I have been getting a little anxious to do some fishing. Last Saturday was sunny and fairly warm with the usual hurricane type of wind. I am tired of complaining about the wind, but lately it just never seems to stop. On the bright side, I did see a few folks doing some shore fishing on the East end of Edgewater Bay this past Saturday. They were fishing out of the direct line of the wind, and I assumed that they were catching panfish or perch. If this were in the days of my youth, I would have assumed that they were fishing bullheads. As a youth, I can remember when, soon after the lakes had opened up, people would be lined along the eastern shore of Pickerel Lake fishing for those whiskered fish. Catching bullheads was considered a prize in those days, because they were the best eating when caught in early spring when the water was still fairly cold. I had caught my share of bullheads as a kid and would come home with the puncture marks on my hands to prove it.
For the last few weeks, I have been looking at various fishing lures online, no pun intended. I need to restock some of my plastics and while I’m at it, I may buy a “must have” lure or two. It seems like as I get older, I spend more time looking at lures and daydreaming about fishing than I actually do fishing.
My fishing hero was my Uncle Ben and, as he got older and seemed to become less interested in fishing, I could not believe that he was losing interest in his favorite pastime. Now, I totally understand. I am still interested in fishing, but age has put certain restrictions on my ability to do the things that I once did.
I still get excited when I drive past a secluded lake, and I still get a warm feeling while my childlike curiosity still causes me to wonder what kind of fish are swimming below the surface of those waters.
More than 40% of the state’s waters suffer from drought.
Minnesota boaters could find launching watercraft difficult this spring due to low water levels on many lakes and rivers. The lack of snow this winter and persistent dry conditions have left lakes without the normal spring recharge.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is working to repair boat ramps damaged over winter and will extend boat ramps when possible. However, it is not possible to extend boat ramps on waterbodies that are naturally shallow beyond the ramp. Boat ramps damaged by power loading are also a challenge to repair. A boater might be able to launch into the space at the end of the boat ramp — however, a buildup of the material moved by power loading settling beyond the ramp can prevent boaters from getting to deeper water.
“With unusually low water levels, people launching larger boats and pontoons with longer trailers will need to pay extra special attention to ramp lengths and depths,” said Nancy Stewart, DNR water recreation consultant.
Until next time: I sure miss the days when we would catch spring bullheads, clean them, and pan fry them the same day. Nothing better than a mess of freshly caught bullheads, fried potatoes and a can of VanCamp’s beans. Yummy!
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