|
|
March 17, 2010 by
Imagine the conversation:
Husband: “You know I’ve been thinking about updating the kitchen.”
Wife: “Really! That’s great. I’ve had my eye on some new cabinets for quite some time.”
Husband: “Cabinets!? Forget that! I was thinking about sinking a 50-foot hole in the kitchen so I could fish the underground river that runs beneath our house.”
How exactly does one propose digging what basically amounts to a mineshaft in your kitchen to your wife? Even with my overly active (ok, psychotic) imagination I can’t imagine coming up with the idea of doing it, let alone trying to sell my wife on it. But that’s exactly what Li Huiyan, of Chongqing, China did.
Li, a farmer, hired 30 workers who toiled for more than six months to dig a 50 foot shaft in the center of his kitchen. Since then Li has had exclusive fishing rights (as he’s the only one that’s bothered to dig a pit in his kitchen to reach it) to the river and catches fish daily by simply
suspending a net. Li explained that he knew the river had plenty of fish as it used to flow above ground but disappeared years ago when a portion of a neighboring mountain was bombed to make a road. Figuring that the fish followed the river, Li made a gamble and won. He now sells his catch to both the wholesale and retail markets.
I wonder what I’d find 50 feet below my kitchen. Maybe I’ll hire some neighborhood kids to dig a pit and find out. With my luck I’ll reach some water but only be able to catch those endangered Texas blind salamanders.
I doubt anybody’d buy those.
[ Read Full Post ] March 12, 2010 by
It’s being hailed as the biggest crab Great Britain’s ever seen.
The press has dubbed it “Crabzilla.”
Those uppity Latin-speaking scientists refer to it as Macrocheira kaempferi.
The Japanese would normally call it dinner.
It’s actually a Japanese Spider Crab and it measures an incredible 10 feet from claw to claw. But it could get bigger. Experts believe the crab is still growing and by the time it reaches 100 years of age it could be as wide as 15 feet from claw to claw. As it stands now its head is so large it draws comparisons to a basketball – which is incredible in itself because the British wouldn’t know what a basketball was if LeBron James dunked one in the Queen Mother’s crown. The Brits like cricket not basketball.
Crabzilla, who was caught off the coast of Japan, is currently residing at the National Sea Life Centre (forget basketball, the Brits can’t even spell) in Birmingham before being shipped off for permanent residence in Belgium. Generally, Japanese Spider Crabs are eaten but Crabzilla’s exceptional size saved him from the steamer.
I wonder how much butter I’d need for over 10 feet of crab legs.
[ Read Full Post ] February 25, 2010 by
Thousands of recreational anglers, charterboat operators and commercial fishermen from every coastal state descended on Washington at a rally to support proposed legislation that would reform provisions contained in the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA).
Called the Flexibility in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act of 2009, House Bill H.R.1584 and Senate Bill S 1255 would allow fisherman to retain reasonable access to healthy fisheries as fish stocks continue to rebuild and meet conservation objectives. The bills’ purpose is to end regulations based on flawed science using insufficient data with very large margins of error.
The "United We Fish" rally at Capitol Hill drew a crowd estimated between three and four thousand, consisting of an eclectic mix of commercial fishermen, charter and party boat captains, and recreational anglers and tackle shop owners. While the crowd was clearly tilted towards commercial interests (no official numbers are available but I'm guessing the split was about 70-30,) a spirit of unity was observed. Time and time again both the speakers and the crowd addressed the need to unite forces, in order to protect our ability to fish.
"Maybe we argued about allocation yesterday, and maybe we'll argue about it again tomorrow," said Jim Hutchinson, Managing Director of the Recreational Fishing Alliance. "But today we're here together because if we don't unite there won't be any allocation to talk about. This is about our legal access to fisheries. We all need to fight for it, because some of the interests out there don't care how or why you fish, they just want to get you off the water."
The rally attracted some heavy-hitting politicians, as well as the high-liners. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) took the stage early, and was followed by others including Kay Kagen (D-NC) and Barney Frank (D-MA). All spoke of the need to maintain access to fisheries, with much of the talk focusing on the Flexibility in Rebuilding America's Fisheries Act, HR 1584/SB 1255. This bill would change the restrictive timelines for fisheries rebuilding in the Magnuson-Stevens act, and was widely supported by the rally attendees.
"We need this because the goals and timelines currently in place are ridiculous," said John McFalls, secretary of the Maryland Saltwater Sportsman's Association Atlantic Coast Chapter. "We need to tell our representatives that if they don't support this bill, we won't vote for them."
The feeling was echoed by fishermen from all segments of the industry. Capt. Monty Hawkins, with 30 years at the helm of the Ocean City party boat Morning Star, said "Our industry is being stolen by bad data and lying paperwork." Capt. Cliff Parker of the Hatteras charter boat Big Easy added "Regulation, taxation, and litigation are killing us. These are good-hearted working people here, and we're losing our ability to support our families."
Contingents from every coastal state attended the rally, and wandering through the crowd jackets and hats for commercial boats and charter operations from all across America were visible: Pt. Judith, RI, Shinnecock, NY, Destin, FL, and even Seldovia, AK. Grundens were everywhere.
The crowd remained polite and peaceful, though vocal, throughout the rally, and the us-versus-them mentality we're used to seeing when commercials and recs share the stage seemed to be history. At least, for now-and regardless of what one thinks of the rally, this in and of itself should be considered a victory.
It's not too late to add your voice to the crowd: go to http://www.unitedwefish.com/ and click on the "Contact Your Senator" button, if you want to show your support.
[ Read Full Post ] February 23, 2010 by
Last month Trinity County Texas Game Wardens Chad Jones and Sam Shanafelt were patrolling White Rock Creek when they spotted a man throwing trash from his pontoon boat. When wardens investigated they discovered a baited Yo-Yo (illegal to fish with in Texas) and a canister of marijuana aboard the boat.
Had the “fisherman” not littered, chances are he probably never would have been detained and ultimately fined.
In honor of Mr. Litter-Bug’s (not real name) dumb move here are few other stupid ways to attract attention while fishing illegally:
Playing loud music – Yeah, base-thumping gangsta’ rap complete with shout outs about “bitches,” “drugs,” “smoking a blunt,” and “gunning that fool down” won’t attract anyone.
Utilizing explosives – Nothing attracts attention like trying to blast fish from the depths.
Utilizing poisons - “I couldn’t help but wonder why you’re wearing a fully enclosed hazmat suit on such a beautiful day.”
Nudity – If you like showing off your body in public chances are it’s not worth showing off.
Public drunkenness – Being fall-down drunk, yelling to passing female boaters to “drop y’er top baby!” and screaming for anyone within earshot to “play some Skynard” are dead giveaways that you’ve probably had a few too many.
Screaming obscenities – Yes, fishing can be frustrating but screaming about the alleged sex practices of your relatives will definitely attract attention.
Being scorched – A little sun—normal. Looking like a lobster, so red that when people spot you they say “damn!” out loud attracts attention.
Have any more? Best one—chosen by me—wins a couple real nice fishing lures. The deadline is Friday. C'mon now, let's hear 'em.
[ Read Full Post ]February 22, 2010 by
While the National Wild Turkey Federation was crowning their champion, BASS was doing the same. However, instead of a newcomer hoisting the trophy, BASS handed out their top honor to a three-time champ.
Indeed, Kevin VanDam targeting an area of Alabama's Lay Lake called Beeswax Creek for three straight days, totaled 51 pounds, 6 ounces of bass to take the Bassmaster Classic. VanDam says he caught seven fish off a single stump. His lure of choice was a Strike King Red Eye shad in gold and gold/sexy-shad colors.
VanDam trails only Rick Clunn for all-time Classic victories with four.
[ Read Full Post ] February 19, 2010 by
As we mentioned on OutdoorLife.com last week, the invasion of giant squid continues unabated off the coast of California and scores of anglers are getting in on the action.
Although the squid are found in Monterey Bay all year, they are most prominent from October through March. El Nino seems to have increased their numbers even more and biologists are studying the phenomenon with great zeal.(www.thecalifornian.com/article/20100213/NEWS01/2130305/1002/news01/What-s-up-with-Monterey-Bay-s-Humboldt-squid-invasion)
"We don't know if we're dealing with 50,000 squids or 5 million," Stanford University marine biologist William Gilly was quoted as saying.
"The four biggest questions are: 'Why are they here?' 'What are they doing?' 'How many of them are there?' and 'What impact are they having on our fisheries?'" said Julie Steward, one of Gilly's students.
In the meantime, fishermen are lining up for their share of calamari. To see more, click here.
[ Read Full Post ]February 16, 2010 by
According to WAOW TV 9, Wittenberg, Wisconsin resident Angelo Firkus speared a 131-pound, 72 1/4 inch sturgeon on Lake Winnebago in Eastern Wisconsin this past Saturday, February 13, 2010. Of the event Firkus said, "I can't believe I got it. It's a fish of a lifetime." For Firkus’ fish a lifetime was extremely long as Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources experts estimated the fish’s age at “about 100 years.” So what were the major events of Firkus’ sturgeon’s life?
1910 – Woodrow Wilson is president, the Boy Scouts of America is founded, and Firky (as Firkus’ sturgeon’s real name is unpronounceable in the human tongue he will be referred to as Firky henceforth) the sturgeon escapes his egg sack. Unfortunately, not all of his 2 million brothers and sisters follow suit.
1911 - William Howard Taft becomes president, the first old-age home opens in Prescott, Arizonia, and Firky makes it to that all important first year birthday.
1920 – The New York Yankees purchase Babe Ruth from the Red Sox for $125,000 and Firky starts to feel “a little different.” After listening to the After School Radio Special Timmy’s Body’s Changing Firky realizes he is in the throes of puberty.
1925 – Mussolini becomes dictator and Firky fertilizes his first batch of eggs. He is later taken on the Maury Show where he defends his total lack of parenting by stating, “Man lots of fish fertilized that fish’s eggs. Heck, my homeboy Tee did twice. Those fry ain’t mine!”
1930 - Synthetic rubber is first produced and Firky fertilizes his 2 billionth egg. He celebrates by getting t-shirt made that reads “Over 2 Billion Serviced!” and cruising bars with friends looking for more eggs to fertilize.
1947 - Jackie Robinson becomes first black in major league baseball while Firky starts an anti carp immigration movement.
1960 – U.S. appeals court rules novel, Lady Chatterly's Lover, not obscene. Firky suffers midlife crisis, buys a sports car and combs his balding hair over scalp.
1969 – Neil Armstrong walks on the moon and Firky is nearly speared by “some long-haired stinky hippie!”
1975 – Jimmy Hoffa goes missing. Firky wonders about the man in “cement shoes” at the bottom of his lake home.
1999 – SpongeBob SquarePants premieres. Firky gets a new hip.
2008 – Barack Obama is elected president. Firky finds he no longer enjoys the things he used to. He does however sign away all his assets to his Guatemalan maid, starts watching The Golden Girls, and begins eating dinner at 3:45 in the afternoon.
2010 – Firky feels stabbing pain in back, sees a bright white light containing all his deceased friends. They call for him to come toward the light.
[ Read Full Post ] February 10, 2010 by
Hypostomus plecostomus otherwise known as sucker fish or armored catfish are those spiny black, bottom sucking, algae eaters found in freshwater aquariums around the world. Originally from South America these nasty exotics have made their way into Texas (and the rest of the South) rivers and creeks through intentional and accidental release. Where found they are an ecological nightmare.
Capable of reaching upwards of three feet in length, plecostomus are covered with thick body armor as well as a plethora of spike-like spines along and within the fins. They destroy natural habitat by sucking up algae – that some indigenous species feed on –fish eggs and larvae. They also burrow into river banks causing unstable ground and the release of sediments into the water. Because nothing in the United States will eat them, it’s up to man to try and control them (hell, it was man that put them there in the first place). Problem is that sucker fish don’t respond to anything an angler might throw at them, they’re generally too deep to shock, and traps and nets have proved to be a waste of time. The only way to really make a dent in the population is to take them on one at a time, mano on fish-o.
As I’ve been spearfishing for almost twenty years the idea of diving into a river to hunt fish wasn’t new to me. Going after sucker fish however was. Luckily I was guided by plecostomus hunter extraordinaire Rodney Wade who has popped more than his share of the nasty imports.
We met up at the San Marcos river near (oddly enough) San Marcos, Texas. Spring fed and generally gin clear this river maintains a constant temperature of around 72 degrees making it perfect for tropical invaders such as plecostomus. It’s also home to number of other invasive species such as koi, goldfish, and betas. The plan was to float the river in-between low water crossings, hunting as we went. Signs of the damage done by these exotics were apparent from my first dive. Entire beds of grass and wild rice lay in waste, logs that once harbored shelter and food for smaller fish were striped of algae and other growth, and in some areas the banks looked more like a colander. After less than ten minutes in the water I had popped my first sucker, a real beaut roughly ten inches in length and black as pitch. Within an hour I had collected six suckers while Rodney had taken a good-sized goldfish.
Taking a break from the water to warm up and have a snack I did some quick calculating. At six fish and hour it would only take me about sixteen thousand hours to rid Texas of the estimated 100,000 plecostomus inhabiting state waters. That’s roughly 694 days.
Guess I better get busy.
[ Read Full Post ] February 1, 2010 by
From APP.com...
New Jersey fishermen could see a shutdown of the summer shark fishery - and the suspension of big-money shark fishing tournaments - because a two-year-old revision of the state's marine fishing regulations was not approved before former governor Jon Corzine left office, industry advocates say.
Now they are afraid the regulations could be delayed again by Gov. Christie's declaration of a 90-day moratorium on new regulations and rulemaking.
"Because of Governor Corzine's failure to act on the package, New Jersey is facing a potentially damaging shutdown of our shark fishery,'' the Recreational Fishing Alliance says in a letter sent today to the governor's office. ""The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission is scheduled to meet in Alexandria, Virginia, from February 1-4, and during those meetings New Jersey is expected to be voted out of compliance on our shark regulations, which will begin the process of shutting down our shark fishery.''
The ASMFC is an interstate compact that binds East Coast states in cooperative conservation measures. States that don't comply with those management plans can have their fisheries closed, a step that would be enforced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Coast Guard.
Back in 2007 the state Department of Environmental Protection prepared a sweeping revision of the state's regulations to comply with ASMFC requirements, but it languished during legal reviews and was ready for publication in the state Register last fall, according to the RFA, and has been awaiting approval at the governor's office.
[ Read Full Post ]January 26, 2010 by
Here is a picture of my foot with a hook in it.
I got it stuck in my foot on the last night of a fishing trip at Lake Amistad along the Texas/Mexico border. It had been a long day. I’d caught a lot of fish, gotten some sun, and had a good time with my buddies. I had just showered and was getting ready to put on some clean clothes when I stepped on a hook buried in the shag carpet of the cabin I was staying in. It was a large hook and it embedded itself deep into the muscle of the ball of my foot. It hurt like hell. Try as hard as I could though I couldn’t move the hook forward or backward and there was no way in hell I was going to let my buddies touch it. I did however let them drive me twenty miles into Del Rio, Texas to the emergency room to have the hook removed by a trained medical professional.
The medical professional in charge was a very young, attractive physician’s assistant who swore to me that she had removed plenty of embedded fish hooks from feet. To be honest, I think she was just impressed that I had full insurance as the three people before me did not. To further impress her I told her how I was an outdoor writer, how I worked for several different magazines and had even penned a few books.
“Like Hemingway?” She asked as she gingerly pulled on a pair of latex gloves.
That’s right babe. Just like Hemingway.
As she cleaned my wound I told her about hunting in Africa, the dangers of my career and of the terrors found in the depths of the neighboring lake.
“Oh yeah, the alligator gar in the lake can rip a boat in half.”
“I’m going to inject a pain killer into the ball of your foot. It might be uncomfortable.”
“…that’s fine….AWWWWHHHHH…jeeze…crap….3 EXPLETIVES DELETED…..God….AWWWWWWWW.”
As I tried to hold back the tears of pain welling in my eyes she delivered the second of three shots.
“Crap…7 EXPLETIVES DELETED…jeeze…AWWWWWW.”
My big-chested outdoor writer ruse was up. She now knew I was a wimp.
“Are you ok?” she asked. “You suddenly look very pale.”
“I’m fine,” I lied through the nausea.
“Are you going to faint?”
“No,” I grimiced before she injected me the third time.
“AHHHHH …crap….3 EXPLETIVES DELETED…..God….2 EXPLETIVES DELETED.”
“You’re covered in sweat,” she announced as she handed me a barf bag.
I quietly laid back on the table and tried not to faint.
God, please don’t let me faint in front of this gal.
Or puke.
Please.
[ Read Full Post ]
|
|
