f... p-^y .<&. i B^to»B§yLi^BB^» •''• JOT •I-- i ' **7. v£ k Kit* NOVEMBER, 1968 PENNSYLVANIA Keystone State's Official FISHING BOATING % nglerMagazine... fm INDEPENDENT STATUS- Traditionally, the Fish Commission's role in gov­ our program is not only providing immediate serv­ ernment has been looked upon as one of adminis­ ices for today's users, but is perpetuating and ex­ tering the fishing and boating programs, raising and panding our waterways resources and facilities that stocking fish, and enforcing the boat and fish laws. they always will be available for use. We do not enjoy cabinet level status and are, along Of course, nothing has been mentioned of our with mam/ similar boards and commissions, classi­ educational efforts through Commission publica­ fied as an independent agency. Presently there tions, displays, training programs, and our assist­ seems to be growing sentiment to do away with all ance with scouts, schools and other agencies in such "minor" agencies. In our case we would be bringing information about Pennsylvania's water­ merged into some type of massive natural resources way resources to the public. department. While such schemes may have points of merit, "bigness" alone does not assure quality or Certainly beyond those who obtain some meas­ have any guarantee of efficiency. Thus, our role ure of recreation and educational benefit from our and status in government are important topics for many programs are those who derive economic re­ consideration. turns. Surely those who provide the many services needed by boaters and fishermen must be legion. There is no question of our traditional role in fish propagation, fish and boat law enforcement and Thus, it seems quite safe to suggest that at least pollution fighting. These are our recognized func­ 25% of all Pennsylvanians derive some direct benefit tions. However, we must ask, where in the scheme from Fish Commission programs and that over 20% of things do these functions place us today, and of our people indirectly benefit from the activities how far reaching are these activities? Who and of our agency. Few governmental departments how many people do they serve and how far have can make such a claim. we broadened our operations in serving these tra­ It is interesting to note that many cabinet level ditional functions? departments are far smaller than the Fish Com­ A quick look at the figures shows we serve mission in terms of personnel, budget, and people 600,000 licensed fishermen and another 500,000 served. However, with our "second class" status non-licensed juveniles. Over 100,000 persons reg­ in government the impact of our programs is often ister boats in Pennsylvania and reportedly each overlooked and sadly underrated by many govern­ boater takes at least seven or eight other folks out ment and political figures. with him for a pleasure cruise, a fishing trip or on It is fortunate that the public is becoming ever a water skiing jaunt during the season. more aware of outdoor recreation and the need for In addition, we know there are thousands of per­ well-planned and aggressive programs. Thus, our sons who use canoes, sailboats, and rowboats on role in government action is growing. It is up to our lakes each year or who visit Commission access the Pennsylvanians we serve to determine if our areas. There are the countless persons who don't "independent status" is to be maintained or if our fish or boat, but who are regular visitors at our lakes specialized services to fishermen and boaters and or at our access areas near their homes just to re­ outdoor enthusiasts are to be merged into possible lax in the outdoors. obscurity. We also know today's non-boater or non-fisher­ man may well join these ranks at any time. Thus, —ROBERT J. BIELO, Executive Director Last Sunday, however, I was led to believe he had re­ formed. When we arrived home, Marvin proudly an­ nounced to my wife, "Jerry caught a bass and I caught a pickerel." At that juncture, he opened his creel and proudly produced Esox niger. "That's nice, Marvin," my wife re­ plied. "What happened to the bass?" "That's how we caught the pickerel." —Jerome R. Verlin, Elkins Park DIFFERENT VIEWPOINT! HAPPY OUTDF-STATER Gentlemen: I just read two of the letters published in the September Gentlemen: issue and it makes me a little mad to hear some of their For the past six weeks, a friend and I have been driving ideas about things. up from Virginia to fish three of your streams. They are: First the one called "Fish Hogs,"—his idea of a special (1)Yellow Breeches "Fish-For-Fun" portion. (2) Falling "permit" to collect the fish from the shore instead of getting Springs Fly Fishing Area at Chambersburg. (3 Letort at them by fishing doesn't contribute anything—he sounds as Carlisle. if he is mad because he forgot his pole the day he followed We just wanted to let you know that we think you use the truck. very wise trout management on these three streams as they Also the "bigger minimum size" man sounds a litde off. have given us some outstanding fishing and are good ex­ What size fish does he think you will have put into the amples of how quality wild trout fishing can be provided streams? What would it cost to raise bigger trout? I have in a heavily populated area. caught some nice trout on night crawlers and spinners in We would also like to compliment you on the type fisher­ Penns Creek—some 14 inches or so. If he tried other than men we have met on these streams. I have fished from fly fishing, maybe his idea of a limit of three and a 10 to New Hampshire to Puerto Rico and from Virginia to Mon­ 12 inch size would change and, even though I don't fly fish, tana and I have never met as nice a group of fishermen I still class myself as a trout fisherman. as I have on these streams. You can be sure we will con­ tinue to fish these streams for many years. I'm just one of a lot of women who fish and I think the —Harry W. Murray, Edinburg, Va. opinions of these two writers are ridiculous. In closing I will say that anyone who is a true fisherman FIRST YEAR —whatever he prefers to use—will be out in all kinds of Gentlemen: weather all year long. A special trout stamp is a bunch of This is my first year as a subscriber to the Pennsylvania bunk and wouldn't relieve fishing pressure. Just keep Angler and I think it is a great magazine. It's my second things as they are, except possibly, for closing of the streams year at fishing and I'd like to learn how to tie flies. Would for a period of time after all stocking of trout. you please send me your free booklet, "Fly Tying"? I Thank you for taking time to read this. Publish it if think it should help me a lot. you care to. Also, being a 14 year old star scout with quite a bit of Mrs. Marvin Black, Lewisburg camping under my belt, I've found that a waterproof match case jumping around on a belt is a bother. So a tip to people with aluminum or magnesium pack frames—take the plastic tip off one end and put about 15 wooden kitchen matches in and put the cap back on. I've found it a very satisfactory case. My favorite features in the "Angler" are "Modern Camp­ ing," "School's Out" and "Notes From The Streams." As I said before, the Angler is a great magazine and it has helped me a lot. —Joe Perkins, Jr., Gibsonia REFORMED FRIEND? Dear Sir: I would appreciate your advice whether the waterways patrolman, heretofore known as the fish warden, will re­ voke a fishing license for conduct unbecoming an angler. For the past several years, every Summer Sunday we have been able, my friend Marvin and I have gone fishing in the Poconos. Upon our return, Marvin has made a ritual of demeaning my catch while extolling the virtue of his own. These indignities, committed in the presence of my spouse, have exposed me to ridicule, embarrassment, "SAY, YOU WERE LUCKY TO CATCH THEM BEFORE humiliation and contempt. THEY TURNED INTO FROGS!" NOVEMBER —1 968 1 DIRECTORY PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER EXECUTIVE OFFICE Box 1673—Harrisburg, Pa. 17120 Published Monthly by the ROBERT J. BIELO PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION Executive Director COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA GORDON L. TREMBLEY Assistant Executive Director Fisheries Raymond P. Shafer, Governor (position vacant) Assistant Executive Director • Watercraft Safety WARREN W. SINCER PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION Assistant to Executive Director RALPH PUTT DOUGLAS McWILLIAMS, President Bear Gap Administrative Secretary CLARENCE DIETZ, Vice President Bedford JOHN M. SMITH GERARD J. ADAMS Hawley FRANK E. MASLAND, JR. .. Carlisle Comptroller WALLACE C. DEAN .... Meadville ROBERT M. RANKIN Galeton • HOWARD R. HEINY . .. Williamsport R. STANLEY SMITH .. Waynesburg DIVISIONS CALVIN J. KERN Whitehall FISHERIES PENNSYLVANIA'S OFFICIAL FISHING AND BOATING MAGAZINE R.D. 1, Box 200 C, Bellefonte 16823 KEEN BUSS, Chief ARTHUR BRADFORD Assistant Chief, Research Section KENNETH CORL NOVEMBER, 1968 VOL 37, NO. 11 Assistant Chief, Trout Production SHYHL HOOD Assistant Chief, Warmwater Production IN THIS ISSUE Hatchery Superintendents 1 LEAKY BOOTS—Letters From Our Readers BELLEFONTE—George Magargel BENNER SPRINGS RESEARCH STA­ 3 FISHING OUTLOOK—Stan Paulakovich TION—Ray McCreary, production unit CORRY, UNION CITY—LeRoy Sorenson 4 NEW FACILITIES—Tom Eggler HUNTSDALE—Ted Dingle Jr., acting su­ 6 SHALLOW WATER SMALLMOUTH—Glenn H.