This is a sad time that calls to mind the recent tragedy on Smith Mountain Lake. Ronald Lemons and James McCulloch, bass fishermen known to some of you, both passed away as a result of a night time boating accident. Our thoughts and prayers go to their families.
The companion tragedy is that this type of accident is avoidable. Safety, Safety, Safety. Many of us chase stripers at night which is the most dangerous time to be out on the water. Reduced speed, proper lighting, constant vigilance, and wearing life jackets will all go a long way to accident prevention. I implore all of you to think and act SAFETY when fishing and boating at night, or during any times of reduced visibility.
Well, the summer is winding down for the stripers. This has been an unusual year so far. Despite being summer I’ve had some good days on the water. The trick, of course, was to find the schools. I found them near the mouths of Betty’s and Becky’s creeks, which is more like May/June than July/August. But they were there. The fish will soon be in transition to fall patterns, and the unusual spring/summer patterns may mean some difference in the fall patterns. I can only suggest that in the hunt you keep flexible and explore different techniques and locations.
And November elections are fast approaching. So far, no one has stepped forward to join the elections committee and no one has stepped forward to volunteer running for election. This is truly a sad state of affairs. YOUR club is “run” by volunteers who donate very little time to keep the club moving. Many of you have already served on the board and feel that you have done your part. So what. Perhaps its time for a second round of participation. If you have done it before, then its that much easier to do it again.
See you out on the water!
Joel
The companion tragedy is that this type of accident is avoidable. Safety, Safety, Safety. Many of us chase stripers at night which is the most dangerous time to be out on the water. Reduced speed, proper lighting, constant vigilance, and wearing life jackets will all go a long way to accident prevention. I implore all of you to think and act SAFETY when fishing and boating at night, or during any times of reduced visibility.
Well, the summer is winding down for the stripers. This has been an unusual year so far. Despite being summer I’ve had some good days on the water. The trick, of course, was to find the schools. I found them near the mouths of Betty’s and Becky’s creeks, which is more like May/June than July/August. But they were there. The fish will soon be in transition to fall patterns, and the unusual spring/summer patterns may mean some difference in the fall patterns. I can only suggest that in the hunt you keep flexible and explore different techniques and locations.
And November elections are fast approaching. So far, no one has stepped forward to join the elections committee and no one has stepped forward to volunteer running for election. This is truly a sad state of affairs. YOUR club is “run” by volunteers who donate very little time to keep the club moving. Many of you have already served on the board and feel that you have done your part. So what. Perhaps its time for a second round of participation. If you have done it before, then its that much easier to do it again.
See you out on the water!
Joel