ANNUAL BASS NUMBER

TEN CENTS OFFICIAL STATE JUNE. 1940 PUBLICATION 'ANGLER/ Vol. 9—No. 6

PUBLISHED MONTHLY COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA by the BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS

PENNSYLVANIA BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS

Publication Office: 540 Hamilton Street, Allentown. Penna. Executive and Editorial Offices: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Board of Fish Commis­ CHARLES A. FRENCH sioners, Harrisburg, Pa. Commissioner of Fisheries

Ten cents a copy—50 cents a year MEMBERS OF BOARD

CHARLES A. FRENCH, Chairman Elwood City ALEX P. SWHGART. Editor South Office Bldg., Harrisburg, Pa. MILTON L. PEEK Radnor

HARRY E. WEBER NOTE Philipsburg Subscriptions to the PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER should be addressed to the Editor. Submit fee either by check or money order payable to the Common­ EDGAR W. NICHOLSON wealth of Pennsylvania. Stamps not acceptable. Philadelphia Individuals sending cash do so at their own risk. FRED McKEAN New Kensington

PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER welcomes contribu­ tions and photos of catches from its readers. Proper H. R. STACKHOUSE credit will be given to contributors. Secretary to Board All contributions returned if accompanied by first class postage.

Entered as second class matter at the Post Office C. R. BULLER of Allentown, Pa., under Act of March 3, 1819. Chief Fish Culturist, Bellefonte

3X>- IMPORTANT—The Editor should be notified immediately of change in subscriber's address Please give old and new addresses Permission to reprint will be granted provided proper credit notice is given Vol. 9. No. 6 ^ANGLER^Vl^l W LvC IV / JUNE 1940

EDITORIAL

THE BASS PROGRAM

HE program of your Fish Commission is based on the thought of keeping T pace with the ever-growing number of fishermen, and the plan set up in 1939 provided for the stocking of much larger fish in the majority of our bass waters. It is our belief that in time we will be able to stock bass up to legal size. Under our present set-up, it would be possible for us to stock several million bass each year, but they would be very small. We are not interested in number but are tremendously interested in the task of making Pennsylvania one of the best bass fishing States. We believe by stocking less fry and devoting our efforts to raising these fish to much larger size, we can complete our program much sooner.

We have experienced many difficulties before arriving at a suitable program for the propagation of bass, but believe we now have a unique system which will be the final solution of this problem.

The survey of the fishing waters of the State has shown that while most of the major streams and upper waters of our various rivers are only suitable for smallmouthed black bass, there are many areas where the largemouthed predominates. Both species will be raised and planted.

Our mammoth bass farm at the Huntsdale Hatchery will be in operation for the first time this year, and I sincerely wish every fisherman in this Commonwealth could spend some time at this wonderful bass farm, if possible, and see just what we are doing.

Don't forget the slogan—"Lose a Hook and Spare a Bass." All fishermen can play a vital part in conserving bass by sacrificing a hook.

Commissioner of Fisheries PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER JUNE Fly Rod Technique and Spinners for Bass By Wm. R. Walton OR some inexplicable reason many ang­ the strain of bug and hair-minnow casting, While stripping in the line with the left F lers, who handle the casting rod with never should carry a line smaller in diameter facility, hesitate to attempt the fly rod tech­ hand, it is well to control it with the right than size C or D, and usually the larger size fingers during the interval while the left nique as being too difficult to acquire. They is better. apparently labor under the erroneous impres­ hand is reaching forward for another fist- The bait caster will have learned that the full. If a fish strikes just at that moment, sion that ordinary casting with the fly rod is lighter the casting line, the easier it is to a much more difficult game than bait casting. he may fail to hang and if he does you will control, but in fly rod casting, exactly the be doing some amusing acrobatics in trying My personal belief is that the contrary is the reverse is true. Except with the heavier fly truth and that anyone who has really mas­ rod lures, it is the line and not the fly that to keep a tight line, which is the secret of tered casting rod technique may easily ac­ is cast and this must be heavy enough to pull landing them with a fly rod. quire satisfactory skill with the fly rod. the rod tip well back of the butt during the In the manipulation of spinners attached to It is of course true that the casting of right back cast if the full power of the rod is to hair-minnows, and streamers, it frequently and left hand loops in the fly game is quite be developed. The line should be heavy becomes desirable to retrieve these slowly another thing but this is the most difficult enough so that with about 40 feet of it out, and steadily without moving the tip of the branch of fly fishing and one may use the and without fly or leader attached, it can rod at all. This objective is attained by the fly rod with satisfaction and profit for years easily be cast full length in the absence of use of what that most sapient and clever of without being called upon to handle a dry wind. angling writers, Ray Bergman, calls the "hand fly. The fact is that dry fly fishing for bass Keeping the foregoing in mind it is my twist retrieve". can be practiced with success only rarely and advice to the beginner to wade into some under unusual conditions. This trick probably is as ancient as the suitable large stream or pond and go ahead art of fly fishing itself but is difficult to Fly rod technique does, however, differ and cast, as that is the way to learn the describe without the aid of illustrations, so from that of the casting rod in that it re­ game. with this in mind I have made a set of quires somewhat greater facility in the use Let the backcast go as far as it will before drawings which should serve to supplement ( of the left hand or rather more complete or starting the forward cast, use your elbow and the following description: team work coordination in the use of the wrist only in this, and success is sure to come. hands. Don't let some high pressure salesman sell After the cast is made and with the line you a tapered line for this game either,, and fully extended, the rod being held at about Among the easier of fly rod acquirements a 5 foot 10 pound test, synthetic gut leader the angle illustrated in Fig. 8, the left hand is the successful casting of the heavier lures is perfectly O.K. for this purpose. with its thumb pointing toward the body, such as bugs, hair-minnows and streamer grasps the line as shown in Fig. 1, and is I flies, especially when the latter are attached A long light leader is required for some kinds of bug casting but that can come later brought forward and downward by turning to a small spinner. This acts as ballast dur­ the wrist, thus retrieving several inches of ing the back cast carrying the end of the after the rudiments have been acquired. After the timing of the forward cast has line, Fig. 2. Then without relinquishing line backward readily and thus enabling the the line, the forefinger and thumb are ex­ neophyte to begin his cast forward under become automatic, the stripping in of the line, to retrieve the lure, is the next step tended, Fig. 3, grasping the line, Fig. 4. The the most favorable conditions. If the heavy hand is then moved in reserve, upward and lure makes a splash in contacting the surface, to be acquired. The numerous volumes of directions for fly fishermen illustrate this backward as far as the wrist will take it, no harm is done, as this is more likely to Fig. 5, again retrieving more line. As the attract Mr. Bronzeback than to frighten him. action by depicting the line held in the left hand in beautiful, orderly loops but the truth hand reaches the limit of its backward path, Practically the whole secret of fly rod is that nine out of ten fly rod fans just let but with the line retained between thumb manipulation resides in the full utilization the slack fall into the water beside them. and finger, Fig. 6, the remaining fingers are of the resilience of the rod. This in turn This is satisfactory procedure provided that opened and the outer edge of the hand en- gages the line about at the second joint of depends importantly on the fitting of the rod you do not step on the line or into the loops. ! with a line abundantly heavy for the particu­ In the former case the line may be ruined, the little finger, Fig. 7. This completes the lar rod to be used. and in the latter if a fish happens to strike cycle which is repeated until the lure is in position to be lifted for another cast. It may be stated as an invariable rule that you will have to do the split, or something, while playing him. any fly rod, sturdy enough to stand up under (Continued on Page 30) 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 4 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER JUNE 1 BASS LURES By CHAS. M. WETZEL

F the hundreds of bass lures on the of Canada, and the Southern States; and is white cork bug illustrated in Fig. 2. This O market, very few bear any close re­ more pronounced the farther south one goes. lure floats lightly on the surface, is visible semblance to the natural food of the fish. In Delaware, where the largemouth predomi­ for a great distance, and proves particularly This in itself may seem queer, yet the ma­ nates, I would say that nine out of every ten appealing to largemouths. Bill swears by it, jority of these lures have something, that bass, are taken on surface lures. In Penn­ and since he has a number of prize winning at first glance, arouses more of a spirit of sylvania, where the smallmouth reigns su­ fish to his credit, his views are not to be combativeness in the bass, than an appeal preme, we have a different picture. Here taken lightly. to its hunger. That something is ACTION, the underwater type of rule proves most A recent innovation within the past few and if a lure possesses this quality, then it efficacious. Both species of fish, however, years is the bug illustrated in Fig. 3. The should prove successful. feed underwater and on the surface, but body has a lustrous satin sheen, and though Bass, in their natural and normal state, their preference for foraging grounds are it is made of cork, the surface material re­ simply will not take a dead bait, unless diametrically opposite; the smallmouth loves sembles cellophane. I have used it with swift deep water with large boulders on the forced to it by extreme hunger—a situation marked success, and it is without doubt, an stream bed; while the largemouth prefers to excellent top water lure. seldom encountered. What they want is lurk around a muddy bottom, especially something alive—something which they can among lily pads in slow moving shallow kill before eating; and man, knowing how Fly Rod Underwater Lures waters. And now to a description of some In Pennsylvania waters the majority of inherently strong this killing instinct was lures that have proven successful. developed, set about and devised lures with bass are caught on underwater lures, and for action. the fly rod enthusiast, the fly and spinner Fly Rod Surface Lures combination will prove most successful. By action, I mean the tantalizing or ag­ One of the best of the deer hair lures is gravating effect produced by the lure as it is This type of lure works best on cloudy the frog, Fig. 1. In a former issue of the days, early mornings, and late evenings— being retrieved through the water. This may ANGLER, I have described the method of be achieved by a clever manipulation of the particularly the latter. I have used it with tying it and the manner in which it should marked success at night, and some of the rod—probably enhanced by a study of the be manipulated on the surface of the water. natural food of the bass, especially when largest bass I have ever taken were caught using such imitations,—but in perhaps the Briefly recapitulated here, the method of at this time. For lures adaptable to the fly majority of cases, it depends solely on the fishing it is as follows. First grease the rod, and for Pennsylvania waters, the fly and lure, and the manner in which it is con­ frog and the line thoroughly, using care that spinner combination will prove more satis­ structed. By this I mean the various plates, none of it adheres to the leader. Ordinary factory than probably any other type. It is line dressing will prove satisfactory for both particularly successful in rocky streams projections, fluttings, propellors, hollowed out operations. portions, joints, curved surfaces, etc., which where the water is not over five feet in either cause the lure to move erratically The lure is then cast out on the water and depth. through the water, or create some effect allowed to remain motionless for a few sec­ The type of fly to be used is a matter of which proves irresistible to bass. In short, onds before any artificial impetus is impart­ individual choice. I have a strong preference to be successful, the lure must move, simul­ ed. Now reach forward with the left hand, for those of a rather gaudy color, and my ating the effect of something alive, and of strip in line until it is taut, and then by a favorites are the Parmachene Belle, No. 5 something attempting to escape. Now as I twitching motion of the rod, make the lure Edson Dark Tiger Bucktail, No. 6 Royal have mentioned, all the successful lures move slightly on the surface. Pause and Coachman, No. 7 Red Ibis, Silver Doctor, possess this attribute, and roughly they may repeat each operation until the frog is finally Black Gnat and White Miller, all tied on No. be divided into two groups, i. e., those which retrieved. In seizing the lure, quite often, 1, and No. 1-0, straight ringed hooks. The imitate the natural food of the bass; and bass will churn the water into a violent com­ two bladed spinner is undoubtedly the most those which by their action—coupled per­ motion, but in perhaps the majority of cases, popular, and for the sizes of flies given above, haps with some quality we know nothing it is more or less in the nature of a sucking the blades should be about the size of one's about—arouse the fury of the fish, and goad movement, and the surface agitation will not thumb nail. All spinners are equipped with him into striking. Before proceeding fur­ be so pronounced. a fastening device which permits easy attach­ ther, it might be well to briefly review the Taking bass on fly rod surface lures rep­ ment to the fly. Fig. 4 drawn to full scale principal food of the bass, which might resents great sport, and is packed with thrills illustrates the gadget. prove helpful in the methods of manipulat­ from start to finish. One of the most im­ The method of retrieving it through the ing the various lures later on. portant requisites for success is to have the water is accomplished in various ways. I Listed in their order of importance, par­ line at all times thoroughly greased, so that sometimes use a steady continuous pull, re­ ticularly emphasizing preference, the writer it will float lightly on the surface. The in­ trieving the lure at a pace which keeps the would suggest the following list for the two terval of time from when a bass strikes a spinner blades continually revolving; then species: lure, until it rejects it as being unfit for again I work it in a series of alternate jerks consumption, is comparatively short; and Smallmouth Bass—Crayfish, stone catfish, and pauses. Everyone has his own way, and should the line become waterlogged and start the methods outlined above are merely sug­ helgramites, dragon fly nymphs, minnows, settling to the bottom, the inability of one fish fly larva, stone fly nymphs, frogs, Dobson gestions for those who have never used this to take up the slack and set the hook in type of lure. flies, dragon flies, stone flies, fish flies. this brief period will become apparent. I Largemouth Bass—Crayfish, minnows, frogs, would say that nothing is more inimical to Surface Plugs dragon fly nymphs, Dobson flies, dragon flies, success than disregard of this important fish flies, stone flies, fish fly larva, stone cat­ operation—that of greasing the line thorough­ The Popping bait illustrated in Fig. 8, w fish (streams) helgramites (streams) stone ly at frequent intervals. This also applies to an excellent all round lure plug for use if fly nymphs. me mre, especially those fashioned from deer shallow water. The Pointer or Plunker. hair. I have a decided preference for these Fig. 10, is another which will give good re­ The above groups are typical of stream sults. This latter plug has a cupped or hol­ and lake conditions in Pennsylvania, where types, since bass retain them in their mouths for a considerably longer period of time. Of lowed out portion at the head and it is mani­ in general, all of the fish, insects, frogs and pulated on the surface of the water by means crayfish listed above are found. this group, the hair frog is one of the most successful, and it can be well recommended of short jerks, each of which creates a plunk­ A striking ''dissimilarity in the feeding as an excellent lure when bass are feeding ing or popping sound that attracts bass to the habits of the two species will be noticed, on the surface. vicinity. Between jerks the plug should be that is, the decided preference for surface left lying motionless on top of the watei'' feeding among the largemouths. This is not "Bill" Moore, one of Delaware's ace bass Remarkable success has been obtained wito governed by stream conditions, but is typical fishermen has a decided preference for the (Continued on Page 27) PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER

4

5 7

ifrfrl S-l-*0 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER JUNE THE BASS'RE BITIN' By STEWART PARNELL

HROUGH a door framed by trellised ram­ Meat Jam available space within being completely oc­ T bler roses, a man sauntered from his Fishing Worms Milk cupied and sundry articles attached by ropes home, cast his eyes aloft and surveyed the Water Fishing Equipment and straps to the tire rack in the back, sky. Two boys, eight and thirteen years of Blankets Cots along running boards and fenders. The three age respectively, followed at his heels, their Tent First Aid Outfit boys cramped themselves into the car, leav­ faces expectant with hope but clouded some­ Snake Bite Outfit Fruit ing Dan Burke scant room to operate it. Off what by the dread of disappointment. The Alarm Clock Hatchet they started. Lurching, lumbering grotes­ man thought aloud: Gun Nails quely, the car moved out of town on the "Sky clear. No clouds to the westward. Cookies Gas Lamp concrete highway up past the Devil's Elbow, Air is dry. Doesn't feel like rain. Going to Dog Dog Food turned to the left just below Pike's Peak, be good weather for several days. Bet the Money Flashlight proceeded through Penn Run about five bass're bitin'. 'Specially early in the morn­ Extra Gasoline Extra Batteries miles, turned to the right on a typical rocky ing." Clothing Boots and Shoes rut-lined hinterland road, then slithered and With an affirmative nod of his head, the Soap Towels bumped for a mile until a bend revealed a man turned to his waiting audience: "Gentle­ Dishpan • Dishes medium-size dam nestled amid second growth men, we go. Call young John. Let's get Saw Camera timber. Chewing Gum Cooking Utensils busy. Must pitch camp by sundown. Maybe Burke guided their mechanical beast of fish an hour!" Life Savers Knives and Forks Gasoline Stove Minnow Bucket burden past the face of the dam. Rumbling Doubt and uncertainty ended, the boys, over a small bridge, they turned to the left whooping with joy, scattered to assemble Spoons Skillet Bread Box along the east shore, stopping in a grove of fishing and camping equipment. Two hours, Paper Napkins pine trees on a point which jutted slightly crowded with intense activity, ensued. Re­ Paper Dishes Broom into the dam. ceiving the glad tidings, John, a neighbor­ Paper Cups Eggs hood chum, soon arrived, flushed of face and Fish Scaler Olives "Everybody out and busy," Burke ordered. lugging his duffel bag, nearly equal in size Oilcloth Pickles "This is Laurel Run dam. Tell you more to his eight year old body, but it seemed Potatoes Mustard about it later. We'll camp here a while and light as a feather. The man, Dan Burke, an Peanut Butter Catsup se how we like it. Shake a leg, now. We only have a few hours of daylight to pitch attorney, seemed to find something fine in Films Oranges Bacon Salt and Pepper tent and make a second trip back for the the brotherhood of sky and stream and rod rest of the stuff." and line. His two sons, Joe and Gib, had Syrup and Sugar Matches already earned the reputation of inveterate Coffee Magazines Busy as beavers, chattering like bluejays, fishermen, hence, their glee resulting from Mirror Camp Chairs happy in the great outdoors, Burke and the the momentous decision. Bible three boys unloaded the car. With much Much scurrying about, trips up town, beg­ "Whew," Dan Burke ejaculated, "it'll take effort, they pulled and tugged at the tent. Perspiration began to ooze. Flies and gnats ging overlooked, forgotten articles from two trips to haul all that stuff. We'll have to Mother, finally ended in a council of war assembled for the feast. A few knuckles were hurry. Pile the tent into the car first and barked. Finally, the job was done. They to check over the list set down on soiled, then as much of that other gear and equip­ thumb-marked paper in the stubby hand­ hurried to town, returning with the rest of ment as it'll hold, leaving room for your­ their camping gear plus Burke's black and writing of Gib. Additions and subtractions selves. We'll need all hands to pitch tent." produced the following: white and tan-ticked English Setter dog, The ancient vehicle used by the Burke Boz. Pancake Flour Butter family for hunting and fishing, cherished by The camping party quickly organized with Eggs Cheese them for past services rendered, soon look­ Dan Burke, forty years young, as sergeant; Crackers Bread ed like an old-fashioned country flitting, all Gib Burke, thirteen years old, as corporal; John Trainor and Joe Burke, seven and eight years respectively, as privates first class; and Boz, owning four summers, as watchdog. Dividing the work, "Sergeant" Burke assign­ ed to each his duties. All turned to and worked feverishly to set up camp before darkness handicapped them. The ten-by-ten tent held the three cots rather neatly. Two cots were placed to­ gether and made up as a double bed, which accommodated the three boys, Dan Burke intending to occupy the third cot. A one foot aisle separated the cots. At the door of the tent, the cots left a space not over twelve inches in width. Therein and under the cots, duffel bags, rifle, alarm clock, and sundry other articles were stored. They cached the food supplies in a safe dry place to the rear of tent. Pots, pans, skillet, and wash basin were hung on nails driven into convenient trees. They dipped a pail of drinking water from a nearby spring. Fishing equipment was stuffed into the tent. From its front, a flap or canopy extended, supported by two poles anchored by guy ropes. On a rough table at the camp site, they placed the gaso­ line stove, protecting it from dew and pos­ sible rainfall at night by a piece of oilcloth Fond recollections center about the cump table. which served as a tablecloth at mealtime. E 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER

bait and go fishing. While early morning is the best time for bass, we can catch a few during the day on minnows. In case the bass won't bite, we might dig some worms to fish for bluegills and sunfish. They're great fun. Did you ever seine minnows, fel­ lows?" Receiving a negative reply, Burke said: "Well, then, come on. Joe and John, you get the minnow pail. Gib, get the net. Bet­ ter bring the hatchet, too." "What's the hatchet for, Dad?" Gib asked. "To cut two poles for the net," Burke re­ plied. "Mm, I see," Gib sort of snickered. "Thought maybe you intended to tomahawk the minnows!" "Wisecracker, eh!" Burke laughed. "One more like that, young fellow, and I'll douse you in the dam. May do that anyway. Let me have that hatchet." Burke cut two poles seven feet long and an inch thick at the butt. Trimming off the branches, he laid the poles on the ground about four feet apart and parallel. Six feet Who wouldn't be proud of bass like these? long and four feet wide, there was attached to the minnow net several lead weights at Just at dusk, while Burke prepared sup­ ago. Wash basin's hanging from a tree be­ one end and a couple cork floats at the other per, the boys gathered wood for a camp fire hind the tent. Get some soap. Douse your end. At three places on each side, he tied! to ward off evening chill and serve as an heads and clean your teeth. Then, come and the net to the poles. Then, he rolled the net 'ncinerator for refuse and garbage. At last, get it! Breakfast's ready!" around each pole one and a half times. Straightening up, he said: healthily tired, they grouped themselves Sliced oranges, breakfast food, bacon, hot around the table and devoured copious quan­ cakes disappeared like ice in July. By the "Now, gentlemen, we're ready, just as soon tities of bacon, eggs, bread, butter, milk and time the breakfast dishes were washed, the as I get my boots. Let's try Laurel Run be­ cheese. Dan Burke washed the dishes while early morning dew had vanished. At Burke's low the dam." his buddies made the tent shipshape for the command, they all turned to and policed the As they moved downstream. Joe asked: fiight. The tent did not have a center pole, camp. They removed blankets and all articles "What's the lead and cork for?" being supported by a bracket device over the of clothing from the tent and spread them Burke chuckled. "Wondered how observing center which joined four pipes at the corners upon the grass to be cleaned by the sun's you fellows were. Fifty yards farther on, °£ the tent, the overhanging rods providing rays. Gib swept out the tent while Joe and we'll try some of the pools. The lead keeps s Pace for pajamas, shirts, pants, jackets, and John hung the wash basin and pots and pans the front of the net down to the bottom of the like. They kept one rod clear upon on their respective nails in trees. Towels the stream. The cork keeps the back of the w hich to hang the gasoline lamp with the were tossed over bushes to dry. Finding net at the surface so the minnows won't some old bricks nearby, they made a' fire­ help escape as the net is shoved forward. Here's place, burning therein debris and refuse col­ of a piece of heavy wire fashioned in a likely pool. Let's try it." the shape of a figure "S" with end closed to lected about the camp. Burke waded into the stream and started the point of safety but still permitting the Burke nodded with approval: "Fine job, working upstream from the tail of a pool. iarnp to be detached for use elsewhere. The gentlemen. We'll leave the bedding and Holding the poles at the ends, he let the tamp made not only excellent light but also clothes m the sun for a while. Prevents them lead sink the front of the net to the bottom. dispelled morning and evening chill and from getting damp and sour. Let's find some (Continued on Page 22) °ried out the interior of the tent. Weary, "rowsy after a long hard day, they required httle urging to tumble into blankets and drift a*ay in the soothing slumber that only the outdoors can give to the accompaniment of Water lapping on the shore and murmuring °t night creatures. Strange, how nights in the open differ from those at home! Dusk halts the pursuit °t fish or game with rare exceptions. Fading daylight signals the return to camp, refresh­ ment after the day's exertion, an attack upon ^earning food, then relaxation and talk and a game of cards, perhaps. In a while, sleep calls and a look at the watch reveals the astonishing fact that the hour is eight or nine Jftstead of midnight as one would expect, likewise, day begins at dawn, the demands 01 sleep being satisfied by that time. Gen­ ially, the sun, and not the habits of men, governs the day of sportsmen. In truth, af*eld and astream, "the light of the whole World dies with the setting sun". . Burke was the first man abroad next morn- 'n§. The noise of breakfast preparations Wakened the three boys. Burke said to them as they emerged from the tent: "There's a £°uple buckets of water by the boat. I The hoys were very' niueh engrossed with their fishing when this photo was snipped. bought 'em from the spring a little while 8 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER JUNE AT YOUR MERCY By E. LLOYD KING

OES the average Pennsylvania angler One fellow will say the problem may be fishing. Practically every Thursday or Fri­ D actually want better fishing? If so, just solved by slapping a lot of big fish into a day evening he would journey to a little what does he mean when he gives expres­ stream and hang the forage; his buddy just rocky bass stream and uproot perhaps 50 sion to such desires? Especially what does as emphatically insists plant the forage and helgramites. Returning he'd say: "You ought he imply when the thought is translated to the finny population will take care of itself. to see the fine bait I got last evening. Going his personal relationship with the sport? Some yell to the moon for restricted waters, fishing Saturday afternoon." Upon being What contribution is he ready to offer; how your correspondent one; another simply asked Monday concerning the outcome of much time and thought is he willing to wants protected breeding areas; a third says the fishing expedition, invariably he would donate to improve conditions? Is he ready artificials only are the solution, still others reply: "Didn't get going". He drove to to forego the taking of live forage from game want to kill fish of any size, any number, at Gettysburg or Harrisburg or Lewistown or fish water; would he welcome a suggestion any time in any old way possible. Anyone some other place instead. to reserve some especially adapted trout and doubting the latter assertion need only refer Then there was another fellow, a more bass water to these species alone and permit to the pages of PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER harmless type, who liked to go fishing just the common fishes to propagate therein as and note pictures of confiscated illegal catches foi- the drive. He talked fishing, read it and forage exclusively? Is he sincerely ready to and the accompanying description or photos lived it through the pages of magazines, make an effort to switch from live bait to of devices employed. Man is predatory and bought all kinds of tackle, tried everything artificials? Does he look upon angling as his instincts are still primitive when the scent new at least once, but he didn't fish. He would of the chase fills his nostrils; man is selfish consent to go fishing anytime, anywhere, at a healthy, wholesome outdoor sport; or does and most often back in the inner recesses of he simply wish fresh fish in the ice-box? the drop of a hat, furnish the car, the eats his sub-conscious mind is inclined to lean and frequently the tackle. But as the party It seems almost unanimous that everyone toward personal whims first; the veneer of wants more and bigger fish in the streams; arrived at destination, he would begin to civilization is thin and in unguarded mo­ cool off, suggest it didn't look good and how from there on paths and ideals seem to ments some individuals seem to revert to the diverge—diverge to such an extent that oft- about going somewhere else. If the remainder jungle lord of the misty past and yield to the of the gang consented another ten to fifty times the outlook seems just a bit disheart­ lust to destroy—to kill unnecessarily and be­ ening to the writer. Say what you will, some miles drive was in store, or even a third and yond the limit of personal needs. After all fourth journey all on the some day. Possibly fellows seem to think fish simply grow in several centuries of niceties can hardly be water, were always there and always will be. half a dozen streams in half as many counties expected to completely erase the heritage of would be visited with mighty little, if any Others discourse at length upon their per­ a million years. sonal sportsmanship and then visit the water­ fishing, anywhere. This boy got his kick out ways and kill a full creel of six inch trout Ofttimes little personal idiosyncrasies of of driving around from stream to stream and or nine inch bass at every opportunity. Still the individual may have a harmful or con- buying tackle; after these chores were com­ others destroy forage riffles for perhaps years servational tendency. Comes to mind an old pleted the other guy was welcome to the to come in the search of live bait; another friend, a good scout if there ever was one, fishing. He destroyed neither forage nor group will carelessly trample fences and who derived his piscatorial pleasure through fish and had a swell time nevertheless. growing crops, irritating landowners and the gathering of bait, a most harmful prac­ likely closing more fishing water to the public. tice. Always gathering bait and never going Last year in midsummer issues of PENN­ SYLVANIA ANGLER there were articles by several practical fishermen with a reasonably general knowledge of bass problems in the Keystone State—especially as regards supply and demand. Offhand as I recall two of these articles were titled respectively "The Bass Crisis" and "Back-to-Nature Bass", the for­ mer discussing the life cycle, habits and food requirements of the species, the latter in­ troducing a suggestion for possible improved fishing. The articles covered the situation nicely and the writer greeted both with more than average interest. He hoped many additional fishermen might adopt artificials as a result during 1939, but now sadly fears he witnessed increased bait hunting in fish- able water by more fishermen than ever be­ fore. And as surely as the moon follows the sun, live bait users are killing the goose that laid the golden egg—the practice of going into fishable water and competing with game fish for forage, in fact sometimes actu­ ally destroying the granary, can end only one way—barren water. No forage means no fish, and were it not for the excellent replacement efforts on the part of the Fish Commission, a work often seemingly impossible in view of the many obstacles, extinction might perhaps be nearer than many suspect. More legal restraint can only come if the practice con­ tinues to grow. During 1939 Pennsylvania had over 400,000 licensed fishermen; besides there was a size­ able number of youthful anglers under the age at which a fee and identification tag are necessary to legally pursue the sport. The bass season ran from July 1st to November Hurry Keller, Capitol City angler, with that Susquehanna walleye. 30th—within one day of 22 full weeks. Now 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 9 some fishermen visit the streams several revenue be set aside as a fund to produce when the rocks are turned over, when grasses times each week during the course of a sea­ forage. Excellent if feasible, but is it? are rooted out, when silt is stirred up and son; others perhaps only a few times. Most Forage must be planted it is true, but should bottoms disturbed. Don't forget the golden confirmed bass fishermen, however, likely it be stocked so that anglers may secure a rule of the lower kingdom of life is "Eat and average better than once a week, some almost supply more easily? Stocking of forage be eaten." daily. But to save argument let us pre­ means just about that so long as present in­ Simply throwing a lot of minnows, stone suppose each of the 400,000 visited the roads continue—even increase. After riffles catties, crawfish, etc., into the streams will streams once a week, a total of 22 times each are dug over and uprooted, the habitat of not solve the situation in entirety and with­ season, or an aggregate of 8,800,000 trips. minute aquatic life and vegetation destroyed out careful cooperation on the part of anglers. Many of the fishermen secured their legal perhaps for years, how is forage expected No one would be so foolish as to suggest that supply of bait from the stream upon each to take hold and propagate? After all forage hatcheries might produce enough forage to visit; suppose each fisherman would have life needs food too; if to propagate naturally sustain the fish life in the stream without claimed that privilege? 400,000 licensed ang­ and compensate the effort of planting; it nature's assistance, or do some fishermen lers visiting the streams 8,800,000 times have must have a full healthy belly and its micro­ harbor the thought? Let us conservatively the right to remove 304,000,000 bait fish or scopic young must be able to easily find pre-suppose a bass consumes two morsels of fish bait, or to put it another way—bass meals. organisms to eat. These organisms disappear (Continued on Page 16) Over three hundred million bass meals; Just about enough to feed two-thirds million bass for one entire year. Continuing the hypothesis, it goes without saying in the absence of three hundred millions bass meals, the two-thirds million additional bass never grow to maturity. Which plan seems the ftiore reasonable—general adoption of arti­ ficials, conservation of forage and water teeming with bronze backs or to continue fobbing the fish of his food with the pros- Pect of fewer and poorer conditioned bass as each season rolls along? At first glance the above figures may look cock-eyed—but are they? We all know some °f the 400,000 use artificials on bass. But how many fish bait and bait fish do thousands uPon thousands of lads under the licensed age consume? How many are consumed by the thousands upon thousands of trout fish- ermen, a practice growing with each season. Over three hundred millions for human use as bait might well prove too conservative an estimate. Now with regard to the improved fishing Plan—apparently it was accepted just as lethargically by the fishing public. As far as the writer knows, no one fishing club or group got behind the idea with a little push With a request that a suitable section of one 0r more streams be set aside as an experi­ mental project to determine the feasibility °i the idea. One fellow about summed it UP when he said to the writer: "I hope I can get around and tie into one of the big breed- ers if they try it.' That about covers the situation- he's an enthusiastic bass fisherman, but didn't give a hang about propagation; S1mply speculated upon the chance of smack- lr>g down one of the stock fish at the first °Pportunity. But specifically to return to the midsummer articles as a whole, I would like to suggest lt is worth the effort of the conservationist t° secure a copy of these discussions and give them careful consideration, especially if details are forgotten or perchance not thor- °Ughly digested in the first place. It is not yet too late to lend thought to the sugges­ tions; certainly the back-to-nature experi­ ment would not cost much in either time, money or effort, and might prove a great ^eal, even revolutionize this thing called hass propagation. A small fishing club should ke able to successfully see an experiment through, and if it did not serve any other Purpose, several members might actually tie mto a big one or two and have a life-long memory to cherish just as my day dreaming friend envisioned. Sometime back an alarmed fisherman came UP with the idea to raise the license fee to $5.00; further suggesting that the additional Elmer White of Harrisimrff with his late season smallmouth from the Juniata. 10 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER JUNE BASS LIKE TROUT Foxy Creek Smallmouths Offer Real Sport on Light Tackle By ALEX P. SWEIGART

ESIGNATE the fighting qualities you ad­ Just what bearing water temperature has The same goes for the crayfish, helgramite D mire most in the brook trout, brown upon the fighting qualities of the smallmouth and stone catfish. Lakes and major streams trout, rainbow trout, pickerel and wall-eyed bass in creeks is a matter open to question. such as the lower Susquehanna River are pike and we'll match the aggregate, inch Certainly, the well conditioned bass to be much more inaccessible to live bait netting for inch and pound for pound, in a well- taken in Penn's Creek, with its usually low and inroads on the available supply of bass conditioned smallmouth bass from one of our summer water temperature in that area above forage are correspondingly light. ledgy rock-bottom creeks. Here is a fish Mifflinburg, Union County, possess amazing In recent years, it has appeared that creek that asks no quarter and gives no quarter, staying qualities and driving aggressiveness. smallmouth bass have been displaying in­ a swift hard-lunging striker that embodies, On the other hand, those smallmouths taken creased wariness in their striking tendencies, in the humble opinion of the writer, those from Tuscarora Creek, Juniata County, and somehow giving more of an impression of characteristics most sought in a freshwater Sherman's Creek, Perry County, even when trout in this respect. Perhaps prevailing low, game fish. Aggressive and a bold leaper, summer stream temperatures ranged in the clear water in many streams has been a particularly when around the two pound low 80's, gave a splendid account of them­ and then again, maybe it's only imagination, stage, the creek smallmouth is also capable selves. It is to be noted that all three strong contributing factor to this tendency, of a cunning underwater battle, quick to streams are characterized by swift swirls and But one thing is certain. Careful fishing, riffles and it is possible that abundant aera­ avoidance to as great an extent as possible take advantage of sunken logs or other cover tion may play some part in the picture. Then in its battle for freedom. In this bronze- splashing and thudding about in wading, and again, the availability of an abundance of long casts have yielded far more action from mottled, spike finned gamester of our warm natural forage, minnows, helgramites, stone water streams, nature offers the freshwater catfish, crayfish and bullfrog tadpoles cer­ these fish than careless methods. It may be fisherman the superlative in quarry. For tainly has bearing on the battling merits of that a vastly increased number of fishermen those doubting Thomases who hold our trout his highness, the smallmouth bass. We have on these bass waters also has been a factor on a pedestal, it is suggested that one bass found that, in our ledgy, rock-bottom creeks, in this process of bass education. The f;ct weighing about a pound be taken on regula­ a well fed bass, heavy in girth for its length, remains that, while years ago two or more tion fly fishing tackle, i. e. a tapered line, can be counted upon to give the fisherman bass could be very often taken in the same leader tapered to 2x or 3x, and fly rod weigh­ the thrills of a lifetime. flat or pool without moving on, one fish ing from 4 to 5 ounces or slightly over. A landed today usually has put the remainder streamer fly of the type described by E. L. All of which brings us to this cardinal down for some time to come. Smart bass King in his fine article "Nary A Spinner" principal, governing not only bass, but all are highly desirable bass and the day may appearing in the May issue, completes the species of game fishes: Any body of water, not be far distant when it will be necessary assembly. Try it and be convinced. to furnish a maximum number of well con­ to resort more and more to methods smack­ Now, from the angle of gameness, there ditioned bass, must afford a maximum ing of careful trouting in taking creek small­ are bass and bass. That goes for largemouth amount of forage Upon which they rely. Of mouths. This should make the sport all the as well as smallmouth. In recent years, the our Pennsylvania bass streams, the creeks more appealing. Certainly there is atmos­ impression has seeped through the thick skull offer the greatest problem in this respect. phere on one of these ledgy streams with of the writer that, other factors being equal, Their food producing riffles are easily acces­ its tree fringed shoreline comparable to that the type of water in which bass occur gov­ sible to the live bait fisherman with his four of many of our trout waters. erns to a major extent these fighting quali­ foot minnow net and intensive netting of With the approach of another bass season, ties. A largemouth bass taken from a mud bait fish and fish bait may seriously cripple conservation of bass forage in streams of bottom pond, carrying high summer water the supply of bass forage. No matter how this type again enters the limelight. Few temperature, tends frequently to sluggishness; fecund stream minnows such as the silver fishermen, with the welfare of their sport at take a fish of the same weight from a cold, shiner may be, to thin down the supply of heart, can fail to regard with serious concern rock bottom lake such as Lake Gordon in brood minnows by over-nettting for bait fish­ the consequences that are certain to follow Bedford County and its gameness is not to be ing purposes is certain to result in a serious intensive riddling of our smaller bass streams questioned. shortage of available bass food of this type. for live bait. Apparently, the best course to follow at the present time is to convert more and more fishermen to the use of artificial lures in taking bass. Once converted to the thrilling sport afforded by the fly casting or bait casting outfits, it's a fair bet that the average fisherman will wonder why he ever bothered lugging a bait bucket along a stream course on a hot day or worked hard to secure a pailful of minnows, half of which may have died before he reached the stream- The fisherman contemplating a swing to artificials this year has two choices, the fly rod or the bait casting rod. Both are sport­ ing and either, when mastered, will yield plenty of action. While the writer has strong affection for the light bait casting outfit, it must be conceded that, in the matter of strikes, particularly during the summer months, the fly rod will outscore light casting lures. On the other hand, in taking heavy fish, we believe the light lures to hold an advantage in our creeks. Fly Fishing First, in considering this phase of the bass fishing sport, let's turn to equipment. Because The creek smallmouth is tops for either fly caster or bait caster. 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER II

reasonable care, two fifty yard spools of line should see the bait caster through the season. It is a good plan to turn the line after per­ haps one month's use, thus assuring even wear. Now we come to selection of the reel. There are a number of excellent, easy run­ ning, quadruple multiplying reels now on the market below the ten dollar figure that should serve well for a starter. Some fisher­ men prefer the cork arbor on their reels, but our preference is for a filler of good backing line. With light tackle, there is always a chance that a hefty fish, bass, wall­ eye or pickerel, may stage an exceptionally long run after the strike and then it is that the filler line is good insurance. Old line serves well as backing so long as it retains its strength, and it is well to test such line between the fingers before placing it on the reel. When streams are low and clear, the use of a leader, 6 to 12 feet in length and attach­ ed to the line with the well known double barrel knot, is productive of many strikes. Synthetic gut, testing 10 or 15 pounds, when thoroughly soaked makes a first rate bait casting leader. The barrel connection attach­ ing leader to line ties into a tiny compact knot, slipping easily through the level wind­ ing device on the average casting reel. Use of the smallest snap swivel obtainable, size 12 swivel and size 0 snap, bronze finish, is a handy adjunct for attaching lure to leader Light lures, one half ounce or under, are ideal for fishing stream flats such as this. and will be found a time saver in changing from one plug to another. °f the punishment it is likely to undergo in outfit for smallmouth bass of our creeks and Now to lure selection. Light lures, weigh­ handling fly and spinner combinations and smaller streams, place the emphasis on light ing from Vt to % ounce, permit casting in floating lures, the fly rod should weigh from equipment. Casting lures weighing from % our smaller streams with a minimum of dis­ 5% to 6% ounces, be from 8% to 9 or 9% to y-i ounce require for handling a rod of turbance, hence are to be ranked as most feet, with many fishermen preferring the lat- light- tip action, either tubular steel or bam­ consistent in taking creek smallmouth bass. ter lengths and have plenty of backbone. The boo. If the steel rod is selected it should be Solely in the interest of live bait conserva­ Slngle action reel (some prefer the automotic) at least 5% feet in length, while for more s tion, the following lures are listed: Eight "ould be large enough to nicely accommo­ effective handling of the light lures, the bam­ favorites of the writer happen to be: (1) date a good C level or D level enameled line boo should have a length of 6 feet,' "light ari The Heddon Midget River Runt, shiner or d backing line. Leaders will probably action" designated. Lighter waterproofed perch finish, % ounce, a slow sinking wob­ always prove a matter for argument, but casting lines, either hard or soft braided, are bler; (2) The Midget Plunker, perch finish, ^any fly fishermen of our acquaintance find also essential, with lines of 9 or 12 pounds ar made by Creek Chub Bait Company, weight tificial gut testing 8 or 10 pounds satisfac­ test fitting into the assemblage nicely. With (Continued on Page 27) tory and economical. Some like 15 pound test gut. Lure selection is apparently a matter gov- j^ned chiefly by locality. On the North "ranch of the Susquehanna, floating lures sUch as the hair frog and other deer hair Creations have yielded some mighty fine fmallmouths in recent years. With the creek ass in the central counties, however, success *ith this type of lure has been slight. Here ltr is that the old standby fly-and-spinner c°mbination as well as streamer flies, in other 0rds, underwater lures, have worked to Greatest advantage. Spinner sizes preferred a^e 1 and 2 generally, with a leaning toward *«e copper spinner. The tandem spinner also Js Popular. Fly sizes range generally from 2 .° 4, with the following patterns being much lr> demand: Montreal, Royal Coachman, Par- J^achene Belle, Grizzly King and Red Ibis, /''he Black Gnat, and Grey Hackle might also be added to the list. William R. Walton, vet- eran angler and top-flight American fly fish­ erman, discusses the technique of effective % rod fishing for bass in detail in this issue. UP to the minute tips on fishing floating lures are given by Chas. M. Wetzel. Bait Casting For Bass

When it comes to selecting the bait casting Surface plugs are pood bets in bait casting for largemouth bass. 12 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER JUNE FLY ROD BASS FISHING By PETER J. SCHWAB

LMOST any boy or any old woman knows we may reserve them for the closing para­ and finishing the cast with a final splash A how to fish. Mostly they also know when graphs. From the viewpoint of the fly fish­ of the lure) and which has the small diam­ and where to fish at least they haven't much erman the most important item in his equip­ eter, light weight shooting lines necessary to learn from barometers or old fishermen's ment is his rod. That's wrong, I think. The to obtain distance when distance is needed. calendars. The plain facts are that fish eat rod is his most expensive piece of equipment, If you present rod carries either a "D" or when they are hungry enough and where food but the line is his most important. "E" level line or an HDH or HEH double is obtainable in sufficient quantity to make It's the line projectile which must carry taper, it will carry a Medium Trout and foraging worth the trouble. your lure, light or heavy, downwind, across Bass torpedo head taper to better advantage. the wind, and into the face of the wind. If Whippier rods (or weaker arms) should be These things, plus the combination that the line isn't right you won't throw it very bass are normally twilight or nocturnal feed­ fitted with the Light Trout torpedo line, and far, you won't throw it straight or you won't really stiff "fast" rods should be fitted with ers and fly fishermen can't see in the dark, throw it lightly. Neither will you throw the make for good warm weather fishing in the the Heavy Trout and Bass taper for average wide assortment of lures so often employed casts or heavy lures. The exceptions to the morning twilight and the best fly fishing in by the bass "fly" fisherman. the evening twilight or from the last hour above recommendations apply to distance or two preceding sunset until dark. casting and the ability to carry into strong By far the greater majority of double winds or accurately across lively breezes. Overcast skies, with temperatures and tapered lines are too long in their front tapers and tips to be easily straightened even when Except in the hands of an expert caster velocities also enter into it to the point no rod which is not capable of carrying a where experienced fishermen come to rely employing small trout flies. Though much used they are still less adequate for carrying Medium Trout torpedo head taper will do upon instinct, and the tyro won't be far much in the way of distance, wind or with wrong if he does the same thing. These the large flies, streamers, bucktails, and bass bugs used by the fly fishermen, or the small lures having more weight or air resistance things have been written about and talked than numbers 2, 4 or 6 wet flies. So-o-o don't about endlessly, most often with no regard plugs, spinners and spoons used by the fel­ lows who fish with fly rods. expect too much of the Light Torpedo. It to the universality of Nature and Life. Forty- will do a beautiful job with small or medium five years of fishing, widespread and wide Fit your line to the fishing, and fit the rod sized flies, but is no great shucks with bugs flung, have taught me that when I feel par­ to the line . . . and yourself, of course. My or heavier lures unless made with at least ticularly good, exhilerated, the birds of the abhorrence of double tapered lines is well 15 feet of .055". belly. air, the beasts of the field and the fish of known to readers of SPORTS AFIELD, and Men who don't like lines of .065" diameter the water feel the some way. That's when was touched upon in the January, 1940, num­ the fishing is at its best. because of the difficulty of keeping them ber of the PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER in afloat (and I'm along their number) will do It's all so complicated, and yet so simple, which I gave instructions and specifications better to use the Medium specifications, with that I'd rather talk about tackle, specifically for splicing your own torpedo head tapers if 14 or more feet of .060" belly for longer casts bass fly fishing tackle at this moment. That's you don't care to buy them factory braided. with largest flies or hardware lures. Any something of interest to bass fishermen. The I consider this type of taper the only one rod which will handle the Medium Trout boys . . . and the old ladies . . . get along which has the necessary weight out front to torpedo head will also handle the Light Dis­ with much less and have just as much fun. carry the lure without overburdening the rod; which has the scientifically correct taper tance line described in the January number Lines and tip length to straighten; which can be (easily good for 80 to 100 foot casts, and capable of more under proper conditions) and From the standpoint of the fish, the most straightened and turned over in the air so that the lure strikes the water in advance heavier rods, if real distance is tho object, important item of your tackle is what you (or for windy days) will best be fitted with have at the end of your leader, the fly or of the line (instead of rolling out on top of the water, making the wake of a watersnake a line spliced something along the following other lure; but fishes' tastes are simple and scheme, viz: Tip, 4 feet of .035"; front taper, 2 feet each of .040", .045", .050"; forebelly 10 feet .055"; main belly, 8 feet .060"; aft belly, 8 feet .055"; rear taper, 3 feet each of .050" and .045"; holding line, 20 feet of .040" shoot­ ing line, enough .025" to fill reel to capacity. This is about as much line as I care to use even on big water and it is distinctly not a line for the fisherman not skilled in the use of the left hand haul. If you can't afford the price of a factory braided and finished torpedo head line, and don't care to splice your own, then I'd sug­ gest that you get a "D" level line for flies, streamers, bucktails and even bass bugs. If you use bass bugs altogether, or any of the other lures heaved about by the fellows who use fly rods for their plug fishing (spinners, spoons and small plugs, bucktail frogs, mice, etc., etc, ad lib, ad nauseum) get yourself a level "C" line and a rod to handle it. A level line is a better caster than a double tapered line, and while not equal to the torpedo head either in carrying or shooting properties, M can be pointed for more delicate casting wit!1 three or four feet of lighter line spliced to the front—or you can use a slightly longer leader having a quite heavy butt. Use you1, noodle, and pay less attention to the tackle catalogue. Regardless of the line you select, keep i* Just because you happen to be using n fly rod doesn't make you a fly fisherman. well greased with a good, hard grease—and 13 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER

That revelation comes as a distinct shock to demonstrate the total lack of "power" in to the fellows who like to kid themselves the best rods. All he needs are a few pieces about the alleged "spring power" possessed of graph paper, a sharp pencil and an eraser. by rods, and the ability of the straightening Start with the beginning of the forward cast, spring to add velocity to the cast. rod slightly bent and at an angle of 45° or more from the vertical. Sketch the line ex­ The spring adds nothing to the cast. tending straight behind. Then draw the suc­ If the rod had any "power" it wouldn't cessive bends in the rod, and the trailing (or bend in the first place. If it had the speed departing 1) line in six to ten positions to the attributed to it, why doesn't it race ahead of peak of the cast and the finish of the shoot the projected line of the rod through the You'll be surprised at what this little exer­ corks? No. boys and girls, the rod only starts cise will teach you concerning rod actions, to straighten after the load has been removed and superstitions. from the tip, and if it don't straighten and The rod has no muscles, no dynamos, no Michigan Palmer Hackle. come to rest darn fast it will gum up the steam engines. It has no "power" and it only works for you plenty. A wiggling, vibrating stores energy which is never converted into rod will impede the flow of the line through power during the course of a cast. It does i Polish it with graphite for maximum distance. the guides and where will cock robin be then, have resistance to tend, and that't what you 'See January number.) poor thing? pay for in a good rod. Buy the stiffest, Any man with sufficient ability to recall lightest rod you can afford, and buy it in a Rods the details of a cast, needs no photographs (Continued on Page 28) Assuming now that you've purchased your lir>e, let's see if we can find a rod to fit or °arry it to best advantage and least burden °n your muscles—that is, if you fish for Measure. I'm sure of that hobbyist who °Wns more rods than are necessary or good f°r his bank balance, if any. But the variety Sives me something from which to choose and be fussy. Putting it briefly and concisely here's the way I go forth a bassing. For the line to carry flies up to size 6, I ^e a fast, but not too stiff 7% foot, two- Piece rod, single built and weighing 3y2 0Unces with hard rubber reel seat. For the "flle to carry larger flies, feather minnows or Dass bugs, I use a rather stiff two-piece, 7% f °ot rod, hollow butt, weighing 3V2 ounces *ith cork reel seat, or another TV2 ft., 2 piece, s°«d single built rod which weighs 3% ounces ™fth hard rubber reel seat. These two IVz f°oters (but not the lighter one) are suitable *°r boat fishing or wading not over hip boot ^ePths, quiet or windy days, and for the °1gest casts necessary on biggest water. An 8 or 8Vz footer, still stiffer, but not over *& ounces in hollow butt or 5 to 5Vz ounces 1,1 solid butt, will do a better job when deep fading . . . not so much for the cast, as for ;be additional leverage it will give you for ne pick-up. Big, husky fellows, boxers, ^fasslers, muscle bound weight lifters and °lc* fashioned fishermen prefer 9 to Wz foot £°ds—of which I have a few dandies, artist Duilt, that I never use. Static length in a rod means nothing. A {2 foot weepy rod of the cowstail or grape- ^lne class is not nearly as good a caster as a Iast, stiff, light 7% footer. In fact, the Effective length of the IVz footer is probably |reater than that of the weepy 9Y2 footer. f;ett>ember that the rod is simply a lever, b^ first function of which is to magnify the ^rc of motion and the speed of the wrist wavel. The higher the tip speed the further y°Ur cast will carry; or, putting it another *ay. the easier you can swing it the less I lred it will make you even for the shortest [ CE>sts. All rods bend during the act of casting. As t th. ,* y bend they lose both time and distance, ^ the bend acts as a cushion or shock aosorber to smooth the cast and make sub- e1Uent acceleration easier even for skilled ^sters. After the rod has reached its maxi- ^ utti bend for any cast, fast or slow, it be- Ofties a curved but rigid lever. And it re­ nins that until an instant after the line, **ff> surf casting sinker is on its flight.

J 14 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER JUNE

motion picture supplied by the State Game DR. E. M. GRAMM DIES Commission. The conservation of Wild and Marine life C. Allen Wiker, President of the Lancas­ lost one of its oldest and staunchest cham­ ter County Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, pions in the death of Dr. Edward M. Gramm was also present at this meeting and gave of Philadelphia. Dr. Gramm was stricken many timely and valuable suggestions on the suddenly while on active duty in his offices work at hand in getting a club started in at 1930 Chestnut Street, on Monday, April the right way. 1, 1940. A former professor of dermatology David Broy was chairman of the meeting at Hahnemann Medical College and for over for the evening and the following temporary 60 years a dermatologist he was one of the officers were appointed to function until the leading authorities on skin troubles in the regular election on April 3rd at the Kenne­ East. He was 80. wood Hotel: Harry G. Hershey, Secretary; Since early youth Dr. Gramm was an Nominating Committee, Walter Longenecker, ardent follower of Izaak Walton and for Chairman, and Irvin Baylor, Dr. L. W. Fetter, many years had been an active member of Albert Boltz, Harvey Olweiler, Charles B. the Dover Fishing Club of Philadelphia, of Boggs, Walter Frey; Membership Committee, which organization he was chairman of the Ellwood Boyer, chairman, and Milton Heil- legislative committee. The prevention of man, W. G. Mumma, George Doyle, Paul stream pollution was one of his pet hobbies; Fisher, Joe. Henderson; Publicity Committee, and several years ago when this bill was Robert H. Boggs, chairman, and Harry Her­ before the state legislature he was a frequent shey, G. W. Westafer, Carl Breneman; Con­ visitor to the capitol at Harrisburg lobbying stitution and By-Laws Committee, Louis for the bill which he had worked so hard Ulrich, chairman, and Ellwood Grimm, Dr- to have introduced. L. W. Fetter, D. Latchem Reem, Chester Engle, and Lester Weidman. When the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsman's Clubs was first organized, he proposed to the directors of the Dover Fish­ ing Club that they organize a Philadelphia LAWRENCE BANQUET HIGHLY County Unit. Given full authority to act on this to the best interest of the sportsmen, Dr. SUCCESSFUL Gramm succeeded in persuading eleven simi­ Conservation of game and propagation of] lar clubs in Philadelphia County to form a fish were the high lights of addresses made unit which promptly affiliated with the by Ross L. Leffler, president of the State Southeastern Division of the State Federa­ Game commission and Charles A. French, tion. He was named chairman of the county commissioner of fisheries, respectively, at the unit and occupied this seat until his death. Edward M. Gramm. M.D. seventeenth annual banquet of the Lawrence The problem of the fast disappearing County Sportsmen's association banquet held in the Cathedral, District Attorney John G- striped bass in our eastern coastal waters work with his committee toward this end has for a number of years been a leading Lamoree was toastmaster. The banquet was that he succumbed to an attack of apoplexy attended by approximately 1,200 persons. topic for discussion in conservation cricles. in his office on April 1st. His final act on So, about eighteen months ago, the president this earth was to mail a quantity of Wild­ The banquet was one of the most success­ of the Dover Fishing Club asked Dr. Gramm life Stamps out to local sportsmen and at the ful yet held by the organization which has to call a special meeting of his legislative March 20th meeting of the Dover Fishing members in every nook and corner of the committee and see just what a club in Penn­ Club he included in his regular legislative county. It was attended by young and old. sylvania could do to assist her neighboring report an appeal to each member to buy a Dignitaries of sportsmen's organizations from coastal states. Special attention was called sheet of these stamps for the cause of con­ other sections in addition to officials of the to the fact that out of New Jersey's 600,000 servation. city and county participated in the fete. Dur- salt water anglers a very large percentage in the evening there were addresses, a Le- were visitors from Pennsylvania. He was laid at rest on April 4th in Forest lenko show, distribution of awards and mo­ Hills Cemetery by his companions in his Dr. Gramm's first efforts were toward tion pictures of game and fish. favorite recreation, his fellow club members Banquet Chairman W. Henry Rodgers federally regulated conservation for this acting as pallbearers. species of game fish and he obtained the opened the fete, then introduced the presi­ endorsement of over 400 sportsman's clubs His entire life was devoted to preserving dent of the association, George Sillman, who: along the Atlantic Coast from Massachusetts our outdoor heritage for the future genera­ in turn introduced District Attorney John G- down to North Carolina. It soon developed, tions of sportsmen. Lamore, who most ably filled the role. Be­ however, that the time was not yet ripe for ing a lover of outdoor life, the barrister the federal government to take a hand so he adeptly handled the situation as though he immediately directed the efforts of his com­ was drawing a bead on an eight-point buck mittee toward legislation in our own state NEW CLUB FORMED or reeling in a black bass. that would assist our neighboring states in That northwestern corner of Lancaster After declaring that the organization was enforcing those laws already in existence. County, long neglected as a district in which composed of people who have a healthy feel­ Investigation showed that Philadelphia to have a sportsmen's club, added its name ing for God's outdoors he pointed out that provided an excellent market for bass caught to the list of such organizations in the State, the assembly was made up of young and old' along the Atlantic coast, some illegally. when on March 20th, the "Conewago Hod and both men and women and called Pennsyl' Prompted by this information Dr. Gramm Gun Club" was formed at the Kennewood vania the greatest hunting ground in the immediately started to work on a bill for Hotel in Elizabethtown. David Groy, Fish United States. He then introduced game and introduction to the state legislature that Culturist of the Hershey Estates, led the fish organization notables and other promi' would prevent the sale of this species in organization work and did a very fine job. nent persons present. Pennsylvania. Through his influence the This district includes the towns of Elizabeth- • Philadelphia County Chapter of the Federa­ town, Bainbridge, Maytown, Rheems, New- tion succeeded in having a resolution adopted ville, Milton Grove* and Mastersonville, and "Take it easy" is a good motto for any at the state meeting in Harrisburg last Feb­ represents a total of fifteen hundred hunting angler. When you seem to have exceptionally ruary to the effect that such legislation would and fishing licenses. One hundred and twelve few strikes, slow down. Look the water ovef be endorsed by that body. sportsmen attended this meeting and greatly carefully. Try to decide where is the logics' It was while * working on this bill and enjoyed the inspirational talk given by place for fish to lie. Then fish carefully and obtaining the assistance of other sportsman's "Mike" Seaman, Editor of the Sportsmen's with as little disturbance as possible. And' clubs in the eastern section of our state to column in the Harrisburg Telegraph and a above all, fish every spot thoroughly. 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 15

LEHIGH FISH AND CAME HAD notify either Mr. Young, our fish warden, SPRINGDALE CLUB PLANS BUILDING George Zimmerman, Honorary Secretary at SPLENDID RECORD iCty Hall, or myself, in care of Call-Chronicle The Springdale District Sportsmen's Asso­ ciation President Jack Fritz has appointed As secretary of the Lehigh County Fish Publishing Company. and Game Protective Association, writes Carl R. Mellon, T. D. Montgomery, George Through the combined efforts of the Unami M. Hawk, Frank McCulloch, Herbert Lei- Chas. H. Nehf, I am especially pleased to Fish and Game Protective Association, Em- Present an account of our conservation work pertz, Edward H. Spix, H. J. Clowes, Frank maus; Alburtis Rod and Gun Club; Macungie H. Mitchell and Howard Brown on the build­ during the past year. In full recognition of Rod and Gun Club; Rural Sportsmen's Asso­ the field which we have covered I shall ing committee. The duties of this committee ciation in Upper Macungie Township, Trex- are to locate a suitable location for the Numerate three definite phases of our activ­ lertown, your association has cooperated in ity. the splendid stream improvement which is construction of a building for the sports­ being continued throughout the entire course men. First, our regular monthly meetings sched­ The sportsmen have approved the grant­ uled during the winter months of the year of the Little Lehigh from Berks County to a Fountain Park, Allentown. ing of life memberships to all members of s beginning in September and ending in the association who contribute the sum of "lay. To you who attend these meetings I We may also add that we play our part $25 toward the building fund. This sum of fteed not stress the significance of the pro­ in assisting the local fish and game protec­ $25 can be paid into the club in a lump grams which we have prepared. In order to tors in stocking our allotted portion of Lehigh sum or over a period of twenty-five months. Picture the work ahead of us for the re­ County in both fish and game. This is all gaining months of the current calendar I to our mutual advantage. The sportsmen have amended the by-laws Wish to emphasize three events. of the organiaztion to include the nomination The final and most important field of our and election of five directors from the mem­ On Thursday, April 25, our annual business work is bringing the younger folks of Allen- bers of teh organization, who together with Meeting at which the nomination and elec­ town to appreciate the great outdoors which the officers of the association shall comprise tion of officers was held took place. Augment- the Creator has provided for all. Fifty junior the board of directors to manage the affairs lr admission cards were presented to selected >g the regular session our members enjoyed of the club. the fine colored motion pictures of Randolph pupils in the Central Catholic High School, Thompson of State College, Pa. Mr. Thomp­ Harris on-Morton Junior High School, Central President Fritz appointer a nominating son, who is employed by the State Game Junior High School; and the Raub Junior committee of six men to make recommen­ Commission projected reels of pictures which High School. These boys, through the choice dations to the membership for the selection had been recommended to us as something of Stanley Youkonis, Dewey Fenstermaker, of men to serve as directors. A. G. Anderson, ^e had never seen in the Lehigh Valley. Thomas Jacks, and your secretary, are now Homer Philips, E. B. Sutch, Victor Nery, the special guests of the Lehigh County Fish Frank Scholtz and Ray Cochran were ap­ Thursday, May 23, has again been set aside and Game Protective Association. We hope pointed to serve on this committee. as our annual fish night. District Warden that they enjoy our program and may profit Fond memories of Charlie Hawk were re­ C. Joel Young has arranged the showing of by the things which have, and will be said called when George Hawk, his son, presented colored motion pictures on Atlantic salmon a or seen here this evening. the sportsmen with a $25 check to go toward id trout angling in Newfoundland. Mr. R. the building fund when the club is incorpor­ H. Tait of the Newfoundland Tourist Infor­ In behalf of the Association, I wish to for­ mally welcome all our members, guests, and ated. At the mention of Charlie Hawk's mation Service, New York City, will be here name many were the fishing and hunting t° personally show the pictures. friends. Your presence has made this 19th annual gathering a great success. May we stories recalled by some of the sportsmen. Saturday, July 27, the last Saturday before see more of you in the future. the closing of the trout season will mean alother big event for our members. For the 6lghth consecutive year we are again ar- This country would still belong to tha ranging the live trout fishing contest. Since Fishing, at any rate, is a harmless sport. Indians if our pioneer forefathers had sat. around waiting for congress to solve their- 'ts beginning by our club, many organizations No fisherman ever hooked another by mis­ a take for a bass. problems. u over the country, have followed the idea M our yearly summer picnic at Dorney Park. he rules have been revised to accommodate the increasing number of fishermen who wish l°take part in these events. Looking ahead into next fall finds our Calendar booking for Seth Gordon, Secretary jgE the Pennsylvania Game Commission, on Thursday, October 24, 1940. These are your Meetings to which we extend our welcome. ^-°me and enjoy the spirit of good sports- unship that such fellowship can create, purely our attendance, ranging from 132 to B9j speaks well of our efforts. May we see y°u more often. The second scope of our activity is prac- t'cal conservation. This is manifested through he purchase of 10,000 seedling trees which ^e have ordered for spring delivery to the ^Uentown Park Department for their re­ forestation work along the Little Lehigh. Results of former plantings can be seen in the fine stand of pine trees along the Lehigh arkway between the former Young farms aild City Forester Price's residence. Fish which are not killed in the live fishing ^ntest are later stocked in the Cedar Creek, Pprney Park boating dam, and the Lower kittle Lehigh. Last year our efforts towards "sh restocking in these places was shown in jhe 823 large trout liberated in open waters. Allentown Call Photo. *sh stocked through our efforts ranged in At the annual meeting of the Lehigh County Fish and Game Protective Association, (left to right) Slze from 12 to 25 inches. Should you catch Charles A. French, Commissioner of Fisheries, R. A. MacCachran, assistant chief, Division of Lands. Pennsylvania Game Commission, F. Al Brown, Association president, Victor Cody, sports cameraman, ^y of the tagged brownies this spring, kindly and George Zimmerman honorary Secretary of the Association. *-'»A

16 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER JUNE

the former's big 21% inch, 4% pound small- tomer. As the neophyte approaches the clerk, AT YOUR MERCY mouth, taken from the Juniata adjacent to who all too often does not know fish or (Continued from Page 9) one of the spots where there still seems to be fishing well, especially skillful use of artifi­ food—minnows, catties, helgramites, crayfish a reasonable supply of forage. This fish, cials, the former is shown the higher price or what-not—on an average for each day of landed late in November after most fisher­ jobs, rods costing $20.00 to $50.00, all the the active period, roughly April through to men had laid aside rods in favor of firearms, while being fed a lot of talk about buying early or mid-November, an aggregate of per­ was in unusually fine condition, the exception only the best, you don't want this or that, etc. haps 450. If the hatcheries are to be forage rather than the rule in the lower Juniata. Result friend neophyte usually walks out and goes back to bait, and with an altogether granaries, then for each six bass, the daily Only three or four miles away but in the creel, there would be required almost twenty- wrong impression of artificials. I say this is Susquehanna River, Harry Keller, Harris­ a short-sighted policy and advisedly so. Per­ seven hundred living organisms artificially burg, landed the big walleye also pictured. produced. With only one thousand foraging haps the clerk is working on commission, but Stretching the tape to 28% inches and weigh­ likely he effectively destroys a source of bass in each mile of stream, all sizes, a hatch­ ing in excess of six pounds, this husky speci­ ery output of almost one-half million fish future fat revenue. It is a known fact that men was merely the nicest in a fine October artificials grow on the user; at first he ap­ bait or bait fish might be needed in the space catch of big ones. Needless to point out of a ten minutes walk. How many do you proaches them gingerly and with moderation, forage conditions are also fair to good there­ as skill and mastery develops he wants bet­ think it would take to feed the bass alone abouts. in the Susquehanna Kiver and tributaries ter equipment. In time and at will as the from Conewingo to the source of both Nature has a proper balance; forage and pocketbook permits, he replaces the humble branches? You're right, fellow, it wouldn't bass go hand in hand and prosper accord­ beginner's outfit with more delicately bal­ be possible to count them in a lifetime. ingly if undisturbed. With modern over­ anced rods, more sensitive reels, snazzy crowded waterways, little practices wholly double tapered lines, exquisitely fine leaders and lures by the score; he actually begins The writer may seem a bit cynical; sadly harmless a decade ago now assume para­ mount importance. Disregarding big floods to buy in profitable amounts and without he assumes a right to be. Personal observa­ urging. In short he willingly invests time tion is responsible, actual experience, first or extended droughts, usually it is only when man goes into the stream and destroys and again in the expert's tools whereas be­ hand knowledge of conditions in a long fore he bought only a few cents worth of stretch of the Susquehanna and Juniata nature's balance that the food situation be­ comes serious. Approach the problem from worm and minnow hooks together with about Rivers ranging from Harrisburg westward to 50 yards of some cheap linen line and per­ some miles above Newport on the William any angle, there is only one sure solution, Mother Nature's way—sensible, careful re­ haps a steel rod. The movement toward Penn Highway and the accompanying water­ conservation needs more cooperation in the shed. Sometime ago a lot of brood bass were straint, ranging to absolute prohibition when and where conditions warrant, on the re­ tackle store. It is hard for the amateur to privately imported from Maryland and placed buy properly now; there is a fortune waiting in nearby streams under the catching phrase moval of crustaceans, minnows, helgramites, catties and all living organisms from game around the corner for the outfitter who as­ "Bass Unlimited". The plan may be entirely sembles a good complete balanced fly rod j feasible and I'm the last fellow to quarrel fish water; positive outlawing the disturbance of bottoms, uprooting of rocks, destruction assembly even down to the leader, ready to with anyone putting a nice bass or two into fish, at a price that won't scare away the not my favorite haunts; I'm funny that way, it's of grasses, digging of banks and kindred in­ discretions. The live bait fisherman should too prosperous beginner; the same is true as nice to know they're there. But I'd much regards the plugging outfit. rather have seen the investment devoted to secure his supply elsewhere than on or ad­ forage—crawfish, sunnies, catties, bluegills. joining to fishable water—just like the fly­ Hazarding a guess I would say there are man and the artificial bait caster. Then and Before concluding I wish to caution readers already plenty baby bass in the river. Last only then let us drastically raise the license against the possible error of misconstruing summer and autumn this fisherman followed fee and pour unlimited costly propagated any part of this article as an oration in op­ both rivers on an average of twice weekly, forage into the streams, if necessary; then position to live bait angling; nothing could from one-half to a whole day each time. let all of us catch a lot more and bigger be farther from the truth. The spirit of ! Your narrator does not hug the shore and fish. America is tolerance and my personal code scorns a boat; he wades with shorts from in life is live and let live. In intent by word bank to bank, follows the ledges and weed A plan suggested in my article "Why Not is only a not too eloquent attempt to point patches like a stalking crane, knows almost a Flivver Fly Rod Outfit" and almost equally out the God-given privilege some fine fel­ each hole and rock by its first name. Low important in long range planning is to help lows are passing up. From experience I clear water all summer long, wading criss the neophyte secure a practical workable know the theory of artificials to be absolutely cross back and forth for hours on end as outfit for artificials at the lowest possible sound and based on a firm foundation, but only a fly rod purist will, the alarming cost. Here is where experienced flymen, it is so difficult to be convincing on the scarcity of forage was all too apparent, a half pluggers and members of fishing clubs might cold impersonal printed page or by mere blind man could not possibly overlook that enter into the picture with practical advice word of mouth. I shall never forget words condition. There were thousands of baby and assistance to amateurs. Too many willing of wisdom spoken by one of Harrisburg's bass, the shallows and shore lines spotted to try artificials are scared off by the reputed top flight anglers late last autumn; display­ with them. During July and August bass cost of equipment; too many do not know ing a photo of four smallmouth bass, all over smashed dragon flies ravenously; September that a rod costing only six to seven dollars three pounds and the choice of twelve taken and October stomachs were pretty generally may have good action and take a lot of fish; in one afternoon, in effect he said: "I can take empty; frequently if filled there was a partly a 75c reel holds line satisfactorily for the any reasonable minded fisherman with me f digested baby bass. Minnows—there were flyman, a bit more costly for the bait caster; for just two or three afternoons and con- j only a few places where bait fish could be a $2.00 line will take both bass and trout vince him that artificials are the only thing found in goodly supply at any time. True, readily once the angler masters his particular to use." If you wonder why this fellow two such stretches, the exact location a well assembly. Such an outfit will give the fellow killed four big bass in one day—he didn't- guarded personal secret, abounded in bait with a lean pocketbook a lot of fun, decidedly Seldom does he eat a fish, but the nice ones fish. Needless to say the writer and his im­ more sport, fish and pleasure than he can are frequently photographed by odd com­ mediate family took some mighty fine bass ever attain with the live bait can. Emphatic­ ally the writer does not wish to advise the panions with a small pocket kodak before out thereabouts; other spots the pickings release. were rather lean. When a bass was detected man of means to buy a $10.00 spread when working the shore line where bait fish were he can afford $20.00 or $30.00. Say what you It is true your correspondent considers in­ negligible, investigation would usually dis­ will, the higher priced outfit offers only more roads upon already sparse forage as most close that he was chasing baby bass. Fisher­ refinement, likely no more fish if the two lamentable, especially in view of the greater men might well give this matter a bit of cheaper assemblies are skillfully employed. sport and indisputably fine results to be at­ thought; true it is rather a limited observa­ Just compare an $1800.00 car with one costing tained with artificials. In bygone years 1 tion over a short stretch of water, but this $800.00, the former offers a lot more smooth­ have indulged my share of live bait angling angler does not procrastinate. ness, ease and salves the old egotism, but the —and secured the supply from fishable water latter will get you there and back just about at times. It was only as a convert to arti- flcials that the full realization of the possi­ as quickly and safely. e Incidentally accompanying this article is a bilities so thoughtlessly passed up becam picture of Elmer White, Harrisburg, a friend Then too many tackle stores employ a apparent. It was only when I began to ap­ and co-worker of the writer, together with shortsighted policy as regards the new cus­ preciate there was a lot more fun using arti- 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 17

ficials; that more and bigger fish were com­ stocked. The third speaker was George Bretz HAPPY HOLLOW CLUB FORMED ing my way. It was only then I awoke to of the game protection on special assignment the fact that I had been persistently robbing of Adams County and spoke on the number Organized recently the Happy Hollow Rod fish of their natural subsistence and in effect of birds and animals stocked. and Gun Club met at the Belvedere Apart­ working against my own best interests. It ments in Harrisburg, to plan summer activi­ was only then I realized middle age was at The main speaker for the evening was Wil­ ties, with stress placed on small and large hand and my best years of fishing life had liam J. Davis, Supervisor of Division "D" of bore rifle shooting and clay targets. been thrown away, muddled around, wasted. the Game Commission and who spoke on The club has almost three acres of timber- It is a sad thing for man to start down the different game and especially on wild turkey. land, a mile and one-fourth north of Speece- sunset trail with the realization he had some­ Following his talk he showed motion pictures ville, along the Peters Mountain Road. Fore­ thing fine within easy grasp—with the waste­ and explained them as they were shown. most of the club's activities now that spring fulness of youth threw it away—and now too is here to stay will be to lay out the rifle late to ask for a new deal. The conclusion of the program consisted of chances chanced off for which awards were ranges and set up a trap house. In the old days when I saw an artificial given to the following: Jack H. Crouse, fish­ Twenty-six men form the nucleus of the User with two or three nice fish, myself per­ ing rod; Charles Trostle, fishing reel; George club. Lester Hines is president. Other of­ haps having half a dozen smaller and taken Motter, grill; Willis Snyder, thermos jug; Jos. ficers are Chester Murry, vice-president; G. with a great deal more effort and less pleas­ Spalding, minnow bucket; George H. James, W. Riddle, treasurer, and George R. Shearer, ure, I likely snickered in the thought the fish line; Clarence L. Schwartz, fishing tackle Sr., secretary. other guy was just a plain damn fool sucker- box; Charles E. Hofe, lure; L. B. Fink, lure; The next meeting is to be held at the self-satisfied I knew he was just lucky. Only William Sneeringer, fish bait; and Orville clubhouse on their tract of land in the moun­ the proficient user of artificials can appreciate Neuman, bait box. tains. how much in error; how pathetically un­ founded, such an illusion could have been. The skilled artificial man, properly equipped, should outscore other fishermen 2 to 1 over the course of a full season—if for no other reason simply because the former is more active, covers more water, and can reach out further without alarming the quarry, especi­ ally the raiding big bass furiously chasing minnows at eventide in the eight to twelve inches of water along the shore line. The visible artificial bag may sometimes contain only one or two nice fish, but there is a good and sufficient reason—somehow or other most fly and plug men quickly adopt the slogan: "If you would catch more, kill less". Such fellows seldom fish for food, but mostly °nly sport; some kill no fish at any time. The casting of fly or plug, the outwitting of nice fish becomes a matter of supreme pride and satisfaction, every bit so much so as the par round on the golf course. There is a strange affinity between fish and fisher; no one knows how the former may feel about the matter but certainly the latter quickly learns to love and respect the cunning and desperate courage of the finny warrior.

We are on trial; we, the Keystone anglers. We hold the future of old bronze back in the hollow of our hand. Which way will we turn? Will we send him along down the misty trail of those other vanishing or extinct Americans, the buffalo, the carrier pigeon, the wapiti, or shall we hold out the hand of good fellowship and bid that he tarry yet awhile? The decision rests in you and you and you. He's at your mercy.

DAVIS SPEAKER AT ADAMS DINNER The social hall of Grace Lutheran church, Two Taverns, was filled to capacity when the fourth annual banquet of the Littlestown Fish and Game Association was held, at Which time a turkey banquet was served. The president, Harry O. Harner, acted as the toastmaster. The meeting was opened by the singing °f "America" led by Rev. D. S. Kammerer and prayer offered by him also. The first speaker who was introduced was A. W. Ros- siter from the Game Commission and the department of Lands and Refuges. George H. James, Sr., Warden for the Fish Commission a nd from Carlisle, was the second speaker One of the most ardent aiifclerettes in the state is Mrs. Ellen Dietrich of Philadelphia. She proudly who spoke on the number of trout and fish displays two splendid largemouth hass which fell to her angling skill last season. Mrs. Dietrich is vitally interested in the conservation drive, being one of the most active club secretaries in the state 18 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER JUNE

€*/-

Question: Am planning to take up plug Question: What type of bass forage i> fishing with light plugs weighing one half ounce thought most frequently taken by the black or under this year. Would you recommends bass?—J.S. some good finishes to secure?—A.J.S. Answer: Examination of stomach contents Answer: Included in the list are the perch of smallmouth bass taken during the past finish, yellow perch finish, yellow body and three years would indicate that the crayfish red head, shiner finish, white body and red takes top ranking. head and green scale finish. 'Tain't long afore bass fishin' time'U be here an' fer me the bass in our crick is the Question: What is a good way to keep min­ gamest fish we got hereabouts. We shure nows alive and in good condition in driving, Question: Could you give me some informa­ say, a distance of thirty miles, to fishing water? oughter figger on givin' 'em a brake rite tion relative to fishing for largemouth bass? —P.J.W. erbout this time, fer I bin watchin' a ol' he- The waters near my home are -mostly lakes and bass over his nest fer nigh onter three days ponds and smallmouth bass don't seem to be Answer: Holding down the water tem­ now, an' you never seed a spunkier critter in there, at least, I have never taken any or seem perature in the minnow bucket is important. yer life. Jest let a sucker er sum uther fish any taken.—J.D. The jolting in the car apparently aids in blunder close ter thet nest an' he's at it like proper aeration of the water in the bucket. a shot. Same goes fer enny thing thet falls Answer: Generally, we have found fishing Place a good sized piece of ice in the water on the nest, fer he carries it off in his mouth for largemouth bass in ponds and lakes as or on top of the bucket. If you want the in a jiffy. Last year, near ez I cude tell, it different from successful fishing for small- minnows to be in ideal shape on reaching tuke the bass eggs in our crick erbout six mouth bass of our streams as day and nignt. the stream, however, not more than 24 should days ter hatch, an' I'm intrusted in seein' The simile is used advisedly, for the best be placed in the average minnow bucket. If how long it taiks this yere. largemouth fishing we ever had was at night icing is used, it is a good plan when reach­ in the dark of the moon. If a boat is avail­ ing the stream to add a small amount of Fer me, I'd like ter see our bass cricks an' able, it's generally a good plan to row as water from the stream or lake to be fished, the big river closed ter all fishin' frum erbout quietly as possible within easy casting range repeating the operation at intervals until the May 15 ter June 15, ennyway, an' I don't of the shoreline, dropping your casts with temperature of the water in the bucket is think menny fellers thet like their bass fishin' the plug as close to the water's edge as pos­ approximately that of the water in stream ud see it enny diffrunt. In the furst place, sible. Bigmouths tend to follow the shore­ or lake. This averts severe shock to the when a bass is over its nest, 'tain't no trick line shallows in their quest for food in dark­ minnows and retains them in good condition. at all fer ter hook it. Ennything thet gets ness. Pet plugs with fishermen who angle Finally, after fishing, you'll be helping the near, it'll hit, an' I noticed more'n oncet thet for this fine game fish are usually larger cause of more and bigger bass by releasing when a leetle stick er sumthin' else falls on than those employed so successfully in fishing the bait fish in your pet water upon leaving. the na»t, the fish ud taik it in its mouth and for stream smallmouths, frequently weighing Chances are, if you tried to keep them, you carry it fer mebbe 3 er 4 feet, drop it an' an ounce or better. Floaters are liked gen­ might lose a good many that otherwise would then git back an' start afannin' the nest with erally, the surface lures kicking up a com­ be serving a mighty useful purpose. its fins agin. It jest stands ter reezun thet motion on the retrieve being often favored. ter drop even a bare hook on thet nest ud In Lake Gordon, famous bigmouth water in mean the fish ud do the saim thing. An' the Bedford County, jointed models of plugs have Question: Hozv can you best distinguish be­ cussed part erbout it all is thet oncet the ol' been found mighty effective on occasion. It tween the smallmouth bass and the largemouth fish is tuke, 'tain't no time atall afore min- is also a good plan to use a leader of syn­ bass?—T.W. nies, sunnies an' uther fish hes cleened up thetic gut, 15 pounds test, varying the length, Answer: The largemouth bass is usually the eggs er leetle bass in the nest. No feller according to water conditions prevailing, a basic green in color, with a dark lateral thet calls hisself a sport ud taik bass off the from 6 to 12 feet. The double barrel knot line extending through its midsection from nest, but we jest got a few two laiged skunks will be found effective in making the con­ base of gills to base of tail. The corner of thet'll do it an' all o' the bass fishers pays nection between leader and line. fer it in rite poor fishin'. the mouth will be found to extend well past the rear corner of the eye. A count of the A feller kin git a heck of a kick out o' Question: In fishing murky water or at night scales on the gill cover will be found to jest slippin' along a ba§s crick when spawnin' approximate about 11 rows, perhaps the best time cums an' watchin' the fish on the nest. for trout, what color fly is believed to be most visible to' the fish?—J.R. method for quick identification of the species. Ef he does thet oncet or twicet, I reckon he'll Scales of the bigmouth are also larger than git ter like them scrappy fish ez much ez I Answer: The answer is black. do. It's ded sartin' thet enny feller thet likes -those of its smallmouth cousin. Dark green his bass fishin' oughter be on the lookout fer mottling over brassy or yellowish makes it enny skunks thet'll taik bass off the nest this Question: What is the time required for fairly easy to distinguish this fish when it time o' yere an' not be too gentle in dealin' trout eggs to hatch?—R.K.P. is laid side by side with a largemouth bass. with 'em neither. A count of the rows of scales on the gill Answer: That apparently depends upon the cover discloses that these smaller scales winter water temperature at the different usually number about 17 rows. Frequently hatcheries. At Huntsdale Hatchery in Cum­ the base of the mouth of the smallmouth Minnows that are kept in a live box will berland County, where little variation is bass extends to about or slightly beyond the thrive twice as long if the box is placed in noted in water temperatures throughout the front corner of the eye. The species will fairly deep water instead of in shallow water year, hatching time is usually in the neigh­ also be found to incline more to slenderness close to the shore of lake or stream. borhood of 40 to 50 days. than is the case with the largemouth bass. 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 1!)

For scratches and other wounds made by fish suck well to remove any poison secretion that may be left in the wound, and then bandage with a cloth soaked in a solution of common salt and vinegar.

The evaporation method will keep freshly caught fish cool and fresh. Wrap the fish in a moistened cloth and the evaporation of the water will keep the temperature low.

If you want to be really fussy about your obstructions the bait must go if the big fel­ When using a stone for a canoe anchor, a leaders, get some distilled water from your lows are to be tempted. Skill in manipulat­ covering of burlap on the stone will save neighborhood garage and soak the gut in ing the bait counts most, but the cautious the bottom of the craft from being marred. that. Also, keep them in a celluloid instead soul may buy weedless hooks, which are less of a metal leader box. Some experts say likely to get hung up because of the pro­ that impurities in water and metallic con­ tecting guards over their points. tacts in the ordinary boxes for soaking are Never take a chance on fishing water harmful to leaders. where big trout are likely to be caught un­ less you are equipped with a landing net. Wading shoes should have soles at least A net costs little more than a dollar, but an inch thick and should be studded with many a fine trout has escaped when a fisher­ To preserve a landing net, immerse it in hobnails to prevent slipping on the stream man tried to lift it out of the water with linseed oil, shake it out, stretch it open, and bed. his line or attempted to "horse" it roughly dry it well. to shore.

Jiggle a dry fly on the surface of the water After being used for several hours even close to or between lily pads if you want the best fly line will become water-soaked, sport with bluegills and yellow perch. The time to catch grasshoppers for bait is and in such a condition line dressing is of in the early morning, when the grass still little value. The best plan is to strip the is heavy with dew. wet portion of the line off the reel and squeeze it or wipe it dry. Let it lie in an Reflection of the sun on the water is pain­ airy place, but not in the sun, and then with ful and even dangerous to the human eyes. a new application of dressing it is ready for The effects are dizziness, headache, and a Trout fishing with minnows, when the efficient service again. general dull feeling. Dark glasses are a water is clear, requires skill. If the water sure preventative and are well worth the is deep, the minnows should be well sunk price you have to pay for them. so that they spin better. In large streams the necks of pools, rapids, broken water, Here is a foxy trick, Cast your flies on a detached currents, and smooth and strong Patch of foam and allow them to lie quietly water at the foot of pools are in general and to float with it, finally sinking through. the best places for angling. That is what happens to insects that are caught in this manner, and fish know this fact. Often fish survey the bottoms of Patches of foam in search of delicacies which White chubs, also called fallfish, are fine they love. game for both natural and artificial baits. They take grasshoppers, crickets, worms, or grubs with savage strikes and are equally For mid-summer trout fishing use sizes 12 fond of trout flies. With natural bait the best and 14, or even 18, flies, either wet or dry, way is to cast into a riffle and allow the and the finest and longest leader you can current to carry the bait into a pool. White safely and comfortably handle. Lighter lures chubs also strike vigorously on combinations and tackle make the least disturbance on of flies and spinners. low, clear water.

Every angler who uses eyed dry flies has Vigorously rising trout often (refuse to watched his finely tapered leader slowly dis­ Pay attention to a dry fly cast in their midst. appear as pieces are nipped off to release the In such a situation, try fishing with the flies. Such shortening of the leader destroys smallest wet flies you have, say about six- its delicate action. The remedy is to attach teens. leader points, which are fastened to the end of the leader and to which flies are tied. New leader points—costing about five cents each If on a trout stream you come upon a low —can easily be added whenever necessary. bridge that creates a dark, shady spot in the water, try there for trout. Fish loaf in just such places. Reel screws sometimes work loose. To correct this trouble, withdraw the screw and insert a waxed thread to the bottom of the The very spots where the hook is likely The men who have spent long winter evenings to become snagged the easiest are the best converting fur, feathers and steel into trout flies hole. Enter the screw beside the thread and have had ahundant opportunity to try out their hiding places for trout. Here the worm fish­ creations. .June and July, by the way, are fine about three-quarters of its length. Then cut erman may test his tackle, his skill, and his months for the fly fisherman. The pieturo shows off the projecting end of the thread close Howard T. Weaver of Williamsport busy at his Patience. Around brush and roots and other home work table. and turn the screw down to its head. 20 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER JUNE

Earl Clymer; third, Albert Freck; 147 feet. Surf (average of three)—First, Ralph Bow­ man; second, Willard Bowman; third, Harold MIDDLE ATLANTIC Lentz, 454 feet 1 inch. Surf (longest of three) —First, Willard Bowman; second, Ralph Bow­ ASSOCIATION OF CASTING CLUBS man; third, Richard Kunkle, 480 feet 10 inches. _/ln association of sportsmens clubs formed to promote The trout fishermen of the club have tournament castina,encourage organization amonaanqJersafjistjn. unanimously agreed to cooperate with the Ct>wervation;and support all moves toward, true sportsmanship. request of the Pennsylvania Board of Fish Commissioners and decrease their limit to IV- two trout for a day's catch and that only when the trout are exceptionally large and A meeting of the executive committee was this time. This will be the last meeting until they are hungry for that particular delicacy. held at the home of President Michel in September 18th and for the occasion Dave Chairman Hankinson started the daylight Abington, Pa., on the 23rd of last month Mazzoni has secured an exceptionally enter­ saving season by taking ten of the members to make final arrangements for the annual taining picture called "Fishing for Giant on a winter flounder trip to Forked River. tournament. Tuna". The picture will be shown through The total catch was 45, mostly small ones, Chairman Arthur Clark of the membership the courtesy of our fellow member Otto averaging about one pound each. On May committee reported that the Perkiomen Val­ Henze. Otto, who is the president of the 26th a general club outing was held at Reed's ley Sportsmen's Association had joined as a Penn Fishing Tackle Manufacturing Com- Beach on the Delaware Bay; a chartered member club and would be represented at uany, is himself an ardent Tuna fisherman fleet of bay cruisers took the party out to the tournament. and frequently reports a catch weighing up the vicinity of Brandywine Light where in the hundreds. Being a good sportsman, some excellent fishing was enjoyed. Willard Bowman, chairman of the Prize like all Dover members, he enjoys the battle Committee, reported that in addition to the and then, after bringing it to boat, photo­ The 1940 Prize Fish Contest is getting off merchandise prizes that would be awarded graphs it and returns it to the water with a, to a good start with several record sized by the handicap method in each event there "Thanks old boy! See ya tomorrow". trout to say nothing of large bullhead catfish would also be a championship medal awarded and suckers. Willard Bowman spent the to the individual attaining the highest score A representative group of plug casters and week of May 13th surf fishing at Cape Hat- in each event. Also the president's cup, do­ lead slingers were out at the Cedar Park teras and succeeded in getting several large nated by Mr. Michel would be awarded to Casting Field on May 12th to compete in the channel bass. the individual scoring the greatest number events at the spring intraclub tournament For information regarding the Dover Fish­ of points in all of the events. which is the opening gun of the season for ing Club contact the secretary, Mr. Robert Mr. Joseph Vandergrift has made arrange­ the scientific casters. From now on through­ Morris, 2728 West Montgomery Ave., Phila. ments with the Willow Grove Park manage­ out the summer the field will be reserved ment to provide a satisfactory court for Surf for casting practice each Wednesday night Casting directly adjacent to the lake in which from 7:00 P. M. until dark. the Plug and Fly casting will be held. Special Casting into the teeth of a strong head­ Holmesburg Fish and Game Protective parking arrangements have also been made wind handicapped the contestants consider­ Association for contestants and their friends convenient able, particularly in the Plug Distance event. On Sunday May 26th the association held to the casting courts. Honors were made as follows: %-oz. Plug its regular Spring Outing on the athletic A general invitation has been extended to Accuracy—First, Albert Freck, second, John field adjoining the club house at State Road all sportsmen in the East to attend this Keeley; third, James Dye. Score 93. %-oz. and Pennypacker Street. A general invita­ tournament whether affiliated with member Plug Distance—First, John Keeley; second, tion sent out to sportsmen in this section re­ clubs or not, with the promise that they will sulted in a record attendance. Visitors from be entertained by the pick of the amateur a number of clubs throughout Philadelphia, Surf, Fly, and Plug casters in this section of Bucks, Montgomery, and Delaware Counties the country. accepted invitations to compete in the events scheduled for the day. The date is June 9th, 1940—Willow Grove Park. Plug and Surf casting proved to be the popular sports and from 10:00 A. M. until late in the afternoon these courts were in continuous use. The club rifle range (one Branch Valley Fish, Game, and Forestry of the best in the county) was a big center Association of attraction, particularly with the fair sex, Ever since the opening of the trout sea­ most of whom tried to prove that they were son the members have been so busy hunting better shots than their husbands. They did. for some of those trout that the Fish Com­ Competitive events were held with small mission have been stocking in the nearby bore rifle and pistol. Trap shooting was also streams that they have hardly had time to enjoyed. put in any casting practice. In spite of this, however, they will have a repreesntative group out at the Willow Grove Tournament. Regular meetings are held each month at Lansdale Sportsmen's Club which interesting topics on outdoor life and The Lansdale Sportsmen's Club is looking sportsmanship in general are discussed. The forward to a busy season in sports activities. 'spark plug' of this organization is Mr. Ray The Blue Springs Dam rebuilding project Betts who gives his address as Perkasie, Pa. held up remarkably well considering the Get in touch with him for information re­ severity of the winter. Minor repairs only garding the activities anticipated for the were necessary this spring to this dam. Good coming season. fishing is in prospect here, and all fishermen are cordially invited, according to William Stoneback, President of this club and Presi­ Dover Fishing Club of Philadelphia dent of the Montgomery Federation of Sports­ The next regular'"meeting of this club will men's Clubs, and according to Ritner W. Tom- be on June 19th, at the assembly rooms in Lower Merion Rod and Gun Club members take linson, Secretary of the Lansdale Sportsmen's "time out" from praetiee for the events scheduled Club. The location of this dam, its approaches, the Bourse Building. The awards for the for their club's annual spring picnic and outing. spring intraclub tournament originally sched­ Left to right, Linton H. Fish, Cymvj-d, B. H. etc., make of it an excellent site for bait and Jacobs, Philadelphia and Henry H. Hopkins, fly casting. This club hopes in the near future uled for the May meeting will be made at Narberth. 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 23 to conduct tournaments featuring such events Pennsylvania Fish and Game Protective Club's 1940 Tournament. These members be­ here. Association lieve in combining casting practice with the actual sport of catching fish, and a num­ The annual Father and Son Banquet was The Lansdale Sportsmen's Club holds mem­ ber of members know some real good spots held at the Academy of Natural Science in bership in both the Montgomery County Fed­ for both, according to Irvin R. Clemens, the Philadelphia on February 10th. Each son eration of Sportsmen's Clubs and the Middle President of this club. (Incidentally, Irv told was presented with a fine split bamboo rod. Atlantic Association of Casting Clubs. With the writer where there were trout—and the Baseballs and bats autographed by "Connie the calendar already chalked up for their writer found trout there!) °wn activities as well as those offered by the Mack" of the Athletics were given to the Federation and the M. A. A. C. C, the mem­ boys as door prizes. bers of this club are indeed anticipating a Secretary Michel, who is also president of busy summer and fall season. the Middle Atlantic Association of Casting Upper Providence Fish, Game and Forestry Clubs, announces the catch of a 23% inch Association German Brown Trout. His slogan is, "Put 'em The Upper Providence Fish, Game and back and catch 'em tomorrow" but this one Lower Merion Rod and Gun Club Forestry Association, organized in 1936, now he kept. has a membership of eighty-five paid mem­ This club was grateful indeed for the large bers, as well as a number of farmers and The annual spring outing was held on May number of young trees and shrubs with popular sportsmen who have been given hon­ 8th at Valley Creek. Ten miles of trout which it was supplied recently from the nur­ orary membership in the club. Monthly stream were available to the fly casters who series of the Montgomery County Federation meetings are held throughout the year in displayed keen competition in their endeavor of Sportsmen's Clubs. Among the species their club house at Oaks, Pa. During the to catch the largest fish. Plug casting, trap- were: oak, shellbark, hazlenut, persimmon, summer months the meetings are held out­ shooting, darts, quoits, and archery rounded white pine, Scotch pine, Norway spruce and doors and are generally followed by a corn out a very entertaining day for the members larch. These were planted, under the super­ roast or doggie roast. These outdoor gath­ and their families who attended. President vision of Henry Hopkins of Narberth, in the erings have been instrumental in splendid Nicholson introduced two very novel features Lower Merion Township nurseries, where it turnouts at our meetings, according to the that are seldom staged in this vicinity; a is planned they will remain for approxi­ President of the club, R. Howard McFarland, water boiling contest, and a bottle fishing mately one year, after which it is intended Jr., who has served as president since the contest. they will be transplanted on ground in the club organized. Other officers of the club township where they will provide food and are: Vice President, David R. P. Beynon; cover for wildlife and, in a great many in­ Secretary, Joseph Dietrick; and Treasurer, stances, prevent soil erosion as well. George H. Smith. The Trap committee, an Royersford Hunting and Fishing Association active part of the club, holds trap shoots the Final plans are being prepared for the second Saturday in the month. The location Annual Spring Outing of the Lower Merion Members of the Royersford Hunting and of their grounds, on the Beynon farm over­ Rod and Gun Club, to be held on the after­ Fishing Association, too, have been busily looking the Schuylkill Valley and the Valley noon of Saturday, June 15th, on the Ridgway planting trees and shrubs throughout their Forge hills, makes it an ideal spot to spend Farm at Bethayres. Club members and their vicinity during the past spring months. These an afternoon or evening. friends are invited to attend and to partici­ trees and shrubs were brought from the pate in the various events scheduled for that nurseries of the Montgomery County Federa­ Meetings are held the third Thursday night afternoon, including: fly, bait and surf cast­ tion of Sportsmen's Clubs by Donald Mair, in the month, and an open invitation is ex­ ing, pistol, rifle and trap shooting, water Secretary of the Royersford Hunting and tended by the president for sportsmen to Fishing Association and Chairman of its For­ boiling contests and games of quoit, as well attend any of their meetings. A recent ad­ estry Committee. Sportsmen of this <:lub as "Bingo" for the ladies. A buffet supper dition to their equipment is the installation believe that the planting of these trees and will be served. of a Mo-Skeeto trap, from which small blue- shrubs along streams in their territory will rocks are thrown and shot at with special Members of this club have been practicing greatly improve fishing and hunting in years bait, fly and surf casting on two evenings to come. bore .22 cal. rifle shooting shot cartridges. each week in preparation for the casting This sport is becoming very popular among events which will take place at the club's Various members of this club, too, have the members. The club also takes an active Picnic, as well as for the Middle Atlantic been engaged in actual fishing on French part in reforestration, stocking of game and Association of Casting Club's 1940 Tourna­ Creek and other Montgomery County fish, also educational programs among the ment. A number of members of this club streams, while practicing for participation schools relative to conservation work. Won prizes in the 1939 M. A. A. C. C. Tourna­ in the Middle Atlantic Association of Casting (Please turn Page) ment.

Montgomery County Fish and Game Protective Association A big increase in the number of trout caught by members of this association in­ dicates that the streams are clearing up and the outlook for the final month of the season looks better than it did at the start. A group °i fly casters tried their luck on French Creek between Knaurtown and Poshtown Just off of Route 100 and had little difficulty in taking their limit. Harry Fratt, George Uhrin, and Joseph Ulmer are busy coaching the boys in their casting anticipating the M. A. A. C. C. Tournament this month. The firm belief that a thorough knowledge of scientific casting wil pay dividends in the form of added pleasure to their favorite re­ creation has inspired the members of this club to get out and work. For information regarding membership or any of the current activities sportsmen may contact Mr. Harry Fratt, 524 Kohn St., Nor- Charles Z,. Jenkins of Narberth winning a water-boiling contest during a Lower Merion Rod and Gun ristown, Pa. Club picnic and outing held at Ridgway Farm, Bethayres. :;•; PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER JUNE

Wissahickon Field and Stream Association Watch out, they're slippery. But don't squeeze rods? Let's walk down to that open space The regular June meeting of this club was them too tight.. That's fine." so we won't tangel in the trees." held in Legion Hall at Ambler, Penna., on The boys excitedly managed the transfer Burke started to untie one of the rods. Thursday, June 6th. The importance of of the minnows from net to bucket. The "Now, fellows, we have three bamboo rods scientic casting as an aid to angling is fast operation was repeated from time to time and one steel. The bamboo rods are easily becoming a recognized fact among most until they had sixty minnows. However, broken. Therefore, please be especialy care­ sportsmen's organizations and we have now exhausted by thrusting, shoving his way up ful in handling them. I prize this particular added it to our many other activities. Mem­ the narrow stream through overhanging rod above all the others. Do you see this bers are getting together and practicing with brush, drenched with water mingled with star above the handle? It is the distinguish­ their %-oz. plugs and dry flies in anticipa­ perspiration, a victim of persistent gnats, ing mark of a genuine lancewood rod, no tion of the M. A. A. C. C. Tournament on Burke sat down to rest, having had a thor­ longer manufactured and seldom seen any­ the 9th. Mr. John Michel, president of the ough workout: "Gentlemen, that'll be enough more. This rod is about thirty-five years old. association, was one of the guest speakers minnows. Rest a minute. Then, we'll go Originally, it belonged to an uncle of mine, at the meeting on May 2nd. Contest casting back to camp and dig for worms. We might one of the early pioneers in these parts. was the subject of his talk and he painted a as well take time out to get a sufficient sup­ Gigantic in size, he lived to the age of ninety- very clear word picture showing how the ply of bait." eight years. Being an ardent fisherman, he experienced caster could really get the maxi­ endeavored to interest my father in the sport mum amount of sport while fishing. Returning to camp, they removed the per­ forated cage inside of the minnow bucket by giving him this rod. These two men, who We welcome Mr. Edwin M. Wright, well and anchored it at the edge of the dam with had married sisters, often fished together. My known sportsman and angler of Fort Wash­ a rope tied to a stump, thus providing cir­ uncle lived at Spruce Creek on what was ington, Pa., as a new member of this club. culating water to keep the minnows alive. once known as the 'Blue Juniata'. Anyone desiring information about this Diagonally across the dam, a hundred yards "Spruce Creek, which flows into the Juniata club should contact the secretary, Mr. D. E. beyond the overflow, Emory Bunyak lived River, is a good stream to this day. Some years Biddle of Ambler, Pa. with his wife and family in a solitary habita­ ago, the State Fish Commission maintained a tion on a neatly-kept little farm. Burke and fish hatchery on Spruce Creek. While I do not his companions, taking with them several know all the reasons for abandoning this bait cans and the spade, walked around the hatchery, I understand one reason was the THE BASS'RE BITIN* dam to the Bunyak barnyard. Having obtain­ presence of carbon gas in the water which (Continued from Page 7) ed permission, they extracted therefrom a limited the number of fish that could be goodly supply of those lowly assistants of Then, poking under rocks and toward the propagated by making necessary a great deal fishermen known as angleworms or garden of water for each fish in order to provide left bank, he brought the poles together and hackle. After a friendly conversation with up to the surface, lifting the net from the enough oxygen. Last year I visited the the Bunyaks, including an invitation to drop Pleasant Gap hatchery near Fishermen's water. In the belly of the net, a half dozen in at camp, Burke and the boys made their prime minnows wriggled. Paradise in the central part of the State. way back to comp, satisfied with the bait There, they have a device to remove the "There we are," Burke exclaimed. "The situation. carbon gas from water. A pyramid of disks best bass bait in the world. Put three inches is constructed whereby the smallest disk is of water in the minnow bucket. There, that's Spreading a blanket under the pine trees, Burke stretched out, yawning lazily: "You at the top with about five successively larger enough. Now, while I hold the net over disks installed at intervals of twelve inches. the bank, empty the minnows in the bucket. fellows can expect only two cooked meals at this camp, breakfast and supper, but they'll The water is piped upward through the cen­ fill you to the neck. Lunch will actually be ter of the disks and then cascades down over lunch, sandwiches, cheese, crackers, milk, them, thus liberating the carbon gas from the olives, and the like. Must be getting close water by aeration, contact with the air. By to noon. Not much use fishing now, in the removing the carbon gas from the water in middle of the day. Bass bite best in early this way, the Pleasant Gap hatchery can now morning or late evening, mostly in the morn­ propagate more trout than all hatcheries in ing as I've found. I'm going to take a nap. the state could handle twenty years ago." Waken me after a little, whenever you're hungry." Burke rubbed the joints of the rod along his nose, then in his hair. "To get back to His companions rolled, wrestled, and tum­ this rod, my father left it to me. Naturally, bled on the bedding or wandered along the it is a prized possession. You noticed that I shore or through the woods, each following rubbed the joints along my nose, then in his own bent. Boz, the dog, cavorted around my hair before putting them together? That's a while and then curled up near his master. to put oil on the joints, making it easier to The sun warmed. A gentle breeze softly take apart. Don't need to worry about it moved the leaves. Insects hummed about. pulling apart with a fish on. That wouldn't A sentinel crow called to his brethren. The happen. It takes a straight pull to do the lazy July day dulled the edge of life's harsh­ trick. When you have a fish on, the rod's ness. bent. The joint pulls against itself. I reckon you fellows understand why I don't like The sun had started down the western in­ others to fish with this rod. It can't be re­ cline when Joe shook Burke, stating flatly: placed." "We're hungry." Jumping up, Burke looked at his watch. Joining the rod together, Burke attached "Holy Smoke! After one o'clock. Slept the reel, then threaded the line through the nearly two hours. Well, how about a little ferules, leaving about five feet of line ex­ help and we'll soon have a snack. Call Gib." tend beyond the last ferule. From his kit, Lunch over, Burke suggested: "Bedding's he took an aluminum box which contained been aired enough. Let's make the beds. five leaders soaking between moistened pads Hang that clothing inside, too. Here, Joe - of felt. and John, you put the food away. When "Funny thing about these leaders," he you're through, you can help us. Come on, said as he carefully uncoiled one. "Whon Gib, we'll start on the tent." dry, their tensile strength is slight. They can be broken rather easily. When thorough­ Those chores done, Burke asked: "Gentle­ ly soaked, they become surprisingly tough. men, what do you want to do now?" Trout, at this time of year, are wary, easily In unison, they declared: "Go fishing!" alarmed. If we were going to fish for trout, "Okay," Burke grinned. "Joe, suppose you we'd have to use seven to nine foot leaders, and John bring my fishing kit. Don't forget at least, and small flies. Elsewise, we wouldn't Disgustful is the word. the creel. Gib, how about you gettting the have a chance. Bass have plenty of intel- 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 23 ligence but we don't have to be so cautious minnow dart through the water, presenting I'm sure I had a whopper just before we about the length and size of leaders. Watch an aggravating, toothsome, appetizing morsel quit this afternoon. I could feel him. But, me closely, fellows, how I tie the line to the to 'Sir Trout'. Folks in each of those sec­ when I reeled in, he was gone. I'll show you leader. You make a loop this way. Then, tions think their way of fishing is the only tomorrow!" insert the end around and in that way. Now, method. Anybody who doesn't fish that way "Okay, corporal, I'll be looking," Burke we pull the line one way and the leader in is a rank amateur, just doesn't know what laughed. "I reckon I ought to be fair and the opposite direction. They're fastened to- it's all about. And they argue 'til the cows tell you that the big ones hit mostly in the fiether securely but the knot will come loose come home in defense of their style of fish­ early morning, sometimes late at night. We readily without cutting the line. It's a safe ing. Why argue with them? The point is, didn't have bait this morning but we're all knot though. The harder a fish pulls against they all catch fish. Who can say which is set for tomorrow. I'll go fishing the first it, the tighter it gets." right? So it is with various customs and thing in the morning, if you want to." practices in different parts of the country. Gib, Joe, and John displayed great interest "Can John and I go too," Joe asked in the rudiments of rigging a rod. Burke I've just told you some real pay dirt, fellows, anxiously. "I like to fish." believe it or not. Well, the rods are rigged Plucked a bass hook from his kit, continuing "I do too," John hastened to add in his to comment: "Some folks are right fussy how now. We're ready to bait up and try our luck." quiet, mannerly way. "I could stay out here they hitch hooks and flies to the leader, all summer." claiming that has a lot to do with catching Going down to the dam's edge, Burke fish. I don't know. Sometimes I think it pulled in the moored minnow bucket, baited "Very well," Burke agreed, "we'll all go. does. Other times, I figure it doesn't. There's the boys' lines, cast in for them and then Now, you lads snap into it and get ready a powerful lot of hunches and superstitions sat down to watch. He got a lot of quiet for bed. That old sun'll come rolling out of and whatnot about fishing. I suppose they're amusement observing their tense figures, the east before you know it." right when you catch, wrong when you noting the changing expressions on their Burke's advice was little needed because don't!" faces, listening to the chirps of hope, the the day's activities had already clouded their moans of despair. The afternoon proved uni­ Holding up the bass hook, Burke pointed: eyes with sleep. They headed for the tent, formly unsatisfactory. A few under-sized followed by Burke who hung the lighted "This is known as a 'snelled' hook, meaning bass were caught and released again, Burke that a small piece of gut, six to ten inches lamp in the tent, helped Joe and John dis­ telling them to moisten their hands before robe, read the Bible, heard their prayers, and long mostly, is knotted into the hook's eye grasping the fish gently to release it so as with a loop at the other end of the gut tucked them in the blankets. Meanwhile, which you slip over the loop at the end of not to rub off its protective film against dis­ Gib had piled some logs on the fire, pulled the leader, then draw the hook through in ease. They changed from minnows to worms up two chairs, perched himself comfortably this fashion, making a secure slip knot that with the idea of snagging sunfish and blue- and, in reverie, gazed at the fire-made pic­ can be loosened without cutting the leader. gills. There being a number of these fish tures, sparks and curling smoke columns Some folks won't use snelled hooks or flies. in the dam, they had some rare sport before vanishing through the trees toward the moon. They'd rather tie the leader direct to the lengthening shadows warned them to make "Come on out to the fire, Dad," Gib called. ready for the night. hook or fly, their reason being that the snell "Be with you in a minute, pal," Burke and the extra knots frighten fish. Of course, With the assistance of Gib, Burke checked answered, taking a last look at Joe and John, the lamp, and stove for adequate gasoline that means snipping off a bit of the leader now trustingly fast asleep, to see if they were every time they change hooks or flies." supply. Closing the valves, they pumped air to the proper pressure. Lighting the primer covered. Burke carefully laid the completed job in the stove, they warmed the intake before He strode from the tent to fire and sat to one side on the ground, warning the others turning on the burners. While Burke cooked down. Boz stepped quietly to his side, laid not to step on it. Reaching for the other r supper. Gib with the help of the others, his wise old head on Burke's knee, and sighed ods, he resumed: "Well, there's one rod started a wood fire in the improvised brick with contentment. Burke glanced inquiringly done. Now for the others. I'll do the job fireplace to burn the refuse and provide a at Gib. The boy, now slouched down in his this time but, hereafter, each fellow must cheery camp fire for later hours. While chair with feet cocked on the unburning end take care of his own rod. Watch closely. eating, Burke joked: "A fine lot of fisher­ of a log, continued to gaze into the fire, did •H you have any questions, speak up! I learn­ men! Enough bass in that dam to 'feed a not speak. Words were intruders; they just ed just the way you chaps are doing. Funny regiment and not a fish to grease the skillet. didn't belong. Burke looked overhead at the thing about fishing. It's taught me a lot If we didn't have groceries on hand, we'd pale moon drifting imperceptibly but steadily about folks. Everybody doesn't think and f starve!" onward, as if with measured tread, into eel alike and do things the same way. Each °ne is convinced more or less that his way That aroused Gib who had been sort of eternity. So it was with man. An occasional is right, the only way, and who am I to brooding, looking into space: "Dog-gone it, (Please turn Page) judge? "As you know," Burke went on, "I travel around various counties trying lawsuits. That's my business, how I make a living. Often, I have a little time in the early morn­ ing or late evening to fish an hour or two. Take fishing for trout with minnows, for ex­ ample. Around here, its customary to thread the minnow on the leader and hook with a darning needle. In Tioga County, some fish­ ermen push the leader's end loop through the minnow's mouth and out the rectum, attach the leader to a claw-hook, slide the minnow down the leader until the claws Point upward with the minnow's tail resting between them. Then they fish downstream mostly in rapid water, in the ripples and the Uke, or twitching the minnow through the Pools. Down in Cumberland County, where streams run deep and quiet, they wrap thin wire around a stick or finger a dozen times, making a sensitive coil. They fasten the line to one end of the coil and the hook to the other end, hook the minnow in the back at the dorsal fin or through the lips of the mouth. The frail, vibrating coil makes the All set anil waiting for the strike. 24 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER JUNE bullfrog conked. Now and then, a whippoor- it. Burke heard Gib and John calling him. At that early hour of the morning, when will uttered its quaint cry. The sounds of Opening their eyes to find the others gone, the mist begins to rise and dissolve and the the night played a soothing symphony. An they rushed from the tent, saw Joe fishing, water looks oily in its undulating smooth­ indescribable peace enfolded the earth. and set up a clamor, eager to try their luck. ness, a small boy, eight years of age, with Nature rested. Man and boy silently com­ Burke had taken a few steps toward them equipment worth less than three dollars, an muned with each other and the good earth. when Joe let out a yell: "Hey, Dad, look old reel, frayed line, puny trout hook, ninety- With a rising lump in his throat, his eyes a quick! The line's going out! What'll I do?" five cent rod, had caught a fifteen inch bass bit dampened, Burke reflected upon a line Sure enough, the line was forty yards from which he now closely guarded as the most from an old poem.: "Men get real close to important possession in the world. Many God's design out fishin'". Temporarily, he the shore and going steadily. Burke sur­ mised that the fish, undoubtedly a bass, had mature fishermen, spending a goodly sum of reveled in what he thought was akin to money for fishing equipment and traveling Heaven. During lonesome hours which his swallowed the bait in one gulp, not bother­ ing to turn it or being too hungry to do so, expenses to the upper reaches of the Alle­ daily work forced upon him, he would live gheny River and northern lakes, would over again and again these few precious which occasionally happens. Striking would immediately determine the true situation. If gladly have paid cash money for that fifteen moments, driving from them strength and inch bass to exhibit as a trophy. courage to go on. the fish had not swallowed the minnow but had caught it from the side preparatory to Gib, looking thoughtful and determined, "It's grand, isn't it, Dad," Gib said softly turning it, the bait would pull out of its edged away and was soon at the minnow with his magnetic boyish smile. mouth and the fish would be lost. Dashing bucket with his rod. Hooking on a minnow, "Yes, old pal, it is truly grand," Burke toward Joe, Burke shouted: he swung it out from shore and gently drop­ affirmed slowly. "I think you glimpse to­ "Give your rod a quick jerk. Then, hold'er ped it in the water, easing off his line and night why I slip away into the woods from steady. I'm coming!" staring intently. Unbeknown to Gib, Burke, time to time. Hunting and fishing are the with a twinkle in his eye, came and stood excuses. The real reason is what you now Joe, his hat awry, his chubby fists clench­ behind him, waiting. Soon, the line jerked, feel, what you are now thinking! Don't try ing the rod, his mouth open and eyes pop­ then cut through the water toward the mid­ to tell me, dont' try to capture it in words. ping, obeyed instructions by bracing his feet dle of the dam. The turning reel stopped, I doubt if you can. I know I cannot. Words and heaving backward. The reel screamed. then started to revolve again. At this moment, seem too small or else I don't know the right The line headed toward the breast of the Gib struck, set the hook firmly and, after words. Here, tonight, we dwell in the real dam. Burke leaned over Joe's shoulder to ten thrilling minutes, landed a prime four­ world. In this hour, only fundamental things put some drag on the reel, fearful that the teen inch bass, Joe reminding him, however, count, shelter, food, raiment, the Almighty line might break but knowing that the bass that he had the champion bass. Gib retorted in his matchless providence, eternity. The must be stopped before it tore the line's end that he landed his own fish, without help. everyday world with its cheapness and little­ from the reel. Finaly, the bass halted. John soon wet his line and was rewarded ness seems so far, far away and unimport­ "Now, Joe," counselled Burke, not too calm with two fine bass during the next half hour ant. But, soon it will return and we, you and and collected. "Keep cool, don't get excited, although the three fishermen suffered many I, all of us, must run our humble course and maybe we can land this fellow. Feels disappointing experiences, stolen bait, snag­ through it like men but with our spirits just like a whale. Keep the butt of the pole in ged hooks, broken lines, lost fish after heart- f. bit more tranquil for having been here your stomach, hold your left hand above the thumping struggles. tonight." reel but not binding the line. With your Meanwhile, Burke busied himself getting They both lapsed into silence. The fire right hand wind in your line but the instant breakfast. Action slackened as the sun rose, burned low. The night breeze freshened you feel the bass going again, give him his strikes became infrequent, and the three through the trees, fanning the embers into head. When he stops, reel in again. There youthful 'Isaac Waltons' suddenly discovered a momentary revival. With unspoken accord, he goes! Don't try to stop him. It wouldn't that they had a real appetite when Burke they made their way to the tent. Preparing take much to break that old line. Gee whiz! called them to the table. After an ample for bed, they knelt for a moment, bade each I wish we had him on a new line. And that meal, they policed the camp in regular order, other goodnight. Then, Gib snuggled the old trout hook's nothing to brag about either airing blankets and clothing. However, the covers about him while Burke turned off the He's stopped. Reel in some more but be exhilirating sensation of a fighting fish at valve of the lamp and did likewise. Boz ready to let go if he starts. At-a-boy! Doing the end of a line, so recently experienced, arranged himself at the foot of the cots. fine, Joe. Keep going!" could not be longer ignored. Together, they watched the lamp die. Dark­ In wild excitement, Gib and John raced 'Let's go fishing," they all chorused to ness marked the close of the camp for the out on the point, followed by Boz, barking Burke. night. furiously. Burke, nervous and jittery, first Burke took one look at their eager faces, At the first grey of dawn, little Joe nudged hoped, then despaired, then hoped again, knew he could not refuse, and, in fact, want­ his father until Burke awakened. "Come on, dreading the disappointment the loss of the ed to go fishing himself. "Hmm, I guess Dad, let's go fishing. You said the big ones fish would mean. Joe struggled manfully at everything's shipshape. Well, come on! You would bite early in the morning. Ssh, don't his job. The bass surged up and down the fellows fed a lot of minnows to those fish waken the others. Just you and I!" dam, losing line to Joe with every maneuver. this morning. There aren't many left. But, Finally, the shortening line brought the bass, Once awake, Burke just couldn't resist. we'll take them along. Let's try the breast > exhausted and spent, to the one surrender of the dam. Might as well bring that can Without disturbing Gib and John, the two nature permits. Burke slid down into the conspirators slipped out of the tent. Taking of worms. Don't think the bass'll pay much i water, scooped with a landing net, and attention to us. Getting too warm for them. Joe's rod from its resting place against the scrambled up the bank, fearful that the net tent's side, Burke headed for the dam, The sunfish and bluegills ought to go for might break. Following down the line, he worms, though. Might as well take Boz motioning Joe to follow him. The lad's out­ gripped at the gills, and held the bass at along." fit deserves description. A rod costing ninety- arm's length. five cents, an antiquated reel holding an old Presently, a nondescript caravan moved frayed line, and a used trout hook constituted "Wow, at least fifteen inches," he exulted. away from camp and down the trail. Garbed a prized possession. Pulling in the minnow "Your first bass, Joe! What a beauty! How'd in various degrees of disorder, laden with I bucket anchored to a stump, Burke selected it feel, pal?" rods, bait cans, minnow bucket, creel, they a four-inch minnow, hooked it through the "Boy, oh, boy. I caught him. He's mine," fairly exuded comfort, real companionship, lips and, walking out on a point, cast the Joe chortled, grinning from ear to ear, show­ and contentment. Gib halted abruptly, point­ minnow about ten feet from shore. ing two big front teeth flanked by blank ing: "Look at the fish nest!" Easing the line a bit, Burke told Joe that, spaces. "Look, Gib, he's a great big one. In the shallow water along the shore, a if a fish hit the bait, he should let the line Ouch, my arm's sore, and this hand hurts, sunfish had made a depression two feet in run out freely because, ordinarily, a bass too." diameter, bounded by a well-defined retain­ seizes the minnow from the side, runs with He raised his hand which had a blister ing wall two inches high to protect the eggs. it about twenty* yards, then turns it before on the thumb, unnoticed in the turmoil of Over the nest, the sunfish patrolled back and swallowing the minnow head first, the time the duel. Chattering, whooping, the four forth, attacking viciously any foreign sub­ to strike and set the hook being when the celebrated the conquest, the victory. En­ stance or creature that intruded. bass moves after the pause because the hook thralled with the scene, Burke, suddenly "You will find more nests along the shore," is then in position to snag the fish and hold throwing back his head, laughed and laughed. Burke remarked. "I saw two near the point 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 25

•where Joe caught his bass this morning. A must be taught to eat prepared food which but, still, he was fishing and happy. Thus, sunfish won't eat its young but a bass will. is more easily obtainable. Immediately after John averted the lost, gone feeling of 'no A year or so ago, I had the opportunity of transfer to ponds, caretakers at the hatchery bait'. No doubt, the fish marveled at the spending a day at the Bellefonte hatchery scatter on the surface of the pond spoonfuls resistance of the bacon bait, too large to where they rear not only trout, but also of ground dried fish, boiled eggs, liver, and swallowed in one gulp, too tough and firmly bass, both large and smallmouth. Trout re­ other ingredients, mixed together and screen­ attached to be stripped from the hook. quire colder water than bass, especially large- ed through a small mesh. These caretakers Boz loped up and down the breast, darting hiouth bass. In the bottom bordering Spring sometimes become much upset temporarily aside frequently to nose through the weeds, Creek, a system of canals and ponds have in their earnest endeavor every hour or so following some scent remembered from hunt­ been constructed extending over a half mile for many days inducing the fry to com­ ing season, faint in summertime and con­ in length. At the head of the project, several mence eating this unnatural but necessary fusedly intermingled with numerous growing large shallow dams imprison water diverted food. Nothing delights these men more than odors which pass away with the first frost. from Spring Creek. A spring-fed trout stream, success in their efforts. Few of us realize His initial fishing expedition, undoubtedly the Spring Creek water is too cold for best how much time, patience, and work is re­ Boz did not comprehend the peculiar antics results raising bass. By spreading the water quired to raise fish. Well, we'd better be get­ of his master and his companions, but he °ver a large area to a depth of two to three ting along." amused himself in his own fashion while feet, the sun warms it to the right tempera­ Coming to the gate, they turned to the waiting for developments. Gib lifted his ture. This warm water flows from the dams right, crossed the foot bridge spanning the line, growled at the missing bait, retrieved into a canal flanking the project on one side. dam's splash. The breast extended some his hook, continuing to mutter crossly at the A. similar canal on the other side carries the seventy yards from the splash to the over­ iniquity of bait-stealing fish. Laying rod on original cold water from Spring Creek. Be­ flow which merged into the other bank and the bank, he was intent on the job of impal­ tween the two canals, successive pools or at which point a fishway had been built for ing a wriggling worm when Boz loped past, Ponds have interlocking pipes so that they spawning fish to ascend and descend the hiay be served with either cold or warmed became tangled in the line, pulled it taut, stream flowing through the dam. An occas­ and drove the hook into the boy's finger. Water, depending whether trout or bass have ional tree on the breast provided spots of been planted. One pool may contain cold His face puckered by pain, Gib howled: Water while warmed water is in the neigh­ "Ouch! Consarn you, Boz. Dad, the hook's boring pond." in my fiinger! Quick!" "Boz, whoa! Down!" Burke alarmed, bel­ "But, I started to tell you about bass eating lowed sharply, leaping to his feet and run­ their young," Burke said, bringing himself ning to Gib. "Steady, Boz. Hold still, Gib. back to his original subject. "While at this Grab the line above the hook." Spring Creek project, I saw several dozen "Hurry, Dad! It hurts," Gib cried, tears Poles protruding from the water here and coursing down his flushed cheeks. there in the shallow dams. Upon inquiry, Burke released Boz, heaving him aside they told me they used the shallow dams for brood bass and that the poles marked where he cowered, bewildered, eyes apolo­ getic, expression abject, thoroughly aware bass nests. It seems that the male bass makes 1 Jt&^f* STi >j I V that he was in disgrace for some reason a nest, similar to that sunfish nest, in which - i* mm" ' ' C —*•% which he, of course, did not understand. A the female lays the eggs. That completes %*&}. her job. In fact, the male bass drives her queer business, this fishing! Burke sharply away from the nest and eggs, fertilizes the Tarset shooting was popular with the boys. ordered: eggs, and guards the nest until the young "Don't move, Gib. I know it hurts but bass, called 'fry' are born, emerge from the hold that hand steady! Don't move. Here, e§g cells, somewhat like a chick from an egg, shade from the midday sun. Choosing an let me see it." °nly under water. The old male bass still open space, Burke, tying on a fly, amused Fortunately, although the hook's point had has work to do. He continues to guard the himself casting for a while. Young John been driven into the flesh, the barb remained y°ung fry from enemies by keeping them s proved to be the most energetic and per­ clear. Winding the line around his foot sev­ wimming in a compact circle above the nest sistent fisherman in the party. What he eral times to prevent a recurrence with pos­ While he wards off any hostile fish. Event- Ua lacked in skill, he recompensed with dogged sibly more serious results, Burke maintained lly, the young fry will break from the perseverence. The supply of minnows quick­ a firm grasp of Gib's finger while he gently circle to scatter and make a living for them­ ly disappeared, John accounting for most of withdrew the point of the hook. selves. Whenever they desert the circle, the them by insisting upon trying to cast a min­ "There we are," he comforted. "Out as °'d male bass reverts to type and, being car­ now over his head, imitating Burke casting nivorous, eats his own young. Only those clean as a whistle. Lucky it didn't go in past a fly. To John's great disgust, the minnows the barb. That would have been real trouble. Who escape his massive jaws have a chance seemed determined to flip off the hook back to live and mature, grow up. The caretakers The only thing to do in a case like that is of him or else fly free into the dam, a safe to cut the barb out with a knife. The first Watch each nest daily and, when the time meal for nonchalant, derisive bass. •t°r the young fry to break circle is about thing you do is hustle to camp and put some We, they net the old male bass and remove Although each fish caught brought forth a iodine on that wound. Always disinfect any him from the dam so he cannot eat the young many-toothed, dimpled grin on John's face, wound immediately, if possible. Even suck­ bass, which are also trasferred to their own his main objective apparently was just fish­ ing the blood is better than nothing. Let's rearing pond. What do you suppose young ing, perpetually going through the motions, all head for camp. I'm tired fishing. Getting bass eat, gentlemen?" baiting the hook, dunking it in the water, hungry, too. Aren't you?" paying out line, letting fish steal the bait, The near-tragedy had cooled their zest for now and then catching an unwary fish, reel­ fishing. Willingly, they retraced their steps "Worms, bugs," John suggested. ing in the barren hook mostly, then a repeti­ "I saw a picture at the movies once show- tion of the same procedure, time and time to camp. After treating the several cuts and lng men feeding fish spoonfuls of stuff out of again, the actual capture of fish really being abrasions sustained in the morning's fishing, a bucket," Joe offered. incidental. Not only did he empty the min­ Burke announced: "I knew we're all hungry now bucket, but he made such inroads on but, before we eat, we'll take a bath." "Well, you both are part right and part "Bath!" they exclaimed, astonished, and Wrong," Burk said. "Young trout will im­ the worm supply that he f )rced Burke to divide the remaining worms equally. John with perhaps a degree of natural, boyish mediately eat prepared food but bass fry will repugnance. "We wash night and morning. hot. The first food of a young bass is a tiny soon exhausted his share, forlornly appealing a that he had no more bait. Stumped for a Why take a bath. We don't need it! Where'd °,uatic bug called 'daphnia'. After experi­ we take it, if we did?" menting a long time, the man in charge of minute, Burke studied the problem, nodded fish propagation, fish raising, in our state affirmatively, walked to camp, returned with "What's the matter with the dam?" Burke, 'earned how to breed and raise daphnia in several strips of bacon, and firmly looped laughing, demanded. "Ought to be enough one back and forth on John's hook. Grate­ water, maybe!" large ful, John thanked him and placidly, doggedly quantities to feed bass fry. Daphnia "Aw, gee, we don't want a bath," they ls resumed fishing, perhaps wondering a bit moaned. an important food for bass when they first why he failed thereafter to catch anything break the circle. However, the supply of (Please turn Page) "aphnia is naturally limited. The young bass 26 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER JLNE

"Well, you're going to get it, anyhow," ing from causing the rifle to waver. Don't "Yeh, tough guy," Joe scoffed. "What'd Burke declared, firm but chuckling. "Out of jerk or pull the trigger. Keep your sights you do if a big rainstorm blew the tent down those clothes, rascals. Come on. Strip or lined on the target while you squeeze the and everything got wet?" I'll do the job for you. And I can do it! Do trigger gradually so that you do not know "I'd get along all right," Gib retorted con­ you think I can't? Another thing, every one exactly when the trigger releases the firing fidently. "I can take it!" of you I have to undress w.'ll be ducked pin. Do you understand? personally by me, soundly and completely. "Yep. Now, let me shoot." "Humpf," Joe snorted. "You just ..." Step lively if you don't wan* a ducking!" His short arms struggled with the long "All right, all right," Burke interrupted, Finding no mercy in Burke's eyes, they, rifle. Finally, propping his back against a yawning. "Finish that argument in the reluctantly and with great deliberation, peeled tree, Joe fired three shots, the first splashing morning. I'm going to hit the hay. Let's off first one garment, then another, until they in front of the target. Raising his aim slight­ go." stood on the bank of the dam, stripped stark ly, Joe had the satisfaction of plunking the In a few minutes, the light flickered out, naked. Their lowered brows and curved- other two into the target. placing the seal of darkness on another day down mouths betrayed their extreme dis­ That night, they had a grand meal, tomato of green memory. The few alloted days pleasure. Armed with soap, towels, and a juice, fried bass, boiled potatoes, lettuce, dreamed by, all too rapidly. They idled about bucket, Burke proceeded to the task. bread, butter, peanut butter, olives, pickels, the dam, hooked forty-seven legal size bass, "I'm a little fearful of the depth and bot­ and celery. After the remains of the meal took ten which they ate, occasionally drove tom of this dam," he said. "So, you gentle­ had been cleared away, dishes washed, gaso­ to a nearby village to telephone home and men just step down into the shallow water line lamp inspected and filled, fresh drinking replenish supplies. Time seemed unimport­ along the shore there and we'll begin to com­ water brought from the spring, equipment ant. Abruptly, the day of departure arrived, mence." and supplies put to place, they sprawled a dismal dawn. With sorrow and regret, they around the camp fire, convening another un- struck tent, packed, disconsolately drove Selecting Gib as the first subject, Burke forgetable woodland lodge. They joked, re­ filled the bucket and emptied it over his home, stowed away the tent, gear, and equip­ counted the events of the day, told stories, ment, mourned the end of their late treas­ head. Sputtering, gurgling, remonstrating, sang songs. After a while, Burke said: he danced around, shivering from the impact ured pilgrimage afield and astream, and of the cold water. Burke quickly soaped "I promised you gentlement that I would yearned to be gone again. him, stem and stern, fore and aft. Rinsing tell you something about this dam. Five him with several buckets of water, Burke years ago, a man from the Fish Commission gave him a vigorous rubdown with a towel, and I tested Yellow Creek, into which this tossing it to him with instructions to finish stream flows about two miles down the val­ HALFWAY DAM ATTRACTS ANGLERS ley, to determine whether or not it was drying himself while Burke turned his atten­ Halfway Dam in Union County was crowd­ tion to the other two mournful victims. sufficiently free of pollution to hold trout. Of course, in making this test, we had to ed with fishermen late in April, seeking trout Hearing voices from the directions of the check the tributaries for pollution, which which were cought in large numbers. Despite Bunyak farmhouse. Burke glanced diagonally caused us to ascend this particular stream. the fact that the Fourteen Mile Narrows road down the dam and saw the Bunyak family, The dam, as you see it, did not exist at that is in bad shape, from three different sections parents and children, some three hundred time. However, we found the remains of an which were damaged during the winter, sev­ yards away, sitting in a half circle in front old log dam used in lumbering days. The eral hundred fishermen reached the dam to of their home, enjoying the spectacle with splash had been washed away. Only the try their luck. evident pleasure, especially the lamentations earthen breast still stood. Thick brush grew Sunday was the first "nice" fishing day and outcries of the unwilling victims. in the body of the dam, through which since the trout season opened and streams Still a bit resentful but with appetites meandered a stream containing a good vol­ and creeks were also lined with fishermen. spurred by the bath, they sailed into the ume of pure water. I thought to myself, Catches were relatively good. noonday lunch and consumed prodigious what a wonderful site for a dam and a cabin! amounts of food. Across the dam, a dozen I sort of hoped I could buy it some day." stumps projected six inches to a foot above Burke paused to put a log on the fire which the waterline. After lunch, Gib unlimbered showered sparks upward. "The following his .22 rifle and tested his marksmanship. No year, several of my friends from Clymer, novice, Gib had already earned several who had also been in the Army during the badges and medals in rifle shooting. These World War, asked be to join their hunting water targets toward the other side of the and fishing club. They said they had a dam dam had several advantages over land tar­ in Pine Township which they intended to gets. Showers of spray instantly told the stock with fish and that the hunting was story of a miss, whether the aim was high good. At their suggestion, I drove with them or low, to the left or to the right. A hit to look at the place, not suspecting the truth. registered with a resounding plunk, like a Well, gentlemen, I'll be switched if these blow with a club on a hollow, rotten log. friends hadn't bought my pet dam site, cut Gib challenged Burke to a contest, three away the brush, installed a stone splash, and shots from the standing, kneeling, sitting, and made a real dam, along which you are now prone positions. To Burke's amazement and camping. I sure joined the club right then delight, Gib not only held him even but and there. We've been making improvements made a better score. since that time although I am not able to With desire, Joe watched them intently. spend as much time as some of the others. Finally, he tugged at Burke's sleeve: "Please, We bought six brood bass, big ones. Every Dad, may I shoot?" time a coal company dam in this vicinity is "Sure thing, pal," Burke replied. "But, emptied for the purpose of cleaning it, some first, we must talk guns a little. You've of our members are right on the job with helped me clean guns at home. You know truck and barrels and obtain a lot of fish how to handle them properly but we'll just free. In this way, we have planted a lot of - review the matter of guns again. Every gun fish in this dam. During the first three years, is loaded and must be handled accordingly we prohibited fishing. Now, we have an until a careful examination is mrde. Always elegant dam in a garden spot which, properly keep the muzzle pointed to the ground or in managed, should give us rare sport for years the air, away from all companions. Do not to come. We're thinking of building a cabin fire unless you *re certain at what you are right back of the tent. What do you think shooting. Never take a chance. That's that. of the idea? Would you rather camp in a cabin or in a tent?" Hold the rifle in this manner. Take a few In the opinion of Sam Shearer, popular teacher at deep breaths. Hold your breath while aiming "Me, I'd rather be in a tent," Gib de­ the I>\vistown high school, fishing the flats of Tuscarora Creek for its fighting smallmouth bass to prevent the muscular movement of breath­ clared stoutly, "I like to rough it." is sport supreme. 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 27

BASS LIKE TROUT (Continued from Page 11) % ounce. A floater, it can be cast with a minimum of disturbance and can be used to good advantage in fishing weedy stream sec­ tions. (3) The Heddon Jointed River Runt, Weighing about % ounce, a slow sinker with deceptive action (shiner finish); (4) The Fish- O-Bite, weight % ounce, shiner or perch finish, a slow sinker and wobbler made by South Bend Bait Company; (5) The Shakes­ peare Midget, weight Y2 ounce, yellow perch and shiner finish, a straight running little lure, with propellers fore and aft. (This plug is a more effective hooker if the small rear treble hook is replaced with a longer shanked bronze double hook. Yellow finish with red head is also a good finish in this lure). (6) Lightest lure in the group, weighing % ounce, is the Daredevle Imp made by Lou Eppinger. This spoon is a sweet caster, coming through in different finishes, the green scale finish being preferred by the writer. It is equipped 'With a single hook and bucktail and, of course, must be used in conjunction with a snap swivel. (7) Mack's Minnow Bug, weigh­ ing % ounce, a rapid sinker equipped with a single hook and spinner, can be cast like a bullet and ranks as an excellent bait for °ur smallmouths. Finishes preferred, yellow and black. In answer to a number of in­ quiries, the lure may be obtained by writing to The Tackle Shop, 711 Third Street, New Cumberland, Pa. (8) A pet in the writer's Shiners rank as good bass forage. Use artificials and save this vital food supply. light lure kit is the Midg-Oreno, weight % °Unce, made by South Bend Bait Company. come with the so-called "dog days" and is one factor that contributes materially to its This little lure is a floater, but when the resumed when cool September nights tend outstanding success. retrieve is started it darts beneath the surface, to drop water temperatures in many of our While this article is being written, I am running in a tantalizing wobbling manner at warm water creeks. many miles from home and not having the a depth of from two to three feet. During above mentioned plug with me, I have the past two seasons, it has been our most Real satisfaction is in store for the fisher­ sketched it up mainly from memory. The consistent strike enticer and the small bronze men this year who take up the fascinating body is yellow, sprinkled with aluminum treble hooks with which it is equipped are sport of fishing artificials on either the cast­ spots and while the sketch may be highly excellent hookers. Finishes preferred are ing rod or fly rod. To place one of those inaccurate, especially as regards to the num­ the perch and shiner scale. baby casting lures lightly into a weed-fringed pocket, see the spiked dorsal fin of a good ber and position of the hooks, yet I believe Having acquired the outfit, the problem smallmouth cutting the water and feel the that it is sufficiently well described to en­ now centers on fishing it most effectively. light rod vibrate to a vicious strike comes able one to recognize it at the tackle stores. *t will be found, in making casts with the the nearest thing to "hunting with fishing light lure, that its effectiveness is greatly tackle" that we know. You'll cover a lot of Underwater Plugs Jncreased if the rod tip is raised rather water in a day and, more important, you'll A few of the best of the underwater plugs, sharply when the lure in its downward arc have a whale of a lot of thrills doing it, with are the Baby Jointed Pikie Minnow, Fig. 11; 18 at a point about eight feet above the sur­ incomparable anticipation that each cast may the Pumpkinseed, Fig. 12; and the Midget face of the water. This stalls the forward tie you into a hefty creek smallmouth bass, Dingbat, Fig. 13. These small one half ounce Momentum of the plug, causing it to strike the gamest freshwater fish that flaunts a fin. lures are unusually successful in streams and the surface with a slight splat that apparently rivers, and one can expect to catch almost ls highly appealing to the creek smallmouth. Give it a try for more tight lines. any type of fish on them. I may be more or less prejudiced, but I have a strong pre­ In one notable respect, the light bait cast- ference for the Midget Dingbat, and with it l ng outfit is decidedly superior to the flyrod I have taken rainbow trout, bass, pickerel, assembly. Casts with the light lures of from BASS LURES fallfish, perch, and walleyed pike. All the "0 to 100 feet are easily attainable and under above lures, however, are excellent, and if c lear, low water conditions, this constitutes a (Continued from Page 4) procured in a variety of colors, success can­ definite advantage for the bait caster. To this bait especially the black plunker among not help but be certain. 'each a good fish that has just wallowed into the Florida largemouths, and it works well the shoreline shallows 80 or 90 feet distant in our own waters too, providing one gets it 'n pursuit of minnows, without the necessity in the smaller sizes. W a closer approach, often spells action from "Now I want you to tell me which of these bass well up in the poundage rating. Another lure that came up from the south­ words are singular and which are plural. land, is the plug illustrated in Fig. 9. In Rembert, you take the first, 'trousers'." southern Delaware, where the largemouths Smallmouth bass in the creeks of central Rembert (after lengthy deliberation): grow very heavy, this bait has gained an Pennsylvania have usually completed the "Singular at the top and plural lower down." spawning act by June 15. The male fish, enviable reputation as a taker of big fish. In during its prolonged vigil over the eggs and appearance the plug is a radical departure young has acquired a keen appetite by that from the orthodox type. Between the joints tinie and is extremely active in foraging is located a revolving propeller blade which A proud parent called up the newspaper aftsr leaving the nest. Activity of both the causes little ripples to be set up as the bait and reported the birth of twins. The girl at temale and male fish apparently extends well is slowly pulled along over the surface. Glid­ the desk didn't quite catch the message over ^to July, and early season bass fishing is ing across the water, it reminds one of a the phone. "Will you repeat that?" she c°nsequently good in clear or clearing water, mouse trying to reach land, and the tantaliz­ asked. * lapse in this foraging activity seems to ing furrow left in its wake is undoubtedly "Not if I can help it," was the reply. 28 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER JUNE

FLY ROD BASS FISHING for your money in factory rods. Above that It took me a good many years to take this price too much goes into useless trappings. decisive step, but having tried it for the (Continued from Page 13) Flashy silk wrappings, highly polished chro­ whole season of 1939, April 15 to November length from 7%' to 8'-3" if you want the mium plated ferrules, fancy reel seats, extra 30, I will never again fish any other way maximum in ease and casting efficiency. The varnish coats, silk partitioned bags and hand­ Within a few years I believe that everybody man don't live who can swing the tip of a some aluminum carrying cases will make a will be doing it, and I am happy to have long, heavy or limber rod as swiftly as he nice showy outfit with which to dazzle the been among the pioneers who first reaped its can swing the type of rod I've been recom­ boys along the creek, but nine times out of advantages. It did wonders for me in the mending—and remember that it's tip speed ten it is still the same cane and workman­ way of greater comfort, greater distance and that counts, tip speed and the ease of attain­ ship as the $15.00 rod. Personally I don't greater accuracy. ing it. care a rap about "dolled up" rods, and the very best rods I own are the plainest in ap­ Being a right-handed caster, I use a left Now you are not going to get the kind of pearance. Shiny ferrules, pretty windings handed reel. This stunt, which I learned rod I have in mind at Ginsbergs Department and handsome aluminum cases catch no fish. from the great master, Jules P. Cuenin of Store. The chances are 100 to 1 that you No rod is any better than the cane and work­ San Francisco some 15 years ago, enables me won't even get it at your tackle store. You manship that goes into it. both to take up slack line and to play my will have to order it. The dealers carry ad­ fish from the reel without first having to vertised tackle and popularly priced tackle. Reels change the rod over to my left hand. It takes The rod I have in mind will cost you from about three minutes to get accustomed to $42.50 in solid butt up to $65.00 in hollow It has been shown impossible to "balance" cranking the reel with the southpaw and not butt. It will not come off a factory produc­ a rod in the act of casting with a reel of any more than five minutes to forget that you tion line, but will come from a master crafts­ weight. A reel on the rod simply increases ever did it in the old awkward way. man who will build it from strips of selected the inertia of the assembly, making it more Tonkin cane, accurately cut to perfect 60° difficult to put into the rapid motion essen­ Leaders angles, carefully tapered and miked to .001" tial to complete the cast. The weight of the I dislike that soft, raggy "jap" gut and am tolerance throughout their entire length, reel is a burden upon the muscles of the still neutral towards the other synthetics like glued, seasoned, cleaned, tested, ferruled, caster. If you want to be orthodox, then "Vec" and "Nylon", but they are now making tested again, guides mounted, tested and cast. carry the reel on the rod, carry and swing these materials much better than formerly It will only be finished if it meets every test. it all day long, but at least buy the lightest and my buddy, Philip M. C. Armstrong, is Otherwise it will be broken across the knees one you can find which is also large enough developing knots by which they may be as and thrown into the ash can. Artist rod to hold the line and strong enough to stand securely and unobstrusively tied as natural builders make no "second grade" rods. (he fishing. gut. By the time he is through with his ex­ If you have moral courage and believe the periments I will be ready to benefit from his But, because the payment on the car is due evidence of your own senses you will carry experience. Meanwhile I'll stick to natural or Johnny wants a bicycle and you can't the reel on your belt. That's the best and gut leaders, six feet long and tapered from afford a really fine rod, that's no reason why most simple way to get its weight off your very heavy strands at the butt end to a you should not go fly fishing, or even plug casting arm. You'll have to make your own diameter fine enough for the size of fly at fishing with a fly rod. Remember that the belt reel seat, of course, as they are not yet the other end. Bass aren't as scarey about line is more important than the rod anyhow. on the market, but a satisfactory seat can leaders as trout. It's about 27% % line, 22% rod, and 50% MAN be fashioned from a small sheet of aluminum that makes every cast. at little cost and not much labor. Don't make Flies You can get some kind of a fly rod for $5.00. it too small as that will make it wiggle on I've bought flies by the thousands, and tied Once in a blue moon it will even be good your tummy when cranking the line. An them by the tens of thousands. There have enough to "learn on". For $10.00 you can oval shaped piece of aluminum, about been times when I thought a definite pattern get one with a few years of service built into 3"x5", makes a good practical base for the was necessary to catch fish, and times . . . it. For $15.00 you will get about the most seat. many more times . . . when I found one pattern just as good as any other. And I'm not saying that with my tongue in my cheek. There are times when no fly will tempt bass, and there are other times when any old fly is good enough. In dry flies, as with trout, I tie about every pattern known, but I only fish with three. If it wasn't for my failing eyesight I could get along just as well with one, and the color of it wouldn't make the slightest difference in results. Fish view a dry fly from below; and, regardless of its color viewed from other angles, against the glare of a bright sky any fly is simply a brilliant, irridescent shadow. Those I use are all palmer hackles, tied Michigan style on the bare hooks. One of them, used under most difficult light con­ ditions, is all ginger. The next favorite is ginger in front; deep, rich brown to the bend. The third, and possibly the best of the lot, is ginger fronted, and "Grizzly" (bar­ red rock) to the bend. All have tails from the red feather of a golden pheasant. Any other tail would be as good—or no tail at all. I use the ginger because its the closest natural color I can get to yellow, and yellow is the color which the human eye sees most easily My dry flies are always tied with rather shorter, stiffer hackles and more of them than are commonly found in store flies. Per­ sonal preference again. I like my dry flies to float under any and all conditions, and I Using- left hand haul to pick up a long line with a 7% foot stiff but light rod. Note that the left somehow fancy that bass like a juicy looking hand reel is carried on the belt. morsel. 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 29

With wet flies, that's something else again. Even if I felt in the mood for experimenting STATE LAWS AID PLANS IN Below the surface of the water the fish sees with color, by the time I got around to my BASS CONSERVATION the fly without dazzling light interference, fourth choice it would be dark, I'd be slip­ and it just doesn't make good sense to deny ping on the rocks and couldn't see where I Success of the Bureau of Fisheries' efforts that fish can distinguish colors in their own was putting the fly, and I'd be hungry and to secure cooperation from the States in the element. I'm no biologist, but I've been thirsty for a glass of foaming—fresh goat's protection of black bass is evidenced by the fishing for lo these many years and I have milk. Oh, yeah? fact that 45 States have adopted closed-season raised many thousands of fish myself. I've laws for these game fish covering the spawn­ s Size may, or may not be, as important as een them color up at spawning times, and color or pattern. I dunno. I have yet to ing season. I've seen the male sailing around in front kill my first million bass. I said that in a Alabama, most recent to join the ranks of °f the female, fins spread and displaying hurry. I never kill bass. They are too the cooperators in conservation, recently con­ his handsome colors, proud as any peacock. doughty in battle and altogether too friend­ cluded that a closed season on black bass is If fish don't appreciate colors why do they ly and roughish when they look up at me in essential to the preservation of that species, developd them? Some ichthyologists would the net. They make my creel smelly and and decreed the month of April as the closed do well to go back to their Darwin and read are such a nuisance to clean; so many mur­ season. Because anglers' licenses had been the chapters on natural selection again. derous ruffians are after their lives; yet they printed and many sold before the regula­ are so entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit tion was promulgated, however, it was de­ But I don't think that fish are very fussy of happiness. Bass are poor eating by com­ cided that the ruling will not become effec­ about colors when it comes to food, at least parison with juicy steaks, pork chops, fried 'h objects as small as flies. Probably the tive until January 1, 1941. chicken, liver and bacon—they ain't even as ttiost natural colors are the grays or gray Louisiana, Oklahoma, and South Carolina good as ice cream or pretzels and beer. Nope. toned quiet greens and browns, but I have are teh only three States remaining which long since ceased to believe that fish rose I have plenty of reasons for not killing have not adopted what the Bureau considers casually and critically to examine my flies, them. I let 'em go. And I get a great kick adequate protection for the black bass—a Perhaps to reject them because they weren't out of watching their puzzled actions once closed season covering at least the spawning tied true to pattern. Instead I believe he they find themselves in the water again, period. s ees a small moving object. He knows he waiting for that quick flick of the tail and c an lick anything so insignificant and there's the sudden dash for freedom when they think always the chance that it might be something I'm not watching them. They are really No trout fisherman was ever more proud good to eat. If he's not pretty quick it will comical. of a brace of speckled beauties than was six Set away from him, so he grabs it on sight Bass are much harder to raise in captivity year old Richard Mohr of Allentown of the and does his thinking, if any, afterwards. than trout; and their intrinsic value, as two fine suckers he caught in the Little Le­ So-o-o, in the matter of pattern in wet flies determined by the sport they give us, is high this year. The two suckers measured as in dry fles, I please myself rather than the incalculable. Alive they are priceless. Dead 12 and 14 inches respectively, Equally proud fish. He doesn't know the difference, and they are just meat. The life of a bass can­ of his sucker catch scored in the Delaware the fly which pleases me is the fly which not be measured in dollars and cents. River was Bobby Fenstermacher, 10, of Al­ tQspires me with confidence—the first re­ But here I am, wandering and meander­ lentown. Three suckers he caught measured quisite of an angler. I use "about" four pat­ ing again. I was talking about size. Gen­ 16, 18 and 20 inches. terns. My first choice is an "Old Irish Iron erally speaking I start out with a number Blue Dun". Here's the pattern to avoid ans­ four or six fly. If the water is cloudy or wering inquiries: tlTail, few whisks of fibres the light is dim I may start with larger flies, from red breast feather of golden pheasant. up to 2/0 if largemouth are suspected. If Brown hackles are just as good: ffBody, the water is clear and the light good, I use hluegray, under fur from common rabbit. smaller flies, down to 8's in smallmouth Neutral gray wool just as good: J Ribbing, waters. Once the fly is on the leader I sel­ °val silver tinsel, tinsel cord just as good: dom change it . . . possibly because I get "Wings, Gray duck or goose, according to as much fun out of casting as I do .out of size. (Nothing just as good): flHackle, Natural catching fish. I dunno. 'Black". (Brown, grizzly or any other shade JUst as good—and just as pretty! Please your­ Other lures used on fly rods, often by men self). who eventually become fly fishermen are legion. Bass bugs are a sort of go-between, My second choice is a Silver Doctor; Pre­ a little better than fly rod plugs or spinners, ferably the genuine salmon pattern, but any­ and a little worse than bucktails or stream­ thing just so it has a silver tody, and the rest ers. It's all in the way you look at it, or 0;f which gives the effect of a living, vibrant the way you were brought up! Just because Oray: for this is the effect produced by blend- you happen to be using a fly rod doesn't lr>g the assortment of colors found in the make you a fly fisherman. You are not a Boctor. Any silver bodied fly is a good wet fly fisherman unless you use a fly alone as fly, but keep away from silver and gold in your lure. A fly attached to a spinner is dry flies. They sink too easily. another animal entirely. My third choice, and the handsomest of all Of all the other lures used on fly rods, the files, is the Royal Coachman, tied either with most murderous are spinners and spoons. If dazzling white feather wings or white buck- you must use a spinner, don't use it on a good tail hair. It's no better than the plain Coach­ fly rod. Use it on a factory rod, preferably man or any other white winged fly. Probably something which cost no more than $15.00. ftot as good as a Silver Coachman, but it's Even then you shouldn't use a spinner larger Vretty darn it, and what is fly fishing if not than a No. 2 Hildebrandt single blade,- or artistic? than size "A" in tandem, as larger blades My fourth and last choice is a genuine than this will put a set in the best rod. •^arch Brown, except that I tie it with oval Among spoons, the Pflueger "Pippin" and gold tinsel. The body is of mixed brown "Chum", and the fly rod sizes of the Johnson rabbit's fur, the wings of English hen pheas- "Silver Minnow" are more lively even than aht's tail (you dasn't shoot 'em in this coun- the spinners. Whether they are as murder­ fry) and the hackle is partridge, pinched ous or not, I don't know. I hope not. But short for small flies. Oh, Yes! I forgot. The in weak moments I've tried them, and I can tail is brown mallard. Its a beautiful fly to say that they won't hurt a rod as much as a look at. I like to tie it and I always have a spinner or one of those little wooden plugs. few in my fly box. But I never use it. I It's not the mere weight of the lure that does the damage. It's the drag of picking it out of seldom change patterns. It's a nuisance and the water for the next cast. The Ferkiomen Creek at Colleseville, Montgomery I don't believe the fish know the difference. County, during recent flood. 30 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLEK JUNE

only a sunken lure ordinarily is effective and vacation just at the moment a nice fish has Fly Rod Technique and the addition of a spinner of small or medium noticed it, is a helluvathing. In fact it affords size may substantially increase results. In sufficient provocation for crimes of violence Spinners for Bass white roily water, a luminous spinner in including mayhem and murder. The truth (Continued from Page 2) combination with a streamer or hair-minnow is that the designing of a spinner which After a little practice the operator should will sometimes bring fish to the creel when knows its business and works at it constantly find it possible to keep the line coming in at conditions look almost hopeless. I say seems a lost art with some makers. a uniform slow speed and this, in the opera­ "almost" because no true fisherman ever is In order to distinguish some points from tion of a spinner, is often more effective. In without some hopes. The combination of bad, let us now examine the anatomy of fact it is a mistake commonly made by ang­ spinner and streamer fly is one of the most several of the commoner kinds of spinners to lers to drag a spinner too rapidly through valuable of the bass fisherman's weapons be found on the market today. the water in this style of fishing. More that should never be absent from the kit. strikes will be registered if the spinner is In judging the merits of a spinner, regard­ operated so as just to keep it revolving well. Personal experience in fishing for small- less of price, one should consider the fol­ mouth bass in the Middle Atlantic States has lowing important points, or questions: This style of retrieve is very convenient shown that this fish rises most numerously Will it spin freely and constantly? Is it of when fishing from a boat or when wading to the fly and other small surface lures, dur­ durable but not clumsy construction? Is its and I strongly recommend that it be acquired ing the period from opening day, viz: July 1 snap, for fastening for the lure, secure? Can by any fly rod fan not yet acquainted with it. to August 15, and that after this period the this be operated with ease enough to avoid It is of course important that one's rod surface fly becomes less effective. My per­ profanity? be held in a strategic position while using sonal feeling is that if the smallmouth season were opened on June 15th and closed Novem­ Examine Fig. 9 which represents an Indiana this retrieve and Fig. 8 shows this quite ber 1st, fly fishing for this bass would be­ spinner of simple but excellent construction. clearly. come really worthwhile in this area. As the The snap is of the ordinary pattern, a type In spinner and bug casting for bass, much peak of greatest abundance of insect adult which when well made is quite satisfactory. excellent fishing is had while wading. Except life, that is to say the flight insects, is from Please note that a bell-shaped brass bead where bottom conditions are unduly slippery June 1st to August 1st, the dragon flies, of ample size is soldered firmly to the shaft or sticky, this is by far the most comfortable moths, butterflies, ants and other insects just above the hook of the snap. This is method of fishing. swarm over the water at this time. Further­ shown enlarged in Fig. 10 at A. This firmly- In July and early August, particularly in more, this coincides also with the period fastened head is important not only because Pennsylvania and Maryland, while surface when the greatest amount of sunlight falls it supports the spinner mechanism but pre­ insect life such as dragon flies are abundant on the waters which is a very important con­ vents the whole works from sliding into the and the fish are rising briskly to them, this sideration in fly rod fishing for smallmouth bottom of the loop when the snap is opened, style of fishing is at its best. bass. a most execrable thing. However, as the wader goes into deeper I am convinced too that reproduction of the Figure 10, at B, shows the smooth-finished water and its level rises toward his hands, smallmouth would not be seriously injured annular bead which is loose and forms the this shortens his casting leverage and the by this change for the area designated. So bearing for the lower arm of the stirrup laying of a long line becomes increasingly far as the month of November is concerned upon which the blade revolves around the difficult. Even by casting sidewise it no it is useless—a minus quantity, in fact, so shaft. This ring-bead provides a frictionless longer is possible to cast with the elbow far as fly fishing for smallmouth in this region bearing which insures reliable action. The held at the side but this often must be is concerned. blade is thin, only slightly convex and spins like nobody's business. raised shoulder-high in order to get sufficient With the largemouth bass, the case is quite line out. otherwise, as this fish is more habitually a A modification of the ordinary snap lock Fortunately a long line is not often neces­ surface feeder and not seldom will rise to is shown in Fig. 11. Apparently this wire sary while wading deeply as the angler then surface lures during bright days in the very stub is intended to prevent accidental open­ is not likely to be visible to the fish. late fall. Even with this voracious feeder, ing of the snap but I have not found that Wind is one of the fly fisherman's worst however, the sunken fly becomes more and it does so. However, the projecting end of enemies. In fact it is one of the devil's more effective as the sun declines in altitude the wire, shown at C, soon scratches an ugly favorite inventions in a bid for his soul. and the water cools below the threshold of channel on the inside of the blade. When this rises to a point where serious maximum activity for this fish. In late The style of snap shown in Fig. 12 was interference with casting occurs, one might November, I have found that the use of a intended ts render its operation more easy as well call it a day or if he must, waste his brass spinner an inch long in combination and it does this. In fact it operates so easily j time at golf, bridge or twiddling his thumbs. with a well sunken hair minnow will kill that it is liable to fly open while casting, On the other hand, a moderate breeze often fish when other means failed completely. thus losing either the fish or fly or both. is advantageous as it serves to conceal the Now that the subject of spinners has been Fig. 13 illustrates an improvement of this angler from the view of the fish and causes broached, it reminds me of one of my most same principle, as the sleeve is composed them to feed more actively. In such cir­ persistent pet peeves, viz: the awful dis­ of a closely spiralled steel wire (E). This, cumstances, casting with a streamer fly and crepancy in their numbered sizes as among when slid down, engages the hump on the spinner may be greatly facilitated by the the various manufacturers of spinners. For free end with the result that its friction following procedure while casting against instance at this moment I have before me against the corrugated wire coil holds this the breeze. Just as the back cast is com­ several specimens of Indiana spinners mark­ firmly in place. This is satisfactory but a pleted and at the instant when the forward eted by nationally reputable ir jnufacturers, little clumsy in the smaller sizes. movement of the rod begins, the line being marked "No. 1". But these range in size The spinner shown in Fig. 14 is of rugged grasped by the left hand is jerked sharply from %" x 5/16" to %" x %". In other construction and the snap is of unusual pat- j downward and through the guides thus words, the No. 1 spinner of the first dealer tern. This is perfectly secure but is very accelerating the impetus given the line by corresponds with the No. 0 spinner of the Stiff and difficult of operation. The blade ! the forward movement of the rod. second. As the sizes increase, the discrepancy is permanently supported, well up the shaft This is a distinct aid in getting out line grows no better fast, that is, a No. 3 spinner and an excellent feature of this spinner is a against a fairly stiff breeze and helps materi­ of one dealer is 13/16" long but that of a built-in swivel (F) at the line end of the ally in obtaining distance under any circum­ second one is a full inch long. shaft. stances. Among Colorado-style spinners the condi­ At Fig. 15 is shown the snap and fastener To be successful with the fly rod, as with tion is even worse as one specimen in my of a relatively expensive, "22 karat gold" ) any style of fishing, some judgment must collection marked 1/0 corresponds with the spinner, marketed by a nationally known be exercised regarding the lure to be used No. 3 of another in size, etc., ad nauseum. For manufacturer. The blade is of the Colorado in waters of different depths and colors. For Izaak's sake, cannot no one do nothing about shape, is made of heavy metal for its dimen­ instance, although a floating lure may be this mess? It is almost as sad a one as that sions, spins with considerable reluctance, and highly successful in a clear, limestone, or of hook sizes, but the state of my indigestion it loses its golden glimmer speedily. springfed stream, it is likely to bring no forbids the discussion of that at present. The fastening of the snap consists of an worthwhile results in water that is even mod­ But, getting back to the spinners, the blade open wire spiral (G) that screws down over erately turbid. In waters of the latter kind, that spins spasmodically and which takes a the loose end of the snap while this is held 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER :n closely against the shaft. This doodad must MIFFLIN SPORTSMEN AT Mr. Fluke did not mention it but he is the originator of the wild turkey propagation have been designed by a south-paw as it RECORD DINNER screws to the left in order to fasten it, fur­ area idea in this state. thermore it takes 10 full turns to accomplish With over 400 sportsmen in attendance, The annual election of officers of the this! and a number of notable speakers ,the annual Kishacoquillas Valley Sportsmen's Associa­ banquet of the Federated Sportsmen's Clubs tion was held with the following elected by Just imagine if you can, the following of Mifflin County went over with a real scene: a majority vote: President, Rev. James H. "bang". As Paul Aurand, president of the Goss; vice president, H. C. Sweigart; secre­ With one of these so-wonderful spinners East End Blue Rock Gun and Sportsmen's tary, Reed Thompson, Jr.; treasurer, Roger attached to your line, you stand waist-deep Club, sa aptly expressed it, "The best gath­ Sweigart. in the stream and have just risen a fish that ering of sportsmen ever." insists on striking short. You know he is a Several reels of Kodachrome motion pic­ monster from the tug-boat's swirl that he left. After the turkey dinner, the toastmaster, tures of big game hunting and fishing were You are justly excited and, wishing to make Walter B. Wilson, introduced local game pro­ shown. him look foolish on your stringer, you decide tectors and deputies, Dr. H. E. Miller, presi­ to change your fly. dent of the Kishacoquillas Valley Sportsmen's Association, and Paul Aurand, president of It is a hot day, your fingers are damp with the East End Blue Rock Club. TROUT DINNER AT BELLEFONTE Perspiration, they tremble a little as labor­ iously you unscrew the snap fastening, 10 Seth Gordon, executive secretary of the The annual trout dinner staged by the full turns. Your fresh fly, a known killer, is Game Commission, was the first speaker of Bellefonte Kiwanis Club on Thursday night, selected and strung on the snap wire. Then the evening and talked briefly on the excel­ May 23, prior to opening of the Fish Com­ with damp, unsteady fingers you hostily press lent record of sportsmen in this area. He mission's Spring Creek Project on May 24, the open wire closely against the shaft. An paid fitting tribute to those men that took was attended by 120 sportsmen and conserva­ infernal deer fly jabs his beak, up to the part in the game feeding program this winter, tionists from all sections of the state. It was hilt, into the back of your neck and you as well as other years, and remarked that one of the most successful dinners ever held, slap him into a mere smear with your right. there was never any question of whether and was as usual most capably presided over But, in the battle, your left has lost its grip the game would be fed in Mifflin County. by toastmaster Dr. Richards Hoffman. °n the slippery wire and the struggle begins Mr. Gordon led the entire body in a silent Speakers for the evening included Harris all over. You succeed at last in pressing the homage to Frank Myers who devoted his en­ Breth, hunting and fishing commentator for spring wire home against the shaft and tire life to Pennsylvania sportsmen and their Radio Station KDKA Pittsburgh, George attempt to lock it there by screwing the problems. Harvey, director of athletics at the Mont spiral to the right in the natural direction, Commissioner French told of the reasons Alto Forestry School, and Commissioner of hut it fails to catch and just as you realize why the Fish Commission delayed the stock­ Fisheries C. A. French. Fish Commissioners that this is the wrong direction the left ing program until spring. Had the fish been Edgar Nicholson, J. Fred McKean, and Harry fingers fail again to hold and the snap flies stocked last fall the low water and intense Weber, C. R. Buller, chief fish culturist for °Pen. Incandescent words faintly relieve the cold would have defeated the entire idea. the Board, H. R. Stackhouse, secretary for nervous tension until after a severe struggle After experimentation on the part of the the Board, O. M. Deibler, former Commis­ you finally screw down the lock, 10 full turns commission, it has found that spring stock­ and are ready to make your cast. Perspira­ sioner of Fisheries, and H. C. Turner, burgess ing gives a higher percentage of healthier at Bellefonte were introduced. tion drips from your brow as breathlessly fish. Due to impassable roads some of the you make it, only to discover that the mon­ Catches on opening day at the project were ster has grown weary of that spot and left norehern counties will not be stocked for termed fair. While Spring Creek was in for parts unknown—the day is ruined. some time yet. good condition for trouting, it was believed Game Commissioner Castner mentioned the that prevailing overcast skies caused a lull I would, if I could, award the inventor of willingness with which local sportsmen re­ in the striking of the big trout at the Para­ this phonus-bolonus, a medal of generous ceive new ideas and suggestions. He stated dise, as it is popularly termed. Largest fish Proportions made of a not too ancient cow- that "we have the best and most progressive taken were two rainbow trout, each 21 inches chip. type of sportsmen in the state in this area." in length. John H. Witherow of Latrobe In the foregoing discussion, mention of The Game Commission's wild turkey ex­ creeled a rainbow weighing 44 ounces, while Manufacturers' names has been intentionally pert, "Turkey Bill" Fluke, reported that wild a fish of the same length as his catch, taken omitted. I am, however, anxious that ang- turkeys are definitely increasing in Pennsyl­ by S. E. Kuhn of Altoona tipped the scales iers other than myself may have the benefit vania, thanks to natural propagation methods. at 43 ounces. °t my experience in the matter of spinners and tackle. The beginning of each season sees scores °f new fishing gadgets placed on sale. Some °f these have merit but many represent no actual improvement over existing wares and hot a few of them are entirely worthless. A-lmost without exception they are made the subject of that prevailing plague—exagger­ ated advertising, which would convince the Sullible that, lacking this dingus or that ack- amarackus, he might as well not attempt to nsh this season. Certainly, tackle manufacturers are to be commended for any experimentation that results in improvement in their wares but I desire as a member of their buying public to asseverate vociferously that such experimen­ tation should be done at manufacturers' ex­ pense. By the board of Saint Izaak, we anglers adjure and obsecrate them to use 'he fishes and not the fishermen as their experimental animals.

"You've also probably noticed that the bigger the bankroll the tighter the rubber This lareemouth bass, 1W- inches in length and weighing 4 pounds 4 ounces was taken last season in Brandywine Creek, Chester County, by Charles X.. Hosier o{ Honey Brook. His catch won first place band." in the largemouth division of the contest conducted by the Chester County Fish and Game Association. 32 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER JUNE

HERE N THERE N ANGLERDOM

Cumberland County trout waters yielded in length comprised the catch of Linwood Spring Creek in Centre County yielded a two fine brown trout to Carlisle fishermen White, Clarence Dukes and Martin Franz fine early season catch of brown and rain­ while fishing McCabes Run. Clyde Fox, sec­ to date, according to a report received from bow trout to G. L. McKibbon of South Wil- Warden George James of Carlisle. Fishing retary of the Harrisburg Hunters' and Ang­ in Letort Spring, Ed Small scored with a lers' Association, scored a dandy catch of liamsport. Four brownies and four rainbows brownie 22 inches in length and tipping the rainbow trout in Stoney Creek, the fish rang­ comprised the creel, ranging in length from scales at 3 pounds 12 ounces. He scored the ing in length from 8 to 12% inches. 11 inches to 16 inches. catch on a minnow. Otis Shetron landed a fine brownie in the Yellow Breeches. His catch, measuring 21 inches in length, weighed 2 pounds 15 ounces.

Catching big catfish is a specialty with Frank Burris, 70 year old fishing veteran of Mount Morris. Recently, Dunkard Creek in Greene County yielded him a catch of cat­ fish that had a total weight of 26 pounds.

Realizing the value of reforestration on fishing waters, the Lehigh County Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs at a recent meeting decided to plant 4000 seedling trees on the property of Henry Smith at Jordan. The project, for which seven acres of land were made available, was under the supervision of Dewey Fenstermacher and Leo Bateman of the Central Junior High School faculty in Allentown, according to Charles H. Nehf. Boys from the school will assist in the work.

Bob Russell of Milton caught a mighty fine brown trout in May, the fish measuring 22% inches in length and weighing four pounds. Just where it was caught, however, remains a dark mystery.

A surprise catch was scored on the Dela­ ware River by Thomas Coffield of Northamp­ ton while he was fishing for suckers recently. He landed a nicely marked brown trout, 22 inches in length and tipping the scales at 2 pounds 12 ounces.

Lengthy but extremely racy in appearance was the 25% inch brown trout taken by James Gallardy of Summerhill in Yellow Creek, Bedford County. The big trout weigh­ ed only 2 pounds 12 ounces.

Harrisburg anglers took some fine catches in central trout waters earlier in the season, according to a report received from Special Warden Maurice Kanneg. A pretty creel of brown and rainbow trout was caught by Benjamin Scott in the Yellow Breeches Creek, Cumberland County. They ranged in length from 12 to IW2 inches and were taken on a quill minnow. Harry and Sam Toloumes each scored good catches in the same stream, This magnificent sniallniouth bass, 21% inches in length and weighing 6 pounds 2 ounces, was taken on plug last season in L,ake Gordon. Bedford County, by H. W. Hardy of Belle Vernon. Fanned for their fish ranging in length from 8 to 15 the tremendous girth and weight of its largemouth bass, Gordon rarely yields a smallmouth. This inches. Seven brookies, from 8% to 12 inches flsh took first place in the smalimotith division of a fish contest conducted in four states, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Ohio, and was record fish in Pennsylvania. VOICES OF THE WILD By A. G. Shimmel

These are the sounds that make the pulse of those Who love the out of doors Step up its tempo, beat a faster rhyme, And seem to prod our memory with the things, all dim and half forgot', That once we knew, yet know not—place or time. The moaning wind among the pines; the crash of distant thunder when The summer storm is breaking o'er the hill; The hiss of sleet among the trees; the crack of frozen timber when All else with intense cold is white and still. The startled snort of white-tailed deer; the crash of antlers as two bucks Decide the age old problem, nature's way; The trumpet call that winging geese fling downward from the heights to us, The urge to follow them away, away.

The campfires' pleasant crackling; its warmth and cheery fellowship. As smoke and sparks float upward through the trees; The melancholy call of crows complaining, from their leafless snag That snow is covering the fallen leaves. The splash of madly feeding trout at evening when the first shad hatch Is ticking all the waters still and clear; The hooting of the barred owl; the shrill squeal of the snow-shoe hare Their hackle raising tale of death and fear.

These are the sounds that grope among the great primeval springs of life And stir the memories of that distant past When man first ceased to walk upon his knuckle-bones and stood erect, Then raised his head, to be a man at last. Want Better Bass Fishing?

Scute tfood fato BaH.

Use Artificials!