Patience is a Virtue
Phil Taunton
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Have you heard the walleye are beginning to spawn and nice, fat healthy ones are being caught off just off the face of the dam at Melvern Lake?
I haven’t heard of these fish being caught yet either, but if and when you do, please give me a call! I have a fishing fever that won’t quit.
I am beginning to feel like the jonquils and daffodils in my yard that are now beginning to show — bursting with energy, wanting to bloom, but keep getting set back because of freezes and cold rains. It sure will be nice when spring decides to spring!
There was a good winter kill on shad in several lakes, so if you want to fish for Mr. Whiskers, shad sides would be the ticket. Several years ago, George Stuck, one of the finest fishermen in our area gave me a tip.
He said, “If you want to catch channel cat, a sure bet is to fish the north side of the lake after a southern wind has blown for three consecutive days. Fish on the third day using shad sides if you can stand to put them on your hook!”
Makes sense to me, but when I get a chance to go fishing, my quarry will be walleye and crappie. I can’t quite do the shad side thing no matter how good the fishing might be! Both walleye and crappie should be staging in their pre-spawn mode.
Walleye should be the first to run but I really wouldn’t expect much action until around the first of April or until the water warms to around 45 degrees. If you have trouble getting snagged using lead-head jigs along the dam, you might want to try using a floating/diving type of lure such as a Rapala. Fish it slowly just over the top of the rocks. Fishing also will improve once the waters clear.
Another method you might want to try is using a slip-bobber. A spinning reel with 8-pound line and a 6- or 6 1/2-foot medium to medium-light rod is perfect for slip bobber fishing. This outfit allows you to cast a light rig, be it a jig, jig and minnow or nightcrawler combination, easily.
A painted jig head or one with a spinner such as the Road Runner will help attract attention to the bait. Red, yellow, chartreuse, or pink are popular colors to use. Using a long rod allows plenty of leverage to set the hook. Slip bobber fishing works best when the walleye are in water less than 12 feet deep.
Singles, Retriever Marathon
A fun trial open for hunting/retrieving dog enthusiasts will be held on Jane Laman’s training grounds north of Manhattan on March 29-30. To get there, follow Highway 24/177 north of Manhattan to Road 402. Turn right (east) and follow the paved road to Harbour Hills Drive.
Participants are to gather there at 8 a.m. on March 29. This event is open to all retrievers. The dogs must be handled by their owner.
The trial format will consist of 10 series, with dogs making all single retrieves. All entrants will be guaranteed to run the first five series. Pigeons will be used in all land series and three experienced judges will be on hand to select the winners. Entry fee is $15 per dog, which includes a boiled crawfish dinner Saturday evening. Prizes will be awarded to top four places.
Advanced registration is not required but is encouraged. If you want to camp out, a large tent will be available, but you will need to provide your own sleeping bag.
To enter, send cash or check (made out to Jane Laman), with name or names of dogs being entered and how many people will be staying for dinner Saturday night, to Mark Schreiber, 1722 Yucca Lane, Emporia, KS 66801.
More questions? Call Mark at 342-6954 or e-mail him at mschreiber@sbcglobal.net. Jane Laman can be reached at (785) 539-3930.