JUNE—1977 Keystone State's Official FISHIHG BOATING ( Magazine... J Technology Cannot Supplant Conservation e were pleased to hear President Carter outline his perception W of the nation's energy problems which — although I would guess most people think is alarmism — if anything, was understated. We have been saying some of the same things for a number of years and, in terms of our energy requirements, we are indeed on a collision course with disaster. Even spokesmen for the utilities and the petro­ leum industry have been sounding the same warnings for over 20 years. Without falling into the usual pitfall of oversimplification, we recognize that oil from western shales, from deep offshore wells, or from other processes, could suffice for several genera­ tions. But we are running out of oil at a price that can be absorbed without worldwide eco­ nomic upheaval, and without the grave risk of environmental disasters. Implementing programs to answer the problems is another thing; and, watching the grovel­ ing at all levels of government to protect their own interests doesn't exactly show that we have a level of statesmanship to solve the problems. People, freewheeling as they are and having heard the "cry wolf" recently dissipate, have not yet matured to the problem. The "double nickel" speed limit has, as far as enforcement and observance goes, disappeared except for a few conscientious people that I hope we will always have around. Philip Handler, President of the National Academy of Science, said, "the next generation is destined to be the major participant in a process whereby in a brief instant of historic time, the entirety of the underground resources of liquid and gaseous fossil hydrocarbons will have been irreversibly consumed. Yet we have scarcely begun to arrange for what is to happen when the stores of petroleum and natural gas will be exhausted during the lifetimes of persons already born." The next crisis we predict will be food. With the world's population growing at the rate of more than 200,000 per day, the world's population will probably double again in the next 35 years. It has already doubled in my lifetime. On top of that, we lost at least a million acres of cropland each year for the last 30 years in the United States alone. Rainfall, accepted as a casual atmospheric condition, is really a gift that should never be taken for granted. While the East froze under a blanket of snow last winter, the West was parched by drought. One-third of the continental United States is dry, and many states in the West are suffering a second year of drought. There are those who say that advanced technologies will answer these problems — I think they are dreamers and what we are seeing today will, in a few years, be called the "good old days." Expert climatologists have reason to believe that the Northern Hemisphere is due for a steady cooling-off. A few fractions of a degree each year could put an end to our being the breadbasket of the world. What does this all have to do with an agency often accused of thinking more offish than of people? Aside from the fact that we have to eat and work and keep warm, too, we know that the resources over which we have a responsibility are affected by man's quest for energy and food. There are no easy answers. The world's population rose; even in the United States it's probably THE basic problem and the "business-as-usual" attitude makes one wonder about the quality of life for future generations. As a small independent administrative agency there isn't much we can do about world problems. But we certainly can use every means at our dis­ posal to protect the waters of the Commonwealth and its denizens and try to influence those who have the expertise and the means to conserve the other parts of the natural community on which we and our posterity will depend. One way or another, our demands for energy and food must stabilize and not increase; and, the highly flaunted technologies must be diverted to more useful practical solutions by which civilization, as we now know it, can be stretched out.

Ralph W. Abele, Executive Director Pennsylvania Angler Pennsylvania's Official Fishing & Boating Magazine Published Monthly by the PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA Milton J. Shapp, Governor

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

Volume 46 - No. 6 June, 1977

CONTENTS

How to Land Bass and Other Fish by Gerald Almy 6

Fishing the Sinnemahoning by George E. Dolnack, Jr 9

Special Regulations—Time for Evaluation by Delano R. Graff 11

Bait-fishing by Richard F. Williamson 17

The Monongahela River by Garry Deiger 20

Fool's Gold by Richard L. Henry 28

Front Cover: For this month's bass opener, Bud Erich provides us with a scene every bass fisherman dreams about!

MONTHLY COLUMNS LEAKY BOOTS 2 STREAM NOTES 24 TAKING A CLOSER LOOK 4 FLY TYING 26 ANGLER'S NOTEBOOK 10 ASHORE & AFLOAT 30

James F. Yoder, Editor

POSTMASTER: All 3579 forms to be returned to the office of The Pennsylvania Fish Commission. Post Office Box 1673, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 17120 The Pennsylvania Angler. Copyright 1977, all rights reserved, is published monthly by the Pennsylvania Fish Commission, 3532 Walnut Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Second Class postage paid at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Subscription rates: One year -$3.00; three years- $7.50; 30 cents per single copy. Send check or money order payable to the Pennsylvania Fish Commission. Individuals sending cash do so at their own risk. Do not send stamps. Changes of address should reach us promptly giving both old and new addresses, including both zipcodes. Subscriptions received and processed by the end of the month will begin with the second month following. The Pennsylvania Fish Commission will not assume responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, or illustrations while in their possession or in transit. Communications pertaining to the magazine should be addressed to: The Editor, Pennsylvania Angler, Pennsylvania Fish Commission, P. O. Box 1673, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Unsolicited material, manuscripts, or photos will not be returned unless accompanied by an envelope with sufficient postage attached for its return. see the Fish Commission doing such a thoroughly cover such a large area. fine job in preserving fishing, it gives me Young Womans Creek is my favorite a good feeling. I have enjoyed many trout stream. I, personally, feel it should hours on your streams; I have enjoyed be strictly Fish-For-Fun. the beauty and the nice people that fish Please never ruin quality fishing as your streams. It has embedded a deep they have done in West Virginia with respect for life. It has gone as far as that I year-round fishing for everything. Best am willing to dedicate my life in the field wishes. of wildlife. I'm now attending college to get a degree in this field. DONALD N. CAREY Gerrardstown, W. V. You can feel proud that your hard work has accomplished a great deal. The COLLECTOR - hours that your streams have provided I have a collection of Pennsylvania me with fishing has shaped my life. It has Fishing Licenses and to complete the set formed me into a responsible citizen of I need a 1923 and 1926 button. Also, I this country. I believe that there are need the papers for 1960, 1961, and 1963. many other people that have the same Then I will have a set of license any feelings. From your Leaky Boots this sportsman would be proud to see. Your feeling is expressed. So keep up the good book is the one chance I have to work. complete this set, so I hope to hear from Thanks for your time. people having these licenses laying RAY UNDERHILL, JR. around. Thank you. Princeton, New Jersey IVAN L. ALBRIGHT 131 East 4th Street UNHERALDED . . . UNAPPRECIATED Williamsburg, Pa. 16693 In regard to the article, "The Fallfish" MICE . . . AGAIN! by David Thompson, I would like to say that more fishermen ought to enjoy and Regarding live mice for bait con­ be more respectful of this native of troversy. I am disgusted at your lack of Pennsylvania. Many times I have seen editorial responsibility in using the An­ fishermen catch fallfish with that excited PUZZLE! gler's pages for publication of such in­ look, only to see it turn to one of formation. Your facetious editorial note distaste. What a shame! These fish have While digging up ground for a new does not make amends. Why publish fooled many anglers into thinking they vegetable garden, we uncovered this such information? Do children and were trout until they were brought into badge. Is there anyway of telling what thoughtless adults need such barbaric the net. Why are anglers so down on the year it is from? ideas thrust upon them in this otherwise "chub"? Certainly the fight is there. very pleasant and conservation oriented NANCY REICHARD I believe the fallfish fights and tastes Macungie magazine? better than the hatchery trout. It espe­ Why don't you publish information on cially has these qualities in the autumn, It appears you've really dug up a one- how to make a firebomb, then follow it winter, and spring. In addition, these fish of-a-kind item, Nancy, and a fraud, at with a facetious editorial comment not­ will hit a fly well, and will show se­ that! To our knowledge there never has ing your disapproval? lectivity in a hatch sometimes. Also, been such a person, i.e., a "Fish and The Angler, by allowing these articles these fish do not have to be stocked on Game Warden," in the State of Pennsyl­ to appear is a party to the dissemination the most heavily fished waters due to vania, even though the term is a common of this barbaric and useless information. their prolific nature . . . another reason misnomer for either a Waterways Pa­ Thinking of cancelling my subscrip­ to encourage fishing. trolman or a Game Protector, both of tion, I am. About the beauty of these fish . . . whom were once called "Wardens." Ed. RALF GILBERT you would have to be blind to nature, not Morrisville to see it. A beautiful forked tail, leading into bright silver side, extending into a ANOTHER COLLECTOR gill plate with the colors of the rainbow, I have all fishing badges and licenses SHAPED HIS LIFE! to reddish-orange pectoral fins, that will from 1923 up and until present time. help bend the angler's rod with vicious- Anyone having a 1922 fishing license and I just finished reading my January 1977 ness! would like to sell same please contact. I issue of the Angler. I was very impressed have some extra fishing badges. on your Annual Report on the Com­ WAYNE POPPICH mission. The most interesting part of Kimberton C. E. CRIDER your whole program is the involvement 1411 23rd Street you have in dealing with the public. The DIFFICULT TO REPLACE! Altoona, Pa. 16601 Angler is the best example of how you have the interest of the public. I hope I hope Lloyd Wilson will still be BEGINNER SEEKS HELP - that they see how much you care about around again this season and many more the fishing in the state as well as con­ seasons. If and when he retires, it will be I tie flies for fly fishing. I'm very dis­ servation. difficult to find a man of his dedication to appointed that the Angler doesn't give I can't really explain how much I care take his place. He must have to put in a the beginner tips about how to select about wildlife in general. And, when I great many hard working hours to good quality necks and other materials

2 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER and tools used by the fly tyer. I enjoy trout and where and how to catch them. "GOTCHA'" articles on flies but I wish you would Even those two magnificent stories writ­ show how to tie dry fly patterns like the ten by Theodore E. Kiffer called "Fish­ I have been a Deputy Game Protector Cahill, Hendrickson, etc. I would like to ing the Real Trout Bugs" and also the since 1964 and enjoy working with your learn the history of these flies. I ap­ story in November's issue called "Evolu­ waterways patrolmen. Last year on the preciate your cooperation! Thank you! tion of a Fly Fisherman" were all very first day of trout season I had an op­ good stories on how to catch browns, portunity to witness a littering case from LARRY A. KITNER a moving vehicle and apprehend the Landisburg brookies, rainbows, etc. But I did notice one little detail that was missing in all violator. This is one of the tougher viola­ We've got just what you need, Larry: trout articles. Everybody seems to forget tions to apprehend since you have to be ''Techniques of Fly Tying & Trout Fish­ one of the most beautiful trout which are at the right place at the right time. ing," by George W. Harvey. Just send stocked in most of Pennsylvania's creeks This litter problem and the disrespect $1.50 to: Pennsylvania Fish Commis­ throughout the counties which is the of the landowner by the general public sion, P.O. Box 1673, "Fly Tying" Dept. Palomino. In all the issues I have ac­ can cause us to lose access to many of A, Harrisburg, Pa. 17120. We'll mail you quired I have never seen any information our rivers and streams throughout the this 60-page manual in short order. It's an on what baits and tactics to use to catch state. It seems to me that all decent invaluable aid for any feather wrapper; one of these golden beauties. Could you sportsmen must become involved with especially so for the beginner. Ed. please tell me some tactics or baits to use the apprehension of these slobs if we are to catch one of these wary feeders. to continue to have any fishing or hunt­ ing left in this great state. TOO FEW PAGES - FRANK DALY Upper Darby Best wishes, After reading the Pennsylvania Angler P.S. Keep up the good work Teddy. A. J. JOHNSON, JR. for three years, I have seen in the "Let­ Kittanning ters" section more than one time, com­ Hybrids, trout or otherwise, seem to have ments about not being sent renewal little variation in their feeding pref­ notices for the Angler. Well, I think it's erences, as long as what is presented is RARE CATCH - happening to me. Just in case it has, within the realm of either "parent's" Please note enclosed check for three traditional fare. However, the Palomino is I especially enjoy the boating articles more years. relatively new to the Keystone State — and "Leaky Boots". I'm wondering if The Pennsylvania Angler in my compared to purebred trout — and some anyone has ever topped this one ... a opinion is one of the most informative different or peculiar feeding pattern true story. Last summer, my son-in-law Publications I read monthly. I also think might be noted as time passes. It's my and I were fishing from my boat in the the Commission does a great job in this guess, though, that such a pattern might Susquehanna below the Holtwood Dam. state although too much attention is be more of the individual angler's doing We were using artificial lures and sud­ given to the coldwater fisheries as op- than the trout! Ed. denly I had a strike. When I had the fish Posed to warmwater fisheries, but that retrieved to the boat and brought it up has more to do with the popularity of along side, I discovered it was a catfish trout and salmon fishing in Pennsylvania hooked in a whisker by one of the treble than to any shortcomings of the Fish hooks. I released the fish by taking a Commission. There are few states that knife and cutting off the whisker. Now if can boast the variety and quality that someone else ever catches the same fish, Pennsylvanians can. it will be short one whisker. The only flaw I can find in the Angler Just keep the Angler coming my way. IS that there are too few pages. Other GEORGE H. SPOTTS than that it is the best fishing publication Lancaster 1 read monthly.

BOB HEBRANK Jeannette HOOKED ON ICE FISHING You've touched upon a too often over­ For years I wanted to go fishing looked facet of trout fishing (its popu­ HOOKED! through the ice. I had no idea how to go larity) and the Commission's activity con­ Here is a photo of one of the three about it. My friends from Oil City told nected with it, Bob. Executive Director muskies I caught in Presque Isle Bay in me to come up there and they would take Abele's editorial in the April issue gave August and September of 1976. It was me ice fishing. We went to Conneaut °ur readers some insight into the Com- my first year for trying muskies and I like Lake. •nission's overall warmwater propagation it. I would like to see you do a story for We were there for about an hour when Program and we hope to have a feature the Angler on musky fishing in Presque a flag went up. My friend pulled a 27- article in the near future which will shed Isle Bay, if possible. I lost more than I inch northern pike onto the ice. I was some light on how much attention is really IVei caught, but I learned something on each hooked on ice fishing then and there. | > to Pennsylvania's warmwater one I lost. My wife got me some tip-ups for my fishery. Watch for it. Ed. birthday and I was on my way. I fished DENNIS E. HARRINGTON Lake Arthur three times till the ice got Fairview unsafe. I had to stop for this ice season, "GOLDEN BEAUTIES" You're doing just great Dennis! You'll but I will be there next freeze-up. I only I would like to tell you that the be pleased to know that we do indeed have got one bite in the three days I fished but Pennsylvania Angler is one of the best a story on Erie muskellunge fishing am looking forward to next winter. nshing magazines of all times because it scheduled for publication in the very near nas some of the greatest information on DOUG KING future— watch for it. Ed. East Brady

JUNE — 1977 3 Taking A Closer Look

by Tom Fegely

LIFE AT THE TOP Whirligig beetles are well-suited for life on the "roof" of the water. magine someone walking across was cast on the bottom sand or silt its kind. I the ceiling of your home or — the result of the insect's feet hav­ Unlike the strider, only half of the swimming in a pond without getting ing "bent" the water's surface. whirligig's body repels water. The wet. Many prefer to call this common upper shiny surface of the beetle is Though these tricks are reserved insect the "water skater" for it does water repellent while the lower part for magicians and Saturday morning indeed skate atop the water. Its feet isn't. The insect actually "slices" cartoons, there are some creatures are covered with dozens of waxy the surface in its roundabout travels, that spend their entire lives on the hairs which repel the water rather the paddle-like hind legs propelling it surface of ponds and lakes, or the than attract it. As it moves its legs, along. backwaters of a river or stream, the water is pushed downward hard One other adaptation which na­ literally living on the "roof and enough to bend the surface but not ture has provided for the whirligig is "ceiling" of the place where fish and hard enough to penetrate it. a special placement of the eyes. other aquatic animals dwell. The water strider is so fully They are divided into two separate Even though water seems easy adapted to life at the top that it can pairs: one above the water, the other enough to penetrate when you cast a actually drown by falling through the below. Therefore it can enjoy the lure or dip your hand into it, there is film on which it lives. Should a best of both worlds in hunting for actually a thin but dense layer of strider get caught in the rapids, or if food and being alerted to predators water molecules across the top it is transported to a home aquarium both above and below the surface. known as surface film. It is on this in a jar, it may be pushed beneath Even the lowly snail has learned firm and flexible covering that such the surface and not be able to get to move about on the ceiling of the creatures as water striders, whirligig back through. Consequently this pond. When it tires of crawling beetles, fishing spiders and mosquito elongated insect will actually drown around on the pond floor, it releases larvae make their homes. much the same way a human or large a gas bubble on which it rides to the The water strider can perform a animal drowns by breaking through surface much the same as a man in a trick unmatched by few other living a lake's ice. hot air balloon. Here, hanging up­ creatures. It can actually run across The unusual whirligig beetle is side down on the ceiling, the snail the water without getting its feet another creature well-suited to living actually slides along by rhythmic vi­ wet. on the "roof of the water — though brations of its flattened "foot". If you've ever watched a water it will not drown like the strider. It is here, too, that the bothersome strider moving about in some placid The whirligig gets its name from mosquito lays her eggs and propa­ pool, you probably noticed that its its constant trails of dizzying circles. gates her larvae. Occasionally a feet dimpled the water's surface. If Any angler trying to follow the route floating raft of neatly arranged eggs the water was shallow, a peculiar of a single beetle soon loses track as may be discovered floating across enlarged shadow of each "dimple" it crisscrosses paths with others of the top of the water. The eggs drift 4 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER Hi

• \V N' Aw^

J>-*ZTCZJ *y 14.4 Above: A fishing spider waits patiently on a boat dock for a minnow to pass underneath. K M L»%.. > * \ >H Right: This is a highly enlarged photograph of a mos­ quito larva hanging upside down with its air tube • * W^( ^4 on the top of the pond. kBup«"' "JP

# 1 i

about until the tiny larvae finally down, grabs the fish in its legs and find themselves stranded atop the hatch through an opening in the bot­ injects a venom into it. Even if the water, like a fish on the ice. They tom of the eggs. The larval mos­ fish drags it under the surface, the now are helpless as they are not quitoes then cling to the ceiling and spider will not relinquish its grip. powerful enough to get back below penetrate it with a straw-like air tube When the fish finally succumbs, the the surface film and most likely will which supplies it with needed spider drags it back to shore or some end up as a mouthful for some other oxygen. One treatment for mosquito other dry spot — across the top of equally small creature. control is covering the water with a the water — before finally sucking Yes, there's a whole world atop harmless oily substance which out its juices. that stuff in which we fish. Even blocks the "snorkels" and suffo­ A number of microscopic animals some plants, water lilies and duck­ cates the larvae. also dwell near the top of the water weed — to name just two — have The hairy-looking fishing spider is where they wander about feeding on adapted to this penthouse existence. also a master at skittering atop the diatoms and green algae. Occa­ Sometime this month when the bass water. It hunts small minnows by sionally a ripple caused by a passing aren't hitting and the kids are getting hiding on docks or bridges only in­ boat or a tossed rock or lure will restless, row into some quiet cove ches above the water. When a min­ actually "flip" these critters out of and look for these tiny but interest­ now or fry comes near it drops the water. When they land they may ing creatures that live "at the top." JUNE — 1977 5 How to Land Bass and Other Fish By Gerald Almy he bass digs deep, stripping line T from the tightly set drag in short, unexpected spurts of energy. The angler's light spinning rod is bowed in a severe loop. His partner counsels him loudly: "He's a nice one! Get him in quickly. I've got the net!" A wise angler knows better than this. He plays the fish cautiously, allowing the elasticity of the line and the flex of the rod to tire the stub­ born bass. But suddenly the fish turns and rushes towards the boat. Quickly taking up line, the fisherman has his quarry close now, but he is still green and full of fight. His partner, at the sight of the enormous bigmouth, lunges wildly, shipping water in the small johnboat, touching the fragile monofilament with the frame of the net. With a sickening snap of the line the bass is Author shows belly-lift landing method on four-pound smallmouth bass. gone. Sound familiar? Unfortunately, it of fight in him and the energy inch brown trout for about five is an all-too-common incident. necessary for a quick dynamic spurt minutes! It was kind of funny, really. Perhaps you've even been a party to which may snap the line, throw a The poor guy had been fishing all such an unpleasant experience. hook in the angler's hand, or rub the morning and finally hooked a trout The final step in catching a fish — line against the boat, net, motor ... I guess he wanted to get landing it — is botched far more shaft or prop. everything out of it that he could. often than need be. If a few simple When line is stretched near its But, seriously, such tactics can rules for landing fish are understood breaking point as you pump a fish exhaust a fish so much that he be­ and perhaps two or three effective towards the boat, any secondary comes weakened, builds up excess methods of bringing them in are stress, caused by touching the taut lactic acid, and becomes vulnerable learned (then practiced), such dis­ line with the rim of the net or the to predators and diseases. It just couraging events as the one above side of the boat, can easily snap it. takes a little experience to recognize should never happen. Of course, • It's at its most vulnerable moment the limits of your tackle and the there will always be fish which gain when fully taut under the pull of a point when a fish is ready to come in their freedom right at your feet — by heavy fish. — the critical phase when he is no "spitting" the hook or using some Another motivation for playing a longer "green," but not yet overly other sly maneuver. But if you know fish out thoroughly before attempt­ exhausted. the proper techniques for landing ing to land it is the health of the fish. There are several proven methods bass and other fish, very few should If you plan to release him, you'll for landing bass, most of which will be lost from human error; those are want to wear him out sufficiently so also work for other gamefish as well. the kind that hurt the most. that he doesn't injure himself flop­ Which one is best for a particular There are a number of general ping around as you try to remove the situation depends upon a number of precautions which should always be hook. Sometimes you might not variables, including strength of kept in mind when landing fish — even need to touch the fish ... if tackle and line, how the fish is some do's and don'ts, if you will. you can reach the hook with pliers or hooked, type of lure being used, Some of these will be covered in the hemostats while it's still in the where you are fishing from, etc. specific sections on the various land­ water. ing methods, but one basic tenet Of course, it's senseless to try to NETS needs special emphasis. It's what "play" a fish which is too small to Probably the surest method of cost the angler in the opening scene test your tackle. The advice getting a hooked fish into your his bass, i.e., never try to land a shouldn't be carried to the extreme. possession is with a net, if it is han­ "green" fish, one which still has a lot I once saw an angler "play" a 10- dled correctly. First off, a fish 6 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER cause serious internal damage. Rather, allow the fish's weight to press down upon your palm with the aid of gravity as you raise your hand out of the water. This pushes the fish's organs up against his spinal cord, temporarily immobilizing him. Be sure you lift at the center of balance of the fish, so his weight will be evenly distributed, and it will be easy to work your lure, hook, or fly loose.

Ranny Isenberg exhibits good technique with landing net. Outer lip of net should be submerged and held stationary as fish is led over it.

should not actually be netted; rather, tuckered out, and only /f there are no it should be led into the net. The an­ dangerous treble hooks dangling gler takes the active role in the land­ menacingly from the fish's lower ing by leading the fish over the jaw, begging to puncture your extended and submerged net. The hands. netter (which can, of course, be the To land a fish with the lip hold angler himself) should extend the net technique, play him out thoroughly, towards the fish and lower the outer reach toward him and insert your rim so that it's deep enough for the thumb inside the fish's lower lip, Lor Cooke lands crappie with lip fish to be led over without touching bringing the index finger up snugly it. hold method. Smallmouth below the thumb and the bass's can be landed with the Moving the net toward the fish is lower jaw. This temporarily immobi­ same technique. unwise because this scares the fish lizes bass, but does not harm them. and may incite him to thrash, dive, The method also works well on or make a successful lunge toward certain other large-mouthed fish, OTHER METHODS the rim of the net which may pop the such as crappie. It does not work on There are numerous other ways of line if it touches the frame. trout, or panfish with small mouths, landing fish — some orthodox, some If you follow this method, you'll and obviously should not be at­ not. One of the commonest pro­ see that the only possible way to net tempted with pickerel, northern cedures for landing small bass and the fish is head first, as you lead him pike, muskellunge, or any other panfish is to simply swing them into the net. This is best, too, for if sharp-toothed fish, unless you're aboard. This should never be tried the fish lunges or dives, he's actually looking for a thumbfull of lacera­ with a heavy fish, however, or when going into the net, trapping himself. tions. using light lines. The tactic can be Once the head and majority of the performed with the rod or by grasp­ fish's body pass over the rim of the BELLY LIFT ing the line above the fish and lifting net, all that has to be done is to raise This is one of my favorite methods him in with your hand. Lightly the net and lift the fish in. for landing fish in many situations. hooked fish will sometimes be lost Nets are especially useful when a It's simple to execute, works for al­ with this method as they "kick" on bass is lightly hooked. They are also most all gamefish, and does not the way in. very handy when angling for thin- harm the fish. I find the technique Without a net, fish of the pike mouthed species such as crappie or especially useful for landing river family can present problems. Such shad. smallmouths when wading a stream. fish are sometimes grasped by the UP HOLD To land a bass using the belly lift gills or eye sockets. This is fine only technique, gently slip your hand if you're certain it is of legal size and This method of landing fish is under the fish's stomach and slowly you plan to keep the fish, because especially useful on bass. There are lift upwards with a very light grip such specimens are unlikely to sur­ qualifications, however. It's advis­ around the fish. You shouldn't vive if released after this treatment. able only // the fish is properly squeeze the fish at all, as this may A much better method consists of

JUNE — 1977 7 grabbing the fish over or slightly be­ hind the gill plates, from the top downward, with a fairly light grip, then lifting them clear of the water. Though gaffs are sometimes used in freshwater, there is rarely a need for such violent tactics. Tailing, on the other hand, is an excellent method for landing salmon, but re­ quires a bit of practice to execute properly. Beaching is a very effective meth­ od for landing fish, if you have a relatively smooth, gently sloping shoreline to work from. The trick is to tire the fish out fully, then lift up with the rod so his head is up and slide him slowly onto shore. If there are any waves, time your pull so that the wave helps carry the fish onto This is why you don't want to land a chain pickerel by reaching in its mouth! land. himself firmly before beginning his thrust my right hand around the antic contortions, dancing wildly on stunned bass' belly and my left hand LAST RESORT the end of the 6-pound line. Finally, around his bottom lip. He bucked I don't consider myself a fanatic. I worked him in toward the sharp lightly, but in vain. For the price of a But I'm sure the angler who saw me rocky bank and got a good glimpse at couple of scraped knees and a fin- land a six-pound largemouth on a his true size. He was tiring fast, so I punctured thumb, I had my prize. large impoundment recently might pumped him close, within three feet This isn't a landing method I argue the point. of me, when suddenly the hook recommend, however. Some might Several small bass had come my pulled free. The bass was worn out, even consider it downright crazy — way while fishing a spinnerbait from however, and hung momentarily especially when you consider the the rock pilings next to a bridge within reach, half on his side. fact that after a few pictures were abutment. Then "Grandpa" struck! Without thinking, I instinctively snapped, the fish went back into the He slammed the lure and hooked lept into the water up to my knees, lake!

Lot Cooke shows how to land fish of the pike family, such as this 4-pound chain pickerel—when a net is not handy.

Curtis Hodnett demonstrates "swing'em aboard" method of landing fish that are well-hooked. PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER Fishing the Sinnemahoning a stream with a history where both bass and trout abound . .

By George E. Dolnack, Jr.

ameron County's Driftwood C Branch of the Sinnemahoning, a favorite of many anglers, passes through some of the most scenic country in the state. From its head­ waters in Elk County, to its con­ fluence with the Bennett Branch in Driftwood some 30 miles down­ stream, it offers a variety of fishing situations. Until it widens in Emporium, the stream is relatively narrow and easy to wade in most places. It is also a haven for fish with its rock-strewn bottom, deep holes, long shallow pools, riffles, undercut banks, and partially submerged boulders. Along much of its length, it is cradled be­ tween steep mountains and wood­ ed shorelines. Cameron County Waterways Pa­ trolman Stan Hastings says that the Driftwood Branch, which means "stony lick" in the Indian tongue, receives five stockings of trout per year. While bait fishermen drift the usual offerings to the fish, Hastings recommends spinners like the C. P. Swing to the lure enthusiast and an Adams or Light Cahill to the flyrod- der. He said that trout taken by anglers from the stream have measured as follows: rainbows to 21 inches; browns to 25 inches; and brookies to 12 inches. Recent electroshocking surveys, he added, turned up some two-foot-long trout which show that some big ones still prowl the waters of the Sinnemahoning. Less sought in the streams, is a Population of smallmouth bass some of which measure up to a respectable 17 inches. Most fishing for these The Driftwood Branch of the Sinnemahoning, looking north toward scrappers is done on the big water Tunnel Hill. Despite the good fishing available in this (continued on page 32.) isolated scenic area, it is relatively underfished.

JUNE — 1977 9 THE ANGLERS NOTEBOOK by Richard F. Williamson

Concealment is essential in fishing for Make a bass surface bug behave like the Pork strips and pork chunks are ex­ trout in streams so small that you can creature, it is intended to imitate. A live cellent additions to spoons and jigs; their easily cast to the far bank. Crouch low frog moves over the surface of the water action in the water makes the lures more behind bushes or tall weeds; or, blend with short strokes of its hind legs, mov­ effective. The pork chuck can be fished between the trunks of trees. Then cast ing only an inch or so at a time; a mouse alone, on a weedless hook, worked on delicately, with the least possible exten­ swims slowly and steadily. The artificial the surface around lily pads and weeds. sion of the rod over the water surface. frog or mouse should be fished with the Both come in a variety of colors, but same gentle action. black and white are the favorites. A No. 4 bait hook is just about right for fishing with a hellgrammite as bait. A larger hook can kill the insect when it is run under the collar back of the head. Heavily fished waters call for the more somber colors in bass and pike lures. Black or dark red, with perch markings, are good colors to try if the more flashy conbinations, such as red and white, fail to produce action. A tiny jig, suspended under a bobber is a fine crappie lure. But, the bobber must be the smallest available; quill bobbers are tops. The crappie is a delicate biter, and a heavy bobber can keep the angler from detecting a strike on the jig. Fish for bass in rivers and streams in FISH FACT: Big bass and trout, in the same type water where you find trout both lakes and streams, do 80 or 90 in trout streams. Instincts for resting in Don't use a fly rod or light casting rod percent of their feeding beneath the sur­ safe positions and for feeding where the for trolling. It can be done in an face of. the water. Water depth gives currents bring forage to them are the emergency, but a stout rod is not so them protection. They also feed on min­ same in bass and trout. Also, bass often easily damaged. nows and other large underwater prey feed on the same types of insects and There are good reasons for the great va­ very much more than on insects on the other natural food that attract trout. riety of patterns of flies used in trout surface. Learn to use a casting rod with either fishing. Aquatic insects of a single Don't cuss a breeze when it begins hand, then you will be able to cast from species are not all the same color and blowing over water you are fishing for either side of your body and keep away size. There are major differences trout. For one thing, the breeze can blow from obstacles. between insects found in limestone land insects onto the water and set the Fly rod surface bugs for bluegill fishing streams and those in freestone streams. trout to feeding. Also, the breeze will include many styles. Some have small And a pattern that is highly successful on ruffle the water and make it harder for rubber bodies and long rubber legs. one stream may fail completely on the fish to see you and your rod, line and Others have cork or plastic bodies, another stream, even one in the same leader. decorated with hackle or hair. Some general location. Heavy rumbles of thunder can disturb have the decorations at the head and A lure moving from shallow into deeper fish so much that they will flee into the some at the tail, and some have hair water is the one most likely to catch fish. deepest water and stop feeding. wings; all are effective. Remember that fish "hide" in deeper Piles of small rocks, rather than one or water most of the time and move into two big boulders, are the best bass feed­ shallows to feed only a comparatively ing places. This is because small rocks few hours of the day. attract more minnows and other forage Be patient in fishing low, clear water. If fish. you have to wade into a casting position, Currents flowing through stream pools stand quietly for a couple of minutes to are feeding lanes for fish, but often they give fish that have been disturbed a are difficult to see. Drop a twig or small chance to quiet down. If fishingfro m the leaf on the water ... it will float in the bank, take a position and hold it for a feeding lane. brief period before beginning to cast. The landing net you carry on stream Be careful in picking up casts when expeditions for trout and bass is not big spoons, spinners and heavy baits are be­ enough for use when fishing from a boat. ing used. An abrupt lifting of the lure The boat net is always bigger, because puts a strain on the rod that may result in bigger fish are likely to be hooked, and it a broken tip. The proper method is to br­ should have a handle long enough for the ing the lure or bait to the surface of the angler to reach down into the water from water carefully, then pick up the line the boat in which he is fishing. with the rod.

10 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER SPECIAL REGULATIONS —TIME FOR EVALUATION by Delano R. Graff, Chief Division of Fisheries Pennsylvania Fish Commission

isheries management has been tions. They cover such things as standing use of special regulations in F defined in a number of ways, when a species of fish may be legally fish management, entire programs not always in terms that are under­ creeled; how big a fish must be to have been developed which standable to the majority of anglers. keep; how many can be creeled; designate categories of special regu­ In Pennsylvania, management of the and, what gear can be used to catch lations to serve unique or identifiably fisheries consists of taking the best fish. Generally, most regulations are different groups of anglers. Anyone information available and using it to consistent across the state; for who has done much fishing in provide the best possible fishing example, the legal size limit for trout Pennsylvania has undoubtedly seen, while maintaining or enhancing the in western Pennsylvania is the same or utilized, a "Fly-Fishing-Only" area, fishery resource and the environ­ as that for central or eastern Penn­ "Fish-For-Fun" area, "Children's" ment that supports the resource. sylvania. There are, however, excep­ area, "Exhibition" area, or "Wired" That's a pretty lofty goal and with tions where regulations are es­ area. more than a million anglers in the tablished which differ considerably The intent of using special regula­ state there's a lot of room for dis­ from statewide regulations. These tions is to adequately respond to a agreement as to what constitutes "special regulations," which do not particular need or desire of the an­ "the best possible fishing." The coincide with statewide or "normal" gling public and/or to make the best Pennsylvania Fish Commission has regulations, are the subject of this use of the fishery resource. This is developed a rather diverse program article. compatible with the overall objective In an effort to be sure that, no matter The Pennsylvania Fish Com­ of providing diversified fishing op­ their interpretation, most anglers will mission has been in the special regu­ portunities which appeal to anglers have an opportunity to experience lations business for quite some time. of varying interests. Also, some spe­ what they consider the best fishing. Based on a review of the best in­ cial regulations can have a beneficial One of the most commonly used formation available, it appears that effect on the fish population and are tools in providing opportunities for Pennsylvania has more specially used in any management program 9ood fishing is regulation. Fishermen regulated areas for fishing than any based on biological data. However, are familiar with the use of regula­ other state. Because of the long­ the attitudes and knowledge of

JUNE — 1977 11 know how large the resource base is, what the demand is for that resource and what is to be accom­ plished in terms of satisfying anglers and conserving the resource. Special regulations have become more than a simple choice as a preferred fisheries management tool. To many anglers, special regulations have become an emotional issue. These emotional overtones seriously complicate decisions to establish, remove or change a special regula­ tions area, The term "Special Regu­ lations" evokes different images in the minds of anglers. People tend to identify special regulations in terms of their own experience or particular field of interest. To the angler who is devoted to the art of fly fishing, spe­ cial regulations means a fly-fishing- only area or a fish-for-fun area and applies mostly to trout; to those who entertain the peculiar notion that kids don't have fun fishing unless it is in their own restricted pond or stream, special regulations means a children's area; to the many who seek a solution to truck following dur­ ing trout stocking, special regulations "... no special regulation will produce more than the environment can sustain." could mean wired areas; to the park manager or head of a tourist bureau, fishermen and fisheries managers cumulation of individual situations a special area is an exhibition area have changed a great deal since where someone thought a specific which attracts people to see large some of the special regulations pro­ project would be a good idea. Over fish. grams were first instituted. The the years, like Topsy, the program There are other applications of reasons for establishing a special just grew. It is time, now, to pause special regulations, but the majority regulations area, the standards for and give serious consideration to of specially regulated areas fall into such an area and the perception of exercising a little better control and five general categories: fly-fishing- the role of specially regulated areas direction over the whole concept of only, fish-for-fun, children's areas, in a comprehensive fisheries utilizing special regulations in wired areas, and exhibition areas. It program have changed over the fisheries management. Critical is these five categories that are of years. This has been a constructive evaluation is long overdue. most concern to fisheries managers change brought about by an In determining what direction the and deserve reexamination. improved knowledge of fisheries special regulations programs should The fly-fishing-only program de­ biology, more and better information take, there are some basic questions veloped as an effort to offer excep­ about the resource and recognition that must be answered. Should spe­ tional trout fishing in aesthetically ap­ of changing social values which are cial areas be established purely on a pealing surroundings. The purpose important in managing a recreational social basis, purely on a biological was to create or preserve a self- fishery. basis, or should both aspects be sustaining fishery and provide any Awareness of changing public atti­ taken into consideration? Should interested angler with an opportunity tudes and the accumulation of more special areas be instituted on a to fish for trout in a traditional and and better information has proven to resource basis or should an effort be classic manner in a relatively scenic be a mixed blessing. It is evident to made to have so many special areas setting. To many anglers, the fly­ anyone who takes a careful look at of a given type in each geographic fishing-only concept has come our special regulations programs area of the state? If uniform stan­ to mean a great deal more than was that, while the intent was good, spe­ dards are to be applied, what are intended. There are few more cial regulations have not been these standards and how are they opinionated, committed and emo­ adopted in a consistent manner. On established? These questions all tionally involved groups than the fly- close scrutiny, one discovers that the lead to the conclusion that it is im­ fishers. Fly fishermen run the gamut special regulations program is not perative that those managers mak­ from understanding and tolerant, to really a coherent program; it is an ac­ ing decisions on special regulations downright arrogant snobs (come to

12 PENNSYLVANIAANGLER think of it, that's true of mankind in the basis of wild trout, but most When a group (civic group, service general). However, one message receive light stockings of hatchery club, sportsman's club, etc.) is look­ they convey is consistent — they feel trout. ing for a project and wants to do that fly fishing produces a "better Serious questions have to be an­ something community minded and class of angler," one who has a swered before expansion of either resource oriented, it always seems greater respect for the trout and the the fly-fishing-only or fish-for-fun pro­ like a good idea to do something for environment which supports trout grams can be considered. Accu­ the kids. It's hard to challenge that than does the average angler, or the mulation of more information than logic — after all, kids are the hope of "meat fisherman." Inherent in this was ever before available on the the future. Unfortunately, a lot of philosophy is the opinion that the resource and increasing insight into things we do for kids probably don't only way to produce better informed the attitudes and desires of the using do as much for the kids as they do for and concerned trout anglers is to public cause the Commission to our own good feelings. It is very have more fly fishing areas. Whether reassess the rationale for fly-fishing- probable that children's areas fit into or not fly fishing is the cure-all for only and fish-for-fun. Should the two this category. They are accepted slob fisherman problems and programs be merged into a single simply because they're for the kids; whether or not it instills greater ap­ program? What do we hope to ac­ what right thinking, moral American preciation for the trout and his envi­ complish through fly-fishing-only? could be against anything that was ronment is not something the Should we attempt to utilize the fly- for the kids?" fisheries biologist can answer. (This fishing/fish-for-fun approach to The concept of a special area for is a question on which I'm not foolish manage for wild trout only? Should children seems to have developed enough to even venture an opinion fly-fishing/fish-for-fun be reserved for from the idea that kids do not enjoy — I only raise the point to illustrate top quality trout water or should the fishing unless they are guaranteed that fly-fishing-only often becomes programs be spread about the state instant gratification; that is, they have so emotional as to transcend the bio­ so each angler has at least one in to catch a fish right now — or they logical facts involved.) "his" area? The use of artificial lure aren't interested. There's a lot of No one, except a modern day restrictions and the "no-kill" merit to that idea. Anyone who has Solomon, has the answers to the philosophy do have a role in a bio­ introduced children to fishing knows emotional or philosophical con­ logically based trout management all too well that kids like to catch fish; troversy surrounding fly-fishing-only; program. That role has to be clarified and, at least early in their angling however, there are some biological before the program gets any larger. career, they aren't too patient questions which can be answered by facts available to the fish­ Would it be better to allow children to choose where they want to fish? eries biologist. The emotional or Philosophical involvement of fly fishers with their sport has led to the Persisting misconception that fly­ fishing-only automatically leads to a spectacular trout population. This is simply not true. The use of flies (and other artificial lures) may be a necessary part of comprehensive Management for what is often called "quality fishing," but lure restriction (flies only) without other regulation will produce very little in terms of response by the fish population. Of course, if stream quality is not suit­ able for maintenance of an excep­ tional fish population, then no special regulation will produce more than the ertvironment can sustain. The fish-for-fun program is, in jjiany respects, quite similar to the f|y-fishing-only program. There is reason to believe that fly-fishing-only and fish-for-fun areas appeal to the very same group of anglers. Fish-for- fun was instituted to take advantage of growing public awareness that a 9reat deal of angling pleasure can be derived without killing fish. Some fish-for-fun projects are managed on

JUNE — 1977 between bites. Apparently someone (perhaps a lot of someones) thought that the best way to sustain children's interest in fishing was to make sure they could catch stocked trout in an area where there was no competition from adults. Thus was born the children's area. There are two schools of thought on the wisdom of providing children with a special fishing area. One opinion is you're providing them with a positive experience: catching fish and developing an interest in the sport; the other thought is you're actually cheating the kids out of the experience of honestly catching a fish and instilling unrealistic expecta­ tions and values. Make your own choice as to which camp you're in. Either belief is entirely philosophical since children's areas have absolutely no biological (fisheries) value. A fish caught and killed is dead whether it's caught by an adult or by a child — it doesn't seem to make any difference to the fish. A few years ago if one questioned a children's area it was as if you were against Motherhood and the Flag. However, the nagging doubts persist. Why do we need children's areas? What happened to the joy kids could experience catching a bluegill or derricking that first native brook trout out of a mountain stream? It is entirely possible nothing happened to these experiences, they are still there; but adults (at least some adults) seem to feel that noth­ Wired areas are supposed to provide extended fishing . . .but do they? ing less than a fat, gullible hatchery want a special area? There may be most work to the detriment of the trout is acceptable. They are impart­ no simple yes or no answers to any honest anglers. ing this value system to children. of these questions, but they all de­ One of the more promising means The question has to be faced: do serve serious consideration. of handling the inseason stocking children's areas really serve a pur­ The wired area program is an at­ problems seem to be the use of pose or are we simply perpetuating a tempt to provide fishing over a long wired stocking areas or fish refuges problem? There seems to be a great period of time from inseason stock­ in which fish were stocked and fish­ deal of concern among anglers and ings of trout. There are instances ing was not permitted. The theory fisheries professionals about the where inseason trout stockings was that the fish would gradually slob fisherman, the truck follower. Do seem to benefit only those anglers work their way out of these areas we, by offering instant success in an who have the time and inclination to and into open stream. The major artificial situation, simply create fish during or immediately following goal of using wired areas is to extend another generation of truck followers stocking. This practice, commonly the period of time which stocked by encouraging children to view a called truck following, has been one trout are available to anglers and children's area as the typical fishing of the most criticized aspects of the provide a longer fishery for stocked experience? Do children's areas Commission's trout stocking trout. have a role in a comprehensive program. There have been many ef­ If wired areas are indeed a valu­ fisheries management program? Do forts made to solve the truck follow­ able tool in producing a better children's areas create positive at­ ing problem, including secret stock­ stocked trout fishery and providing titudes about fishing or do they cheat ings and closing of an entire stream more opportunities for more people, children of a constructive growing for several days after stocking. None then their potential as a manage­ experience? Do children need or of these have been successful and ment tool is very, very great. If on the 14 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER other hand wired areas don't accom­ challenges to the legitimacy of comprehensive program where plish this, then they may simply be a exhibition areas. The major criticism biologists examine the streams to waste of fish; and other alternatives is that many of these exhibition areas determine the fish populations, water to solving the truck following problem tend to promote tourism or com­ quality, land ownership, and a variety should be considered. (One which mercial ventures. The question in the of other factors, all of which are im­ has a great deal of promise is the minds of some seems to be: is it le­ portant to managing a fishery. Sig­ float stocking by interested gitimate for the Pennsylvania Fish nificantly, this is the first such effort sportsmen's groups.) Commission to establish a special instituted in Pennsylvania. There It is very difficult to comment area and foster a population of large have been a great many surprises, knowledgeably on the wired areas. fish (sometimes through stocking) even to those of us who thought we Studies have been conducted by which clearly benefits private com­ had a good idea of what the resource both Pennsylvania Fish Commission mercial ventures or at least is pri­ was, and there have been some personnel and U.S. Fish and Wildlife marily to promote tourism? Opinions other developments that weren't sur­ personnel. The results are not on this vary. There are exhibition prises. consistent; sometimes they work, areas where the Pennsylvania Fish Completion of inventory work sometimes they don't. At the present Commission stocks large fish, should provide many of the answers there are only 9 counties where one usually old brood stock, thereby regarding the use of special regula­ can find a wired area stocking benefiting (at a cost to all fishermen) tions areas and what role they play in program. Wired areas are found on a rather discrete area. Should the providing good fishing. However, it 29 streams; there are a total of 123 Commission engage in such stock­ seems to make little sense to wired areas. Of these, approximately ings? Do the benefits outweigh any continue to put special regulations 45% are located in McKean County! disadvantages? What is the real pur­ into effect in a piecemeal manner This hardly strikes one as a pose of exhibition areas? Are exhibi­ while at the same time we were statewide use of special regulations tion areas of value to anglers? These gathering the data to provide us with in a comprehensive fisheries questions should be resolved. If the a factual base for using, or not using, management plan. Commission continues to sanction special regulations in any given exhibition areas, there should be a At first glance, wired areas do situation. clear understanding of why we have seem like a good idea; however, lots such areas and what is or is not Rather than perpetuate the confu­ of things that seem like good ideas considered valid use of hatchery fish sion surrounding special regulation don't really work when tested in in an exhibition area. programs, the Commission has de­ actual practice. The status of wired cided to pause and reflect on the areas in our management program It is increasingly apparent that situation. Therefore, at the January and their value — or lack of value — many of the questions about special 17, 1977 meeting, the Pennsylvania has not really been determined. If it's regulations programs cannot be Fish Commission declared a morato­ a good program, it should be answered at this time. These ques­ rium on the establishment of any expanded; if it's a poor program, tions deserve answers if the angler new fish-for-fun areas, fly-fishing- then it should be restricted; or if it is a and the resource are to be best only areas, wired areas, children's Program that is very good in a served. Special regulations have a areas or exhibition areas until selected type of environment or on a role in fisheries management but December 31, 1978. This delay selected type of situation, then it some of the special areas es­ should provide time not only to should be expanded to cover all of tablished years ago probably would assess and recommend improve­ those situations. These are ques­ not be approved by today's stan­ ments to existing special regulations tions that are easy enough to raise dards, yet these areas still exist. projects, but also to develop new but extremely difficult to answer! Other areas that might very well be areas or projects which can be es­ Exhibition areas are generally best managed through special regu­ tablished to provide more benefits to located on sites with a high rate of lations are being managed under the angler and the resource and also public visitation where fish, often statewide regulations. Also, some to permit implementation of special 'arge fish, concentrate and provide programs which may, or may not, regulations on a standardized basis People with an opportunity to view have merit (such as wired areas) are with information derived from the f'sh in a natural setting. The­ applied in such a restricted area that evaluation of statewide inventory oretically, these areas offer an they have not been fairly evaluated. data. educational experience. Exhibition The only way to really establish the Those groups who have recently areas may, or may not, increase best use of special regulations is to requested a special regulations area Public awareness of the importance have a sound base of information on one of their favorite streams may °f a clean environment and of the from which to draw conclusions. find this delay frustrating; however, role of fish in nature's scheme — it's In 1976 the Pennsylvania Fish their patience and cooperation is hard to know what impact viewing Commission embarked on an ambi­ requested. The result of the morato­ fish has on the public. One thing is tious but necessary program which rium should be well worth the wait. If clear, these areas attract people. has as its beginning a statewide in­ we're to have special regulations After all, even the most experienced areas, it's to the benefit of all anglers an ventory of all the streams and lakes; 9ler enjoys looking at large fish. not just a listing of where they are that we have the right kind in the right There have been some serious and what we think is in them, but a place for the right reasons!

JUNE — 1977 15 —•* \

16 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER •••—•••— •••!•••••

After poring over some outdoor x\. magazines, with all their stuff about big bass boats, depth finders, oxygen meters, thermometers and light density gauges, I have con­ cluded that we're getting too scien­ tific and too enmeshed in fishing gadgets. That costs us a lot of money Bait-fishing . . . and, in the case of duffers like me, much frustration. Good old-fashioned bait-fishing is no crime. In fact, it takes real skill to don't knock it catch big trout on nightcrawlers in July. Advantages? It's easier to un­ if you haven't tried it! hook and release a bass that takes bait on a fine wire hook than it is to by Richard F. Williamson pry treble hooks out of its jaw. Bait suspended under a bobber will take bull bluegills in deep water after the spawning period. Walleyes can be caught far easier on bait lowered into 30 or 35 feet of water than on jigs bumped — and too often stuck — on rocks on the bottom. So, it is time for the bait angler to come out of the background f shadows and take some bows beside the fly and lure casters! You do not read about it in the ? magazines, but some real lunker bass have been caught by Florida fishermen who used big shiners as bait, and last year a bass weighing around 20 pounds was caught on a gob of worms in a California lake. Bait-fishing is not just a matter of dumb luck . . . of bait of some kind being cast into the water and left on its own in the hope that a fish will Ns pick it up. Even worms, minnows and other baits must be presented with skill. In fact, proper presenta­ tion is as important in bait angling as is excellent imitation in artificial lures. The bait angler is no dummy. Proper presentation of baits is not possible unless the fisherman under­ stands fish, their habits and their activities. Sportsmanship is not determined by an angler's use of live baits or ar­ tificial lures, nor by the number of fish he can catch. For too long, bait anglers have been subjected to harsh and unfair criticism on the grounds that fish caught on bait are too of­ ten fatally injured and cannot be released unhurt to grow to larger

Anglers should take advantage of the pike's fondness for smaller fish. Illustration by Mark McCollough.

JUNE — 1977 17 proportions. Critics of this mind ob­ viously infer that such damage is not done by users of artificial lures. But the fact is that a hook baited with a worm, for example, can be gently worked out of the jaw of a fish just as easily as a hook decorated with fur and feathers. A fish that has taken live bait into its mouth or throat can also survive if the angler cuts the hook off the leader and lets the natural juices of the fish dissolve the metal. But a fish cannot survive if it takes a spinner, spoon or even a small plug deep. It will be fatally in­ jured when the hooks are worked out of its flesh, and it will starve if the line is cut and the lure left in its mouth or throat. Another hard fact is that fish can be caught by the use of baits in spots impossible to fish with artificial lures. An old fishing buddy of mine, now deceased, spent his summer va­ cations in the Catskills of New York. This man tied beautiful trout flies and fished them with skill in Penn­ sylvania waters. He never used bait then; but, by the time his vacation rolled around his favorite New York trout stream was extremely low. Trout were concentrated in little pockets of deep water amid massive baits. So, of course, can bluegills, be used. And, if the worm is to boulders that were impossible to fish catfish, crappies and perch, the so- appear natural it should not be with flies. My friend fished with called "panfishes." bunched on the hook but be hooked grasshoppers on tiny hooks at the Truly big trout need food in large only once or twice near the head so end of long fine leaders. His favorite quantities not provided by stream that the rest of its body is free to tactic was to flip the 'hopper gently insects, so they relish worms, min­ wriggle. onto a rock, then slide it off into the nows and other large baits. Worms Minnows are also effective trout water and let nature take its course. are good trout bait everywhere, even bait if they are of the species native Many a 'hopper made only a few in rocky areas where worms are sel­ to the waters being fished and come feeble kicks before a trout took it. dom found except in early spring or close to the size of the minnows in My friend caught beautiful fish. after heavy rain has muddied the the stream. Fresh minnows are al­ Much of the time he used barbless water. ways preferred to preserved min­ hooks, and releasing fish unharmed There are three basic types of nows sold in bottles. Live minnows was no problem. worms: small redworms of the ma­ will remain active if they are hooked Fish know live baits by their ap­ nure piles, middle-sized garden lightly through the lips or in the back pearance, their behavior and their worms, and the big nightcrawlers. above the area of the backbone, but feel. Nature takes care of the ap­ The bait angler has a matching job to dead minnows can be rigged so that pearance and feel factors. The do with worms. He must match the they spin when retrieved through the skilled angler knows how to make size of the worms he uses to the size water. his baits behave naturally, even if of the fish he expects to catch, and Grasshoppers are an excellent bait they are impaled on hooks. he must match the size of the worm during the period of the summer Now, having made my point, let and the size of the hook. A night- when they are numerous along the me share with you some tactics in crawler on a No. 12 hook would be shores and are often blown into the bait-fishing that will solve the prob­ ridiculous; so would a small worm water. Crickets rank on a level with lem of proper presentation with the on a big heavy hook. grasshoppers. Both should be lightly aid of rod, line, leader and baited A worm dragged on the surface of hooked through the body so that hook — but no gadgets. the water will not catch trout. The they can stir around as they float on All of the big four gamefish: trout, worm must get down into the water, the surface, but if they sink, they are bass, walleyes and all members of yet not be anchored on the bottom. still effective. the pike family can be taken on live So, the lightest possible sinker must Small hellgrammites, large

IS PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER nymphs of aquatic insects, and small shell, so that the hook point rides on stormy and unpleasant for the an­ crayfish are also good trout baits. top. Frogs may be hooked through gler. Many are caught through the Bottled salmon eggs are effective, the flesh of one leg, close to the ice in winter. too, because all trout relish them; body. Handled in this manner, all of Live bait is the favorite of walleye however, salmon eggs cannot be these baits will remain alive longer. fishermen who cannot or do not like classified as "live" baits. Nightcrawlers are a top bass bait. to use jigs or in water where jig fish­ Live baits will take bass when all No. 2 and No. 4 hooks are a good ing is difficult due to bottom condi­ types of artificial lures fail, espe­ size, and short-shank hooks are of­ tions. Minnows are good walleye cially if the angler uses really lively ten used. Crawlers bunched on the baits; sucker minnows are very ef­ bait that is in motion most of the hook are not as effective as those fective. Equally good are big, lively time. He doesn't just cast out the hooked through the head, just in nightcrawlers. bait, prop up the rod and wait for a front of the collar, so that the rest of In deep water, where walleyes do bite. He keeps the bait in the water the worm is free to wriggle in the most of their feeding, a sinker is some distance from a slowly drifting water, the same as in fishing for necessary to get the bait to the bot­ boat or he wades a stream, letting trout. tom, but the bait should not be the current carry the bait — natu­ Incidentally, one modern gadget allowed to rest on bottom. Instead, rally. He does not use a sinker of any has been devised to aid the 'crawler with a couple of turns of the reel kind, for the weight interferes with angler.' It is a small needle and bulb handle, the angler should lift the the natural behavior of the bait. which can be used to pump air bub­ sinker just off bottom, thus suspend­ And, if he is a real sportsman, the bles into the worm's body, near the ing the bait in deep water. angler does not let a striking bass run tail. Just a couple of bubbles will Walleyes do not usually take live a long distance with the bait. To keep the tail floating high even if the bait with a rush or a hard strike. avoid deep hooking that might prove worm crawls around on the bottom. They mouth the bait before swallow­ fatal, he lets the fish take the bait, Bass eat insects, just as trout do, ing it. The angler strikes when the tip then strikes when the fish begins to so grasshoppers and crickets will of his rod dips gently toward the swim away. He doesn't worry about take bass in the heat of summer. water surface two or three times. the relatively few fish he will fail to Lively minnows, as long as six or Walleyes are seldom hooked deep hook this way. eight inches, are top baits for pike when this method is used. Hellgrammites, minnows, stone and pickerel. The minnows may be Remember the point made earlier, catfish, crayfish and frogs are top hooked through both lips and al­ that fish know live baits by their ap­ bass baits. A minnow should be lowed to swim freely in the water, or pearance, behavior and feel, and hooked through both lips (for stream they can be hooked through the back that it is the angler's job to make the or river fishing) or through the back and fished with a bobber that will bait behave naturally? We have at­ (best for the still waters of ponds or keep them just off the bottom. This tempted here to suggest ways to do lakes), being sure to avoid the back­ method is very effective for large that job well. You likely have some bone. The hook should be run under pike on the outer edges of beds of ideas of your own. the collar of the hellgrammite, front weeds. Frogs, too, are excellent As I stated at the beginning of this to back. Stone catfish are properly pickerel and pike baits, fished the article, we are becoming too con­ hooked through both lips, with the same as for bass. cerned with gadgets, and bait hook point up. Crayfish are hooked Pike bite best in late summer, inci­ fishermen are unfairly criticized. So, through the tail muscle, close to the dentally, or during days that are bait up and have fun! Everyone should read the Pennsylvania Angler 1f

It's a perfect gift for Name (please print) ail-season giving to fishing and boating pals! Street or RD#—Include Box Number

City State But, above all, don't let your own Zipcode subscription expire! Check your D New Use Check or Money Order for Remittance • $3.00- • 1 year mailing label on the back cover. D Renewal (DO NOT SEND CASHI) D $7.50- • 3 years If "7-77" appears your subscription expires with the July MAIL TO: issue. If you act promptly, Pennsylvania Fish Commission you won't miss one single issue. Angler Circulation P.O. Box 1673 Don't put it off—do it now! Harrisburg, Pa. 17120

JUNE — 1977 19 The Monongahela River . . . a once-ravaged waterway making a spectacular recovery!

by Garry Deiger, spray and the fight was on! After a channel catfish and was soon to see dogged struggle, a scrappy but tired for myself that the stories were Waterways Patrolman three-pound largemouth was hoisted based on fact. Through personal Greene County into the boat. After taking a moment fishing trips and after many hours to admire the beauty and fine condi­ spent patrolling the river and its tion of the fish, the angler added it to tributaries, I witnessed catches of Photographs by his stringer. bass up to 20 inches, 14-inch crap­ By now you're probably wonder­ pies, and channel cats that would tip Russell Gettig, ing where this idyllic scene took the scales at 8 pounds! And, happily, Staff Photographer place. The upper Allegheny? The the story doesn't end here. Juniata? The Susquehanna? No, In 1974 the Fish Commission none of these. It took place on the began its stocking program with Monongahela River, in south­ plantings of muskellunge and chan­ he sun was just breaking over western Pennsylvania, and similar nel cat fry, and the following year Tthe treetops as the small alu­ scenes have been repeated many musky fingerlings were stocked. minum boat glided silently over the times since. Where the bass, crappies and other shoal where Muddy Creek entered Ten years ago a scene like you've gamefish that began showing up in the river. The boat came to a gentle just experienced was unheard of on abundance in the early 70's came rocking stop as the two men seated the "Mon." Even today former from, is anyone's guess. Some feel in it took in their surroundings. The residents who return to the Greene- they came in from overflowing local rising sun changed the gray forebod­ Washington County area, react with ponds, others feel they made their ing river water to a shimmering, in­ disbelief when they're told of the ex­ way into the river from tributaries; viting blue-green. The tops of the cellent fishing to be had on the but, whatever, they were and are water weeds were seen undulating Monongahela. there! slowly with the current and the For years, the deleterious offal of The 1977 season should see waves that formed as the boat coal mining, chemical plants, steel increased catches of bass, crappies, entered the cove, lapped quietly at plants, and other industries had the and channel cats, and we are looking the sandy river bank. An occasional river in dire straits. The acid, forward to seeing some legal mus- breeze created soft ripples on the chemicals, and other pollutants that kies come from the Mon. quiet water. flowed into the river and on down to In this article I will attempt to give This peaceful scene was suddenly the Ohio, made a very unsuitable en­ the reader a closer look at the Mon interrupted by a loud splash . . . vironment for fish and other aquatic River and the fish that are waiting to small minnows could be seen darting life. Carp and catfish were present be caught along the Greene County across the surface of the water. — but in such limited numbers that portion of it. Another splash and again minnows fishing pressure was light, to say the Approximately 30 miles of the skittered across the surface, this least, and gamefish were nearly Mon flow through my district and time a fin was seen knifing through nonexistent. make up the eastern boundary of the water. The man in the bow of the With the advent of the Clean Greene County. The river is actually boat grunted, probably in anticipa­ Streams Law and tighter controls like a series of long, narrow lakes, tion, then cocked his wrist and sent brought about by the Pennsylvania these being created by the numerous his lure flying in the direction of the Department of Environmental dams where locks were constructed feeding fish. Resources, the Environmental Pro­ to aid commercial river traffic. An The lure, a silver, floating imita­ tection Agency, and the Pennsyl­ angler fishing the river for the first tion minnow, landed gently and he vania Fish Commission, the quality time will find no riffles or shallow let it rest until the surface of the of the water in the river gradually stretches — it's deep along its entire water was again quiet. Then he improved and by the early 1970's, length. Center channel depths range began to twitch it slowly: once, fish were beginning to reappear. from 20 to 30 feet and taper twice, a third time; suddenly, there When I got my assignment to gradually up to the shoreline with was an explosive splash — a boil — Greene County in May of 1974, the occasional steep dropoffs. Some and the angler lunged back as his rod Mon River was the talk of most areas have sand or mud bottom, arched dangerously. The hefty bass knowledgeable anglers in the area. I some sections are composed of broke water in a shower of glistening heard stories of bass, crappies, and rocks or gravel, and numerous weed

20 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER Everyone benefits from clean water—boaters and fisherman alike. This area, at the confluence of Ten Mile Creek and the Monongahela River, is a bass and crappie hot spot.

JUNE — 1977 21 The catches on this page are typical of the bass to be had from the Monongahela River. Above left, an unidentified angler with a nice pair; above center, Audrey Kramer with a 17V2-incher taken on a nightcrawler; above right, Ed Slosky with three largemouth and one smallmouth taken on night- crawlers fished on the bottom near the Brownsville bridge; left, LesButchta took his 19Vrincherat the mouth of Ten Mile Creek on a black plastic worm; right, Robert Booze displays a pair of largemouth bass also taken near Ten Mile Creek.

beds are present. Shoreline structure begin to rise in late winter and are shut out. is quite varied, including steep rock caught with regularity all summer Starting at the Pennsylvania ledges, rock piles, fallen trees and long. Cooler fall temperatures seem border on river Mile #91 and work­ old man-made structures such as pil­ to trigger their appetites and catches ing downriver, the best areas to go ings and docks. of some very fine specimens are after channels are: Point Marion im­ Shore fishermen do quite well on taken during the months of October mediately above and below the all of the previously mentioned and November. bridge on Rt. 88, the mouth of species but those who are serious The best method for taking chan­ Dunkard Creek at Dilliner, just about taking a limit of nice bass nel cats (they're also called "blues" below Lock #7 at Greensboro, would do best to go after them from and "silver cats" by locals) seems to under the Rt. 21 bridge at a boat. In this manner more areas be bottom fishing in the deeper Masontown, the mouth of Muddy and different types of structure can holes, off the mouths of tributary Creek near Carmichaels, and the be covered. streams, and around old pilings and mouth of Ten Mile Creek at Mills- Fishing in the river seems to be bridge abutments. Baits vary, but a boro. While these areas are fished quite seasonal with early spring and gob of nightcrawlers is a favorite as regularly and are particularly good fall being the peak periods, although are minnows (preferably dead ones). locations, I have seen nice catches serious anglers usually fare quite Other more exotic baits include of channel cats taken all along the well all year long. During the sum­ cheese, soap, hot dogs, and one real river. mer months one simply has to work killer: chicken liver! Following the "cats" in the spring harder. One method that is overlooked by are the crappies. Once again late Channel cats are the most accom­ many fishermen, but has proved winter or early spring is their peak modating species and are a par­ highly successful is fishing for chan­ period with a resurgence of feeding ticular favorite of Greene County nels with light tackle. That is 6,4, or in the fall. During the summer anglers. These whiskered fighters even 2-pound-test line, with slip months river crappies are very dif­ range from 6 inches up to 28 inches sinkers — or the least amount of ficult to catch consistently. In the and provide excitement on rod and weight possible used. Many times, spring they make their annual reel as well as great table fare. especially during the summer spawning run and may be found con­ Channels begin a real feeding months, this approach will provide gregated off the mouths of the larger spree as soon as water temperatures action while everyone else is getting tributaries, particularly Ten Mile

22 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER Creek. In fact, from the mouth of the average size. Not "lunkers," by make every attempt to familiarize Ten Mile Creek upstream to the first some standards, but coming from a themselves with them. This is espe­ riffle, a distance of about one mile, is "dead river" it was exciting fishing cially important on the Monongahela probably the hottest crappie spot on indeed. as commercial barge traffic operates the whole river. The run usually Last year the hot bait was live on a 24-hour basis. commences about mid-March and nightcrawlers, fished right off the The last species I want to discuss continues through mid-April. Fish bottom in the shallows. Previously, is the muskellunge. As stated pre­ run from 6 inches to 12 inches; 8 artificials had been hot, particularly viously, this fish has been stocked inches is probably average, although imitation floater minnows and spin­ since 1974 and this season should I've observed limits of 10- to 12-inch ners. What will be the killer this produce some legal fish. We crappie s come out of the mouth of season is anyone's guess. received reports of 24" to 27"-fish Ten Mile Creek. Most anglers fish the the shoreline caught in the river last year and also After the spawning run the crap- where cover, such as fallen logs, unconfirmed reports of a couple of pies seem to disburse into the river rock piles and old pilings is avail­ legal ones. and are difficult to find. I feel that able. Many fish are also caught in Musky hotspots could be just they seek out deep water structure and around the edges of weed beds. below Lock #7 at Greensboro and at and scatter along the entire length of Apparently these bass spend the day the mouth of Ten Mile Creek, al­ the river. in deep sheltered areas of the river though the many patches of weeds Minnows or jigs are the best crap­ and move into the shallows at dawn along the shore between these two pie baits. Good catches are made and dusk; after the sun comes up points should hold legal fish. around boat docks, fallen trees and fishing success generally tapers off. I would suggest plugging or troll­ stumps, and rock ledges. Depths Most fish are caught by anglers cast­ ing large spoons, spinners, or plugs vary from a couple of feet down to ing worms (either plastic or live just off shoreline cover, or still fish­ 10 to 15 feet, depending on weather ones) imitation minnows, alphabet ing with large minnows or suckers in conditions and the mood of the fish. plugs, spinners, or deep-divers the same areas. Some anglers will fish a small yellow around shore cover. One last method that I feel would or white jig on one rod and let a min­ Once again, the hottest areas are prove productive is spoonplugging. now swim around on the other, around the mouths of the tributaries. This technique has been put to very constantly changing depths and Particularly productive locations effective use in some of the lakes in retrieve patterns in order to find and have been below Old Lock 9 south the northwestern part of our state entice their quarry. of Point Marion, off the mouth of and the physical characteristics of One effective method is to employ Muddy Creek, under the Rt. 21 the Mon River should make a small bobber in conjunction with a bridge at Masontown, the mouth of spoonplugging produce here as well. tiny jig. By starting the jig close to Ten Mile Creek, and the stretch just Basically, this method entails the bobber and working it deeper, or behind the Maxwell Lock. trolling different size plugs which vice-versa, one can use a controlled Two aspects of bass fishing that I run at specific depths. To get deeper approach and find the exact depth at feel are being overlooked by Mon one simply uses a larger spoonplug. which the fish are feeding. When anglers are deep structure fishing The Mon can be trolled for miles in crappie fishing in this area the best and surface plugging at night. either direction and by trolling dif­ plan of attack is to keep moving and After the sun comes up the bass ferent size plugs at different depths changing one's approach. Re­ appear to vacate the shallows and just off shore cover, catches of bass member, this water is deep and most fishermen give up for the day. I and muskies should result. there's lots of it, so the fish can be feel that those anglers who are I've tried to crowd a lot of in­ very difficult to locate at times. properly equipped, say with depth formation into one short article and Next on the list comes the large- sounders or river charts, could I'm certain many questions will arise mouth bass, probably the most pop­ continue catching fish if they would from prospective Mon River anglers. ular gamefish in the nation. Fish­ search out and fish deep water struc­ Just keep in mind that Fish Com­ ing for largemouth bass was once tures. These might be sunken log mission personnel are only as far limited almost exclusively to farm jams, old fallen bridge pilings or away as your telephone and will be Ponds in Greene County, but the possibly shoals which drop off happy to answer all inquires if at all rebirth of the river has changed all abruptly into deep water. I would possible. that. Three years ago when I arrived suggest fishing deep with weighted Boat anglers should keep in mind in Greene County and did a fair plastic or live worms, or trolling with the heavy amount of traffic on the amount of fishing on the river, bass deep-diving plugs. river, both commercial and pleasure, from 6 inches to 10 inches could be Also, night fishing for bass is and should double check their boats caught by the dozens — and were about unheard of on the river, and I for all necessary safety equipment, seen by the hundreds. That year one feel that going after them with top- etc, before undertaking a day's fish­ °f my deputies and I caught scores water lures after dark could prove ing on the Monongahela. °f bass up to 12 inches and others up effective. Boat anglers should be Just keep in mind, the fish are here to 17 inches. Opening day, 1976, saw m reminded of the Motor Boat Rules — and in ever increasing numbers — ost anglers with some bass on their and Regulations pertaining to boat just waiting to be taken from the stringers and 12 inches was probably lighting after sunset and should waters of the "Mighty Mon."

JUNE — 1977 23 he went on, "See those bubbles? What would you do if they took you out of a nice bubble bath and tossed you into ice water?" To top this off another young member of the group then said, "Maybe someone ought to tell the SPCF." Claude M. Neifert Waterways Patrolman N/Luzerne County THOUGHTFUL DIFFERING VIEWPOINTS - "Ice-out" on Hickory Creek was not Recently I spent two days with a rep­ as damaging as in previous years, ac­ resentative of a local engineering firm SOLD! cording to some residents of the villages and I realized how differently people Deputy Waterways Patrolman Carey of East Hickory and Endeavor. The ice look at things. had the Angler seller's dream come true. jammed up at the Route 62 bridge, a We were conducting an on-site inspec­ He was replenishing his body's vital traditional bottleneck, but it cleared tion of a proposed new sewerage line fluids at a local pub after a hard day without further flooding when the ice near Waynesburg and as we proceeded on the streams and trying to sell our went out on the Allegheny River at the along a small stream in a marshy bottom magazine. In walks a lovely lass of his village of East Hickory. On the lighter we paused to take in the scenery. acquaintance and sat down next to him. side of the flooding, two thoughtful My companion remarked that this Inevitably the talk turned to fishing. seasonal residents went into action as bottom, if drained and cleared, would The girl stated that her father was a soon as the water receded. They were make a beautiful site for a housing pro­ fisherman and his birthday was next armed with pails and nets and rescued ject . . . the stream, of course, would week. She said she had been looking at hundreds of minnows which had been have to be straightened. Noticing the all the newsstands for a magazine that trapped in the flood pools. The minnows minnows and crayfish in the stream and dealt strictly with fishing in Pennsylvania were safely released to ice-cleared hearing a pheasant cackle nearby, I re­ but all she could find was either half- waters of Hickory Creek. The good marked that I would hate to see anything hunting or fishing halfway around the Samaritans were Frank J. Bartakovich changed in this bottom. world. There was a blur of motion as and John Mason, both of Trafford, Pa. Proceeding on we had to bypass a Don dashed to his car and returned to huge, old fallen oak that was lying across sell a three-year subscription! Joseph Kopena the stream. My engineer friend mumbled Waterways Patrolman something about having his labor gang Robert Lynn Steiner Forest County get rid of that "junk tree." Noting the Waterways Patrolman minnows which took shelter under its S/Luzerne County branches and an old rabbit's nest at its BROKE! base, my comment was the "junk tree" TRY A LITTLE KINDNESS - During the boat show at the Civic provided excellent cover and habitat for Arena in Pittsburgh, a lady came by our many species of wildlife. On April 4, 1977 I stocked the South booth with several small children who It looks as if we're going to have to get Branch of French Creek with preseason were munching on hot dogs, pop, and our heads together if we're going to save trout. As in the past, Mr. Joe Wetmore assorted goodies. When asked if she our environment. was waiting with his tractor and trailer to would like to sign up for the Angler haul four loads of trout downstream. Joe magazine, she replied, "I wanted to Gary E. Deiger informed me that a man had stopped at subscribe but I haven't enough money Waterways Patrolman his home and presented him with a very left 'cause the kids ate it all up!" Greene County nice gift: a very nice spinning rod and reel. The man informed Joe that the gift Jack McMillan "BUBBLE BATH" was for the great fishing that he had Deputy Waterways Patrolman enjoyed on Joe's farm. I asked Joe if that Beaver County During the preseason trout stocking at made up for some litter that was left in Harveys Lake I was hosting a class of his clover field that he had to pick up. He about 35 youngsters from the Lake Ele­ smiled and replied, "Yes." STRAIGHT TALK - mentary School. They were left out of school to observe the procedures James R. Carter When I arrest someone for a litter vio­ of stocking. The water was filled with Waterways Patrolman lation, I always make it a point to ask SIErie County why they did it. Most people just mumble masses of freshly broken ice. The brook and make excuses, but one day this past trout that were being put into the lake summer an individual gave the right (with the aid of the school children) were BAD DEAL! answer. Waterways Patrolman Crayton surfacing all over the immediate area, and I had cited three young men for some of them leaping clean out of the While patrolling the Susquehanna Riv­ throwing their empty beer cans along the water. er I noticed a motorboat which had no river. As we walked back to their car, I I overheard several of the youngsters registration numbers displayed. Stop­ asked the usual question. One of them remark about this activity and one said, ping the boat for this violation, I made an thought about it for a minute and then re­ "Why do you suppose the fish are doing inspection for required safety devices. plied, "Just ignorance. I guess." that?" One of their more informed On the boat were Mother, Father and classmates quickly replied, "Why you three children. Don Kingery dummies don't know anything." Then, When I asked to see their personal Deputy Waterways Patrolman pointed to all the "froth" coming out of flotation devices the mother spurted out, NIAIIegheny County the open hatches on the stocking truck, "Right On, Officer, we just purchased

24 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER five new ones today from a friend of up their voices. Donn said, "Listen to With their great efforts and our pa­ ours." With that she reached up under the crickets, Dad!" I chuckled and re­ trols, we may someday have Levittown the bow of the boat and handed me five plied, "You're taking biology in school Lake a place that we can all be proud of. trailbike rubber innertubes! and don't know a cricket from a frog?" Of course a boating safety course He said, "They aren't teaching us the Dave Myers was immediately recommended to this difference between a.croak and acrickV Special Waterways Patrolman family. As I followed them to shore, I At least he was original with his answer! Bucks County thought, "Some friend they have!" Once again, I wish to publicly thank the Beaver County Chapter of the Bass- "SWITCH"! Jack Stepanski masters for picking up a truckload of lit­ Waterways Patrolman ter which was left by the "slobs" last Received a warrant from another Dauphin County season here at Hereford Manor Lakes. county for a violator residing in Pitts­ Thanks fellas! We need more like you. burgh. When I called him, he informed UNUSUAL - me that the fine had been paid by his Don Parrish wife, and he gave the number of the Just the other day I had a call from an Waterways Patrolman Postal Money Order. Since the angler in Lewistown telling me of a Beaver County magistrate never received it, I told Mr. big smallmouth he had taken from the "X" that I would contact the Post Office Juniata River. He mentioned that he had and find out what happened. AN UNCLAIMED RECORD! also caught a 30-inch carp on the same Early the next morning, Mrs. "X" day. He said the carp had actually taken A dead 47%-inch, 25-pound northern called and explained everything. Seems a bass plug ... it hadn't been foul- pike was found floating on Lily Lake. she purchased the money order in her hooked but was hooked in the mouth. The fish was turned over to District Wa­ name, cashed it, spent the money, and This isn't the first time I heard of this terways Patrolman Claude Neifert and took the receipt back to her husband, unusual occurrence. It looks as if the this grand trophy will not be a total loss. telling him that she forwarded the money Juniata River has a population of this It will provide valuable information for order to the magistrate. She immediately normally mild-mannered fish that tend biologists and will be mounted and dis­ sent payment for the fine and costs, and to be a little bit predacious at times. played at the Northeast Regional Office. asked that no one tell her husband. (Sure Perhaps this is an ideal time to take some Records indicate this fish was stock­ hope he doesn't read the "Angler"!) of the undeserved blame placed on the ed as a fingerling in 1969 when about 3 Don Kingery muskellunge by a few unsuccessful bass inches long. These trophy fish are here in fishermen for "devouring" all the small- Pennsylvania, yours for the catching. Deputy Waterways Patrolman mouth and rock bass in the river and But, suggested advice is: if you want to N/Allegheny County place it on our "vicious" carp. catch large fish, use the proper tackle. Larry R. Baker You don't use the same tackle to catch Waterways Patrolman sharks as you do to catch sunfish — or Mifflin I Juniata Counties vice versa. The existing state record for northern pike (caught by hook and line) is the 45-inch, 21-pounder caught in NO DUMMIES! Lake Erie in 1971. This story was related to me by my Joe Waiter neighbor David Kachline. After stock­ Deputy Waterways Patrolman ing Unami Creek in Bucks County, Mr. NILuzerne County Kachline and his friend Ed Huorency were walking along the newly stocked stream, checking the pools for trout. DEDICATED ANGLER They came upon one pool with about Very often when patrolling the 25 to 30 trout lying on the bottom. Mr. streams and lakes of Pennsylvania we Huorency then exclaimed that there find a sportsman taking debris from the were too many trout laying in one place a waters just as we often see people throw­ nd that someone could catch all the ing the same into our lakes and streams. trout in no time flat. Then Mr. Huorency said, "I wonder if Barry would help me One such person I observed is Mr. net some of these and move them to a Ralph Moser of Levittown, Pa. In talking different area." Mr. Kachline was quick to him he said that every time he visits to point out that the trout aren't as dumb Levittown Lake, he brings along a few as he thought. After one is caught, the plastic bags and collects as much as he rest of the trout become a little more can and takes the debris home for proper wary. disposal. Here is one sportsman who en­ joys his privilege to fish in these fine Barry R. Clymer waters of Pennsylvania that the Com­ Special Waterways Patrolman mission spends a great deal of time and Bucks County money to patrol and stock so that many more anglers can enjoy, too. MIX-UP! I personally want to thank this fine gentleman for doing his part for clean My son Donn and I were returning streams along with the many other an­ home after dark on an unusually warm glers who contributed in doing the same March evening. The frogs were turning clean-up work but go unrecognized.

JUNE — 1977 25 FLY TYING

Using "Ersatz" materials -

by Clayton L. Peters photos by Craig Burrell & Gary Enterline

Clayton Peters, the venerable sage of Pennsylvania fly tyers, at home, literally and figuratively speaking, surrounded by the components and "tools of his trade." t all started one day at the fly ty­ bodies. It makes a perfect cover and all with narrow gold bands. I ing table, I had cut off a length of to form lead-weighted bodies of They may all be tied of ponytail ma­ gold tinsel to use in the construction nymphs and streamers. By using two terial. In fact, some of the younger of a gold-ribbed Hares Ear. On in­ colors, black and brown, a Woolly anglers on Penns Creek refer to them spection I found the tinsel to be a bit Bear Caterpillar is easy to construct. as the "Ponytail" flies. too wide, but as I stretched it to The same method is used to make Another fine example of ersatz is remove the curls I noticed that it the black and white Caddis Creeper. an imitation raffia, sold in the hobby stretched and became noticeably A closely wrapped and trimmed shops for weaving mats etc., This narrower. Instead of it being me­ body of man-made fur makes a product is sold under various trade tallic, as I had thought, it was beautiful and durable streamer fly names. The one I am using at plastic. and the longer fibers can be used for present is called Strawtex. It is due Ersatz, I thought! I hadn't heard the wing. There are dozens of uses to replace raffia because of its ease the word since I read of Hitler giving for this material, limited only by in handling and lack of the brittle his soldiers acorn tea during World one^s imagination. qualities of raffia. A mere dip in War II, along with a lot of other sub­ Another useful body material is water and it becomes limp and easy stitutes, to cut down the cost of his multicolored rope used by girls to to handle. It is available in a wide va­ onslaught against the world. tie up their pony tails. This usually riety of colors and blends with other Webster defines "ersatz" as a comes in three strands and is about colors nicely. substitute, "usually of inferior one-half inch thick. Separated and This past summer I collected an quality." This definition prompted a tied as body material, even for small assortment of terrestrial insects, train of thought: perhaps Webster flies, it is very effective and ties in beetles, hoppers etc., along the was wrong. After all, I really liked nicely. There are eight or ten colors streams I fish regulary and dupli­ the stretchy nature of the plastic in a hank of this material, one cated them, using man-made fur for tinsel and now consider it of superior color being peacock green. Wrapped the bodies and Strawtex for the quality. It can be used as it comes under peacock herl it builds up the hard-shells and wing covers. These from the spool or it may be stretched body, giving it a fuller appearance. wing covers can be slightly stiffened to the exact width desired; and, The red can be used very effectively and waterproofed by giving them a furthermore, it reduces the weight of for that bit of red butt on woolly coat of vinyl cement. a finished fly. worms or other flies having similar Although my good friend Vince I began looking over my stock of decorations. The black strand can be Marinaro ties his jassids and beetles fly tying material for more ersatz. utilized for all black flies, even ants. without noticeable bodies, depend­ The first thing to attract my attention There are three wet flies not pub­ ing on the wing silhouette to provide was man-made fur. Ersatz, perhaps, licized but which are known to the necessary image, I still like to but superior for certain purposes. By all knowledgeable Penns Creek imitate the live insect as nearly as using the loop method of spinning fishermen as the "Ike Seiler Gold possible. fur onto a hook, this man-made fur Bands." They are tied with brown, One of the outstanding specimens can be fashioned and trimmed into gray and black bodies, with cor­ made by using man-made fur and round, tapered, oval, or flat-shaped responding color hackle tied palmer Strawtex is the Japanese Beetle. The 26 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER body is made from black man-made same is true for a realistic treatment fur and the wing case is brown or of other flies. bronze colored Strawtex with bright Now we come to the real sub­ green Strawtex over the thorax. stitute of substitutes — real erastz — John Travits, who learned the polypropylene, available in various principals of fly tying at my forms on the market today. Sup­ workbench, told me he took more posedly a superflotant material, I've trout on this particular beetle than had some anglers complain that the on all other conventional patterns. darn stuff sinks. It is quite true that if That was probably because he used wrapped too tightly, thus eliminating it more and on streams where the fo­ air pockets, it may well sink. I, too, liage hung over the stream. had experienced this trouble, but Another Strawtex tie that pro­ after spinning it lightly to the thread duces well is the firefly, fished in late the trouble was eliminated. evening. One evening I would have Who would have thought that one been tempted to trade my pet rod for day a man-made material would re­ a good imitation of a firefly. So, al­ place the much sought after fur of though dead tired, I still mus­ aquatic animals. One feature of the tered enough energy to tie some fair versatile polypopylene material is imitations that same night. The next the absence of bothersome guard evening when the tiny beacons hairs, and above all it is a fine fluffy began to appear I attached one to my material that reflects light perfectly. leader and before it was too dark for It is a breeze to spin on a thread and pleasurable fishing I had taken three can be blended to get those subtle good rainbows on the new imitation. colors found in the bodies of many The back of this fly is of tan flies. It is possible to imitate the Strawtex over a grayish body with a exact color of most insects found on tiny dot of daylight fluorescent trout water or in the adjacent orange at the tip of the abdomen. meadowland. Those waterproof pens are the Even the poly wing material may most versatile of all the ersatz ma­ be tied on "as is" or separated to terials that can be incorporated into make the wings of the smaller flies. a fly. Even the conventional March It is also easy to trim to exact wing Brown with its red fox fur belly shape and does not require the sup­ looks more realistic with faint brown port of hackle to hold it in place. markings on top of the body, placed I was impressed one evening on there with a waterproof pen. The the Yellow Breeches Creek by a lad Clayton Peters' "Ersatz" creations: fishing close to me who was taking Ersatz Streamer, Woolly Caterpillar, "Ersatz" beetles, copied from live one trout after another on the spin­ Stone Fly Nymph, Oak Worm, Caddis insects. Note the Ladybug and ner of the Ephoron Leukon fly, Worm and his Japanese Beetle. Japanese Beetles, bottom two rows. while I was doing "so-so," catching a few, but having my fly spurned by ginger barbs, a body of blended a many good trout. After it got too brown and maroon polypropylene, dark to further enjoy seeing the rises with yellow tied at the thorax, over to the artificial my friend showed me which ginger hackle was tied around the fly that had produced so well for a pair of dirty-blackish, gray-stained him. It was simply tied with four poly wings. It looked good to me, barbs from a pale blue dun hackle for and the trout liked it too. This is a tails, split into a "V" shape, a super fly on Penns Creek when slightly tapered body of white poly­ Isonychia is on the water. propylene and white poly wings tied The use of Strawtex I mentioned slightly spent. You can bet that I was earlier is really very simple. After at­ on the stream the next evening taching the tying silk to the hook, armed with the new ersatz pattern, fasten a two-inch piece of Strawtex and I, too, was able to keep my directly over the barb, allowing it to leader stretched by some heavy extend back out of the way. The trout. body material is now tied on. In the On Penns Creek I had a similar case of the firefly it should be a experience. Isonychia, the rather blend of tan and a bit of pale gray. large bi-color fly, was on the water This can be spun polypropylene or and the trout went wild — except for any other material that meets your my offering which prior to that time I fancy. Wrap the body up to the considered a pretty good imitation. thorax and bring the Strawtex up So, I did what came naturally — I over it and tie fast back of the caught a few naturals and went back thorax. Now, tie a dark ginger to camp and the fly tying vise. I fi­ hackle on, allowing room for the nally came up with a fly tied on a head. Trim the hackle top and bot­ number 12 hook, having a tail of tom and bring the Strawtex forward

27 a second time and tie off in front of over the 20-inch size limit designated the third or fourth cast he was fast to the hackle. Finish off the head and as keepers on that stretch of water. one of the biggest trout in the area, complete the fly by adding a tiny Another large trout I was for­ but not for long. The 6X wasn't able touch of orange fluorescent paint tunate enough to bamboozle in that to stand the strain and broke. Later, (enamel) at the bottom rear of the same area was nineteen and one-half after removing the gossamer strand body. They even bring big trout to inches long. I misguided his in­ he took several trout on the stone fly the surface when the beacon bugs telligence with an imitation cricket nymph but none as big as "old are in the air. tied unlike the traditional Letort pat­ hunter!" I have taken trout on Ladybugs tern. Copying the live insect, this Another experience proving the tied in the same manner, using bug is more on the realistic side. The worth of the woven ersatz stone fly orange Strawtex for the wing coverts black body is tied on of man-made nymph happened one day after a and adding black dots with the wa­ fur in two segments and overlaid heavy stocking of hatchery fish in terproof pen. with black Strawtex. The body Clarks Creek. My companion, Harry The roughly oval-shaped body of should be small at the rear end Stutzman, caught and released 32 the Japanese Beetle may be made of gradually increasing in size to the trout on the same nymph. He now black man-made fur, using the same front of the thorax. The legs are tied has the fly in a small glass case in his technique of tying as for the firefly, in crisscross of crow quill fibers. The den with the inscription "Old 32" using bronze and green Strawtex rear legs should extend back along underneath it. Of course we all have over the top. Legs should be added the body. After measuring that trout our favorites but I am convinced that to the Japanese Beetle, and I like to I gently eased it back into the stream the woven stone will take more trout tie in the legs by criss-crossing six for a future meeting. The rise to than any other fly in my fly box. I al­ black fibers from a crow quill. Trout crickets, unlike the sip and suction ways try to make this nymph as near love those Japanese Beetles. We rises to minutiae, is often rather like the original as possible, but have taken trout on them when we pronounced and can easily leave the sometimes I think that my old friend were sure that there wasn't a live angler with a case of jangled nerves. Charley Wetzel was right when he specimen within a mile of the I know, because I •have torn more told me to make them "strubbly" stream. As with the cricket and than one cricket off due to an excited looking, another way of saying in his some other terrestrials, they can heave of the little seven-foot wand. Pennsylvania dutch way, "make be fished with a splat on the water Embroidery cotton is actually an them as rough-looking as possible." instead of the dainty approach. ersatz material, being a substitute An observation during months of Another good beetle is tied exactly for silk bodies. I have tied hundreds studying and trying to duplicate live like the Japanese except that it is of woven stone fly nymphs using this insects was that various combina­ entirely black. material, and I've caught hundreds tions of blended colors more closely If your patience permits, and you of trout on them. The woven nymph imitate the true color values of many like the delights of fishing tiny ter­ using embroidery cotton is unique insects. A bit of tan, gray or bur- restrials when no other hatches are because it can be shaped to the flat­ gandy mixed in with yellow or ocher on the water, you may want to tie tened proportions of the natural bodies is more pleasing from the some small Leaf Hoppers, using pale nymph. trout's viewpoint. So, with the er­ green Strawtex and yellow or am­ During one of his many trips to my satz material available today it is ber bodies on size 18 and 20 hooks. fly tying bench I gave my friend Milt possible for the serious fly tyer to About two wraps of light ginger Wiest several woven nymphs to try. more closely duplicate nature's own hackle completes the Leaf Hoppers. Like many others, he placed them in product. The largest trout I ever hooked was an almost forgotten recess of his I am aware that I will be judged as on a size 20 Leaf Hopper in the fishing jacket and forgot about them. an innovator, or, still worse — an "FISH-FOR-FUN" area of the Yellow Then, one day on the Yellow heretic, and the foregoing' would Breeches Creek. No, I did not land Breeches when the trout were ap­ make Halford, Skews and Gordon the trout ... he promptly dove parently having a siesta he rum­ rest uneasy; but, catching trout on under a submerged log and my 7X maged through his jacket and found artificials is the name of the game tippet simply wasn't up to the task of the nymphs. Not taking time to and I like to think that I am outwit­ removing him from his secure remove the 6X tippet he tied the ting them even though we call the fly retreat. I am sure that it was well weighted nymph to his leader and on tying material "ERSATZ."

Fool's Gold by Richard L. Henry

he glassy flat of the Meadow swamp grass and scattered cattails, a all of the trout had vanished with the T Pool glistened in the midday sun pair of mallards fed in the shallows. early season crowds, and I knew and a dozen cows lazily gathered Nothing stirred in the familiar flat that those few which remained downstream in the shade of a huge or in the pool below it. As I walked would favor less open water. Yet the oak tree, swishing their tails ner­ downstream I spotted numerous summer meadows were alive with vously to chase away bothersome suckers lying motionless on the bot­ land-born insects, and I hoped to flies. Not far below them, where the tom, but no signs of trout. I hadn't find at least one trout with a taste for stream turned toward a lowland of really expected much more; nearly terrestrials. 28 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER Rounding a bend, I stopped for a banks are grown to sprawling willow rise for perhaps ten minutes; then moment to wipe the sweat from my trees that overhang its weed-choked somewhat nervously I tied on a fresh forehead and to survey the water channels. It is a good stretch to look size 18 ant, and again slipped into ahead. As I watched, there was a for trout that have survived the early casting position. quiet rise about fifty yards down­ swarms of fishermen, for under the This time I waded in farther down­ stream and just a few feet above the willows there are always a few wary stream from the fish, hoping to avoid broken branch of a sprawling willow fish awaiting the persistent late- detection; but now, at longer range, tree that crowded the bank. Even at season angler. It was under one of an accurate cast and a drag-free float a distance the rise form betrayed a these willows where I had spotted would be more difficult. The water, heavy fish, and I hurried toward the the rise. too, was deeper and the dark current spot for a closer look. I waded to midstream where the swirled perilously close to the top of The fallen branch lay at a right water was knee-deep and waited to my waders, yet I feared that moving angle to the bank and across the cur­ be certain the fish was still feeding. closer would again alarm the fish, rent where it harvested the refuse of When a rise came I stripped line perhaps for good. I lengthened line an affluent society. Over a deep from my reel and prepared to cast. and made ready to deliver the cast. channel, bordered by wavering Except for the need to hit a fair-size The odds for success weren't strands of elodea, lay the fish. As I opening in the lower branches of the good. The fly could well have caught drew closer it rose again, and I willow, it was an easy cast of no in the willow branches or, having watched the tiny waves from the rise more than thirty feet; but as I avoided them, the delivered fly wash back against the branch and its lengthened line I sensed a pause in could have dragged in the conflicting assortment of trash. the fish's feeding rhythm that caused currents. But luckily neither of these The fish was now easy to see over me to drop the fly downstream and things happened. Instead, the ant the dark channel. Fishery biologists out of the way. Crouching and dropped about two feet above the have developed various hybrid remaining still in the water, I fish and drifted drag-free in its feed­ trout, among them a bright orange watched my prize begin a gradual ing lane. As the fly drew close, the mutant of the rainbow trout known retreat from its feeding station. fish drifted slowly upward to inter­ as a "palomino." Obviously this The fish hadn't panicked but I'd cept it with a quiet rise, and I lifted was one of them, for its golden obviously put it on its guard, and I my rod tip gently to set the hook. flanks shown brightly even in the scarcely breathed as it drifted slowly Catching a four-pound trout on a shadows. But the fish was even backward all the way past me and small dry fly and a fine leader point more conspicuous because of its vanished into an impregnable tangle should satisfy even the most dis­ size. In a stream where ten and 12- of roots and branches. When it dis­ criminating purist, yet within inch fish are the norm, I guessed the appeared I retreated with chagrin to seconds of hooking my prize the vic­ bright specimen before me would the bank to think things over. The tory fell into shambles. Upon being weigh at least two pounds. Search­ fish may resume feeding, I reasoned, hooked, the fish began to thrash ing through my fly box, I found a if its confidence were restored. I de­ about violently, but then just as size 18 black ant, one of my favorite cided to fish elsewhere for a while, quickly he allowed himself to be flies for late-season trout. Fingers hoping the big palomino would come towed obediently toward the bank trembling, I knotted it to my .005 out and feed again. where he was easily beached. leader point and waded quietly into I wandered downstream to the The fish measured 18 inches long the stream to give him a try. broad still water behind the mill and the four pounds was only a cur­ The Tulpehocken is not a Utopian dam. Near the inlet of the dam, dark sory guess; yet for those who think trout stream; I fish it often because mud sucked at my waders and nu­ my estimate was overly optimistic, I it is close to my home. Although merous bulrushes worried my back can say that the fish's flabby bulk cold and limestone at its source in casts. A myriad of chubs spoiled the was such that his whole throat Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, the fishing, although I finally caught a ripped open when I lifted him by the stream quickly acquires the afflic­ small brown trout that was feeding gill covers. tions of what is usually known as among them. But I was preoccupied, Perhaps I was unkind when I progress. Various industries pollute and when a half hour passed without buried the fish behind the pig pen on it in its course through a small settle­ further action, I decided to go back the Harnish farm, for my "pal­ ment called Myerstown, and a sew­ and check on my palomino. omino," it turned out, was nothing age treatment plant, that always My timing was nearly perfect; the more than a "garden-variety" seems less-than-adequate, adds to fish had just left its sanctuary and goldfish! I showed the fish to just the water's distress. But as the was swimming upstream toward its two people who happened by and stream leaves the town, several cold feeding station above the broken then hurried it into a grave scarcely springs revitalize the ailing flow, branch. Unhurried, it worked me­ reserved for nobility. True, the fish granting it a few more miles as thodically up the midstream channel had fought badly and it wasn't a marginal trout water. and around the tip of the broken trout; yet it was feeding on minute Just over the Berks County line willow where it rested for several insects and it displayed a wariness there is an old mill dam. Several minutes about two feet in front of the equal to some of our more respected hundred yards above the dam the branch. Then it began to feed quietly species. It could be that I didn't stream runs deep and slow, and its on the surface. I watched the fish recognize a trophy when I had one. JUNE — 1977 29 __ ,1 — •

This is the ten-year-old beauty that caught the author's eye (and captured his pocketbook!).

beauty with a rated capacity of five four in sleeping bags on the aft deck. persons and a 35 hp outboard. It What unbelievable confusion and Ashore was, and still is, the finest fishing traffic jams there were in the morn­ boat I've ever owned, especially for ing! Nights spent under the stars statewide Pennsylvania waters. soon became less and less frequent. & Soon after this purchase, my wife In spite of all this, I managed to and I took two boating safety fight the bigger boat syndrome for courses . . . one conducted by the about three years. But that isn't to Pennsylvania Fish Commission and say I didn't think about it. Then Afloat the other by the U.S. Coast Guard came the fall boat shows in 1975. Auxiliary. Later we both joined the Since my wife's family lives in by Gene Winters Auxiliary and became very active in Maryland, we happened to be in that its boating programs. It was also state when one of the marinas on the about this time we purchased the North East River was holding its second, boat in the "Winters "Open House and Boat Show." We ig is beautiful . . . and expen­ Navy" . . .a 20-foot day cruiser. also had some friends who had a B sive! At least when it comes This craft, with its cabin for travel trailer on a Maryland camp­ to boats. Although you may insist shelter from the summer sun and ground site which — you guessed it you've got all the boat you'll ever cabin bunks for sleeping, quickly be­ — happened to be along the North need, once you've got boating in came our favorite "family boat." East River. We stopped to say your blood you may be unable to But, other than the bunks, it came "Hello" to them and found they resist the urge to move up. It's with no living accommodations. I were on their way to the Boat Show. understandable. Everywhere you added an upright cooler chest, a They were going to buy a larger look you see bigger boats, prettier portable toilet and a three-gallon boat; they had outgrown their 17- boats, faster boats. It seems the only water cooler. But it didn't have a ta­ footer. They insisted we go along way to beat the bigger boat syn­ ble, cooking facilities, etc. It still and help them pick out a boat. drome is to never get into boating in didn't quite fill the bill. While you Guess who bought a boat at the the first place. And you know that's could spend the night in it, it was show? Not our friends, that's for some advice you'll never get from woefully crowded with just three sure. But I just happened to spot a me! persons and their gear aboard. Since breathtaking 26-footer with a big, My first boat was a 14-foot fiber­ we had five children living at home wide aft deck (great for fishing), a glass "glorified rowboat." A real at the time, we would have to put cabin that had all the basic kitchen 30 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER rv.

It's not hard to picture enjoying a weekend at anchor in a secluded cove with a bigger boat. facilities of home (now we could Then back to the sales office. (At owner had accepted my offer, the stay out for days), and slept six in this point our friends, having de­ bank had approved the loan (could I reasonable comfort (with plenty of cided to keep their small 17-footer, bring in the two thousand dollar room for sleeping bags on the aft headed back to their campground.) down payment soon?) and how soon deck, if needed). It also had a walk- By now, I knew here was the boat I could I be in to sign the papers and around cabin to allow easy access to had been looking for; the boat I had take possession? Actually two days the bow-mounted anchor. Although to have! passed before I went to complete the it did have a bow hatch for inclement I made the marina an offer to for­ deal as both the insurance company weather and rough seas, it usually ward to the owner, filled out a bank and I insisted the boat be surveyed would not be necessary to make my credit application, left a fifty dollar first. It passed with flying colors wife struggle through a hatch to drop deposit and went outside to look (and a less than adequate survey) anchor. at "my" boat again. People were and by the weekend I had the fi­ It was not a new boat, to be sure. swarming all over it; no question but nance papers in my hand and the In fact it was ten years old and made that ten-year-old boat was the hit at­ temporary registration in my wallet. of wood to boot. (Which I wasn't at traction of the show ... at least as She was mine! (You see, it took a all sure I could accept after two far as used boats go. I went back to year till my wife would accept it fiberglass boats.) But it looked great the office and requested the marina enough to call it "ours". And to this and appeared to be in mint condi­ put a "SOLD" sign on the boat and day, I don't think she's ever quite tion, right down to the eight-cylinder get all those people off "my" boat. forgiven me for selling the 20-footer; 190 c.i. freshwater-cooled engine. It Gracefully, they informed me they a feeling I share from time to time.) had dual control stations . . . one couldn't do that as I hadn't pur­ What's more, I had gotten it at my on the flybridge and another in the chased the boat yet . . . just made price . . . saving nearly a thousand cabin. It was loaded with safety an offer. However, as a com­ dollars. But, sadly, it would be the gear, electronics and extras. The promise, they did put a "No Board­ last time I saved money on the boat. asking price was $6900 but I was ing-Please See Office" sign on the From that day forth, I would only sure I could hassle the price down­ boat. But this didn't work too well pay out money! Would it be worth ward. With a smile on my face and and, as I couldn't stand the sight of it? my wife following me hesitantly five people with street shoes scratching (Editor's Note: Next month Gene steps behind, I headed for the ma­ the aft deck, I headed for home. talks about the increased costs and rina sales office. Three days later, after holding my frustrations . . . as well as Ten minutes later we were taking breath for seventy-two hours, I re­ pleasures . . . of giving in to the a ten-minute demonstration ride. ceived a call from the marina. The ' 'Big Boat Syndrome.'') JUNE — 1977 31 The Sinnemahoning that time, the creek teemed with eels deputized citizens aided him in this (continuedfrom page 9.) that migrated from the ocean by way task. And many of his deputies who of Chesapeake Bay in the spring and vociferously condemned the un­ below Emporium. Softshell crabs then returned to the sea in the fall. sportsmanlike conduct of fish­ rank as the top bait for them while Since ells are nocturnal fish, they ermen who would dare use eel traps hellgrammites get the nod for second were best taken at night by set lines, also happened to be participants in place. Minnow-type lures like the nets, racks, and by gigging. The nets these misdeeds. Because the dams Rapala are also used effectively. and racks required that fish dams be were usually destroyed in the fall, all Here, as with the trout, you can built by running a wall of loose was serene until the following year. take smallmouth most anywhere on stones downstream and out from Another story at Tunnel Hill has the stream. Suggested spots to try each bank. In the middle of the creek it, that outlaws using torches made are the Memorial Springs and coke an opening was left where the walls from pine splints, waded up the oven area north of Cameron and came together. Here, an eel net was creek one night and speared eels as Tunnel Hill, located just south of hung. they came downstream. One eel, Sterling Run at a sharp bend in the The eels entered the wing wall and four feet long, was reported to have road. followed the current along the en­ inflicted a severe bite on one of its The Sinnemahoning is easily ac­ closure to the opening where they antagonizers during one of these cessible from Route 120 which par­ landed in the net. Many eels could forays. Other fish such as brook allels the stream from Emporium to be caught in one evening by this trout up to 18 inches long, suckers Driftwood. Ample off-the-road park­ method. and catfish were also said to have ing is also available along this stretch But the best catches were made, it been speared. too. Farther upstream, the creek can is claimed, by means of a wooden Though most of today's fishing be reached from Route 46 from rack. Instead of a net, a long rack on the Driftwood Branch is done by Emporium to Lockwood, and from made of slats placed about a half- wading, some anglers float it by rub­ there to its headwaters by the Rich inch apart was erected at the dam ber raft or canoe. Hastings recom­ Valley road. opening. The other end was elevated mends float fishing it for trout during Hastings picks the Tunnel Hill above the water and extended out May and June; smallmouth bass in area as the most underfished portion several feet so the water would fall July, before the water level gets of the stream. The run of water here through the slats. too low. Rafts and canoes can be sits well back off the main road and This arrangement literally left the launched almost anyplace along an unimproved dirt road leads down eels high and dry on the rack. Men the stream between Emporium and to it. wearing woolen mittens standing on Driftwood. Tunnel Hill's isolation was alleged each side of the rack caught the eels Hastings asks anglers to help keep to have contributed to a few shady in their hands and placed the squirm­ the stream clean by not littering. He activities in years gone by. In the ing fish into sacks. also said that he would like to see days before any dams were built Since the nets and racks were more fishermen take advantage of on the Susquehanna, the local sheriff illegal, the sheriff destroyed the the Sinnemahoning's angling oppor­ also doubled as the fish warden. At dams when they were found; tunities.

From its headwaters to Driftwood, 30 miles are available for both trout and smallmouth bass anglers.

32 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION DIRECTORY State Headquarters: 3532 Walnut Street, Progress, Pa. (Mailing Address: PO Box 1673, Harrisburg, Pa. 17120) EXECUTIVE OFFICE Ralph W. Abele, Executive Director

Assistant Attorney General Administrative Assistant Comptroller Peter J. Ressler Howard T. Hardie Edward T. Durkin Office of Information Willard T. Johns, Director 717-787-2579 Conservation Education, Stephen B. Ulsh 717-787-7394 Pennsylvania Angler, James F. Yoder, Editor 717-787-2411 Special Publications, Larry Shaffer 717-787-7394 Angler Circulation, Eleanor Mutch 717-787-2363 BUREAU OF FISHERIES & ENGINEERING Edward R. Miller, P.E., Director Box 70, RD l.Bellefonte, Pa. 16823Tel. 814-359-2754* (•Unless otherwise indicated, all offices within this bureau may be reached at this same address and telephone number.) Fred W. Johnson, Water Resources Coordinator . . . 717-783-2808 (Office at State Headquarters, 3532 Walnut Street, Progress, Pa.) Dennis Ricker, Administrative Officer' FISHERIES DIVISION' Delano Graff, Chief Trout Production Section, Ken Corl, Chief Fisheries Management Section, Robert Hesser. Chief Warm Water Production Section, Shyrl Hood. Chief .814-683-4451 Research Section. Courtney C Gustafson. Chief 814-355-4837 Box 127, Linesville. Pa 16424 Benner Spring Fish Research Station. Box 200-C. Bellefonte. Pa 16823 Cooperative Nursery Branch, Robert Brown, Chief FISH CULTURAL STATIONS BELLEFONTE, John Bair, Superintendent 814-359-27 54 LINESVILLE, Charles Sanderson. Superintendent 814-683-4451 RD 1, Bellefonte. Pa. 16823 Box 127. Linesville. Pa. 16424 BENNER SPRING, William Kennedy. Superintendent . . . 814-355-4837 OSWAYO, D Ray Mernman. Superintendent 814-698-2001 RD 1. Box 200-C. Bellefonte. Pa 16823 RD 2. Box 84. Coudersport, Pa 16915 BIG SPRING, Wayne Weigle, Superintendent 717-776-3170 PLEASANT MOUNT, Zenas Bean, Superintendent 717-448-2101 Box 24. RD 1. Newville, Pa. 17241 Pleasant Mount. Pa. 18453 CORRY-UNION CITY, Tom L Clark. Superintendent 814-664-2122 REYNOLDSDALE, Ralph Berkey. Superintendent 814-839-221 1 Corry. Pa. 1 6407 New Paris. Pa. 1 5554 HUNTSDALE.Ted Dingle. Superintendent 717-486-3419 TIONESTA. Charles Mann, Superintendent 814-755-3524 Box 393. RD 5. Carlisle. Pa. 1 7013 Tionesta. Pa. 16353 FAIRVIEW FISH CULTURAL STATION. Neil Shea. Superintendent 2000 Lohrer Road, P.O. Box 531, Fairview, Pa. 16415 814-474-1514 ENGINEERING DIVISION' Wilbert F. Hobbs, P.E.. Chief Construction & Maintenance Section. Eugene Smith. Chief Architectural & Engineering Section, K. Ronald Weis, Chief Fisheries Environmental Services Branch, Jack Miller. Chief

BUREAU OF WATERWAYS (State Headquarters) Capt. Charles E. Leising, Director Gene Sporl, Administrative Officer LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION WATERCRAFT DIVISION John 1. Buck, Chief 717-787-2350 Paul Martin. Chief 717-787-7684 Edward W Manhart, Deputy Chief 717-787-2350 Alan B. Kegerise, Marine Education Specialist 717-787-7684 REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICES NORTHWEST, Walter G Lazusky. Supervisor 814-437-5774 SOUTHWEST, Thomas F Qualters. Supervisor 814-445-8974 Mailing Address: 1281 Otter St., Franklin, Pa. 16323 Mailing Address: RD 2. Somerset. Pa. 15501 Location: 1281 Otter St.. Franklin. Pa. 16323 Location: On Lake Somerset, Somerset. Pa. NORTHCENTRAL, Miles D. Witt, Supervisor 717-748-5396 SOUTHCENTRAL, Richard Owens. Supervisor 717-436-21 17 Mailing Address: Box 688. Lock Haven. Pa. 1 7745 Mailing Address RD 1. Mifflintown, Pa. 1 7059 Location: 129 Woodward Ave. (Dunnstown) Lock Haven. Pa. Location: On Route 22. 3 miles west of Mifflintown, Pa. NORTHEAST, Clair Fleeger. Supervisor 717-477-5717 SOUTHEAST, Norman W. Sickles. Supervisor 717-626-0228 Mailing Address: Box 88. Sweet Valley. Pa. 18656 Mailing Address: RD 2. Box 1 19-A. Lititz. Pa. 17 543 Location: On Harris Pond. Sweet Valley. Pa. Location: On Speedwell Forge Lake, on Brubaker Valley Road. BUREAU OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES (State Headquarters) Paul F. O'Brien, Director Personnel & Employment. Leon D. Boncarosky 717-787-7057 License Section. Mary Stine 717-787-6237 Budget Analyst. Vincent Rollant 717-787-2599 Federal Aid Coordinator, Glen C. Reed 717-787-6391 Real Estate. John Hoffman 717-787-6376 Office Services Supervisor. Chester Peyton 717-787-2363 Purchasing (Harrisburg) Avyril Richardson 717-787-2732 Purchasing (Bellefonte) Budd Sampsell 814-359-2754 Full Color Wall Charts by Staff Artist Tom Duran £ ® TURTLES of Pennsylvania Featuring Pennsylvania9s Snakes & Turtles $2.00 per set, delivered. (Single charts: $1.00 each) Send orders & remittance to: "CHARTS" Pennsylvania Fish Commission P.O. Box 1673 Harrisburg, Pa. 17120 J & SMKES of Pennsylvania m >

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For information regarding quantity discounts, write: "Special Publications."