Fishing is a BLAST!

I came across an article on Dynamite Fishing. Basically, you throw a stick of the red into an area populated by fish, and bam! All of the impacted fish float to the surface, stunned from the experience. You can read about it here. Not only is this dangerous, it also kills an unnecessary number of fish who sink to the bottom. Sometimes, their air bladders are ruptured and then sink (die) rather than float (die anyway from the gill-seeking pescatarian). But better the fish go to good use than waste on the floor or the lake, creek, or ocean. The other area, for ocean dynamite fishing, are the coral reefs. Sometimes, fishermen use dynamite to release snags on coral (with their fishing nets). Dynamite Fishing is scary business. Don't try this at home.

City Fishing

It is hard to find places to fish in the greatest city in the world. I did finally venture to Prospect Park over the summer, and managed to catch nothing (except a rubber and rope dog toy, abandoned by its owner). I just want that spinning of the reel, and the chase of landing a fish. It reminds me of my leisurely spring and summer days and evenings on Oscaleta Lake in South Salem, NY. Living there was a dream. Calm waters. Trout half way down in the middle. I even had my own boat with a quiet, electric motor. I caught fish all of the time and it is times like the present when I realize how much I took that amazing situation for granted. My parents came to visit me a couple of times when I lived there. They loved the thrill of catching lots of different types of fish, from large mouth bass to walleye to perch. It was just an amazing place.

Making Time for a Pastime

Living in Brooklyn and working in Manhattan the past two years, I haven't had much time to fish. Also, I haven't dedicated much time to exploring for fishing spots. In the local park (Prospect Park), there is a large pond or small lake. It is somewhat consumed by algae, but I do occasionally see people fishing there. Last year, we took a fishing party boat to fish for fluke/flounder just off the coast. We caught a lot of fish, but it was one of those pull up to the fishing spot and drop your line kind of outfits. My goal this year is to find more fishing spots. Coney Island is only a short subway ride away and if the fishing is boring, there are always the great Nathan's hot dogs. And cotton candy.

Toby's Pond

Toby's Pond is practically in my back yard. I lived in Beacon Falls in 2008-2009 and since moving back, I have had a hard time finding local fishing spots (other than the Naugatuck River that flows under the bridge to the train station).

I was recently having an appetizer at the local restaurant in the town, Full Harvest. I asked if they knew of any local fishing spots. As it turns out, one of the cooks fishes every day. Toby's Pond was his recommendation. Here is a great writeup about the pond.

I set out early this morning - around 7:30am. I packed a few snacks and a drink. With my tackle box in hand and pole in the Jeep, I crossed onto the O&G property on which the pond resides. It was super quiet and the water was so calm. I started out using a surface lure - a hula popper - and got a strike with the first cast. I cast again, close to the shore, and caught a feisty small mouth bass. Delighted at the promise of a rewarding fishing excursion, I kept this pace going for about an hour, catching four more fish.

I switched to a rubber worm after a while and that is when the big one hit. An 11" large mouth bass, sluggish at first but then it put up a good fight. I wish I had had my cell phone with me so that I could have taken a photo. It was a beautiful fish.

This fishing excursion may very well be the last of the summer, as I start a new job on September 6th. It is my hope that the fish I caught today will be there when I return.

Trolling for Fishing Holes

Drive by any inland body of water and there they are on the side of the road. Trucks or cars parked in dusty, rocky paths. Look even closer and you will see them. The early bird spring fishers.

Rustling through their tackle boxes, rigging poles, or even congregating in small boats, these are the real addicts. Spring, you see, is feasting time for fish, as they have spent months hibernating under ice or in very cold water (in northern states). As the warmer weather comes, so do the bugs. A bug lands on the surface and wham, it is a feeding frenzy.

I can spot these folks every year. I know what they are doing, as I drive by and gaze longingly at them. But then I snap out of it and realize how grateful I am to have a job. I begin to realize that these people must work the night shift to be able to fish during the morning hours.

Just the other day, I was at a state park. As I drove in, I saw the state sign for fishing (trout) limits -- emblazoned on the dark wood hut in a worse-than-highlighter yellow. I had no idea that fishing was even allowed in this particular park.

Look around and take note. Fishing spots are getting popular. Take a kid fishing. Go by yourself. But don't forget your license.

Here are links for Connecticut and New York.
Tip up!

Unsold Christmas Trees Used to Make Habitats for Fish

I recently read a fantastic article in the NY Times about a group that places unused Christmas trees in the bottom of lakes. These are the surplus trees that would typically get mulched or composted. Wow. Have they found an innovative use for these trees! Click here to read the story.

In placing the Christmas trees in the bottom of lakes, an automatic protective, nesting environment is created for various fish species. This makes a desirable condition for struggling fish populations. It also provides an amazing fishing experience for anglers.

According to the article, this program is done in a variety of larger lakes across the country. It is truly an amazing idea. But then again, I'm a big "sap" for making all beings (including fish) feel cozy and protected. I love this concept and plan to track the placement of the trees (that is, which lake) so that one day, I can catch an ornamental fish of my own. Now, I've got you hooked!

Fall Fishing

Many profess that fishing in the spring or summer is best. I've recently read in a few magazines that fish are fatter and hungrier as the weather gets colder. It makes sense, really. Kind of like a bear that stores up for winter or a squirrel that gathers nuts in anticipation of the advent of the colder winter months.

Through my fishing experience, I have learned that fall is really an ideal time to fish. The weather is milder and the water isn't as warm (so the fish don't go deep in search of colder temperatures). Fish "pop" at this time of year; they "strike" and some strike hard. To me, there is nothing more exhilarating than the strike of a nice fish. The "strike" comes, the line zings, and the race is on.

I have no excuses for not fishing as of late - I live one block from Long Island Sound where, on some weekends, droves of fisher folk flock here to fish. I can remember car doors slamming this past summer at 3:30am. And then brief, low conversation. Ah, the thrill of it. The excitement to get out and fish can "strike" before dawn. And dawn is an ideal time to cast a line in search of that "strike," pull, and reeling thrill. Sheer bliss.

Get Reel!

A couple of years ago, I went fishing with my cousin. It was overcast in the morning and we had trouble catching bait. In Maine, mackerel is used as a primary bait fish. The trick, though, is to catch enough to go into the coves for stripers.

I was using a lightweight shimano rod and reel, which stood up easily to the mackerel. Upon discussing things with my cousin Crit, it was decided that they would not stand up to a strong striper. My poles went underneath and out came his baitcasting reels.

Shimano makes a Calcutta reel. These are designed to feed line fluidly right off the boat. The reel floats the line off of the spool, feeding it out as the bait fish swim. These reels are rarely used for casting, but I suppose it would be possible with chunk bait. The only risk might be back lashing.

Investing in a few good reels is a must for anyone who is an avid fisher. My freshwater equipment is up to par, however I need to make an investment in saltwater equipment. This Calcutta (of which my cousin is an owner) looks like a nice idea.

NO-AAA!!

It has been discovered that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has been using funds, which were collected by fining fisherman, to buy expensive cars, lavish boats, and special trips. Senator Chuck Schumer revealed this in a recent NPR Article.

To me, this news comes as quite a surprise. NOAA continues to fine fisherman (and use the money to fund their interests and excursions) while these hard working people continue to toil to provide seafood to the general consumer. Now some would argue against fisherman for over-fishing our waters. Sometimes, illegal fishing methods are used and for these infractions, fines are warranted.

Consider the situation in the Gulf of Mexico. An increasing number of fishing vessels are now required to stop fishing and help with the oil spill clean up. This puts additional pressure on fisherfolk in other areas of the world to produce the requisite amount of fish based on the laws of supply and demand. It is time for NOAA to take a break from over-fining fishermen and start to think globally about the predicament that U.S. fishermen are in at this time. To quote a local legislator in the article, it would be like policemen paying their mortgage using the fines that they collected from speeding tickets. NO-AAA!

What's Scup with that?

Tonight, I wandered over to West Haven to the jetties that typically host a fisherperson or two. Tonight, I came across a dozen on one and two on another. They were all fishing for Scup.

Also known as Porgy, Scup can be found anywhere there are rock formations. Milford and West Haven have plenty of those. But do you know that even with 12 poles in the water, these folks hadn't caught a thing at the time I arrived. We had a brief conversation and I reassured them not to give up as the tide was on its way in.

They were fishing with sandworms, which if you have never seen one, check out the photo at the top! Be careful when thredding these puppies. They do have pincers inside of their mouths!

What's Scup with 12 fisherfolk and no fish?

Today, I was driving around in the high heat thinking about some of the best fishing spots I've experienced. I have to say that the red fishing trip I took with my parents in Tampa Bay tops the list of excursions-de-peche I have ever had.


The experience was cumulative. First, we had to catch some bait. Our guide used a casting net to catch small bait fish and loaded these into his live well. Once we had the requisite amount of bait, our guide tried to get us to hook into some tarpon. There was an area of grove like trees along a waterway (you can actually see the roots of the trees). My mom cast into that area and definitely had a tarpon on. This thing was so strong that it snapped my mom's line.

Next, he took us to a popular flat area that seemed to be frequented by other fishers. Immediately, we caught a redfish. These fish actually have a dime-sized, black dot in their tails. This is a decoy (defense mechanism) against other predatory fish. You see, they approach the redfish thinking that the black dot is their eye when in reality, the dot is on their tail which enables them to sense the vibration of a predator and they are able to escape. You can see the dots in the picture above.

A great fishing trip!

Oregon Fishing

I was recently in Oregon (for reasons other than fishing). It was amazing to see all of the bodies of water. The Columbia River Gorge had a few fisher folk here and there but the smaller rivers were scant with fishers. The coast (Cannon Beach and Seaside) was primarily surfers. I didn't see one fishing boat!

While there, I visited Multnomah Falls. It faces the Columbia River Gorge. This natural waterfall is the 3rd largest in the world. At the base of the falls, there was a placard that described the different species of fish in Oregon (salmon and trout). When we were walking up to the falls, there salmon in the river below, swimming north (or trying to!).

My next fishing journey will definitely be in Oregon. And I plan on bringing my little brother whose fly fishing skills are far more advanced than mine. Besides, he is fun to be with and very calming to me!

Lake at Dawn

The faint, light mist flows up off the water.
Slowly revealing that the water is warmer than the air
I watch the sun slowly rise in the east. Minute by minute.

As the sun crests over the distant mountains, the mist grows thicker
Prompting the first cast onto the glassy surface in front of me.

Strike - a trout - snaps the early daylight snack and runs with it.
Far.
My reel spins out more and more line as I pull and follow it slowly across the mist covered glassy lake. From my kayak.

The mist dissipates slowly as the morning breaks , leaving a colorful rose, coral hue on the lake, indicative that day is here, the mist gone, revealing the vulnerabilities of early morning fishing. The best time of day.

Quiet. Peaceful. Serene. Misty. Vibrant. Real.

Connecticut Angler's Guide

Sometimes, everything you need to know about something you love is right there under your nose. For the past couple of years, I have found fishing spots by searching the Internet or by referral from other fishing pals.

No more searching...

I recently came across the 2010 Connecticut Angler's Guide for Inland & Marine Fishing. This little mag contains listings and descriptions of all bodies of water in the state of Connecticut. It includes information about the types of fish in each pond/stream/lake, as well as accessibility information (motor boat/shore fishing), etc. This little guide is going to make my summer more peaceful - well, at least less stressful in terms of finding a "spot to fish."

To use a term engrained in my mind by my father..."everyone needs their own spot." I look forward to finding many new fishing spots this summer.

(If you're interested in obtaining a copy of the guide... go to the counter at Sports Authority and ask for it).

Change is Inevitable

Writing this blog has been a source of inspiration to me for almost 3 years. Fishing, in its solace, is a lifelong interest of mine and will continue to be for years to come. My writing, which is my passion and lifeblood, continues to change and grow with every new phase of my life.

I am changing my writing venue to a new blog. It is a more introspective blog and will aim at exploring my personal journey, including my professional life, academic pursuits, and even some of my own personal "work." This site will also be used medium through which to present my professional portfolio (including professional and academic work).

If you are interested in accessing my blog, please email me (c.bates.c@gmail.com) and I will send you a link when it is available. You may not find it by searching and I want to be sure to include any loyal readers that I may have at this stage of life.

This site closes at midnight tonight, my 41st birthday.

Santa Must Have Gotten Snagged in the Chimney

I have a dismal report on the typical restocking of my tackle box this year. Zero. Zilch. Nada. I didn't receive one fishing lure, pole or packet of hooks. Maybe I have moved on to more sophisticated gifts (like wooden spoons and measuring cups), but last year, I did score one or two things.

I consider it a blessing, really. Most of the time, the fishing gifts that I receive are well-intended but essentially useless. Like a spray container of bass attractant. Um. As a relatively skilled bass fisher, I hope to my spiritual guide(s) that I don't need a spray bass attractant. It is this viscous, slimy, lime-green bottled substance that sprays out in a stream longer than Raid - you know, the can designed to reach the dark, cavernous crevices of your kitchen (well, my southern grandmother's kitchen). If your lure is not lined up exactly with it, well, just hope that your 6 year old nephew isn't standing nearby. Otherwise, he will attract bass - for a week. The note on the bottle states that once applied, it will stay on the lure for countless casts for up to 5 days. Makes me wonder what is in it and the potential pollutants..oh, never mind.

I'll be busy dreaming of spring when I can stand outside and cast freely. Meanwhile, I'm drumming my fingers waiting for that winter invite for some pike fishing through the ice. Upstate anyone?

Transitory Days

We are now into those transitory weeks in which it is too cold to lake or river fish and yet not cold enough to ice fish. It is a strange time for fisher folk, who yearn to fish but cannot.

I stopped in to see my pal at Bobby J's tonight on the way home - to get some lures and tackle for a Christmas gift. He said that he had gone blue fishing yesterday. My eyes widened (of course, hoping for an invitation to go sometime). Personally, I don't mind the cold at all. Even 5 below on the ice without a hut.

Most of my friends think that I am crazy to want to sit out on ice with a few tip-up contraptions and wait for one of the flags to go up. But I say, what is more peaceful than a frozen lake in the wintertime? Crisp branches adorned in a blanket of snow, layers of ice to auger through, snow geese, canadian geese or other waterfowl left behind from the southbound commute. A frozen lake in the winter is an opportunity for solace which for me, is usually a welcomed event.

To date, I have never caught anything ice fishing. I have all of the gear - auger, tip-ups, tackle - all of it. I don't mind waiting for a fish. Again, it is all about patience. Patience in waiting for that strike to send the blood rushing through my veins. Patience is developed, not granted. I have plenty.

When All Else Fails, Imagine

As the weather has gotten colder, I have been less eager to venture off to my favorite fishing spots. While I’m not quite ready to hang up the poles for the year, I realize each day that the likelihood of a fishing excursion is getting farther and farther away.

With the change of season and daylight savings time, my sleep patterns have shifted in ways that are odd and unpredictable. It could be my increasing age or the general stress of everyday life (not to mention the state of the world and all of its struggles). Whatever it is, I have been sleeping just 5-7 hours for the past month and I have started doing meditations daily. Sometimes, I use visualization to relax. It is kind of like having a daydream only you close your eyes. I guess it a hybridized version of a daydream and a meditation session. Either way, one of my most prevalent visualization techniques is a morning spent fishing.

Usually, what comes to mind are the mornings on Lake Oscaleta in South Salem, NY. As a waterside resident for 4 years, I was indulged by quiet mornings in the summers – 6:00am sunrise. The water would be calm and a slight steam would be flowing up from it. Some mornings, I would take my rowboat or the kayak and go fishing. With not another soul around and the calm water around me, this now provides amazing visualization imagery for me.

In my visualizations, I can see the steam and the glint of sun slowly rising on the water. I can recall the smell of the lake and its green laden waters – lily pads, leaves, and dark green hues. My favorite spots come to mind. Under large fallen branches or beneath the weeping willows – all of the environments that provide shade in the summer for the breeding largemouth bass. The docks. Wooden. Some are older and antiquated while others are trendy, new, and fiberglass. The floats. My imagination drifts to visions of children jumping, the shrill of their screaming as they plummet off of these tethered rafts.

Docks – these man-made objects that provide convenience for docking boats or dangling feet. They also provide a tranquil environment for some big, sleepy fish. As I coast around the fringes of the lake in my mind, I am able to unravel those experiences as wonderful fishing adventures.

Guess I will do some fishing this winter after all.

Goldfish

Some odd, recent fish talk has me immersed in deep analysis on the topic of goldfish. These gilled creatures, often admired in pet shops and homes, can serve as wonderful companions. Small enough to fit in a bowl or numerous enough to fit in a large tank, goldfish are often a child's best friend or a cat's entertainment. They live well alone and can get along with others.

I recently told a friend of mine that I wanted to get a cat. Unfortunately, the last time I had a cat, I was traveling so much for work that I wasn't home a lot. Eventually, the cat got mad at me and soaked my carpets with spontaneous urinary reminders. It was a painful bill to pay as I vacated my apartment, watching the carpet installers replacing the carpet in the spot she had chosen to remind me of her displeasure. Amazing how animals communicate their dissatisfaction. My friend - the one who I told about my recent desire to obtain a new feline friendie - advised me to get a goldfish. A goldfish. As an avid fisherwoman, I have difficulty with this idea.

How selfish is it to assume that a goldfish could possibly be happy in life when it is brought into this world only to share a large aquarium with lots of other fish and then be snatched up by a small net and placed into a plastic bag, only to spend the rest of its life alone in a small bowl on someone's dresser? And for what pleasure? Of watching people walk by, stick their face close to the tank and make funny faces? Or drifting to the surface twice a day to suck a few flakes of processed fish food? If I were a goldfish, I would jump right out of the tank and hop to the toilet or a nearby drain (similar to the concept illustrated in Finding Nemo).

Just today, I learned from a co-worker that he used to feed goldfish to his snake. He would leave them by the snake and it would slowly slither in and grab the fish. I had no idea that snakes desired fish, but a highly discernable palate is not surprising for a species that may have once survived on less.

Goldfish have an interesting predicament - life in a bowl or life in a belly? Which would you choose? Personally, I would run and hide every time the lid lifted in the store.

Trips Down the Same Path

Spending time in nature offers the best meditative remedy. Peacefulness. Calm. Contrast. Light. Color. Warmth. The daily changes of the fall often produce these effects, even on trips down the same path.

I recently spent a week in Keene, NH, taking care of Wrigley, the chocolate lab belonging to my aunt and uncle. With the sweetest canine soul of any other I have known, he trustingly led me to this path. The path was dirt and rock, somewhat sedimentary, but upon reaching the top, he had led me to a path in the woods. The path that he and his papa walk every day.

There are no fishing holes along this path, but I am certain that Wrigley would want to swim in them if we had happened upon one. Wrigs is a swimmer - throw a peanut butter cookie in the water and before a fish can call it bait, "Snatch!" Wrigs gets there first!

Along this path, the prevalent mud puddles found their way into our path on many more occasions than one, forcing us to dodge and maneuver them as we whisked by. The colors - multiple hues of yellows and oranges from leaves that had fallen from the protective trees along this route - are indescribable. Adjacent to this path, you can see one or two of the fairways of Keene Country Club, a golf course that I played a few times in my 20s. The walks that Wrigs and I took down this path were reminiscent of weekends I would spend in New Hampshire as a child.

The smell of wood stoves or fireplaces. That smoky smell that permeates my soul, conjuring up my own dreams of living in a home with a wood fireplace, a huge kitchen with a Viking stove, and many dinner parties with laughter and love. I've been called a dreamer, but this is my reality. A simple week of walking the same path with Wrigley brought me back to some of the basic ideals that I have always held true to my heart.

Now all we need is a fishing hole...for my soon to be Viszla to swim in!