PENNSYLVANIA!
/ —-
THROUGH ITS OFFICIAL PUBLICATION The Pennsylvania Angler
The Pennsylvania Fish Commission
:- EXTENDS TO EACH AND EVERYONE -
HOLIDAY (GREETINGS
& Vtxy fWerrp CJjrtetma*
& peaceful anb
prosperous COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
HON. JOHN S. FINE GOVERNOR
J. Allen Barrett—Director Division of Public Relations PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION
BERNARD S. HORNE, President DECEMBER—1951 VOLUME XX, No. 12 PITTSBURGH PAUL F. BITTENBENDER, Vic»-Pr«i. WILKES-1ARRE MILTON L. PEEK CONTENTS RADNOR WILLIAM D. BURK FRONT AND BACK COVER PHOTOGRAPHS FROM BLACK STAR MELROSE PARK ©EN. A. H. STACKPOLE • •••••* DAUPHIN LOUIS S. WINNER LOCK HAVEN GENETICS AND TROUT BREEDING 4 PHILIP E. ANGLE By Dr. James E. Wright, Jr. CHARON A NEW ERA FOR AN OLD CANAL 6 By Harvey Frantz—Incodel Conservationist
EXECUTIVE OFFICE THE STINGERS 8 C. A. FRENCH By Wendell O. Ditmer EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 1951—A GOOD YEAR FOR PENNSYLVANIA MUSKIES 10 ELWOOD CITY H. R. STACKHOUSE TIGERS OF THE SHENANGO 12 Administrative Secretary By Albert M. Wolgast C. R. BULLER Chief Fish Culturitt RUBBER BAND THROUGH FISH STUMPS EXPERTS 13 By Joe Pancoast THOMAS F. O'HARA Construction Engineer WINTER, FROM A CAMERA ANGLE 14-15 WILLIAM W. BRITTON By Josef Muench Chiaf Enforcement Officer OLD MAN WINTER IS PLOTTING NOW 18 ROBERT P. DEITER By Dick Fortney Comptroller FILMING FISH ABOVE WATER 20 By Ormal I. Sprungman
GORDON L. TREMBLEY SOME BOATS, TUBS AND SIEVES I HAVE RENTED 22 Chiaf Aquatic Biologist By Richard C. Redmond ARTHUR D. BRADFORD Pathologist ROD MAKING—ANGLER'S WINTER RECREATION 24 By Charles H. Chapman CYRIL G. REGAN Chief Div. of Land and Water Acquisition GEORGE H. GORDON Official Photographer George W. Forrest, Editor 1339 East Philadelphia Street, York, Pa
HATCHERY SUPERINTENDENTS Dewey Sorenson—Beliafonte The PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER is published monthly by the Pennsylvania Pish Commission. Merrill Lillie—Corry & Union City South Office Building, Harrisburg, Pa. Subscription: 50 cents per year, 10 cents per single Edwin H. Hahn—Erie copy. Send check or money order payable to Commonwealth ol Pennsylvania. DO NOT SEND T. J. Dingle—Huntsdale STAMPS. Individuals'sending cash do so at their own risk. Change of address should reach us promptly. Furnish both old and new addresses. Entered as Second Class matter at the Fred K. Riedel—Linesville Post Office, Harrisburg, Pa„ under Act of March 3, 1873. J. L. Zettle—Pleasant Mount George Magargel—ReynoldsdaJa Neither Publisher nor Editor will assume responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or Il Bernard Gill—Tionesta lustrations while in their possession or in transit. Permission to reprint will be given pro John J. Wopart—Torresdale vided we receive marked copies and credit Is given material or illustrations. Only communi cations pertaining to manuscripts, material or illustrations should be addressed to the Editor at the above address. !»- w *76e Sd>Ct Dear Sir: Dear Editor: Tell Bill I'm after him (in a friendly Enclosed find money order for one Enclosed are two pictures of fish way) and if he will come up this way dollar for a two-year subscription to the caught by my nephews and their best next trouting season, will take hi*n over PENNA. ANGLER. friend. One is Billy Luffy, age 11, hold to the Big Lackawaxen below Kimbal's, Although I am over here fighting in ing a 2-lb, 14-oz. smallmouth bass where the big browns and rainbows are Korea, I still have not forgotten about caught at St. George Eddy on the Alle really smart. my favorite sport of fishing. Your mag gheny river. The other is Tommy and The article on "Pennsylvania Lakes" azine will keep me informed on Penn Charlie Luffy holding a few bass, also by Richard Williamson is also very in sylvania streams, etc., while I am here. a smallmouth caught at the same loca teresting as these are lakes I have fly- I always received the ANGLER when I tion. Tommy is 12 and Charlie is 7. fished for bass many years. But, as far was back in the states. I think you do a Your old edition of the magazine was as I am able to discover, Lake Poyntelle wonderful job of keeping the sportsmen excellent but the new one even excells is not open to the public for public informed of what is going on around that. Thank you for such a good maga fishing. the waters of Penna. zine. The land has been purchased by a city Cpl. Henry H. Walter Robert Herrlich group for camp purposes and an ordi Somewhere in Korea Greensburg, Pa. nary fisherman would have a very hard time getting a boat. This same condi tion exists at Lake Ladore in this area and it seems we are being squeezed Dear Sir: constantly. While I realize this is, no For sometime now I have been a sub doubt, a question for the legislature, we scriber to the PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER. I are gradually losing our lakes, one by send my copies to my professional one, the same being bought up by out- wrestler friends around the country and of-state groups for commercial purposes. Canada. F. J. Waters The other day I got a letter from Tony Jermyn, Pa. Zurkowsky of Independence, Missouri. This gentleman is not only a fine wrest ler but is known for his sportsmanship, hunting and fishing as well. I had sent Dear Sir: my September issue of the ANGLER to Let's give Bill Wolf a little assist. I him and he likes it so much he is going have fished for 40 years or more and to pass it along to others. could tell some stories about angling, I also ask my sportsmen friends this "believe-it-or-not" stories that would question, "What do the folks do out your make Mr. Ripley's yarns take a back way after building projects are com seat. pleted, to replace wildlife, cover and I am a fly fishing fool and also use a food that is lost when these projects spinning outfit that I like for using take away former wildlife habitats?" artificial baits and flies. I get the same reply from all over Here is one story that happened 12 the country, Florida to California, years ago and the fisherman who was "Nothing." Then folks wonder why the with me when it happened will not go cost to go fishing and hunting goes up. fishing or get in a boat with me to this They are to blame themselves for not day. We were fishing Maplewood Lake replacing wildlife lost when man moves and just as the skies darkened to make into their former habitats. visibility poor on the water my partner Thos. A. Mortimer yelled for me to get out of there quickly! Wrestler's Sportsman's Club Excitedly yelling there was a 30-foot Holyoke, Mass. water snake going across the pond, he grabbed the oars and rowed to shore, a point half mile from our boat dock, got Dear Sir: out and walked around the lake to the Dear Sir: ANGLER for October, 1951, carries a dock. I am enclosing check for 50 cents for very interesting article, "Are Fishermen This gentleman still insists he saw a which please send the PENNSYLVANIA Liars" by Bill Wolf. While I enjoyed this very much I believe you and Mr. Wolf 30-foot snake and I could never con ANGLER to my son who is in the Armed vince him that it was a mother otter Forces overseas. As his father, I think will agree with me that he got away to with 9 young ones hanging tail to tail more parents should send their sons and a very bad start in his first paragraph . . . which it was! daughters in the services the ANGLER when he states that Jonah was swal as I know they would be glad to receive lowed by a whale. Pete Mosier Scranton, Pa. the one and only real Angler magazine. Not pretending to be a Bible student, I am certain reading it every month I do wish to call his attention to the wherever they are will help keep up book of Jonah, 1:17, "now the Lord had their morale. prepared a great fish to swallow up Lots of folks have a good aim in life, * Lloyd S. Fisher Jonah." It says nothing whatsoever but most of them don't know when to Hanover, Pa. about a whale. pull the trigger. PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER !•?- C. A. FRENCH RECOVERING AT HOME At midnight, October 30, C. A. French, our Executive Director, was stricken with appendicitis and rushed to the operating room of the Polyclinic Hospital, Harris- burg, where an appendectomy was performed by the Hospital's Chief Surgean Dr. William K. McBride. The ANGLER reports that Mr. French is gradually recovering and is now convalescing at his home, 1951 North Front Street, Harris- burg. We confidently speak for all "My lure has a bobbing action. How about yours?" our personnel when we express our best wishes for his early return to the office. Read the instructions on page2of this form. STATEMENT OF THE OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, AND CIRCULATION REQUIRED BY THP ACT OF CONGRESS OF AUGUST 24, 1912, AS AMENDED BY THE ACTS OF MARCH 3 1933, AND JULY 2, 1946 (Title 39, United States Code, Section 233) J^rmsylvanda Angler ... published *<**m MOSQUITO CREEK IMPROVED, (Insert exact title of publication) (Stat* exact frequency of leaue) ~ Hsirrisburg, Pa. _ for October .» SPORTSMEN REMOVE INACTIVE m GENET 18^ Trout Breedin By James E. Wright, Jr., Assistant Professor of Genetics, The Pennsylvania State College Photograph by George Gordon, Official Photographer, Pennsylvania Fish Commission (EDITOR'S NOTE: Dr. Wright has been have not previously attempted this duction. There has been little op retained by the Pennsylvania Fish Com type of breeding program on a portunity to carry out a breeding mission to serve in an advisory capacity wide scale. Certainly it has not program which requires the hold to the proposed experimental breeding been from a lack of interest. In ing of numerous small lots of fish program.) fact, attempts have been made at under uniform conditions. One can numbers of hatcheries, including not question that the production PART i those in Pennsylvania, to select program in Pennsylvania has been NCLUDED in the projects out breeders on the basis of individual very successful. In 1950, 2,876,454 I lined for investigation at the performance. In the cases reported, trout fingerlings weighing nearly 2 proposed Fish Commission re the results have seemed quite en tons and 2,205,943 legal-sized trout search station at Benner Springs couraging. Yet, strangely enough, weighing 353 V2 tons were stocked on Spring Creek is the line breed most of these programs had to be into our streams by the Pennsylva ing of trout. This experimental terminated within a few years nia Fish Commission. One can see breeding aims at the improvement simply because the existing hatch from these figures that trout farm of trout brood stock through appli ery facilities were unsuitable or ing is a big business in Pennsyl cation of genetic methods. Fish cul completely inadequate for this type vania. In fact, few, if any, states turists and fishery biologists have of selective breeding. This, then, equal or surpass ours in the mag long viewed as a challenge the ac seems to be the answer. nitude of these operations. complishments of other animal hus- The demands of the angling pub The next question that may be bandrymen and plant breeders in lic have determined the function raised is whether in the midst of utilizing genetic knowledge for of most public hatcheries to be this emphasis on production there improvement of their stocks. This the production of increasingly has been any concerted effort to program is to be the Pennsylvania large quantities of fish at the least improve trout brood stocks. The Fish Commission's acceptance of possible expense. Hence, the fish whole success of artificial propaga this challenge. More specifically, it culturists have had to become fish tion of trout attests to the fact will be the realization of plans held farmers who placed major empha that there has been. AH hatchery- for many years by your Fish Com sis on the production end of trout men for years have selected the mission's executive director, Mr. culture. Therefore, the hatching and best fish in size and appearance for Charles A. French rearing facilities at these hatcheries their breeders. It is common One may ask why fish breeders have been designed for this pro knowledge that these hatchery PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER strains so developed far outstrip our Fish Commission purchased In the light of these develop any '"wild" trout in both growth brook trout eggs from these two ments, let us now consider what rate and disease resistance. It private hatcheries as did many a more elaborate experimental should be a source of pride that other eastern states and Canada. breeding program might accom the strains of the three trout At present some brook trout eggs plish. The present breeding method species maintained in Pennsylva are received from these and other in which a number of individuals nia are much-desired by many sources in exchange for eggs of approaching the desired type are private hatcheries as well as by the other two trout species. These selected in each generation as other states. Since these present commercial hatcheries in the last brood fish is known as mass selec strains will furnish the stocks for 20 years have changed their brook tion. It has been, and still is, an the experimental breeding pro trout to a lighter color since their effective method of increasing and gram, then it might be well to markets demanded a lighter col maintaining desirable qualities in review briefly the history of their ored fish. It is probable that the breeding stocks of plants and development. through exchanges with these animals as well as of fish. It does, hatcheries the Fish Commission's The following is an account of however, have limitations. It has brook trout are lighter colored this development. It was related to been shown by plant and animal than they once were. the author by Mr. C. R. Buller who breeders that such selection is not is chief fish culturist for the Penn Three major improvements have permanently effective and must be sylvania Fish Commission and who been made in our brook trout; repeated each generation. In other has been associated with the Com namely, faster growth rate, in words, often great variation in mission for some 37 years. creased disease resistance, and in characteristics remains after long creased ability to survive higher periods of such selection and if For twenty years or more wild temperatures. The latter two have selection is relaxed, the population rainbow trout eggs were brought been accomplished through both may lose some of the ground into the eastern United States from natural and artificial selection. By gained in the past. Anyone who the west. The resulting stocking natural selection is meant survival has visited a trout hatchery is fa was far from satisfactory and was of the fittest. The temperature has miliar with the great deal of varia practically discontinued. One of the become higher in most of our tion in size, conformity, coloration, difficulties involved was the fact waters, including those at the and markings that exists in fish of that these wild rainbows were hatcheries. Mr. Buller states that the same age. This is illustrated spring spawners. In order to raise brook trout fry could not be in Figure I. them to legal size, they had to be raised to maturity in the water It is at this point that applica held over through the ensuing taken from Spring Creek at the winter—a period of slow growth. tion of the knowledge of genetics lower Spring Creek Project or at to the breeding program should Subsequently there were devel the Pleasant Mount Hatchery un oped two strains of so-called east lead to further advances in build til relatively recently because of ing and fixation of superior ern domesticated rainbows—one at this factor. Literally thousands of the Wytheville, Virginia, hatchery strains of trout. Here then we be brook trout were sacrificed at the gin to sift out of the present vari of the United States Fish and Wild latter hatchery in order to select life Service and the other at a able population those individuals those which would stand the nor which are superior in certain quali private hatchery, the Plymouth mal summer temperatures in these Rock Trout Company, William W. ties to see if these superior quali waters. The story on increased ties are transmitted to subsequent Whiting, Supt., Plymouth, Massa disease resistance would be similar. chusetts. More satisfactory stock generations. That is, the breeding Faster growth rate has been ac behavior of individual brood fish ing results were obtained with complished primarily through arti these strains so the Pennsylvania is considered in addition to their ficial selection; that is, those trout appearance. Final selection of par Fish Commission became inter which grew rapidly were delib ested. ents of a new strain is determined, erately saved as brood fish. It has therefore, by observation of one or These two strains were obtained been proven that when our strain more generations of an individual's and a cross between the two gave of brook trout are released in offspring, as well as its parents and rise to the strain maintained in Canadian waters they grow to the grandparents. In other words, each Pennsylvania now. At first they same size as their legendary wild of the fish will then have a pedi were not strictly spring spawners brookies. Of course, some share of gree. We should be able then to but nearly so. By repeatedly se the credit for these improvements predict, within certain limits, what lecting those rainbows which in brook trout should go to the the progeny of two fish or of two spawned earlier in the season, the commercial hatcherymen who have groups of fish will be simply by present strain of late-fall spawners supplied eggs to the Fish Commis inspecting their respective pedi was developed. sion in the past. grees. But how do we know that The brook trout that Pennsyl Brown trout were brought into we should be able to predict with vania now has go back to 1898 Pennsylvania within a year or two in any limits what a group of off when they were brought from the after 1883 when Herr von Behr spring should be before we even State Fish Hatchery at Donegal introduced them into the United see them? This is where genetics, Springs Hatchery to the State Fish States from Germany. The Fish the science of heredity, comes in. Hatchery at Allentown. It is prob Commission discontinued stocking In the second of this series of able that this strain originally brown trout for a period of years articles we shall develop some of came from New Jersey and was before 1932. In that year they were the basic principles of the science later established . at a private able to obtain eggs of the original of genetics as it might apply to hatchery at Penn Forest in Car introduced strain which had been trout. Then one can better under bon County and at the Paradise maintained at the Allentown hatch stand why and how this program Brook Trout Company at Cresco, ery. These formed the brood stock should offer possibilities in trout Monroe County. For many years for our present strain. improvement. DECEMBER—1951 N the eighteen hundreds the and a collection of other things By I Lehigh Canal connecting the that could be found only on a coal regions with the Delaware dump. Harvey R. Frantz Canal at Easton played as im The portion of the Canal be Incodel Conservationist portant a part in developing the tween Lock 43 at Bethlehem and Lehigh Valley as the railroads do Lock 44 at Freemansburg, a dis today. But with the coming of tance of about two miles, is no ex steam and now oil, inland water ception unless it had more junk transportation in eastern Pennsyl and trash because of its proximity vania has practically disappeared. to habitation. The Lehigh Canal, at one time For many years there has been full of clean water and a pleasant talk of doing something about this place to swim and fish, has now stretch of the Canal. The Lehigh degenerated for the most part into Coal and Navigation Company, a series of stagnant pools enclosed owners of the. Canal, did what in ash and garbage-strewn banks. they could to maintain it but pub Instead of fish in the Canal, there lic apathy and indifference count are relics of civilization such as ered their efforts. bed springs, tires, bottles, cans and At last the local Sportsmen's PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER s^ Clubs recognized the situation and club. A president, a secretary and made, a committee of the Inter- things began to happen. Six clubs a treasurer were elected by these Club Canal Commission met with sent representatives to a meeting representatives and also one vice representatives of the Lehigh Coal called by Leo Gallagher of the president from each club. The next and Navigation Company. After Freemansburg Rod and Gun Club step was to look over the Canal discussing the situation a tempo to discuss what could be done and see what had to be done in rary license or lease was drawn about the Canal. Clubs represented order to put the Canal back to up to be in effect until the Com were the Monocacy Field and something like its former self. mission becomes incorporated. A Stream Association, Bethlehem Three scours or breaks were token payment of $5 a year will Game, Fish and Forestry Associa found on the tow path that would be made to the Lehigh Coal and tion, both of Bethlehem; Freemans have to be filled before water could Navigation Company. burg Rod and Gun Club; Heller- be held in the Canal. Above Lock The Commission will be in com town Sportsmen's Association; 44 a site was picked for a dam plete charge of the Canal between Lower Saucon Sportsmen's Asso which, once the scours were filled, Lock 44 and Lock 43 and will be ciation and Miller Heights Sports would hold back the water and responsible for the construction, men's Association. maintain an average of 5' of water. maintenance and policing of this Mr. Gallagher had made pre The dirtiest part of the job, it was section. After the Commission liminary contacts with the Lehigh decided, would be wading in the builds a dam, the company will Coal and Navigation Company and water and picking out the assorted divert water into the leased por they told him they would consider objects of years' accumulation of tion, and will maintain a water leasing a section of the Canal to dumping. supply. an organized group. When this The local health officer pointed The first step the Commission message was relayed to the club out that there are at present four took was to have signs printed and representatives they characteristic cesspools emptying into the Canal. posted stating the area was open ally said, "Let's organize." When these are plugged up, this to the public for fishing and recrea It was decided to form an Inter- portion of the Canal will be free tion at the people's own risk. No Club Canal Commission made up of pollution. dumping signs were posted on the of three representatives from each After the reconnaissance was (Turn to Page 31) DIRTY JOB of cleaning canal of bed springs, • fires, boffles, cans and rubbish fell fo sportsmen of the Inter-Club Canal Commission. Wading in the muck and garbage of the old canal was no cinch. < SCRUBBED CLEAN, the canal looks like this after many man hours of sweat and toil. This section is ready for fish stocking and swimming. V BEFORE CLEAN-UP, canal looked like this . . . dirty, full of rubbish, a disgrace and menace to the health of communities along its length. No doubt you'll come up with a variation in spelling for this plant if you've ever been stung by it as you fished along the stream. Though it causes ex Have you ever wondered what caused the stinging sensation on your hands or legs while you were walking along a stream fishing? The plant that causes all this trouble is the common nettle. By Wendell P. Ditmer-Botanist There are several species in this Bureau of Plant Industry family that cause an irritation of Pennsylvania Department of the skin, some not as bad as others. Agriculture The stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) is the worst stinger in the family as compared with the tall or slender, small, and wood nettles. The nettle is a perennial herb covered with stinging hairs. These hairs contain formic acid which causes an irritation and rash to the skin of animals and men. The leaves, as shown in the picture, are long and oval, heart-shaped at the base, and with serrated edges. The flowers are small and in slender, branched clusters, greenish in color during the summer. The young plants appear in the spring and by June and July are in full bloom, lasting until September. As long as the small hairs are green they have their stinging ability, but when dry they are harmless. These plants are found growing in waste places, along roadsides, fence-rows, and in moist ground. They originally were introduced from Europe and now cover a large portion of the United States. This much-despised weed has, in days gone by, proved an exceed ingly useful friend to mankind. The stem contains a large propor tion of fiber, which has been manu factured into every grade of ma terial from ropes and cordage to fine white linen. It was much used in the manufacture of textile fabrics by the ancient Egyptians, and even at the present day sup plies the inhabitants of Siberia with fishing lines and cordage. In Central Europe during World War I, the fibers from the stems were -, Stinging Nettle. Slender Nettle. used in the manufacturing of (Turn to Page 30) PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER LIKE PLANTS, FISH NEED SPACE TO GROW The wise farmer plants his crops so that they will have space enough to grow properly and also in con sideration of the number of plants his soil will nourish. The experienced poultryman .knows that space is a definite fac tor in egg-laying—that a hen needs a certain area of floor space in order to be healthy and produc tive. The same rule applies to fish in a hatchery. Put a goldfish in a small bowl, and even if it is given the best food available it will rarely grow longer than three or four inches. But move that same fish into a large pool, and give it the same food, and it is likely to attain a length of twelve to fourteen inches. That's an example of living space for fish. Bass need an enormous amount of space. Trout can be pretty well crowded. Hatchery experts know those facts. But now technicians at the Fish eries Research Laboratory of the Pennsylvania Fish Commission at Bellefonte are attempting to re duce the problem of space to scien tific figures. Beginning with brook trout, they are trying to determine just how much living space a hatchery fish needs to thrive and be healthy. Facts they learn will be used in designing the new research labora tory arl experimental station at Benner Springs, in Centre County. This brown trout examined in the Fish Com mission's laboratory at Bellefonte, Penn sylvania, contained a total of 12 minnows. These consisted of 2 black-nose dace and 10 northern creek chubs. — 1951 A Good Tear For Big PENNSYLVANIA HUSKIES Fred Kohler, Pittsburgh, Pa., landed this 46'/2- inch, 32-pound muskie at Lake LeBoeuf, Waterford. On Aug. 4, 1951, Wm. Alexopolis, Pittsburgh, put the hooks to this big Photo by LOWTHER. muskie in Conneaut Lake. The fish, weighed 42'/2 pounds, 55 inches long. It is held by (l-r) Adam Marshall and "Moon" Miller, friends of Mr. Alexopolis who just returned empty handed from a Canadian trip. 10 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER Rupert Nelson snagged this 26'/2 pound, 45'/2 inch muskie in the Allegheny River at Port Allegheny this season. 81-year-old Albert Anderson (left) with help of Merle Klinginsmith (with fish) hooked this 40 pound, 2 oz., 48'/2 inch 'lunge at Conneaut Lake, July 21, 1951. SEE NEXT PAGE for story, "Tigers of the Shenango River" by Al Wolgast for more muskie chatter and pictures. Merle Klingensmith gets into the act again with this 30 pound, 43 inch muskie which he took at Conneaut Lake on July 28, this year. Pennsylvania has plenty of good minkn territory see article by W. T. Patterson in August 1951 issue of the PENNSYLVANIA • ANGLER, "Wantta Catch A Muskie?" Photo By Lowther DECEMBER—1951 11 EVEN miles northeast of Sharon, Pa., The most recent muskie kill was made S lies the sleepy and serene little vil in September below McGrath's Hole by lage of Clarksville with a lazy river in Russell Cubbison of Clarksville (see TIGERS its back yard. The village itself is like a photo), a veteran river-fisherman. Russ great number of other small communi was out on the Shenango with his fishing ties with a population of about 350 peo pal, Bob Young, both using artificial ple, a few stores, an active Volunteer lures. Young, casting out a spoon, had it of the Fire Department, a grade school, two reeling in slowly when a mighty big churches and that's about all. chunk of water parted and a giant But just a few steps away from the muskie hit it short. heart of the village lies the Shenango Acting as a unit, Russ promptly shot River, home of the largest muskies in the out his favorite red and white plug and SHENANGO country. This is no exaggeration or a brought it up to the still raging fish. "come on" by the Clarksville Chamber Whamo, the angry monster struck the of Commerce. To be truthful, "there just plug so hard it required Russ only 15 RIVER ain't no Chamber." But as to muskies, minutes to bring the threshing muskie to man alive, I've seen them caught and for the boat and the gaff. weeks I have been plying the river with The fish measured 48% inches and a boat hoping and at the same time fear weighed a few ounces over 32 pounds. ful of hooking on to one of these huge, The giant is being mounted and will By Albert M. Wolgast teeth-gnashing fighters. jk adorn the wall of Al Williams Clark House. So when you're riding around, Muskie fishing here in the Clarksville drop in and take a look at what can be area is at its best during the late months, caught in our Shenango River without particularly September, October and No going to great expense of traveling to vember and one will find dozens of Canadian and other far-off waters. boats, mostly homemade, working the river from Fruitsmills, four miles above If some of you readers wonder if that's Clarksville, down to the famous Mc the largest muskie caught in this area, Grath's Hole, then on down farther to get a glimpse of this. Down at Slack- the Stonewall right in the village finally water Bridge, a few miles west of a stop two miles down at the Slackwater Clarksville, romps the daddy of all Shen Bridge area, where not only will the elu ango River muskies. For some years, this sive muskie be found, but giant cats as particular fish has been giving the dis well. trict piscatorial fans a rough time. Plug after plug has been lost, many rods have been smashed and yards of good sturdy line has failed to bring in this muskie. All over the river he is fondly called Big Mike. I say fondly, because all of us who work the river at the Bridge admire the fighting qualities of Big Mike. From old timers who have plugs bear ing teeth marks of the huge muskie, in formation I have received as to size is that Big Mike would weigh in at 40 to 50 pounds and would measure a good 60 inches. This has been substantiated by a number of men who know of Big Mike, and will tell you that right in Clarks ville, at the Stonewall, there has been seen a number of times, muskies that average five feet. So fellows, forget about your trip to costly areas. For the elusive muskie, you can't go wrong coming to Clarksville, a timid little village with dynamite in its backyard Shenango River. A village where such kills as Russ made that sunny day causes but little excitement, but then the folks there are used to it. * * * I mentioned earlier in the story about (Turn to Page 30) BIG MIKE, 14-foot river boat built by Al and Bill Wolgast, Farrell, Pa., for less than $25 from plans in the May 1951 ANGLER. Glenn Strauss, Sharon, Pa., and this 411/2- Russell Cubbison, Clarksville, Pa., veteran inch, 20-pound muskie tangled at the Clarks angler, snagged this 48'/2-inch, a bit over ville RR bridge on the Shenango, October 16. 32 pound "Tiger of the Shenango" below It was the second 20-pounder Strauss has the famous McGrath's Hole near Clarlcsville. taken within the past year. 12 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER Ten-inch blue fish caught by Philadelphia angler,-has large unbroken rubber band running through and around its body. It was dissected by a scientist but he couldn't determine how it was done. Inset dotted line shows course of rubber band through body. RUBBER BAND THROUGH FISH STUMPS EXPERTS By Joe Pancoast Outdoor Editor—Philadelphia Bulletin Reprinted by permission of the Bulletin This most baffling story originally appeared in the Sunday Bulletin. To date no one has come up with the answer. If you have an explanation write us the answer. "Whodunit" fans should get a bang out of this one. of the dorsal fin had also been One of the most baffling oddities The mystery hinges on the rub worn away. to come out of the sea in a long ber band. How did it get there? time was landed last week by There are disinterested witnesses This reporter, stumped in trying James J. Kennedy, 736 E. Tioga to attest to the authenticity of the to determine how the blue acquired St., while fishing from a Town- catch—that it was hooked in the the appendage, toted the specimen sends Inlet party boat. usual manner and pulled from the up to Dr. Honry Fowler, Curator The catch was a 10-inch bluefish water while still alive. of Fishes, Academy of Natural carrying a rubber band clear Band Wore Groove Sciences. through its body and over the fish's A careful examination by Dr. back. The rubber was continuous The rubber band had been on the Fowler disclosed no outward signs without any signs of a joint. It fish a sufficient length of time to of an incision or disruption of the entered soft flesh about an inch wear a groove in the flesh ranging scales except where the rubber had back of the gill covers and about from 1-16 to 1-8 of an inch deep cut into the upper two-thirds of the an inch up from the fish's under from the point where it passed body. An autopsy also failed to de- side and could be moved back and through the body, near the pectoral fins, up over the fish's back. Part forth through the blue's body. (Turn to Page 29) 13 DECEMBER—1951 fet a ib *f & te» WINTER 191111 iWBsm fiiiPIiifii mr H^M r ' '^^x k£ffi?l&WV>k 2tM w •' J&-:M Bit £ V •T^W «<4 •;• i i * !«1 The music of wafer and wind* wdJ f in fhe evening. Beneath a black-velvet sky dusted with stat* •m »a*S \ fhe kid shared his *&1}m &H i TT-fta^l [ K£J secret of the mysterious "Spawning P §£&$*' *mk^^ ^ fifth*•ys.- ,,v* T*. li. • •.;•• >•• Da ""-si ^%S *M&m$ik V ^g .w^pr-p'i p. s si y- t > E left the mainstream about passed on the way up: big, spring- matter if I tell. The mainstream Wten o'clock, cleaned our trout fed and deep. is in the Allegheny Mountains— in the tributary run, and began This was the place. This was Breastwork Run. the steep ascent to the spawning where the native trout came to If you fished it, you'd remember pool. spawn, came in their brightest the water. Cold and clean, with a It was strange in the ravine, colors to lay their eggs and swim song all its own. You'd remember climbing in shadow, the surge of back to the mainstream. It was the rapids where the tributary fast water roaring in our heads. the end of their world, and the dashed frothing into the main Everything was spray and thunder beginning. We stood there awhile stream. It's a wild place, thick with and the moist coolness of wet without speaking. laurel and dark with shadow, rocks. The kid led the way, jump "Thanks," I said, turning to the sound-washed with the roar of ing from rock to rock. kid. "It's worth the climb." crazy water. And here, like me, At last, breathing hard, we "You won't tell nobody," he you'd pause to watch the smaller reached the summit. There was said. "I wouldn't of brung you if stream on its final downhill run, no more stream ahead. Just laurel I thought you'd tell." churning over falls and snaking and fern and rocks and, before us, "It'll be our secret," I assured between the big rocks. this huge boulder, the deep pool him. "Yours and mine." Inviting—yes; a likely spot for basined against its face. It was a # * * brookies. But when you have a big pool, bigger than any we had That's all gone now; so it doesn't (Turn to Page 26) k Water By f)im eMatf&i, Oid 7$taa Tt/wten % 'Ptottiay By Dick Fortney Right now, while you're settled so you may enjoy trout fishing glassy covering of ice over the comfortably in your favorite chair when April 15 rolls around again. pools. reading this magazine, Old Man If you were to brave the wintry Comes spring, when the sun and Winter is piling up some tough blasts and pay a visit to your warm breezes melt the ice and problems that you'll have to solve favorite trout stream, you would snow, your pet stream will change early in the fishing season of next scarcely recognize it in its winter again, become more of a raging year. dress. But you would see Old Man torrent than a rippling brook, a And, if you're wise, you'll begin Winter at work—carpeting the rush of icy cold water with thinking about these problems, ground along the stream with a scarcely a placid pool in its entire how you'll meet and solve them, blanket of snow and drawing a length. For weeks the condition will Remember that spring freshets run off first in the mountain brooks, like this one in Bradford County. The pools and riffles take form there long before they prevail, with spring rains keeping appear in the bigger creeks, so they are worth attention early in the season. the water high, often discolored. Of course, there are seasons when spring comes early, when the snowfall and ice have been light, vanish rapidly, when the rains are light and gentle and well spaced. But the angler cannot count on them. Rather, he has to prepare for a few weeks, at least, of trout fish ing that will try his patience and skill. Difficult fishing conditions are not the only challenge to the an gler, however. The trout them selves are just moving out of their winter quarters, into the deeper and more protected areas of the (Turn to Page 28) Photo by William Hoffman on the Buttermilk Falls near Stroudsburg, Pa. KINS WINTER is Weaving a Snowy Blanket and Spinning an Icy Web over Your Favorite Trout Stream. Plan Now the Strategy You'll Use Next April 15! DECEMBER—1951 19 FILMING FI By Ormal I. Sprungman Camera Editor, Sports Afield; Author of Photography Afield (Stackpole Co., Harrisburg, Pa.) Photographs by Author iSa Pennsylvania angler, how do yoil ij*» film your fish? Do you gill-string the slippery fellows and let your partner hold them up at arm's length before the camera lens? Or do you break out your camera with a fairly fast shutter speed and try to catch the fighting fish as they crack through the surface and wag a tail while they throw the hook? Filming fish above water is an invig •"""vM orating sport that will test your inge nuity and tell you instantly whether you have a good eye and a quick trigger finger. First requisite is a fishing partner who will cooperate. While some photog raphers have been successful in clicking a camera with one hand while fighting a fish with the other, a good angling part ner will prove helpful. Once the fish is hooked, he should be brought to the surface as quickly as possible. Let him float just beneath the surface, then, with a quick upward jerk of the rod tip, bring him into action for a leap. Focus at the spot where the line enters the water, and click the shutter just as the fish starts its upward run, and you will catch him in midair. If you wait too long, you will catch only the final Ever see a grandaddy pike smoking a plug? This three-footer was nicely "frozen" splash. on an upward climb at 1/300 second with a minicam. A miniature camera permits easy ma A good fishing partner is essential to hook the fish and bring it up within picture nipulation, although a ground-glass fo range. Here Dick Miller, breaker of 32 world's records in tournament casting, cusing reflex camera has advantages in brings a mighty bass to the surface for a leaping portrait. Here a shutter speed maintaining accurate focus up until the of 1/200 second was too slow. time of shutter-clicking. Study the pix illustrated on these pages, and you will be amazed at the number of different contortions through which a leaping pike can wriggle his body. Several illustrations were made with a miniature camera with a top shutter speed of 1/300 second. To "freeze" water globules in midair, speeds up to 1/1000 second are needed, as shown here. Fast super-sensitive pan chromatic film should always be used to offset the fast shutter speed required, particularly if a light yellow filter is also used to cut water glare. Pennsylvania's lakes and streams are boiling with big fish waiting to pose for a split-second for your camera. Next time you go angling, take your camera along and get double the fun and a pic ture spread to help refresh your mem ory over the winter and during the years that follow. Top shutter speed of I/1000 second was used to halt this pike in mid-air after it tried without success to throw copper spoon. Looks like a midget crater in the_ lake. Out of it erupted this Northern pike are good leapers, as compared with smaller species. giant pike. This fellow created a perfect U-shape with an upward flip of his tail. Taken with a miniature camera at 1/300 second. IWwTM IWI lllllBBiMflnWWH za*****^ ^c==**^ ^^ccocco cooocoo< "Fishing," often remarks my Uncle Josh, "is a wonderful sport. It's only when you rent a boat to dangle a line, that you have mis givings. Them rented boats will be S^ome d5octtd, ^JuoJ and the death of me yet." And what's more my Uncle is correct. Ever since I was knee high forth a few split infinitives not Maybe like some of us you've to a hip boot I've been fishing with found in the "Pennsylvania rented a prize Chesapeake style the old angler and the trouble Angler" trying to maneuver the boat where the oars are forever we've been having with boats craft anyway. Sure it'll be tough, falling through the rings at the would try the patience of Izaak but you'll be darned if you give wrong moment. Try as hard as you Walton himself. up that easy. A small thing like will the things refuse to function. During the score or so years cockeyed oars won't stand between In sheer desperation you rack your Josh and I have rowed, paddled you and those elusive beauties, no brains to solve the knotty problem. and motorboated the azure lakes siree. Should you use the oars as a punting pole or as paddles? A furtive glance in the direction of the boathouse and off you go awkwardly propelling the small vessel toward the fishing grounds. Maybe your method isn't graceful but it gets results. Sooner or later all intrepid fisher men will encounter a boat which has Indian ancestry. The oar locks screech like an Iroquois brave on' the warpath. All who hear the approach of this squeaky instru ments of the watery regions will look at you in askance. Pay no attention to them but grit your dentures and carry on stout fellow! One solution to this noise is to borrow some 3 and 1 from a pass and thermos jugs start to float and you're in water up to your knees, it was ing motorboat. If this doesn't quiet time long ago to head for shore! the racket he might give you a tow ty of our great state of Pennsylvania, O wmoe havVia-ueo encountereAnonnntprpd boatboat PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER ^Sieved ^y J^rave IlKented just to eliminate the commotion. By Richard C. Redmond Usually this squeak and squawk like a strangled goose is more pro Ever rented a "booby trap" commonly called a boat but nounced at five in the morning when all is peaceful and quiet on more like a leaky tub with a theme song, "Bailing, Bailing, the lake. Then the screeches hit high C, maddening to you and Over the Bounding Main?" The writer takes a humorous down-right mayhem to the sleeper poke at such sieves but there's DANGER in every rotten in a nearby cottage. Of course the boat which doubles plank! as a floating sieve is always with us. This punctured remnant of better days will often have a small can for bailing out the bilge. Like as not this method is a waste of seats are a good three feet away JW energy and as about as effective from a good rowing position. as trying to empty the Schuylkill It's either move the seat or row with a teaspoon. In no time you'll with the feet. Since most fisher be sloshing around in water up to men are not acrobats with size your knees as the liquid pours in 14 feet it is advisable to move the with all the power of a gusher. seat. Once this is accomplished The wise angler seeing this, will calm and serenity will prevail and pull for the shore—and fast! That life again will have that rosy glow. is if he wishes to cast his line an By then it's time to go home. other day. Occasionally my uncle and I Another irritating problem we will rent a boat which is as heavy often find with boat rentals are and unmaneuverable as a garbage the seating arrangements. It some scow in heavy water. These are times seems the boat was designed fine if you like to work like a horse. either for an orangutan or a gent "Neigh" to this, brother! Making with telescope arms. No matter headway with this monstrosity re If you are an ordinary fellow how you try, you positively cannot quires a husky crew of piano like myself such a scow will have wield the oars successfully. You movers well versed in the art of you muscle-bound and aged before measure the things and find the rowing. your time. These tugs should be obstacle training boats for college crews. Ofttimes your tired fisherman will be reluctant about rowing to that shady pool where the lily pads placidly nestle and hire a boat with a kicker. Outwardly the job is not bad at all. It glistens of fresh paint and varnish, and shines like a silver spoon in the sunlight. You don't know it, but that kicker has been aptly named. Once the unwary angler gets the item into motion it's something else again. The darn thing isn't a boat, it's a bucking bronco—and a speedy one at that. The way it tears across the water, jumping and hopping like a supercharged water bug is something to behold. Misplaced seats, mis-matched oars add to the joys (?) of fishing. (Turn to Page 31) DECEMBER—1951 23 in them, but don't follow them too closely. Use your own methods. ROD MAKING Among others, Dr. H. P. Wells "Fly Rods and Fly Tackle" con As An tains a very complete analysis of rod woods with instructions for making; Perry Fraser's "Rod Mak ing" is a useful little book and Dr. George Parker Holden's "Idyll Angler's Winter Recreation of the Split Bamboo" is good read By Charles H. Chapman ing. There are some advantages for The writer does not pose as an expert at rod making and freely admits it. It's in the wood rod over the split bamboo. the fun of working with your hands among the tools of the angler's trade which When the joints are finished and shortens the long winter nights. joined, rig some temporary guides before varnishing and try it out. You can scrape the joints thinner Every year I read advice about a glass tank or butcher shop. My to take out stiffness or shorten the fisherman's diversions in the host, one of the best fisherman on them up a trifle to make them off season; dressing lines, clean those streams, was my instructor stiffer; but when a bamboo joint ing reels, mending rods, etc., but in the craft, first with bait, then is made it is fixed. If you snap a find little mention of one occupa with flies. I at once became an joint, you can easily repair it by tion which has given me many ardent disciple and of course splicing. I have done it on the happy hours . . . rod making or wanted to replace my borrowed stream with a pocket knife and a more specifically wood rod mak rod with one of my very own. But bit of line from the reel. If you are ing. Construction of the split bam the cheapest rod my mentor would fighting a big one, you don't have boo fly rod is an art limited to the recommend cost fifteen dollars, to favor a $60 to $100 job. You professional or the few top notch which meant in those days fifteen can give him the butt merrily and amateurs, but any man handy with big, standard, gold dollars that if he breaks you, there are a couple tools can turn out a very good and would really buy something, not or more replacements in the car. useful rod of suitable wood. the degenerate bits of paper we You can have a large assortment have to put up with nowadays I But the first question will be, of tackle, light to heavy, for vari was out of a job then with a poor "Is it as good as a good split bam ous kinds of fishing and still have prospect of starting work in the boo?" The answer is emphatically something left to buy the latest in immediate future. Fifteen dollars . . . No." I regard the fine split lines, reels and tackle without un looked like a lot of money. bamboo rod the acme of strength, duly straining the bank account. power and lightness, but I would Then the idea was born, "Why Putting sixty dollars into a new rather fish with a good wood rod, not make a rod," and being some rod when your wife needs a new built to suit my requirements, than what handy with tools, I resolved hat does not make for peace in with any poor split bamboo. to try it. My first rod, of lance the family. To enumerate the many When I first learned to fish for wood, was a dismal affair, but it imported and domestic rod woods trout in the Brodheads, some sixty caught fish and after I had made would require an article in itself. years ago, many good fishermen two or three more I was thoroughly Dr. Wells does a very good job in were still using good wood rods. indoctrinated, have been at it on this respect but even he does not I recall a nine foot, two piece, and off ever since. complete the list. You can experi spliced rod of Bethabara that I I am not going to tell you how ment quite a bit on this. greatly admired. because if you are a good handi craftsman you will naturally use I have ruined a lot of good It was put out by Wm. Mills & your own methods. Just circulate Tonkin cane trying to make six Co. • and was a delightful rod to among your friends, try their rods strip or even four strip bamboo fish with. For trolling or casting, and when you find one you like, tips as the Doctor advises but a one-piece, lancewood or white take the measurements and "the finally gave up in despair. I was ash can hold its own with any feel" and try to imitate it in wood. simply not good enough. But I split bamboo, and for salt water Your rod will be a little heavier have made some rods of two piece fishing, give me the wood rod than split bamboo and perhaps a bamboo. Sounds funny, doesn't it? every time. little softer, but it will catch fish I split out two strips a little wider What started me on rod making and upon landing a big one you than the taper I plan to make and was economy and what has kept will get a thrill to the handling plane down the soft inside until me at it these many years is the him on your own handiwork and the two, fitted together, make the pleasure I have gotten out of it. on your own flies, if you tie them, required taper; then glue them and My first visit to Henryville was you will never feel with bought when the glue is set, plane down to get rid of a severe case of tackle. the sides four square. I leave the Malaria, otherwise old fashioned There are a number of books joints square, scraping off the chills and "fever. Up to that time published on rod making and some edges just enough to prevent cut- I had never seen a trout except in useful hints can usually be found (Turn to Page 29) 24 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER The manuals which accompany new outboards are very often mislaid. It is then questionable whether or not the owner gives his motor the proper care for winter storage. This is a necessary - TACKLE TIPS - part of keeping the motor in the best possible condition because it is during this period of inactivity air, moisture and acids have the best chance of "Winter Care of the Outboard" harming it. Many dealers provide win ter storage for outboards, provide a spring time tuneup for a nominal fee, but for the individual who is not in a By Don Shiner position to have this service rendered for him, this article should act as a guide. boards should not receive this same care. Of prime interest is the removal of all Serviced in this manner, the outboard water and moisture within the motor will be ready to kick off faithfully when and motor housing. Allowed to remain you are ready to use it again. in the cooling system and in the cylin der chamber, condensation can damage these vital areas. Those who have run their motor in salt water should first flush the cooling system with fresh water and wash down the exterior of the motor to remove any salt crystals. Then, if the motor casing is rubbed with an oily cloth this will keep the outboard itself looking new and will prevent rust and corrosion from gaining a foothold. The lower unit consisting of the water inlet, propellor, and prop housing should be inspected. Check the grease in the prop housing and add enough lubricant to fill. The prop itself should be removed and a thin layer of lubricant or grease applied on all moving parts. It's a good time to check the shear pin. In the event it is bent or nearly cut in half, it should be replaced with another of proper strength. Next, empty all gas and oil moisture Going over the motor with an oily cioth from the fuel tank. Provided the interior will keep the outboard looking new and will prevent rust and corrosion from gaining a of the exhaust chamber is dry and it foothold. should be if the motor has not been used for several days, the motor can be turned upside-down to empty the fuel. The spark plug should be removed and the Check the fuel filter or screen, remove spark gap reset to .023 or what ever the any lint, dirt or other debris that has particular motor calls for. accumulated on it. Spark plug or plugs should be re moved and a generous amount of oil inserted into the carburetor air intake It is best to cover the motor with a canvas opening. By giving the motor a few wrapper, a cloth or paper to protect it against turns by hand spray all the working dust and dirt. parts within the cylinder and crankcase. This will coat these parts with a pro tective film of oil. The spark plugs can be checked, the spark gap reset to .023 or what ever the particular motor calls for. If the porce lain is chipped or broken it is well to replace the plug instead of waiting until spring. This care will keep the motor in fine shape for instant spring use. Store it in a clean dry place, not in a damp base ment or cold attic, but rather in some out-of-the-way closet or heated garage. It's best to cover the motor with a can vas wrapper, a cloth, paper or the ship ping box in which it originally came, to protect it against dust and dirt. No sportsman would store his fishing rod, reels or flies without first seeing The spark plug or plugs should be removed that they are properly cleaned and cared and a generous amount of oil should be for and there is no reason why out- inserted into the carburetor air intake opening. DECEMBER—1951 25 DARK L^" \^ L^ WATER (From Page 17) acr? perfect trout stream beckoning you on, and rises are plentiful, you don't turn aside to explore a little tributary. Not unless . . . The bridge hole is at the end of Breastwork Valley, a well-fished pool fringed with jackpine, shel tered in the shadows of a covered bridge. It's a quiet place, the kind of water a fisherman likes to come upon at the end of his day. You set your rod on a rock, ease down on the bank, and wait for the fishing to come to you. From the bank you see the mountains ris ing blue and hazy from the valley plain. And, over the murmur of flowing water, you hear the drone of locusts and the cawing of crows, sleepy sounds that come softly and distantly across the streamcut valley. There's some nice trout in the pool, fat browns. Once in awhile Ji>i you get a brookie. But mostly, by the time you hit the bridge, your 'I'm not even going to try to get it out ... I have a big creel is already resting heavy on basement and it floods every Spring!" your shoulder, and you don't much care to crowd your luck. Anyway, that's how I felt that and rolled, and the kid brought The kid nodded. "Yeah, there's July evening as I sat there listen him in. a few brookies there. I figured you ing to a whippoorwill calling in Holding the trout by its lower might of been to the spawning the dusk. After a time I saw some jaw, he waded to shore, over the pool . . ." He shut off abruptly, as one working downstream toward bridge, and onto the bank beside if he'd said too much. me, shooting long casts into the me. He held the trout for me to We sat in self-conscious silence fast water. He saw me as he came see, a ten-inch brown, darkly for awhile. The spawning pool. In to the pool, but he didn't say spotted. my mind I ran over all the anything. He was just a kid: about "Nice fish," I said. "You handled stretches where a kid might have a twelve, I figured. Cast a neat line, him just right." secret pool. Sounded like the head though. "Best one all day." He grinned. waters. Well, it could wait. You He waded to knee-depth on the "Got a few smaller ones upstream. don't ask right out. far side of the pool and stood Turned 'em all back, though." Besides, it was that time of day quietly, waiting for his ripples to "Not much eating on one trout," when talk comes easy. The evening roll away. As he waited, a trout I said, feehng in my creel. "I've mist was rising on the valley floor dimpled the surface near the got six here. If you were to take and the mountains were already mouth of the pool. The kid worked one, you'd have enough for a in shadow, darker masses against out line, false-cast, and let his fly meal." the fading glow of the sky. The kid drop lightly into the current. The kid took my trout, a nine- crouched beside me and flipped a It was a good cast, well placed. inch native, and examined it pebble into the pool. The fly rode the riffs before scud closely. "Brookie, huh? Where'd "It's a secret pool," he said ding into the backwater. The trout you get him?" finally. "Nobody knows but me." swirled, took the fly, and turned "Upwater a piece," I said. "In "I see." quickly for deep water. The kid the meadow." He asked to borrow my knife. hooked him and let him have his The fish had come from under a I gave it to him and he slit the two head, so's to not disturb the pool. culvert below the bridge hole. trout, sloshed them in the water, After a few runs the fish came up But that was my secret. and wiped his hands on the grass. 26 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER ???????? "This brookie is dark, like the "Okay by me. See you to deep, and I took a few on nymphs. ones from my pool," he said. morrow." Could have got more, but I missed "That's what made me think . . ." He took his rod and the trout a lot from hurrying. He worked a piece of string and climbed back into the road Judging from the way things through the trout's gills. and headed toward town. I cupped were changed, some strong floods The music of water and wind my hands behind my head and lay had ripped down the valley earlier was soft in the evening. A moth back. In retrospect, I recall being in the year. Pools that had held fluttered spent-wing into the pool amused with the kid and our swap good trout the summer before were where there was a swirl and a of trout holes. The spawning pool, washed out, and places that had splash, then silence, the murmur he'd called it. It sounded . . . well, always been shallow riffles were of the stream, as before. mysterious. But then, it was a dredged into deep holes. Every "You get brookies pretty good, night when anything was believ where the trees were uprooted and huh?" the kid asked. able. The sky was black-velvet boulders tossed about. It gave you I admitted as how I took a few dusted with stars. The air was cool a respect for the force of angry now and again. and still. I lay there a full hour water. You wouldn't of known "Maybe we could work a swap," before driving back over the it was the same stream. he suggested. "How big do they mountain to the lodge. That's the only way I can ac come in the places you know?" Next morning I was at the count for my not finding that I opened my creel and took out bridge before the mist had risen tributary again. The rapids were three trout, two brookies and a from the valley. The kid was wait washed-out, gone completely. brown, all good foot-long fish. ing for me. We started fishing up Nothing looked the same. Tribu "Good enough?" I asked. stream, not saying much, but tak taries were everywhere, rain- He whistled softly. "My place ing a few trout, and enjoying each swollen freshets charging down ain't that good." other's company. from their rockbeds. But none of "Size isn't everything," I al At the rapids where the tribu them looked right. None of them lowed. tary joins the Breastwork he came sunlit and singing out of the "You'd have to see it. It's started into the ravine, motioning rocks like the one the kid and I special." me to follow. We climbed in silence followed up that day. and came to the pool at the crest "I'd like to." Two days I fished the valley, of the ridge. Then we returned to He eyed the three trout I had tracking little brooks up to their the mainstream and split up, him laid on the grass. "Okay, if you sources. I climbed mountainsides tell me where you get trout like heading downwater for the cul until even I wasn't just sure what them. And . . . you'd have to vert, and me working up toward I was looking for, or why. some old log-jams I knew about. promise never to tell about my So I left the Breastwork and place." The next day, the last day of trout season, I left the Breastwork worked out on some other streams "Can't ask more than that," I —Spicer Brook, Little Bucktail to cast Spicer Brook. Hung a real said, not too quickly. and Trout Run—putting a lot of nice one, a 16-inch rainbow, the good water behind me. And still "Well, you know that rapids in best of the trip. He made a good I couldn't keep from thinking about the cut about two miles above weight in the creel. here?" the pool. I caught myself wonder When I got back to the lodge ing if it had been real, if I had I knew the place. A feeder brook that evening I felt real good, all actually been there, or if it had entered the mainstream at the start relaxed and ready to go back to all been part of a summer's fish of the fast water. I had bypassed work. I packed the trout in wet ing dream. it many times. newspapers, cleaned up the lodge, You go up the tributary, the kid and loaded into the car. It was a After some figuring, I decided said. I was doubtful because the long drive back to the city. But maybe it was best, my not finding brook is so small, but he talked all the way, and for a long time the tributary again. The kid's convincingly. I heard him out, then afterwards, I kept thinking about secret was safe. And the trout told him about the culvert. The the kid and his pool. I don't know. would know where to go. I had place is always good for a trout It sort of got under my skin. seen it once. I'd remember it the way it was that time. or two. After that they seem to By the time April came around Seeing a thing once, sometimes, catch on. It's a place you can go again it had worked in deep. It hit is all a man can ask. to anytime and be sure of taking town the day before fishing a trout, so you needn't go home opened, looking for the kid. Didn't skunked. see him, though, and nobody Night had fallen by the time we seemed to know him. There's so finished our exchange of con many kids in those country towns, fidences. and I didn't even have his name I suggested, "What say you take to ask for. me to your place tomorrow?" So next day I started alone, fish The kid nodded. "We can start ing toward the rapids where the here at the bridge." tributary cut in. The stream was "Six o'clock okay?" high and roily, the trout feeding DECEMBER—1951 27 ? ? ? ? ? will take a worm-baited hook if In still fishing with a worm, the it is presented properly and if the OLD MAN WINTER IS bait should be lifted from the bot angler gives it time. The worm— tom now and then to help attract PLOTTING NOW which should be a bright and lively the attention of the fish. (From Page 18) one of good size, although not nec The feeding trout, in spring, is essarily in the night-crawler class likely to bump the.bait a few times —should be attached to a single, with its nose before taking it. And stream. They will be sluggish and snelled hook, with just enough when the fish does actually seize not particularly interested in food, sinker attached to get it down into the worm it likely will hold it in largely because the water is so the current. its lips for a time before the bait cold. If the bait is being fished in a finally is swallowed when the line Later they will range widely quieter pool, it should be allowed begins moving through the water over the stream in search of shelter to sink to the bottom. There it will as the fish swims away. It is then and food, but in the early spring come to rest—a long rest, perhaps the tip of the rod should be each trout will stay pretty close —until a trout comes poking along snapped, or the throw-line tight to its own favorite spot in the the bottom and slowly mouths it ened, and the trout hooked. stream. All this means the angler and moves away. That's slow fishing, yes, but the who thinks a fish will take his fly The worm also can be used in angler who uses plenty of time and or bait the instant it strikes the faster currents. Here the technique patience can usually catch fish— water is due for sad disillusion is to allow the flow of the water even in early spring. ment. free play with the bait. This can The minnow fisherman practices Let's be realistic about another be accomplished by casting the bait his art in pretty much the same point. The worm and minnow to an upstream point, then allow fashion as the worm fisherman in fisherman is going to score much ing it to sink to the bottom and early spring. He uses a different more often than the angler who tumble downstream with the force kind of bait, but he also must take does his fishing with artificial of the current. into account the habits of trout lures. The worm bait, in addition, can in early spring of sticking fairly How then, you ask, do you solve be carefully worked into pockets close to one spot, of biting slowly the problems of early spring trout in the course of the stream and and halfheartedly. fishing? manipulated into currents that will Veteran minnow fishermen like There isn't enough space in this carry it into the water that loses to search out pockets of quiet magazine to set down all the an speed as it flows along the cut- water in spring and "spin" a min swers to that question, but here under banks of the stream. now in them. In this kind of an- are some suggestions that you will do well to consider and store up in your book of strategy for next spring. First, don't try to cover too much territory. If you are ac quainted with the stream you will fish, concentrate your efforts on areas where you know the trout are most likely to be found. Such a spot may be a pool fed by a small branch of the main stream. It may be a part of the brook which con tains rocky shelter, sunken logs, or other hiding places for the fish. It may be a pool with cut-under embankments. Or it may be a pool big and deep enough that it is logical to assume trout have found refuge there for their awakening from their winter lethargy. Don't overlook the possibilities of picking out such a spot and spending an entire day at it, fishing slowly and patiently. Many an opening day angler has taken a good catch of trout from a single hole while less successful fisher men have traveled up and down the stream*in a hit-or-miss quest. Almost any trout, in the spring, 28 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER ???????? gling the minnow is rigged on a and is, therefore, much more diffi tend the rod tip out to the pool, double or treble hook, with a cult to fish efficiently. shake it gently until the sinker swivel between the leader and the All over Pennsylvania are little finally takes the bait down into the snell to which the hook is looped. mountain or meadow trout streams water, and then carefully "feel" The angler drops the minnow into which can provide excellent sport along the stream until trout strike a pocket, allows it to sink, and in April—provided the fisherman at the bait. then retrieves it in short, jerky can be satisfied to deal with rela So there you have some things movements that, with the aid of tively small fish. The lunker is calculated to set you thinking these cold winter nights. Planning the swivel, cause the minnow to indeed the exception in this type now the strategy you will follow spin. Sometimes it is amazing the of water. after next April 15 is the only way action a minnow fished in such a But the run-off water caused you can hope to checkmate Old manner can produce in a trout by melting ice, snow and spring Man Winter who, as we wrote at stream. rains occurs in the smaller feeder streams before it does in the larger the beginning of this piece, is piling Spring trout fishing is not a sport up some tough problems that you'll for bait anglers alone, however. creeks into which they empty, and the pools and riffles to which the have to solve early in the fishing A day may dawn now and then trout fisherman is accustomed ap season of 1952. during the early season when the pear first in the smaller streams. sun shines brightly, when some It is next to impossible to fish natural insects appear, and when little mountain creeks with arti trout actually can be caught with ficial lures, since there is lack of ROD MAKING dry flies. The darker patterns of space for the proper casting of (From Page 24) flies usually are the most effective. flies. But wriggling worms dropped The wet fly fisherman also may into brook pools, swept through have varying success with his riffles and rapids where rock for ting the wrappings, of which I put underwater lures, imitating the mations and other obstructions on plenty to make sure the glue larvae and nymphs of aquatic in cause pockets of comparatively holds. As I do not know how to sects. The bucktail and streamer quiet water, carried under cut- get square ferrules, I join up by fly also may be used, since they under banks are bound to pass splicing. represent minnows, on which trout within the range of vision of many I thought I had done something feed even under the rather rigor trout. original in making these square ous conditions of early spring. Here, too, a single worm is better rods, but when I visited the Marine A small spinner, with either a than a whole gob of them. It should Show in Miami some months later, nickel or copper finish, is another be loosely looped on the hook so I found a whole rack full of them artificial lure that is productive that it can twist and turn in the from the light fly rod to the early in the season. water. heaviest Tarpon tools. They were At times the spinner itself may There are veteran mountain probably four strip, but the joints attract strikes, but more often it is brook anglers who literally crawl did not show. good if used with some form of up to likely pools on their hands Well, if this script persuades any bait, for example a worm. Then the and knees, who fish in a crouch, brother fisherman to employ his purpose of the spinner is to attract and who take other extreme meas off time in this fascinating pastime, the attention of the fish and to ures to avoid frightening the fish I shall feel well repaid for the writ draw it into the vicinity of the they hope to catch. ing. bait,. The still-fisherman, incident Fishing the little meadow brooks ally, can use this type of lure with is a real test of the angler's skill. success. The technique is to allow Many anglers like them because RUBBER BANDS IN FISH the spinner and worm to sink to usually there is sufficient room for BAFFLES EXPERTS the bottom of a pool, then lift it fly-casting. off the bottom occasionally, caus But meadow brooks must be ap (From Page 13) ing the spinner to flash in the proached with extreme caution. hope it will be seen by a cruising Heavy vibrations on the ground velop any clues on the rubber trout. along the streams must be avoided. band's origin or the process by One thing no experienced early The experienced meadow brook which it was acquired by the fish. season angler needs to be told is fisherman and the angler who has There were no scars or other in that fishing is less productive in wide experience in fishing moun dications that the rubber band had big streams than it is in the smaller tain streams make a habit of cir once encircled the fish and had brooks in early April. Of course, cling wide of the stream in travel passed through the fleshy part this is because the larger the ing from pool to pool and from which had then grown over the stream, the more wild it is likely riffle to riffle. They remain as far rubber band. If this had occurred to be at this season of the year. back from the water as their rods some scales would have been miss Even under favorable conditions, will permit. ing. It would have shown since although it may be perfectly clear, A typical seasoned angler under fish cannot grow new ones. the bigger trout creek is running these conditions will keep himself Although it is unknown how long deep and swift early in the spring at rod's length from the water, ex it takes for a bluefish to hatch from DECEMBER—1951 ???????? an egg, nor where their spawning grounds are located. Dr. Fowler cannot conceive of any natural cir cumstances which would result in the fish growing around the rubber band. He is of the opinion that man had a hand in the mystery. That stand only complicates the mystery. How was a seemingly un broken rubber band ever put through the fish? Unless the rub ber was cut and then cleverly fused back together again so that the joint was invisible, the band could not get on the fish the way it was located. To place it in position un broken means passing one solid ob ject through another. If then, the fish did not acquire the band through some unusual chain of events in its natural ele ment, how did somebody place it on the fish in the position it was found? Further, why would any one go to all the trouble that the maneuver evidently entailed? A Lot of Trouble The fish had to be caught, kept alive while was pierced in a spot that wasn't vulnerable, the cut rub two 14-foot side boards which set us If a leaky, wooden vessel is rubbed ber band inserted and then fused back 12 bucks. For floor boards we used with a handful of nettle leaves the scrap bits laying around. A chain, a lock, back together again in such a man a pair of oars, two coats of paint, and we juice enters the cracks and coagu ner that it appeared to be a con had a nifty river boat that is hard to lates, and the leakage is repaired, tinuous piece that had never been beat. though no hint is given as to the tampered with. Don wasn't kidding when he wrote length of time the repair will hold If somebody went to all that that it would handle easy. Baby, she good. trouble to confound some fisher behaves perfectly. Take a look at the name we gave her, "Big Mike." Know Although this weed is widely de men later, they were playing a bil why? We're after the giant muskie I spised, man has been able to put lion to one shot. First the fish had wrote about and perhaps Big Mike will it to some economical use. There to live, then it had to avoid being give an assist in catching Big Mike. fore, when you are walking through killed by a larger fish and then be Nevertheless, here's proof positive of a the woods or fishing along a stream caught by a hook and line fisher good deed the PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER did and are stung by these stinging for two amateur boat builders. Thanx! man before any excitement was We wouldn't sell the dang thing for 100 nettles, think of some of the good stirred up. bucks! uses man has put it to before con That could be, but the idea seems demning it. far fetched. "Whodunit," fans can take over from there. THE STINGERS (From Page 8) TIGERS OF THE SHENANGO wagon-covers, tents, sacking, cloth ing materials, and even cloth for (From Page 12) military underwear. Nettles when cut and dried can working the river for muskies and here be used as fodder for domesticated is the boat I have been using. If it looks animals, having a food value equal familiar to the ANGLEB'S Don Shiner it to leguminous crops. They also should, for the boat was built by a have their value as human food, brother and I from the plans listed in the the young tops being boiled in the May 1951 ANGLER. And the best part was that we spent spring like spinach. They are used something less* than 25 bucks to launch very largely in this way by the her. The most expensive item was the peasantry in the West of Ireland. 30 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER SOME BOATS, TUBS & SIEVES I HAVE RENTED {From Page 23) I A Perfect Christmas Gift To hang on to this demon of the tor waterways requires the tenacity of a bulldog. If you had as many THAT MAN IN THE ARMED FORCES arms as an octopus you could use them. Trying to troll from such a OR water rocket is unthinkable even if it's throttled down. So after a few turns around the area you THE ANGLER AT HOME head dockward, a sadder but wiser man. Naturally there are numerous other craft made exclusively (so A YEAR'S SUBSCRIPTION TO it seems) to harass the lover of the rod and reel but this tirade will suffice. To go into the sordid de The Pennsylvania Angler tails of discussing the other types will only increase the dissension among the ranks of our buddies. i IS SURE TO BE AN APPRECIATED, Laying all kidding aside, believe PRACTICAL HOLIDAY TREAT! me, renting some boats (?) is not a joke. It can be a nasty business, full of terror, danger and even an *- MAIL THIS GIFT SUBSCRIPTION NOW! unhappy ending. We fishermen will all breath a sigh of relief when jy Please send a Christma s gift subscription of the PENNSYLVANIA some sort of inspection law for all }$ ANGLER to: boat rentals is rigidly enforced. The old scheme, "rent a boat at (Print name plainly. If for a service man give rank, serial number your own risk" places too much and latest complete address) responsibility in the wrong direc tion. The majority of Keystone state anglers have a keen sense of Enclosed is fifty cents (50c) for the above subscription. water safety, refuse to rent "booby Name traps." But there are always those, (please print) eager to get fishing, who go out Street & No in any tub or sieve, often to their sorrow. City If you also want a (NEW) or to (RENEW) your subscription to the ANGLER please check below and send one dollar for both yours and the gift subscription. Send check or money order payable to: COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA. Cash sent at your own risk. DO NOT SEND STAMPS! A NEW ERA FOR AN OLD • NEW • RENEWAL CANAL (From Page 7) berm bank at frequent intervals The sportsmen themselves will have taken hold, it won't be too where the Canal winds through construct the dam with advice by long before the old canal days will town. local engineers. They will also be back. It means that the young Local contractors will be con clean out the Canal and cut and boys, and their elders, can fish and tacted and asked to dump their burn the brush that is now grow swim in clean water literally in extra fill in the breaks. A promise ing in the bed. their own back yards while at the of 150 railroad ties has been made The last job will be the stocking same time the present situation for constructing the dam and al with fish and the planting of trees which is an eyesore and a health ready a local company is dumping and shrubs along the berm side of hazard will be eliminated for good. old power line poles on the site the Canal. There seems to be no reason why which will also be used for build It isn't a job that will be done other portions of the Canal can't ing the dam. overnight but the way the clubs be treated likewise. DECEMBER—1951 31 Martin, Violet. 1141 E. Cumberland St., Lebanon, Pa. Fishing with a borrowed license 25 00 Wenrich, Warren, 411 S. 6th St., Pennsylvania Fish Law Violations Lebanon, Pa.. Illegal device 20.00 LEHIGH COUNTY Zeitner, William J., 1239 Vermont St., Allentown, Pa. Failure to keep light CASES SETTLED DURING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 1951 on boat moored on Lake Wallen- paupack 5.00 LUZERNE COUNTY Kozokas, Ignatz, 1821 North St., Luzerne, Pa. Failure to display li cense plates 5.00 ALLEGHENY COUNTY Martin, Lawrence, 805 Shoemaker Ave., Wolcott, Gresley, 182 Cayuta St., Wyoming, Pa. One undersized bass 10.00 Beckwith, Paul E., 528 Second Ave., Sayre, Pa. Selling five bait fish 50.00 Miscavage, Peter, 170 E. Thomas St., Tarentum, Pa. Exceeding creel limit $10.00 Yuska, Wesley, 110 N. River St., Sayre, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. One undersized Brisek, John G., 3029 Josephine St., Pa. Fishing without a license 25.00 bass 10.00 Pittsburgh, Pa. Pishing without a BUTLER COUNTY Molesky, Walter, 32 Columbus Ave., license 25.00 Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Two undersized Cavitt, Murrell, 686 Colfax St., Spring- Kalina, John J., 124 Lewis Ave., Box bass 20.00 dale, Pa. Interfering with an officer 100.00 433, Lyndora, Pa. Failure to display Codemo, Albert, 820 Mill St., Bridge- license plates 5.00 Mulhern, Thomas, 137 Parmell St.. ville, Pa. Four undersized bass 40.00 Pittston, Pa. One undersized bass 10.00 CAMBRIA COUNTY Pawlowski, Chasimer, 552 Shawnee Erdman. George B., 119 Stamm Ave., St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa. One under Pittsburgh 3, Pa. Exceeding creel Kennedy, Clair, 413 Napoleon St., sized pike 10.00 limit 100.00 Johnstown, Pa. Failure to display Snarski, Alfred, 830 Scott St., Wilkes- Flaherty, Francis, 210 Beltshoover license plates 5.00 Barre, Pa. Exceeding creel limit .. 20.00 Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa. Lending li Richards, Walter, 603 Harshberger St., Symeon, Adolph, 29 Dodson Lane, cense 25.00 Johnstown, Pa. Fishing in a closed Wilkes-Barre, Pa. One undersized Kirley, Edward R„ 511 Curtin Ave., stream 25.00 bass 10.00 Pittsburgh, Pa. Failure to display li Wike, Jesse C, Belsano, Pa. Three cense plates 5.00 bass in closed season 30.00 LYCOMING COUNTY Kuzia, Joseph, 150 Carver St.. Pitts CENTRE COUNTY Lynn, Edward M., 53 N. Second St., burgh, Pa. Failure to display li Hughesville, Pa. Exceeding creel cense button 25 00 Perryman, Lynn E., Centre Hall, Pa. limit 100.00 Lauda, Louis J., 202 Parkfleld St., Mt. Two trout in closed season 20.00 Oliver, Pa. Failure to display license CHESTER COUNTY McKEAN COUNTY Plates 5.00 Arthurs, Ulysses S., Hazelhurst, Pa. Lewis, Charles H., 3415 Bates St., Phillips, Wm. K., R. F. D. No. 2, Fishing without a license 25.00 Pittsburgh, Pa. Exceeding creel Oxford, Pa. Two undersized bass .. 20.00 limit 10.00 Stidanis, Wells, Hodgson St., Oxford, MIFFLIN COUNTY Marlon, Stanley, 186 Home St., Pitts Pa. Fishing without a license 25.00 Richards, Edward L„ 221 S. Walnut burgh, Pa. Unnaturalized foreigner 20.00 Wallace, Dennis, R. D. No. 2, Oxford, St.. Burnham, Pa. Failure to display Morris, Victor, 603 Broad St., Sewick- Pa. Three undersized bass 30.00 motorboat license plates 5.00 ley, Pa. One undersized bass 10.00 Myers, James H., 1021 N. Canal St., CLARION COUNTY MONTGOMERY COUNTY Pittsburgh, Pa. Failure to display Hicks, Mrs. Margaret, Box 327 East Hill, Lester, R. F. D. No. 1, Barto, Pa. license plates 5 00 Brady, Pa. Fishing without a license 25.00 Discharging three charges of dyna Nacey, Leo, 233 Fleet St., Rankin, Pa. Hicks, S. R., Box 327, East Brady, mite 300.00 Failure to secure license plates 10.00 Pa. One undersized bass 10.00 Powell, B. A., 874 E. Hills Dr., New COLUMBIA COUNTY MONTOUR COUNTY Kensington, Pa. Exceeding creel mlt Bloskey, Alda, 529 N. Mill St., Dan " 10.00 Cherington, Henry, R. D. No. 3, ville, Pa. Fishing without a license 25.00 Rhodes, Patrick C, 5369 Breezeport Bloomsburg, Pa. Buying one black St., Pittsburgh, Pa. Fishing with bass 10.00 NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY out a license 25 00 CRAWFORD COUNTY Bojack, Joseph, 404 E. Columbia St., Schmigel, Anthony G., 631 Brentwood Atlas, Pa. Illegal device 20 00 Ave., Brentwood, Pa. Exceeding creel Gutekunst, George, R. D. No. 6, Bruno, Mick, 628 Scott St., Kulpmont, Umit 10.00 Cochranton, Pa. Exceeding creel Pa. One undersized bass 10 00 Shimkus, William, 313 Hamilton Ave., limit 10.00 Weaver, Paul, Snydertown, Pa. One Duquesne, Pa. One undersized bass 10.00 Prody, Thomas, R. D. No. 2, Titusville, undersized bass 10.00 Pa. Selling trout 10.00 Zdby, Edward, 1806 Bouifay St., Pitts PERRY COUNTY burgh 3, Pa. One undersized bass .. 10.00 DAUPHIN COUNTY Shaffer, Wayne A., 532 S. 4th St., New BEAVER COUNTY Dadel, M. A., Millersburg, Pa. Op port, Pa. Illegal device 20.00 erating a motorboat without a Butcher, Stanley, R. D. No. 1, Clin license 20.00 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY ton, Pa. Violation of the rules and Hunter, W. A., Millersburg, Pa. Op regulations 20.00 Bejgrowicz, Frank, 227 S. Jardln St., erating a motorboat without a Shenandoah, Pa. Illegal device 20.00 BERKS COUNTY license 20.00 SOMERSET COUNTY DELAWARE COUNTY Berkey, Orie, Fort Hill, Pa. Fishing Becker, James, Boyertown, Pa. Illegal without a license 25.00 device 20.00 Jochen, Ronald E., 3714 Berry Ave., Davis, Frank, R. D. No. 1, Relnholds, Drexel Hill, Pa. Fishing without a SULLIVAN COUNTY Pa. Illegal device 20 00 license 25.00 Hartzig, Ernest, Lopez, Pa. Exceeding Dorman, Karl, 829 Thorn St., Reading, FOREST COUNTY creel limit ; 100 00 Pa. Transfer of ownership and did Millheim, Albert, Mildred, Pa. Fishing not remove license plates 25 00 Brasington, John C, Tionesta, Pa. in a closed stream 20 00 Kohl, Max, 2400 High St., Reading, Taking tadpoles on Sunday 10.00 Ryan, Charles, Mildred, Pa. Fishing Pa. Reckless operation of motor- in a closed stream 20.00 boat LACKAWANNA COUNTY „ •• 10.00 Prokop, Frank, 504 Dean St., Scranton, UNION COUNTY Masano, Bruce, 717 Weiser St., Read Pa. Fishing without a license 25.00 Snyder, Raymond, 52 N. 8th St., Lewis- ing, Pa. Illegal operation of motor- Sostak, Edward A., 227 Hudson St., boat 25.00 burg, Pa. One undersized bass 10.00 Jermyn, Pa. Fishing without a WASHINGTON COUNTY McCook, Norman, Robesonia, Pa. Il license 25.00 legal device 20 00 Reynolds, Paul, 55 W. Chestnut St., Psilelis, George, 715 Dick St., Reading, LANCASTER COUNTY Washington, Pa. Operating a motor- boat without a license 10 00 Pa. Reckless operation of motorboat 25 00 Herr, Clermont, 1547 Oregon Rd., Schlieve, Harold A., 1250 Alsace Rd., Slater, George P., 65 Latimer Ave., Lancaster, Pa. Illegal device 20.00 Strabane, Pa. Exceeding creel limit 10.00 Reading, Pa. Fishing without a II- Kocher, Charles, 1000 Spruce St., „ cense 25.00 Columbia, Pa. Exceeding creel limit 20.00 Takach, Carl, 365 Cherry St., Reading, WESTMORELAND COUNTY Monchuk, John, R. D. No. 1, Columbia, Kuznicke, Joseph, 1414 4th Ave., Pa. Failure to display license plates 10.00 Pa. Illegal device 20.00 Wenger, Ray, 1031 Cherry St., Read Arnold, Pa. Failure to secure license Moose, William R., Spring Garden plates 10.OO ing, Pa. Reckless operation of mo St., Elizabeth town, Pa. Exceeding torboat 25.00 creel limit 20 00 WYOMING COUNTY BLAIR COUNTY Stabley, Irene A., 572 N. Plum St., Lancaster, Pa. Fishing without a Sprague, George, Nicholson, Pa. Ex Kephart, Wilburt M., 114 Broad St., license 25.00 ceeding creel limit 10.00 Hollidaysburg, Pa. Exceeding creel limit • 20.00 LACKAWANNA COUNTY YORK COUNTY Vance, Hamlin E., R. D. No. 1, Rose- Jay, Guy E., 150614. Hanna St., New Keesee, John, 810 Carl St., York, Pa. lawn, Hollidaysburg, Pa. Exceeding Castle, Pa. Operating a motorboat Selling undersized rock bass 70.00 creel limit 20.00 without a license 10.00 OUT OF STATE LEBANON COUNTY BRADFORD COUNTY Benson, Verna, 2305 Jefferson St., Deamer, Lloyd, 212 S. 7th St., Lebanon, Wilmington, Del. Fishing without a Crawford, Lyle, Alba, Pa. Operating Pa. Illegal device 20.00 a motorboat without a license 15.00 license 25.00 Martin, Kenneth, 1215 E. King St., Dufford, Howard L., 1101 N. Walnut Lattimer, Claude E., R. D. No. 2, Lebanon, Pa. Fishing without a Laceyville, Pa. One undersized bass 10.00 St., Elmo, 111. Fishing without a license •. 25.00 license 25.00 32 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER A HANDY REFERENCE J^cnool ftuae l FOR By CARSTEN AHRENS 9 TEACHERS PARENTS STUDENTS BETTY AND BILL FIND OUT ABOUT "Why not?" CHRISTMAS TREES "The clusters of needles are too far apart . . . there is too much bare limb. Betty and her cousin Bill were hiking Decorating a pine wouldn't be easy." across a state forest with Uncle Bob. "OK . . . Let's look for something bet Uncle Bob was a warden. He had just ter then . . . How about these Junipers?" stopped and looked puzzled at the re "Don't some people call them Red mark Betty had made. Cedars?" asked Bill. Betty had said, "I've never seen so "They do. But they're really Junipers. many kinds of Christmas trees before." See how compact they are, how thick "What do you mean . . . Christmas their branches grow, how dense are trees?" he asked. their sharp, scaly leaves." Betty was busy sketching a little tree. "She means," Bill said helpfully, "trees "Uncle Bob," she said, "Didn't mother with cones." say that you and she always had a Juni "No I don't," protested Betty, "I mean per as your Christmas tree?" trees that don't lose their leaves in the "That's right. I was as old as you are fail . . . evergreen trees." before I discovered that anyone used "Do you know," said Uncle Bob, "we any other kind of a conifer for Christ have plantings of nine different kinds of mas. At our end of the state, the Juni conifers here . . . that means trees that per was the only kind that grew." bear cones. I think this would be a good "It doesn't look like a Christmas tree time to introduce you to them." to me," objected Bill. "Are all of them used as Christmas "That's all right, Bill. Say, here are trees?" inquired Betty. the last two species of conifers in our "They shouldn't be . . . Some would forest. They are different species, but make Santa shake his head sadly!" don't they resemble each other?" "Why?" "What are they?" "In the first place, some lose their "These are White Spruce. Those are needles very quickly." Balsam Fir. Either will make a good "That's right," agreed Betty. "Last Our State Tree, The Hemlock Christmas tree, but I'll take the Balsam for mine." year our Christmas tree began to lose Courtesy of the "They look very much alike. How can its needles as soon as daddy set it up. Department of Forests and Waters We took it down three days after Christ you tell that is a spruce?" mas because its needles were all over "You bet; I'll help you with them "When they have cones, and those do, the floor. We had it in water, too." when we get back to the car. I'll see it's easy." "Last year, our tree," remembered that you name them correctly." But the children couldn't guess. Uncle Bill, "had hardly lost a needle two "O Uncle Bob, what are these trees?" Bob had to help: "See how the cones of weeks after Christmas!" called Bill. the Balsam Fir sit upright and point to "What's the secret, Uncle Bob, of get "Here you have a chance of meeting the sky?" ting a con-i-fer," Betty pronounced all four of the pines that grow in this "They look like a row of little birds," slowly, "that won't lose its leaves?" forest. Here . . . I'll get you both twigs: said Betty. "You'll just have to learn which This is White Pine . . . This, Red Pine "Oh, I see," shouted Bill; "the Balsam kinds happen to be good holders of their . . . This, Scotch Pine (It has been Fir cones sit up and the spruce cones needles and which quickly become care brought in from Europe) and hang downward. They are easy to tell less and untidy. Look here at this plant here is one lonely Loblolly Pine. Now, apart." ing of Larch or Tamarack . . ." how will we tell them apart?" "Now, let's summarize," suggested "Or what??" The children studied the branches in Uncle Bob. "You have twigs of the "Tamarack . . . Oh, if you want a real tently for awhile. Larch, Hemlock, White Pine, Red Pine, name for this tree, use the Indian name. Betty said, "The White Pine has fine Scotch Pine, Loblolly Pine, Juniper, The Indian called it the Hackmatack!" needles in a cluster." White Spruce, and Balsam Fir. Let's "We'll settle for Larch," laughed Bill. "Good!" exclaimed Uncle Bob. "One make a chart: "It has beautiful thick clusters of nee needle for each letter in the word, Larch . . . Not for Christmas . . . loses dles," Betty declared. W-H-I-T-E." needles in fall. "But you wouldn't want it for Bill had an idea. "The Red Pine and Hemlock . . . Poor . . . drops needles Christmas: it loses its needles every Scotch Pine each has two needles in a after being cut. fall as ordinary trees lose their leaves." cluster, but the needles of the Red Pine The Pines . . . needles in separate clus are twice as long as the needles of "Then," said Betty slowly, "it is a ters . . . difficult to trim. Scotch Pine, so the two can be told conifer but not an evergreen." Juniper . . . OK, if you like its appear apart." "Good," said Uncle Bob, "you're learn ance (Bill doesn't). Betty could hardly wait her turn. ing fast." White Spruce . . . OK. "Uncle Bob, the Lobiolly Pine ... I They walked on to the next planting, Balsam Fir . . . excellent. and Uncle Bob said. like that name, Loblolly, . . . has three "Uncle Bob, why do you like the Bal "Here may be the poor Christmas tree needles in a cluster." sam best?" that you had last year. It's a Hemlock, "Good work," said Uncle Bob. "Now Pennsylvania's state tree. It's the most we have two short, two long, three in a "Because of its pleasant odor. Your graceful of all the conifers, but it sheds cluster, and five in a cluster." whole house will fairly smell like its leaves quickly after it is cut." "I don't believe," Betty observed, "that Christmas if you have a balsam." "May we have twigs from each tree so pines would make very good trees for '"Thank you, Uncle Bob, for telling that we can draw them, Uncle Bob?" Christmas." us about the conifers." JK«5 g **, afe» ** fl|ir J