After two tournaments in the Cranberry Marsh Bass Club six-tournament schedule, Jerry Mossman of Newark hasn't finished in the money yet, but he holds a narrow lead in the club standings for the year. Jerry has finished sixth in each tournament.
In the latest Cranberry event, held May 23 in muddy conditions at O'Shaughnessy Resevoir, Keith Wolfe took first place with four bass weighing 7.51 pounds. He also had the big bass of the event at 3.68 pounds.
Jim McDonald finished second with three bass weighing 7.19 pounds, Rick McDonald II took third with three bass weighing 6.38 pounds, Bub Cooksey placed fourth with three bass weighing 5.26 pounds and Richard Ziegler was fifth with three bass weighing 4.62 pounds.
If I read the results right, 20 out of 30 anglers fishing caught 45 keeper bass.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
OBFN at Buckeye
Greg Finchum of Bent Rod Bassmasters won the Angler Division of the Ohio Bass Federation Nation Buckeye Lake Invitational May 23, bringing five bass weighing 9.7 pounds to the scales. He was close to two pounds ahead of Stan Dodson, also of the Bent Rod cub, who had five bass weighing 7.97 pounds.
Richard Wiehe of Kokosing Valley Bass Club finished third with five bass weighing 7.78 pounds, Rob Warner of Catchem' Bassmasters took fourth with three bass weighing 7.5 pounds, and Ron Nichols of Hard Knox Bassmasters was fifth with four bass weighing 7.18 pounds.
Big bass was a 4.42-pound fish caught by Andrew Johnson of Outcast Bassmasters.
In all, 44 out of 69 anglers in the division weighed in 112 bass.
Eddie Levin of Buckeye Nation Bassmasters won the Co-Angler Division with five bass weighing 6.58 pounds. Close behind was Chad Kelley of Champaign County Bassmasters with three bass weighing 6.18 pounds.
Rick Nesbitt of the Champaign County club took third with four bass weighing 5.55 pounds, Norm Brakeman of the Kokosing Valley Bass Club placed fourth with three bass weighing 5.35 pounds, and Bill Byers of Bent Rod Bassmasters was fifth with two bass weighing 4.89 pounds.
Byers also took big bass honors with a 4.02-pound fish.
In the Co-Angler Division, 26 out of 47 anglers caught 44 keeper bass.
YOUTH TOURNAMENT
An OBFN Youth Tournament was held MAy 8 at Indian Lake. Weights weren't available at the OBFN website (maybe they are now), but Ryan Schleve of the S.S. Minnows won the 15-18 Division, followed by Daryk Eckert of Buckeye Nation Junior Bassmasters in second, Eddie Levin of Buckeye Nation Junior Bassmasters in third, Dylan Shaw of Buckeye Nation in fourth and Logan Ginn of Buckeye Nation in fifth.
Casey Singree of Buckeye Nation took big bass honors.
In the 11-14 Division, Jack Young of Fayette County Junior Bassmasters took first, followed by Alex Conner of the S.S. Minnows in second, Mason DeJarnette of Buckeye Nation in third, Coleman Havens of Buckeye Nation in fourth and Alex Kochendorfer of Cincinnati Junior Bassmasters in fifth.
Coleman Havens took big bass honors.
Richard Wiehe of Kokosing Valley Bass Club finished third with five bass weighing 7.78 pounds, Rob Warner of Catchem' Bassmasters took fourth with three bass weighing 7.5 pounds, and Ron Nichols of Hard Knox Bassmasters was fifth with four bass weighing 7.18 pounds.
Big bass was a 4.42-pound fish caught by Andrew Johnson of Outcast Bassmasters.
In all, 44 out of 69 anglers in the division weighed in 112 bass.
Eddie Levin of Buckeye Nation Bassmasters won the Co-Angler Division with five bass weighing 6.58 pounds. Close behind was Chad Kelley of Champaign County Bassmasters with three bass weighing 6.18 pounds.
Rick Nesbitt of the Champaign County club took third with four bass weighing 5.55 pounds, Norm Brakeman of the Kokosing Valley Bass Club placed fourth with three bass weighing 5.35 pounds, and Bill Byers of Bent Rod Bassmasters was fifth with two bass weighing 4.89 pounds.
Byers also took big bass honors with a 4.02-pound fish.
In the Co-Angler Division, 26 out of 47 anglers caught 44 keeper bass.
YOUTH TOURNAMENT
An OBFN Youth Tournament was held MAy 8 at Indian Lake. Weights weren't available at the OBFN website (maybe they are now), but Ryan Schleve of the S.S. Minnows won the 15-18 Division, followed by Daryk Eckert of Buckeye Nation Junior Bassmasters in second, Eddie Levin of Buckeye Nation Junior Bassmasters in third, Dylan Shaw of Buckeye Nation in fourth and Logan Ginn of Buckeye Nation in fifth.
Casey Singree of Buckeye Nation took big bass honors.
In the 11-14 Division, Jack Young of Fayette County Junior Bassmasters took first, followed by Alex Conner of the S.S. Minnows in second, Mason DeJarnette of Buckeye Nation in third, Coleman Havens of Buckeye Nation in fourth and Alex Kochendorfer of Cincinnati Junior Bassmasters in fifth.
Coleman Havens took big bass honors.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Tappan ramp open
Good news for Tappan Lake boaters from the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District: The rebuilt ramp off Ohio 250 just east of the dam has opened in time for the holiday weekend. It had been open on weekends only while work proceeded this spring. Here's the announcement from MWCD:
"The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) received a $400,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Watercraft to fund numerous improvements at the ramp, said Scott Barnhart, MWCD’s chief of recreation. The parking lot has been expanded, the concrete boat ramp has been replaced and the new ramp has been widened, lighting has been improved and other updates were completed in the parking lot.
"While the ramp is open for use, two items of work at the facility remain to be completed. Installation of the floating docks at the ramp and at the courtesy docks are scheduled for June and a new, permanent restroom will be installed near the courtesy docks later this summer or early fall.
“We received outstanding input from the public about what types of improvements they prefer to see occur in the project,” Barnhart said. “I think our regular visitors and those who even may be visiting Tappan Lake for the first time will be pleased with the upgraded launch ramp and facilities.”
The grant is part of the Division of Watercraft’s Cooperative Boating Access Facility Program to improve public boating access.
All public boat launch ramps at the MWCD lakes are free for visitors. For more details about Tappan Lake and the MWCD, visit www.mwcd.org."
"The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) received a $400,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Watercraft to fund numerous improvements at the ramp, said Scott Barnhart, MWCD’s chief of recreation. The parking lot has been expanded, the concrete boat ramp has been replaced and the new ramp has been widened, lighting has been improved and other updates were completed in the parking lot.
"While the ramp is open for use, two items of work at the facility remain to be completed. Installation of the floating docks at the ramp and at the courtesy docks are scheduled for June and a new, permanent restroom will be installed near the courtesy docks later this summer or early fall.
“We received outstanding input from the public about what types of improvements they prefer to see occur in the project,” Barnhart said. “I think our regular visitors and those who even may be visiting Tappan Lake for the first time will be pleased with the upgraded launch ramp and facilities.”
The grant is part of the Division of Watercraft’s Cooperative Boating Access Facility Program to improve public boating access.
All public boat launch ramps at the MWCD lakes are free for visitors. For more details about Tappan Lake and the MWCD, visit www.mwcd.org."
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
OBF Regional results
May has been a busy month for the Ohio Bass Federation. District 1, 3 and 6 regional tournaments were held May 15 and 16, and the District 4 regional tournament was held May 1 and 2. I have the results from Region 4, held May 1 and 2 at Wheeling Island on the Ohio River, and Region 1, held May 15 and 16 at Buckeye Lake. Here are the top finishers (for complete results, visit the Ohio Bass Federation website):
REGION 4 Wheeling Island
1) Brent Weimer, Twin Cities Bass Masters, 10 bass, 10.94 pounds
2) Pat Walker, Twin Cities Bass Masters, 7 bass, 10.58 pounds
3) Jasen Myers, St. Clairsville Bass Masters, 10 bass, 10.53 pounds
4) Curtis Dowell, Muskingum Lakes Bass Club. 8 bass, 9.78 pounds
5) Troy Snedden, St, Clairsville Bass Masters, 9 bass, 9.35 pounds
Out of 30 anglers, 29 weighed in 151 bass.All appear to have been released alive.
Big bass was a 2.79-pound fish caught by Pat Walker.
REGION 1 Buckeye Lake
1) Donald Grant, 7 bss, 12.27 pounds
2) Dave Slonaker, 9 bass, 10.69 pounds
3) Rod Russell, 8 bass, 10.57 pounds
4) Rick Miller, 8 bass, 10.51 pounds
5) Tom Harris, 6 bass, 9.34 pounds
Out of 55 anglers, 49 weighed in 166 bass, 165 of which were released alive.. Big bass on Saturday was a 3.16-pound fish caught by Bill Smith. Big bass on Sunday and for the tournment was 3.79-pound fish caught by Mark Thompson.
I have to add this since I've know him a long time (and wrote about his tournament results many times): Dick Bowman finished sixth with five bass weighing 8.39 pounds.
One other note: OBF Tournament Director Steve Coulter, a member of Cranberry Marsh Bass Club, is recovering at home from an emergency appendectomy. He's doing fine as of the last time I talked to him, but he had to miss the Cranberry Marsh tournament May 23 and will be out of commission for a while.
REGION 4 Wheeling Island
1) Brent Weimer, Twin Cities Bass Masters, 10 bass, 10.94 pounds
2) Pat Walker, Twin Cities Bass Masters, 7 bass, 10.58 pounds
3) Jasen Myers, St. Clairsville Bass Masters, 10 bass, 10.53 pounds
4) Curtis Dowell, Muskingum Lakes Bass Club. 8 bass, 9.78 pounds
5) Troy Snedden, St, Clairsville Bass Masters, 9 bass, 9.35 pounds
Out of 30 anglers, 29 weighed in 151 bass.All appear to have been released alive.
Big bass was a 2.79-pound fish caught by Pat Walker.
REGION 1 Buckeye Lake
1) Donald Grant, 7 bss, 12.27 pounds
2) Dave Slonaker, 9 bass, 10.69 pounds
3) Rod Russell, 8 bass, 10.57 pounds
4) Rick Miller, 8 bass, 10.51 pounds
5) Tom Harris, 6 bass, 9.34 pounds
Out of 55 anglers, 49 weighed in 166 bass, 165 of which were released alive.. Big bass on Saturday was a 3.16-pound fish caught by Bill Smith. Big bass on Sunday and for the tournment was 3.79-pound fish caught by Mark Thompson.
I have to add this since I've know him a long time (and wrote about his tournament results many times): Dick Bowman finished sixth with five bass weighing 8.39 pounds.
One other note: OBF Tournament Director Steve Coulter, a member of Cranberry Marsh Bass Club, is recovering at home from an emergency appendectomy. He's doing fine as of the last time I talked to him, but he had to miss the Cranberry Marsh tournament May 23 and will be out of commission for a while.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Frustration at Buckeye
Since reports from Buckeye Lake have been consistently good recently, I decided to go there for a couple hours Friday evening. It's not my favorite lake, but it is the closest and I thought the intermittent rain might even help things.
Boy was I wrong.
I missed a fish right off the bat at my first stop and thought it might be a good evening, but the lake was just toying with me. I don't think I had another fish on in the three hours I was there.
If it had been Dillon or Knox or another lake where I have more confidence I might have been upset, but It was Buckeye, where the bass seem to have a history of avoiding me.
I felt more confident going to Knox Sunday, despite the bluebird, almost post-frontal conditions. I didn't kill them, or catch any trophies, but at least I caught some bass.
Looking forward to the next time I get up there. Four-inch Yum Dingers in green pumpkin still seem to be productive there.
Boy was I wrong.
I missed a fish right off the bat at my first stop and thought it might be a good evening, but the lake was just toying with me. I don't think I had another fish on in the three hours I was there.
If it had been Dillon or Knox or another lake where I have more confidence I might have been upset, but It was Buckeye, where the bass seem to have a history of avoiding me.
I felt more confident going to Knox Sunday, despite the bluebird, almost post-frontal conditions. I didn't kill them, or catch any trophies, but at least I caught some bass.
Looking forward to the next time I get up there. Four-inch Yum Dingers in green pumpkin still seem to be productive there.
Buckeye results
The bass were still hitting at Buckeye Lake Tuesday evening, May 25, as the 27 anglers who competed in the evening tournament weighed in 38 fish.
First place went to Will Englefield and Chris Cooper, who had five bass weighing 7.43 pounds, while Mike Goodin took second with four bass weighing 6.35 pounds. Goodin also had the big bass of the tournament, a 2.97-pound fish.
Bob Fulks placed third with five bass that weighed 5.87 pounds, Scott Clark and Todd Hahn finished fourth with five fish weighing 5.54 pounds, and Dana Moran and Shaun Magers were fifth with four bass weighing 5.04 pounds.
Starting next week (June 1) the tournaments will be held out of the North Shore ramp off Ohio 79 in Buckeye Lake. Tournament director Robin Cross said they'll be using that ramp for the rest of the season
First place went to Will Englefield and Chris Cooper, who had five bass weighing 7.43 pounds, while Mike Goodin took second with four bass weighing 6.35 pounds. Goodin also had the big bass of the tournament, a 2.97-pound fish.
Bob Fulks placed third with five bass that weighed 5.87 pounds, Scott Clark and Todd Hahn finished fourth with five fish weighing 5.54 pounds, and Dana Moran and Shaun Magers were fifth with four bass weighing 5.04 pounds.
Starting next week (June 1) the tournaments will be held out of the North Shore ramp off Ohio 79 in Buckeye Lake. Tournament director Robin Cross said they'll be using that ramp for the rest of the season
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Tuesday results at Buckeye
The buck bass were clearly hitting at Buckeye Lake Tuesday evening as six five-fish limits were weighed in, but overall weights were not high.
First place in the 34-angler field went to Chuck and Ryan Davis with five fish weighing 7.79 pounds, while second went to Jason Abella and Ron Paxson with 6.79 pounds.
Ron and Ryan Nutter placed third with five fish at 6.7 pounds; Robin Cross and Jack Miller finished fourth with five fish weighing 5.58 pounds, and Brett Crane and Will Englefield took fifth with five fish weighing 5.53 pounds.
Jason Miller won big bass honors with a 3.37-pound largemouth.
First place in the 34-angler field went to Chuck and Ryan Davis with five fish weighing 7.79 pounds, while second went to Jason Abella and Ron Paxson with 6.79 pounds.
Ron and Ryan Nutter placed third with five fish at 6.7 pounds; Robin Cross and Jack Miller finished fourth with five fish weighing 5.58 pounds, and Brett Crane and Will Englefield took fifth with five fish weighing 5.53 pounds.
Jason Miller won big bass honors with a 3.37-pound largemouth.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Bass hitting at Charles Mill
Bigger bass were hitting Sunday at Charles Mill Lake for the Y-City Bass Club in another close contest over the weekend. Ryan Boyer won the club event with five bass weighing 13.58 pounds, including a 4.28-pound fish that took big bass honors.
Bob Hammer finished second with five bass weighing 10.84 pounds and Dan Allen took third with five bass weighing 10.04 pounds.
Nora Bullock placed fourth with five bass weighing 10 pounds and Dave Allen was fifth with five bass weighing 9.99 pounds.
Out of 33 club members fishing, 27 caught 103 keeper bass. Twelve members weighed in five-fish limits.
The club's next tournament is June 6 at Tappan.
Bob Hammer finished second with five bass weighing 10.84 pounds and Dan Allen took third with five bass weighing 10.04 pounds.
Nora Bullock placed fourth with five bass weighing 10 pounds and Dave Allen was fifth with five bass weighing 9.99 pounds.
Out of 33 club members fishing, 27 caught 103 keeper bass. Twelve members weighed in five-fish limits.
The club's next tournament is June 6 at Tappan.
Close contest at Piedmont
Only about 2 pounds, 3 ounces separated first from seventh place in the Southern Ohio Bassmasters club tournament at Piedmont Lake Saturday, May 15. The top seven finishers all had five-fish limits and the placings just depended on who caught slightly larger fish.
Mike Baughman of Crooksville took top honors with 6 pounds, 13.8 ounces, only four ounces ahead of Eric Woodrow of Duncan Falls, who had 6 pounds, 9.6 ounces. Unfortunately for Eric, he had one fish die and the resulting 8-ounce penalty dropped him from first to second.
Chad Lighthizer of Zanesville was less than an ounce behind Eric, with 6 pounds, 9 ounces, and Terry Ryan of Zanesville finished fourth with 5 pounds, 9.6 ounces.
Alan Fulks of Zanesville placed fifth with 5 pounds, 6 ounces and Devin Hutchinson took big bass honors with a 2-pound, 10.4-ounce fish.
To complete the limits (and to get my own name in here(, Debbie Woodrow was sixth with 5 pounds, 1.8 ounces and I was seventh with four pounds, 10 ounces. (most of my fish were about 13 inches long and they still didn't average a pound each!)
Out of 28 members fishing the event, 24 weighed in 66 bass. I think two or three smallmouth were weighed in.
The club's next tournament is June 5 at Charles Mill.
Mike Baughman of Crooksville took top honors with 6 pounds, 13.8 ounces, only four ounces ahead of Eric Woodrow of Duncan Falls, who had 6 pounds, 9.6 ounces. Unfortunately for Eric, he had one fish die and the resulting 8-ounce penalty dropped him from first to second.
Chad Lighthizer of Zanesville was less than an ounce behind Eric, with 6 pounds, 9 ounces, and Terry Ryan of Zanesville finished fourth with 5 pounds, 9.6 ounces.
Alan Fulks of Zanesville placed fifth with 5 pounds, 6 ounces and Devin Hutchinson took big bass honors with a 2-pound, 10.4-ounce fish.
To complete the limits (and to get my own name in here(, Debbie Woodrow was sixth with 5 pounds, 1.8 ounces and I was seventh with four pounds, 10 ounces. (most of my fish were about 13 inches long and they still didn't average a pound each!)
Out of 28 members fishing the event, 24 weighed in 66 bass. I think two or three smallmouth were weighed in.
The club's next tournament is June 5 at Charles Mill.
Boat safety checks
Looking for a boat safety check for 2010? Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District will be conducting free checks at several lakes during National Safe Boating Week May 22-28.
The district announced that MWCD lake rangers will handle the boat inspections on May 22 and May 23 at the following locations and times:
Pleasant Hill Lake public boat launch ramp – Saturday, May 22, from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Tappan Lake public boat launch ramp (off Rt. 250 just east of the dam) – Saturday, May 22, from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Charles Mill Lake public boat launch ramp (near entrance to Charles Mill Lake Park) – Sunday, May 23, from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Leesville Lake public boat launch ramp (near Clow’s Marina) – Sunday, May 23, from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
National Safe Boating Week is a program managed by the National Safe Boating Council and the North American Safe Boating Campaign. In 2010, the campaign is again encouraging boaters to be safe and to always wear a life jacket whenever they are on the water. Of the 709 recreational boating fatalities in 2008, nearly 90 percent of the victims were not wearing their life jackets.)
For more details, visit www.safeboatingcouncil.org.
The district announced that MWCD lake rangers will handle the boat inspections on May 22 and May 23 at the following locations and times:
Pleasant Hill Lake public boat launch ramp – Saturday, May 22, from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Tappan Lake public boat launch ramp (off Rt. 250 just east of the dam) – Saturday, May 22, from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Charles Mill Lake public boat launch ramp (near entrance to Charles Mill Lake Park) – Sunday, May 23, from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Leesville Lake public boat launch ramp (near Clow’s Marina) – Sunday, May 23, from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
National Safe Boating Week is a program managed by the National Safe Boating Council and the North American Safe Boating Campaign. In 2010, the campaign is again encouraging boaters to be safe and to always wear a life jacket whenever they are on the water. Of the 709 recreational boating fatalities in 2008, nearly 90 percent of the victims were not wearing their life jackets.)
For more details, visit www.safeboatingcouncil.org.
Tappan celebration
If you're looking for something to do May 30, check out the plans for Tappan Lake Park's 50th anniversary celebration. Here's what I received from Muskingum Watershed:
"(Tappan Lake) Park will host a giant fireworks show at dark in honor of the anniversary of the park’s grand opening that was held on the same date in 1960. The event also will be part of the park’s 2010 season-opening weekend celebration.
"The park and campground officially open for the summer season Friday, May 28, and plenty of activities are planned for adults and children alike, including the opening of the park’s swimming beach. Events also are planned all summer long through the Labor Day holiday weekend.
"Special events kick off on Saturday, May 29, with a park Memorial Day service at 10 a.m., followed by activities for tots (ages 4 to 7) and kids (ages 8 to 14) at 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. in the park’s activity center. Horseshoes also will be available beginning at 1 p.m. The disc jockey “Mr. Moe & The Music Machine” is scheduled from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the basketball courts.
"On Sunday, May 30, a bike parade is planned at 11 a.m. with all decorated bicycles to be judged. Bingo for tots and kids will be held at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. The giant fireworks show is scheduled at dusk (in case of rain, the show will be held instead on June 5).
"Visitors planning to spend a day at the beach or enjoying the other activities available inside the park are admitted for a cost of $5 per vehicle. Season passes are available for $50 per vehicle. The park is open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily and the beach is open seven days a week from noon to 8 p.m.
"Overnight camping also is available at a cost of $31.50 per night for a full hookup (includes electric, water and sewer service), $26.50 and $24.50 for a site with electric, and $24.50 per night for a primitive site. Discounts apply for stays of at least 30 days. Reservations can be made by calling the park at (740) 922-3649 or by sending an e-mail to tappan@mwcd.org for availability.
"The park also features two-bedroom family vacation cabins that sleep up to six people and include air conditioning, along with salt-box style camper cabins. Overnight boat docking can be purchased by guests of the park.
"The park also offers rentals of its picnic shelters for $40 each.
"For more information or a complete schedule of activities over the holiday weekend and all summer, contact Tappan Lake Park at (740) 922-3649. Tappan Lake Park is located off Harrison County Rd. 55 a few miles west of Cadiz and just a few minutes off U.S. Rt. 250. Details about the park also can be found at www.mwcd.org.
"(Tappan Lake) Park will host a giant fireworks show at dark in honor of the anniversary of the park’s grand opening that was held on the same date in 1960. The event also will be part of the park’s 2010 season-opening weekend celebration.
"The park and campground officially open for the summer season Friday, May 28, and plenty of activities are planned for adults and children alike, including the opening of the park’s swimming beach. Events also are planned all summer long through the Labor Day holiday weekend.
"Special events kick off on Saturday, May 29, with a park Memorial Day service at 10 a.m., followed by activities for tots (ages 4 to 7) and kids (ages 8 to 14) at 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. in the park’s activity center. Horseshoes also will be available beginning at 1 p.m. The disc jockey “Mr. Moe & The Music Machine” is scheduled from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the basketball courts.
"On Sunday, May 30, a bike parade is planned at 11 a.m. with all decorated bicycles to be judged. Bingo for tots and kids will be held at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. The giant fireworks show is scheduled at dusk (in case of rain, the show will be held instead on June 5).
"Visitors planning to spend a day at the beach or enjoying the other activities available inside the park are admitted for a cost of $5 per vehicle. Season passes are available for $50 per vehicle. The park is open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily and the beach is open seven days a week from noon to 8 p.m.
"Overnight camping also is available at a cost of $31.50 per night for a full hookup (includes electric, water and sewer service), $26.50 and $24.50 for a site with electric, and $24.50 per night for a primitive site. Discounts apply for stays of at least 30 days. Reservations can be made by calling the park at (740) 922-3649 or by sending an e-mail to tappan@mwcd.org for availability.
"The park also features two-bedroom family vacation cabins that sleep up to six people and include air conditioning, along with salt-box style camper cabins. Overnight boat docking can be purchased by guests of the park.
"The park also offers rentals of its picnic shelters for $40 each.
"For more information or a complete schedule of activities over the holiday weekend and all summer, contact Tappan Lake Park at (740) 922-3649. Tappan Lake Park is located off Harrison County Rd. 55 a few miles west of Cadiz and just a few minutes off U.S. Rt. 250. Details about the park also can be found at www.mwcd.org.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Youth fishing event at AEP
This Saturday May 15 is the kids Hooked on Fishing not Drugs Fishing Derby at Campsite A (Hook Lake) in the AEP Campgrounds. The derby is free for kids 16 and younger with prizes for kids and free lunch for all. No adult fishing, but adults may assist the younger kids. Registration is 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and you can start to fish after you register. Sponsored by AEP, ODNR and local businesses.
I believe this is the event started some years ago by Lt. Brad Bond of the Morgan County Sheriff's Department. These ponds are reserved for you fishing only and the kids will have a ball.
I believe this is the event started some years ago by Lt. Brad Bond of the Morgan County Sheriff's Department. These ponds are reserved for you fishing only and the kids will have a ball.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Buckeye tournaments
Tuesday evening
Tuesday evening wasn’t the best weather for fishing, but 29 anglers still showed up for the Tuesday evening tournament at Buckeye Lake. They weighed in a total of 31 bass, with the top four finiTshers all having five-bass limits.
First -- Will Englefeild and Chris Copper, 5 fish, 7.85 pounds.
Second -- Brett Crane, 5 fish, 7.11 pounds.
Third -- Scott Clark and Jason Abella, 5 fish, 6.53 pounds.
Fourth -- Jeremy Parrish with 5 fish that weighed 5.31 pounds.
Fifth -- Frank Tipton, 3 fish, 4.05 pounds.
Big bass was a 2.85-pound fish caught by Randy Swihart.
Pete Taylor Memorial
I also finally received the results of the 34th annual Pete Taylor Memorial Tournament, held May 1 at Buckeye Lake, sponsored by Cranberry Marsh Bass Club. Proceeds this year went to Hospice of Central Ohio. Anglers fish for fun (and trophies), but the winner also received a $100 gift certificate from Bob's Outdoor Supply on Union Street in Newark.
Chuck Davis won the event with five bass weighing 10.25 pounds, while Doug Granty was second with five bass weighing 7.17 pounds.
Don Grant finished third with another five-fish limit, his weighing 6.61 pounds, while Todd Welker placed fourth with three bass weighing 6.52 pounds. Welker also had the big bass of the contest, a 3.4-pound fish.
In fifth was Charlie Gray with five bass weighing 6.35 pounds; unfortunately, he had one dead fish.
Phylis Goodin took the women's trophy with two bass weighing 4.07 pounds, while Dawna Richards was second with a 1.85-pound bass.
Samantha Vansky took top junior honors with three bass weighing 3.58 pounds, while Ryan Davis was second with two bass weighing 3.05 pounds.
Tuesday evening wasn’t the best weather for fishing, but 29 anglers still showed up for the Tuesday evening tournament at Buckeye Lake. They weighed in a total of 31 bass, with the top four finiTshers all having five-bass limits.
First -- Will Englefeild and Chris Copper, 5 fish, 7.85 pounds.
Second -- Brett Crane, 5 fish, 7.11 pounds.
Third -- Scott Clark and Jason Abella, 5 fish, 6.53 pounds.
Fourth -- Jeremy Parrish with 5 fish that weighed 5.31 pounds.
Fifth -- Frank Tipton, 3 fish, 4.05 pounds.
Big bass was a 2.85-pound fish caught by Randy Swihart.
Pete Taylor Memorial
I also finally received the results of the 34th annual Pete Taylor Memorial Tournament, held May 1 at Buckeye Lake, sponsored by Cranberry Marsh Bass Club. Proceeds this year went to Hospice of Central Ohio. Anglers fish for fun (and trophies), but the winner also received a $100 gift certificate from Bob's Outdoor Supply on Union Street in Newark.
Chuck Davis won the event with five bass weighing 10.25 pounds, while Doug Granty was second with five bass weighing 7.17 pounds.
Don Grant finished third with another five-fish limit, his weighing 6.61 pounds, while Todd Welker placed fourth with three bass weighing 6.52 pounds. Welker also had the big bass of the contest, a 3.4-pound fish.
In fifth was Charlie Gray with five bass weighing 6.35 pounds; unfortunately, he had one dead fish.
Phylis Goodin took the women's trophy with two bass weighing 4.07 pounds, while Dawna Richards was second with a 1.85-pound bass.
Samantha Vansky took top junior honors with three bass weighing 3.58 pounds, while Ryan Davis was second with two bass weighing 3.05 pounds.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Pileated woodpecker
I enjoy watching birds when I'm fishing. The sight of an eagle, an osprey, a migrating loon in the spring, colorful warblers flitting through lakeside brush, drake wood ducks, can make an otherwise slow day enjoyable.
Woodpeckers are also sure to attract my attention -- especially the crow-sized pileated woodpecker. These relatively huge birds are one of seven commonly occurring woodpecker species in Ohio.
This winter, I received a release written by Jim McCormac at the Ohio Division of Wildlife about the pileated (pronounced pie-lee-ate-id). When I spotted at pileated while fishing at Rush Creek last week, I decided to share that release here.
"Pileated woodpeckers are unmistakable. No other woodpecker in Ohio – or the United States – comes close in size. The only one that did was the now extinct ivory-billed woodpecker. Pileateds are mostly coal-black with prominent white stripes on the neck and head, and white patches in the wings. A distinctive feature is their bold red crest: red all the way to the bill in males; females have a black forehead. Males are further distinguished by their red “moustache.”
"Their loud laughing maniacal calls carry long distances, often revealing the woodpecker’s presence long before it is seen. The listener is often surprised to learn that it’s a woodpecker that is creating these wild sounds. Another surefire sign of their presence are large, oval-shaped holes, created as nest cavities and also as bore-holes into beetle and ant-infested trees.
"For the most part pileateds shun feeders, preferring to stick to natural foods, although sometimes suet feeders lure them in. They are carpenter ant specialists, adeptly locating ant colonies within trees. When a woodpecker detects ants, it uses its massive chisel-like bill to pry away large slivers of wood and expose the ant galleries. Woodpeckers are equipped with barbed tongues, and they are extremely effective at lapping lots of ants from their chambers.
"Pileated woodpeckers are birds of mature woodlands, and they are doing well in Ohio. Our forests are increasing and maturing, and the woodpeckers are growing in numbers and occupying new areas.
"Having lots of pileated woodpeckers is important for multiple reasons. They are agents of control for various insect tree pests. Pileateds are also what biologists term a “keystone” species, because many other animals benefit from the woodpecker’s work. Their large nest cavities are often later used by everything from flying squirrels, screech-owls, wood ducks, and black rat snakes. Feeding sites are often raided by other woodpeckers, wrens, and various species that otherwise could not get at the food exposed by the big woodpeckers.
"Finally, pileateds are exciting to us: without a doubt one of our grandest birds. Everyone from veteran birders to people who know nothing about birds stops in their tracks at the sight of one. These huge woodpeckers greatly enrich Ohio’s woodlands and we’re fortunate to have them around."
For photos and more articles, visit www.ohiowildside.com
Woodpeckers are also sure to attract my attention -- especially the crow-sized pileated woodpecker. These relatively huge birds are one of seven commonly occurring woodpecker species in Ohio.
This winter, I received a release written by Jim McCormac at the Ohio Division of Wildlife about the pileated (pronounced pie-lee-ate-id). When I spotted at pileated while fishing at Rush Creek last week, I decided to share that release here.
"Pileated woodpeckers are unmistakable. No other woodpecker in Ohio – or the United States – comes close in size. The only one that did was the now extinct ivory-billed woodpecker. Pileateds are mostly coal-black with prominent white stripes on the neck and head, and white patches in the wings. A distinctive feature is their bold red crest: red all the way to the bill in males; females have a black forehead. Males are further distinguished by their red “moustache.”
"Their loud laughing maniacal calls carry long distances, often revealing the woodpecker’s presence long before it is seen. The listener is often surprised to learn that it’s a woodpecker that is creating these wild sounds. Another surefire sign of their presence are large, oval-shaped holes, created as nest cavities and also as bore-holes into beetle and ant-infested trees.
"For the most part pileateds shun feeders, preferring to stick to natural foods, although sometimes suet feeders lure them in. They are carpenter ant specialists, adeptly locating ant colonies within trees. When a woodpecker detects ants, it uses its massive chisel-like bill to pry away large slivers of wood and expose the ant galleries. Woodpeckers are equipped with barbed tongues, and they are extremely effective at lapping lots of ants from their chambers.
"Pileated woodpeckers are birds of mature woodlands, and they are doing well in Ohio. Our forests are increasing and maturing, and the woodpeckers are growing in numbers and occupying new areas.
"Having lots of pileated woodpeckers is important for multiple reasons. They are agents of control for various insect tree pests. Pileateds are also what biologists term a “keystone” species, because many other animals benefit from the woodpecker’s work. Their large nest cavities are often later used by everything from flying squirrels, screech-owls, wood ducks, and black rat snakes. Feeding sites are often raided by other woodpeckers, wrens, and various species that otherwise could not get at the food exposed by the big woodpeckers.
"Finally, pileateds are exciting to us: without a doubt one of our grandest birds. Everyone from veteran birders to people who know nothing about birds stops in their tracks at the sight of one. These huge woodpeckers greatly enrich Ohio’s woodlands and we’re fortunate to have them around."
For photos and more articles, visit www.ohiowildside.com
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Miserable weekend
After some beautiful weather the last half of the week, the weekend couldn't have been much worse. High winds and a drop of 30 degrees in temperature made Saturday especially miserable. I didn't even try to go out and I heard an unconfirmed report of a boat capsizing in a tournament at Buckeye.
Still, there were tournaments that went on and fish that were caught.
Up at Delaware, the Rick Seevers Memorial Crappie Tournament. I don't know how many of the 60 teams that entered actually fished, but 40 weighed fish and it took a catch of 10 fish that weighed about 8.8 pounds to win. To see the complete results, go to the Ohio Game Fishing site, in The Lounge Forum and there is a link to the full results.
I haven't heard anything about the bass tournaments held at Clear Fork or Buckeye Sunday, but I'm still developing contacts for area tournament results. If anyone reads this who has those results, please send me a report.
I'm looking forward to next weekend, when I have a club tournament on Piedmont. Although the advance forecast shows a warming trend through the week, it also has rain in the forecast at the end of the week. I'll keep my fingers crossed about Saturday.
This is normally a great time of year to fish for bass at Piedmont, but I've had wind and storms ruin days there before!
I did get to Rush Creek for a couple hours Thursday evening. Not a lot of action, but I did hook a couple bass. I Mainly wanted to make sure my small motor would still run after its swim in the lake last fall. I did what I could to prevent damage after it happened, but other than firing it up briefly, I hadn't had a chance to run it until now. It seems to run fine.
Lesson learned: Don't be in such a hurry to get on the water that you forget to clamp the motor down!
On another subject, I had someone ask me where to get a permit for fishing and camping at the AEP ReCreation Land in Muskingum, Morgan and Noble counties. Thanks to modern technology, you can now do that online and I've provided a link to the ReCreation Land portion of the AEP website. You can get a permit there and can also access maps and information about the area.
Still, there were tournaments that went on and fish that were caught.
Up at Delaware, the Rick Seevers Memorial Crappie Tournament. I don't know how many of the 60 teams that entered actually fished, but 40 weighed fish and it took a catch of 10 fish that weighed about 8.8 pounds to win. To see the complete results, go to the Ohio Game Fishing site, in The Lounge Forum and there is a link to the full results.
I haven't heard anything about the bass tournaments held at Clear Fork or Buckeye Sunday, but I'm still developing contacts for area tournament results. If anyone reads this who has those results, please send me a report.
I'm looking forward to next weekend, when I have a club tournament on Piedmont. Although the advance forecast shows a warming trend through the week, it also has rain in the forecast at the end of the week. I'll keep my fingers crossed about Saturday.
This is normally a great time of year to fish for bass at Piedmont, but I've had wind and storms ruin days there before!
I did get to Rush Creek for a couple hours Thursday evening. Not a lot of action, but I did hook a couple bass. I Mainly wanted to make sure my small motor would still run after its swim in the lake last fall. I did what I could to prevent damage after it happened, but other than firing it up briefly, I hadn't had a chance to run it until now. It seems to run fine.
Lesson learned: Don't be in such a hurry to get on the water that you forget to clamp the motor down!
On another subject, I had someone ask me where to get a permit for fishing and camping at the AEP ReCreation Land in Muskingum, Morgan and Noble counties. Thanks to modern technology, you can now do that online and I've provided a link to the ReCreation Land portion of the AEP website. You can get a permit there and can also access maps and information about the area.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
O'Shaughnessy bass tournament
The Byersauto.com O'Shaughnessy Open Bass Tournament is set for 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. June 13, conducted by Olde Canal Bass Anglers. Entry fee is $60 with a $10 optional big bass side pot. Check-in starts at 5:30 a.m. Check-in is at 5:30 a.m. The club's address is P.O. Box 459, Groveport, Ohio 43125 but it looks like you can pay at the ramp.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Buckeye results
The fishing was good at Buckeye Lake Tuesday evening. Tournament organizer Robin Cross reported that 30 anglers weighed in 50 bass, including five that weighed over three pounds.
First place went Brett Crane with four fish that weighed 9.39 pounds. He also took big bass honors with a 3.86-pound fish.
Scott Clark finished second with four fish that weighed 8.1 pounds, Frank Tipton and someone named Wilkes took third with five bass that weighed 7.39 pounds, Mike Watson was fourth with five bass weighing 6.85 pounds, and Mike and Phillis Goodin finished fifth with five bass that weighed 6.23 pounds.
First place went Brett Crane with four fish that weighed 9.39 pounds. He also took big bass honors with a 3.86-pound fish.
Scott Clark finished second with four fish that weighed 8.1 pounds, Frank Tipton and someone named Wilkes took third with five bass that weighed 7.39 pounds, Mike Watson was fourth with five bass weighing 6.85 pounds, and Mike and Phillis Goodin finished fifth with five bass that weighed 6.23 pounds.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Kayak classes at Atwood
I frequently see kayaks on area lakes. Sometimes the occupants are fishing, sometimes not. If you've ever wanted to try using one of these simple craft, it's best the learn the basics correctly. If you're interested, check out the following information I received recently from the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District:
"The MWCD will host four free “Quick Start Your Kayak” classes this summer at Atwood Lake Park. Sessions will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. at the park beach on June 7, July 10, Aug. 14 and Sept. 11.
Quick Start provides an introduction to paddling a kayak. Participants are presented with basic information on dressing, paddling safety, potential hazards and simple rescues. A minimal paddle skill set is presented and practiced, allowing students to safely and comfortably maneuver on still water.
The class is taught on a brief kayak trip, and the kayaks and all safety equipment are supplied to participants.
The class is free but space is limited and registration is required. For more information or to reserve a seat for one of the sessions, contact MWCD Lake Ranger Shawn P. Tharp at (330) 343-6780 Ext. 2317, or via e-mail at stharp@mwcd.org."
"The MWCD will host four free “Quick Start Your Kayak” classes this summer at Atwood Lake Park. Sessions will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. at the park beach on June 7, July 10, Aug. 14 and Sept. 11.
Quick Start provides an introduction to paddling a kayak. Participants are presented with basic information on dressing, paddling safety, potential hazards and simple rescues. A minimal paddle skill set is presented and practiced, allowing students to safely and comfortably maneuver on still water.
The class is taught on a brief kayak trip, and the kayaks and all safety equipment are supplied to participants.
The class is free but space is limited and registration is required. For more information or to reserve a seat for one of the sessions, contact MWCD Lake Ranger Shawn P. Tharp at (330) 343-6780 Ext. 2317, or via e-mail at stharp@mwcd.org."
Monday, May 3, 2010
Branfass wins at Leesville
The Y-City Bass Club had a good day at Leesville Lake Sunday, May 2, as 24 out of 31 anglers entered in the club event weighed a total of 62 bass. That total included five five-fish limits, although two of the top five finishers weighed in only three fish each.
Gabe Branfass won the contest by a margin of more than two pounds with a catch of five bass weighing 11.36 pounds.
The rest of the top five were:
2) Wesley Hammer, five fish, 9.13 pounds
3) Mike King, five fish, 8.69 pounds
4) Dave Blackstone, three fish, 8.69 pounds
5) Tyler Shawger, three fish, 8.5 pounds
Blackstone had the big bass of the tournament, a 5.69-pound lunker, while Shawger also had a good fish in his catch, a 4.99-pound bass.
For the complete results, use the link to Ohio Bass Clubs, go to Bass Clubs and click on the Y-City emblem.
The club's next tournament is May 16 at Charles Mill.
Gabe Branfass won the contest by a margin of more than two pounds with a catch of five bass weighing 11.36 pounds.
The rest of the top five were:
2) Wesley Hammer, five fish, 9.13 pounds
3) Mike King, five fish, 8.69 pounds
4) Dave Blackstone, three fish, 8.69 pounds
5) Tyler Shawger, three fish, 8.5 pounds
Blackstone had the big bass of the tournament, a 5.69-pound lunker, while Shawger also had a good fish in his catch, a 4.99-pound bass.
For the complete results, use the link to Ohio Bass Clubs, go to Bass Clubs and click on the Y-City emblem.
The club's next tournament is May 16 at Charles Mill.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Alan Fulks wins big at Tappan
Alan Fulks of Nashportmade the fishing look easy Saturday at Tappan Lake, winning the Southern Ohio Bassmasters club tournament by a margin of 3 1/2 pounds. Alan had five bass with a total weight of 12 pounds, 5.6 ounces, which included the big bass of the tournament, a 3-pounds, 6.6-ounce fish.
Each of the next four anglers also had five-fish limits, but none found the consistent quality of fish that Alan did.
Finishing a disnt second was Eric Woodrow of Duncan Falls, with 8 pounds, 14.4 ounces and Randy Brownrigg of McConnelsville was close behind him at 8 pounds, 6.4 ounces. Chris Lighthizer of Zanesville was fourth at 7 pounds, 15.6 ounces, and Chad Lighthizer placed fifth with 7 pounds, 8.2 ounces.
Out of 27 members fishing, 22 weighed in a total of 59 bass.
I knew it was going to be a tough day for me when I lost the first bass I had on. I didn't think it was a keeper at the time, but I caught a couple later that looked smaller, but still measured 11 1/2 inches or better.
Getting fish to hit wasn't my problem Saturday; keeping them hooked was. For some reason this spring I have been losing too many fish on soft plastic. I didn't have that problem last year and I'm using the same lures and same type of hooks on the same rod.
Maybe, like the pitcher who suddenly can't hit the strike zone, there's something wrong in my mechanics. I'll have to work on it.
The club's next tournament is at Piedmont May 15. I'll be looking forward to that.
Each of the next four anglers also had five-fish limits, but none found the consistent quality of fish that Alan did.
Finishing a disnt second was Eric Woodrow of Duncan Falls, with 8 pounds, 14.4 ounces and Randy Brownrigg of McConnelsville was close behind him at 8 pounds, 6.4 ounces. Chris Lighthizer of Zanesville was fourth at 7 pounds, 15.6 ounces, and Chad Lighthizer placed fifth with 7 pounds, 8.2 ounces.
Out of 27 members fishing, 22 weighed in a total of 59 bass.
I knew it was going to be a tough day for me when I lost the first bass I had on. I didn't think it was a keeper at the time, but I caught a couple later that looked smaller, but still measured 11 1/2 inches or better.
Getting fish to hit wasn't my problem Saturday; keeping them hooked was. For some reason this spring I have been losing too many fish on soft plastic. I didn't have that problem last year and I'm using the same lures and same type of hooks on the same rod.
Maybe, like the pitcher who suddenly can't hit the strike zone, there's something wrong in my mechanics. I'll have to work on it.
The club's next tournament is at Piedmont May 15. I'll be looking forward to that.
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