Spiel

'Mother lode' of lures Angler hauls in massive snag of lures from Cowee Creek Friday, October 23, 2009 By Abby Lowell / JUNEAU EMPIRE When a boat anchor didn't dislodge a ball of lures rooted on the bed of Cowee Creek, David Athearn fashioned a makeshift grappling hook, looped it onto the bumper of his SUV and pulled the tangle - which had been deviling anglers all season - from the water. What emerged was a ball of neon pink, chartreuse and yellow Pixee spoons tangled among a mess of monofilament fishing line, lead weights, leaves and twigs. "Up this thing comes, it was about four feet long and just this ganglia of hooks, and lures and flys and various assortments," Athearn said. Picking lures in Cowee Creek is a pastime Athearn has pursued for "quite a few years." It was an annual outing he and his friend "CMO" (See-mo) would organize in an effort to clean up the popular fishing area north of Juneau. "We'd take big black plastic garbage bags and pick up the pop bottles, beer cans, and Pixee spoon wrappers and all the things that people leave on the banks," he said. But just over a year ago CMO, his full name being Craig M. Olson, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. A month later in August, he died. The pair had been friends for more than 30 years. They hiked, picked mushrooms together and picked lures together. "We were, you know, outdoor buddies," Athearn said. In memory of his friend, Athearn decided to continue the annual Cowee Creek lure pick. And this year he hauled in the largest catch yet. It's been dubbed the "mother lode." In all, the wad contained exactly 100 variations of Pixee spoons, spinners, lead weights, egg clusters, hoochies and flies. It took an afternoon and a pair of wire clippers to deconstruct the monofilament and wire leaders holding the lures together. But most of the hooks had rusted away, Athearn said. "Monofilament, though, is like Cher's reconstructed cheek bones, they're forever." But this wasn't the most unusual thing Athearn has pulled from the creek. "You find a lot of interesting stuff that cretins toss into the river," he said. He's found a television, for instance. And on one occasion a pay phone. Athearn remembers hauling the receiver out of the water, holding it out towards Olson, who was spotting from the bank, and said, "It's for you!" Over the years Athearn said the picking has gotten easier. The popularity and strong fishery of the creek has certainly added to the amount of lures and other types of debris he's found in the area. "The amount of lures in the creek (is increasing) and unfortunately runs the gambit from beer bottles, beer cans to disposable diapers," he said. "It is a thing that irritates and somewhat angers me. But people are going to be people, and I just do what I can to alleviate (the litter) a little bit." But what is one to do with all these lures? Athearn chooses to "pay it forward." He gives those he doesn't need or want to friends or local families who will in turn refurbish them. But the rest he puts through "rehab" by shining them up and adding new hooks. "Come next year, I'll be using them," he said. And when the season wraps up in the fall, more than likely Athearn will be out at Cowee Creek again, picking lures. "It's something I will always continue to do as long as I'm in the upright-and-locked position and able to do that sort of thing," he said. "It's enjoyable, I supply myself with lures and it kind of cleans the creek up a little bit too."

Scugog sinks Port Perry Marina boat launch Township adamant that launch not part of waterfront redevelopment Oct 22, 2009 Chris Hall / newsdurhamregion.com PORT PERRY -- Scugog's ambitious plans for a new-look Port Perry waterfront does not include a marina boat launch, councillors told a shoreline business owner on Monday. Appearing before Scugog's councillors, John Mackey pitched an appeal to Township officials, asking they reconsider their plan to remove the boat launch located beside his Water Street business. As part of Scugog's massive waterfront redevelopment plan, the municipality is planning to rebuild and extend a lakefront boardwalk along the shores of Lake Scugog -- including a stretch of walkway past the Port Perry Marina and north past the Scugog Memorial Public Library. During his Oct. 19 deputation, however, Mr. Mackey stressed the importance of a boat launch to his business. "A boat launch is critical to the operation of Port Perry Marina," said Mr. Mackey, who has leased the marina property from the Township for nearly a quarter century. Talks between Mr. Mackey and the municipality on a lease extension, for as long as 20 years potentially, are currently underway. If the Township was to eliminate the marina boat launch, said Mr. Mackey, the waterfront business would have to make some tough decisions regarding its bottom line and customer service. He noted it would take additional time and/or staff resources to launch and retrieve boats if staff had to travel to the municipal boat launch to the north of the marina. Mr. Mackey also noted having a launch at the marina is handy for boat repairs, snowmobiles in need of fuel and for those renting vessels from Port Perry Marina. Even Scugog has taken advantage of the marina boat launch in the past, said Mr. Mackey, pointing out the weed harvester hired by the Township made use of the private launch. "Surely ... (redevelopment planners) can blend a boat launch at Port Perry Marina in a way that fits into the waterfront development plan," said Mr. Mackey. When asked how the loss of the launch might impact his business, Mr. Mackey said it's unlikely his business would suffer much, but that his operational costs could soar. "Eventually, yeah, the customers would have to absorb some of the cost," he said. Mr. Mackey's plea, however, appeared to fall on deaf ears. Scugog Mayor Marilyn Pearce asked staff if Mr. Mackey was made aware from the start of the waterfront project that his marina business could be impacted. In response, Gene Chartier, Scugog's commissioner of planning and public works, noted that Mr. Mackey was told the Township may wish to eliminate the boat launch. Mayor Pearce added that the municipality "thought you understood" the direction Scugog was taking when Mr. Mackey moved a portion of his business to the Hwy. 12 corridor. "As much as we all want to see your business continue ... there's a new vision for the downtown and it's less industrial," she said, adding that an auto parts store on the waterfront should also see the writing on the wall. "If we can't come to some sort of an agreement, we may have to look at how to manage a marina. Times have changed for the waterfront," said the mayor. "As we move forward 20 years and out, we may want a municipal marina that's more fitting for a downtown location," she continued. "We thank you for all you do in the community but I think the vision is going to stay intact." A clearly disappointed Mr. Mackey acknowledged the redevelopment plan and noted he embraced the municipality's downtown vision. When quizzed by Ward 3 Councillor Lynn Philip Hodgson if the Township would provide Mr. Mackey any compensation, Mayor Pearce shot back that exclusive negotiating rights to run the municipal marina "is pretty good compensation" and added that such agreements "should be going out for" everyone to bid on.

Taking to the waters of Rice Lake after dark offers peace and solitude October 31, 2009 TERRY CURTIS / www.northumberlandtoday.com Night time, autumn walleye. Is there a more relaxing, peaceful way to fish? Not in my books. For years and years now my father, Leo, and I have been fishing night biting fall walleye along the shoreline in the shallows of Rice Lake, unhindered by other boats and noise, sometimes the only boat on the water. And, I might add, with great success. It seems Dad and I aren't the only ones who enjoy the solitude and peaceful waters at this time of year. The walleye aren't shy at all and move right up into the shallow water right along the edges of the remaining docks in the lake. In fact, we often catch them in three feet of water or less. That's not a misprint. Three feet of water or less! With no boat traffic or swimmers on the lake at this time of year, the walleye feel perfectly safe following the perch right up on shore and that's where we concentrate on catching them. Forget the weed clumps and edges you should be fishing in daylight hours for walleye in seven or eight feet of water. The walleye will vacate these areas just around dusk, moving to the shallow water and feeding there in short binges until about first light. Dad and I slow troll these shallows and it's a very, very rare occasion when we don't get a quick limit of fish. Hey, it's not rocket science. The walleye follow their food source and at this time of year it's right up tight to shore. The trick is to match the food the walleye are hitting and in the Kawartha Lakes you can bet its mostly perch or black and silver minnows. For that reason, we always, always use 3 1/2" Original Floating Rapalas. I prefer the silver/black combo while he prefers the perch pattern. That said though, when a full moon occurs, I live and die by the gold/fluorescent red hues especially when fishing after ten P. M. For some reason walleye can't resist them on a full moon. Why? Beats me, all I know is it's the hottest ticket in town for about four or five nights before the full moon and about three nights after when fishing late nights. Seven-foot medium heavy action rods and 10-lb. monofilament line are our gear of choice. A little "TIP" for you though. Place a #8 split shot about 14 inches up from the lure (it makes the RAPALA wiggle more) and never, never use a leader or swivel with these baits. Tie directly to the lure so you get the most action out of it. Oh, and if you really want to get a hard hit reach up ahead of your reel and give the line a couple of hard tugs every few minutes or so. Any following walleye will almost immediately whack your lure because when you jerk on the line it makes the bait wobble and flutter like an injured minnow and that is precisely what old Mister Marble Eyes wants. An easy snack. Hey, why waste all that time and energy chasing lively darting minnows when there's a sickly, slow moving one right there? Also, when you get a walleye, turn your boat around right there and then and troll back through the same water you just covered. Walleye don't travel alone and Dad and I often catch all of our fish in one very tiny area by doing this, sometimes in a one hundred foot stretch of water. If one fish is there feeding you can bet it will have company because there is a food source in that location that drew it in. If, after catching a few walleye in one area and the bite suddenly dies, carry on trolling along the shoreline. The fish will move along these shallows following the perch and minnows as they move. Move slowly and quietly and you'll soon discover the next feeding site as well. One last thing. Well, almost. Do yourself a favour and don't troll along steep banks. The walleye won't usually be there at night this time of year. Instead, fish shallow sandy, pea gravel areas. That's key to your success as is the importance of having working lights on your boat, a smooth running motor and all your safety gear. It's very cold out there at night, safety is very important. Each angler should carry their own flashlight too, not just for unhooking fish and line foul-ups but just in case ones dies. It usually happens when you need one the most! Been down that road too often! Lastly, before you head out for these tasty late-night treats, do yourself a real favour. You can thank me later. Purchase a bag of Darryl Cronzy's breading and batter mix. I've tried and tasted countless fish batters over the years and last week I gave this one the taste test on some fresh perch. How good is it? I had to count my fingers when I got done eating!

What, no brussel sprouts?

I'm feeling a little ill just reading the last 5 pages........

Thanks for the chat folks. I feel so vacant now.

I'd say that's excessive. The guy probably has a testosterone deficiency!

You can evacuate your potty mouth in chat.

Whether or not the atlantic salmon fishery takes off or fails is a moot point. What matters Mike is that you got out and helped.

Sad indeed. What's really scary (for me) is my 17 year old daughter was in that park this past weekend. She arrived safely home on Tuesday.

Dang! I don't have a sled but the one I want is parked at TJ's.

BINGO! Fresh steelhead are not terribly difficult to hook if your presenting your bait in the right place in the right manner.

Conservation plan wipes out goldfish Oct 28, 2009 Eric McGuinness / The Hamilton Spectator Goodbye, goldfish. The Hamilton Conservation Authority believes it has eradicated most, if not all, goldfish from McCormack and Merrick ponds in the Dundas Valley, where they threatened endangered Jefferson salamanders and other native amphibians. Ecologist Shari Faulkenham says an Owen Sound company applied the plant-based pesticide rotenone last week with almost-immediate results. Enough goldfish to fill three 150-litre containers were removed from McCormack Pond. Faulkenham says that confirms earlier estimates of 40,000 in the pond, because many of those killed likely settled to the bottom. About a dozen large adults and several dozen yearlings were removed from Merrick Pond. "So I would like to claim success," she said, "but it is difficult to say if it is 100 per cent success at this time." Faulkenham said experts are confident any remaining goldfish will die before the chemical breaks down completely. Checks for live fish will be made next month. People have been seen leaving one of the ponds with nets and pails at night, officials say, leading them to believe the goldfish were planted illegally with the intention of letting them breed, then harvesting them for sale as aquarium feeder fish.

Government pours money into river recovery October 26th, 2009 John Law / Niagara Falls Review Niagara’s portion of the Great Lakes got just a bit greater Saturday. The federal government gave a $326,000 financial boost for seven “areas of concern” in Niagara as part of Environment Canada’s Great Lakes Sustainability Fund. The money will go towards habitat improvement, cleaner water, and other issues identified by biologists, technicians and trained volunteers. “We can’t forget the Great Lakes,” said Niagara Falls MP Rob Nicholson during the announcement at Table Rock. “They are a crucial ecosystem that contains 20% of the world’s fresh water supply.” The government has pledged more than $2 million this year towards 39 trouble spots along the Great Lakes. The seven spots in Niagara include the region’s Niagara Falls Central Pump Station, the wetland habitat along the Niagara River and the Niagara Parks Commission’s Niagara River Bank Stabilization Project at the northern point of Navy Island. Debbie Whitehouse, executive director of the commission’s parks department, said bioengineering will be used to tackle erosion control. “Other than a hard and fast engineering approach, this is a much more environmentally sustainable approach.” The Niagara River has been cited as one of five binational areas of concern by the Great Lakes Sustainability Fund. There are 14 areas in total. The fund provides help for initiatives aimed at reducing pollution, restoring habitat and cleaning up contaminated sediment. It also supports projects to clean up contaminated beaches. The Niagara River portion of the Great Lakes runs 58 kilo-metres, from lakes Erie to Ontario. Its problems include excessive nutrient loads (such as phosphorous), inputting to the watershed, and wetland and habitat loss. For more information on the fund, visit sustainabilityfund. gc.ca

Asian Carp Invasion would be a Freshwater Disaster for Canada As the invasive fish pound on the door to Lake Michigan and the rest of the Great Lakes, emergency action must be taken to stop the threat www.ofah.org October 14, 2009 (Ottawa, Toronto)- Invasive Asian carp have reached the Great Lake's last line of defense outside of Chicago, Illinois, and one heavy rainfall can see them breach the electric barrier protecting the world's largest source of surface freshwater from these voracious fish. Environmental and conservation groups are urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to take emergency action, while the Canadian government is urged to support the effort in any way possible. Currently, an electric barrier on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal (CSSC) is all that prevents the fish from spreading into the Great Lakes. Recently discovered just a mile from the barrier, the carp have also been found in waterways less than 100 feet from the canal, and could bypass the barrier completely if a heavy rain causes the Des Plaines River to flood. "This is an emergency and we are down to sandbags and mortar," says Jennifer Nalbone, from Great Lakes United. "Barriers must be built between these nearby waterways and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal to ensure that during a fall flood live carp cannot be carried into the CSSC past the electrical barrier." Asian carp present a significant risk to Canadian freshwaters. The Canadian department of Fisheries and Oceans has warned via risk assessments that Asian carp species would not only survive, but, due to similar temperatures found in its native range in China, likely thrive in the Great Lakes and across most of the provinces. "There is an urgent threat of the carp entering Lake Michigan if the nearby waterways flood into the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal," says Mary Muter Georgian Baykeeper from Georgian Bay Forever. "One heavy rain event could spell disaster for the Great Lakes and inland waters across Canada." In addition to the Des Plaines River, which in some places is only yards away from the CSSC, the carp are poised to also enter another adjacent canal, the Illinois & Michigan (I&M), which is connected to the CSSC by small culverts that the carp can swim through during heavy rains. The Asian carp are invasive fish that are harming the environment and economies of the Mississippi and threaten to do the same to the Great Lakes. The term captures four different species of fish: the bighead, grass, silver and black carp, of which the first three have invaded the Mississippi River watershed. The fish are voracious feeders that can grow to maximum weights of 40-50 kg based on species, quickly dominating a waterbody due to their size. They would cause irreversible harm to the Great Lakes by consuming large quantities of food, muscling out native fish populations, and altering native habitat. Meanwhile, the silver carps' tendency to jump out of the water when startled makes them a hazard to boaters. The CSSC is a man-made waterway that connects Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River basin. Originally intended as a means for the city of Chicago to overcome sewage problems in the early 20th century, it created an artificial connection through which aquatic invasive species can pass in both directions. This is the only waterway connecting the two basins. The electric barrier is located near Romeoville, Illinois on the CSSC. A new DNA monitoring technique being used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in conjunction with the University of Notre Dame, found that invasive Asian carp are a mere mile from the electric barrier in the CSSC. In response the Corps increased the voltage at the barrier from 1 to 2 volts. Allies in the United States are circulating an action alert that calls on citizens to contact their member of congress, senators, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and urge them to take action this fall and ensure that: An emergency physical barrier (like sandbags) be built between the Des Plaines and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal to ensure the Des Plaines River and live carp cannot flood into the CSSC past the electrical barrier. An additional barrier (such as a bubble/acoustic barrier) is installed to stop the carp from migrating upstream into the Des Plaines River. Critical sections of the I&M Canal be filled in, so that carp cannot swim into the CSSC during floods. Canadian citizens are also being asked to contact the Minister of the Environment, Jim Prentice and Fisheries and Oceans Minister Gail Shea, and urge that they offer Canada's help in any effort to stop the invasive fish. "If the Asian carp make it to Lake Michigan, they won't stop at the border," says Dr. Terry Quinney from the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters "They will invade all of the Great Lakes, and have the opportunity to spread within inland waterways across the province; affecting the $7 billion dollar recreational and commercial fishery, as well as degrading the biodiversity of our waters." For more information: contact: Jennifer Nalbone, Campaign Director, Invasive Species and Navigation, Great Lakes United: phone: (716) 213-0408 email: [email protected] Mary Muter, Georgian Baykeeper from Georgian Bay Forever: phone (416) 489-8101 email: [email protected] Dr. Terry Quinney, Provincial Manager of Fish and Wildlife Services, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, 705-748-6324, ext. 242 email: [email protected]

Great post Mike. I'll have to hook up with you for some action on this river with you.... It looks like a great place to break in my new baitcast outfit. Unfortunately it'll have to be next fall.

That's a fine bunch of folks you're hanging out with there Joey. I'm glad to see you were able to make it pay off for yous on Sunday. Oh and nice hat Paul.

Cursed? I think not, perhaps you had a monkey on your back, or the proverbial "white stripe" but cursed, no, definitely not. Congrats Wayne, it's a nice wittle musky.....

Outstanding!

JP pinched me in a Brantford bar one night, or maybe it was TJ? I don't know, like I said it was in a bar and the memories are a little fuzzy.

I'm in. I'm in!!!! I'M IN !!!!!!!

I read the same article yesterday Cudz and wondered the same thing. According to the regs as far as I can see FMZ 10 has a minimum of 36 inches. Thus the angler has done nothing illegal. Not knowing how long it was in the livewell and/or if he had travelled any distance with it I offer no further opinion.

Not everyone in Hamilton wants an NHL team.

I watched that show last night (second time) as well Lew. I found it interesting and yet sad at the same time. I felt for the crew of the H.M.C.S. Algonquin noting that they sunk her sister ship the decomishioned H.M.C.S. Huron with her own retrofitted gun. But I'm not convinced it's the best use of (what sadly became) scrap steel. On the upside it was sunk by the Canadians. I do know that once these ships settle on the bottom they do in time become part of the marine enviroment, providing habitat and shelter to a wide variety of marine life unlike smaller discarded trash which is at the mercy of the ocean currents, thus never become a stable part of the marine enviroment. Huron sinks after barrage from HMCS Algonquin

Spiel don't do Quinte.