The Washington herald., 1922-10-08
CLOUDY POTOMAC
DISAPPOINTS HOST
OF DC. FISHERMEN
Smelt Is Excellent Bait
For Bass and Pike,
Says Dick Peed.
BY DICK PEED.

FISHING TOT the Small Ddes hlOnB
the upper Potomac has been a dis
appointment to many anglers the
past week, due to the low stage Of
the water and decaying Vegetation
and moss which has thrown of its
fungus growth and clouded the
water enough to make its appear
ance muddy. The current not
strong enough to carry II away
readily. Excellent conditions down
the Potomac with the cool bracing
September morning air and hungry
big mouth bass and pike, they seem
to be in wait for the fsherman's
lure. have contributed to enliven the
enthusiasm OF our sportsmen with
the result that streams emptying
into the Potomac and the Potomac
proper have filled the creels Of all
those who have INDUCED in the
sport. Smelt is an excellent bait
now and may be procured from
dealers along the water front; they
can be carried for some distance
without any considerable loss; how
ever. II they show signs of weak
minnow bucket IL would be well to
be provided with ice and drop a
small piece in the bucket occas-
sionally. The cooler the weather
the more hardy the smelt become
and the bass and pike take them
eagerly. Take your fishing license
with you. Do not violate the law
by catching more than the limit.
The limit is too liberal for proper
conservation. Four to six bass
caught daily should satisfy the real
sportsman and is sufficient for a
generous dinner for the average
family.
Dale Sheriff landed a three-ani-
one-half pound small-mouth bass
above the dam at Great Falls a tew
days ago. 1t was the only strike lie
had during the day OF about eight
hours fishing.
Many fishermen accustomed to 60
ing to Aqua Creek feel a sense Jf
disappointment II they fail to see
the old eagle that makes almost
daily trips in flight across the coun-
try. His age is not known. but for
more than fifty years past the resi-
dents of that locality have singled
him out as the lonely bird of the
clouds. His resting place Is per-
haps some secluded lofty peak on
the Blue Ridge Mountains. HIS
species mate but once. What les
son in conjugal fidelity could be
learned from the habits Of this bird.
william B. Cameron has gone to
Overall, Va, for a weeks stay to
fish the Shenandoah for small-mouta
bass.
Edward C. Kemper. Of the local
anglers association, has been ap-
pointed ons of the judges to award
prizes offered for the best stories
under the heading of Anglers
Memories" published in the IzaaJs
walton League Monthly.
Capt. George Doan. U. s. Marine
Corps, and Charles Goodacre have
returned from ten-day outing
at Shannondale Springs, w. Va.
Captains best catch was a four
and one-half pound small mouth.
Goodacre's best one was three and
three QUARTERS.
When Dave Anderson and Billy
Knowles find conditions unfavor-
able for bass fishing they 60 pre-
pared for other kinds. Last Thurs
day fishing the Black Rapids near
sipes Lock, they caught Ave Missis-
sippi catfish averaging more than
four and one-half pounds each.
Mr.. and Mrs. Will Barron have
returned from q months fishing
trip from Woodstock, Va. He re-
ports that branch of the Shenandoah
unusually low and fishing only fair.
The extreme drouth has dried the
small streams from which bait
could usually be caught. To any
one going there he advises they
take their live bait.
Horace whitaker and Fred A.
white leave today for Overall, Va.
II the bass fishing is good they
will remain about ten days.
Bernard Harding, one Of our good
sportsmen, Is reported as having
landed a four-pound bass at Aauia
Creek. The report has not been
fully verified.
John r. Berg. foreman Of the
linotype division of the q. p. o.. has
taken a ten days leave to Ash the
Shenandoah.
Andrew Rawlings Of the Patent
once, caught a nice string of spots
and trout a few days ago fishing
from the pier at Chesapeake Beach,
The salt water sports are having
the best and most enjoyable luck
conceivable, due to the placid
waters of the bay, beautiful moon
light nights, with trout taking bait
greedily. Big catches are being
made and the limit 10 your