“A Nichols’ Family Fishing Affair”
Dave Nichols of Middletown, along with children, recently had a great fishing day on the Neversink River in Cuddebackville -- right where the D and H Canal passes over the River. (L. to r.) Family friend Stephen Knapic, son Dean, daughter Ingrid with her pet lucky rabbit “Henry” and father Dave. Stephen was the lucky angler who caught the large common sucker-fish. I’m sure that they will remember this day and many other family fishing days forever. The family practices catch and release most of the time and it‘s times like these that are invaluable to building family values and future relationships.
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t has been said that “a bad day of fishing is better than a good day of work” and in my opinion -- even if the weather is inclement, snowy, windy, wet and cold. Opening day of trout season generally signals that spring has sprung and that fishing season is generally open. But with some species the season is not officially open and they can’t be kept if caught -- while with other species the season may have previously opened or it is open all year with certain requirements as size and creel limits. As usual you will need to be familiar with all of the rules and regs for your area before you venture out to fish for your quarry. The Fishing Regulations Guide of 2000-2002 is a small enough size to be carried in one’s fishing vest or tackle box. It is a complex document and I wouldn’t leave home without it.Most fisher folks who I know make it a point to get out on opening day eventhough the weather make not be the best. I remember one particular opening day when we camped out along a reservoir’s shoreline the night before opening day and when we awoke in the morning at sunup we found that we had a blanket of several inches of new snow on top of our sleeping bags.
I’ll always remember certain opening days of past years while fishing with family or friends. The planning of a special trip and getting there is half of the fun. While the actual fishing and the stories that the trip generates are the other half . Memorable trips will be talked about long after the fish meals while around the campfire or dinner table. And it is good to be able to bring home some fresh edibles for the table.
Opening day for me this year was very good and I came home with enough trout for two good meals. While fishing opening day I found where someone had caught a common sucker and left it laying about 20 feet from the waters edge. In my opinion this is a waste of a natural resource and I would advise that if you’re not going to eat your catch to please release it back to the water as quickly and gently as possible. “It is also illegal to discard any fish carcass or parts thereof, into the freshwaters of the state within 100 feet of shore or upon any public or private lands contiguous to and within 100 feet such water, except . . .” There are exceptions but it is best not to discard any fish. If you have never tried sucker you might be pleasantly surprised that they are edible when cooked properly. Perhaps the name turns some folks off but that can be said of other edible fishes like the “blowfish” aka “sea squab” or “spider crabs” that are now known as “king crabs.” The fishes in the sucker family remind me of the salt water bonefish that is highly regarded as a strong fighter and some elitist fishers pay big bucks to fly-fish tropical saltwater flats in pursuit of this great fighter that usually makes very long runs. They are not recognized as an edible fish either -- so it‘s all catch and release.
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For the most part the NYC Reservoirs systems are open for fishing this year -- but of course you will need to apply for a new permit. The old permits are no longer valid since the reservoirs were closed for fishing last September. Blank applications can be picked up at most sporting goods stores in the region or by going on line and visiting the web site of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection at www.nyc.gov/dep
If you’ve never fished these reservoirs, mostly situated in the Catskill Mountains, be prepared for the catch of a lifetime. There are many trophy size Brown and Lake Trout in most of these impoundments. I’ve caught some large lakers and browns myself and have seen pictures of successful anglers who have caught fish in the 15 to 20 pound range. Fish from shore or by boat under special permit 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
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Try taking someone fishing or introducing a friend or a family member to a wonderful outdoor experience that will never be forgotten. The student may also acquire an appreciation for the environment that they may not have had before. I’ll never forget my earliest fishing experiences with family. Especially fishing for Pike on Lake Champlain in upstate NY in my early teens with Uncles, Aunties and cousins. Good experiences while fishing create long lasting friendships and it has many other different side benefits. I’m sure that many early fishing experiences have had a positive effect on young and old alike. And it seems that there are no age boundaries or limits to this great passive recreational activity.
At any given time one could find fisherfolks from younger than 5 fishing with folks older than 95 at the same fishing hole or on the shoreline. Fishing knows no boundaries as far as nationalities, colors, religions, creeds, disciplines, sizes and shapes -- male or female. It seems that fishing really brings folks together and it is really spoken as a universal language with its many different aspects.
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If you catch a fish that is deeply hooked and you plan to release the fish it is best to just snip the line as close to the mouth as possbile and release it quickly. Handle all fish with wet hands or rubber gloves or use forceps where possible to remove the hook from the fish. It is illegal to enviscerate a fish near the water’s edge. As always make sure that you are familiar with the regulations in the area where you plan too fish.
Good luck fishing! Be sure to practice safe boating and fishing procedures when you're on the water.