More recently, Free Fishing Days offered by the DNR, gave us a great chance to get a fishing pole in the hands of kids for their first time— adults, too. At the Brown County State Park’ s lakes Ogle and Strahl, we held day-long casting demos, bait-tying, and ecology talks. A shelter house grill provided a taste of freshly caught bluegill and bass. Local fishing clubs promoted safe handling of equipment, etiquette, and catch and release. We gave out bumper stickers stating,“ The Quality of Fishing reflects the Quality of Living,” and“ We all Live Downstream.”
My good friends, Jennie and Chris, never fail to invite me to their woodland lake, nestled in a cool, shaded ravine. There I can fish to my heart’ s content— a“ honey hole” if there ever was one.
“ I love to fish, but I love to catch fish,” I said getting out of the car. They smile, like they’ ve never heard that one before. At the shoreline and mesmerized, I let the mind roll, recalling a massive river, a long-ago class, terms I was assigned, even some of the bizarre fish. A nibble brings me back.
In late fall when this lake is still with only a few wind ripples— dead limbs stretching out and leaves covering the water— I look to the surrounding hills, a forested watershed. What little runoff occurs might perk through a network of rootlets, leaf litter, and debris.
Recently at a local restaurant near water, we dined on their famous dish, batter-fried catfish. So tasty and flavorful— it was a treat. Thinking it’ s a local item on the menu, I asked where the fish was from.“ Honduras,” came the reply. World markets serve local businesses— why would I think any different?
The resource user today purchases licenses, attends optional safety seminars, and buys equipment and boat stickers. The user is a tool of the biologist. They support a declining industry. The lack of youth entering the sport is evident. Fishing industries worldwide are being closely scrutinized to prevent over-harvest, to slow the impact of declining populations, and to check pollution. Today’ s resource manager has more demands with less habitat to manage and warming temperatures. The resource manager continues to work for the resource user, be they hunters, timber owners, or fish people. I wish them well in this most challenging job. •
Todd Dobbels, owner / artist
▪ Live Edge Tables
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Special Orders Welcome todd @ gnawbonewoodcraft. com • www. gnawbonewoodcraft. com
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Weed Patch Music Company Your favorite lil’ music store in Brown County, Indiana
58 E. Main St. Nashville( by courthouse) 812-200-3300 www. weedpatchmusicshop. com
Musical instruments for all ages and skill levels Offering affordable instruments to inspire the beginner and locally handcrafted beauties to awe the professional Lessons, workshops, and more...
Sept./ Oct. 2023 • Our Brown County 59