackles than size 10, and those with excellent their barbules resembles the legs of showing an incredible ratio of six to large hackles generally have few many subaquatic insect forms, and one. Halford would have been smaller than size 18. they are extremely responsive to ecstatic. Good dry fly hackle should be as moving water. With typically good genetic web-free as possible. All hackle has a Hackles should have a consistent hackle 1 can fully dress a fly, either degree of webbiness, but it should be size relationship with the other parts palmered or collar-style, with a confined to the lower part of the of the fly. For wet flies the barbules single feather. When imports are stem. Exceptions are badger and should be as long as the distance used, the same dressings require furnace hackles whose black center between the hook's eye and its point. two—and sometimes three—hackles. stripes are actually web. Although In conventional dry flies, the barbs What are the qualities of a good not as stiff as non-webby hackles, if may be as long as 1 Vi to two times hackle cape? If you plan to use it these pass the springiness test they the distance of the hook gap. For mainly for dry flies, the barbules are acceptable for dries. If you intend either type, simply hold the cape near should be stiff and resilient. Bend a to dress large-hackled flies like the hook in the vise and bend hackle and touch your lips to the spiders, variants, and skaters, individual hackles until you find the point of the barbules. They should look for spade hackles along the sides correct size. Then pluck the hackle feel firm and prickly. If they feel soft of the cape. Spades are short, broad from the cape, and finish dressing and mushy, they are better suited for hackles with long, stiff barbules. your fly. | p*j

mt 1

!/

^^^8 \ ^ • Jr m

4. Hackle barbules of wet flies should be as long as the 5. Dry fly barbules are as long as V/2 to two times the distance between the hook's eye and its point. hook's gap.

December 1983 19 'ANGLERS CURRENTS

The LAW and YOU % The regulations on areas for amphibian regulations: a ban on exclusive fishing by handicapped introducing nonnative species or persons and children under 12 have subspecies of these animals into the been updated. natural environment of Pennsylvania. Mft * Starting in 1984, a permit will be The changes listed above will be required to hunt timber rattlesnakes. considered again by the Commission. In addition, the sponsors of organized Now is your chance to make reptile and amphibian hunts will be comments, suggestions, or objections by Dennis Guise, Esquire required to obtain permits and make about these proposals. Just write to reports to the Commission. the Executive Director at the address ne of the main respon­ % These and other changes to fishing listed above. sibilities of the Penn­ regulations were adopted after the sylvania Fish Commission is Commission solicited and considered 1984 boating regulations O comments from interested persons to make regulations on fishing and After considering the boating in Pennsylvania. This column and groups. In addition to taking final recommendations of the Boating summarizes some of the new action on the regulations described Advisory Board, the Fish Commission regulations that the Commission has above, the Fish Commission also has adopted several new general and recently considered. If you want more authorized publication of a notice of special boating regulations for 1984. information or wish to make proposed rulemaking with some These include: comments, objections, or suggestions additional revisions to fishing % Authorization for wearing a Type about Fish Commission regulations, regulations to take effect during 1984. V personal flotation device on Fish write to Regulations, c/o Executive The new proposals include: Commission and DER-controlled Director, Pennsylvania Fish % Permitting Lake Erie commercial lakes while engaged in activities such Commission, P.O. Box 1673, fishing license holders to retain as board sailing or kayaking. Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673. walleye accidentally caught during the % New regulations on parasailing. period after June 15 and before the % A new regulation listing several start of the regular commercial prohibited boating practices, including 1984 fishing regulations walleye season on September 20. All The Fish Commission adopted new standing on small boats when under such incidental catches of walleye by way at greater than a slow no-wake fishing regulations for 1984 at its commercial fishing interests must be October 1983 meeting. What's new speed and interfering with marine reported to the Commission and events. for '84'.' count against the walleye quota. At % New special regulations on Crooked % Firewood permits for cutting present the incidental catches may not Creek Lake in Armstrong County, firewood on Fish Commission be kept and do not count against the including a prohibition on swimming property will cost $10. quota. % Trout season will open at 8 a.m. on in the zone where high-speed boating April 14 and bass season in lakes, % Changes to regulations on is allowed. ponds, and reservoirs closes on April organized reptile and amphibian % Establishment or redefining of 13 and reopens on June 16. hunts. The Commission has proposed speed zones on the Delaware River % A daily creel limit of 6 per day has that sponsors of organized reptile and near Tinicum Island, on Shenango been imposed on American shad amphibian hunts provide certificates River Lake, and on Lake taken from the Delaware River and of insurance to indicate the coverage Wallenpaupack. all its tributaries. of their events. In addition, proposed % Changing the speed zones on % A limit for trout on Lake Erie and regulations provide the means for Hammond Lake in Tioga County to its tributaries has been changed to 8 handling competing applications for permit limited waterskiing at certain per day (no more than 2 of which can organized reptile and/or amphibian times with a prohibition on certain be lake trout). hunts that take place in the same over-the-transom and straight-stack- * The use or possession while fishing vicinity within four weeks of one type exhaust boats. of snagging hooks will be prohibited another. The proposed regulations * Limiting waterskiing on Duck state-wide year-round. also list several proposed prohibitions Harbor Pond, Wayne County. % Eel chute regulations are updated for these hunts. If adopted by the Remember that this information is and revised. Commission at a later meeting, only a brief summary of the contents % It will be illegal to fillet fish having sacking contests, free-handling of of new and proposed regulations. The venomous reptiles, physical abuse or a minimum size limit or closed season full text is published in Pennsylvania rough handling of reptiles and while in the field. These fish may be Bulletin, available at most public amphibians, and confining animals field-dressed but the head and tail libraries. For additional information caught in such contests without must remain intact. Fish that don't or to make comments or suggestions, adequate shade and water will all be write to the Executive Director at the have a size limit or closed season may prohibited. be filleted in the field, but a piece of address provided. Finally, the Commission proposed skin must remain on the fish to permit Dennis Guise is the fish one other addition to its reptile and its identification. Commission's Chief Counsel. 20 Pennsylvania Angler PENNSYLVANIA Notes from CPR I received a phone call one evening the Streams from a neighbor who was very dis­ tressed and asked if my wife or 1 knew We are driven polluting a stream, and the president of any "first aid," saying that another Clint Austin, of Freeport, went fish­ the company got very upset and said I neighbor had just had an "attack" and ing in the Allegheny River near his was worse than the Gestapo. He could that he needed assistance. I told her 1 home along pool 5 near Clinton, and care less about what had happened to would be there immediately. I arrived at came up with a big surprise. Clint the stream. All he cared about was the the house to find the victim, heavy-set, hooked something big and cranked in a amount of fuel oil he lost out of his age 41, lying on his back in the hallway windshield wiper blade. He went home tanks. If no one cared about what of the house. He was not breathing and and tried to explain to his father that he happens to the water around us and if was very obviously blue, and 1 felt no had hooked a car in the river, and sure there were no one to protect our waters, pulse at the carotid artery. I began enough, upon investigation, a 1979 imagine what we would be drinking?— CPR, and after a very short time he began to breathe spasmodically. I Plymouth was found. The vehicle had Robert L. Kish, Waterways Patrolman, stopped giving breaths but continued to been stolen in Natrona several months Cambria Countv. ago. Looks like Clint Austin qualifies administer chest compressions, having for some type of state record.—Jim yet to restore his pulse. Smith, Waterways Patrolman, Arm­ Summer vacation I continued this procedure until the strong County While patrolling the Susquehanna ambulance arrived, when I was relieved River, Deputy Waterways Patrolman by one of the two attendants. They gave William Reiner and deputy trainee chest compressions and began to use a Polluter nailed Donald Curtis apprehended four peo­ manual respirator to assist his breath­ There is no doubt in my mind that ple from Massachusetts for several vio­ ing, which had diminished in quality. water is the number-one natural re­ lations. They chose to settle on field No success was achieved, and it was source so vital to everyone and every acknowledgements. As each signed on decided to transport the victim to Lewis- living creature. It's our job to help and the dotted line, one of the group took a town Hospital, approximately eight protect this resource, and it is most dis­ -picture of each defendant. They said miles away. I helped get him into the turbing to see the attitude of some peo­ they didn't want to forget their weekend ambulance and began to administer ple concerning this valuable resource. on a Pennsylvania River.—Stephen A. chest compressions while one of the There was one case in particular; I filed Shabbick, Waterways Patrolman, Wy­ attendants used the respirator. We criminal charges against a company for oming County. arrived at the hospital approximately 10 minutes later. Unfortunately, the man did not re­ cover, and was pronounced dead at the hospital. He had a history of heart trouble, having had two heart attacks within a two-year period. 1 guessed he had been without circulation for at least seven to eight minutes before my arrival, so my CPR was probably a futile effort. The positive result of this incident is that all had been done that could have been done. I thought of what 1 would have felt if my training had not included CPR, and if we had just waited for the ambulance. There would have been a feeling of frustration knowing that something could have been done but was not, especially if he had died as a result of doing nothing. The family feels that all was done that could have been done. The effort in this case might be the most important accomplishment.— Here at Lake Winola in Wyoming County are Waterways Patrolman Larry R. Baker, Waterways Patrol­ Steve Shabbick and some boys from St. Michael's School (Falls, PA) man, Mercer County stocking trout. This successful task involved the cooperation of the Fish Commission, the school, and the Factoryville Sportsmen's Club. December 1983 21 best angle—with contributions from times of day best for success; flies, Wanted: readers. Tell us the kind of fish lures, and baits; water conditions; Structure you're after, the kind of structure you and other details that help others fish most successfully, and exactly catch fish the same way you do. We Fishing Information how you fish it. (Remember— can't pay you for the material, but structure is the general term for any we'll print your name with each change in the bottom contour of a contribution we publish. Send your waterway, such as dropoffs, ledges, ideas to: Structure Fishing, weed beds, stumps, and so forth.) Pennsylvania Angler, P.O. Box 1673, Structure fishing is so vast a Tell us when you use your strategies, Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673. The topic, we'd like to cover it from the too. Be specific about your tackle; deadline is December 23, 1983.

Anglers Notebook Richard F. Williamson

O Now is a good time to inspect your If you plan to attend sport shows lures and plugs. Replace broken hooks during the next two or three months, be and ones that are rusted or badly bent. sure to take a day pack or a similar item Dedicated to the sound During the winter, sharpen all the hooks that makes carrying promotional conservation of our aquatic on your lures. literature easy. resources, the protection and management of the state's Practice tying new knots this winter. Winter is a good time to inspect your diversified fisheries, and to the To learn a new knot, first tie it in a tackle and equipment thoroughly. Be sure ideals of safe boating and optirnu length of string or clothesline, and when to look over your rod guides—they may boating opportunities. you've mastered tying it in the larger be loose, bent, or broken. Be sure also to EXECUTIVE OFFICE strands, practice tying the knot in check the tiptop of your rods for line monofilament line. Ralph W. Abele. wear. Executive Director

If you buy new fly line, the line should Howard T. Hardie. Administrative Assistant fill the reel nearly to its capacity. If the reel Dennis T. Guise. can handle more than the standard length Chief Counsel Ross E. Starner. of fly line, splice backing onto the line, Comptroller ^~ enough to fill the reel with the fly line. BUREAU OF ADMINISTRATIS SERVICES 717-787-6487 "Ice flies" tied to imitate nymphs are effective. Tie them on hooks in sizes 10, Paul F. O'Brien O 12, and 14. Director Allison J. Mayhew. Personnel .lohn Hoffman. Real Estate Glen Reed, Federal Aid Crappies are fairly deep feeders. In open Mary Stine. Licensing ^/- water, put your bait right on the bottom BUREAU OF FISHERIES i to begin, and if you get no action, fish a AND ENGINEERING 814-359-27 little higher, moving the bait up only six Edward R. Miller, P.E. inches or so at a time until you find the j^pifm^n- Assistant Executive Director level where the fish are bunched. 3f/-r?Qslush that alternately melts Edward W. Manhart. Law Enforce" When you tie streamer flies, be sure not and freezes can make your getaway Virgil Chambers, Boating Educators' to dress the hook too thickly—A bulky impossible. Be sure you're parked where OFFICE OF INFORMATION dressing just doesn't slim down in the you can leave with little difficulty; a 717-787-2579 water, and won't look like the outline of a downhill slope facing a cleared section of baitfish. parking lot is a good spot. Michael.I. Bickler, Director Larry Shaffer, Publications O Stephen B. lllsh. Education Dave Wolf. Media Relations 22 Pennsylvania Angler money, he's only hurting his chances stocked this year? I just remembered for selection. that you stock in spring, so how about My advice would also be to focus spring of 1983 and 1984? on a specific career (law MAIL enforcement, information/ education, Jack Schwer fish culture, research, etc.) and N. Versailles, PA prepare accordingly. Also, take as many communications/writing n courses as possible. He might turn Coho salmon usually return at out to be the best research biologist about age 3 (some return at age 2 as I'm writing on behalf of my son, ever, but if he can't communicate in "jacks"). We hold coho in our rearing first to thank you for the certificate writing and verbally, he will be at a sites for about 16 to 18 months, you sent him for the I5'/2-inch great disadvantage. releasing them in the spring of the crappie he caught in May. That is a As for grants and scholarships, I year after they hatch. In other words, nice thing you do and a real suggest you contact his high school a coho hatches in December 1980/ incentive for a young man who has guidance counselor, who should be January 1981, is released as a smolt in set his sights on trying a career in the able to help. April/May 1982, and returns as a Pennsylvania Fish Commission. He I hope I haven't discouraged you spawning adult in October/December had thought of the Game Commis­ beyond hope, but I feel I must tell it of 1983. The fish has spent sion, but has talked to several like it is. There are few occupations approximately 18 months in a people about each of them and is as rewarding as the one your son is hatchery pond and approximately 18 leaning toward the Fish Commis­ contemplating, but at the same time, months in the lake. (See the Profile sion. I'd like to know what kind of it is a tough road to follow. I hope I "Coho Salmon," by R. A. Snyder and schooling he needs. He will be a have been of some help. Shyrl Hood, in the October 1983 senior in high school. If he needs Pennsylvania A ngler.) special schooling, is there some kind Michael J. Bickler of a grant for which he can apply to Federal funding cuts have had an Director help out financially? Is there on-the- effect on our salmon program budget, Office of Information job training to get him prepared for not in the number of fish stocked nor his schooling? There are many in the level of commitment to the questions 1 have about the subject, program; but in order to maintain our so please send me any brochures or D efforts, the Commission has had to information on careers with your budget very carefully and make organization. Faced with the cumbersome adjustments agencywide to cover the problem of transporting a two-piece reduction of federal funds with no rod, I glued two strips of velcro tape decrease in program levels. In 1984 we Virginia Croll anticipate stocking 1 million coho Hadley, PA to the rod, one at the handle and the other near the breakdown point. Now, salmon and 400,000 to 500,000 when transporting my seven-foot pole, steelhead trout in Lake Erie. These I break it down and wrap the two high numbers demonstrate that we pieces snugly together with the velcro have not reduced the program despite Thank you for your letter some reduction in federal assistance. concerning a natural resource career tape. Before gluing the tape in place for your son. on your rod, just be sure the Competition for fish and wildlife placement offers no interference to the Delano R. Graff, Chief jobs is intense, and no more than 10 line movement. Division of Fisheries percent of college graduates majoring in natural resources will Fred Thomas find jobs in their fields. Erie, PA The task isn't impossible, just arduous. The minimum requirement would be to graduate from an n accredited, well-thought-of institu­ wsmm tion of higher learning that is noted If you have an opinion on for its fish and wildlife program. In the October 1983 issue I read Angler content, a question on The second requirement would be to that the 1.3 million fish released in fishing or boating, or a hit the books. If your son doesn't spring of 1982 will make up the bulk helpful idea, send graduate in the top third of his class, of this year's fall run. Is this correct? I correspondence to: The always thought that coho returned a it will be tough. Finally, he has got Editor, Pennsylvania Angler, few years after stocking. to take every opportunity available P.O. Box 1673, Harrisburg, In addition, since federal funds to work in his chosen field (i.e., PA 17105-1673. internships, summer jobs, etc.). If he have run out, what is the number of works at summer jobs that pay more salmon (all types) expected to be December 1983 23 Pennsylvania Water Rescue Instructors Certified H Last October, members of the state-certified instructor's R Pennsylvania's Official roster of the Fire Training Academy participated in the Fishing and Boating Magazine Commonwealth's first instructor class of water rescue. The course was developed by Virgil Chambers, Boating SUBSCRIPTIONS Education Specialist with the Fish Commission's Bureau of Waterways. Chambers and Joe Greene, also a Fish 1. NEW ORDER OR RENEWAL: Commission Boating Education Specialist, taught the course. Participating in the course were 14 fire service To start a subscription to Pennsylvania Angler or to extend your current subscription, enter your name and instructors whose tested proficiency made them eligible to address and check the subscription term you prefer. teach the course to fire departments as part of the state (Please print clearly) training field program.

Your name

Address Apt. Angler Readers Surveyed City State Zip • 3 years $14(36issues) • New subscriber For the first time in the 53-year history of Pennsylvania Angler, readers have been asked 23 questions on their D 1 year $502issues) • Renewal (attach mailing label) fishing and boating preferences. About 5,300 surveys were mailed to every tenth paid subscriber, as selected by the Signature computer, and over 49%, or about 2.600, have been returned for tabulation. This response is phenomenal—a Account # if renewing big thanks to all who contributed. Tallying the results is Dr. Fred Hockersmith. Professor 2. TO GIVE A GIFT: of Psychology and computer data specialist at Shippensburg University. Dr. Hockersmith has enlisted the Enter your name and address above and your recip­ aid of students in his testing and measurements classes to ient's name and address below. enter the data on the University's computers. • 3 years $14 (36 issues) • 1 year $5 02 issues) Results so far are most intriguing. For instance, most Angler readers are over the age of 50 and have been TO longtime subscribers—for more than 10 years. In addition, the top columns, read first by most readers, are "Notes from the Streams," "Anglers Notebook." and "The Law Address Apt. and You." City State Zip Gift card to read "From Angler Index Available Available now is the author index for Pennsylvania 3. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Angler Volume 52 (January 1983 through December Please give us 4 weeks' notice. Attach your magazine 1983). To receive a free copy, send with requests a label here; print your new address above in section 1. business-sized stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Angler (If you have a question about your subscription, be Index, Publications Section, Pennsylvania Fish sure to send us your label with your letter.) Commission, P.O. Box 1673, Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673.

Dick Parsons 1909-1983

Return this form to: Dick Parsons, long-time contributor to Pennsylvania Angler and ardent conservationist, died last October. He PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION was a past president of Lock Haven State College, serving Angler Circulation at that post for 28 years. Parsons knew the waterways of P.O. Box 1673 northcentral Pennsylvania and his own Clinton County Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673 very well. His last contribution to Pennsylvania Angler Be sure your name and address appear both on this form and was "Kettle Creek: Then and Now," which appeared in the Ion your check. August 1983 issue. 24 Pennsylvania Angler Boating

28 Gift Ideas for Boaters by Virgil Chambers

What gift to get that special person Remember, the PFD you buy 17. Boat compass has always been a concern around should be U.S. Coast Guard 18. Marine radio or navigation device this time of year. However, if your approved and Underwriters 19. Boat horn special person is a boater, you may Laboratories listed. 20. Boat rod holder want to consider one of these gift 2. Marine Fire Extinguisher. 21. Boat fenders ideas: Although a fire extinguisher is not 22. Running lights (battery type) 1. Personal Flotation Device required on individually owned 23. Canoe outboard motor bracket (PFD). The most wearable, that is, outboard motorboats less than 26 24. Boat hook comfortable, device is a Type III. The feet in length of open construction, 25. Boat cleaner or wax Type III lifejacket comes in a number any boat with a motor should carry 26. Boat tool set of different designs and colors, an extinguisher as a safety 27. Book on boating, fishing from a including forest green, camouflage, precaution. Like PFDs, extinguishers boat, boat care, boat handling, etc. and tan. Other options on some life must be U.S. Coast Guard approved. 28. A gift subscription to vests include pockets with velcro A household-type extinguisher is not Pennsylvania Angler, or the other closures, lure patch, D-rings, belt, suitable for marine use. Fire items for sale from the Fish and a creel pouch on selected styles. extinguisher prices vary, so shop Commission. Be sure to look over the The important consideration in around. special insert in this issue. purchasing a life vest for another These other items also make ideal With any boating gift you may person is that it fits properly. Many gifts: select, seek out experienced help, times the small, medium, and large 3. Anchor because the quality of the item may size denotation is not enough to 4. Oars or paddle be difficult to determine without ensure a proper fit. Chest size should 5. Throw bag or throw line knowledgeable assistance. However, be known to determine correctly 6. Water skis when you buy from reputable dealers what size device to purchase. Many 7. Electric motor and stick to a brand name, the gift PFDs now come in extra small, extra 8. First aid boat kit you choose may be just what that large, and extra-extra large as well as 9. Boarding ladder boater of yours really needs. [77] infant, youth, and ladies sizes. Prices 10. Clamp type fishing chair of Type III PFDs vary; a child's vest 11. Chart of favorite fishing lakes costs from $14 to $22, and an adult, 12. Hand bilge pump Virgil Chambers is a Boating vest can cost from $16 to $40. In any 13. Boat cover Education Specialist with the Fish case, shop around. I have seen the 14. Boat cartop carrier Commission's Bureau of Waterways. same vest sell from $18 to $39.99, 15. Depthsounder depending on the dealer. 16. Fish finder December 1983 25 Newton Lake: Northeastern Pennsylvania's Panfish Hotspot by Gerry Kingdom y memories of Newton Lake, a 112-acre body of water north of Scranton, M addition worked wonders. However, have long been limited to too many Heavyweight pickerel cottages and too few fish. But now, we saw other anglers catching good Pickerel are also taken in good thanks to some advice offered by two numbers of perch on a variety of sizes and numbers at Newton Lake. Lackawanna County deputy baits and lures, and we both came to At the fishing festival a youthful waterways patrolmen, I've discovered the conclusion that the perch in this angler started the day's events by a lake that's rich with midwinter lake are far more cooperative than hoisting an 18-incher through the ice. solitude and tackle-busting panfish. elsewhere. Stories abound in this neck of the The advice 1 got came last winter If you'd like to increase your perch woods about the many large when two officers suggested 1 observe catches at Newton Lake (or at any chainsides the lake has yielded. an outing of the Ambassador's lake, for that matter), keep the If pickerel happen to be your forte, Fishing Club of Dickson City, an following thoughts in mind: try this little-known trick for organization that sponsors an annual • Grubs from the stems of goldenrod increasing your odds. Because father-son fishing festival at the ice- plants are excellent food for perch. pickerel are rarely found at great covered waterway. I was very Collect them when you can. and store depths, say, below 12 to 15 feet, they pleasantly surprised at what I saw them in a cool place until you're ready are far easier to pinpoint than are when 1 took their suggestion. to fish. other fish. Space out your tip-ups Virtually all the anglers who had • When a perch strikes, watch where it and vary the depths at which each congregated for the affair caught takes your line. This direction often bait is suspended. Use something like panfish. Some had good takes, some signals the whereabouts of the school. a step-up pattern. If you have a" had mounds of fish, and a few had • Find depths of less than 30 feet and fishing partner with you, have him or catches worth bragging about. It was fish these a foot or so off the bottom. her line up the tip-ups in a row about much more than 1 had expected, and • Remember, perch are primarily 10 to 15 yards behind yours. But to this day I number Newton Lake daytime feeders. have him reverse the order of depths among my panfishing favorites. • When reeling in to check your bait, that you're fishing. This method give your line a twitch every so often. increases your odds of catching Great perch action You may just latch onto a perch pickerel dramatically. Keep in mind On a more recent Newton Lake trying to make off with your that pickerel roam for food in winter, safari, I and a fishing partner reaped presentation. so your chances of catching them a bountiful perch take by fishing the • When jigging, tie your under a cover of ice are every bit as lake no more than 75 yards from the monofilament to the rear of the jig's good as your chances of catching road, directly toward the lake's eyelet rather than to the top. This them under the cover of lily pads in center. We used tiny silver spoons to imparts a peculiar movement to the midsummer, when they're known to which we attached equally tiny strips lure that seems to be more attractive lie in wait. of pork rind, and the pork rind to perch.

26 Pennsylvania Angler " ,*~isa&

Is the Ice Safe?

Even though you may be anxious to enjoy early-season ice fishing, beware! Early ice can be dangerous. Here are some hints on determining ice safety. % Lakes rarely freeze uniformly. Early and late in the season, ice that's safe in the morning may be dangerous by afternoon. % Prolonged frigid weather makes safe, thick ice. Use an auger to test ice. Four inches of clear, blue ice is probably safe for lone anglers and small groups of fishermen. • Single, unbroken pressure cracks in the ice are probably safe to cross, but stay away from areas where cracks meet or intersect. • Be extra careful where water levels vary—rivers, streams, inlets, outlets, coves, eddies, and springs. Moving water erodes ice from beneath, as does wind pushing water under ice. • Avoid areas with "stick-ups." Protruding logs, brush, plants, and docks absorb heat from the sun, thus weakening surrounding ice. • Dark areas of ice may reveal places where ice is thin. Avoid these spots. % You will probably find ice thicker on a waterway's north shore than on the south shore.

December 1983 27 Newton Lake bluegills beds are helps you take more 247 for approximately I Vi miles, If neither pickerel nor perch delight bluegills, even in winter. where you'll see a dirt road to the your fish-catching fancy, Newton • The three most popular baits for right, which you must take. This road Lake also has a very healthy bluegill bluegills are grubs, worms, and jigs. brings you close enough to the lake population. Bluegills are eager to eat • Like perch, bluegills are daytime so that you can park your car and be during winter because there is so little feeders. Early morning and predusk on the ice in just a few steps. of their usual menu available under hours are best. If Newton Lake sounds like your the ice—insects particularly. Look for kind of ice fishery, by all means give these little scrappers closer to the it a try. You might be in for a ^_^ shoreline where deep water is nearby. Big ones to boot While you're savoring all this great pleasant surprise! If you aren't familiar with the lake's [PA] panfish action, odds are better than underwater contour, drop a weight usual that you'll also hit into into the water to get a depth reading. something on the hefty side. District Eastern PA Hotspots For the most part, the bluegills Waterways Patrolman Bob Fasching that we encountered were not taken told me that recent stockings of Anglers in eastern Pennsylvania with the perch we caught. This walleye, muskies, and channel catfish may want to read Favorite Lakes of occurrence is not usually the case, so make Newton Lake even more Eastern Pennsylvania, a newly-revised for Newton Lake bluegills, you might attractive to anglers. He also noted four-page publication that provides be better off avoiding midlake depths. that walleyes in the 18-inch to 22-inch information on 65 waterways in 30 If you'd like to catch more bluegills range and muskies in the 32-inch to eastern Pennsylvania counties. The than you have been taking, keep the 36-inch category are being caught on publication offers specifics on special following tips in mind: a regular basis. rules and regulations, angling tips, • The smallest jigs present casting and directions to the lakes. For a free problems during the summer, but not copy, send with requests a business- so on the ice. Use the tiniest jigs you Getting there sized, stamped self-addressed envelope can find. Jigs in the 1/32-ounce to If you'd like to try this excellent to: Publications Section, Pennsylvania 1/ 16-ounce category are ideal. fishery, take Route 247 north of Fish Commission, P.O. Box 1673, Bluegills love them light. Scranton until it intersects with Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673. • Knowing where underwater Route 106. From there, continue on

28 Pennsylvania Angler 1 PROFILED The Bluegill by Leroy M. Young

Almost every angler has had some experience with shore and begin to rely more heavily on aquatic and bluegills. Because of their widespread distribution in the terrestrial insects. Favorite foods are mayfly and dragonfly Commonwealth and ready disposition to grab a baited nymphs and midge larvae, but this species is not too hook, this species has probably served to introduce more picky, often feeding on other foods such as fish eggs and Pennsylvania anglers to the joys of fishing than any other filamentous algae. Larger bluegills have even been known species. Bluegills are common to waters ranging in size to eat small fish. from farm ponds measuring only a fraction of an acre to Bluegill growth rates vary greatly and depend on such the vast waters of Lake Erie. However, bluegills prefer things as food supply, length of the growing season, and relatively shallow, weed-filled lakes and ponds or water temperature. As many farm pond owners are well backwater areas and pools on slow-moving streams and award, bluegills are notorious for a phenomenon known rivers. as stunting. Stunting occurs most frequently when Pennsylvania lies well within the native range of the predator populations are too low to keep the rapidly bluegill, which consists of the eastern half of the United expanding bluegill population in check. In small ponds, States and southern Canada from Minnesota through the bass and bluegill stocking combinations are often used. Great Lakes to Lake Champlain, south to Georgia, and Because angling effort is often directed at bass, overharvest west to Arkansas. Bluegills have been introduced widely of predator-sized bass can result. Heavy growths of throughout the remaining waters of North America. aquatic vegetation, typical in many ponds, compound the Bluegills belong to the sunfish family Centrarchidae. problem of providing enough cover to render bluegills This group includes fish such as largemouth, smallmouth virtually invulnerable to the few bass that are left. Bluegill and rock bass, and white and black crappies. However, populations then expand to a point at which they can most members of this group belong to the genus Lepomis. actually deplete their own food supply, leaving large In Pennsylvania, the bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus, is the numbers that seldom exceed four or five inches in length. most common species in this genus, which includes the Under more favorable conditions, bluegills can reach redbreast sunfish, green sunfish, pumpkinseed, and sizes of seven to 10 inches and weights of 12 ounces. warmouth. The members of this genus are distinguished Bluegills over one pound are infrequently taken in by a deep, laterally compressed body shape, 10 dorsal Pennsylvania. Bluegills in states south of Pennsylvania spines, and three anal spines. The bluegill can be further typically have much faster growth rates, due in part to the characterized by coloring from olive green dorsally to longer growing season. The world record is a 4-pound, 12- yellow or whitish ventrally; six or seven dusky vertical ounce slab taken in Alabama. bars along each side; long, pointed pectoral fins; a Pound for pound, bluegills are about as strong a fighter uniformly colored black flap on the gill cover; and a black as any other fish. They are especially sporty on light blotch on the base of the last few rays of the dorsal fin's tackle. These fish readily attack most baits, but worms, soft section. Mature males are typically more colorful than crickets, and grubs are time-tested favorites. Small jigs also females and can be characterized by a rusty orange or red work well. Fly fishermen find that small poppers, artificial breast in contrast to the pale yellow or white breast of the spiders, and both dry and wet flies can be deadly. Anglers female. would do well to note that because these fish travel in Bluegills in Pennsylvania begin spawning in late May or loose schools of 10 to 30 individuals, when one is caught, early June when water temperatures reach approximately get ready to hook more! The top bluegill month is June, 67° F. Spawning peaks in June, but egg laying often when the males are particularly vulnerable as they guard continues throughout the summer and early fall. The male their nests. Later in the year, larger fish move offshore moves into water one or two feet deep, usually over a into deeper water. Bluegills can also be taken readily sand or gravel bottom, and excavates a shallow nest through the ice. roughly one foot in diameter. Females lay from 2,500 to One final aspect is the bluegill's reputation as a culinary over 38,000 eggs. Bluegill nests are often constructed delight. The sweet, firm, white flesh is hard to beat—no within inches of one another, and females usually deposit wonder this fish is a Pennsylvania favorite! r^j-j eggs in more than one nest. Males guard the nest with a vengeance through the two-day to five-day incubation period, and remain on the nest for several days after the Leroy M. Young earned a bachelor of science degree in fry hatch. biology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Bluegill fry migrate to offshore regions after hatching, master of arts degree in zoology from Southern Illinois where they feed on zooplankton such as Daphnia and University. He is Project Leader of the Lake Erie Coastal Cyclops. At sizes of about one inch they move back near Zone Management Program. 30 Pennsylvania Angler The Bluegill Illustrated by Tom Duran Youti*vegotamena got amen(d 9251 Pennsylvania