The Outdoors Insider

Lessons from a sad story

It is a sad story that happens far too often. Two lives have likely been lost, which means, at the very least, we need to learn a lesson from their tragedy. Last weekend, a father-son duo was scheduled to be on a charter boat in the Delaware Bay. When the trip was cancelled due to weather, they apparently figured they would take matters into their own hands and head out in their 16-foot boat.
It may have been deadly decision, as they have not been seen or heard from since their Friday afternoon departure. Their boat was recovered by rescue authorities on Saturday, capsized, with a net tangled in its propeller.

We will know more details of this unique situation as the story unfolds, but there are several universal lessons that must be reinforced anytime a mishap like this one takes place. Number one is a must; always wear a life jacket, especially when the water is this cold. It may be uncomfortable at times, but it is better than the alternative.
Number two, always have a means to communicate. Cell phones are great, but they are rarely waterproof and service is often spotty on the water. Anytime I am on the water, I am within arms reach of a waterproof portable VHF radio. In an emergency, I know it will work.

Finally, file a float plan. Let somebody know where you are headed and when you’re going to be home. It only takes a minute. If it’s an extended trip, create a means to check in with somebody onshore periodically. There is no doubt, float plans save numerous lives each year.

Anytime we spend time on the water, accidents are bound to happen. But just a bit of preparation and sense of safety can go a long way to ensure we all make it back alive.

Popularity: 29% [?]

Fixing our dumb, expensive mistakes

Humans are quite good at creating engineering and architectural marvels. But we stink at fully understanding the consequences. We build buildings, dams and massive canal systems that change the way we live, yet we forget those that live among and around us. While we thrive, the wildlife suffers.

There are two examples worth pontificating, the impending Asian carp disaster in the Great Lakes and Washington’s dire salmon spawn.

If you haven’t heard, a quickly spreading invasive carp species that escaped from captivity and is now found in almost all of the Mississippi River is just about ready to enter and conquer Lake Michigan as well as the rest of the Great Lakes. It’s only roadblock (or canal block, really) is Chicago. Politicians, scientists, transport officials and engineers are bickering into overtime how to fix the system.

Poisons take out too many other fish. Electric barriers have a slew of problems of their own. And closing the locks and going back to nature’s course would devastate the local transportation industry to the tune of nearly $5 billion. Now that the Supreme Court ruled closing the locks is out of the question, the latest idea to keep carp from migrating any further north has turned to something Americans are very, very good at.

Pollution.

Instead of creating a physical barrier, anti-carpers want to create an oxygen void, a section of waterway purposely void of life-sustaining oxygen levels that would force the carp to stay clear. They envision the same kind of dead zone that keeps fish from moving into massive regions of the Chesapeake Bay and the Gulf of Mexico each year. But this time, they actually want it there.

Further west, in Washington, they like their dams just as we do here on the Susquehanna. They are great for creating power and diverting water, but not so great if you’re a young salmon with the goal of survival on your mind. With a mild winter and the resultant low water supply, the area’s rivers are flowing at below salmon-carrying capacity. The fish cannot get out of the rivers and head to the ocean to mature.
What’s the answer? Officials are planning to barge the fish around the dams. It’s a risky, expensive proposition, but if the fish don’t make it the ocean on time, survival is questionable.

Hop in, young salmon. Next stop, the Pacific.
Hopefully the planners of the next set of modern marvels are paying attention. But I doubt they are.

Popularity: 29% [?]

Perfect weather? Well, maybe…

First off, let me be very clear. I will never complain about 75 degree weather in the first week of April. With typical temperatures for the week below 60 degrees, this weekend’s weather is a gift we are obligated to take advantage of. But, there is a downside to bright, warm weather, especially for trout fishermen.

With the carnival-like trout opener scheduled for eight o’clock Saturday morning, anglers are anxious to line the area’s stream banks. While the sun will feel great on our pasty, winter-whitened skin, that big ball in the sky is no friend of trout. Bright, sunny days can drive trout deep and force them to change their feeding habits. As I guide, I always welcomed a decent cloud cover and cooler temperatures.

While the sudden spurt of warmth likely won’t be enough to drive water temps above a trout’s comfort zone (above 62 or so), the sun should  play a role in a savvy angler’s tactics. Your best bet is to fish early and late in the day. Since we can’t toss a line until more than an hour after sunrise, anglers willing to stick around for sunset are likely in for a treat. Beyond that, look for shady pools with plenty of cover.

Of course, even the best plans for opening day can be spoiled when there’s already company in your favorite hole. Crowd management is not normally a tactic while fishing, but with weather this nice, it may turn out to be a useful skill.

Just remember, it’s not all about the number of fish on the stringer. It’s about having fun and forgetting the pain of Monday mornings.

Popularity: 31% [?]