The fishing season is near, and e-mails on the topic of angling are clogging my inbox. As a lifelong fisherman, I'll do my best to address a few of the questions that readers raised.
Dr. Patrick L. Obri had this to say: \I am a Senior Director of the South African Department of Agriculture. I am writing this letter to solicit your co-operation to redeem an over-invoiced contract payment in the name of our late contractors which is currently held under trust by The Apex Bank in South Africa.""
Yes, resource use is a sensitive and complicated issue in angling today. The Klamath River Basin (Oregon) dispute highlighted the challenge of balancing farmers' needs with those of native, migratory fish populations. Under the Bush administration, much of the flow from Klamath Lake was diverted for irrigation, rather than feeding the Klamath River. In September of 2002, 33,000 adult salmon died in the lower Klamath River, according to the Seattle Times.
Anglers and environmentalists attribute the deaths to low, warm water conditions stemming from the diversion. Farmers say water from Klamath Lake is the only way to remain viable in the arid basin. All parties should heed Dr. Obri's call for cooperation.
Our next e-mail comes from Rita Exxx, who writes: ""Moms and daughters! The youngest girls out there!""
Great point, Rita. Fishing, like many outdoor activities, has long suffered under the stereotype that it's strictly a male pastime. Some groups are working to change that. The Minnesota DNR, for instance, lets moms fish without a license on Mother's Day weekend.
Other states are catching on. Local events like parent/daughter fishing tournaments and Take Your Daughter Fishing Day are becoming more common. Like Rita said, start when kids are young. Memories such as catching dozens of palm-sized bluegills are the foundation for a lifelong love of the outdoors.
Jenna365 wrote: ""Add one to three inches, guaranteed! Give her what she's been looking for and you will be the man.""
This is one of the oldest debates in fishing. Does bigger bait spell a bigger catch? The answer is yes and no. At certain times of the year, particularly early fall, fish are looking to gorge, and larger lures can be highly effective. But earlier in the season, or in the wake of a cold front, a more delicate presentation is key to finessing the bite.
Tomi Jurgztge offered the following springtime bass pointer: ""Vicodin! OxyContin! Canadian doctors willing to write prescriptions low prices no risk feel good now.""
Well, Tomi, it's no secret that many anglers enhance their time on the water with a favorite beverage or pharmaceutical. And you're right. Some of the best fishing in this country is north of the border, which is not technically in this country.
As with any angling accessory, the important thing with pills is to know their place. Say you're planning a week-long walleye trip to Sioux Lookout, Ontario. Given the enthusiasm with which some Canadian Customs agents perform body-cavity searches, it would be potentially awkward to pop Viagra an hour before crossing the border.
OxyContin is certain to lend the wilderness a golden glow. But it may impair your ability to detect lighter bites, or converse with fishing buddies.
Louie can be reached at chunkkicke@yahoo.com.
