Saturday, April 29, 2006
Anglers throughout our area are really getting into the fishing scene this spring, based on the number of people evident at the most popular hot spots and the Internet chatter about the latest news out on the water.
Walleye and crappie fishing are the primary interests of local anglers, while a growing number of fishermen are chasing bass around our local reservoirs. The steelhead buffs, meanwhile, continue to enjoy a banner year and the big-game anglers -- those who pursue muskies and big northern pike -- are getting an early start on their 2006 season.
All of this combines to lure big crowds to the lakes around Youngstown. With the crowds, of course, comes the opportunity for conflict. It pays to keep in mind that not everyone is as level-headed and considerate as they might be. Patience, courtesy and common senses are three things our waterways' visitors need to keep in mind to steer clear of trouble so their outings end on happy notes.
Litterbugs?
Anglers get a bad rap -- and it's pretty well deserved -- as litterbugs, which is not a name we want to have associated with our own. But if you have had an opportunity to stop at the causeways over Mosquito, Berlin and Milton, you will no doubt have noticed lots of trash left by uncaring or unthinking fishermen.
Bait containers, sandwich wrappers, beverage cans and other junk litters the popular fishing spots. Littering not only results in unsightly messes, it leaves a very bad impression on all anglers in general.
It goes without saying (but apparently has fallen on deaf ears) that anglers should police their fishing locations before heading home. Pick up the trash you generated (and while you're at it, why not pick up items left behind by others) and drop it in the nearest trash can.
Boaters also can improve their reputation and generate a little more respect if they are careful to avoid running too close to anglers' boats.
Sometimes it's difficult, but never impossible, to drive around the fleets of fishing boats at Mosquito when the walleye bite is hot. Anglers know that engine noise can influence the behavior of game species, so a speeding boat can disturb anglers and have a negative impact on their chances for success.
Anglers themselves ought to pay heed that they don't make a big ruckus as they move their boats around in the pack. Those who want to crank up their outboards to set up another drift are advised to do so at a considerate speed and respectful distance from other fishermen.
Ramp etiquette
Meanwhile, back at the ramp, much can be done to improve the chances that everyone will go home happy after a fun outing on our crowded lakes.
One of the biggest threats to ruin a great weekend fishing trip is the scene around the ramps and docks. They attract a lot of people and in essence are bottlenecks for in and out access.
And we all know what happens when people are crowded into small areas. Tempers flare as the crowds grow. I've seen numerous shouting matches at the ramps at Berlin, Mosquito and other nearby lakes and I'm willing to bet there have been a few fights as well.
To minimize the chances of annoying others at the ramp, boaters should make sure their watercraft are totally ready for launching before they back their trailers down the ramp. Few things are more frustrating to an angler itching to get out on the water than to sit and watch as ill-prepared boaters grapple with issues that keep them from successfully getting their vessels out away from the dock.
A bit of extra preparation, a healthy dose of patience and a lot of common sense will go a long way to ensuring you and the people around you have as great a day as possible the next time you decide to head out to your favorite lake.
jwwollitz@aol.com