The Washington times., 1938-05-18

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sibly the large rock or rollers may
be in the wake of the smaller
brethren that are now running.
First, let's drift to the era Of
the Red Man to get bit Of
background to our Potomac,
then called Red River. Out Of
the history books we are told
that "all the tribes of the Algon-
uuins met year after year in
council upon the present site OF
the Nations Capital. These In
dams also came here in great
numbers during the fishing sea-
son and called the vicinity their
fishing grounds"
Well, there you have the Po-
tomac's fishing foundation, or
how it got its start. Now, to a
time, some two decades past,
when rockfish history was made
up under the rumbling of Little
Falls.
OLD LANDMARKS
Many Of the landmarks and
fishing holes, held so dear to
the Regulars" as the men of
that day were known, are still
very popular to the up-river
fishermen. They are known as
Middle Rock, Split Rock, Two
Step, Swish Eddy, Big Eddy,
Turkey Foot. Sunken Rock, Tim
White, Hidden Rock and Pot
Rock.
Time has taken its toll in the
ranks of the Regulars" and a
few stout-hearted anglers have
gone out with the tide. Many
Of the stalwartS who helped
make rockfish history some 20
years past actively continue in
pursuit of the pastime. Going
down memory'S lane, checking
over the roster as best we can,
eliminating a surname here and
there for the want Of recollec-
ton, we find these notables:
Wheeler, Fisher, Joe and Charlie
Fletcher, Lew Perron, Ruddu-
man, Chas. Hurley, Mac Spar
row, Norman Pulliam, Ed Craig,
Bennett, Sam Vigner and his
brother, Sahdala, Held and Mrs.
Halsey, better known as "The
Lady of the Lake"
Two outstanding catches come
to mind. Charles Fletcher and
Held took in one morning nine
rock weighing from II to 20
pounds. Sahdala, fishing single
handed, boated seven fish rang
ing from IS to 80 pounds.
Sahdala, at this time, was cham
pion surf-caSter of the world,
with a record Of over 800 feet,
but since his day the casting
length has been increased to
well over 500 feet.
EVERY MAN AT POST
During the run of big rock or
rollers, it was a beautiful sight
to see, just at the break of day,
every good stand occupied by
someone Of the Regulars" an
ticipating a strike from a gallant
foe. And they had better handle
him right when hooked, for all
eyes were conferred in one direc-
ton. Any slip on the Regulars
part and such remarks as Let
him CO." Hold him." "Now's
your time. Throw the hook into
him, Il told you So" ETC., would
be echoing through the valley.
Big rock have been in our
Potomac, and present indica,
lions point to a period some 20
years back. One can never tell
and, as the come-on shell game
gambler says, IF you don't play,
you can't win" So, if you don't
fish for big rock, you'll never
land one.
A long-standing friend of ours
Frank Hughes, in rummagine
through his souvenirs, CHANGED
upon four-page folder, entitled
"A Piscatorial Phantasy" or
anglers Rhythmic Guide" The
verses, never published, were the
work of Capitol guide, Chas
Omega Parham, Meg" as he
was known around the Big
Dome" on the hill, passed or
some time hack. Here's one Of
his offerings that will take you
way back, before the era Of
fishing laws and licenses:
Just fetch your lines, we've got the bait
We all will meet at "Rey8old's" gate,
Up the Potomac, River of Swans"
Millions of beauties in sprIngtime spawn
Let's make for "Trammclrs," above tn
dam.
Little Mouth Bass il weather is calm.
Down 10 Great Falls" then. if you wish
No better place for great big catfish
Might stop at "Stubblefield" or the line
There in season the Bass is fine,
Then, from there, for extra fun.
Well drop line at Difficult Run"
When wind N down and water is still.
There's generally Perch at "Edes Mill
Al Little River" well take a chance.
IT'S there the Bass and Perch dot
pFance.
Then to the "FloOd Gates" amidst tn
grass,
Might get a Graphic. mighty big Bass;
Early in springtime. after the thaw,
ShAd gut for catties at the draw,
Capt. lobe Shorter in an ele'
enth hour report from BenediC
says the hardheadS have r,
turned after the weekend Sluml
The most recent catch, late We
terday afternoon, was 80 fis
averaging better than tw
pounds each. The fish wer
taken by Joe Hegley, Mix
Petrona and Mike Jurella,