OIMW^I

MUSKELLUNGE NOVEMBER, 1940 TEN CENTS A^ Jk&L fy*

OFFICIAL STATE VOL. 9—NO. 11 PUBLICATION ^ANGLER? NOVEMBER, 1940

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA PUBLISHED MONTHLY BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS by the PENNSYLVANIA BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS

Publication Office: Telegraph Press, Cameron & Kelker Streets, Harrisburg-, Pa. Executive and Editorial Offices: Commonwealth of ARTHUR H. JAMES Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Board of Fish Commis­ GOVERNOR sioners, Harrisburg, Pa. i

• CHARLES A. FRENCH Ten cents a copy—50 cents a year Commissioner of Fisheries • MEMBERS OF BOARD ALEX P. SWEIGART, Editor CHARLES A. FRENCH, Chairman Elwood City South Office Bldg-., Harrisburg-, Pa. MILTON L. PEEK Radnor NOTE Subscriptions to the PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER should be addressed to the Editor. Submit fee either HARRY E. WEBER by check or money order payable to the Common­ Philipsburg wealth of Pennsylvania. Stamps not acceptable. Individuals sending cash do so at their own risk. EDGAR W. NICHOLSON Philadelphia

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

Entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office C. R. BULLER of Harrisburg, Pa. under act of March 3, 18T3. Chief Fish Culturist, Bellefonte

IMPORTANT—The Editor should be notified immediately of change in subscriber's address Please give old and new addresses

Permission to reprint will be granted provided proper credit notice is given Vol. 9. No. 11 ^ANGLER/ NOVEMBER, 1940

EDITORIAL

Training School

HE Officers' Training School opened its Ninth year at the Spring Creek Project, Tuesday, Septem­ Tber 10th, continuing up to and including Friday, September 13, 1940. Several distinguished visitors were present and members of the Board attended the meetings. In addition to the regular course of training, Colonel Lynn G. Adams, Commander of Pennsylvania Motor Police, assigned Private H. W. Stansfield of the Hershey Training School, to instruct the men in Self Defense. This course was undoubtedly the best which the men have ever had, and will mean much to their work in the future. During the years the school has been in operation, a tremendous improvement has been shown in the efficiency of all officers. The training has given both a physical and mental development which commands more wholesome respect for observance of the law in their respective communities, and above all, has taught them their serious responsibilities and obligations to the fishermen of the Commonwealth. We believe the accompanying photographs will be of much interest to fishermen. All men are now in possession of uniforms, and in our opinion their appearance will equal that of any other con­ servation group in the country. It is our hope that you, as fishermen, will be proud they are repre­ sentatives of your Commission.

Commissioner of Fisheries WHY BOTHER! By FRED EVERETT Illustrations by the Author

WENTY years is a long time. That is— State when I was about eight years old and because then worms weren't any good as bait T if you are looking ahead. But twenty my big brother Bill let me hold the line while unless we could hit the stream at the end years just past is such a short time that I he rowed the boat. So, if that red and white of a storm. can remember clearly many incidents which, thing on the spinner was a fly, then I was I was young and full of pep and nothing as they happened, seemed unimportant but all for flies. I hadn't realized that that was was too much bother if it meant fishing. I which now stand out clearly as full of mean­ what they were called. had faith in the worms but none in those tiny ing and significance. But these flies were different and I can't flies, so I confess I gave them a very unfair It was a little over twenty-one years ago recall any particular excitement about them. trial. I didn't know what a leader and that I was made a shavetail in the U. S. Air Ray insisted we give them a try, so out we enamel or fly-casting line were, so I tied the Service and told to go home, the war was went. fly gut onto my braided silk bait line and over and I couldn't have any more free rides Now Ray and I thought we were pretty heaved it out as best I could with my tele­ among the clouds. So back home I went to hot as trout fishermen. We could go on scopic steel pole. Then I let it float down­ take up a normal life once more, including streams where most others couldn't do a stream and pulled it back up, just as I would hunting and fishing. And to meet up for the thing and come back with a good creel full. do with worms. first time with little tufts of feathers on a You see, we knew how to crawl on our That wasn't so bad because it was a wet hook, to which was fastened a piece of gut bellies up to the edge of the pool, keep our fly and that is one way to fish them. Then with a loop on the end. heads down and dunk a worm where it would a miracle happened—something hit that fly My brother Ray said they were flies and do the most good. And anything from 5% and I yanked in a fish. But not a trout, only you could catch trout on them. I can still inches up went into our creels. We also a red-finned dace. I was so mad I threw the see how excited he was. So excited that he knew how to stretch the fish that extra 1/8 fish out on the bank and tried again. Another had bought a whole hatch of them. He had inch. dace! That was enough for me. Off came them in a leather book that was made up And we knew how to prepare our worms the fly, on went my worms and that was that. of layers of white felt and coiled springs and for best results. A couple of weeks before the Me and flies were out! All caught up and pockets. The book was full of flies in all season we gathered moss, cleaned it and finished. Give me the good old worm and sizes and colors. I'd never seen anything like packed it in a small keg, with plenty of food I'd show you trout. That was the guy it before. made of coffee grounds, corn meal and milk twenty years ago who for the last ten years Of course I had heard rumors of catching mixed to a paste and scattered through the fish on flies but since the fifth column in those moss. Into this we put our worms, watch­ days was not yet organized, the rumors left ing them carefully to remove all dying ones me unimpressed. There was only one fly and turning the moss to prevent molding of that I had any knowledge of or faith in and the food and to keep the worms active so that was red and white feathers on a 3-gang that they would be light colored and tough. hook, part of a spinner thing which one We really worked at it, all for about a month pulled along behind a boat. When it got of trout fishing, after which we lost interest stuck you hollered to your big brother, who would stop rowing. Then all of a sudden the log it had caught on would move, you would tell brother and he would go crazy, grab the line out of your hand, yank and pull, nearly upset the boat, yell at you to get out of the way and shut up—then, after an awful long time and a terrible struggle, lift into the boat the biggest pickerel that had ever been caught or could ever be caught. Then he would slap the fish into the water under seat, slam down the cover and sit on it, wipe his brow, grab the oars and row with all his might for shore. And talk about it for years. I knew that, because that was what hap­ pened to me up on Echo Lake in New York

"My largest was a 17J4 Inch, ZV> pound rainbow." 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER

has been writing and talking conservation a good example of what they are like. There­ your skill. Your interest now is in your and fly-fishing. fore I am using myself as a guinea pig for tackle, your flies and methods of using them. What caused me to change? I have won­ this experiment. Your pride is in your skill and not in the dered about that a great deal, figuring that What I did not take into consideration or fish. The trout is only a means to your goal since I am a normal average person, the even dream of was the effect fly-fishing was and therefore necessarily more important to answer might apply to the mass of our fish­ to have on my future life as a fisherman. you in the water than in the creel. In other ermen and be useful in furthering the cause words, you have become a sportsman and of conservation. Now that I think I have the It is on that effect or by-product that I pin my hopes for conservation if we can per­ conservationist without ever realizing it or answer, I wonder if it will? If it does at for that matter, caring a hoot. all, it will be only as a by-product or after­ suade the majority to take to the artificials. effect and not the main result. Here indeed is a paradox. If the angler That's the way it was with me. Some can take more fish over a longer period of years ago my sidekick Doc. Gardenier and Fortunately, or otherwise, I have lived time by using flies, wouldn't it be the op­ I set a self-limit of trout at 5 each—one for through the infancy of conservation and posite of conservation? It certainly would each member of our families—except on grown up with it. Not that it has reached except for one thing—the change which takes special occasions. These were to be between maturity but it has grown. And with it have place inside the fisherman himself. It is 8 and 12 inches (the best eating size) all sprung up the so-called sportsmen's organi­ hard to explain but that change will take above 12 inches being too fine a fighting fish zations and conservation clubs. From my place in the same proportion as he becomes to spoil by keeping it, those under 8 inches connections with them locally and nationally, skilled in the use of flies. being too small to keep. It is my belief that I have received certain impressions as to if all fly fishermen would adopt a similar their value and purpose. There are many reasons for this, of which I think the following are the most important. limit to fit their needs, we would soon have In terms of fishing, here is what I mean. First of all, he does catch more fish over a much better fishing in our streams. I am frank to admit that I took up fly-fishing longer period of time. That satisfies his Another reason is the fact that, as a group, in the beginning for two reasons: one, I yearning to have at least one good day's Was convinced that I could catch more fish the fly fishermen were real sportsmen and fishing before he dies. Very often he catches one is constantly contacting the better type that way and two, I realized that it made far more than the limit and must liberate it possible for me to have a longer trout when meeting up with them. The feeling of some of them. That is the turning point. comradeship is stronger, eliminating class season, that I could go on catching trout into Liberating a fish is like petting a little fawn June, July and August. I knew next to and distinction. I have often had doors to or feeding baby grouse or quail—it makes higher sanctorums opened to me and broken nothing about conservation or sportsmanship you familiar with them alive and gives you toward Wildlife and never gave it a serious up some of those mysterious "conferences" a feeling far different than any dead fish of the big moguls of Wall Street by whisper­ thought. I was just another fisherman and could produce. You have examined the J ing to the secretary—"Tell him it's about fish, talked to it and realized that it will be trout fishing." And I have been welcomed there for another day. You get a kick out into the homes of hill-billies and natives of seeing it swim away—far more than tak­ who "tie their own." ing it home for a neighbor or a cat to eat after you have shown off how big a catch There is no doubt that a lot of people will you could make. scoff at my theory. I would have myself a few years ago. But during the last three In time that feeling grows on you until years I have seen it put to a real practical you come to think of the fish, not so much trial and know it is successful, not only with as weight in the creel as a future test of trout but bass and other kinds as well. Down in Pennsylvania I have a group of friends whom I consider the highest type of sportsmen. Conservationists in the original meaning of the word. For some years they have been organizing the sportsmen and per­ suading them to use artificials in all kinds of fishing. Five years ago there was hardly a fly fisherman or artificial bait caster in the whole section. When I joined with them three years ago the idea was just beginning (Continued on Page 15)

"The log it had caught on would move, you would tell Brother and he would go crazy." 4 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER NOVEMBER SOME SORROWS OF THE ANGLER By W. R. WALTON Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine, United States Department of Agriculture The fisherman went forth to fish equipped present menace which must be met with ing insect remains are believed to afford with baits galore, unfailing vigilance on the part of the angler, nourishment to the plant. The bites he got were on his face which at least during the warmer months. All informed persons at present know that made him rip and roar; Mosquitoes come in several colors and sizes, mosquitoes are the sole carriers of the disease "This license states that I may fish these from the little blackish fellow, the rock-pool inappropriately called malaria. This word waters, now and here, mosquito, who is only 3% millimeters long, literally means the disease caused by bad air, But black flies and mosquitoes cannot read, and lives in puddles in the rocks, to the and for centuries the foul, swamp air, or 'tis very clear!" relatively huge, fringe-legged mosquito or "miasma" was believed to be the direct cause gallinipper which is nearly % inch long, or of the various forms of ague. We know now ffTTIS true, 'tis true 'tis pity; and pity 'tis actually big enough to be used as bait on a that this is only one of the many kinds of I 'tis true," that numerous bites at the number 20 trout hook! Fortunately, it is disease that are distributed, both to man and wrong end of the line have ruined much relatively less numerous than its smaller beast, by the pesky mosquito which is vividly otherwise successful fishing. In point of fact, brethren but frequently is encountered in the described by the English poet Samuel Rogers it is pretty safe to assert that the malevolent Pennsylvania mountain woods. as follows: voracity of mosquitoes, black flies, and An obstreperous and mean little mosquito "Now near and nearer rush thy whirring punkies has caused the fisherman more im­ is one that breeds in water that stands in wings, mediate physical anguish than any other holes in hollow trees, known as the tree-hole Thy dragon scales still wet with human gore. phenomena in his cosmos. I say "Immediate" mosquito and which, like the woodland-pool Hark, thy shrill horn its fearful larum flings! in view of the painful memories of such dev­ mosquito, is almost certain to be encountered —I wake in horror, and dare sleep no ilish, somewhat tardy sequelae as chigger by the angler since it lives near the trout and more!" bites and ivy poisoning which, in lasting tor­ will bite in broad daylight a deal more easily And yet Rogers, in his early day (1785), ture, surpassed even the souvenirs left by and constantly than the fish. knew not that these fearsome insects poison the aforesaid trio of felonious Diptera. These Among the real curiosities of the mosquito man with yellow fever, dengue fever, jungle minions of Satan are all bad enough, but an world is a small black mosquito that sur­ fever, and elephantiastis, to say nothing of even worse one has developed within recent vives under the burden of Wyeomyia smithii malaria. years. In these days the American dog tick, (Coq.), and whose larva or wriggler lives in The most astonishing to me at least, of all which, from April to September, awaits the the water contained in the tubular leaves of phenomena relating to mosquitoes and dis­ angler in the brush with out-stretched arms, the swamp-dwelling pitcher plant. In win­ ease is the strange part played by a tropical has acquired the unpleasant habit of inocu­ ter, the wrigglers of this insect are frozen mosquito in the infection of man with a fly lating one with the spotted fever, a disease solidly in the water contained in these plants. bot or grub which closely resembles that more painful and dangerous by far than that But when brought indoors and thawed out often seen in the skin of domestic cattle. The notorious gift of the mosquito—malaria. For­ they soon begin merrily to navigate. Strange­ insect which produces this man-eating grub tunately the latter malady, at least in the ly enough this mosquito does not bite either is a bright blue botfly (Dermatobia hominis Northern States, has gradually yielded to anglers or human beings, and practically all (L.) ), that may never even see or approach quinine administered in the light of modern other insects that enter the pitcher plant's a human being! Nevertheless, it arranges in therapeutics. But the dog tick, with his load trap-like leaves become drowned in the water a most uncanny fashion to have a mosquito of spotted fever virus, remains an ever- that invariably stands in them. These decay- deliver its young at the desired destination. For many years it remained a deep mystery how these bots gained access to the human body, but finally it was observed that the parent botfly loitered about woodland pools until a flying mosquito appeared. The mos­ quito was immediately captured by the bot­ fly, which then fastened a compact pocket of its own eggs underneath the belly of the mosquito! Mosquitoes thus laden were seen to alight on human beings, the bot eggs im­ mediately hatched and the resulting grubs i burrowed through the skin. Recently it has been observed that animals other than man are attacked by this grub, among them cattle, dogs, cats, mules, pigs, and the common Cen­ tral American black howling monkey. Per­ haps that is what makes them howl? At least it must be admitted that it could make them howl. Although the foregoing narra­ tive explains the gruesome and mysterious method of infection by this grub, the un­ answerable question still remains: How did this fly ever acquire the habit of persuading the mosquito to deliver her offspring to the right person at the opportune moment?—You tell 'em. Luckily the angler in temperate climes is immune to attacks by bots and other more formidable gifts borne by mosquitoes, but these blood-thirsty insects can and do make life miserable at times in certain locations. The fisherman went forth to fish "This license states that I may fish Not that Pennsylvania is unduly mosquito- Equipped with baits galore, These waters now and here, The bites he got were on his face But black flies and mosquitoes ridden, for such is decidedly not the case. Which made him rip and roar: Cannot read 'tis very clear!" That angler who is unacquainted with the 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER

countless hordes of mosquitoes that haunt National Geographic Society, in securing ella and keeps it from irritating tender skins. great areas of the damp, sphagnum-moss illustrative material of American birds and To the anglers of New England and other carpeted woods of New England, northern mammals in many states of the Union. The more northern states the name "black flies" New York, and Canada, "Ain't seen nothing lotion finally adopted by them as much the signifies torture. Not that these blood-thirsty Vet," so far as mosquitoes are concerned. The best of anything tried is composed of: insects are absent from the South, for terrible same is true of the so-called arid plateaus of Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether 1 outbreaks of them have occurred in the lower New Mexico and neighboring states, where acetate \ 65% Mississippi Valley as a result of floods in that in certain seasons, after torrential rains, the Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether j river. However, in these latitudes farm mosquitoes are so thick that in the bright Alcohol 28% animals and poultry rather than man have sunlight the shady sides of cattle and horses Corn oil 7% been the principal sufferers and they were become literally black with them. Further­ If you can pronounce these chemical names killed in large numbers during such out­ more, these mosquitoes can and do bite right distinctly, it will be incontrovertible evi­ breaks. through the seat of ordinary khaki trousers dence that you are reasonably sober no mat­ In the northern woods among the worst of or at any other anatomical location where the ter how much your breath may smell of these bloodsuckers, from an angler's view­ cloth happens to be pulled tightly over the Tom Collins. It is not smelly or irritating point, is a species known as the white-stock­ body. But at sunset the torture ceases for and gives excellent protection. An interest­ inged black fly. This species occurs in Penn­ the chilly air puts a quietus on their per­ ing discussion of this and other mosquito sylvania but seems not to be particularly nicious activities. repellents occur in the June, 1940, issue of troublesome here. When black flies attack the Journal of Economic Entomology, page man in force, they are far more painful and In such circumstances some kind of pro­ 566.* This lotion the Craigheads found to dangerous than an equal number of mos­ tection is imperative if angling is to continue give protection not only from mosquitoes quitoes. Their attacks are both fierce and with any degree of satisfaction, and this may but from black flies and other biting insects. stubbornly persistent, as they crawl into the take the form of either nets or chemical Another formula used with some success is hair, up the sleeves, and beneath the neck repellents. the following: band, as well as under the hat brim, in their A well-designed head net which fits tightly Camphor gum. 3 parts effort to gain access to the flesh of their around the hat brim and can be tucked into Salol 3 parts victim. The mosquito is a lady as compared the neck band, gives fair protection to the to the black fly, which is not content, like u Liquid petrolatum 4 parts Pper works, but it must be supplemented (all by weight) the former, to thrust in a slender beak and with gloves thick enough to be impenetrable The oil is heated in a double boiler to 170°F., quietly extract a modicum of its victim's to the beaks of the insects. Such apparatus and the camphor and salol are then dis­ blood. The black fly insists on gouging out js likely to be rather clumsy and hot, but solved in it. This mixture is not only fairly a hunk of flesh, causing the blood actually is a most welcome relief where the insects repellent, but the salol is antiseptic and to flow from the wound, which becomes are numerous. soothing so that it may be used to treat the poisoned and painful for many days and Anti-mosquito lotions or salves by the bites as well. even weeks thereafter. These pests also carry score have been recommended, but until A third formula is both a repellent and an a protozoan blood disease of ducks which comparatively recent years they have been insecticide and consists of: kills both wild and domestic birds. Fortu­ smelly, greasy, and only partially effective. Pyrethrum extract 30% 1 part nately they do not feed at night, but to offset At present it is a pleasure to state that at Castor oil 3 parts this they remain active in cool atmosphere kast one formula has been found to give (by volume) which would quickly give mosquitoes a complete protection under the most severe It proved superior to the preceding mixture severe attack of chillblains. In the North °f trials by scientific workers who are com­ as a repellent but was far less effective than black flies are most abundant during June pelled to remain in the open, week after the first formula mentioned. and July, but in especially accursed localities Week, and to camp wherever night happens A good repellent for ordinary use, against they may persist all summer. Generally to catch them. I refer to John and Frank mosquitoes only, is composed of oil of citron- speaking they are found principally in the Craighead, Pennsylvanians who have for ella and olive oil in equal parts. It is in­ vicinity of swiftly flowing streams, from several summers been engaged, both by the expensive and easily mixed. The olive oil which they originate, but they may be car- United States Biological Survey and by the prevents too rapid evaporation of the citron- (ConUnued on Page IS) PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER NOVEMBER

P»td in Jfull ••

T WAS a beautiful late October day in the planned to secure and cache a bucketful of identified the quarry. Armed with only hand I gay nineties. The two sportsmen riding minnows, then to retreat to the fastness of and fang, the two fisher folk had cornered expensive bicycles down the dusty country the hill to while away a few hours late after­ three or four small suckers. Sensing the lane eagerly revelled in the bright sunshine, noon and evening with the grey tails, not to hunger of boy and dog, the newcomers un­ the last lingering hum of the few remaining mention the few Black Fox squirrels still wound the minnow seine and swung into the insects, the smoky dreamy haze over the lingering thereabouts. At dusk the duo in­ fray. In a thrice several shiny suckers lay drowsy landscape. There was the pungent tended to slip down to the rocky dam and in the outstretched paw of the lad, whose odor of dying and rotting leaves, the tardy spend the early evening hours angling for a eloquent eyes shone in mute gratitude while birds overhead were hurriedly winging south; gigantic old smallmouth bass known to haunt he vainly tried to blubber more articulate vagrant breezes kicking up out of the south­ a protected outcropping. thanks. west carried nary a hint of King Winter. All Gliding up to the overhanging rocks where With a deft twist of a rusty knife, the lad in all it was one of those afternoons that usually the bikes were safely parked, duffel slit the suckers, spilled out the innards, cut make men grateful only to be alive, inspire stored and the like, immediately signs of a away the gills leaving heads on the fish, hur­ him with a calm peace toward all living recent intruder became evident. A crude riedly scraped away a few scales and ran to things, a tantalizing Indian Summer gem fireplace had been thrown together, a bed of the fire. Still nude he carefully dropped the standing as a last bulwark against the death leaves snuggled against one wall, several tin fish onto the hot flat stones, and crouched on dealing blasts of the frozen north. cans ostentatiously recently used as cooking his haunches, watching the cooking meat, one The two cyclists were such as are not seen on utensils leaned neatly against a shelf-like arm hugging and restraining the quivering the highway today. The wheels alone, fancy ledge; about the smoldering coals and flat canine. The fish were still only half cooked silver mounted works of art only then begin­ restraining stones lay remnants of some tur­ when the first came from the fire and was ning to awaken to the rumbling threat of the nips and potatoes, likely snitched from a late evenly divided half and half, one part for the gas buggy, might well have cost several hun­ garden nearby. On adjacent bushes hung the human and one for the dog. The second fish dred dollars each. The sportsmen themselves dripping remains of a recent wash, pathetic­ followed in the wake of the first, and yet the looked a strange pair; discerning eyes might ally faded and torn jeans, a much abused and third, share and share alike. It all touched have had difficulty determining whether these ragged shirt; not far away reposed a pair of the hearts of the strangers; such desperate were hunters or fishermen. Long cane poles, brogans that might have been cast aside even hunger they had never witnessed in this fat a minnow bucket, a two handled seine were by Washington's shoeless army at Valley section of Pennsylvania. Diving into jacket strapped to and occupied places of conven­ Forge. pockets, out came their lunch one sandwich ience on the pedallers' steeds. Boots there From behind some dense undergrowth and each of fresh home made bread, laden with were too; however, each had a gun across the environs of the nearby mill race came butter, coated with old fashioned brown his shoulder on a sling, both wore the shoot­ the sound of wild splashing; some thing or sugar, another each of the same delectable ing jacket common to those days. Fishermen things were frolicing mightily therein. Cau­ bread and a half-inch thick layer of Penn­ or hunters, or both? tiously parting the bushes a startling scene sylvania Dutch pot cheese, yet a third pah- The pedallers were traversing an old rocky greeted our two friends. Violently jumping boasting thick pungent slices of cold fried roadway along a sparkling creek winding about in the knee deep water, apparently summer sausages, that kind typified in an about a sentinel tree clad hill just north of trying to catch something with bare hands, art almost lost to the world today, cloth bags the Mason and Dixon Line in Southern Penn­ was a gaunt, lean, hungry looking and wholly or hog bladders stuffed to bulging diameters sylvania; alike they ignored a stately pic­ naked 15 or 16 year old boy, so skinny that with juicy pork, pepper and celery salt, then turesque natural dam of virgin native stone, his ribs resembled nothing so much as the smoked slow and long over a green hickory calmly riding past the ruins of an ancient teeth of an old fashioned country hay rake. wood fire. Topped off with several spicy stillhouse and its legend of buried treasure, His hair was shaggy and long; legs and arms sugar cookies, the cravings of the ravenous up beyond the mill grinding out grist and on thin and bony. Beside him, equally excited pair had been appeased, apparently at least. along the race to the man-made artificial and just as shaggy, was a dog of all too ap­ Then the curious benefactors asked for dam. parent doubtful ancestry and also desperately the story. It seemed the boy and dog were In truth the two were on a journey of dual endeavoring to capture something in the on their own and had been for several years purpose; first and most important they water. Creeping closer our friends readily already. They were the late 19th Century 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 7 prototype of what the New Deal likes to call with a more effective weapon, a minnow thirst and pain, begged horror stricken com­ transients—in the old days less polite persons seine. And despite the borrowing act, de­ rades to end the misery. Deadly scorpions dubbed just such as tramps, or even bums. spite the first wave of disappointed anger, and tarantulas darted through the rank weeds Winter time the pair spent in the south; passing time soothed the incident over with and tangled growth; ghastly land crabs ex­ summer they travelled north, run of the lot her magic wand of humorous understanding cited by the tantalizing smell of fresh blood knights of the road let us say. This season and appreciation of the inherent courtesy of scuttled to the side of the desperately they had remained north on a little job longer the waif; he might have carried off an ex­ wounded forming circles about the victim, than usual, too long; then starting south a pensive bicycle too, but the wheels were not only awaiting the last quiver of life before week ago with an older fellow, they awoke molested. Taking only that which might beginning the ghoulish feast. Roads and one morning with the companion gone, with assist in sustaining the inner man, the lad trails there were none; only congested paths him the lad's new shoes, his little supply of probably needed the seine more than the through the jungle. Outfits became confused money, his one blanket. Handouts were rightful owners. and mixed up; officers lost their commands; meagre and grudging, the country folk wary; Neither expected to see the youth again, commands lost their officers. Such orders it was rather late in the season for the type, but the workings of fate are ever strange. as were dispatched often did not reach the besides the youth of the lad proved a hin­ Several years later, the younger of our two proper officer or unit; confusion and uncer­ drance rather than an aid, the majority sportsmen, accoutered in the trappings of a tainty reigned supreme. And still men con­ suspiciously refusing to believe he was that United States soldier, lay in a steaming trop­ tinued to die. which he professed to be. Slipping through ical jungle far away from his Pennsylvania A few hundred yards away from our friend here the evening before at twilight and dis­ home. All around him crouched other men lay a volunteer regiment later to become covering the suckers swimming about in the attired either in the khaki of the volunteer famous in American history; the second in race, they made camp. Turnips and potatoes or the blue of the regular; some of them command, in full charge today, was yet to prepared without salt, pepper or meat formed quietly patiently enduring, others fumbling be a President of the United States. The the evening meal; turnips and potatoes fur­ rifle locks or nervously polishing already plight of the Americans became more critical; nished breakfast. Until a half hour past, gleaming bayonets. Up above on the hill, it was safer to inch up the hill toward the dinner had succeeded most successfully in the ragged line could see little figures in Don rather than remain a target of his bullets eluding the wanderers. white darting about; from thence came the at the jungle edge. A venturesome few of Curiosity satisfied and vanity mellowed by spiteful crack of the Mauser, followed by the the enlisted men worked out and upward on the act of charity, our friends prepared to humming whine of bullets, accompanied the incline; immediately the Spaniard began search for the precious bass bait, minnows. every now and then by a dull sickening thud, to feel the sting of American rifle fire; others Now minnows were never plenty in the cold signifying that another homesick Yankee boy in khaki and blue joined in the movement waters of the creek that a few miles above had likely received a free ticket to fame's and the Krag-Jorgensens spat more viciously offered safe haven for brook trout. A likely eternal camping ground, the bivouac of the now. An iron jawed officer, wearing spec­ contributing factor to the scarcity of bait fish dead. tacles, rushed out in front of the volunteer were the many large smallmouth bass lurking The suspense was well nigh unendurable; regiment, turning once to glance down the in the rocky channels. too costly to remain inactive, no orders to tense expectant battle line, and waved his advance. Men were being hit in ever in­ hat. The boyish bugler dogging the officer's The little stranger proved an anxious and steps raised a battered service trumpet to willing helper in the search, displaying an creasing number; the wounded suffering in the intense humidity and heat piteously lips, and the charge blared out on the torrid avid interest in the manipulation of the two (Continued on Page 16) handled seine. After possibly forty-five min­ called for water; some, the more crazed by utes effort, the trio succeeded in corraling an exceptional assortment of big four inch chubs. Refusing the lad permission to join the hunting foray and cautioning him not to fool around with the bucket of precious bait fish, the two sportsmen retired to the forest primeval for several hours with the shotgun prior to nightfall. Meeting only with indifferent success the hunters returned at twilight and made their way to the rock cleft in quest of the little wanderer and the minnows. No sign of boy or dog. Thinking perhaps the lad had gone over to the creek and noticing a bright fire burning, our friends hurried in that direction. From the fireside came a good natured hail: "Who's there? That you, Bill?" Approaching the fire, the would-be fishermen discovered several natives doing a little nocturnal wood chopping, raiding a fallen bee tree under the haven of falling darkness. Still no sign of the boy. Asking if the lad had been sighted, the first speaker remarked: "You mean that crazy little tramp? Hell, the last we saw of him he was cooking minnows in a bait bucket. Said he and the dog were going to eat the damn things cold, heads and all. Packed those blamed sardines between layers of leaves in the bucket and headed down the road along about sundown. Had a darn nice bucket and seine; wasn't yours was it, Bill?" So that was the payoff? The lad they be­ friended not only ate their lunch, but also the bait. And the little wanderer took the means of procuring more bait right along with him, even if it had been possible to obtain a fresh supply in the darkness, which it wasn't. No doubt the boy intended to do a little fishing on the way south, not with hook and line, nor even with bare hands, but 8 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLEK NOVEMBER FISH PREDATORS Sensible Control Measures for Enemies of Fish Life Are Essential By ALEX P. SWEIGART

T MAY be said without exaggeration that Fish Eating Birds and Animals I Pennsylvania today has more fishermen Of the creatures that prey on fish, birds in proportion to available mileage of fishable perhaps are the least harmful as a group in water than any other state in the union. Pennsylvania. Of those already mentioned, This concentration of sport fishermen has the great blue heron is very adept at taking served to complicate the fishing situation fish but this bird is not abundant enough to perhaps more than any other factor. So cause concern. It is protected by Federal greatly does the demand exceed the supply Law as is the osprey or fish hawk, one of the in most fishing areas that waters capable of most picturesque birds in flight frequenting peak production of fish life from the angle our water courses. The osprey, wheeling of flow, cover and forage are literally fished gracefully above a stream flat, is a picture of to death. We might note in this connection power and rhythm on its hunting course, that the number of streams of this type in broken suddenly by its stoop for prey. It Pennsylvania today is exceedingly small, in drops like a plummet toward the water and fact, "peak production" streams may be said so great is the force of its fall that it fre­ to be the exception rather than the rule. It is quently may be submerged momentarily be­ apparent, when we consider the concentra­ neath the surface. We once saw a fish hawk tion of fishermen on available waters, that on the Juniata River, near Lewistown, Mifflin sentiment at the present time favors strong County, strike into a fish so heavy that it More study is needed as to the food habits of measures toward elimination of factors tend­ was barely able to wing above the water for the salamander or waterdog. ing to reduce fish populations. Insofar as this a distance of perhaps one hundred feet be­ bass, although, of course, it does not hesitate applies to natural predators on fish life, con­ fore starting to gain altitude. The fish struck to strike the latter when opportunity offers. trol measures should be dictated by a study on this occasion was a carp that must have The little green heron is a shore wader and of prevailing conditions on different waters weighed at least eight pounds. Close view of varies its diet of fish with toads, frogs, and and certainly they should not be entered into the osprey reveals a streamlined bird on lizards picked up along the shoreline, while with an idea of extermination in the back­ which the breast, head, neck and undersur- the hooded merganser is amazingly adept in ground. faces are grayish white, with the upper por­ following and taking fish beneath the water Fish predators common to Pennsylvania tions of its body and head and pinion feath­ surface. waters at the present time may be grouped ers of the wings a dusky brown. Occurring on each side of the head is a dusky streak One can readily understand and sympathize under four major heads: (1) Fish eating with the efforts of naturalists to preserve bird birds, including the great blue heron, the and the breast feathers are lightly splotched with brown. The graceful blue heron and life along our waterways. The role played green heron, the belted kingfisher, the osprey by feathered predators in aiding nature to or fish hawk, and the hooded merganser, a the osprey are comparatively rare in Penn­ sylvania and certainly their presence on our maintain her balance on fishing waters is not fish eating duck; (2) Animals, the mink and to be dismissed lightly. otter for example; (3) Amphibians, outstand­ waterways lends atmosphere to the angler's day astream. Fish eating animals such as the mink and ing of which is the salamander, commonly otter may be dismissed from consideration called hellbender or waterdog, and (4) Rep­ Of the other birds included in the group, simply because they are sufficiently rare that tiles, notably the common watersnake, snap­ the belted kingfisher may be said to be fairly their incursions are of minor consequence. ping turtle and soft shell turtle. While the plentiful. Studies conducted as to its food last mentioned group ranks as a major con­ habits would indicate that much of its forage Amphibians sideration from the angle of control, some consists of minnows and other forage fishes While, in this group, the bullfrog will, when discussion should be given to the other three. rather than game fishes such as the trout and occasion permits, take fish, the outstanding predator among the amphibians is the sala­ mander or waterdog. A study of stomach contents conducted on waterdogs by A. B. Champlain, entymologist for the Department of Agriculture, revealed that many crayfish were included in the diet of this ugly stream denizen. The waterdog, occasionally achiev­ ing a length of 30 inches in Pennsylvania, is " a nocturnal feeder, doing its foraging at night or when streams in which it occurs are ex­ tremely muddy. This tendency alone prob­ ably accounts for the large number of cray­ fish taken, and since these crustaceans rank as our most vital bass forage, an abundance of salamanders in our better bass waters is to be regarded as definitely undesirable. Further study as to its possible spawn de­ stroying tendency is needed. Reptiles Of these predators, the most voracious and deadly is the snapping turtle. Equally adept at taking fish is the soft shell turtle occurring in a few waters in northwestern counties. Both are to be ranked as outstanding enemies to fish life, but because they are not so abundant as the watersnake in most streams Ace reptilian predator on fish life in Pennsylvania is the snapping turtle. This big fellow, and lakes, the latter must be reckoned fish weighing 19% pounds, was caught in Chickies Creek, near Manheim, Lancaster County, by Charles Martzall of Manheim. enemy number 1 in Pennsylvania. 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 9

Of trout eggs deposited naturally, it has been estimated by competent fish authorities that perhaps not ten per cent ever are hatched because of silt and other unfavorable stream conditions. Of vital significance in control of fish and game is the sportsman. Insofar as game fish are concerned, we have observed during the past ten years amazing improvement in tackle for the taking of cold water species such as the trout, and warm water gamesters includ­ ing the bass. Gut leaders, improved artificial flies for trout and light casting lures with vastly improved action have aided the ar­ tificial lure fisherman in his sport. The This watersnake has just taken a good size trout. number of skilled fly fishermen and bait casters has undoubtedly been increased by a general rule in cornering and fastening to production of better rods, lines and casting the fish. Instances are on record of the find­ reels at reasonable cost. It is only fair to ing of from six to 10 trout in the stomach assume that the tendency for greater skill and of a watersnake. effectiveness in taking fish on rod and line This agile reptile must also be ranked a will grow from year to year, and that the major natural enemy to trout over legal six annual catch of game fish in our waters will Flat rocks are favorite sunning places for the inch size that have just been stocked. Until increase accordingly. common watersnake. these fish raised under hatchery conditions While control of the watersnake has been The range of the watersnake in Pennsyl­ become acclimated to their changed environ­ stressed during the past seven years, meas­ vania includes both trout and warm water ment, the watersnake is very often capable ures advocated have centered about keeping streams. It is an extremely adept reptile in of taking many of them. A snake of medium the snake population on hard fished streams taking trout, particularly during periods of size, owing to the peculiar ease with which within reasonable bounds. As a matter of low clear water on our mountain and meadow it may expand its jaws, may swallow without fact, it is ridiculous to assume that even streams, a condition that has prevailed during much difficulty a 9 or 10 inch trout. While under intensive hunting the number of the summer months virtually since 1930. not so numerous generally on trout streams watersnakes could be reduced to the point of Instinctively timid fish, trout when alarmed as it is on warm water streams and lakes, the extermination. Characteristics and environ­ often seek protection beneath an overhanging usual size of trout waters must be considered. mental conditions on most waters frequented bank, a submerged log or a rock. The water­ Even though a smaller number of snakes may by this predator favor it exceedingly. Pro­ snake in its hunting is quick to take advan­ be present on a meadow or mountain stream, tective coloration causes it to blend almost tage of this trout tendency. Gliding into a they make serious inroads on the trout pop­ perfectly with its surroundings, the birth rate pool, it often follows its quarry to the place ulation during low water periods. is high, mature females frequently bearing of shelter and experiences little difficulty as On warm water streams and lakes, forage from 25 to 40 live young, and finally, it is one fishes and suckers constitute a heavy per­ of our most active and agile snakes. centage of the watersnake's kill. We have It would seem that a major portion of the stressed in the past the vital importance of an defense of any destroyer of wildlife rests in abundance of minnows, stone catfish and the argument that, when fish and game were other forage fishes in game fish areas. Shin­ most abundant, these same predators existed ers, chubs, fallfish, other species of minnows in far greater number than they do at the and stone catfish are secured by the water­ present time. At first fiance, this argument snake in large numbers. Bullhead catfish and might appear logical. But is it? Have not suckers also are taken frequently. It has been two factors entered under modern conditions observed on streams where the stone catfish which completely alter the perfect picture of occurs that this species is subjected to heavy primitive "balance of nature"? Let us con­ inroads by the watersnake. Stone catfish are sider these two altering factors—radically by nature roily water or night feeders, changed environment and an increasingly usually lurking beneath rocks or other cover heavy kill of fish and wildlife by modern during the day in periods of clear water. It fishermen and hunters, equipped with highly is comparatively easy for the watersnake to specialized tackle, shotgun and rifle. corner these forage fish and seize them. Radical changes have occurred during the Because our forage fishes are being sub­ past century in environmental conditions jected to heavy inroads by game fishes such under which fresh water fish life must exist. as the bass, pickerel and wall-eyed pike in In highly industrialized states, stream pollu­ addition to the drain being placed upon their tion is a major limiting factor. Cutting of number for live bait purposes, this tendency the forests on their drainage areas and in­ of the watersnake constitutes its greatest tensive cultivation of the soil have drastically menace on warm water fishing areas. By affected many of our trout streams, making way of illustrating the competition for live them subject not only to disastrous flood and forage by game fishes, let us turn to Lake drought but to the damaging influence of Wallenpaupack in Pike and Wayne Counties. sediment and silt washed into them. These This famous inland fishing ground affords changes have come with the development of two outstanding varieties of fish life, if we Pennsylvania into a great industrial, mining except their own young and the young of and agricultural Commonwealth. other species, upon which the protected game Changed environment also has seriously fishes may prey, the young of the yellow curtailed the productivity of our waters in­ perch and the golden shiner. Competing for sofar as reproduction of the various species this food supply are the adult perch, the of fishes is concerned. The sucker, for ex­ small mouth bass, the largemouth bass, the ample, running upstream in a smaller tribu­ wall-eyed pike, the bluegill sunfish, and the tary to its home water to spawn may find its rock bass. Of course, the young of the An all time record in number of young was set sucker, bullhead catfish and sunfish furnish Way blocked by a dam. In the frequently by this giant watersnake killed at Kerchner's fast and hish water at the base of the struc­ Mill at Lenhartsville by William Dannenhauer some food, but the brunt of the entire sea­ and Russ Smith. An old female, measuring 50 son's feeding, because it is of most suitable ture, the adult fish are forced to deposit their inches in length, it was found to contain 67 eggs with subsequent loss of most of them. young, according to John Ott o'f Lenhartsville. (Continued on Page 19) 10 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER NOVEMBER THOUGHTS AT A FISH FRY By C GORDON KRIEBLE

HE sound of excited shouting and inter­ T mittent laughter brought a strange si­ lence to the usual morning babble of woods voices. Frogs crouched in awkward positions along the lake shore, fearful of being trod upon and not a turtle dared assume his place on a log for his customary sunbath. People and boats seemed everywhere as the Georgia folks heralded the first day of the fishing season with holiday abandonment and a swishing of lines. Many of the men folks arrived at the lake the night before and gathered in little groups around bright fires to talk and doze impa­ tiently until midnight. At the stroke of twelve (or there abouts) the fishing began. In the blackness of a swamp night fishing was a messy sport but no one seemed to mind. A "frog" owl looking down on the nocturnal activities had hooted his dislike for the disturbance and then flown away on silent wings. The pale light of dawn, filtering down thru the dense foliage of great trees, lighted the way for early morning arrivals and disclosed increased activity on the part of the night fishermen. Singly and in little groups they emerged into the clearing, back from the lake shore, to rekindle the night fires and place great iron frying pans over the glittering blazes. Deep fat was soon hot and fish, rolled The soft shell turtle abounds throughout the swamp country and is so named for its in corn meal, were plunged into the pans. leatherlike shell. The periscope nose on this 18 pound turtle comes in handy, according A tantalizing aroma filled the clearing and to the writer. stirred late comers to an increased pace as they unlashed long bamboo poles from their My hands itched to grip a light bamboo attempted to lift the "mud" off the bottom cars or paused to inquire "How air they rod that would bend nearly double under the by sheer force would have been fatal to the bitin'?" Great strings and bags of fish mute­ strong, stubborn fight of a mudfish (bowfin), light tackle. Each sulking period was cli­ ly testified they were " 'bitin' right smart" one that would force me to pay-out line time maxed with a mad rush to the surface and and sent anxious feet down the pathway to after time before he was subdued. I yearned each rush was unpredictable. the lake. for the powerful run of a bigmouth bass and Just when it seemed the fish should be Prompted by the curiosity any Pennsyl­ the thrill of the uncertainty of a splashing exhausted it managed to exceed all expecta­ vania fisherman might experience in such a leap and a brief slack in the line. tions in violence, until, at last, it acknowl­ strange, bountiful fisherman's paradise we I knew my weakness for fishing and I re­ edged defeat and turned "belly up". moved among the friendly groups of late fused to tempt my self restraint by purchas­ It is difficult to say who enjoyed the battle comers and followed them to the lake. ing a license. I had returned to this paradise, the most for at its completion we all relaxed Some, we saw, preferred to fish from boats with my little party, to photograph its myriad by freely lavishing praise on the fighting while others chose the banks or were too late of wildlife and not to lapse into a "fishing qualities of the fish when it was given a to get a boat. The fish showed little prefer­ coma." chance to battle light weight tackle. It was ence for one line or bait over the other. A friend of ours was drifting slowly up the not the largest "mud" we had ever seen but Earthworms and crawfish were the most lake toward where we were sitting. He was 7% pounds of fish on a light outfit can and popular baits but cut-bait and "catawba using an 8% foot steel rod, a level wind reel does provide a lot of sport. worms" were no less effective. Little was and a light line, the only tackle of its kind The aroma of frying fish grew stronger attempted in the way of artificial lures. on the lake that morning. Our eyes, green and more tempting as pan after pan was The nine to twelve foot bamboo poles were with envy, followed his every move. As he filled to capacity by the little crowds in the predominate and the line attached to each neared a point less than twenty feet from clearing and we wandered back along the pole seldom exceeded the length of the pole shore he glanced up and smiled a smile of path to watch the culinary activities. Gene­ itself. A rod and reel outfit could hardly be sympathetic understanding. In that instant rosity was the keynote of a fish fry and each called a curiosity but such a "rig" was looked things began to happen. Deep in the dark party offered us choice bits of fish as we upon by many with a certain amount of dis­ waters a "man-size" fish had grasped the stopped to chat. approval. bait and started, with a grim determination, The festival spirit dominated the scene but The morning light was still too weak for for still deeper water. somehow I couldn't bring myself to enter into us to begin any photographic work so we sat Judging from the strike and run it was the mood wholeheartedly. It seemed unreal, and watched, with critical eyes, as fish after likely to be a big "mud" and with the care as tho I was living in the long forgotten past. fish was landed or lost. Something inside of and skill of a veteran Luke set the hook Men and boys crouched or stood around the me seemed to revolt against the methods I firmly and the battle was on. No words at my fires eating fried fish from their fingers, just was witnessing. It seemed almost primitive command could begin to tell the story of the as I was doing. There were no plates or to bait a hook and swing a short line to the next nine and one half minutes. At times it forks or other foods, just fish. water wait a few minutes for a bite and then seemed some part of the tackle had to break That was it—just fish—fish everywhere I jerk a fish out of water without any finesse under the old "mud's" furious rushes but looked. I hesitated to estimate the numbers whatsoever. Only the larger fish were cap­ each time that calamity was skillfully that had already been caught. Huge strings able of forcing a brief play and once hooked avoided. During the long sulking periods of fish—bags of fish—tubs of fish! It didn't on stout tackle their play was all too short. nerves were tried to their utmost. To have seem possible. These people were enjoying 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 11

a primeval abundance of fish in the 20th century. I decided to try to learn something of their feelings in regard to this finny lux­ uriance. "How's luck?" or "How are they bitin'?" brought quite unexpected replies "No good!" "Kinda poorly!" These replies were generally elaborated on while we nibbled the fish they offered us. Each story strongly resembled the other and usually began, "Why Ah re­ member when Ah was a young 'un we all'd hitch up the horse (or mule) an' drive down here an' do some real fishin' with a seine. We'd git a couple o'barrels o' fish without no trouble a'tall." Some of these stories may have been slightly exaggerated but in effect they matched perfectly. Today a small group of fishermen considered a wash tub full of fish a poor haul, even tho the catch consisted of more fish than the combined families of the group could consume in any one day. Yes— it would be a poor haul compared to the hun­ dreds of pounds of fish they might have

14 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER NOVEMBER

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STANLEY ZJM8A, EXPERT H-WIUIAM SHANER, SEC­ HOWELL I.DIETHRICH.OF j PLUG CASTER AND WELL RETARY OF THE ASSOC­ THE LOWER MERION ROD KNOWN BIG GAME FISHER­ IATION OF SURF ANGUNG AND GUN CLUB. MAN. CLUBS. j feats with rod and reel performed by Bow­ Hobart Lavin of the Dover Fishing Club and the Greater Philadelphia Pageant several man, Vollum, Lentz and other Dover Casters George DeGorgue of the Pennsylvania Fish years ago. The announcing was later taken during the current tournament season. So, and Game Protective Association finished over by H. W. Shaner, Secretary of the Asso­ if Ab-A-Da-Ba casters wanted to be on the well up among the leaders. ciation of Surf Angling Clubs, who in the map this year, they had better go down and Among the "salties" a close race has been course of events introduced a number of meet these phenomenal lead tossers on their run this year by Ralph Bowman of the Dover guests prominent in angling circles. own grounds. Fishing Club and Harry Faske of Trenton, The tournament was one of the finest ever Arriving at the field they were greeted by New Jersey, for honors in the Association of staged in this vicinity. A strong cross-wind groups of casters from Long Island, Margate, Surf Angling Clubs. Up to this time Ralph which prevailed throughout the day pre­ Belmar, Ventnor, Trenton, Atlantic City, was leading Harry by the close margin of vented any new records from being made. Wildwood, Ocean City, Wilmington, Balti­ three points. However, by taking first place However, all of the contestants were in good more and many other sporting centers in both of the distance surf events Bowman form and the close competition for high throughout the East. Perfect weather pre­ came through with the 1940 championship, honors kept the spectators thrilled right up vailed for the twentieth successive "Dover making his third successive year. W. H. Davis to the last minute. The results of the events Day" in as many years. That's a record of of the Ab-A-Da-Ba Surf Club pushed the were as follows: some kind or other, and since records are in champion pretty hard for both the average line at Dover tournaments the weather man and the longest cast. He succeeded in taking Plug Casting Events decided to make one. Or, maybe he's a fish­ second honors for the day. 3/8 ounce plug for accuracy: 1st, tie be­ erman. Huh? A special juvenile event attracted twenty- tween Bill Schmidt of Wilmington and Ho­ This year's contest attracted extra attention seven youthful casters ranging from nine to bart Lavin of the Dover Club; 3rd, Bill Derr, due to the Dover Fishing Club's remarkable fifteen years of age. These youngsters com­ Holmesburg. Score 85. 5/8 ounce plug for victory in the Ocean City Cup Event last peted for some very fine prizes. A number accuracy: 1st, Sam Wilhelm, Wilmington; August when they set a new record for "all of them were products of the Dover Fishing 2nd, Howard Milligan, Wilmington; 3rd, time" surf casting in the Association of Surf Club's juvenile casting classes held through­ George DeGourgues, Pennsylvania Fish and Angling Clubs. Two large rectangular courts out the past summer. A complete description Game Association. Score 94. 5/8 ounce plug over 500 feet long were kept busy with the of these classes was given in the July issue for distance: 1st, Tony Pyler, Belmar, New distance surf events during the entire day of PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER. At the conclusion Jersey; 2nd, Barney Berlinger, Pennsylvania while a special surf accuracy court was a big of this event the National Boy's Champion­ Fish and Game Ass'n; 3rd, Joseph Hirsch, attraction. Plug casting with both the 3/8 ship Medal was awarded to Bob Eagles of Dover Fishing Club. Distance 266 feet, 3 ounce and 5/8 ounce plugs kept nearly a Belmar, New Jersey. The presentation was inches. 5/8 ounce plug novelty event: 1st, hundred bait casting enthusiasts busy with made by President Charles Vollum of the Hobert Lavin, Dover Fishing Club; 2nd, distance, accuracy, and novelty events. Association of Surf Casting Clubs. Bob is a Stanley Zimba, Holmesburg; 3rd, Al Pitt- Tony Pyler of Belmar, New Jersey, ran protege of Fred Eyers, who for several years man, Trenton, New Jersey. Score 47. away with the 5/8 ounce distance event, has conducted a juvenile casting school in making a cast of 266 feet, 3 inches. The next Belmar similar to that of the Dover Fishing Surf Casting Events highest in this event was Barney Berlinger, Club. Average of three casts with 4 ounce lead: the Philadelphia caster who has been clean­ The youngest caster in competition was 1st, Ralph Bowman; 2nd, Walter H. Davis; ing up around this territory with his plug nine year old Jim Wechsler, of Ventnor, 3rd, Lawrence Guarina. Distance 475 feet, casting during the past season. Barney was New Jersey. Jim took the honors in the 5 inches. Longest of three casts with 4 ounce handicapped by sticking to that "nine pound Class "B" boy's event for longest casting by lead: 1st, Ralph Bowman; 2nd, W. H. Davis; test" rule recently adopted by the N. A. A. achieving a distance of 116 feet. 3rd, Harry Faske. Distance 492 feet, 7 inches. C. C. If he had taken advantage of the Dover W. Ward Beam of the host club kept some Accuracy cast with 4 ounce lead at unknown policy to encourage tournament equipment five hundred guests interested by announcing distance: 1st, Frank Young; 2nd, John Ma- he might have added considerable footage to the events in their regular order. His steady lone; 3rd, Dave Obshatkin. Score 5. his 216 feet, 10 inches. Joe Hirsch of the stream of balderdash mixed up with some Dover Club finished in third place with 168 snappy comments on the different contestants Juvenile Events feet. was very entertaining, particularly to the Average of three casts: 1st, Bob Eagles; The Wilmington Casters took high honors ladies. Ward will be remembered as the fa­ 2nd, George Lentz; 3rd, Al Breman. Dis­ in all the Plug Accuracy events although mous impersonator of Sir Isaac Walton in tance 351 feet. Longest of three casts: 1st, 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 15

Michael Coffee; 2nd, Bob Eagles; 3rd, George trip in 1938, when we went to Boiling Springs TIADIGHTON CLUB NOW Lentz. Distance 392 feet, 5 inches. for the opener. It is a big spring covering ESTABLISHED About 5:30 P. M., there was quite a com­ a couple of acres and full of both trout and Organization of the Tiadighton District motion among the spectators as patrolman food. It is tricky fishing and often, while Sportsmen's Association was launched by 30 O'Day jumped up from a comfortable park hundreds of trout are rising, no one is catch­ men from Cedar Run, Antes Fort, Slate Run, bench, where he had been sitting all day, ing them. Jersey Mills, Salladasburg, Avis, Larryville and yelled, "Hey, I gotta go on duty at six Later that day I got into a rise of rainbows and this place, meeting at the Jersey Shore o'clock and ain't had no sleep. So long! See running about 14 inches in size. I took 10 Y. M. C. A. ya next year." in quick succession and released them all. Charlie was walking along the bank a short Purpose of the group will be directing distance away and saw two fellows taking efforts toward securing more fish and game WHY BOTHER! their rods apart, apparently disgusted. When for streams and wooded areas in the district, he asked them why they were quitting, they co-operating with the Department of Fisher­ (Continued from Page 3) pointed at me and said—"What in He— is he ies in conserving forests and streams, and fishing for if he doesn't want the fish? They seeking assistance from farmers in the area to take hold. This year the number of fly for opening additional lands for sportsmen. and plug casters has increased beyond all ain't bitin' for us and we'll be d—d if we'll One of the first moves, officials said, will expectations. The use of bait is dying fast sit here and watch him pull 'em in and put be to direct a drive against illegal trapping, and should almost disappear in a few more 'em back!" And home they went. allegedly being done in the district. years. Others, however, took a more sensible view Named to an executive board to serve for You may ask, how was it done? The of the matter. They realized that if artificials the ensuing year were: Lewis Huff, chair­ answer is simple. Charlie, Don, Bob, Lou were better than bait, then they would use man; Robert Smith, Frank L. Schoendorfer, and others first proved to a few that they them too. So they asked questions, took all of Jersey Shore; Leonard Heller, Avis, could catch more and bigger fish by using notes and later became fly addicts. and Arnold Sundburg, Jersey Shore, who artificials. They took them onto the Sus­ Putting fish back in the water is only one was designated as secretary-treasurer. quehanna and caught bass and wall-eyes of the ways the use of artificials can help Additional members will be added as the (salmon to the natives) easier and bigger conservation. We must conserve not only membership from the various outlying com­ than the others had ever seen. The others fish but their food. It's just as foolish to munities accumulates. tried it and it worked for them. The story take the food out of the water in which there Plans were formulated for a concentrated spread fast and today these sportsmen are are fish as to put fish in water where there 3-week membership drive, opening today. designing their own flies and plugs and is no food. Yet for years we have been At the end of the time, another session will getting a thrill out of their fishing which they doing both with the full consent of our law be held and officers will be elected and by­ never did before. They hold casting tourna­ makers. laws adopted. Tentative by-laws were dis­ ments and make hundreds of dollars with One of the big steps forward needed in cussed at the meeting. One provides mem­ which they stock their streams. conservation is to stop the taking of bait food bership is open to members of other sports­ These are just ordinary fishermen. They from our waters and, instead, to start stock­ men groups, but such members will not be had one idea—to catch all the fish they ing the waters with food as well as fish. If eligible to hold office. could—the same as you and I. Now many necessary, bait fishing should be prohibited Organization of the group was said to have of them never bring home a fish, others only by law. Not that it could be done now—the been the result of seven years of effort try­ a selected few. In some sections they have bait fishermen would raise such a howl that ing to secure more consideration for the area. laws voted by the club members limiting the politician would have to find an air raid the trout catch to two fish not less than 10 shelter. inches long. The state limit is 10 fish, 6 There is a better way to do it. Start an Moved by Hollowood, seconded by Secoy. inches or over. educational campaign that will show the that the Secretary telegraph the Governor They are a great bunch of fellows and it's fisherman that he can catch more and bigger relative as to why the vacancies on the Fish a real pleasure to be among them. I have fish on artificials. That is the only reasoning and Game Commissions were not appointed. opened the last three trout seasons with that will appeal to him. After he is converted The reply to be published in the United them and had the time of my life, averaging to that idea, let nature take its course. Once Press. Motion carried. around 30 trout each opening day, of which having used artificials and been relieved of Moved by Van Cleve, seconded by Secoy, I have kept about 2 that were injured. This the arduous task of obtaining and keeping that a committee be appointed to publish the year (1940) my largest was a 17% inch, 2% bait and the mess of handling it, and re- reply from the Governor. Motion carried. pound rainbow; the smallest about 8 inches, baiting constantly, the ease of handling the The Committee—I. G. Moyer, Greensburg; the average from 10 to 13 inches, browns artificials, the better results and longer sea­ J. K. Van Cleve, Waynesburg; Robert C. and rainbows. The big rainbow was tagged sons will keep him from ever returning to Yake, Youngwood. and we took it to another section of the bait fishing. When that happens, he will be Yellow Breeches and released it. That night, glad to have the law passed but then it won't on the radio, I told of its release and offered be needed. PYLE SPEAKER AT STRASBURG to give an autographed fish book to the one Who caught and reported it to the Board of So it is up to us—not to belittle bait fish­ More than sixty persons attended the first Fish Commissioners, who backed the offer. ing nor to preach conservation—but to show fall meeting of the Strasburg Sportsmen's As­ A couple of weeks later the fish was caught how much better and easier fishing with sociation held in the I.O.O.F. Club rooms in but not reported. It is too bad that fisher­ artificials really is. Don't harp on putting Massasoit Hall. men are afraid of tagged fish and don't report fish back but on how they can catch more. Horace Pyle, Fish Warden, spoke on the them. We need more publicity to show our Play them along on that lure and they will propagation of bass, and of the work being sportsmen that they would be helping the take it, hook, line and sinker. After that done at the State hatcheries. Jarvis Mc- Cannon, State game warden for Chester authorities by reporting tagged fish and game, conservation will take care of itself. that there is nothing to be afraid of. county, gave an interesting talk on game con­ Don't try it on the old flea-bitten fisher­ ditions. Dr. Stanley H. Hackman showed a I mention these opening days because each man, he's too hard a nut to crack. Start reel of motion pictures taken of his recent time we fished side by side with a larger in with the young ones. Form sportsmen's fishing trip into Canada. number of bait fishermen, of whom some and conservation clubs in the schools. Teach Were having no luck at all. Their reactions them how to tie flies and make artificials of to our fishing, our luck and the releasing all kinds and how to use them. They will ANNUAL FISH FRY AT TARENTUM never become bait fishermen. If you were of the trout were typical of those who do not Upward of 100 men of Tarentum and a Use the artificials nor understand our view- to ask them why, they would say—"What— number of visitors attended the annual fish Point. Yet some of them have since tried go to all that fuss and bother when I can fry and monthly meeting of the Tarentum them out, due to our success, and are now have more fun with flies? I should say not!" Sportsmen's Club held in the Malta Hall. the ones who are releasing their fish. They would be right. Why bother when The first part of the meeting was given The funniest reaction came on my first you don't have to! (Turn to Next Page) 16 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER NOVEMBER

over to a discussion of club business. In­ cluded in this were the reports of the various -.-* committees of the club. Among the items discussed was a report on the planting of plots for feed and cover for small game with a special mixture of grain developed by the State Game Commission. A quantity of this mixture was on hand and was later dis­ tributed to the members to be planted this spring. A report was also given on propaga­ tion work in which it was stated that there had been distributed within the last few weeks game from the Game Commission and fish from the Fish Commission. One of the members asking if the club was still paying bounty on certain kinds of hawks he was told that it was. Bounty is also being paid on crows, one dollar being paid for every 12 pairs of legs. A special bounty will also be paid on crows after September 1 on certain crows which will be caught and tagged with bands. A number of visitors, game and fish protec­ tors and others were in attendance. Those who spoke were Roy Burns, Butler County game protector; Mr. Ellington, fish protector; Mr. Reed, Westmoreland County game pro­ tector; Clyde King, Apollo, member of the Armstrong Sportsmen's League and J. F. Mc- Courtesy New Kensington Dispatch Sportsmen from New Kensington and other western Pennsylvania cities, nearly 200 strong, Kean, of New Kensington, member of the attended a birthday party honoring J. Fred McKean, popular member of the Fish Commission, State Board of Fish Commissioners. Each from New Kensington. Extending best wishes to Commissioner McKean are Guy B. Saxton of spoke on the phase of fish or game work in Mt. Lebanon and Ed Hudson of Brownsville, members of the committee which arranged the affair. which he was most interested. A very generous serving of fish sandwiches punkies appear in force, an immediate re­ species, common in the South Mountains of with extras was served those who had bought treat in good order is highly advisable, but this State, which is known as the little horse tickets at the close of the business and speak­ a retreat anyhow becomes imperative, as fly which bites as hard but does not produce ing part of the meeting. nothing seems to faze this insect, which is the warning buzz of the bigger ones. The meeting was concluded with the show­ no more impeded by screens than is a fish by ing of several reels of moving pictures. * Examination of the article in the JOURNAL the water. of ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY referred to by Mr. Punkies breed in a variety of situations but Walton, indicates the trade name of this fly-dope to be "Fly-Way" which is advertised in prac­ mainly in very moist sand or soil. Some tically all sporting magazines at present.—Editor. SOME SORROWS OF THE species inhabit the foul water in tree holes, (To Be Continued) hollow stumps, moss, bark, dung, and even ANGLER in the flowing sap of trees. (Continued from Page 5) Although I have not heard that it has been PAID IN FULL tried, the modern lotion recommended for ried for distances by the wind. Their young mosquitoes would probably repel these little (Continued from Page 1) are strange looking leech-like creatures, which torments. air. As if by pre-arrangement, other line cling to silken nets submerged in the swiftest On calm, warm days during May, June, officers stepped out, a chorus of buglers parts of the stream. These young black and early July, some stretches of woodland joined in the din, and there was an audible flies are devoured in large numbers by the streams teem with hordes of yellowish or sigh of relief all along the line. smaller brook trout and other fishy inhabi­ dusky biting flies about the size of the house tants of the streams. Maddened American doughboys were on fly. Their wings are banded and their eyes the charge; without regard to units they left The punkies, midges, or sand flies are the are dappled with golden spots; hence the the jungle lair and rushed out and up the very smallest of the true insects that com­ entomologist knows them as Chrysops or hillside. Pent up anxiety and hate at last monly attack the angler. It is said that a golden-eyed flies. But that is not the name gave vent to action; after the first rumbling punkie "has to stand twice in the same place the angler calls them when he is bitten in cheer few shouts were heard, few shots fired, before one can see it." The chigger is a dozen places. However, since his op­ the incline re-echoing only to the thud of smaller, as it takes sharp eyes to see one that probrious epithet for this pest is absent from many pounding feet and the laborious is motionless: this is not an insect, however, the printed vocabulary, and every angler breathing of the attackers. but a mite or spider-like creature regarding knows it anyway, its omission will sweeten Sporadic Spanish rifle fire heightened into which more will be said later. the page. In calmer moments the layman a roaring crescendo. Men fell in twos, threes, Tradition has it that the Indians call the knows these hard-biting insects as dog flies, and fours, some struggled to their feet and punkie by the appropriate name "no-see- deer flies, or pine flies. The first two names tried to go on, often to fall again with the um," but according to the Handbook of the doubtless have resulted from the observations second bullet. No one stopped to succor the North American Indians, the true Indian of hunters, and if these flies were polite wounded; each one only wanted to feel that name is "ponk" meaning "living ashes," be­ enough to confine their attacks to such sharp sliver of steel at his rifle point slip into cause of its hot bite. The word "punkie" is animals, angling would be more likely to re­ a white clad tormentor somewhere about the said to have originated with the Dutch of main the "gentle art" and profanity would belt buckle. New York, and its resemblance to the Indian languish. The Chrysops, however, like the Down went the standard bearer of a white name is perhaps a mere coincidence. Well, black flies, are not lacking some piscatorial militia outfit. Ere the colors touched the by whatever name you call him the punkie virtue for their brugs are aquatic and in due ground, a lanky bowlegged darky, no doubt can attract one's full and immediate atten­ season they furnish the trout with food in a regular from one of the colored cavalry tion whenever he arrives on the scene. He the form of plump, spindle-shaped larvae, regiments, snatched up the staff and waved is the living negation of the old saying that frequently found in their stomachs. his fellows on. In another moment or so, "good things always come in small parcels." Every country-bred boy knows the horse the black man too sagged to his knees, cough­ In fact, one is moved sincerely to thank kind flies and how "you can't fool 'em," but only ing up the stream of life in a crimson torrent. Providence that he is only a microscopic edi­ the angler knows what a pest some species Next a blond bare-headed kid. hardly out of tion of a carnivorous dinosaur. Where can be. Especially pestiferous is a little gray his middle teens, grabbed the flag and rushed 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 17

"Did you get him?" and slumped back limp and lifeless. It was the little waif of the wooded hill and our friend always wondered until his last day whether the dying lad meant the Spanish officer or the big bass of the long ago. Somehow or other the Pennsylvanian liked to believe it was the bass; that the last living moment to one of Yankeeland's bravest was tempered and cheered by a pleasant memory of an October day back in the distant homeland he was never again to see. On Fame's eternal camping ground, His silent tent is spread, And Honor guards with Glory round, The bivouac of the dead!

FISH PREDATORS (Continued from Page 9) size for consumption, must be borne by the golden shiner. Obviously, an extreme abun­ dance of shiners must be available if waters of this type are to continue to provide good fishing. Methods of Control During recent years, organized sportsmen in various sections of the state have been extremely active in conducting and sponsor­ ing campaigns for watersnake control. While in some instances, the sportsmen themselves Members of West Side Camp No. 231, U. S. Pa. at Larksville, assisting in stocking bass in have staged highly successful snake hunts in Harvey's Lake, Luzerne County. which the .22 rifle figured prominently, many of the campaigns were in the form of con­ tests for boys within specified age limits. onward. As the burial detail came to him his side. Bayonets jabbed, thrust, parried Bounties were given for snake heads (or hours later, he still tightly clenched bits of and came away dripping—three or four white tails, as the case may be) and frequently, the shattered staff in fingers forever numb. clad figures writhed or lay still on the at the end of the contest, fine prizes were Up and over the crest the avengers swept, ground. One a non-com discharged a service awarded to high scorers. Boys of school bayonetting the futile resistance as it wav­ revolver full at the chest of the man in blue, age generally spend a major portion of their ered and fled. Abreast of the surging weav­ and the regular sank to his knees, futilely time along accessible fishing waters during ing line ran our old time fisherman. Jump­ striving to close the spouting flood with the summer months when watersnakes are ing across the shallow entrenchment, he numbing fingers. Kneeling quickly, the most active and are therefore in an excellent found himself confronted with three or four Pennsylvanian tenderly stretched the dying position to aid in snake control. White clad figures, desperate and lunging lad on his back. Conscious and apparently Wire traps, with an opening at one end niadly with the bayonet. Disposing of one numb to pain, the boy smiled, then his eyes and slightly larger than standard size minnow and sorely beset by the remainder, our friend clouded in a puzzling questing gaze. Again traps, when submerged and baited with dead felt his time had come when suddenly a tall faintly smiling, dimming eyes brightening a baitfish, have also lured many watersnakes lean figure in the regular blue appeared at bit with sudden recognition, he whispered: to destruction. Perhaps the best time of the year to kill watersnakes is in late August when the adult females, just before bearing their young, have a tendency to become rather logey. At any rate, Pennsylvania in recent years has given increasing attention to control of this outstanding fish predator and results to date have been gratifying on many waters.

FISH ENTRIES FEW IN DAUPHIN CONTEST Up to September 13 but two bass had been entered in the bass fishing contest being con­ ducted by the Millersburg Hardware Co., and both these fish were caught the third week of the open season, in July. F. Park Camp­ bell's 20-inch, 3 pound 11 ounce smallmouth, caught July 14, was topped three days later by Palmer G. Brown's 19%-inch, 4 pound and Vz ounce smallmouth. No large fish have been caught by Millers­ burg anglers since, and few bass of any size have been reported. The Susquehanna has been in proper condition but several times since the opening of the bass season, July 1, and anglers, anticipating some real, early fall sport on the river were disappointed because of continued high and muddy water. The bass fishing contest remains open to all West Side camp members, one of the most active units in the United Sportsmen of Pennsylvania, releasing bass in Harvey's Lake, Luzerne County. anglers in Millersburg. 18 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER NOVEMBER

THOUGHTS AT A FISH FRY and larger pools. The two species of turtle Surely it is a more desirable future to an­ (Continued from Page 11) most unique in the eyes of our northern fish­ ticipate than the continuous restocking of fish ermen are the soft-shell or leather-back and life in barren streams whose uncertain water in bringing about this disastrous climax. Ac­ the alligator turtle, both of which grow to levels provide additional hazards to the ever cusing fingers were pointed promiscuously in enormous size. Alligators are returning to hazardous career of a fish and wherein a all directions and movements were under­ their place in the scheme of the swamp after MINIMUM of reproduction, under natural taken to prove the guilt of some one factor their numbers were sadly depleted by 'gator conditions, is GUARANTEED. that was responsible for this wholesale de­ hunters. Otters, too, are on the increase due struction. to the protection they are receiving under the Gradually the hysteria demanding prosecu­ Federal Refuge restrictions on hunting and tion of some responsible factor subsided and trapping. methods were proposed and tried in an effort TALL ONE, AND HOW! to reestablish, to some degree, the splendid Despite the terrific depredations so fre­ fishing conditions that were enjoyed by past quently attributed to these fish-eaters the A "Liar's Throne" has been established by generations. fish continue to thrive and spread their kind the Shippensburg Fish and Game Association. thru the inlets and outlets of the swamp The right to sit in the seat of honor at each Fish hatcheries were put in operation and accessible to fishermen. Despite the whole­ meeting of the association will be given to thousands upon thousands of fish were sale removal of fish by fishermen they con­ the member who concocts the best fish-y story. dumped into the remaining clear streams to tinue to be replaced by the endless advance At the close of the fishing season, the throne quiet the impatient cries for more fish and of finny legions. will become the property of the grand cham­ more fishing. Still something was lacking, pion Annanias. the program seemed incomplete. Restocking Here was a perfect working example of a acted more like a shot in the arm than a principle which this state might do well to Winner of the first opportunity to sit on the step toward a permanent cure. adopt if its restocking program is to ever throne was Herman Gruver with this story: provide the state with a maximum return. "A friend of mine went out to shoot fish A brilliant flash of gold passed close to my It is a principle with which I was familiar, face and assumed the pert figure of a pro- with a muzzle-loading rifle about twenty years the result of its having been proposed by ago. He ran out of bullets so he pulled some thonotary warbler as it perched on a nearby others, but never before had I chanced to twig. My thoughts were diverted once more nails from his pocket and shot at the fish with witness that principle in action—working— them. Well, he had forgotten all about that to the present by this bit of unexpected ac­ producing. Here it was—no questionable experience until a few days ago when he was tion. Vaguely, I began to grope for a solution theory awaiting to be proven but an ideal out fishing at the same spot, this time with to Pennsylvania's fishing problem by com­ feeding ground providing a perpetual supply hook and line. He got a bite, but couldn't paring her known conditions to those known of fish for all adjoining waters. pull in his fish. He waded out into the creek conditions of the strange seemingly unlimited This same principle can be applied to our to see what was the matter only to find that productivity of this lake. he had caught a catfish nailed fast to the large Obviously the essential element upon Pennsylvania waters by the establishment of root of a tree by a nail he had shot 20 years which the fish Utopia was dependent was closed sections of streams and lakes, in which ago." PURE water. Mother Nature had provided no fishing is permitted, and wherein every this necessity in abundance and fortunately effort is made to develop the natural aquatic man had had no cause (fancied or factual) plant growth to a maximum. This plant to contaminate this area. growth will serve, in our streams and lakes, FINE BASS TAKEN IN SCHUYLKILL Many times on trips into the deeper, more in the same capacity, tho not to the same remote parts of this great swamp we have degree, as did the plant growth in the swamp. The following large bass are among the plunged our canteens to arms length beneath From these highly developed areas the scores taken in Schuylkill County waters the surface and drank the cool dark water aquatic plants will spread their seeds and since the season started on July 1: without the slightest fear of contamination thereby scatter additional production areas Lincoln Machmer, of Pine Grove, has taken of any kind. thruout the stream or lake. A series of two twenty-inch bass in Sweet Arrow Lake, these feeding areas distributed at intervals each weighing between AV2 and 5 pounds. Where water of this degree of purity can Ralph Neidlinger, of Swatara Valley has to be found the microscopic form of water life along all streams whose waters are free of pollution would, I believe, prove to be a more date taken nine bass in Sweet Arrow Lake thrives and it is upon this microscopic life with the largest one weighing 5% pounds and the tiny fish depend. These tiny fish, the practical approach to the solution of our complex fishing problem than the increased being 21% inches long. Harry Good took a minnows and fry of larger species, serve to a smallmouth bass in Deer Lake weighing 4% great extent as food for the larger fish. The artificial propagation of fish and fish food which in the majority of cases are doomed pounds. The bass was 19% inches long and fry and others of this small fish group must, that is quite a bass for a smallmouth. if they are to perpetuate their kind, be pro­ to a short life span by the present lack of vided with an abundance of cover in which essential natural conditions. Warden Lech reports that scores of bass to elude their constant enemies, and here between 9 and 11 inches are taken in Sweet The establishment of these areas would Arrow Lake and Miller's Pond at Schuylkill vegetable growth plays an important part. In prove to be no small job and it would entail addition to providing a myriad of retreats for Haven. The bass in Miller's Pond originated the investment of considerable time and from stockings made from fish seined out cf the smaller fish this vegetable growth sup­ money. This plan, if properly fostered, ports a vast insect life which in turn serves dried up ponds in low water periods of other should gain the active cooperation of sports­ years. as additional fish food and too, these aquatic men thruout the state and thereby distribute plants provide a system of aeration so neces­ the burden of the task to many shoulders. It Most of the bass taken are hooked on night sary to sluggish waters. would require the expansion of the program crawler lures. Hundreds of crappie bass are in the catches being made daily. Sweet Arrow The exceptional abundance of aquatic plant now providing some of our streams with small dams and deflectors or the develop­ Lake is full of small bass under the legal size life in the swamp is undoubtedly an im­ which argues well for future fishing. The mensely important factor in the development ments of a new program to accomplish the warden also reports the bass anglers as a and maintenance of its fish population. Still same objective. Many additional details well behaved lot with no fish code violations nature in addition to providing avenues of would require attention but surely the ulti­ discovered to date. The bass anglers seldom escape for the fish over and above some pre­ mate return of the best fishing possible to our encounter trespass troubles and experience remaining clear streams would prove worthy determined number, has provided hordes of little land owner bothers since they fish almost of this investment of time, trouble and capital. exclusively in known public waters. natural enemies to help hold these fish in The accompanying flood control effect would, check. in itself, warrant these expenditures. Countless thousands of birds prey on the aquatic lifex>f the swamp. They range from Perhaps it is but a wild dream to picture eagles and ospreys to the widely diversified the shallows of our streams as a green pro­ Whales are close relatives of elephants, ac­ species of wading birds. Many kinds of water fusion of aquatic plant life—protected from cording to some authorities who have noted snakes thrive there in such numbers as would floods by deflectors and droughts by dams—to a resemblance between bristles—vestiges of probably bring an attack of apoplexy to some vision streams capable of maintaining greater ancestral fur—on some species of the aquatic of our Pennsylvania fishermen. Great num­ quantities of fish thru its abundance of na­ animals that indicate kinship with the pachy­ bers of fish eating turtles abound in the lakes tural foods and ample shelter. derms. 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 19

Question: Am thinking of trying fishing for the male fish, they are placed on hatching muskies in November. What waters would trays in troughs at the hatcheries with a you suggest here in the state as being good constant flow of water passing over them bets? How is November as a tnuskie month? during the period of incubation. Eggs of the —J. S. wall-eyed pike and sucker are hatched suc­ Answer: November ranks as one of the cessfully in hatching jars. very best months of the year for taking this giant game fish. Trolling with a good sized Question: I understand that a run of eels sucker, 10 inches or better, either sewed to occurs each fall in Pennsylvania waters. When Reckon November is jest erbout ez gude a the hook behind a swivel or alive, is an ex­ does this usually occur and where do they munth fer the feller who likes ter fish an' cellent method in muskie fishing. Plug fish­ spa-urn?—K. D. Y. hunt ez there is on the calandar. These here ing also may produce some strikes but in Answer: Old time eel wall fishermen often frosty mornins the pike is hittin' like the trolling a good idea is to keep the boat in used the term "the run starts when the leaves dickens an' ef a feller goes down ter the big slow motion just off the weed beds, according are heavy on the water," usually in October. river he kin ginerally git sum fun with the to Warden Bill Briggs, an expert Erie County It is believed that only one out of about 10 salmon. Along with huntin' squrrels an' muskie fisherman. Waters well worth your eels, all females in our waters, feels the turkey, semes like the days jest ain't long giving a try include Lake Le Boeuf at Water- spawning urge. When a raise in a stream enuf ter git in all the sport a feller ud like ford, Erie County, and Edinboro Lake at occurs, these fish seem to roll with the cur­ ter. Edinboro, Erie County. rent and it is at such times that heavy catches are made in the V-shaped walls with their I got me a duck stamp last yere an' ez the Question: While woodcock hunting on the wooden racks. Spawning ground for the eel boys hed bin sayin' thet they wuz a gude headwaters of a brook trout stream in the is believed to be in the Saragasso Sea and the bunch o' black ducks down ter the big river, central part of the state on opening day of adults die after spawning. It is also thought Joe Perkins 'n' me decided ter try our luck the woodcock season, October 16, I observed possible that the sexual organs of the eels fer ducks. Joe figgers mebbe it mite be a quite a few large brook trout on the spawn­ develop after entering salt water on the gude idear ter taik along our tackle jest in ing beds. They were the most beautifully spawning migration, perhaps brought on by case them ducks wuzn't flyin' too gude, so colored fish I ever saw. Wasn't this pretty the change from fresh to salt water. we traipses down the line with our trollin' early for spawning?—M.F. rigs an' guns. Answer: Not necessarily. The brookies Rite early in the mornin' it wuz purty blus­ may spawn at any time from October 1 to tery an' we kilt six mitey purty black ducks the latter part of November, apparently de­ by eround 10 o'clock. Then we rigged up pending somewhat upon the early or late LAUREL RUN DAM PROJECT the castin' rods with them June bug spinners setting in of autumn. Years ago, before the STARTED an' nite crawlers an' started ter row with the cutting of the timber, trout streams generally A dam project that will be a boon to Som­ boat over sum mitey deep an' gude lookin' carried a fairly constant temperature during erset County fish and fishermen was begun salmon water. Unnerstan' you calls them fish the year so that the charr or brook trout September 22 on Laurel Run, just below the walleye pike but we bin acallin' them salmon could be said to spawn on an even tempera­ widely acclaimed scenic Laurel Falls. fer so fur back thet it jest semes eround this ture of the water. Today, however, with neck o' the woods thet's the rite name fer Although only a mere handful of members drastic temperature variations the general 'em. of the Meyersdale Sportsmen's Association rule, the brook trout is regarded as a fish turned out to tackle the construction job, Ennyhow, Joe he wuz atrollin' and I wuz that spawns with falling water temperatures. work progressed steadily and the site is arowin' eround in a circle slowlike when Joe Question: Have occasionally noted ref­ almost ready for the building of a log, stone he sez, Jerry, by gorry, I reckon I'm fast ter erences to fish eggs as "adhesive" and "non- and earth breastwork. the bottom. Well, by heck, the bottom starts adhesive." What is meant by these terms and The dam site, ideally located below the pic­ ter move an' boy whut a fish thet wuz. Joe what are some of the fish that deposit these torial falls, is a wide V-shaped crevasse ten he fot thet salmon fer nigh onter 20 minits types of eggs?—J. L. feet deep and covering an area of nearly 2,800 afore he brot it alongside the boat, an' it shure wuz a honey. It hit 30 inches long an' Answer: In referring to adhesive eggs, fish square feet. Years ago, at the height of lum­ when we wayed it when we got home it wuz culturists mean the eggs of fresh water fishes ber operations in this section, a water driven jest shy o' 8 pounds. We ketched 4 uther Which, when deposited, cling to the bed of sawmill was situated in the little basin, and, salmon thet mornin' every one better than the nest. Non-adhesive eggs are those that although partly destroyed by fire, many of 16 inches long an' 2 o' 'em 22 inches long. lie loosely in the spawning bed. The small- the huge timbers that comprised the frame­ ftouth and largemouth bass, as well as the work of the mill still remain. Jest ter maik the day rite we got home bluegill sunfish, are spawners of adhesive An ironic note is struck as these same logs erbout 2 o'clock thet day an' it wuz sech a eggs. Successful artificial extrusion of eggs that played an important part in ravaging the nice still evenin' thet I heded fer the hickory from bass has never been found practical at virgin forests are used to conserve wildlife knob on the ridge ter try fer squrrels. Kilt hatcheries of the Fish Commission, and for and help restore the land to its primitive 3 dandy grays ez fat ez butter by nitefall. Ef that reason the fish are permitted to spawn state. squrrels, ducks, an' salmon don't maik a rite day for a feller thet likes the outdoors, I Naturally in ponds at the hatcheries. Brook The main purpose of the dam is to afford don't know what kin. trout, brown trout, rainbow trout and suckers protection for trout from the wily coon and deposit non-adhesive eggs, as does the wall­ other animals whose diet includes fish. It eyed pike, and these eggs are successfully will also provide a haven for fingerling trout List among the big trout taken on opening stripped from ripe females at the hatcheries whose chances are slim in open waters con­ day of the present season a fine 22 inch rain­ When spawning time comes. After the trout taining cannibalistic members of the trout bow creeled by Ralph Cressman of Allen- eggs have been impregnated with milt from family. town in the famous Little Lehigh. 20 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER NOVEMBER

angler, seeing the second trout about to strike, tried in vain to jerk the small fish out of its reach. For ten minutes, while spectators watched in amazement, the fisherman struggled with his double catch. Then came the strangest thing of all. He landed a brown trout 22 inches long—and his fly was firmly imbedded in the jaw of the big fish, which still held between its jaws the small trout which had originally taken the lure. Two friends and the writer were fishing It was dark, pitch dark, when Millard fly and was swooping around with it. The one evening last summer on Lycoming Creek. Moore of Williamsport, parked his car along dragon fly was big enough that it could resist It was pitch dark when we met again at the a dirt highway, strung up his rod in the glow the whip of the light rod the anglerette was car, and as Jean Huling and I came along the of his headlights, and then walked softly using. creek bank toward our meeting place, the across a meadow to the edge of Lycoming Anglers on Muncy Creek one Sunday aft­ third member of the party, Howard Weaver, Creek. He had waited for this moment—this ernoon looked with amazement into a pool hailed us. dark, sticky summer night—for weeks to where a large brown trout was swimming "Be careful of a length of wire lying right match his wits against the cunning of a around with a big squirming watersnake held close to the path," he warned. "Don't trip monster brown trout he had spotted in this tightly in its jaws. over it in the dark." particular hole weeks before. The writer and a friend, fishing in Wya- We could hear his boot cleats on the rocks. Business and other matters had kept him lusing Creek one afternoon, were forced to "It's right about •" off the stream for a couple of weeks, but this do a hasty climbing act over a wire fence to Then there was a mighty splash. was the night. escape the attention of a large white bull. Mr. Weaver had stumbled over the very Out into the blackness he sent a large, The farmer who owns the land observed our wire of which he was warning us and had white fly that had produced many fine trout hurried retreat and chuckled heartily. gone flat on his stomach into the water. For­ at night. No response! Again and yet again, "Is that bull really mean?" we asked. tunately, it was deep enough that he was not he cast, and he couldn't understand why the "You bet," our friendly farmer replied. "But injured. tackle felt strange. don't be scared of him. If he really gets after And that reminds us, finally, of another For half an hour he worked and then, a bit you, just stone the devil out of him. That's Good Samaritan act in which Brooks Garland nettled and concluding that the trout was not what I do." and the writer were the actors. going to rise anyway, he turned his flashlight The late J. August Beck, of Williamsport, The scene was Wyalusing Creek a hot sum­ into the void in front of him. who was known to sportsmen throughout mer evening, and Brooks and I were strolling The "hole" was almost dry! The weeks he Pennsylvania, had a rather chilling expe­ through a cow pasture on our way to a fav­ had been kept off the stream had been dry rience one hot noon on Loyalsock Creek. It orite spot for "bugging." My arms were ones, and the little pool where his much was his custom to carry a large creel, one pretty well filled, with boots and rod and a wanted trout had made its home had dis­ side of which was for fish and the other fishing jacket, so when we came to a fence appeared—and with it the fish. side reserved for his lunch. Brooks stepped ahead. Millard went home Ashless that night. Mr. Beck placed his basket along the creek "I'll hold down the wire for you," he Which drives home the point that there's a bank and walked into the woods nearby for offered, suiting the action to the words. lot more to fishing than just whipping a fly a drink of water from a spring. Then he straightened up with a snort of through the air or dropping bait into a quiet He returned to his basket, made himself surprise. pool. We would like to turn from angling comfortable, and reached inside for a sand­ It was one of those darned electric fences! lore for this one month and go deeper into wich. the subject. You have had personal expe­ His hand touched something cold and riences of your own worth telling; so you squirming, and he drew it out of the basket should have a keener pleasure in the reading in a hurry. It was only a watersnake that of the anecdotes that follow—little stories had crawled in among the sandwiches, but it that will reveal why the Central Pennsyl­ gave him a real scare. vania anglers who are involved in them get Jean S. Huling, of Williamsport, loves to extra thrills out of angling—even as you and fish with deer hair bass bugs—and his regu­ I do. lar starting time is that exact hour when the Howard Weaver is a chap who dearly loves bats begin swooping over the stream and the to sit along the bank of a creek, on some whippoorwills sing. soft-topped rock, waiting for a trout to begin One evening on Lycoming Creek Jean had feeding before getting his rod into action. several vigorous strikes at his bass bug, but And he concentrates on his observations. he missed connections of all of them. Came He was stationed along Loyalsock Creek another violent splash, and this time he sank one late afternoon, waiting for the tell-tale the hook—into a large and very angry bat. signs of a.feeding fish, when a mighty splash Jean got rid of his visitor with a sharp caught his attention. Quickly, yet quietly, he switch of his rod. stepped out into the water. Then he promptly John L. Young, fishing with helgramites returned to shore—without a single cast. He for bass in Loyalsock Creek one July aft­ forgot that he had rolled down his boots ernoon, failed to get a nibble and then while sitting on the rock making his "ob­ observed that fish were rising to the surface servations." and feeding at the edge of a riffle just within A feminine angler at the Fishermen's Para­ casting distance. dise one afternoon this season asked C. Rob­ He hadn't a fly in his pockets, and his car ert Snyder, a special warden, to tell her why, was parked a full mile distant—so he flipped despite careful casting, she could not get her a helgramite through the air, allowed it to dry fly down on the water. touch the water lightly, and then whipped it "Is it the wind?" she asked. "Or is my line back into the air. On the third cast he too light." hooked a ten inch brown trout. Snyder took a look around. "It's a bug, Another story from the Paradise. A fisher­ madam," he explained with a grin. Then he man using dry flies hooked a small trout, and pointed into the air above her head to a as he was reeling in the fish, intending to Richard Luzenski of Nanticoke landing a nice huge dragon fly which had seized the trout release it, another trout grabbed it. The trout. 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 21 CONTESTS FEATURE WALTON IAN MEET Contests in target shooting, bait casting, fly casting, surf casting and pistol matches fea­ tured the annual field day program sponsored by the Izaak Walton League of Berks County at the Cedar Top Gun Club. Three marksmen tied for top honors when they shattered 49 of their 50 16-yard clay birds. In the shootoff, Morris D. Leitzel, of Reading, broke 25 straight to win the event from Roy Hemmig, of Reading, and Charles Oberholtzer, of Geigertown. Summaries of the target shoots follow: First Class—Morris Leitzel, 49; Charles Oberholtzer, 49; Roy Hemmig, 49; George Fairchild, 48; William R. Hoshower, 48; Howard Ernst, 48; Edward Eisenbise, 47; James Wertz, 47; Frank Thompson, 47; Morris Kern, 46; L. E. Lesniewski, 46; J. Webb Muhlenberg, 46; Frank Louser, 45; Ray Behney, 45; Claude Dietrich, 45. Second Class—George Swoyer, 44; Mahlon F. LaRue, 44; Albert Mittower, 44; Irvin A group of Waltonians who helped direct the activities for Berks County Chapter, Izaak Walton Sheeler, 44; Walter Irwin, 43; Willard Ziegler, League of America, Eighth Annual Field Day. Left to right, standing, Alfred A. Ranvm, Jr., 43; George Schlegel, 43; Irvin Manwiller, 43; John D. Rothermel, Levin D. Schearer, Harvey Adams, Albert Green. Front row: Harry Fritz, Charles Schell, 43; Caleb Killian, 43; Ray Harold Marbarger, John P. Deck, Oscar A. Becker, Ralph Walley and Vernon L. Hassler. Mountz, 43; Charles Quaintance, 42; George Weaver, 42; S. P. Zellers, 42; Miles Oxen- reider, 42; Herbert Segars, 42. Third Class—Paul Grim, 41; John G. Nue- bling. 40; George Shupp, 39; Bert Hinkle, 37; Charles Davis, 36; Daniel Swavely, 36; Mrs. George Fairchild, 35; Jack Muhlenberg, 32; John France, 30; M. J. Peiffer, 26; Irvin S. Schlenker, 24. Pistol Matches—Class A, .22 cal., Merton J. Golden, 98 out of 100; second, Henry Mertz; class A, .38 cal., Merton J. Golden, 98 out of 100, with Sam Wishnieskie, second; class B, .22 cal., Arthur Heffner, Kutztown, 83 out of 100; class B, .38 cal., Joseph Sanna, 83 out of 100. Berkshire Trophy Shoot—Won by George Fairchild, 48 out of 50; second, Jack Muhlen­ berg. Running Bear Shoot—Won by J. Reitz, Cedar Top, 24 out of 25; second, C. Miller. Bait Casting for Accuracy—Won by Ed­ ward Adamcyk, 86 points; John Rothermel, 84; Paul Hertzog, 81; Harvey Adams, 73; Vernon Coller, 69; Harry Cook, 68; W. G. Irwin, 53. Open Bait Casting for Accuracy—Won by John Rothermel, 91; John W. Hoffman, 87; Paul Hertzog, 86; Louis Schera, 85; Charles Parker, 85; Edward Adamcyk, 76; Harvey Adams, 75; Erie Homan, 74; Vernon Coller, 65; H. Ernst, 61. Prizes for bait and fly casting events awarded Bait Casting for Distance—Won by Harvey at the Berks County Chapter, Izaak Walton Paul Hertzog, an active member of Berks County Adams, 140 feet; Paul Hertzog, 134; John Chapter, fly casting for accuracy at the eighth Rothermel, 119; Norman Shappell, 105. Waltonian field day. Open Bait Casting for Distance—Won by TROUT STOCKED FROM Erie Homan, 134 feet; Harvey Adams, 132; William Peoples, president of the club, had John Rothermel, 129; Paul Hertzog, 90. CLUB PONDS previously issued a general call for mobiliza­ Fly Casting for Accuracy—Won by Charles More than twenty-five fishermen assembled tion of all fishermen in Coatesville and vicin­ Parker, 96 points; John Rothermel, 92; Paul recently at the rearing pools of Coatesville ity to report to the rearing pools. Hertzog, 91; Byron Mortimer, 78. Anglers' Association, located along Brandy- Among the well-known fishermen who Fly Casting for Distance—Won by Charles wine Manor Road, and assisted in distributing assisted were Ezra Morrison, Constable Harry Parker, 69 feet; Phil G. Piatt, 65; T. Stauffer, the fish in the pools for restocking purposes Parmer, Lester Morrison, William Gay, Wil­ 62; Paul Hertzog, 61; John Rothermel, 59; in Chester, Lancaster and Delaware counties. liam Peoples, Jr., Norman McWilliams, W. M. Sprolles, 36. The brown and rainbow trout had matured Miller, Benjamin Elliott, Norman Donoghue, Surf Casting—Won by Clarence Bright, 238 from fingerlings sent to the association almost W. M. Lloyd, L. C. Gay, William Miles, War­ feet; B. B. Lord, 139; Paul Hertzog, 136: a year ago from state and federal hatcheries. ren Entrekin, Henry Bickel, C. Lynch, Skish Competition—Won by John Rother­ Some of the trout measured ten inches. The W. Anderson, J. J. Trout, E. S. Coffroad, mel, 41 points; Harvey Adams, 33; Harry rest were legal size and slightly under that. Charles Hall, Clarence Miles and Norman M. Cook, 31; Louis Schera, 28; Paul Hertzog, 26; The trout were dipped from the pools in cans Wood. Fish Warden Horace Pyle was also Edward Adamcyk, 22; Erie Homan, 17. of the anglers. on hand. 22 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER NOVEMBER MIDDLE ATLANTIC ASSOCIATION OF CASTING CLUBS J\xx association, of sportsmens clubs formedtopromote. tournament easiinq.encouracje organization amoncj anqlers assist in. conservation; and support all moves toward, true sportsmanship.

Delaware County Field and Stream Donald and his father also won prizes re­ Association cently in the Annual Tournament of the October 6th was a "Red Letter" day for Dover Fishing Club of Philadelphia. this Association, when it held its Second Holmesburg Fish and Game Annual Field Day on its club site. Protective Association Trap Shooting was one of the most active Rods whirred and reels sang at the recent events and kept two traps busy from Outing of this Club, held at Pennypack morning until evening. Frank Wall won this Street and Delaware River, when members, event with a score of 49 out of a possible. friends and guests provided keen competi­ A. J. McDowell placed second; while third tion for each other in three major casting place was captured by Barney Berlinger, events. former University of Pennsylvania Decath- alon champion and winner for three succes­ In the % ounce Plug Accuracy event, the sive years of the Plug Distance event in the winners were: first, Arthur Clark of Phila­ MEDDLE ATLANTIC ASSOCIATION OF delphia, whose score was 97; second, Milton W. MacBain, also of Philadelphia, who scored CASTING CLUBS Tournament. Despite a Left: William Ridgway of Bethayres, on whose strong cross wind, Barney also won the Plug 94; and George DeGorgue of Upper Darby, farm the Lower Merion Rod and Gun Club held whose score totalled 93. Harry Lightfoot of its fall outing; Right: George A. Purring of Nar­ Distance event at the Delaware County Field berth, president of the Club, as they participated Day, with a long single cast of 238 feet and Philadelphia won the % ounce Plug Novelty In the recent outing. an average cast for the day of 224 feet event; while Arthur Clark placed second and Joe Hirsch placed second in this event, with W. Beohner, third. In the Surf Average event, in which special years ago—in 1933, to be exact when this a long cast of 227 feet and an average cast Club held its first outing at Bethayres—it of 218 feet. tournament equipment was not permitted, Walter Wilson of Philadelphia was top man, wisely bestowed honorary membership on Top place in the Plug Accuracy event went with Art Springman and Thomas Watson, the Weather Man; and the Weather Man, to George DeGorgue, who competed against both of Philadelphia, taking second and third so far, seems to have keenly appreciated this some of the foremost casters in the Eastern places respectively. act. For, to quote the President of the Club, part of the State and who scored a 94 out Two casters from this club placed in the George Purring of Narberth: of a possible 100, also despite a strong cross Annual Tournament of the Dover Fishing "It may rain everywhere else, but it never wind. Bill Dur finished second with a 91, Club of Philadelphia—William Dur won third rains at Bethayres during our picnics!" while 13-year-old Donald Ott of Mantua, N. J., place in the % ounce Plug Accuracy event Surely enough, although there was a captured third place with a score of 90. as well as prizes in the % ounce Plug Ac­ shower in the evening of this occasion, bright Fourth place went to H. Lavin. curacy and in the Plug Distance events; and skies and golden sunshine prevailed until Les Downs placed first in Rifle Shooting, William Enochs placed fourth in the % ounce the day's activities had ended and the pic­ while Letty Sibley was a close second and Plug Accuracy and won prizes in the % nickers, contentedly watching Mrs. Joseph P. C. Green, R. Roedder and E. Wadling came ounce Plug Accuracy and in the Plug Novelty White and Mrs. William Kaiser, both of Nar­ next. In Pistol Shooting, which was another event. berth, clear away empty boxes, pans, pails, popular event of the day, J. Van Valkenburg barrels and dishes, had decided it was time finished first with a score of 95 out of a pos­ Lansdale Sportsmen's Club to commence their homeward trek. sible 100, Joe Landwehr placed second with a The Lansdale Sportsmen's Club wishes to Mrs. White, with her usual care and dili­ 93, Federal Game Protector Carl Lourpe express appreciation for the young fish which gence, provided a delicious picnic menu com­ placed third with a 92 and Carl Hammill, were placed in the Blue Spring Dam near posed of a variety of foods which succeeded fourth with a 90. Lansdale by the Bucks-Montgomery County in pleasing everyone present. Mrs. J. Wallace Fred Boerner was the most accurate fly Fish Warden Harry Z. Cole. These fish were Goodwin of Ardmore, and Mrs. Ernest Jen­ caster of the day, N. Tobias was second, of this year's hatch from two of the MONT­ kins, of Narberth, presided over the games George DeGorgue third, and T. Bonsall, GOMERY COUNTY FEDERATION OF for the ladies; while several of the men kept I ] fourth. SPORTSMEN'S CLUB propagating ponds the male participants busily engaged in cast­ I ] For the second consecutive year, Fred located on the Beidler Farm at Abrams, Pa. ing and in shooting contests. Clauser, won the Surf Casting honors, while William Stoneback, President of this Club When "Skish"—a form of Plug Casting now Barney Berlinger again displayed his un­ and of the Federation, remarked that the fish being advocated by a number of sporting usually versatile sportsmanship ability by hatched and raised this year in all of the goods houses—was introduced during the placing second in this event Federation's propagating pounds were larger afternoon, Clarence Burnside of Paoli, was Not only were there events for men, but and in better condition when transplanted. the winner and Ernest Jenkins of Narberth, for women as well—honors going to Mrs. M. This improvement were largely due to the took second place. Joseph Boyle, of Drexel Adams and E. Yetter in Archery for women. food which was purchased by the Federation Hill, was the best shot of the afternoon with In the men's Archery event, Bill Reid won and placed in this pond this year. a revolver; G. Sherman Williams, of Rox- one contest and B. Thigpen won the second. Repairs have been completed on the Blue boro placed second in this event. Edward N. Spring Dam, through the efforts of Harry Merkle of Narberth, made the highest score Gloucester County Game and Fish Cole and under a project sponsored by the among the rifle shooters, with J. Wallace Association N. Y. A. Goodwin of Ardmore, placing second. In the When thirteen year old Donald Ott, son Lower Merion Rod and Gun Club Plug Casting for Distance event, Ernest of Lorin Ott "of this club, took part in the The Ridgway Farm at Bethayres was again Jenkins was the winner, while Mrs. Ellen A. recent Delaware County Field and Stream the meeting place and the greeting place of Dietrich of Upper Darby took second place. Association Outing, he won the applause of approximately two hundred men, women and Monocacy Field and Stream Association the group that watched his excellent plug children who enjoyed there another Annual Believing that stocking of trout in the Fall casting in the Plug Accuracy event. On this Fall Picnic and Outing of the Lower Merion will give fish so stocked an opportunity to occasion, Donald placed third among a large Rod and Gun Club. grow and otherwise become accustomed to field of adult contestants. There are those who suspect that some their new habitat—all other conditions being 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 23

equal—during the winter and spring months, this club placed a number of trout in ad­ jacent streams during those sunny fall days just past Plans for live bird shoots, etc., in prepara­ tion for the 1940 hunting were outlined at a pre-hunting season meeting designated as "Farmer's Night," when members of the As­ sociation and farmers who were guests of the Association assembled to hear addresses by prominent sportsmen. Charles Neff, of the Lehigh County Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, spoke on the "Aquatic Life in the Monocacy Creek" and reported on his recent survey of the upper section of this Creek. William A. Moyer, Lehigh County Game Pro­ tector, urged those present to strive to main­ tain "Courtesy and Cooperation between the Sportsman and the Farmer," thus holding "the farmer as the hunter's best friend." R. A. Rossiter, Assistant Land Acquisition Agent of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, re­ lated to the meeting some of his interesting experiences encountered while purchasing land for the State; while Morris A. Steward, Northampton County Game Protector, out­ lined hunting regulations and precautions to Father and son—they fish together and cast to­ insure safe hunting; and Robert Scheetz sup­ gether. Lorin Ott of the Gloucester County Game and Fish Association, with his 13-year plemented Mr. NefFs talk on the relationship old son, Donald. Donald, who placed 5th in the plug accuracy event of the 1940 M.A.A.C.C. Tour­ between the farmer and the sportsmen. nament, placed 3d in the same event at the recent Delaware County Field and Stream Asso­ Montgomery County Fish, Game and ciation outing. Forestry Association The quarterly meeting of this club was re­ Winners of other events at this outing were cently held in the office of Adolph Muller, as follows: Quoits—Walter Krous and W. A. Clarence Burnside of Paoli who won the "Skish" on the DeKalb Street Pike near the German- Dill; Water Boiling—L. A. Bonsai; Bottle event at the fall outing of the Lower Merlon town Pike in Norristown. Fishing—Hiram Reinhart; Darts—Raymond Rod and Gun Club. Buseman; Plug Accuracy—George DeGorgue; At this meeting it was learned that this From another of these ponds, the French club furnished the truck and cans which were Fly Accuracy—Ed Weigman; Fly Distance— Ray Neirle; and Plug Distance—Barney Ber- Pond, located near Collegeville, members of Used to transfer 92,000 small fish from propa­ this club also aided Harry Cole to take ap­ gating ponds of the MONTGOMERY linger, who, although using a level wind reg­ ulation fishing reel and a 15-pound test proximately 50,000 small fish, composed of COUNTY FEDERATION OF SPORTSMEN'S approximately 1,000 catfish, 10,000 sunfish, CLUBS to the Skippack and to other fishing fishing line, made a record cast for such equipment of 249 feet. 4,000 suckers, 2,000 tadpoles and 33,000 •Waters in Montgomery County. The Bucks- "shiners." These fingerlings were placed in Montgomery Counties Fish Warden, Harry Z. the Perkiomen between Graterford and Zieg- Cole, who is a member of the club, reported Perkiomen Valley Sportsmen's lersville. that approximately 26,000 fingerlings had Association been so removed from the Hankins Pond at Tending the gatehole, carrying buckets of Ed Kehs, of Schwenksville, Abe Landis, of water and fish, washing the small fish, etc., Collegeville; while approximately 16,000 were Rahns, and Frank Clamer, of Collegeville, taken from the two Beidler ponds at Abrams were among the tasks performed by the boys were among the members of this club who on the above outlined occasions, as they and approximately 50,000 from the Frend assisted Fish Warden Harry Z. Cole to drain Pond near Collegeville. helped Harry Z. Cole to help them toward the Hankins Pond at Collegeville and to re­ better fishing. Pennsylvania State Fish and Game move therefrom approximately 26,000 small Protective Association fish of this year's hatch. This number was Wissahickon Field and Stream composed of approximately 9,000 catfish, 2,200 Association Approximately 350 sportsmen took part in suckers, 9,000 shiners, 4,800 tadpoles, and the Fall Outing of this Association, held in 1,000 sunfish, all of which were placed in the October 6 was a "Red Letter" day for this Bucks County, at Chain Bridge on the Perkiomen between Collegeville and Grater- Association, too, as it opened its new trap Neshaminy Creek. Vice-President Bill Burk ford. shooting field adjacent to the Lock Ausch again won the appreciation of the club when Reservoir just outside of Ambler. The shoot he provided, without cost to the club, the The Hankins Pond is one of the five ponds was a snappy one, at which club members food for this outing. As in past years, Bill in which the MONTGOMERY COUNTY had an opportunity to display their skill on donated dozens of hot baked hams, bacon, FEDERATION OF SPORTSMEN'S CLUBS clay pigeons while practicing to get their eggs, sausage, frankfurters, bread, rolls and raises fish for Montgomery County streams. birds during the 1940 hunting season. coffee for all who attended. Trap Shooting honors of the day went to Byard Brogan in Class A, and to Dove and BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS &eese in Classes B and C, respectively. In HARRISBURG, PA. IVap Shooting, too, Ed Bullock established a SUBSCRIPTION BLANK Hew record for the Association when he did lot miss a single bluerock in a string of fifty. Enclosed find fifty cents ($.50) for one year's subscription to the Archery seemed to be the event which "Pennsylvania Angler." attracted the largest number of entrants. Please Check Name Among the 150 who tried their skill in this (Print Name) Contest, Barney Berlinger's score was out­ standing. •INew Street and Number. While fishing in the Neshaminy, Fred Bremer caught the largest smallmouth bass • Renewal City that day. Zi PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER NOVEMBER

HERE X THERE 'N ANGLER DOM

Wrote William Burke, deputy game pro­ the membership to 25 boys ranging in age tector, of Girardville just prior to opening of from 12 to 18 years. They are showing fine the recent trout season: "My thoughts drift interest and are now making bird feeders. back to another year's trout season, the fish Later in the season we are going to stage a I caught and those that got away. One of conservation poster program. Each student my pet streams is Perm's Creek, Centre will make an original poster and with these County, where I have enjoyed many a day we hope to explain the necessity of con­ with my wife for the past five years. Last servation of wildlife. The Bucks County Fish year we both caught quite a few trout 9 to and Game Association is donating a prize and 14 inches in length on a cowdung fly and will send a representative to the school to the Green Drake mayfly." talk on conservation at the same time they present the prize." Conservation education in the public schools is without doubt a keystone upon Ardent anglerette who is extremely adept which much of the success of future con­ with the casting rod and artificials is Mrs. servation efforts will depend. We are happy Harold L. Thomas of Cambridge Springs in to publish the following splendid report on Crawford County. Her prize catch last sea­ educational work being conducted in the son scored in French Creek, was a 30 inch Northampton Township High School as re­ walleyed pike, having a girth of 15 inches ceived from Wayne S. Bitting of Richboro. and tipping the scales at 7 pounds 12 ounces. "Enclosed you will find an activity program for the Sportsmen's Club at the Northamp­ Inveterate bait caster with light lures is ton Township High School. We had to limit Adam Socher of Blawnox. During the past trout season, he did considerable investigat­ ing as to the effectiveness of the casting rod in taking big trout on little plugs. He writes: "Butler, Venango, Cameron and Potter Coun­ ties so far and no trout yet on the little plugs. I have not had a good weekend as far as weather goes, rain, cold and very high water. Am waiing for a picture of a 24 inch brown trout caught in the East Branch of the Tionest Creek in Forest County. They tell me it was a dandy fish."

Fish Commissioner Fred McKean of New Kensington calls attention to the proverbial nine lives, not only of cats but of catfish, in the following unusual report from Whitaker in Allegheny County. It seems that John Zak caught a catfish in the Allegheny River last September, brought the little fellow, 6% inches in length, home in a burlap sack, William M. Houser of Lehighton with a line 20 inch, four pound smallmouth bass he caught tossed it into a lard can half filled with in the North Branch of the Susquehanna Kiver water, and forgot about it. Just before near Wyaluslng this season. Christmas he went to the cellar and found sporting catches of nice brook trout on open­ the fish frozen stiff in the can. Then, it is ing day of the trout season in Schuylkill reported, he broke the ice, put the fish in County waters, disproving to some extent water a second time, and it came back to life! that belief that low water temperatures pre­ vailing in the streams would result in poor Bill Williams of Wilkes-Barre has a par­ fishing. ticular liking for the trouting afforded by the Lackawaxen River in Wayne County. Rea­ Reporting for the North Tier, Warden son? Last year, his trout fishing in that Leland Cloos of Middlebury Center, Tioga stream yielded him a brown trout 24 inches County, sent word that due to heavy rains, in length. This year was even better. Fish­ big Pine Creek was muddy for the bass sea­ ing in the same stream section he caught a son opening. According to Leland, however, brownie 27y2 inches in length that tipped the a large number of bass were observed by scales at 5 pounds 8 ounces. trout fishermen on that stream in June and prospects are bright for an excellent season- Jakie Daubert of Valley View has every right Veteran fisherman Charles Kear and his to be proud of this dandy 20 inch pickerel he He also reports that trout fishing in Big Pine caught recently on a worm. Allen D. Koppen- fishing comrades George Oerther and Dr. this season was the best in years, all North haver snapped the picture. George Merkel, all of Minersville, made Tier streams carrying a good flow to date. \

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