OPPOSE THE PROPOSED FEDERAL BAN ON LEAD IN FISHING TACKLE

I recently received this e-mail from Dave Jann from Jann's Netcraft on the opposition to the E.P.A. on the ban of lead in fishing tackle!

Oppose the Proposed Federal Ban on Lead in Fishing Tackle
Submit your comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) opposing the proposed ban on lead in fishing tackle

The Situation
On August 23, 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was petitioned by the Center for Biological Diversity and four other organizations to ban all lead in fishing tackle under the Toxic Substances Control Act. This includes sinkers, jigs, weighted fly line, and components that contain lead such as brass and ballast in a wide variety of lures, including spinners, stick baits and more.

It is important that anglers send your comments now! Let your voice be heard!

On August 27, 2010, the EPA denied the petition for ammunition but maintained the petition to ban lead fishing tackle. Supporters of hunting and the shooting sports have been successful in having ammunition excluded from this ban.

The petition was presented with the aim of reducing bird deaths caused by the ingestion of lead sinkers and jigheads; however, a study conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found that less than one percent of all waterfowl and other birds such as eagles are killed by lead sinker ingestion.

The reasons for opposing the ban are:

•The data does not support a federal ban on lead sinkers used for fishing. In general, bird populations, including loons and other waterfowl species, are subject to much more substantial threats such as habitat loss through shoreline development. Any lead restrictions need to be based on sound science that supports the appropriate action for a particular water body or species.

•Depending on the alternative metal and current prevailing raw material costs, non-lead fishing tackle products can cost from six to 15 times more than lead products. Non-lead products may not be as available and most do not perform as well. Mandatory transitioning to non-lead fishing tackle would require significant changes from both the industry and anglers.

•A federal ban of the use of lead in fishing tackle will have a significant negative impact on recreational anglers and fisheries resources, but a negligible impact on waterfowl populations.

•America's 60 million anglers generate over $45 billion in retail sales with a $125 billion impact on the nation’s economy creating employment for over one million people.
Anglers are encouraged to support voluntary angler education programs for the use of lead sinkers and should urge state and federal fish and wildlife agencies to do the same.

How You Can Help
The EPA has opened the petition for public comments. Please take the following two simple steps to oppose this ban.

1.Officially submit your comments opposing this ban using the EPA’s comment page at www.regulations.gov. Comments are due by September 15. You can copy and paste the template message below into the official comment form.
2.Enter your zip code at the bottom of this page to voice your concerns directly to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson. Your letter to EPA Administrator Jackson will also be copied to your two Senators and House member.
Template Message
I am writing to oppose the proposed EPA ban on lead in fishing tackle. This ban would have a significant impact on the recreational fishing community with minimal benefit for the referenced waterfowl. Lead is used not only in sinkers but in a wide variety of fishing lures and other tackle components.

The petitioners’ document is replete with commentary unsupported by scientific data and rife with misunderstandings about the use of lead sinkers. Although the petition is aimed at reducing waterfowl death from lead sinker ingestion, a study by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has shown that less than one percent of birds die from ingested sinkers. Lead fishing tackle does not present a population level problem to any bird species. In fact, loon populations are increasing throughout their breeding range.

If a particular body of water is of concern, the issue is most effectively addressed by a local science-driven process, not a national ban. Fisheries and recreational fishing methods are best managed by state agencies.

While supporters of this ban claim that there are many comparable alternatives to lead sinkers and jigs, this is not the case. Depending on the alternative metal and current prevailing raw material costs, non-lead fishing tackle products can cost from six to 15 times more than lead products. Non-lead products may not be as available and most do not perform as well. Mandatory transitioning to non-lead fishing tackle would require significant – and costly - changes from both the industry and anglers.

The resultant decrease of fishing tackle purchases will diminish the dollars for fisheries conservation through fishing license sales and the federal manufacturers’ excise tax on fishing equipment. Something our country can ill afford.

I urge you to deny the lead ban petition, because it will have a significant negative impact on the recreational fishing community and only a negligible impact on waterfowl populations.

Thank you for your consideration.

FISHING WITH DAD

Over the 55+ years that I've been fishing Ive had numerous fishing friends! I have spent the majority of my fishing by myself but it was, and is, a special day when I have someone with me! The one person that I owe all my knowledge to, is my Dad! I have to say that he was my best fishing buddy of my life! We lost Dad 22 years ago and when he past I lost quite abit of my enjoyment for fishing! I have some beautiful memories of time spent with him on the water! Dad really loved to fish and when ever he hooked a nice fish, I got so much enjoyment just watching the fight! When I was a small lad, Dad had two or three guys that would go with him but as soon as I was old enough, he had to take me along! I know I really tried his patience but he stuck with me and I listened and learned. My first trip to Canada was in the summer of 1966. Mom and Dad had been there several time before but not with me. Dad was so excited just getting ready for that trip. He went out and bought all kinds of tackle including a huge hip roof tackle box and he filled it with every kind or fishing lure you could think of! When we arrived at our camp, I unloaded the car while Dad took a nap (since he drove all night to get there). I set up all the tackle then grapped my spinning outfit and headed to the dock. It wasn't long before I caught my first Smallmouth Bass. It wasn't big but it was a start. I then caught a fish that I had never seen before. This fish was long and skinny and had a mouth full of teeth! I had to go wake up Dad for an identification which he confirmed it to be a small Walleye. I was ready for more. The next morning we headed out on the lake. The area that was recommended to us was known as the "TRIANGLE" because it was in the middle of three points. It also had over 100 feet of water which made me nervous since I never fished water this deep. I mentioned all the tackle that Dad had bought well, we fished with nightcrawlers most of the time! We started out wind drifting and Dad started to pull into weeds, so he thought! It dawned on him that we were in too deep of water to be hitting weeds so he "SET THE HOOK" into what turned out to be his largest Walleye of his life! I never saw him this excited! He was actually shaking! I went to net the fish and missed on the first try which caused some anxious moments for Dad. I didn't miss the next time! That Walleye weighed 6# with so many teeth. We had a great week and made return trips in each of the next two years! Needless to say I have now caught several Walleyes with a couple in the 8# range. I could sit here all day and talk about Dad and that is just about fishing. I'll wait until later to tell you of our hunting trips! I hope you have fond memories of fishing with someone you love! It cann't be beat!!

FISHING CRANKBAITS FOR LARGEMOUTH BASS

This has been a really tough summer for Bass fishing but knowing where to fish and what to throw can make the difference in the cast to catch ratio! For the most part, I've found that using a lure that can get down from 7 to 15 feet deep along the edge of weed beds will catch Bass! One of the best lures for this is a medium to deep running crank bait. Not only is the lure an important factor, so is the type of tackle being used as well as the type of line that is on your reel!. Here are my 5 best tips for selecting equipment for fishing crankbaits on weed edges:

1.)Using a crankbait rod that has a soft action tip that flexes when the fish hits allows the bass to suck the crankbait in when it hits. A soft action rod also allows the bait to bounce and deflect off the bottom and bounce off cover in a way
that makes fish bite it. And lastly, a soft rod keeps you from pulling the hooks out of the fish during the fight. A good crank bait rod should bend at least 1/3 of the way down the rod and have a soft feel. When using a wide wobbling crankbait on your rod, you should be able to see the rod tip actually vibrate and pulsate at
the same speed as the lure itself. Most companies make a specific model for crankbaits. Most pros will use a fiberglass or a graphite/fiberglass composite rod. It seems funny that the fiberglass rods are what I started out with so many years ago and the trend changed to graphite and boron and now things are reverting back to the glass rods again! Like they say,"What Goes Around Comes Around"!

2.)You need to use a line that transmits vibrations well. This means use either fluorocarbon line or a low stretch mono. I like to use TRILENE VANISH line which is a invisable (in the water) flurocarbon. I have found this to be a soft, small diameter line that holds up very well for me! I rarely use a line heavier that 12# test. You can go heavier to 14# or 17# fluorocarbon if you have big fish and real heavy weeds.

3.)Sometimes I take the split ring off my crankbaits and just use a snap lock to change baits. This lets me change baits faster and usually gives the baits better action. Do not use a snap swivel. The swivel is extra weight that hampers the movement of the crank bait.

4.)Most of the time a wide wobbling crankbait is better in warm water. Use a tight wobble in cold water. For fishing grass you should have three basic crankbaits....one that runs less than two foot deep, one that dives 4 to 6 feet deep and one that dives about 10+ feet deep. The baits you get should be very buoyant and made of balsa or plastic. The ideal crankbait around weeds, floats
very easily so that when you stop it in the weeds and it is stuck the bait has a chance to float up and away from the weeds before you continue the retrieve.

5.)A good weed crankbait will have a round bill or a coffin bill. A square bill is better for rocks and wood and will often pick up more weed than a round bill. You are always going to get stuck in the weeds but a round bill is easier to clear from the weeds when you fish it. Which ever style you use, use a stop and go retrieve and occasionally, give the rod tip a little jerk. These actions cause the crankbait to have a stutter effect which will cause many a Bass to hit!

Well that's the basic equipment considerations for cranking the weeds. Crank baits are a big favorite of mine! I've caught some very nice fish on them and I never seem to have enough crankers. I'll talk more on this subject at another time. Until the next time, Good Fishing!

I LOVE THE FALL

Fall is my second favorite season of the year! There is so much to do with all the fall festivals, football games, senic drives looking at the fall colors, getting ready for another hunting season and least we forget, the great fall fishing! When I was a teenager I had an agenda that I followed weekly! The only thing that I didn't want to do was go to school! I would sit in class and stare out the window and watch the clock until school was out! I would get off the school bus around 3:30 to 3:45p.m. and be in and out of the house before 4:00 and headed over the hill to the lake! I usally used only one or two baits, either a 3" Rapala or a Johnson Silver Minnow with an Uncle Josh Pork Frog in green. Both of these work really well! Back then the lake I fished had a good population of 2#-4# Largemouth Bass and it was a rare occasion that I didn't catch three or four bass in an evening! As the season progressed, I would spend the late afternoons hunting squirrel and wait until the weekends to fish. Friday evening we would go to the local football game. I would be up early on Saturday and into the woods for more squirrel hunting and the afternoon would find me on the lake! Every once in a while I would have a tough time deciding whether to go hunting or fishing! It was a hard life but someone had to do it! Of all the Bass that I've caught in my life, I had to wait until I was 19 to catch my first 6# Bass. Since then I have been fortunate to have caught several in the 6#-8# range and it never amazes me on how shook up I get seeing the size of those Bass! Most of these larger fish have come in the fall of the year, when they are on a very active feed pattern, adding weight for the winter ahead! If you can get out fishing between now and ice over, do it! You may be graced with your biggest catch of your life!

OHIO WATERS

I've lived in Ohio all my life and have truly enjoyed living in this state! Having said that, I must confess I have never been a fan of the Ohio Department of Natural resources! I live in the Northeastern part of the state and have seen very little done in this area to entice or reward the sportsmen of the area! Most of the improvements have been aimed at the larger populated areas such as Columbus and the southwestern portion of the state! There are some beautiful lakes and reservoirs in these areas. In Columbiana County, where I live, there are three lakes and two major hunting areas plus the Ohio River and Beaver Creek Wildlife area. Guilford Lake is the largest water area with 360+ water acres followed by Highlandtown with 160+ acres. There is "NO" fish stocking done at either lake, like at some of the bigger areas in the state. Very little is done for fish management unless it is done by private fishing clubs and organizations. I haven't heard of any creel census being taken and I never see or hear of a fishing report from these lakes! The state stopped stocking anything but catfish and saugeye and has given up on Bass, which is the one fish most anglers are after! I realize it is very tough on the state, due to econmic problems, to maintain their wildlife areas but I still feel there are ways to improve the fishing without much expence! Our state government has been looking at ways they can take money from our O.D.N.R. and transfer it to the general fund. If that happens, our sportsman dollars will be useless to the future of our wildlife habitat and fisheries! I would like to see a push from this area's outdoorsmen to work with our D.N.R. to better this area and even be able to bring people into the area for its fishing and outdoor activities!

FINDING BASS ON A HOT SUNNY DAY

We were blessed with another hot sunny day today. The temperature was in the high 80's with a bright, calm sky! We got a late start again this morning but still managed to find a couple of smaller Bass in the shallows. I pulled out one of my old favorite lures, a CREEKCHUB PLUNKER! This bait has been out of production for a number of years but can still catch fish! I was pretty careful not to get it hung up for fear I would lose it! I did manage one small Bass on it but that was it! We switched to crank baits and found Bass stacked on a drop that hadn't been effected by the sun. The sun was almost high in the sky but the drop was on the east side of the lake and was still in the shadow of the sun. We took several Bass from this area before we called it a day! I know I'm ready for cooler weather and the return of Fall! Fall is my second favorite season for fishing. The fish are on the feed to store fat for the winter and will be actively feeding and chasing bait into the shallows, back of coves and bays and, if available, up feeder creeks! This is the time I like to use spinner baits and jerk baits. Hopefully, We'll be fishing up to December!

AUGUST, "THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER"

This has been a really warm summer! A person doesn't want to be too far from an air conditioner these days let alone think of spending the day out on a lake in the baking sun and heat! If you enjoy fishing as much as I do, you suck it up and take plenty of liquids with you and hit the lake! Naturally, the best time to fish is the early morning hours and again in the evening. The lower light provides more shaded areas and the fish will be more active. The warmer water also increases the metabolism of the fish and makes them want to feed more! This can be a huge advantage for us fishermen! On bright sunny days, head for the weeds. This is an important source of cover for the fish as well as for their food sources. If the weed beds are close to deeper water, so much the better. Try to fish the irregular structure of the weed beds such as weed breaks, points, cuts etc.. Watch the formation of the weeds. If the weed stems surface and the main foliage spreads out on the surface, fish will be hiding underneath this coverage. Try dropping jigs through any openings in the weeds, the smaller the openings the better! Fish the weed edges. If the weeds generally thin out before disappearing there propably is a soft muddy bottom under the weeds. If the weeds have an abrupt ending the bottom is either sandy or rocky which both are excellent to hold fish. Again, jigs work really well here but any plastic baits such as worms, grubs or tubes would be ideal to use. However you go about it, it might be down right nasty to be out there fishing but a few nice fish will work wonders at easing the discomfort!