Finally...spring

Well, I think it is safe to say Spring is finally here. Before we get into this week's post I would like to give an update on the proposed rule changes for the "DAHLO" section of the White Clay. I am happy to say that the proposed rule changes have been dismissed! According to the Fish and Boat Commission there were 343 comments posted with all but 5 opposed to the rule changes. I must say I believe that number of comments to be EXTREMELY low. With the software I have for this site I can track things like how many people visit the site on a daily basis, what pages have the most views, What Blog posts are the most popular ETC. When I put a link in a post I have the ability to see how many times the link was clicked. I can say that from the Blog post I put up on March 19th. OVER 1200 PEOPLE CLICKED ON THE LINK! I am sure not everybody left a comment, but I am sure most of you did and I want to thank you for that. At any rate I am glad the proposed changes have been dropped and we can continue to enjoy the middle branch of the White Clay the way we have become accustomed to. Thank you to all that took the time to voice your opinion. It is good to see we still can make a difference. To read the official word from the PAFBC click here. 

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Spring is here! 

Yes, Spring is finally here. It is funny, it seems the older I get the less I seem to like Winter. I can remember when we were kids we couldn't wait for winter to arrive! We would spend all day outside sledding, building snow forts and having snowball fights, playing hockey on the local pond. (the same pond we would Bass fish in the Summer) As we got a little older we dabbled in some more mischievous acts like throwing snowballs at passing cars (c'mon, if you are my age or older you know you did it too) or, as the older people in our circle got their drivers license we would tie ropes to the bumpers and drag people on sleds around the neighborhood streets. Not the smartest thing we ever did, but it was fun. The point is we would be outside all day and sometimes well into the night. Now, when it gets cold, my back hurts, my knee hurts, I am stiff, and I really don't like shoveling snow! I am confident all of that is behind us. Several things tell me Spring is here. In the morning, when I go out to start my truck I can hear the Robins and Sparrow's singing their songs in the trees near by. The daffodils in my wife's flower bed are blooming and that is a sure sign spring is here. As I type this Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals just launched his first home run of the season right center field, I am sure there will be many more this year. All of these things are tell tale signs that spring is here. 

These are popping up every where around the house.

BOOM goes Harper!

Perhaps the biggest sign that spring is here is the fact that both Delaware and Pennsylvania's regular Trout seasons opened this weekend. Now, opening day doesn't hold the same allurement for me as it once did. Anyone who fishes year round will tell you opening day is just another day. Many people I know don't even fish this weekend because of the crowds. I understand that point of view, but, there is still something about opening day. I think, for me, it is in the tradition. My bio on this site tells a very fond memory about a particular opening day with my dad and 2 brothers some 35+ years ago. Tradition in fishing with my brother in south central PA every opening day for for almost 2 decades. Well, unfortunately for me, tradition had to be broken this year. Instead of getting to the river way to early on Saturday morning to stake my claim, I was in my truck heading RT 1 south to my job. That's right, I had to work on opening day! I did have a phone conversation with my brother on the way down to work; "where you fishing" "who are you fishing with" "what spinner you gonna start with" (he doesn't fly fish) were all a part of the conversation. I tried to tell myself it was "no big deal" but in reality, it was.

As I sat at work I fully expected my phone to explode with pictures right around 8:02 (2 minutes after legal start time) I was surprised when nothing came through. 8:15...nothing, 8:30...nothing finally I couldn't take it anymore and I sent him a text, no response. Well, come to find out the only reason my phone didn't blow up is because he didn't have a signal! I did get only one text with a picture attached

"I think it is a Cutt Bow that swam down from Nova Scotia"  

Before you start sending me comments, yes I do realize that statement is wrong on so many levels! If you know my brother it would make perfect sense, trust me!  

   

I don't think it is a "Cutt Bow" but it is a solid Rainbow.

We did get out together on Sunday morning for a bit, The fishing was not as productive as it was the day before, as it goes when you are chasing stocked fish, but is was still fun anyway. 

one of a few Easter Bow's landed on Sunday

I am glad Winter is gone, I am glad it is not so bitter cold anymore' I am glad baseball season is here, most of all I am glad I got out on the water with my brother this weekend. Till next time...

                                                                                                                             Tight lines