When DinoFish Ruled the Earth!!!

Adam's first Paddlefish.

One of my favorite things about fishing public accesses is that you never really know what you are going to catch.  While fishing these accesses I often lean against the rail, only inches from the waters edge, and look out on the water with an active imagination about what lies beneath the surface.  Maybe a record Hybrid Striper, a nice Smallmouth Bass, or one of those monstrous catfish I have heard about since I was a boy.

Recently I was at RC Byrd public fishing access, which can be found a few miles below Gallipolis Ohio, and I stumbled into a species of fish that even my imagination could not have topped.  It was large, strange looking, and seemed so out of place when compared to the other fish being caught.  Earlier in the year, while speaking with a local fisherman, I was told that a strange looking fish called a Spoonbill or Paddlefish was occasionally seen in these waters.  Since that conversation I have hoped that I would have a chance to see this ancient fish and if given the opportunity get a few pictures.  But days turned into weeks from the time of our conversation and I wondered if I would ever get such an opportunity.

The particular day I am writing about seem to have the odds stacked against it for being a quality fishing day.  The water was about three to four feet higher than normal and the current was much stronger than what most fishermen prefer.  But, just about the time we were all readying ourselves for a hard days fishing, one local angler quickly motioned that we all should look at a certain spot in the water.  There, to my surprise, was a large and beautiful Paddlefish.  This sight brought a few "Wows" out of us and it gave me what I wanted, which was good view of this elusive fish.  Little did I know I was about to get a much better look.

Travis strikes a pose.

Maybe the largest of the day, Travis traveled far down the rocks to land this one!

Shortly after our first sighting we started to see more and more until we finally realized that for some reason the paddle fish had moved into our area in great numbers and seemed to be content just spending the afternoon close to our fishing platform.  Just about that time one of the angler shouts to us that he has one on and that "its a big one!"  Excited and unsure how to help we all move out of the way and become cheerleaders for our fishermen buddy.  Now I am both excited and perplexed at the thought of catching one of these fish.  Excited because its large, rare, and just so strange looking, but perplexed because this particular fish is not supposed to be hitting a lure because it feed exclusively on zooplankton.

Joe gets in on the action with a nice one.

See this particular fish keeps it's large mouth open and uses it's gill rackers to filter out tiny organisms from the water.  So, it is a predator, but just of super tiny things.  After a conversation with a Ohio Division of Natural Resources official I learned that while these fish swim around their bills catch the lines of fishermen and force the lure, and it's hooks, into the upper portion of it's mouth.  This is enough to fool most fishermen into think it "hit" his lure.

The bloody spots you see are the "suck marks" left behind from a parasite.

Unfortunately something had broken this fishes lower jaw, but you can clearly see the gill rackers.

Well, after a few hours fishing, several monster Paddlefish had been caught and carefully released.  By the days end several fishermen left with new stories to tell and I had those pictures I wanted and an up close and personal experience with these gentle giants.  I can promise you this is one day I will never forget.

Before you run off to your local access in pursuit of one of these amazing fish remember a few important things about them.  Most importantly that they are a threatened species, not endangered, most still far from the numbers we would like to see this species at.  So, if you catch one, be careful with it, and release it.  This is both the ethical thing to do and the legal requirement in the state of Ohio.  Also they are a piece of real history.  They are an ancient species and we want the experience I just described to be there for generations to come.  It can be tempting to keep such a large fish as a trophy.  Doing so would be illegal and a set back

 to the breeding population of the Paddlefish.  Enjoy them but please be a steward at the same time.  Each of the fish you see in the pictures was quickly release and swam away in as good a shape as they came in.  Some better as we were kind enough to remove a few parasites that were attached to them.  See, you guys next time and who knows what we might caught next time.  -Average Joe Angler.  

  

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 Notice the tag in the lip of the fish above?  This due to the careful steps being taken to monitor and help the Paddlefish in the Ohio River.

Pond Hopping

(This one caught Jeremy by surprise. I would have expected it!)

Recently my friends and I decided that we needed to go fishing and, having limited time to do so, we decided that some nearby ponds would fit the bill.  There are several ponds within fifteen minutes of my house and we settled in at one that we knew offered quality fishing.  So, did we catch monster fish after monster fish?  No, sadly we did not.  But, we did accomplish our main goal and that was to have a great time and catch a few while we were at it.

  Many people overlook ponds as great fishing opportunities because they are small and something they see or drive by everyday.  It is true that not all ponds are created equal.  The use of the pond, age of the body of water, location, fishing pressure, size, and other unique factors all come together in determining the likelihood of a great day fishing.  The hidden truth about ponds is that you never really know until you try.  I know from personal experience that the look of pond can be deceiving and with a spirit of exploration and determination those "little" ponds can turn into "major" goldmines.

(Above: Jason is learning the trade as a new angler. Below: We have competition at this pond! And a pond and a angler doing his thing.)

Before you jump into your next pond adventure there is a quick and obvious check list to keep you fishing and out of trouble.  Why a need for a check list you might say.  Well, keep in mind that unless you are the owner, or the pond happens to be on public access, then it must be owned privately.  That simply means that we the fishermen are at the mercy of the landowner.  Approaching your pond fishing trips with these following questions might help you out.

1. Who owns this pond?
2. Will they allow me and my party to fish?
3. What can I do to show my a appreciation to the landowner for allowing me to fish?

4. What can I do to leave this pond better than I found it?

When you ask yourself the first question it should lead you straight into "who owns this pond" and that means asking permission from the owner.  Remember that you are probably not the first to ask and it is their right to refuse to give you access.  If this happens to you just think of your good pal Average Joe Angler and his advice: "One pond does not a great fisherman make!"  Keep looking and asking and you will find owners with open hearts and open access.  Remember when you were looking for a Prom date?  Yeah, it's kind of like that.  If one fair lady turns you down simply seek out another fair lady!

(Jeremy catches another nice bass.  Because I helped!!!)

You might look at questions three and four as overly sensitive but once you find a great pond you will want to ensure that you are always welcome.  A simple thank you letter sent to the owner will not only catch them by surprise but also let them know you value the opportunity you were given.  With question four you have a great chance to both impress the owner and improve the resource itself.  When I go on such a trip before I pack up I normally do a quick look around to reveal a few bottles, pieces of trash or other unwanted elements that have found their way to the owner's pond.  Removing these elements will reflect positively back on you and improve your next trip.

Finally we are ready to fish!  Think of ponds as your laboratory.  A place for wild experimentation.  You know that strange lure that you bought and your friends gave you such a hard time about?  Well, this is the time to give it a try.  What I'm trying to say is a pond is a wonderful to learn and try new things.  We know those fish can't escape and you can throw your entire arsenal at them if you wish.

You will also want to be ready for what will bite.  These small fisheries offer great odds at catching a variety of fish species.  Bass, bluegill,

(Why the sad face?)

 crappie, and various catfish species are all common pond fish in my area with a few other species making special guest appearances now and then.  I like to keep a "Pond Bag" ever ready for just such adventures.  It's a basically an old backpack I used for college that now holds a little bit of everything -from Crappie Magnets to Spinner Baits and Soft Plastics to various Crank Baits.  Basically not a lot of anything but just a little of everything.  

Ponds might be smaller than streams, rivers, and lakes but they can be great at making big memories and teaching valuable fishing lesson.  If noting else it's a great place bring a family member, friend, or just unwind by yourself.  So, this is Average Joe Angler saying goodbye for now and maybe I will see you pond hopping someday soon!    

(No, Jason!!! Holding this one out will not make it look bigger!!!)