Spring is here, as is time for fishing
As a young man, I was a reader.
Many lines written by a wide variety of writers impressed me and stuck in my memory, none more than the words of an anonymous writer, “The time a person spends fishing is not subtracted from his or her allotted time.”
That line alone describes the joy and relaxation that can be found on or along a body of water. If the line is accepted as truth, a few of us more idle fellows should almost live forever.
It’s that time of year when grown men and women stare out the window hoping for a nice day and yearn for a sign of spring.
Along that line, daffodils are blooming, as are the crocuses. Robins stay around so they tell us little of the weather, but I have seen a more reliable indication that the worst is behind us.
It was early last week that I watched three turkey vultures circling in the sky. Then, I made a trip to Cross Creek County Park and saw the first red-winged black bird in a field. I have always depended on those two to usher in spring.
What was I doing at Cross Creek Lake? I was checking on the possibility of catching a few crappie.
It was one of last week’s nicer days and I could feel the tug of a crappie well before I arrived at the parking lot. The weather was right, and I was reasonably prepared.
I was prepared to fish but wasn’t prepared for what I saw when I got there. The lake was about a foot high and the color of coffee. Even the path along the lake was underwater. I guess I forgot it rained hard during the night.
I went home with the same number of fish I arrived with. Was it a waste of time? Never.
Remember another famous line, the worst day of fishing is better than the best day at work.
While I didn’t catch a thing, I did get to check out the equipment. Like a baseball team at spring training checking things out, fishing is better than looking at it at home.
Should the reel be re-lined? How many small hooks and split shot do I have, and do I have enough of my favorite lure?
What happens if my favorite lure fails? What about bobbers or floats?
The one thing I forgot but didn’t need was a bag for fish.
There is one thing beyond the anglers’ control that does affect the fishing. You might have the best equipment and the hottest lure but a sudden weather change can shut the crappie down like turning off the bathroom light.
The best known crappie water in the area is Cross Creek Lake, as well it should be.
It is designated a Panfish Enhancement water, which means there is a size limit on all panfish. A crappie must be at least 9 inches and a bluegill 7 inches. No more than 20 panfish in total may be kept.
Many panfish will be caught from boats but good fishing can be found along the shore for those who keep their feet on the ground.
The best equipment would be a light rod, 4-pound line and lures that imitate a minnow. Another piece of equipment that helps is simply a bucket.
In it, you can place much of your paraphernalia and your tire it can be used as a seat.
There are other places in the area where crappie can be caught.
I caught them in Canonsburg Lake, although they seem to run small. There also are crappie in good numbers in all the water dams.
In fact, there was a 19-inch crappie, a monster, pulled out of No. 4 a few years ago.
Wherever and whatever, it’s time to think fishing.
George H. Block writes a Sunday Outdoors column for the Observer-Reporter.