Penn’s Outdoors

Penns Outdoors is no longer.  It has been fun but time is just too limited to keep up with the blog.  If you are interested in fishing trips to Ontario and Quebec, check out Fishing Traveler.

Not much to say about the FLW Championship except that Greg Hackney won.  And the fishing was about what everyone expected.  Some love the challenge that these waters offered and others found it very frustrating to fish for 12 inchers. 

First let me say, I am glad the FLW Cup is coming to Pittsburgh.  But that comes with some concern about its exposure for PA fishing.  If you’ll remember, the 2005 Bassmaster Classic left the impression that only small fish live in these waters.  Evidently, this impression was lasting. 

Here’s what Jay Yelas who fishing the Classic had to say…

You have to approach Pittsburgh the same way you do other tournaments. You’re either going to have to pick an area or find a pattern that you can use while covering a lot of water. However, your expectations are going to have to be reduced as well. If I remember correctly, during the 2005 Bassmaster Classic, Kevin VanDam won the three-day tournament with 12 pounds, 15 ounces – so it’s going to be tough. As far as tackle, plastics are going to be huge. There are also going to be some fish caught on small crankbaits and jerkbaits. Basically, you’re going to be fishing for 12- to 13-inch fish the entire time. Again, if I remember correctly, I think the biggest fish caught during the 2005 Classic weighed in at 2 pounds, 15 ounces. And that’s why you can’t be wasting a lot of your time fishing big jigs trying to find 4-pounders because those large fish really don’t live around there.

Clark Wendlandt isn’t much more optimistic…

It’s going to be tough. If you look at the ’05 Classic, it only took about 12 pounds to win (over three days). I think the biggest fish caught during that event was just under 3 pounds, so you really have to approach this tournament in an entirely different way. It might fish a little bit better than the Classic, but it’s still not going to be easy. In this tournament you’re really going to have to focus on catching keeper fish. You’re going to have to adjust your mindset, because unlike most of the other tournaments we fish where you try to catch big fish, here you’re going to have to concentrate on just catching a limit. And that’s what I’m going to be focusing on – just trying to catch a limit every day. If you’re able to do that, I think you’ll make the cut. But like other events, it’s also going to come down to making the right decisions at the right time.

So a repeat of the 2005 Classic might give an even longer lasting impression that PA doesn’t have quality fisheries.  While at some level this is good as it keeps people off our waters, but for the many people who make their living with small businesses for fishermen near PA’s waters this is an impression that simply isn’t good.

Sorry for the delayed post but David Grube and David Steinhour finished in 4th place at the Potomac River college fishing tournament.  Way to go guys!!!!

Thanks to my cousin Adam for giving me the heads up that a team from Messiah College is fishing the National Guard College Fishing Tournament at Lake Gaston.  Teams from Penn State are also fishing it.  The tournament is September 26th. 

I fished Lake Gaston about 20 years ago.  The lake had some big bass in it.  I have a friend that ranks Gaston as one of his favorite lakes in the US.  Should be a fun tournament for these guys. 

Regardless of what side you are on, the Pennsylvania crossbow issue has illustrated well what frustrates many of us about the PGC, clear leadership.  While their jobs can’t be easy, their indecisiveness about the crossbow issue is satisfying no one.  The swearing in of Ralph Martone this week as the board’s newest member may end the back and forth that PA has experienced on this crossbow issue.  Here’s an excerpt from John Hayes at the Pittsburgh Post Gazette:

In an interview yesterday, Martone said he supports broad inclusion of the crossbow during Pennsylvania hunting seasons

Martone’s “yes” vote for crossbows would result in a 4-4 tie among board members, who narrowly voted last week, with Martone’s seat vacant, to give preliminary approval to regulatory changes that would restrict use of the sporting arm. That vote was not binding for the September archery deer season, when crossbows are still permitted.

So, the PGC will have another special meeting on the topic October 5 and 6.  If the vote is tied, rules state that no action will be taken and the measure to restrict crossbow usage will not be enacted and full inclusion as is currently in the regulations will remain.

Here’s the news out of Harrisburg…

Fish and Boat Board, Executive Director Agree to Leadership Transition Plan

Harrisburg, PA – The Board of Commissioners of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) and Executive Director Douglas Austen announced today that they have mutually agreed to a transition in leadership of the organization.

“Both the board of commissioners and Dr. Austen intend to make this transition happen in a seamless manner such that the activities of the agency will not suffer nor will our efforts to protect, conserve, and enhance the resources be in any way reduced,” said immediate past-president Len Lichvar. “Philosophical differences between a board and its chief executive officer frequently happen and this in no way reflects any performance issues on the part of Dr. Austen, as some newspapers have reported.” 

Austen agreed that such a transition can happen in an orderly manner.

“I respect the board’s authority to find a new executive director when there are differences in philosophy and will assist in any way possible to ensure that the work of the commission proceeds without delay,” he stated. 

Over the next several months the commission will initiate the process of hiring a new executive director.

“The Fish and Boat Commission has made great progress on many fronts under Dr. Austen’s leadership,” said Commission Vice President Bill Worobec. “The focus on habitat restoration, hiring new biologists to work on our great rivers, rebuilding our hatcheries, establishing an exceptional access program, and wonderful partnerships with other agencies and conservation organizations, all have been beneficial.” 

Over approximately the next six months, Austen will continue to fulfill the role of executive director but will primarily focus his efforts of three key federal initiatives – the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act; reauthorization of the Sportfish and Boating Restoration Act (also known as the Dingell-Johnson/Wallop-Breaux Act) which provides about 20-25% of the agency’s funding; and climate change legislation that will provide the states with funds to implement on-the-ground conservation actions to enable aquatic resources to be more resilient to the effects of climate change. 

Deputy Director Brian Barner will continue to assist the executive director in day-to-day operations.

Dr. Austen joined the PFBC in January 2004 and came from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  During his tenure with the PFBC he has served as President of the Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, as leader of the workgroup that wrote the National Fish Habitat Action Plan and now as vice-chair of the National Fish Habitat Board. He co-chaired the Governor’s Task Force on Outdoor Connections. Dr. Austen has been a frequent speaker at events by conservation organizations throughout Pennsylvania, has published numerous articles in scientific journals, co-authored two book chapters on fisheries management, and co-authored a National Research Council report on management of riparian lands. Earlier this year, he hosted eight open house events and conservation leadership breakfasts throughout the Commonwealth to inform and engage the public in commission activities.

The mission of the Fish and Boat Commission is to protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities. For more information about fishing and boating in Pennsylvania, please visit our website at www.fishandboat.com.

Good luck to Dave Grube and Tim Selway.  They will be competing at the Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship representing Penn State.  The championship started today and will go through the 29th.  Fishing competition officially begins on May 28th.  It is being held at Lake Lewisville in Texas.  We’ll try to keep you posted with results as they are available. 

Some of you may think free fishing days are just a “nice” thing for the Fish Commission to do.  But for those of us who care about the future of fishing, they are an opportunity that we must take advantage of.  They are days to introduce others to fishing.   It is the day to take that friend, neighbor, or colleague who says “I fished as a kid but haven’t done it for 30 years.”  We need to be recruiting and the PFBC has given us the perfect recruiting tool.  Now, we have the responsibility to take advantage it.  June 7th is the next free fishing day.  Find someone and get them on the water.  You won’t regret it.

May 25, 2009

Pymatuning is seeing a lot of early activity

I assume everyone have read the articles on the good news from the PGC.  The first piece of good news is that deer harvest numbers were up by 4% this year. Most of the increase is accounted for by increased buck harvest.  While this is indeed good news, I need to see consistent numbers to show that we are stabilizing our deer population. 

Compare the deer harvest by the annual numbers

• 2008-09 – 336,000
• 2007-08 – 324,000
• 2006-07 – 362,000
• 2005-06 – 354,000
• 2004-05 – 409,000

It is doesn’t take a statistician to see the downward trend.  I am not convinced yet that our increase is not simply due to the terrible weather that hampered the first day in 2007-08. 

The second piece of good news is one that I am more excited about.  Hunting license sales were up by about 5,000 from last year (656,474 compared to 651,589).  Again, this number does not prove that the downward trend of hunting license sales is over but it is a positive sign.  In my past writings about the issue, I have always acknowledged that there is a base number of hunters in Pennsylvania that will always hunt.  I would be very happy and encouraged if we have found that base at its current level.

But there is some bad news mixed in these numbers.  Junior and non-resident hunting license sales were both down.  I am very concerned about the junior numbers.  The drop in junior license sales is an indicator that the potential base of 650,000 hunters is on shaky ground.

Only time will tell on both of these issues, but I am choosing to look at the glass as half full (at least for the moment). 

By Timothy Risser from August, 2008 Trip

The smooth water slides down the beach sprawling out like black ink until it meets the moonless, charred horizon haze.  Eyes shutter to dilate, sucking in what little light the stars offer, struggling to put form to figures.  First steps into the endless black slick are met by squeaking pebbles rolling to conform to the foot.  The other four senses are heightening as the eyes continually struggle with black.  Surf salt fills the air, warm breezes swirl the body, and a faint wash slips up and down the water’s edge.  The whole body strains and yearns to identify conventional signs of quarry.  Void of the long-established guidance, fingers begin to sense the warn cork grip which settles and re-centers the mind.  Instinctually, the fluid casting motion begins, soliciting the line to jump off the arbor into a sea of nothing.  The line lays motionless somewhere in the night.  A methodic slow, steady cadence begins retrieving the temptation across the black glass.  Seconds feel like hours as the unhurried retrieval continues and the body anticipates a shattering of silence.  Feeling one cast end begins the relaxing, familiar motion of the next.  Repeating the silent casts and feeling the rhythmic retrieve lulls the mind, bringing forth serenity that is only felt in absence.  That serenity continues as silence canvases the water.

THA-THUP!  Shivers streak up the legs, across the chest, ending in a pounding heart; struck by the guttural eeriness.  Again, THA-THUMP!  The mind fights to regain composure.  Again, THA-THUMP!  The ears tense, straining to identify direction. 

Gripping the rod handle a quick natural snap of the wrist occurs, almost void of thought.  Hands quiver as the wrists struggle to maintain the methodically lethargic presentation required.  The creature swirls and slurps far from the surface!

THA-THUMP, Zip… Zip…. Zip!  Line tenses with fervor as it peals though fingers and drag with ease.   The rod presses into the hip and forearm under the sheer strength of the monster’s desire to escape his miscalculation.  Adrenaline pumps as eyes search for any indication, but fail in the absence of light.  Splash, Zip… Zip.  The massive prey dances without an audience.  He battles to find rocks, a ledge, strong current, or anything to release himself.  Biceps start to ball and the shoulders begins to burn.  Zip… Zip… Zip the gladiator fights on, challenging its pursuer with persistent action.  The rod begins working up and sliding down in a common motion that wears the prey while pulling line back inch by inch.  Every inch is met with unwavering resistance.  Zip… Zip… splash! A glint of light reflecting off the water spray encourages a resultant pursuit and reinvigorates the legs.  Feet begin to dig into the sand and push against the creature’s insistent force.  An arduous retreat back the beach produces splashes in the wash; somewhat seen by the eye, but mostly felt through a dancing rod.

Perching the beast on the sand provides a moment to restore the senses and clear the mind.  The break is hurried by the monster’s tail flap and push to find new waters.  Rapidly, feet push towards the quarry while the hands retrieve the last remaining inches of line.  With the battle concluded, a long anticipated flick of the head lamp switch reveals the creature that goes THA-THUP in the night.

.

Matthew Risser with 35” Striped Bass

According to PFBC…

Licensed Pennsylvania anglers fishing the Delaware River and Estuary can now harvest striped bass and hybrid striped bass from April 1 through May 31, a season which has been closed by the Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) since 1992.

Under the new regulations, adopted by the PFBC at its January quarterly meeting, anglers can harvest two striped bass per day between 20-26 inches during the two-month season. The change is the result of the successful restoration of the striped bass population along the Atlantic Coast. The regulations are designed to allow some harvest of male striped bass, while still protecting most of the spawning female striped bass. For the rest of the year, there is a 28-inch minimum length and a two fish per day creel limit.

The following seasons, sizes and creel limits apply to the Delaware River from the Pennsylvania line upstream to the Calhoun Street Bridge.

Jan. 1 – March 31 and June 1 – Dec. 31: Minimum – 28 inches, creel limit – 2 per day

April 1 through May 31: Size – 20-26 inches, creel limit – 2 per day

The PFBC reminds anglers that these regulations differ from the striped bass regulations enforced by the N.J. Division of Fish and Wildlife in the four months January, February, April and May.

Information on N.J. regulations can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/.

For more information, visit our website at www.fishandboat.com.

According to PFBC

Spring stocking on the lower section (Section 2) of Chappel Fork in McKean County has been cancelled due to lingering problems associated with an oil spill that occurred during the 2008 season, according to the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC). A February survey of the stream showed that oil still remains in the water.

The PFBC was scheduled to stock the section of stream on March 23, April 22 and May 11. Section 02 is approximately 2.2 miles and flows from the confluence of the North Fork Chappel Fork downstream to the mouth.

Stocking will continue as scheduled on the 4.7 mile Section 01 of Chappel Fork, which lies upstream of the area impacted by the oil spill.

The PGC has been working on a point of sale system for PA hunting licenses for some time.  They are finally one step closer.  I have no problems with the additional 70 cents that the buyer will pay for the convenience of using this system.  This is a smart move by PGC to bring license sales into the 21st century and hopefully will pass through the Senate.  Here’s the press release…

Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today offered his praise to the House of Representatives for its overwhelming and bi-partisan support of House Bill 92, which will enable the agency to fully transition to an electronic, point-of-sale license system, commonly referred to as Pennsylvania Automated License System (PALS).

Roe specifically noted his appreciation to House Game and Fisheries Committee Majority Chairman Edward Staback (D-60), who sponsored the bill, and to House Game and Fisheries Committee Minority Chairman Craig A. Dally (R-168), who co-sponsored the bill.

“Transitioning to PALS has been something that our license buyers and members of the General Assembly have been urging the Game Commission to do for a number of years,” Roe said.  “We are excited about the many benefits that this new license sale system will provide to our license buying customers, our issuing agents and the agency.

“I want to thank Reps. Staback and Dally, as well as all of the House members who voted in favor of this measure.  Also, I look forward to working with Senate Game and Fisheries Committee Majority Chairman Richard Alloway II (R-33) and Minority Chairman Richard A. Kasunic (D-32) to gain approval for this bill in the Senate so it can be sent to the Governor for action soon.”

Under House Bill 92, license buyers would be assessed the actual transaction fee costs associated with implementing PALS.  Presently, the transaction fee is 70-cents per license or stamp purchased.  This fee would be paid directly to ALS, the Nashville-based company contracted to provide an electronic license sale system for the Game Commission, as well as the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

For the last two years, the Poconos region has recorded the biggest harvested bears.

The biggest bear hunted during the 2008 bear season in Pennsylvania was found in the Poconos — same as 2007.

And the Pennsylvania Game Commission said it probably won’t be the last time either.

“The Poconos is one of the last two holdouts for bear populations in the state,” commission spokesman Jerry Feaser said. “It’s one of the primary arrangements of bears in the state.”

The PGC said Wednesday the bear season of 2008 yielded a 716-pound bear killed in Tobyhanna Township.

In 2007, the state’s biggest bear was killed in Dingmans Township. It was 727 pounds.