Bucks
Well, it's been a while since I posted
one of these. But I wanted to build up
some stories before I started it up again. And they have, and a lot of these
stories will be enjoyable to read. But I'm going to start off by getting
something off my chest. Because while I’ve had some good times and landed quite
a few memorable fish I've also noticed over the last few years and growing
uncomfortable and unpleasant trends amongst my fellow so-called anglers which
has made fishing less pleasant than it should be. Now, I'm not going to name
names, but I will give some vague descriptions and I'm fairly certain anyone
smart enough to be reading this will be able to figure out the kind of people
I'm talking about.
So let's start with the most obvious and widespread. And
while fishermen are not alone in the blame for this problem, I've seen plenty
of them contribute to the absolute the
abysmal state of the parks and lakes around the Bucks County area. To put it
simply, they are absolutely filthy… there's trash and filth everywhere. The
amount of used line and fishing lures that I find scattered not only around the
lake but in it is reaching critical levels. Using one of my heavier fishing
rigs that I usually only use for large carp or catfish actually hauled up an
entire shopping cart out of a lake. Now make no mistake, I'm no
environmentalist crying out to anyone who will listen that we must act now or
the earth is doomed, but this is getting rather ridiculous. And to my fellow
fishermen, I simply say we can learn how to leave less behind. For starters, if
you get snagged on the bottom, you don't have to cut your line. You can learn
to either free the lure or get the line to snap at the lure base so that you're
not leaving a ton of fishing line floating in the water free for other people
to get snagged on. I can personally promise you it's not that hard to work out.
Bottom line to fisherman and general lake goers… just do better.
Next, I would like to address the fact that many ‘fellow
fishermen’ seem to be unable to grasp the concept of personal space anymore. On
way too many occasions I've had someone basically right on my back trying to
fish in the same spot I am. It’s downright rude quite frankly. And worse yet,
asking them to give you some space doesn't work because many of them pretend
they don't speak English or even try to pick a fight with you. And believe it
or not, it gets even worse from there. I've had others that expected to be
given my fishing equipment so that they can fish based solely on the misguided
logic that because I have spare equipment, they should have some claim on it,
try to steal fish out of my bucket or even steal lures and equipment from me
while they thought I wasn't watching. I found this particularly prevalent at
the Jersey Shore as well and while I won't get into the details. I will simply
say one particular example got very very bad. To put it simply, be respectful,
give other fishermen the space they need and desire, and don't be an asshole.
And now we get to the issue that I find rather
insulting that I even have to go over… That is, and that is fisherman's
complete and utter inability to file even the simplest rules put forward by
Wildlife and Game regulations. Now if there's a. Warning sign that says do not
eat the fish out of particular lake, it might be a good idea. NOT TO EAT THE
FISH. At least three of the lakes around the Bucks County area that I'm aware
of have toxic algae blooms infesting them. A direct quote from a google search
that ‘Eating fish contaminated with toxins from algal blooms (such as
cyanobacteria in freshwater or marine toxins like ciguatoxin) can cause severe
gastrointestinal distress, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, along with
neurological symptoms like tingling, dizziness, and muscle weakness. Serious
cases may lead to liver or kidney damage.’ And still I see people pulling
fish out of lakes with those warning signs for the express purpose of eating
them. The concept of a free meal overriding the fact that it will literally
lead you to illness and possibly worse. Signs declaring no net fishing, No
using crayfish as bait, No ice fishing, and other basic Rules that are easy to
follow are equally ignored. I have literally seen the shores of. The lakes in
my area are littered with the gutted bodies of fish you aren't supposed to be
eating and I’ve seen creeps sneaking in net fishing in the early mornings or
late evenings. And quite frankly, it's disgraceful. You're really that hard up
for a meal, then go to a homeless shelter and get some free soup or something.
No reason to ruin the lakes for the rest of us.
I
know this all sounds like petty griping, and in a way it certainly is. But I
refuse to believe that we are unable to act like civilized human beings in
public parks and lakes. Of course, and I hate to say this part, but it might
help a little bit if Parks Rangers were a little bit more on their game.
Instead of just being barely a presence. I've been going to Lake Luxembourg for
over 30 years, and I think in all that time I've encountered 4. Park Rangers.
Bottom line, I'm always going to be a fisherman, but damned if they haven't
made it much more difficult in the last few years. And ultimately… Something's
gotta give.
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