^^^a x90

BOATING "EXTORTION" hen between eight and 12 inches of rain fell on eight south­ W western Pennsylvania counties in less than seven hours on July 19 and 20, what has now been called the Johnstown Flood of 1977 created instant devastation in communities that had been touted as "flood-proof." Law Enforcement Officers from our Southwest and Southcentral Regions, including their devoted Deputies and our Area Fisheries Managers, worked around the clock for days — even weeks — in patrols, roadblocks, rescue operations, body recovery, cleanup, and with the damage survey teams that follow these disasters that now seem to give us a "100-year flood" every other year. This one has been termed a "500- year flood." That's another subject and we'll deal with that later. . . it's beginning to sound like a broken record. What really disturbs us is an offer just made by Bethlehem Steel Corporation to reopen their flood-damaged obsolete plant at a reduced level, provided that a 2-year moratorium is declared on the requirements for capital investment for air and water pollution abatement. In 1973 three infamous bills were introduced in the Pennsylvania House of Representa­ tives that were, at that time, called the "Bethlehem Steel Bills." These bills would have ab­ rogated most of the gains in environmental quality that had been secured since 1970; fortu­ nately, they never passed. In effect, Bethlehem was saying that unless they were exempted from air and water pollution regulations for the life of the plant they would have to close - and this would mean unemployment for something like 11,000 employes. This is not a new in­ novation by Bethlehem Steel because U. S. Steel Corporation has used the same blackmail -methods — complete with full-page ads in the newspapers stating that if they had to submit to air and water quality regulations that everybody else observes, they would close and move to another location! The irony of these bills was that Bethlehem Steel Corporation had considered closing their plant anyway because of declining profits. How convenient to blame it all on environmental considerations! We can see the whole thing being repeated now with lip service being given to their pro­ posal for a moratorium on enforcement of air and water quality regulations by elected officials. This isn't going to make any friends, either. But, when this kind of blatant tactic is not only tolerated, but advocated, we have to scream to the high heavens. Air and water quality regu­ lations are adopted for people — yes, all the people. Making one exception, even though Johnstown was admittedly knocked down to its knees again from flood damage, it is a nose under the tent that we will have to live with and fight all over again to get back to the level at which we were before another surrender. We maintain that we can have our cake and eat it, too. Although we're sorry that anybody gets hurt with floods -- those who live on the Hood plains are being bailed out with other people's money. What starts out as a local exemption can end up setting all of our standards back many decades, and it is the people who suffer when air and water quality standards are put into a "moratorium."

Ralph W. Abele, Executive Director Pennsylvania Angler Pennsylvania's Official Fishing & Boating Magazine

Published Monthly by the PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA Milton J. Shapp, Governor

MEMBERS OF THE PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION William Cox, President Elysburg Jerome E. Southerton, Vice President Honesdale Walter F. Gibbs Reno William O. Hill Erie Leonard A. Green Carlisle John A. Hugya Johnstown Sam Guaglianone Johnsonburg Calvin J. Kern Whitehall James J. Stumpf Laughlintown

Volume 46 - No. 9 September, 1977

CONTENTS

Sunfish Day, by Russell W. Gettig 6

Fishing the Extended Trout Season, by Theodore E. Kiffer 10

Salmon on a Shoestring, by George H. Block III 14

Fishing for Carp, by Howard A. Bach 16

Raystown's "Cold Turkey" Bass Tournament, by H. Wesley Bower 18

All-round Bass Bait? by Loring D. Wilson 20

Redbank Rescue, by Jim Smith 29

Front Cover: Robert Brennan "32" gets a helping hand from Rich Wilden in landing that husky carp from the Allegheny Reservoir. Howard Bach, who photographed this scene, touches upon carp fishing on page 16 of this issue. Carp fishing can be a challenge.

Back Cover: When you've got a paddle full of pickerel like this one, you've got a real trophy! This scrappy member of the pike family is widely distributed in the Keystone State and, like most gamefish, they become more active as the waters cool down. Photo by Jim Bashline

MONTHLY COLUMNS LEAKY BOOTS 2 FLY TYING 26 TAKING A CLOSER LOOK 4 ASHORE & AFLOAT. 30 STREAM NOTES 24 ANGLERS NOTEBOOK 32

James F. Yoder. Editor

POSTMASTER: All 3579 forms to be returned to the office of the Pennsylvania Fish Commission, P.O. Box 1673, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120. The Pennsylvania Angler, Publication #874880, Copyright 1977, is published monthly by the Pennsylvania Fish Commission, 3532 Walnut Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Second Class postage paid at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and at additional mailing offices. Subscription rates: One year—$3.00; Three years—$7.50; 30 cents per single copy. Send check or money order payable to the Pennsylvania Fish Commission. Do Not Send Cash. Changes of address should reach us promptly giving both old and new addresses, including both zip codes. Subscriptions received and processed by the end of the month will begin with the second month following. The Pennsylvania Fish Commission will not assume responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, or illustrations while in their possession or in transit. Communications pertaining to the Magazine should be addressed to: The Editor, Pennsylvania Angler, Pennsylvania Fish Commission, P.O. Box 1673, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Unsolicited materials, manuscripts, or photos will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope for their return. ture—away from hectic city life, almost as enjoys fishing and I believe that with the much as catching fish. For seeing a deer helpful advice of his friends and the "An­ drinking from a fast running stream, as gler's" information, he'll soon be catching well as all the other animals in their 'em like the rest of us. natural habitat (including snakes), is Keep up the fine work. I look forward to worth more than anything money can buy. continued great reading and great Penn­ Thank you for all of your hard work for sylvania angling. it is greatly appreciated. Sincerely yours, DARLENE S. BERNOT JACK HAVELY, JR. Duquesne

JUST "WATCHING" — BEAUTY BEATTY! NO OFFENSE... Several weeks ago I fished Middle As a former Pennsylvanian who re­ Creek near Speedwell Lake, Lancaster I am not much for writing letters or us­ ceives your fine magazine here in New County. I met a waterways patrolman and ing big words like that Ralph Gilbert of Jersey, I was especially interested in your promptly reminded him that it was tne Morrisville, Pa. No offense, Sir. Mr. Gil­ May issue which featured the Shad migra­ first time I had encountered a patrolman bert's article appeared in "Leaky Boots" tion up the Delaware, and other streams. in twenty three years of fishing. He re­ June issue of the Angler. Just thought you might like to know torted that he was, nevertheless, watching Mr. Gilbert, I don't know you but you that pretty girls from New Jersey journey me. probably have seen me for I have ap­ to Pennsylvania to catch trout; and, in this Our friendly discussion included review­ peared on the cover of the 1976 January case, three nice shad were caught by ing the outstanding natural fishing along Angler and I have also appeared in both Karen L. Beatty of Berkeley Heights, N.J. the Stony Creek of Lebanon County. He the 1973 December and December 1975 She declines to say where in Pennsylvania asked me if I ever tried fishing the Middle issues. I am an avid ice fisherman. she caught these beauties. However, she Creek near "Project 70". After his ex­ Mr. Gilbert, I feel your canceling your did admit that she learned her fishing cellent directions, I proceeded to the area subscription to the Angler is a mistake. skills in the streams near New Stanton, of Middle Creek he described. To my Why? Where can you buy a fine magazine Pa., where she was born and raised. amazement I was overwhelmed by the like the Angler for only thirty cents a A New Jersev Subscriber natural beauty of this section of water. copy? Sure, you may not like the article I had much success catching trout with that appeared in the issue of the Angler as bait when I noticed rising trout. With fly the one you referred to in "Leaky Boots." rod in hand, I discovered the thrill of But, then again, consider all the other en­ catching and releasing rising trout with joyable reading you've had in all the other dry flies. issues of the Angler. Remember we are all If I had not met this helpful waterways not perfect. There are things you may dis­ patrolman, I would not have discovered like that others may like. For me, the An­ this stretch of water and its potential. gler is a lifetime magazine and not because See, fellow sportsmen, they're not out I appeared on the cover. It's a magazine to get you. They're just watching. Fortu­ with no advertisements, cards between nately, for me it wasn't just that. pages, etc. It also has fine writers. FREDERICK O. SELTZER I've received countless remarks about Mt. Gretna the Angler when people visit my home from California, Maine, Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Texas and even as far as Oregon. They all say it's a fine NEVER BEFORE! magazine and wish their state would publish a magazine like this. So, think it I would like to relate the following over, and remember—you can't even buy unusual incident to fellow readers of the a half pack of cigarettes for thirty cents. Angler. While trout fishing recently, I noticed a fish thrashing wildly in some Your Friendly Ice Fisherman riffles just upstream from me. The fish NICK KUZO came drifting by me, and I saw what ap­ Jim Thorpe, Pa. peared to be a snake attached to the fish somehow. After a closer look, I recognized the snake to be a water snake, SHE'S LEARNING! about two feet long. Its mouth was NEW COLUMN? clamped over the mouth of a 10"-sucker, I understand that women are still a probably trying to suffocate the fish. The minority at the sport of fishing, probably Attn: "Leaky Boats" snake swam to shore with its prey, but because they're afraid or they don't hap­ Gentlemen: after a series of struggles, the sucker pen to have a patient man around to show By all means, please renew my managed to free itself and swim away. The them what to do. I overcame the thought subscription! The "Angler" is a must in water snake retreated into the streamside of baiting a hook and taking the fish off the this household as far as reading material is brush. I've never seen anything like it hook on the second day out (the first day I concerned. before. didn't catch anything!). After catching the Enclosed along with my remittance is first fish, however, I was more hooked payment for a gift subscription for Mr. CARL ROHR than the fish. But I enjoy being out in na­ Jim Hurbanek of McMurray. Jim really Springfield (Del. County)

2 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER To find out what others are catching... where... and how, you'll need the Angler! The Angler is the only magazine dedicated exclusively to FISHING & BOATING BINDERS? in Pennsylvania! Is there now currently available an an­ nual binder and an annual index for this (Use the form below for gift subscriptions or your renewal.) magazine or are there plans for a future offering of these items. I believe other sportsmen, subscribers, and perusers would appreciate these items to preserve Name (please print) and protect their issues and keep them handy for future reference to the invalu­ able information found between the covers Street or RD#—Include Box Number of every copy. Not only the informative articles should be preserved, but also the City State Zipcode beautiful color photos on the front and back of each issue. If these items are a New Use Check of Money Order for Remittance a $3.00—1 year available, please advise and my order will • Renewal (DO NOT SEND CASH!) D $7.50—3 years arrive by return mail. Thank you. MAIL TO: Pennsylvania Fish Commission RICHARD R. MCELLROY Angler Circulation Allentown P.O. Box 1673 Harrisburg, Pa. 17120 Sorry, Richard, but we have no binders available to suit your purpose. Perhaps you'll find one in an office supply house or pook store. We might one day have the Dennis Nale's 32-inch, 9-pound walleye from the Delaware River proves it index you seek. Ed. has more to offer than just bass, catfish, shad and trout!

SALMON...UP TO HERE/

Am sending in my renewal to the An­ gler. However, I have one request, no more big stories about the great fall spawning fishing for salmon in Lake Erie. These stories are nothing more or less than a business promotion for Erie County. Yes, they catch a few, but few salmon. (Ask your own fish wardens at "alnut Creek). Yes, I have been there m°re than once and I don't appreciate this k'nd of publicity.

ROBERT F. CLARK Canonsburg

There are thousands of fishermen who would disagree with you, Mr. Clark. One is t»eorge Block, whose story of salmon fish- ,ng appears on page 14 of this issue. The Angler seeks to promote the FUN of Fish- »ng& Boating, that's it! Ed.

SEPTEMBER — 1977 also spotted or splotched like those of The little-known EASTERN WORM the rat snake. As the youngsters ma­ SNAKE has been recorded from 16 Taking ture the markings gradually fade until state counties but it isn't numerous they finally take on the tones of their anywhere. The female of this secre­ parents. tive reptile lays from two to five eggs The beautiful and beneficial MILK beneath the ground where the SNAKE, common across practically youngsters immediately begin search­ A Closer the entire state, sought a spot in soft ing for small worms and grubs as they humus or moist rotting wood a month hatch. or two ago in which to deposit her Regardless of the specific site eggs. As many as 16 of them may where a particular snake deposits its Look have been laid in a tight cluster. eggs, that spot must have two im­ The brilliantly adorned babies will portant requirements — warmth and make their world debuts and im­ moisture. The warmth is often pro­ by Tom Fegely mediately set forth to search for a vided by the decay process of rotting meal of caterpillar or insect. wood or vegetation or the organic ine of Pennsylvania's 21 species The unusual EASTERN HOGNOSE activity of a sawdust or manure pile. N of snakes reproduce in what SNAKE, known in some of the 27 The moisture is necessary to keep the some people consider a most unusual counties it inhabits as the "puff ad­ eggs soft and flexible. way: they lay eggs. And many of these der" or "sand viper," is commonly No matter if a snakeling comes into eggs hatched in August. found on mountain ridges or sandy the world by egg or live birth, it is on Actually, egg-laying is quite natural beaches. Here, in damp soil, the fe­ its own from the very start. Snakes among reptiles and the process of live male adder will lay two or three dozen have no instinctive desire to stay birth must really be considered "un­ elongate eggs. The hatchlings are im­ together and the parents never defend usual" from a scientific standpoint. mediately identifiable as they are or feed their babies. The reptiles actually evolved from miniature carbon copies of their Because of this, a variety of crea­ the amphibians — frogs, toads, sala­ parents — upturned "hog" nose and tures prey on baby snakes. Large- manders and the like — who spent all. mouth bass, brown trout, herons, and their lives in or near water and re­ Both the the Keystone State's even robins are known to feed on tiny quired moisture for the eggs to live. "green" snakes reproduce by eggs. snakes. Most likely, predators such as The same still holds true today. The uncommon ROUGH GREEN robins, or an occasional blackbird, But as the reptiles came to be SNAKE, found in only ten counties simply misidentify the wriggling dwellers of dry land, the eggs had to along the Monongahela, Susquehanna reptile as an especially cantankerous develop some form of protection. To­ and Delaware River valleys in the worm, but make no special effort to day, all turtles, lizards, alligators and southern portions of Pennsylvania, catch them. crocodiles still lay eggs. Some snakes, seeks rotting stumps, fallen logs, or But the baby snakes that make it to however, give birth to living young; cover beneath leaves to hide its clutch maturity serve a beneficial role in here in Pennsylvania they outnumber of eggs. their lifetimes — as predators of those that lay eggs. The more common SMOOTH GREEN insects and a large variety of rodents Of our nine species of serpentine SNAKE, more often referred to as just and birds. egg-layers, at least seven are common the "grass snake," lays anywhere The tale that adult snakes protect enough that their eggs might be dis­ from three to 11 eggs during the their young by swallowing them crops covered on occasion. The finding of month of July. It has been recorded up on a regular basis. This has never these leathery, oddly-shaped eggs is from no less than 50 counties but its been reliably observed and it is a often cause for confusion and much camouflaged skin serves well to hide it physical impossibility for adult snakes discussion over their identity. from its enemies. Even the hatchlings to make sufficient room in their Both the Pennsylvania's "black" have the advantage of this green color throats for this to happen. Even if the snakes are egg layers. The BLACK when they greet the world. babies passed beyond the throat they RAT SNAKE, the state's largest, lays The tiny NORTHERN RINGNECK could not survive as the adult's from five to 20 two-inch-long eggs in SNAKE seems hardly big enough to stomach acids would digest them. such places as sawdust or manure pass eggs but it does. The elongated Stories such as this are often based piles, decayed wood or heavy layers of eggs, about the size of a piece of upon the killing of a pregnant, live- moss in June or July. Sometime in "Good 'n Plenty" candy, yield five- bearing snake that was about to give August, the spotted babies, up to 14 inch snakelings when they hatch out. birth. inches in length, will work their ways Only one to seven eggs are laid, The long-maligned snake family is through the tough shells by use of a however. in dire need of better understanding special "egg tooth" attached below The EASTERN KINGSNAKE, a rela­ by all. In recent years hawks, foxes, the snout. All egg-laying species have tive of the milk snake, is also the egg- owls and other creatures once con­ this unique tool at hatching time but it laying type but it is at the far northern sidered as "vermin" have had their drops off a few days after emergence. extent of its range in Pennsyl­ images changed through proper public The NORTHERN BLACK RACER is vania — only rarely being found in education. The snake clan deserves no also an egg-layer and its offspring are Lancaster County. less.

4 PENNSYLVANIAANGLER ^"t-^Si' ,

Pictured above is the tiny and secretive Ringneck Snake with five newly laid eggs which hatched out in mid-August. Those three 5-inch-long Ringneck snakelings. below, make a squirming handful!

SEPTEMBER— 1977 Sunfish Day on Speedwell Forge Lake

photos and verse by Russell Gettig, Staff Photographer

•H^PpS.V-" •5™ B»»»T.' "r*.- . '™'™W,'' .'•. W'^*M*1"V '••••" 'jpfi**™ p?*f#r'*/8|P^ p?p

• -••" ';* -A /-.^ ••"•-"'"'',.! ^'

The day dawned hot, The rods and the reels, the skies weren't gray the worms and the hooks because, lo and behold, were all thrown in the car it was sunfish day! without a backward look! In the fisherman's household "To the lake, to the lake," all things were a flurry they all began to sing, 'cause all wanted to get "This is the day the sunfish to the lake in a hurry. will surely do their thing!"

(> PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER Now at the lake Suddenly their bobbers they all baited up went down with a swish, with worms that were kept and out of the lake in a little plastic cup. came those first sunfish. Into the water went the The action began . . . lines with the bait. . . excitement ran high all they had to do now and soon on the bank was sit back and wait. the sunfish piled high. The fish were filleted Now everyone knows and sent to the cook big gamefish can be who seasoned and fried them mounted and displayed according to the book. for all to see. And all who were eating But give me the sunny this sporty little fish and I'll really be happy were quick to agree just fishing for him . . . it was a mighty tasty dish or his cousin, the crappie.

"The goldenrod is yellow, The corn is turning brown, The trees in apple orchard With fruit are bending down.'

As a child I learned this verse and J\ have found myself repeating it almost every year when a scene of particularly beautiful autumn delights has come before my eyes. And now because of certain delightful experiences during the past few years, I would now change these lines slightly, and if I were to use them in a verse it would read like this: "The goldenrod is yellow, The corn is turn­ ing brown, The extended trout season is on, Let's go fishing." During recent years, the Pennsylvania Fish Com­ mission has authorized an extended season on designated trout waters. Though the season normally ends on Labor Day, the extended season lasts from that date through October 31. This extended season applies to those streams designated in the "Sum­ mary" as trout waters and excludes tributary streams and head waters that normally would be used by spawning trout. The intent of the extended season is to permit fishing in those streams that are designated as trout waters and which are stocked in the course of the normal season, thus giving the fisherman a further op­ portunity to catch stocked trout from waters in which the fish are not ex­ pected to reproduce. In other words, fishermen are given ample op­ portunity to fully harvest the seasonal stockings. Creel limit for this extended season is set at three fish, but I have noted with a great deal of satisfaction that the fishermen, and I might underscore the very few fishermen, that I see abroad during this extended season kill few fish. On one occasion, I met a fellow fishing salmon eggs and killing every trout he caught, but he is the ex­ ception rather than the rule. I prefer to kill few fish in the regular season and fewer still in the extended season, and then only if examination indicates that the fish has spawned out. My rea­ soning is based on observation: during the late summer and early fall months I have in recent years caught many trout ranging from 2!i up to 4 inches long from waters in which trout sup' posedly do not spawn. It thus appears

HI PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER Fishing the Extended Trout Season ... a tale of two Octobers by Theodore E. Kiffer

that despite expert opinion on the during two very different autumns and there will be a business-like strike, matter, the fish do go ahead and extended seasons — the typical warm instant hooking, and then the flurry of spawn in these marginal waters be­ pleasant fall of 1975 and the cold action begins. It is rare indeed on this cause the Fish Commission is cer­ rainy season of 1976. stream that the strike is missed. Some tainly not stocking 2M-inch infant First, let us visit Stone Creek in days I hook every fish that I raise. trout. Huntingdon County, a typical Last September, as I slowly worked Enough of the rationale behind the freestone stream. In its upper my way upstream for perhaps a half extended season; what can one expect stretches it flows through heavy forest mile, I caught eight trout — six in this extended trout season? As the and some open meadows and pasture browns, two brooks — all of which I verse at the beginning indicates, one land. Most of its length, however, is released. All these fish were excep­ can usually expect to find the cheer­ found within dark shady forest. When tionally brilliantly colored, fought fulness of autumn: the uncomfortable I fish there I need but one fly: the well, and were taken from little humidity of summer is a distant Adams, generally sizes 16, 18, and 20. pockets of water that most people memory, the clouds of insects that I need nothing other than this would not even look at. harassed the fishermen during the "buggy" looking fly. Much has been On a stream like this, one will occa­ summer period are gone, the vegeta­ written about whether one should fish sionally find a larger pool. One that I tion that once snagged flies so eagerly to the rise or whether one should fish remember is gouged out of the stream has begun to die and wither away, the the water, but a stream like Stone near where the still-visible rock walls water is characteristically low and Creek in the fall settles the question of an old milldam stand to this day. clear, and the trout — well, the trout immediately. There are no rises; or, if The pool is about four feet deep at its are at their best. As a result of their there are, they are so few and far maximum and at this time of the year summer-long feast on protein-rich between that they give no indication of is more like a pond with very little insects, beginning with the delicate what the fish might be feeding on. current. Here some respectable appetizers of the infinite varieties of "Matching the hatch" just does not browns gather each fall under the mayflies followed by the more apply here. So I stick to the Adams, fallen leaves floating on the surface. substantial entrees of Junebugs, generally starting with size 18, and When I come to this pool I generally Japanese beetles, inch worms, and keeping it well-dressed so that it floats tie on a larger Adams, perhaps up to grasshoppers, as well as the summer high and free. Using at least 24 inches size 14. I have found that these and crop of crayfish and minnows, the of 6X tippet on a nine-foot leader, I palmer-tied dry flies in the same trout are in fine fettle — well-mus­ make my way slowly upstream under brown speckled colors used to cled, vigorous, and ready to give the the hemlocks and into the dark shady represent the Adams work well here. best possible account of themselves places in the forest, trying to fish I have a great affection for this when hooked. Then too, they are ex­ every likely looking pocket of water. autumn pool: it has rarely failed me, ceptionally wary. The clear low water In a typical year, the stream is low and I expect to take two or three 12- and the clear skies of a typical Penn­ with the small pools behind rocks, to 14-inch late, late season brown sylvania autumn are both significant near stumps or trees at the edge of trout from this pool on every visit. factors, and the slightest movement the water easily discernable. If I were to fish any of the other within the trouts' range of vision or The banks are too brushy to permit freestone streams in central or north­ the too-heavy falling of even a 6X fishing from them in most places, so I western Pennsylvania in the extended leader tippet on the water will send generally wade up the middle of the season I would follow the same them scurrying to their coverts. stream, crouching in shallow riffles general tactics: the Adams fly on a Being a fly fisherman most of the and on exposed stones to make my light leader used to probe every area time and being fortunate enough to casts. Using a fairly short line I ex­ of water capable of holding a trout. have two good public trout streams plore every pocket, no matter how Results can almost be anticipated, for within easy driving distance of my small, letting the fly drift at least these late-season fish are hungry. home all of the time, let me tell you twice through each likely looking With no hatches at this time of the about some of the approaches that spot. Many, many times as the fly year, they are looking for the stray worked on these two different streams drifts through a bathtub-sized pool, insect — grasshopper, miller, deerfly

SEPTEMBER — 1977 n from the extended season: my 78- year-old father was able to catch one more trout and the grin on his face as he played that fish made the frustra­ tions of summer fade into nothing. My other stream is Spring Creek — one that I consider to be limestone water even though some experts state that it lacks some of the characteris­ tics of a true limestone stream. Its murky waters, its luxuriant beds of plant life, and the abundant fly hatches make it an excellent fly-fish­ ing stream — regardless of its classi­ fication. I spent many a pleasant evening during May and June fishing successively the Cahills, the sulphurs, and the Hendricksons, especially in the spinner fall at dusk or shortly after. During August and early Septem­ ber, the action tapered off consid­ erably though I often took trout dur­ ing these months on the artificial terrestials — beetles, ants, and spi­ ders — and occasionally on the Adams. Quite late in August, as I ap­ proached the stream one evening, I saw a great crowd of Cedar Waxwings darting about, and as I came closer to the riffle, I could see that they were feeding on a tiny insect that was — that has escaped the early frosts night settled down I finally stopped literally swarming above the water. I and then had the misfortune to tumble for the year. I had taken five brown caught several of these tiny creatures into the stream, and as intimated trout, all of which were returned to and then realized that these were the above, the Adams seems to ade­ the water with the comment that I tricorythodes that, according to our quately suggest any and all of these. would see them again next spring. resident fly-tyer and tackle store Through late September and early October 1976 was a far different owner, should have begun hatching in October, the trout strike dry flies story. Though we did have some July. From then until the end of Sep­ vigorously; but as the cold deepens, lovely weather through September, tember, I fished the remarkable the strikes are less and less en­ shortly after the beginning of October hatches that occurred every evening thusiastic, finally tapering off almost exceptionally chilly weather moved just at dusk. I had always heard that completely. into our area and with it a great the "trycos" generally emerged in the October in 1975 was an excep­ amount of hard rain which raised the morning, too, but 1976 was an unusual tionally warm, dry month with just water and greatly curtailed the fish­ year in many respects. lovely weather and delightful fishing. ing, but I did manage to get out a few Shallow pools that appeared to be The last time I went fishing in 1975 times. I fished Stone Creek twice in completely devoid of any fish life dur­ was on October 27. That is a bit late in late September, each time with dry ing the day would suddenly erupt into the year to be going trout fishing, but flies, and each time I caught three a veritable frenzy of feeding trout I got out to Stone Creek about an fish. But one of these trips was a sort perhaps a half hour before dark. Us­ hour before dusk and started fishing a of red-letter trip because my father, ing a number 24 tricorythodes tied riffle near the head of one of my fa­ who had been hospitalized the entire spent-wing or poly-wing spinner vorite pools right adjacent to, I might summer and unable to get out fishing fashion, I would cast and cast, hook­ add, a township road. There were no at all, recovered both his health and ing and releasing two or three trout rises to mark feeding fish, but despite his strength sufficiently that he was each evening. Occasionally I hooked a the chill in the air, an occasional trout able to make one last trip with me. He really heavy fish, only to have the 7X would hit my fly rather halfheartedly. caught the fish of the day, a fine 13- tippet break. As I continued to fish on I stood there in the chilly water for inch brown on, of all things, a worm. through the dusk into darkness each perhaps an hour and a quarter fishing But that is what my dad fishes, and I night, I experienced the most and chatting with the farmer who must admit I was quite surprised challenging, most frustrating fishing watched my efforts, and as dusk when he caught that particular trout. imaginable. Though the fish would be began to gather and the chill of the Thus one more benefit was derived rising everywhere, I could not see my

12 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER fly and had to guess at its position spinner underhand to the far bank and hitting at it, but I could not hook him. relative to the end of my line. So every quickly started to reel. As the spinner I stood there flipping that spinner out time a fish rose in the assumed vicinity swung downstream in the current, I and reeling it back until he tired of the of the fly, I would attempt to set the cranked as rapidly as I could. Before I game, and then I headed home. My hook. Fishing through those evening had completed more than four turns fingers were red and cold and I was periods was a real education for me. of the handle, my hands were jarred chilled completely through, but I had One thing I learned (and I have been by the sudden strike of a heavy had a good hour out on a trout stream. learning it all my life) is that trout will fish that, solidly hooked, started That was my last fishing during the appear in numbers where they are downstream in a wild run. Knowing extended season of 1976, for the com­ least suspected to be when the right that my two-pound-test line could not bination of cold weather and the press fly or other food is on or in the water. stand that kind of pressure, I jumped of occupation kept me from returning In other words, I am becoming into the stream and splashing, to the stream. But I have been think­ extremely skeptical when I hear of scrambling, fighting to keep my ing that perhaps those trout that stocked streams that have been balance, followed him for some forty smacked that red and yellow spinner "fished out." feet before he stopped and I was able so eagerly would have hit a large Being quite busy during October to regain line and finally land him. My weighted Micky Finn streamer with and with the additional problems of emotions were mixed, to say the least, the same abandon. I hope to find out bad weather, rainy conditions, and as I realized what I, an avowed fly next year. And that is what fishing is high water, I was not able to get out to fisherman, had just done. Any doubts all about for me: remembering the use flies again. On October 13, I sat in I entertained were quickly dispelled successes and failures of the past (I the family room and listened to the as I looked at that beautiful, almost keep a fishing diary), formulating new Penn State football game on the radio flambouyantly colored, male brown — theories and thinking out all the possi­ until half-time when it seemed that fourteen and one-half inches and solid bilities, and ultimately putting them the Nittany Lions had things well as a rock. I had caught a magnificent to the test in the stream. under control. Looking out of a trout in dreadful weather conditions. When next autumn rolls around, window and seeing the sun trying to I continued on downstream perhaps why not give your nearby stream a break through the cloud cover, I went an eighth of a mile and caught two tryout in the extended season? downstairs and put on a heavy wool more before deciding to call it a day Chances are that if the stream is an shirt, wool cap, and came up to tell and return home. The following Fri­ approved trout stream and was my wife that I would see her later. day I tried it again just to see if it had stocked, a goodly number of trout will She said, "Where are you going?" been a fluke. My wife had warned me remain in it. Even if July fishing was And I said, "I've stood it as long as I that we were going out for dinner that fruitless, give it another chance in the can. I'm going fishing." She said, evening and to be home promptly at late season. If the weather is warm "You must be crazy." But since I am 5:30. I went back to the same water and dry like 1975, try a dry fly like the the kind of guy who stands in his hip and in a very short while had caught Adams or the terrestials; or, experi­ waders in the half-frozen waters of a three more trout. I released two of ment with the tiny tricorythodes. If nearby Department of Environmental these so I could keep fishing. I would the weather is cold and rainy like in Resources dam trying to catch trout have gotten home on time except as I 1976, try the spinner, the streamer, or in the winter season using a fly rod was fishing the same run mentioned even bait. Like my father and I, you and tiny nymph, I am used to such earlier I repeatedly saw a large trout might find a pleasant surprise await­ observations regarding my in­ chasing my spinner and could feel him ing you. telligence. I drove the short distance to Spring Creek (just for a look) and found that the stream, though clear, was quite high. In fact it had recently been com­ pletely out over the banks and had swept a forty-foot path clear on either side of the stream. Though the sun was shining, a bitter wind was blow­ ing, so I decided not to use my fly rod in such conditions and instead took out my ultralight spinning rod that I had not used for a couple of seasons. I tied on a tiny swivel, attached a red and yellow rooster tail spinner, and walked to the edge of the stream not knowing quite what to expect. Where I stood the stream was quite narrow, rushing in a series of rapids from one rock barrier to another. Near the far bank a swift, deep run looked like a possible lie for a trout, so I flipped the

SEPTEMBER — 1977 . SP?''^-tefej;

-

When the lake is rough, anglers turn their backs on it and fish the ever-changing lagoons at tributary mouths.

Salmon on a Shoestring

still-fisherman all have an equal south as Route 5. chance at this fine gamefish. The lake shores are quiet except for by George H. Block III The lake shore is a three-hour drive some late season swimmers and those from my home in Eighty Four, Penn­ who just like to beachcomb until the sylvania, and many times I have adult salmon start showing up, then it hung on as the ten-pound monofila­ driven up for a one-day trip. With becomes a beehive of fishing activity. I ment was stripped from my open- both Interstates 80 and 79 available, The boat owner will be offshore troll­ faced spinning reel. The Navy didn't there is little excuse for anyone miss­ ing shiny lures, the still-fisherman will have any submarines in Lake Erie, so ing out on the fall spawning run of the be drowning worms or using spawn I knew that what I had hooked must salmon to Erie's tributary creeks. bags and the restless angler will be be a salmon. This fish had its mind My first trip to Elk Creek in 1976 walking the banks working spinners made up to visit Route 5 — and take was Labor Day. This date is or spoons slowly. They will all catch me with him! I have caught most of considered too early by most shore fish. Trial and error will locate the the larger fish here in Pennsylvania, fishermen, but by spinning the lake it­ salmon as will watching other such as carp, bass, pike and musky, so self I limited out with three six- fishermen. Usually, early in the I know the thrill of a powerful fish on pounders by noon. The best period is season most fish are caught in the the end of my line, but nothing in fresh about the first of October, but good lake itself, but a little later will put the water had ever made a run like this. fishing can be found a month on either creeks on top. Using bait and still- The most common picture of the side of this date. Hot spots are fishing all night can be productive. salmon angler includes a six thousand offshore from Godfrey Run, in The shores of the lake aren't nearly as dollar boat complete with downrig- Presque Isle Bay, offshore from Trout crowded at night and this is a plus; gers and depth finder. Can the less Run, and at the mouths of Walnut and but, do dress warmly for nights on fortunate go to Erie and still catch Elk Creeks. All of these are within ten Erie at this time of the year can be cohos? Of course they can, I've been miles (west) of Erie and of course, the downright cold. doing it for five years. The beauty of bay is north of Erie itself. Most of the I use artificials for trout, bass and salmon fishing is it's within the reach creeks are small and must be fished muskies, so naturally I prefer of every one who owns a fishing rod. right at the mouth. Elk Creek is an hardware when salmon fishing. The The boat owner, hip boot addict, or exception and can be utilized as far K.O Wobbler and other spoons are

14 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER held in high esteem by many but I prefer a black spinner. Most of my coho are caught on this lure but speed of retrieve is far more important than color. The lure should be allowed to settle to the bottom and then retrieved with just enough speed to turn the blade. Many anglers retrieve far too fast. I often think they're in a hurry to get their spinner in so no fish can get it. Getting a coho to strike is not nearly as difficult as a trout or bass, but landing them requires more skill than any other fish in the state. I per­ sonally use 8- or 10-pound-test line and find it sufficient; many beginners use twenty and still lose fish. Even rods are broken by beginners using the heavy lines. The average person used to 15-inch bass or trout just isn't prepared for the strength of an 8- or 10-lb salmon. Keep the rod tip high, a tight line, don't "horse" him and don't try to net an untired fish. These are prime rules. If you follow them chances are the fish is yours. It was my second trip with my wife last year when I hooked the fish men­ tioned at the start of this article. I have fished many places and only once have I had a fish run like that one. That happened while fishing salt water with light tackle and I chanced into a large ray. Needless to say, I played the salmon for quite a while but lost him when he passed under a boat and got tangled in the prop. Nine- or ten-pound fish are fairly common and I know this one was much larger, probably a large Chi­ nook. The chinook salmon lives longer than the three-year cycle of his coho cousin and thus gets to be quite a bit larger. The salmon of Erie are everyone's fish. I have seen elderly men who could hardly walk catch fish, women love Erie, even people in wheelchairs have taken advantage of the fall fish­ ing. The beaches are a fisherman's Paradise, but many people who arrive on the scene never touch a rod. They are there to watch the fishermen and the waves, or just to collect driftwood. Scenic beauty and large fish! What more could anyone ask for? Many times I've said, "To drive 130 miles, fish all day and then drive the return trip is crazy, but even one coho is worth it!" I can't think of another fish The author displays a one-day husband and wife catch. Would °r place I'd say that about. he make the trip for a single day's fishing again? Yes!

SEPTEMBER—1977 15 Any fish of this size is a battler but the bulldogging antics of a carp will put your tackle to the test! Fishing for Carp — a challenge to the best of anglers! by Howard A. Bach * f Tf you will fish for a Carp, you must Europe for both food and sport. In have an abundance of carp; they are 1 put on a very large measure of England, it ranks second only to trout hearty fighting fish and provide great patience, especially to fish for a river Carp: as a sport fish. sport; why not take advantage of the I have known a very good fisher angle Why then is the carp held in such situation and fish for carp? In spite of diligently four or six hours in a day, for low esteem in America? Only because their population, you will find that three or four days together, for a river it is so common here. Familiarity they are not so easy to catch. Carp, and not have a bite. And you are to breeds contempt, but our contempt To catch carp, it is essential that we note, that, in some ponds, it is as hard to for the carp is misplaced. This fish know something of their habits. Carp catch a Carp as in a river; that is to say, provides great sport when caught, and like warm water and will rarely feed where they have store of feed, and the water is one of the hardest fish to catch, for in water below 50 degrees. They is of a clayish color. But you are to re­ it is one of the most intelligent, if not prefer temperatures 70 degrees or member that I have told you there is no rule the most intelligent. higher and will spend daylight in the without an exception; and therefore being In his book "Why Fish Carp?", shallows basking in the warm sun, possest with that hope and patience which 1 publisher Dan Gapen brings out many then will return to deeper water at wish to all fishers, especially to the Carp- interesting facts about carp, none of night. The best feeding temperature angler, I shall tell you with what bait to fish which is more interesting than the for carp is 60 to 70 degrees. Tempera­ for him. But first you are to know, that it origin of carp as we know them today ture is more important to the carp must be either early or late; and let me tell in America. J. A. Poppe of Sanoma, than light and they are not especially you, that in hot weather, for he will seldom California, had 83 carp shipped from noted as night feeders, though they bite in cold, you cannot be too early, or too Holstein, Germany in 1872. When the will feed all night when the water late at it." shipment arrived there were only five temperature is suitable. sickly survivors. Poppe nursed them Like trout, carp are easily spooked, he foregoing was written by Izaak back to health and started a new and and any amount of activity on the T Walton. Walton was not alone in profitable enterprise in sale of carp, water will put them down. Also, they his respect for the carp and the for nine months later the five 6" carp are very careful feeders, and it takes difficulty of catching this fish. Fishing had grown to 16", and there were over skill to set the hook on a carp. And, if scholars, from the time of Aristotle, three thousand young carp. It is al­ you catch them on artificial bait, you including the great philosopher most unbelievable that the wide­ must hook them in the very brief himself, have written about the carp. spread carp population of America instant between their curiously hitting Today, in Asia, the carp is king of started with only those five sickly fish. the lure and spitting it out. Even if the fishes, and it is highly esteemed in The point should be obvious. We successful in setting the hook, you will

16 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER frequently find that the carp has been lay on top of the water when the bait good eating, and many recipes are foul-hooked. is on the bottom. Reel in the slack in available for preparing this fish. If you deliberately set out to catch the line, but release the reel to permit Carp can be prepared the same as carp, you must do it with a combina­ the line to feed out. Movement of the other game fish. If a large carp, tion of the right bait and careful bobber will signal that a fish is feed­ prepare as steaks, similar to sword- preparation. The right bait can be ing. fish steaks, cut crosswise from the nearly anything edible, but whole Carp will readily take a jig or a jig fish. Or, any size carp can be filleted kernel corn, bread, potatoes, fish and and plastic worm combination as well to suit. The Gapen book lists a chicken offal, or cheese, are especially as other artificials. The jig combina­ number of recipes of which the follow­ suitable to old buglemouth. tions are especially effective fished on ing is one of Danny's favorites: The careful preparation consists of the bottom, for they imitate a craw­ Steamed Carp selecting a fishing spot and chumming fish which forms a major part of the it over a period of several days of carps' diet. This is the reason you will with tomato sauce throwing in whole kernel corn or frequently catch carp while fishing for 3 lbs. carp dressed for baking pieces of boiled potato, or whatever smallmouth bass with jigs. 2 teaspoons salt bait you plan to use in catching carp, Fish the jig combination without l/i teaspoon pepper then, by baiting the hook with a slack in the line, so you can feel the 1 cup water similar item, the fish can be enticed to momentary tap as the carp takes the readily take the bait on which he has lure. Strike immediately, as time is of Cut dressed fish into portions for been conditioned. the essence, and hesitation here will serving. Season with salt and pepper, and place on a rack over water in a When chumming for carp, throw cost you the fish. pan with a tight fitting cover. Steam the food from the same spot each day, Once you have caught the carp, for 10 minutes. Serve hot with tomato in the same direction. This will what can you do with him? Perhaps so sauce. broadcast the food over a given path few anglers fish for carp because of on the bottom. Then when you cast the mistaken impression that he is not Tomato Sauce your bait, cast it in the same direction, good to eat. This is grossly incorrect. and success should come your way. This fish is prized as a delicacy in 2 cups stewed tomatoes The trick in carp fishing is to many parts of the world, and many 1 small onion chopped fine 1 teaspoon salt answer the nibble in such a way as to Americans have been eating and Y set the hook, for it is not easy to do so. enjoying carp for generations. It /i teaspoon pepper The first consideration here is the ranks with coho salmon in that tasty 2 tablespoons melted butter or tackle. Nearly any rod and reel will eating is dependent upon proper fortified margarine do, but I prefer a rod with some back­ preparation. Of course, if the carp is 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour bone, and a line of about 8 to 10- caught in foul water, it could have a Simmer tomatoes, onion, salt, and Pound test. The hook should be small, bad taste, just as did Pymatuning pepper together for 10 minutes. Add not larger than size 4, and preferably walleyes and bass during the algae the tomato mixture slowly to the about a size 6 or 8, permitting it to be problem of 1976. A carp caught in combined flour and melted butter. hidden in the bait. Use no sinker, but fresh water, however, is perfectly Cook until thick, stirring constantly. if it necessary to use one for casting, use a slip sinker with a hole through Proud of their trophy? You can bet they are! the center. Then when the carp takes the bait, the line will slip through the sinker without resistance. At the first feel of resistance the carp will drop the bait, so this sinker rule is an im­ portant one. After casting the bait, leave the reel disengaged or in "free spool," and Watch the line. When the line starts nioving out, you can be sure the bait is •n the fish's mouth. Set the hook Quickly and get set for a real battle. A nice-sized carp will fight like a bulldog, with powerful rushes to the safety of deep water. It is possible to use a bobber when Carp fishing, but great care must be taken to insure that it does not offer resistance to the feeding carp. One way to do this is to use the very lightest of quill type bobbers and P'ace it far enough above the bait to

SEPTEMBER — 1977 Terrace Mountain serves as a backdrop for contestants returning to the Seven Points Marina headquarters. Raystown's "Cold Turkey" Bass Tournament

by H. Wesley Bower arly October last year was a state of Colorado. accompanying the weekend was a fast E sportsman's dream in As if to stimulate interest and whet moving cold front. Winds picked up, "Raystown Country." Flaming fo­ the appetites of the contestants com­ temperatures dropped, and cold liage, warm days, and cool evenings. ing to Raystown Lake, on the Sunday showers were the order of the day- More importantly, the bass were prior to the tournament local angler The odds were now against a good cooperating on Southcentral Pennsyl­ George Norris caught three lar- catch. But the 79 contestants were vania's 8,300 acre Raystown Lake. gemouth bass measuring 22 inches, not to be denied. No complaints were The scene was set for the 2nd an­ 1934 inches and 16H inches. Then heard, insulated clothes and foul nual District #4 Raystown Cold only four days before the big event he weather gear appeared and practice Turkey Tournament which was being caught five more having a total weight sessions got underway. sponsored by the Depthfinders of 22 pounds and seven ounces. The With 110 miles of shoreline to ex­ B.A.S.S. Club of Carlisle. Local smallest of this string was 18 and 3/4 plore, the participants quickly found sponsorship of the event was the inches and the largest was 21 and 1/8 that the upper reaches of the lake Owens-Corning Fiberglass Corpora­ inches. were coffee color with the lower tion and with reports that fishing Finally the weekend of the tourna­ region being fairly clear. Spinner baits experts would be on hand from New ment arrived. Friday and Saturday and plastic worms in about 20 to 35 Jersey, Delaware and Maryland as were set aside as practice days with feet of water appeared to be the best well as Pennsylvania, public interest tournament day being Sunday from bass medicine. was keen. One entry arrived from the 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Unfortunately, On Saturday evening prior to

18 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER tournament day, Raystown en­ contest down to the last ounce. ments. Further, to the local Raystown thusiasts were treated to a seminar Behler's #1 fish was 4 pounds and 4 enthusiasts who turned out for the featuring B.A.S.S. members Dave ounces while Whitehead's top entry event, it proved without a doubt the Bostic and Denny Syzak, both being was a 4-pound and 2-ounce beauty. Bass Anglers Sportsmen Society is experts in the ways of bass. Over 150 The Raystown cold turkey tourna­ sincere and dedicated about improv­ sportsmen showed up at the ment ended as it began; with shivering ing the sport of bass fishing. Everyone Anchorage Enterprises' meeting participants and spectators closing left Raystown Lake with the room for the interesting session. the festivities. knowledge that bass are there for the One of the evening highlights fea­ In retrospect, Waterways Patrol­ taking." tured a presentation of a commenda­ man Jim Valentine summed it up best To further substantiate this claim, tion certificate to Waterways Pa­ when he said; "The Cold Turkey Bass Frank Beaver a local fishing en­ trolman Valentine from the local Tournament proved a lot of thusiast, added a postscript to the Pennsylvania B.A.S.S. State Chapter things to a lot of people. To the par­ tournament. Several days later when for his assistance in coordinating the ticipating B.A.S.S. members it es­ the weather cleared he brought to event on the local level. A special tablished the fact that Raystown boat a string of six bass totalling 26 thanks was given also to Bob Bell, Lake is on record as being able to pounds. Raystown Park Manager for the Corp provide the facilities as well as an ex­ We're betting that tournament fish­ of Engineers; Jim Filson, from Jim's cellent bass fishery for future ing on the Raystown Lake is here to Anchorage; and Frank Beaver, a local Northeastern United States tourna­ stay! B.A.S.S. member. The seminar session also included a drawing for partners and a review of tournament regulations. Boat safety, wearing of personal flotation devices, and utilization of "kill switches" on all participating boats were stressed. Tournament morning arrived along with gusty winds, rain and snow squalls, choppy waters, and an excited group of local Raystown enthusiasts. During the day spectators came and went as reports of the catches continuously filtered back to the Seven Points Marina headquarters. Over 300 spectators were in atten­ dance at the countdown of the final minutes of the tournament. What a sight they were treated to as the contestants returned! Sleek, classic, well-equipped bass boats, quality fishing tackle, and the bassmen all decked out in colorful jump suits. As the trophy fish were taken out of the fresh water live wells and transferred to plastic bags, it was quite evident that the spectators ac­ knowledged that they were really watching experts at work. When all boats checked in, 79 cold enthusiastic bassmen showed up for the weigh-in. 52 contestants had taken 134 fish. The total weight of the day's catch was 198 pounds and 10 ounces. Chuck Behler of Lehighton, Pa., and Dave Whitehead of New Jersey, were tied for first place with six fish total­ ling weight of 12 pounds and 4 ounces, behler however, broke the tie because fl e had the largest bass in either Dave Bostic, right, weighs Bob Watson's entry for the "lunker" stringer. Russel Rain of Irwin, Pa., event. Each entrant is allowed to submit only his best w on the lunker award with a 6-pound bass to qualify for the "Largest Fish of the Tournament" award 2-ounce trophy. It was a nip and tuck and it must be selected in advance of the weighing.

SEPT£MBER — 1977 14 The author with a seven and a quarter pound bass that fell for one of the crank baits from his tackle box.

Is There on All-round Boss Boit?

by Loring D. Wilson

ay after day, year after year, the mid-depth lures, bottom-scrubbing which cannot be adjusted to run right D search goes on for the perfect lures; there are lures that do their with a six-pound maul, much less a bass bait. A glance at any of the own thing, and lures which depend pair of needle-nosed pliers. catalogs that cater to bass fishermen, completely upon the angler for the The experienced bass angler has his or a walk through the sporting goods proper action; and there are new, un­ own knowledge going for him, as well departments of various stores, only tried patterns, proven lures by major as the experience of those he regularly serves to confuse the issue more. manufacturers, and cheap copies of fishes with. But what of the angler just Lures appear literally by the thou­ those proven lures by small-time getting started in bass fishing, starting sands, in all shapes, colors, sizes, and manufacturers seeking to get in on the on a limited budget, and wanting only weights. There are top-water lures, boom, some of which work, others of a few lures at the outset? This angler

20 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLE** won't be entering tournaments — for a while, anyway — probably doesn't own sophisticated electronic equip­ ment or a $5,000.00 bass boat; and, in his innocence, doesn't "know" that a different sort of lure is "required" for each different aspect of bass fishing. Reading the common type of articles dealing with pursuit of the black bass clouds the issue even more, with one recommending a certain brand of lure as the hottest thing in the world for "suspended" bass, another extolling the virtues of stick-baits for stick-up fishing, and yet another propounding a selection of thirty or more different types of lures to cover all contin­ gencies. Are they wrong? No, not in a sense, and as the bass angler develops skills and the ability to read the water, they can all prove invaluable when examined in relation to the full body of bass fishing. But they can be highly detrimental to the beginner. In the first place, the begin­ ner doesn't know what a "suspended" bass is, or a stick-up; and, in all likeli­ hood cannot afford thirty different types of lures (at three bucks and up a throw, that adds up to a healthy initia­ tion fee). Second, even if that many plugs could be added, the beginner is not going to know how to fish all of them effectively. You can't fish a plastic worm like a spinner-bait and be successful enough times to make it worth while, and each variety of plug has a different sort of retrieve that works best for it. So, what is the answer? Is there an all-round lure that the beginner can purchase that will The fat, or alphabet plugs, come in a variety of sizes, shapes turn the trick often enough to provide enough fun to keep him interested, as and colors, and are made of both plastic and balsa wood. Well as take bass under a wide variety termines its action, whether a slow, beneath the surface, some dive to of conditions? side-to-side wobble, or a fast noise thirty feet or more; some are long and The answer is a qualified "yes"; producing shimmy. In effect, crank slender, some are built like regular qualified for the simple reason that baits have been around — and effec­ minnows, and some look like a perch there is no lure in existence that will tive — for a very long time, but it has with a gland condition. And finally, all consistently take fish. If there were, only been within the past decade that come in all colors of the rainbow, as there would never be a need for they have burgeoned into the most well as a few that only man could further plug experimentation and a popular of all bass baits except the dream up. great amount of the fun would be gone plastic worm. Nevertheless, all is not lost. There from bassin'. Nevertheless, in spite of Unfortunately (isn't it a shame are a few very simple guidelines to fhe qualification, the crank bait is an there are so many unfortunately's in follow, so that the selection of eight or 'deal lure for the beginner, as well as choosing lures?) you cannot just walk ten crank baits will fill the bill and get offering certain advantages for the into the local tackle shop and ask for you started on the road to happy and experienced bass angler. crank baits. Every major lure manu­ successful bass fishing. So, for the Basically, the reason for the name facturer, as well as some minor ones, moment, forget about brands, ad­ 'crank bait" is that, in general turns out some variety of crank bait. vertising claims, and photos of long Practice, the plug is simply cast out Some are made of balsa wood, some stringers of fish, and let's look at and reeled directly back to the boat. of plastic; some have diving lips of some of the general characteristics of the construction of the plug de­ plastic, some of metal; some ride just the various types which will determine

SEPTEMBER — 1977 21 whether or not they should be added The thin minnows are all similar; the upper two are of plastic, to the beginner's inventory. center is of cedar, the two lower models are balsa wood. The most popular crank bait of recent years has been the fat plug, often called the alphabet plug, since most of its manufacturers designate it with a single letter of the alphabet. Without doubt, all of the fat plugs are effective. They float when at rest, and dive to various depths depending upon the size of the lip that is attached and the speed of the retrieve. In general, the body and color on individual members of a given manu­ facturer's clan of alphabet plugs will be exactly the same within a given weight class, the only difference being in the size of the diving lip. Therefore, before purchasing a plug, the angler should first determine the maximum depth that will be fished regularly. For example, if 90% of your bass fish­ ing will be in farm ponds or shallow lakes where the depth seldom exceeds twelve feet, you will be wasting money with a purchase of the large-lipped, deep diving models. Although many authorities will tell you that you have to scrape bottom to catch bass consistently, this can be carried to an extreme. In small, fertile lakes and ponds, the bottom is often covered with algae or moss, and these plugs will scoop it up like a steam shovel if they get down that far, completely disappearing in the muck and often breaking off before they can be retrieved. In addition, the plugs with really large lips dive almost straight down when the retrieve is started, and few bass have ever seen a real minnow make a kamikaze run from the sur­ face to the bottom, crashing into a rock or submerged stump at top speed. For these shallow areas, the shallow running plugs are the best other finishes. These plugs are shaped choice of the proper plugs for the bets, since by varying the retrieve like long, narrow cigars, and are beginner even simpler, here are a few they can be brought back to the boat among the most popular of all plugs of further guidelines as to size and finish- anywhere from just beneath the sur­ all times — and justly so. For the In regard to color, the thin minnows face to eight feet down — hence, their most part they are shallow runners, are most consistently effective in depth can be adjusted to the water although a few have large lips to take silver and gold, with the edge going to depth. Only in massive reservoirs of them deep on a regular retrieve, while the silver in most cases. One of each quarries should the deep divers be other models sink slowly so that the in 3"- to 4"-length would be a fair regularly employed. proper depth of retrieve may be setup, but don't feel limited if all you The alphabet plugs' opposite num­ achieved by counting slowly after the can find are the silver ones. In regard bers, so to speak, are the thin-minnow plug hits the water. to the alphabet plugs, a shad finish, imitations, generally available in a A minimum of two alphabet plugs and any of the various perch finishes, wide range of lengths and weights, in and two thin-minnows should be in will do the job. If the waters you fish either plastic or balsa wood, with the every beginner's tackle kit, and a look regularly are muddy or acid-stained, two most common colors being silver at the boxes of the pros will invariably try some of the newer chrome-fin' or gold, although they are also made show enough of these plugs to stock a ished plugs; the extra visibility factor in chartreuse, purple, and several small tackle store. And, to make the can sometimes make the difference-

22 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLE*1 Size of alphabet plugs should be large reservoirs or water-filled gravel wierdest looking crankbaits around, somewhere in the 2%"- to 3V2''- pits, it is one of the most effective of but, perhaps because of its shape and range. Again, these are recommenda­ the deep runners since the rubber action, or perhaps because it is new tions for beginners, who will un­ skirt waves back and forth behind it and the fish aren't used to seeing it doubtedly add many more colors and like the tail of a lazily swimming fish. yet, has proven a killer for me for the sizes as they progress in the sport. Its modern counterpart is a blend of past several months. Shaped a bit like There are both advantages and the crank bait and the soft plastic a banana with a flattened head, the disadvantages to the balsa wood lures. twist tail grub, the soft plastic tail plug is a very shallow runner with a They undoubtedly have about the best curling out of the rear of the hard slow, side to side wobble, rather than action of any lure in the water, but plastic plug and giving a very seduc­ the rapid vibration type wiggle that is they are delicate (a long bout with a tive wiggle. The advantage to the so characteristic of the various fat pike or even a hefty pickerel will more recently developed lure is that it plugs. In addition, if the rod tip is held retire most of them for good) and they runs shallow, and is therefore effec­ high and the plug cranked at a me­ are light. If you fish a spinning rig, the tive in small farm ponds, streams, and dium, rather than a slow, speed, the lightness won't bother you except for shallow lakes. plug will flip-flop back and forth wind resistance and consequent loss These tails (on both lures) do wear across the surface, thus giving the an­ of accuracy while casting; but, if you out, and for the best action it is gler two plugs in one. use a bait-casting rig, you will be advisable to replace them a couple of On the subject of surface baits, constantly frustrated by your inability times a season if the fish don't tear very few can truly class as crankbaits to get any distance out of the balsa them up beforehand. Replacement — the kind you just throw out and reel plugs. tails are readily available, and quite back — but one variety, with a large The same holds true, incidentally, inexpensive, and the colors can be metal lip or paddles, that "walks" with the fat plugs. Balsa once again changed for experimentation. across the surface on a steady gives superior action, but in the Another newcomer is one of the (continued on page 28.) smaller sizes it is just too light for The "odd" ones. Whether they are deep divers, shallow runners, effective casting with a bait-casting or surface lures, these plugs all qualify as crank baits rig. In the larger sizes, however, the since no action needs to be imparted on the part of the angler. bulk of the plug adds enough weight ?ii IT* *•• *** that they may be used with a light touch on the spool during casting. In addition to the fat plugs and thin minnows, there are several other shapes which have reached general acceptance, and a few new ones that are tremendously effective. Of these, the most common (and the most consistently effective of all the older plugs) is one shaped like a chub min­ now, with a flattened head, and a bent metal lip. These plugs, in red­ head/white body or one of the natural minnow finishes have been catching bass for decades, and with great regu­ larity, although I have my suspicions If that some of the "newer" finishes are r, m ' •<« * * • *•> " 1f designed more to attract the fish­ :' si. | v.. i erman than the fish. The pros can ex­ it- sh periment with wierd shades and pat­ terns all they like, but the beginner -** .*•? should stick to a finish that looks like (3 1 something the bass might actually see (don't ask me to explain why they hit the red and white plugs so consistently; just accept it and be happy!). •jf^—ii Another old standby, which has a more modern counterpart that has just recently been introduced, is the crankbait plug with a metal diving lip •4 hi - - on the fore end, and a rubber skirt on the tail. Although this is a deep-diving lure, and therefore of greatest use in

SEPTEMBER— 1977 23 back $5.00 for change. The lady said, "Oh no, that is for you. You fellows do a good job and I want you to have that." The defendant seemed truly hurt when I explained as how we were not allowed to accept gratuities. Many times during my tenure as a law enforcement officer attempts have been made to bribe me or buy me off from mak­ ing an arrest, but this is the first time I NOT ALL BAD — a reminder to the thoughtless people that have ever been offered a "tip" after ac­ throw this "litter." cepting the fine. Recently Deputy Waterways Pat­ At last, the old cliche, "Hit them in the Claude M. Neifert rolman Alan Tarr, who is also a police pocketbook—where it hurts," rang this Waterways Patrolman officer for Leechburg, Pa., was searching bell: the one hour I spent cost better than N/Luzerne County a motor vehicle that had been impounded. one-half of one resident fishing license; the The owner, who had a "rap sheet" from 5 money the PFC spent on my wages as I states, who has been convicted for nu­ performed this humanitarian task would merous charges of assault, rape, theft, have bought several legal trout for the GOING BATTY? etc., and is presently a guest in the same angler that discarded it; if he were a Armstrong County jail, had, of all things bass fisherman, it would have purchased On a beautiful warm night in the middle in the glove box of his vehicle, a 1977 nearly one hundred fingerling bass, or of May, Bill Lapenz and his two sons were Pennsylvania Fishing License! Deputy several fingerling muskellunge. fishing for trout from a boat on Lake Tarr stated jokingly, "I guess he can't be It's your money fellows and gals, spend Pleasant. Watching the trout rise for all that bad," when seeing the license, "at it the way you want to. Take that old line insects in the moonlight, they decided to least he must be afraid of a Waterways with you . . . save a duck's life. try some small flies. Patrolman." About every second or third cast the fly Robert L ynn Steiner would seem to hover in the air for about 10 Jim Smith Waterways Patrolman seconds, or so, before falling to the sur­ Waterways Patrolman SI Luzerne County face of the water. Bill kept telling the Armstrong County boys, "There's something wrong out there." HOT SPOT — On the very next cast they saw a bat in JUST A LITTLE! the moonlight; it would catch the fly, hang Safe Harbor Dam is still attracting onto it for a while, then let it go! Last year, four individuals were ap­ hundreds of anglers to the Susquehanna prehended for catching and possessing 19 River. For many years this area has been Henry Rippert trout about two hours prior to the opening a "Mecca" for serious walleye and bass Deputy Waterways Patrolman of the trout season. This event occurred anglers who fish the "boils" where tur­ S/Erie County on Millers Run. bulent water from the hydro plant mix Approximately three hours later, at with the river and stir up all kinds of food. Canonsburg Lake, I overheard a young Fish frequent this area in large numbers to QUESTIONS. QUESTIONS! fisherman describing the incident on take advantage of the food stirred up by Millers Run which is about 15 miles from the strong currents, and are usually in a A Waterways Patrolman takes pride in Canonsburg. The conversation went like feeding mood. accumulating a lot of knowledge so that this: "Did you hear about the guys who got The Safe Harbor Water Power Corp. this knowledge can be passed on to you, arrested down on Millers Run for fishin' has maintained parking facilities and rest the public, who seek answers to these early? They got fined $250.00 a head and rooms for anglers who fish from the "cat­ questions. Many times, these inquiries are their car was confiscated!" walk," as well as the river shore. The received at our headquarters via the That conversation proved to me that Conestoga River joins the Susquehanna telephone. However, it seems like some of fishermen DO NOT LIE ... they just here and many good catches are also these questions are designed solely to stretch the truth a little! made at the mouth of this river. stump the "warden." Stan Plevyak Harry H. Redline For instance, one young man called and Waterways Patrolman Waterways Patrolman wanted to know what the weather was go­ Washington County S/Lancaster County ing to be like tomorrow out at Canonsburg Lake. The next day, a woman called and wanted to know if fish are stocked in Canada and, if so, what kinds and how THINK BEFORE DISCARDING! LIKED THE "SERVICE"? many? I have read many times of the agonies While Deputy Waterways Patrolman Next year, I think I will ride up to suffered by wildfowl when they become Charles Urban and I were on patrol at Canada and check out their fisheries entangled in discarded monofilament fish­ North Lake we apprehended a young management program. I hope my ing line. One morning I spent nearly an woman who was fishing without a license. professor at Washington and Jefferson hour cutting a loon free from his "monofil­ When I explained the options of settle­ College will let me cut a couple of ament death trap" on Lily Lake. I ment and the amount of fine for the viola­ meteorology classes. reflected on the incident, in many ways, in tion, the young woman requested to settle Stan Plevyak the hopes that I would be able to describe then and there. She handed me one $20 Waterways Patrolman the scene in a way that would best serve as bill and one $10 bill for which I handed her Washington County

24 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER FROM NASTY TO NICE! ings. How horribly thoughtless some The young man replied that he would people are. The "artist" even signed his much rather meet me at about 5:00 a.m. in At the conclusion of organized snake work! Wherever you are, "J. L.," I hope the morning—or much later in the hunts, the sponsors are required to submit some time you learn the irrepairable day—as he had plans to go back to the a report to the Fish Commission in which damage you have done and learn to ap­ same freshly stocked area, and he wanted they state the number of reptiles taken, preciate things that are older than the to get there before the hungry law species, location where caught, and final memory of any living man. breakers "scobbed up" all the rest of the disposition of the snakes. fish. Recently, one such report really made Harry M. Red line our day when we noted the comments Waterways Patrolman Claude Neifert S/'Lancaster County under "disposition"—X number of rattle­ Waterways Patrolman snakes taken in several counties were N/Luzerne County "wild"; X number of copperheads taken in same locations were "wild" and X number BOTHERSOME BASS! of black rat snakes also taken in same IMPROVISATION! Through the grapevine, Deputy counties were "calm." Guess it all de­ Contray learned of an unusual experience pends on interpretation of the word "dis­ A man caught a large walleye at Rac­ of a former deputy. He encountered a position!" coon State Park Lake during the closed fisherman with a bass in his possession (on season. Curious to know how big it was, Frank A. Kulikosky a stringer) during the closed season. When and with no ruler handy, the man used a Assistant Supervisor asked why he kept the bass the man came one dollar bill to do the measuring. "Six Southcentral Region up with a "first" for excuses. It seems this dollars and fifty cents ($6.50) worth" particular fish would not stop hitting his figured out to be around 32 inches of nightcrawlers. Every time the man cast fish. Interesting to note, the state record is his line, this old bass would nail it and 36 inches! CLOSE. . SORT AI after a while he got tired turning him loose. To solve this problem, which was Jack Petrick Deputy Mike Symbala and I were really lousing up his fishing, he decided to Deputy Waterways Patrolman patrolling Lower Hereford Manor Lake place the bass on the stringer temporarily Beaver County one afternoon when a fisherman looked at and release him after he was done fishing. Mike and asked, "What are you doing way Wow! I have heard them all! down here?" Rather puzzled Symbala re­ Don Parrish POSITIVE THINKING? plied, "I live in Enon Valley and that's not Waterways Patrolman too far away!" The man said, "I thought Beaver County While on boat patrol at Edinboro Lake, you were from Hollidaysburg." "No, sir!" a young fisherman asked about a State Mike exclaimed. Hearing the conversa­ Record Fish, and how to go about getting tion, I immediately noticed the resem­ MORE. . . MORE. . . MORE! it registered to receive a certificate. He blance between Deputy Symbala and Wa­ was very concerned about the details. terways Patrolman Walter Rosser, of Last evening a Deputy Waterways Pa­ I explained that he should take it to his Blair County: black hair, mustache, trolman stopped by my headquarters with District Waterways Patrolman and then glasses, and a pipe. Only one major nine trout and information that he had ap­ asked what kind of fish it was. When he difference: Walt is spotting Mike about prehended a violator for possessing over told me it was a smallmouth bass, I told forty to fifty pounds! the daily creel limit, and that the violator him they weren't in season yet. He said, "I know where he is and I'm Don Parrish wished to meet with me and settle the case as soon as possible. I phoned the violator going to catch him next week when the Waterways Patrolman season opens"! Beaver County that same evening and told him that I would meet him at the Northeast Re­ Henry Rippert gional Headquarters at 9:30 a.m. the Deputy Waterways Patrolman following morning. SI Erie County DESECRATION!

There is a rock, some 40 feet square, PLEASE... that rears up out of the Susquehanna River, about 800 yards downstream from When writing the Pennsylvania Fish Commission, whether for information Safe Harbor Dam. In pre-Columbian of a general nature, or ordering publications, charts, etc., times the river was split by this huge rock, we cannot overemphasize the importance of including your full address, and it was a landmark known far and wide preferably printed or typed. Too often we receive requests by the Indians that lived in the valley. It for information with the return address illegibly scrawled in a hand must have had some religious significance as the tracks of the thunderbird can be almost as bad as your editor's. We cannot always decipher found here, as well as the tales of brave such addresses correctly which results in some responses going astray. deeds scratched into the soft rock. When Neither can we overemphasize the importance ofZIPCODES. I'm in the area, I often stop and look at If you have been notified by your postmaster that your address has the petroglyphs incised into the surface, been changed (mine has... and I haven't moved!), please and reflect at what the river and surround- advise us of the new address immediately. We know you want your mail lr >g valley must have been like then. answered promptly, and we can do it with your help. Much to my sorrow some thoughtless individual has hacked a dove of peace into J. F. Yoder. Editor the stone, directly over some of the carv­

SEPTEMBER— 1977 25 FLY TYING other to try for a lone trout searching you should have little difficulty. Bob the surface for signs of drifting food. Davis indicates that once you set up One of the fishermen dared Bob to an assembly line of sorts with the cork cast to the lone riser with his Cork- bodies you can turn out imitations in The Cork-Bodied Ant Bodied Ant. Soon another friend large numbers. The only materials goaded Bob, and he finally waded into you'll need are a pencil with a needle the stream to challenge the trout. placed in the eraser (sharp end by Charles R. Meek Now all Bob's pals sat back on the exposed); a small finger nail file bank, confident that he couldn't catch (emery board) to shape the cork this large discriminating fish. cylinders into spheres; twenty-pound im Rupert, of DuBois (and others On the first cast Bob slapped the monofilament line onto which you'll J in the area), calls this month's ant onto the surface a few feet above string the finished cork spheres; of featured pattern a "lure." But, to Bob the feeding trout. The heavy brown course you'll need some natural cork Davis of Big Run, who introduced me immediately rose to the ant. The cylinders (these can be purchased at to this imitation, and for some of his kibitzers pointed to a second heavy many fly tying stores); and, finally, if close friends, the Cork-Bodied Ant is fish sipping in minute terrestrials you plan to tie the black ant, you'll the most deadly artificial they've ever upstream, and again dared Bob to need some black enamel. used. In fact they seldom try any cast the ant over that fish. Again, on When you have completed shaping other pattern. Both Bob and Jim are the first cast, Bob caught the trout. the cork, Bob suggests that you string active members of one of Pennsyl­ Both trout were over seventeen inches the two pieces onto the monofilament vania's most progressive fly fishing or­ long. Bob's buddies now sat back on line. To aid you in stringing the ganizations, the Allegheny Mountain the bank almost speechless after spheres onto the line, rotate the com­ Chapter of Trout Unlimited located in experiencing the success Bob had with pleted cork on the needle to widen the DuBois. As a member of this chapter the ant. The Cork-Bodied Ant really hole. The monofilament line should be Bob Davis is often derided for his al­ works! about four inches long. A piece this most-total adherence to this When fishing the ant, Bob feels it's length allows you to dip the two bodies particular pattern — in fact his nick­ important to slap the imitation onto into the lacquer or enamel at the same name in the local TU organization is the surface. This probably attracts time. Bob recommends two coats of the "Cork Ant Kid." But, you can't rather than scares feeding fish to this lacquer. The lacquer also prevents the knock success, and Bob can recall pattern. cork from slipping off the line. many productive fishing trips when What colors are best? Bob usually With the following directions you, nothing but the cork ant would work. ties ants with black or natural (brown too, can experience the same kind of Regardless of the jibes and teasing, or tan) bodies. With the former he success that Bob Davis does. Bob believes that this ant is one of the uses a black hackle, and with the lat­ most productive patterns you can tie. ter a ginger hackle to imitate the legs. ^Cork-Bodied Ant Components: Don't go fly fishing, especially late in Of the two colors, Bob prefers the the season,, without several copies of natural with ginger legs. No matter Hook—Size 16 for any size you the Cork-Bodied Ant. what color you use make certain you prefer), Mustad # 94840. Bob has fished most of Pennsyl­ have a good supply available of these Body— Two cork cylinders (1/8 inch vania's prime trout waters, and had late summer imitations for your next diameter) each approximately 1/4 inch found that the ant is an effective pat­ fishing trip. long (rear half should be slightly longer tern on many of these streams. Although the ant looks like it is than the front half). Whether fishing while a hatch appears difficult to tie at first glance, it really Legs — Two or three turns of black or and surface-feeding trout are search­ isn't; if you study the accompanying ginger hackle (depending on the color of ing out food, or fishing when the sur­ photographs and tying information the body). face is void of food, the ant is usually a predictable success. On several trips Bob Davis, of Big Run, is pictured at his fly tying table to Kettle Creek while the tying his creation: the Cork-Bodied Ant. Hendrickson emerged in late April and early May, Bob has caught many trout rising to mayfly duns. Trout after trout rose to the naturals, then proceeded, on the next rise, to take the Cork-Bodied Ant. But, the ant also works well during the late season when few hatches are evident. Several years ago Bob fished Kettle Creek with several friends. Al­ though a few trout rose occasionally % for some microorganisms, none rose consistently. During this inaction, Bob Davis and his angler friends sat back on the bank, each encouraging the

26 Tying the Cork-Bodied Ant

Left: Start with a cork cylinder— > size 1/8" x 3/4"—and cut into three pieces with a sharp knife or razor blade.

Right: Center a cylinder on a needle (dull end of needle is inserted into a pencil eraser) and file with emery board until football-shaped. File slowly to prevent chipping. Move cork up and down the needle to widen the hole; repeat process with second cylinder.

Left: Thread both completed pieces onto a four-inch piece of 20-pound monofilament, spacing the spheres from one eighth to one quarter of an inch apart.

Right: Dip both corks into clear lacquer, or black enamel, and let dry. Repeat the procedure a second time.

Left: Tie the cork body assembly onto a size 16 hook and secure with fly tying thread and a drop or two of lacquer. Flatten the monofilament line with pliers to facilitate placement on the hook.

Right: Add black or ginger hackle, make three turns and clip off bottom of the hackle. Whip finish, lacquer, and you have a completed Cork-Bodied Ant. ...an All-round Here are four popular when the bait comes out of the box models of floating/diving and hits the water three feet past a Bass Bait? minnow-type plugs. fishy stump, you will know exactly how fast to turn the reel handles. (continued from page 23.) As you gain experience, you will realize that sometimes a bass wants a retrieve, is very effective, can be truly fast-moving lure, sometimes one that termed crankbait, and should be in just barely waggles along. Have lures every tacklebox for those times when that dive to the same depths on the fish give the angler the greatest different speeds of retrieve — for thrill of all by striking on the surface. example, a fat plug for a slow retrieve Crankbaits are just as easy to fish at three feet, and a balsa thin-minnow as their name implies. The angler that won't go deeper than that when picks a likely target, whether it be you burn the reel handles as fast as visible from the surface, such as a you can. Then you will be able to ex­ protruding stump or the edge of a lily periment with retrieve speeds without pad bed, or invisible from above hanging up or altering the best action water, such as a sharp drop-off, of the plug in the water. sandbar, or submerged creek channel. Time will bring greater proficiency, Depending upon the type of target, he and experimentation. Although these then casts — parallel to "line" type plugs are highly effective when reeled targets, such as shorelines or weed straight back to the boat, try bobbing beds, or past "stick-ups" such as them, a "stop-and-go" retrieve that stumps and branches; and reels the makes the lure dive a short distance crankbait back to the boat. The speed and then swim back to the surface. of the retrieve will depend upon the in­ Especially effective with the smaller dividual bait (which must be de­ A bass will swim a long way to con­ fat plugs in shad finish, it looks like an termined by trial and error) and the nect with something that either injured threadfin shad that can't stay depth of the water. tempts or angers him; but, for some down. At times it's like playing with The object is to get the plug as close reason, unless conditions are right he nitroglycerin. to the bottom as possible without won't move up more than one or two Crankbaits have a lot going for burying it in the mud or moss. Bass, feet. them — variety of shapes, variety of unless they are in the middle of a Foithe most part, individual crank- depths, tremendous variety of colors, massive feeding spree in very shallow baits have their own "best" speed of and great ease of use. There will be water, will be cruising near the bot­ retrieve — cranked too slowly, there days when they don't produce a swirl tom, and the crankbait should come is little or no action ... too fast, and — there is no all-round lure, and close enough so that the fish can the plug will flip in the water and twist probably never will be — but they either see the bait or hear the rattle the line. Practice with each of your produce often enough to warrant their which is built into most of these lures. plugs before you need them, so that running for the title.

So you want your picture in the Angler? Pictures of fishermen and their catches must be bright, sharp, and of reasonably good quality overall. Do not send blurred photos, we cannot use them. We cannot use dark (underexposed) or overexposed (those with a "bleached-out" ap­ pearance) photos. Send only black and white glossies; do not send silk finish, borderless prints for publica­ tion in the Angler. Linette Hans has a reason to smile: We cannot accept responsibility Any Tiger Musky is a catch that will that American Shad was just a for the return of unsolicited be remembered for a long time, x smidge short of 26 inches long and photographs which are not accom­ but Tom King's 46 /i incher, which weighed 6% pound si She caught tipped the scales at 23 pounds, panied by a self-addressed, stamped it on a "Flicker" in the Delaware was a real trophy—in any book! envelope. River in Northampton County. Tom caught it from Bedford Her photo was a sharp black & white. County's Shawnee Lake on a MepPs

28 P E N N YLVANIA ANGLE*1 REDBANK RESCUE the influence, had toppled off a ce­ by Jim Smith ment wall upstream from the Fish- For-Fun Project and came floating, Waterways Patrolman face down (above), four inches un­ derwater, into the fishing area. Paul Armstrong County Clark, a fisherman from Brookville, removed some of his outer clothing eputy Waterways Patrolman and waded out, grabbed the victim by D Ronnie Reedy arrived at the his long hair (above right), and towed Fish-For-Fun area of the North Fork him ashore. of Redbank Creek just in time to Other fishermen, names unknown assist in averting a near tragedy. As (photos below), gave artificial respira­ he drove onto the scene, a fisherman tion until the ambulance arrived, then came running up and asked him to assisted with his removal. The near radio for an ambulance. Using a CB, victim was charged with public Ronnie contacted Ed Clauser of drunkenness (paid fine) and posses­ Brookville who in turn telephoned sion of drugs (case pending). To date, Jefferson Emergency Control. he has met Paul Clark face to face but The ambulance arrived within has yet to thank him for saving his minutes, along with Chief of Police life. Earl Smith and Sgt. William Mc- A 19-year-old companion had to be Gaughey. By chance, Larry DeJohn, a removed from the wall by police. He Professional photographer was in the was charged with public drunkenness area and recorded the chain of events and paid fine. shown here. Final note: after the rescue all fish­ A 21-year-old youth, while under ermen returned to their fishing! print-oriented material to get the is actually taking one, decorating it, message across. While there has been and having one of the country's finest a slight increase in national radio and boat photographers shoot coverage television advertising of boats, most from every possible angle, both inside companies stay with the printed word and out. Hundreds of photos — in Ashore and breathtaking photographs. Paid positive color, negative color, and advertising, press releases, boat show black and white — are taken of each handouts, etc. . . . there is little doubt boat to give the art and layout depart­ & the print medium is largely responsi­ ment the widest possible choice. Care­ ble for putting it all together. True use ful attention to detail is absolute; of the word advertising, however, everything is placed to insure the Afloat must be stretched to include every most appealing photographs possible single phase of a boat company's will be taken. Everything is checked, by Gene Winters operation. Not only must it include right down to making sure naval newspaper and magazine ads, custom and tradition are followed and brochures, catalogs, and handouts, it all flags and pennants are flown can and should encompass data and properly. here is much more involved in re­ technical specification sheets, design Once photography is complete, T tail selling of new boats than and floor plan layouts, furniture as production of the brochure moves in­ simply designing, building, and dis­ well as fittings descriptions, construc­ doors where it is met by an army of playing the finished product in a tion and quality control provisions, professional writers, engineers, and dealer's showroom. This may be warranty details, dealership networks sales and advertising personnel who difficult to comprehend by someone and working relationships, and a attack it with a vengeance. Together, who has just taken a second look at dozen more categories. Everything, they must create a layout that will the checkbook balance after paying right down to the price tag, must guide the viewer through the boat in the down payment on a sleek, new possess and display the quality and words and pictures, calling attention runabout. It may be equally difficult taste of the finished product. This to all details a prospect may or may to fathom by someone who has just means a collective effort by all com­ not note on his own. Rigorous and inserted a check and installment pay­ pany employees, from the bottom to exacting standards are imposed every ment coupon No. 32 in an envelope the top. If such effort is not forthcom­ step of the way, often even including addressed to a friendly marine finance ing, everything will crumble and all actual tests of the very paper on company. But, as any successful boat effort will have been in vain. which the brochure will be printed. manufacturer can quickly attest, the When prospective buyers attend Text is written and rewritten count­ sale is but one step in a well-planned, boat shows or visit dealers, the first less times and type size and style sub­ well-financed, well-executed opera­ brochure usually seen is the com­ ject to countless discussions until it is tion that is so vital to survival in a pany's colorful and comprehensive finalized. Nothing is left to chance. highly competitive industry. "fleet" brochure. Often a three- or A number of boat manufacturers What each manufacturer strives for four-fold piece or even booklet, it also produce "promotional" literature is the sometimes intangible means spotlights every boat in the line and is that, although indirectly an ac­ that will entice potential customers to designed to lure a prospect into knowledged selling piece, is basically inspect his line more closely than the requesting additional literature or in­ designed to help customers enjoy the next fellow's. The key to this attain­ formation on a specific model. To product more, or in greater safety- ment is usually huddled under a cor­ meet this need, many companies offer One company produced a three- fold porate umbrella identified by various an additional brochure, just as color­ piece for several years, entitled "A fancy names and titles, but most ful but much more detailed, both Boatman's Guide." Designed to slip simply called "advertising." Mer­ photographically and technically, tai­ into the pocket, it offered, by means chandising a boat is, however, quite lored to a specific model. Beyond this, of charts and dial calculator, practical different than huckstering aspirin for those who do purchase a boat, an first aid instruction as well as useful tablets, pushing soda pop, or even owner's manual or booklet is pro­ weather data. Other aids to boaters touting four-figure automobiles. Un­ vided, which outlines and explains come from seemingly unlikely like a boat, the products mentioned operating procedures, equipment, and sources. One national beverage dis­ are necessities, of custom, if not specifications. Also often available tributor printed, at great expense, a otherwise. But a boat is a luxury item (but usually at customer expense), is a series of boating booklets and made by most standards. When it comes to highly explicit service/repair engine them available free of charge t0 selling a leisure product in sufficient manual. volunteer boating organizations to use volume to stay afloat, a seller must The birth of all this consumer- as handouts in their boating classes- literally "create" a need for his oriented material typically dawns with All because he, himself, was an avid product. "Recreation," "bigger," data sheets, complete with line draw­ boater. Finally, a score of boat manu­ facturers produce a newsletter of one "relaxation," "plush," "larger," ings of the boat and its floor plans, "faster" ... all become adjectives of type or another. Available to dealers along with a list of standard as well as endearing charm. and registered owners, the newsletter optional equipment available. The not only keeps the recipient aware o\ Boat manufacturers rely heavily on next step in promoting a specific boat

30 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLE" A few pages from boat manufacturers' brochures; not printed to boggle the mind, they'll help you make a choice. the company's current line of boats newspapers and magazines to the might be persuaded to buy a three- and marine accessories, but usually costs of brochure and catalog produc­ figure canoe or a six-figure offers useful boating tips, product ap­ tion. The next time you browse yacht — and maybe regret it tomor­ plications, and other practical in­ through a boating magazine, take a row. Then again, it may be one of the formation. closer, searching look at the ads. The smartest investments ever made. So extensive, so elaborate, so next time you pick up or receive some Either way, it is important to open expensive is the effort to reach the boat literature, do more than casually your eyes and your mind, prospective boat buying public that many com­ let it barely touch your hands on the boat buyers. By reading, studying, panies have been forced to make a way to the trash can. Examine it. and comparing advertisements, small charge for their more complete Dissect it. Read it. Evaluate it. Cri­ brochures, and catalogs, you are in a brochures and catalogs. It also helps tique it. Has the manufacturer better position to make a more in­ eliminate those who request any and charmed you? Appeased you? Excited telligent, less emotional decision when all brochures available from anyone you? Compromised you? Tempted purchase day rolls around. In this day °n any product, just to keep from go- you? Insulted you? Why and how? and age most of us are so busy we •ng to an empty mailbox. This nominal Let's face it, if a boat manufacturer can't get around to "asking the man charge might seem less offensive when has done his homework well, the end who owns one." Also, great as word- you add the cost of advertising the result is often so captivating a reader of-mouth advertising is, for most of Product and brochure availability in only mildly interested in boating us, it simply travels too slowly!

SEPTEMBER — 1977 31 THE ANGLER'S NOTEBOOK by Richard F. Williamson

FISH FACT: Walleyes are almost exclu­ Good lures for fishing streams for small- sively fish eaters. Even when very small mouth bass are spinners, spoons, plugs they prey on smaller fish; even on each and jigs of quarter-ounce size or smaller. other. A mature walleye will eat as many Very small jointed plugs are also effective. as 10 to 20 forage fish in a single day. Bucktails and streamers are good pickerel lures along weed beds and in patches of open water in weeds or lilies. Use colorful patterns, such as the Mickey Finn, and move the lure fast and erratically just un­ der the surface.

Use a light hook and a light line in min­ now fishing, and tie the hook directly to the monofilament line or leader. Do not use snelled hooks or such hardware as snaps and swivels—the minnows will be more lively and will live longer.

Avoid cheap fishing tackle like the plague. The cost of a good rod, reel and line, spread over the span of years it will con­ Terrestrial insects provide much food tinue to give good service, is very small. for trout and other fish in late summer. Cheap tackle has to be replaced frequently They fall or jump from tree branches, and thus is far more costly in the long run. Debris, such as fallen trees and broken- streamside grass and weeds and attract off limbs, found along the shores of lakes fish by their struggles on the surface of the Brightly colored bass flies, fished wet, are water. Highly popular imitations of land and ponds and big holes in rivers and good autumn lures for pickerel. creeks, contain good fish most of the time, insects are, top to bottom, a cricket or but such spots are extremely difficult to grasshopper, an inch worm, and a black fish. One technique is to wade or float in a ant. boat to such a spot, reach out with a long rod, and literally flip and dapple a lure or Adapt the plug to the depth of the water bait in the water. A long rod enables the that is being fished. A surface plug is all fisherman to stay well back from his target. right in not more than five or six feet of water, but an underwater or diving lure is One sure way to risk losing a good bass best in deeper water. is to retrieve the line with the fly rod reel after the fish has been hooked. Instead, ig­ Symbols on flyline s are easily read. For nore the reel and retrieve line with the example, a DT8F line is a double taper, hand not holding the rod, letting the line size 8, floater; a DT8S is a double taper, lie in a boat or on the water. This method size 8, sinking line; an L8F is a level line, keeps constant heavy pressure on the fish size 8, floater, and an L8S is a level and at the same time gives the angler com­ line, size 8, sinking line. The symbol DT plete control of the line. means double taper; L: level; WF: weight forward; F: floater; S: sinker. Weight for­ Foamy white water in a deep riffle is not ward lines are also called "rocket," or a good spot for fishing. Fish find it diffi­ "bug" taper. cult to hold their positions in such water. But they do hold in smooth spots, even A very small spinner is a good perch lure- very small ones, that are found in such It should be fished just fast enough to water. The current carries food into or make the blade wobble or turn. A perch past these areas, and fish wait for their Plastic or rubber imitations of aquatic will seldom chase a fast-moving lure, no forage there. creatures on which big fish prey are on the matter how well it imitates a minnow, the market in vast profusion. The frog, if it has favorite food of this species. You go to a strange lake or stream to fish thin rubber legs that move with just a slight and you wonder what lures will do best. twitch of the rod, probably is tops. The It's not natural for a live bait to be Usually, you can solve the problem by rubber minnow usually is used behind a anchored to the bottom with a sinker, nor talking to a local fisherman or the operator minnow. The crayfish and salamander is it good to move the bait with sharp of a service station in the immediate area. should be inched slowly over the bottom. jerks. If there is not enough current to Better yet, if there is a sporting goods In most cases, none of these imitations are carry the bait along, manipulate it very store nearby, stop in and ask some ques­ nearly as effective as real live frogs, min­ slowly and gently, to make it appear more tions. You will be sure to get help. nows, crayfish or salamanders. natural.

32 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLEB PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION DIRECTORY State Headquarters: 3532 Walnut Street, Progress, Pa. (Mailing Address: PO Box 1673, Harrisburg, Pa. 17120) EXECUTIVE OFFICE Ralph W. Abele, Executive Director Assistant Attorney General Administrative Assistant Comptroller Peter J. Ressler Howard T. Hardie Edward T. Durkin Office of Information Willard T. Johns, Director 717-787-2579 Conservation Education, Stephen B. Ulsh 717-787-7394 Pennsylvania Angler. James F. Yoder. Editor 717-787-2411

Special Publications, Larry Shaffer 71 7-787-7394 Angler Circulation. Eleanor Mutch 71 7-787-2363 BUREAU OF FISHERIES & ENGINEERING Edward R. Miller, P.E., Director Robinson Lane, Bellefonte, Pa. 16823 Tel. 814-359-2754* (*Unless otherwise indicated, all offices within this bureau may be reached at this same address and telephone number.) Fred W. Johnson, Water Resources Coordinator 717-783-2808 (Office at State Headquarters, 3532 Walnut Street, Progress, Pa.) Dennis Ricker, Administrative Officer' FISHERIES DIVISION* Delano Graff, Chief Trout Production Section, Ken Corl, Chief Fisheries Management Section, Robert Hesser, Chief Warmwater Production Section, Shyrl Hood. Chief 814-683-4451 Research Section. Courtney C Gustafson. Chief 814-355-4837 Box 127. Linesville. Pa. 16424 Benner Spring Fish Research Station. Box 200-C. Bellefonte. Pa. 1 6823 Cooperative Nursery Branch. Robert Brown, Chief FISH CULTURAL STATIONS BELLEFONTE, John Ban. Superintendent 814-359 27 54 LINESVILLE. Charles Sanderson. Superintendent 814-683-4451 Robinson Lane. Bellefonte, Pa. 16823 Box 127. Linesville. Pa, 16424 BENNER SPRING. William Kennedy. Superintendent 814-355-4837 OSWAYO. D. Ray Merriman. Superintendent 814-698-2001 RD 1, Box 200-C, Bellefonte. Pa. 16823 RD2, Box 84, Coudersport, Pa. 16915 BIG SPRING, Wayne We\g\e. Superintendent 717-776-3170 PLEASANT MOUNT. Zenas Bean, Superintendent 717-448-2101 Box 341. RD 4, Newville. Pa. 17241 Pleasant Mount. Pa. 18453 CORRY-UNION CITY, Tom L. Clark, Superintendent 814-664-2122 REYNOLDSDALE, Ralph Berkey, Superintendent 814-839-2211 Corry, Pa. 1 6407 New Paris. Pa. 1 5554 HUNTSDALE. Ted Dingle. Superintendent 717-486-3419 TIONESTA. Charles Mann, Superintendent 814-755-3524 Box 393, RD 5. Carlisle, Pa. 17013 Tionesta. Pa. 16353 FAIRVIEW FISH CULTURAL STATION, Neil Shea, Superintendent 2000 Lohrer Road, P.O. Box 531, Fairview. Pa. 16415 814-474-1514 ENGINEERING DIVISION* Wilbert F. Hobbs, P.E., Chief Construction & Maintenance Section, Eugene Smith, Chief* Architectural & Engineering Section, K. Ronald Weis, Chief" Fisheries Environmental Services Branch, Jack Miller, Chief * BUREAU OF WATERWAYS (State Headquarters) Capt. Charles E. Leising, Director Gene Sporl, Administrative Officer LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION WATERCRAFT DIVISION John I. Buck, Chief 717-787-2350 Paul Martin, Chief 717-787-7684 Edward W. Manhart. Deputy Chief 717-787-2350 Alan B. Kegerise. Marine Education Specialist 717-787-7684 REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICES NORTHWEST, Walter G. Lazusky, Supervisor 814-437-5774 SOUTHWEST. Thomas F. Qualters, Supervisor 814-445-8974 Mailing Address: 1281 Otter St.. Franklin, Pa. 16323 Mailing Address: RD 2, Somerset, Pa. 15501 Location: 1281 Otter St., Franklin. Pa. 16323 Location: On Lake Somerset, Somerset, Pa. NORTHCENTRAL, Miles D, Witt, Supervisor 717-748-5396 SOUTHCENTRAL, Richard Owens. Supervisor 717-436-2117 Mailing Address: Box 688. Lock Haven. Pa. 1 7745 Mailing Address: RD 3, Box 109, Mifflintown, Pa. 1 7059 Location: 129 Woodward Ave. (Dunnstown) Lock Haven, Pa, Location: On Route 22, 3 miles west of Mifflintown, Pa. NORTHEAST, Clair Fleeger. Supem'so/- 717-477-5717 SOUTHEAST, Norman W. Sickles. Supervisor 717-626 0228 Mailing Address: Box 88. Sweet Valley. Pa, 1 8656 Mailing Address: Box 6, Elm, Pa. 17521 Location: On Harris Pond, Sweet Valley, Pa. Location: On Speedwell Forge Lake, on Brubaker Valley Road BUREAU OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES (State Headquarters) Paul F. O'Brien, Director Personnel & Employment. Leon D. Boncarosky 717-787-7057 License Section. Mary Stine 717-787-6237 Budget Analyst. Vincent Rollant 717-787-2599 Federal Aid Coordinator, GlenC. Reed 717-787-6391 Real Estate, John Hoffman 717-787-6376 Office Services Supervisor, Chester Peyton 717-787 2363 Purchasing (Harrisburg) Avyril Richardson 717-787-2732 Purchasing (Bellefonte) Budd Sampsell 814-359-2754 to cook that pickerel. .

you'll need the Pennsylvania Angler's Cookbook

Send $2.50 and your complete address to: "COOKBOOK" Pennsylvania Fish Commission P.O. Box 1673 Harrisburg, Pa. 17120