Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2018 i Game & Fish East

Handicapped Accessible Fishing Opportunities THE PA Fish & Boat Commission has a list of fishing piers or other accommodations to provide angling opportunities for persons with disabilities. All areas may not be suitable for all disabilities. For more information and to see a list and an interactive map of these waters, visit http://pfbc.pa.gov/fishpub/summaryad/disabilities.htm. Persons who are deprived of the use of a leg or both legs or who are disabled in a manner that significantly limits their mobility may apply for a permit to use an off-road motorized vehicle to access fishing and boating opportunities on Fish & Boat Commission property. Permit applications may be requested in writing from the PA Fish & Boat Commission. Recently Approved Electronic Devices Now Lawful THE PENNSYLVANIA Game Commision approved four electronic devices for…

I’VE GOT great news: now is the perfect time to pick up a new spinning reel. I’m sure that soon you’ll want to be dragging shakey-heads and bouncing drop-shots, and spinning gear is the only game in town for these ultra-popular light-line techniques. There’s plenty of innovation to choose from, like Abu’s new 4.7:1 ratio Revo Winch. It’s perfect for those small crankbaits that are nearly impossible to cast with a baitcaster, or any other finesse baits you’ll want to work with control and power. On another note, we anglers rarely run together. We covet solitude, treasure our top-secret spots and strive to steer clear of crowds. However, the time has come for us to band together. While freshwater bass anglers rarely have access denied, access to quality saltwater areas…

With the advent of April, anglers who are fans of rainbow trout begin to shake off the effects of cabin fever brought on by the long lethargy of winter. The water conditions are often not ideal for fishing, but they do offer possibilities. So when we head to the streams, what are we likely to find and what are the tactics we’ll need for some successful outings? Let’s have a look. THE CONDITIONS While our expectations may be great when we finally get on the water in the spring, the weather and water conditions are not likely to be all that accommodating. We certainly can’t expect to see warm, comfortable weather and ideal water levels and clarity. Such halcyon conditions are perhaps a month away and maybe even more. The…

TO FANS of river walleyes, wing dams can be — and often are — the stuff of which dreams are made. They collect fish, and big fish, too, like my brother, Richard, collects “Star Wars” paraphernalia. And that, dear reader, is a collection unmatched. Still, not every walleye angler knows how to go about pulling walleyes, especially reluctant ’eyes, from their home turf known as the wing dam. Mark Martin, however, does. Martin’s name is synonymous with walleyes, as well it should be. The 1990 Professional Walleye Trail World Champion, Martin has qualified for an astounding 18 world championships, and he has chalked up an incredible 47 Top 10 finishes throughout his professional career. In 2001, Martin was chosen the Normark/Rapala Angler of the Year, and in 2014, was inducted…

IT’S A MUGGY morning in southern Mississippi, and Major League Fishing pro Jason Christie’s frown tells the story. Christie, a 20-year tour-level veteran from Park Hill, Okla., is a 3-time Elite Series champion and winner of two Bassmaster Opens events. He has taken a break from preparing tackle for an MLF Cup event to pore over his tournament schedule for 2018, and he’s not pleased. “October? We have a tournament in October?” Christie asked. “You know that’s deer season, right? Archery season opens October 1 in Oklahoma. I’m going to have a bow in my hand, not a fishing rod. Is there any way we can get this (tournament) changed?” Christie is only half-joking. Like many other anglers competing on the MLF Cup and MLF Select rosters, hunting is just…

FOR ALMOST EVERY hard core bass angler out there, baitcasting equipment is the quintessential power-fishing play. However, today, national tournaments are increasingly being won using an array of light-line techniques, those capable of catching fish when strong-arm tactics fizzle. To be a complete bass fisherman, you must possess a comprehensive skill set, one which includes mastery of the finesse game. Light-lining morsel-sized baits on spinning gear has become a staple of almost every professional angler, one which helps them consistently catch fish and cash paychecks. Weekenders have also discovered spinning gear’s unique ability to manage micro baits efficiently. For those who won't venture onto their favorite lake without a drop shot, wacky rig or shakey head tied on, here are some of the best spinning reels available today. SHIMANO EXSENCE…

1. HOW DID WINNING THE CLASSIC CHANGE YOUR LIFE? With the title comes a new recognition by a whole new set of people. These are fans who don’t necessarily follow the individual Elite tournaments, but they follow the Classic. Kind of like people who only watch one NFL game a year, the Super Bowl. 2. DURING THE SPAWN, WHERE DO YOU PRIMARILY LOOK FOR BASS? Spawners like peace and quiet. I look for confined areas, those which offer protection from wind, waves, boat traffic and other distractions for the fish. 3. WHAT IS YOUR MOST IMPORTANT PIECE OF SPAWN FISHING GEAR? Power Poles. They let you position the boat optimally, and make precision casts. Making multiple casts to the same spots oftentimes results in a fish, and the Power Pole…

FORMED BY 5 smaller streams, two of which are Class A trout streams, the Manatawny Creek originates in Berks County and joins the Schuylkill River in Montgomery County near Pottstown. Flowing approximately 17 miles through 10 townships this trout stream is a great destination for fishermen looking to land wild browns. Rick Nyles, owner of Sky Blue Outfitters, has been guiding on the Manatawny since 1999 and has fished the stream for over 35 years. Nyles believes early season is one of the best times to fish the Manatawny, but has plenty of success over the winter and early spring, landing fish rising to Midges and Little Black Stoneflies. The Stoneflies last into April giving way to Hendrickson and Caddis. “Dry-fly fishing at this time in best in the afternoon…

RICK OUELLETTE, a turkey hunter with more than 50 years of experience, routinely uses ground blinds — or even tree stands — when hunting spring gobblers. “The most important thing to do is be in the woods early to try to get a bird when it comes off the roost,” Ouellette said. “If that fails, plan to spend the next three or four hours in the blind. Wait for the gobbler to come back after servicing the home flock. It may be close to noon before he returns but you want to be in the blind and ready to shoot when he shows up.” Ouellette uses decoys and calls sporadically on a slate or box call to keep distant toms in the loop. “The birds may gobble in response several…

WHEN OUR kids were growing up, we always stressed to them that they could do anything and be anything. They were limited only by their imaginations. Of course, when you’re young, that’s more believable. More things are possible. In my prime, I thought nothing of muscling an all-too-heavy pack over miles of rugged terrain in pursuit of a trophy buck. I was focused on the goal. I was able to shrug off the physical struggles and recharge the enthusiasm in time to go at it with maximum effort again the next day and the day after that. I could imagine the possibilities, envision reaching the goal very clearly. Small disappointments were as mere dust on my boots. Nowadays, I am less determined to achieve some far-off goal and am more…