Well, I’m hoping you read my review of David Adams’ Richards book “Lines on the Water”. If you have any affinity for the outdoors at all, I recommend the book. Awesome read, for sure! Mr. Richards was kind enough to answer some questions. This is particularly meaningful to me as a New Brunswicker, since we harken from the same province. As a writer, since Mr. Richards is a highly acclaimed Canadian author, and winner of the prestigious Governor General’s Award. Thanks again to the author of this wonderful book of life, and fly fishing. ~DesertRat

1. Short stories, poetry, novels, non-fiction – you’ve done it all. What’s your favorite type of writing?
For the most part I like writing them all –they are all challenging and rewarding in different ways
As I get older I am doing more non fiction however.

2. In terms of personal satisfaction for your own work, where does “Lines on the Water” fall?
I like Lines on the Water. It is I think a fairly accurate portrayal of life on the Miramichi River, and the friends I write about in it are authentic and as gracious as most human beings. The fishing is good too.

3. Was it a book you wanted to write, or a book you needed to write?
It was a book I both wanted and needed to write–most of my friends were asking me when I was ever going to write about fishing–finally I decided to do so.

4. As you know, I haven’t been home in a long time – how are the Atlantic salmon doing? I know they were struggling when I left.
The salmon are doing fairly well on the river now. Of course it is a 4 year cycle from spawn to mature fish–the grilse run happens after 2 years of course–but over all I do think the fish are doing well, and the stock is healthy. Of course each year is different and there is no guarantees, but the Miramichi is still the greatest Atlantic Salmon river in the world.

5. For the most part, participation in hunting and fishing is declining across North America; do you think fishing books such as yours can serve as recruiting tools or merely a testament to the “way things used to be”? How important do you think it is to keep fishing (and hunting) alive?
Both–in some ways every book one writes is a testament or an avowal to the way things were–in a certain way that is the writer’s job–however these books are also filled with hard won information about what is true and noble in the experience, and that in itself says that such experiences are important.

6. Barely anybody here has ever heard of New Brunswick. How would you characterize New Brunswick (and New Brunswickers)?
Like anywhere else really. Its the province in Canada directly north of the State of Maine. I have travelled most of my life, and have come home again. New Brunswickers are as gracious and generous and thoughtful and as understanding of the world as people I have met in New York, London or Sydney Australia. In fact in the real measure of things there is little difference.

7. Is there a dream fishing trip you haven’t been on yet?
Bone fishing on the flats in Florida someday.

8. Are there more fishing books from you in the future?
No I believe I have done my fishing book. I have a companion hunting book out now, and that is it as far as those kinds of books go.

Thanks again to David. I’m going to pick up a copy of his hunting book to review next!

If you are interested in buying a copy, you can pick it up on Amazon here: Lines on the Water

Interested in learning more about New Brunswick? Check here: New Brunswick

Finally – are you a fisherman looking for a cause? Check out the Atlantic Salmon Federation: Atlantic Salmon

Desert Rat reviews “Lines on the Water – A Fly Fisherman’s Life on the Miramichi” by David Adams Richards

It hasn’t been deliberate, but I haven’t stepped foot on New Brunswick soil for about 15 years now, since I moved to Arizona. In March of this year, I finally went home. Not via airliner, but rather – the pages of a book. I’d like to thank Michal Rubin of Skyhorse Publishing for sending me a copy of this book to review. David Adams Richards’ book tells of a boy’s yearning to fish, and the transformation of that education into the grown man’s connection to the rivers that he loves.

Richards has an amazing knack for on one hand, making each and every word seem like it has been meticulously chosen to be a part of a brilliant literary tapestry. On the other hand, those same words form the easy and simple conversations that are New Brunswick; that are the Miramichi. Whether or not you have ever cast a line, you will come away with an appreciation for the majestic Atlantic salmon and the lore associated with their pursuit. You can smell the mud and the ferns as you slog along the riverbank. I could taste the Old Time Woodsman flydope and hear the chatter in the camp. I too have fished the Renous, and the Little Southwest, and the main branch as well. Certainly not as much as Richards but enough to have some extra appreciation for what he has created.

For as artful as this is, it is simple as well. With stories and conversation as easygoing as if they were told while drifting in a canoe, or leaned up against the tailgate of a half-ton somewhere. No matter your lot in life – fisherman, literary aficionado, or city dude stuck in an airport – you will enjoy this book and come away feeling better to have read it. You might identify with the characters, the local culture, the peace and wild that is the forest, the struggle of a species, the transformation of societal values or even the technical aspects of landing a prized fish. Mark my words though – it will read easy, you’ll connect in some way and I bet it will take you somewhere that you miss.

If you are a fly fisherman, this is a must-have for your shelf. If you are everybody else,I still have to recommend it.

Reel in some holiday spirit

Reel in some holiday fishing spirit and help welcome back the rainbow trout to Tempe Town Lake from 3-5 p.m. Nov. 23, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.

It’s the lake’s regular pre-Thanksgiving celebration – with a twist. This year marks the first day since the dam burst that anglers once again have an incentive to fish Town Lake. The fun happens at Town Lake Marina on College Avenue south of Curry Road; just follow the blue signs.

For a map to the Town Lake Marina where the event is conducted, visit the Tempe Town Lake website at http://www.tempe.gov/lake/Maps/MarinaMap.jpg.

“This fun festival has become a holiday tradition in the Valley of the Sun. Bring the family out and come join us – we’ll even provide you a fishing pole to use if you don’t have one,” said Rory Aikens, the fishing report editor for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

This is the ninth year that Tempe welcomes back rainbow trout. It’s a free, family friendly event with popular music by Dan Valenzula, free fishing for everyone, free use of rods and reels, free bait and helpful folks to teach people fishing techniques. There is something new this year. The Bass Federation Nation is bringing its kids casting setup. It’s sweet. They set up casting targets and teach the kids how to accurately cast with techniques called flippin’ and pitchin,’ just like the pros on TV.

Game and Fish is also trying something a little new this year – they are using a line of nets to help keep the trout closer to shore for the youngsters to catch. This should increase catch rates.
Every year at this fishing celebration, many children catch their first fish ever. Kids can even help Game and Fish stock the wiggling trout. It’s a memory maker. Come join us.

Game and Fish also brings an aquarium to show everyone what trout look like. Come take a photo with a trout in the background.

For those who sign up for the fishing clinic, Game and Fish provides anglers of all ages with the gear and advice they need to try their hand at the sport. If signed up for the event, no fishing license is required during the clinic hours of 3-5 p.m.

Aikens also advised that Town Lake will be stocked heavier than usual throughout the holiday season to try to bring up the total number of game fish in the lake. “We will also do an extra stocking of fish just before the school break for the December holidays,” Aikens pointed out.
Want more details? Visit www.tempe.gov/lake or www.azgfd.gov.

Arizona Sportsmen and women really need to have a look at this Proposition. Admittedly, I was a bit confused when it first came out, myself. Based on the comments I am hearing from some hunters and fishermen, there is still some misinformation out there. Sportsmen need to educate themselves and then vote accordingly. ~DesertRat

The Arizona Elk Society and many other groups that are supporting a yes vote on Proposition 109 are working very hard to get the truth about why 109 is good for Arizona.

The opposition has done a great job of spreading misinformation and we need your help to get the true message out.

What is Proposition 109 and Why is it Necessary?

Prop 109 was referred to the ballot by the Arizona Legislature. It is a proposed constitutional amendment that will provide Arizonans protection for the right to hunt and fish now and for future generations. This amendment to the Arizona State Constitution is an action to do what our forefathers never thought would be necessary. Protect the right to hunt and fish. Hunting and fishing was a means of survival in the early southwest. Today, with the changes in our society, hunting has become more of a recreational pursuit, although many that hunt and fish do so for the enjoyment of the food they put on the table. While our forefathers protected our right to bear arms, it never occurred to them that the heritage of hunting and fishing would ever be challenged.

Over the past few decades there have been more and more attempts by animal rights activists to impose restrictions on the ability to hunt and fish. In 1992 animal rights activists placed an initiative on the Arizona ballot that would have banned hunting and trapping. Voters rejected that attempt. In 1994, a modified version of the 1992 initiative was place before voters, and they were successful in prohibiting the ability to use trapping on public lands thereby eliminating an important and proven tool for wildlife management. Unfortunately they played on the emotions of voters, rather than telling the true stories behind the sciences of trapping and the benefits they hold for all wildlife species. Other initiatives to restrict the ability to hunt and fish have been attempted elsewhere, like the California initiative that removed all mountain lion hunting to the detriment of other wildlife. These same types of actions could be brought to bear on the state of Arizona. If they are unsuccessful at the ballot box, then they’ll begin playing this out in the courts, ultimately tying the hands of wildlife management agencies at both the state and federal levels. This constitutional amendment will go a long ways in seeing that this can’t take place here.

Many people in the state of Arizona simply do not know that it is hunters and fishermen that provide the majority of funding for the Arizona Game and Fish Department, including their wildlife management and fisheries management. Through hunting and fishing licenses money is generated to support most on-the-ground projects to improve fish and wildlife habitat. In addition, more money is raised at the federal level by purchases of hunting and fishing supplies. This money is then turned around to the state to support additional projects, including research, habitat purchases, land protections and many other activities. Without hunting and fishing, and the money that those participating raise, most of the wildlife you see today would be non-existent. Sportsmen are the true conservationists putting their money and time into making sure that everyone in this state has the opportunity to always see wildlife and share in the great outdoor experiences that come along with it. If we lose hunting and fishing the outdoors as we know it will be seriously compromised.

Please check out these websites and read up on the point/counterpoints about the issue. There is a lot of information about the Proposition, including dispelling the idea that it is a Legislature Power Grab, and much more.

Outdoor Heritage Arizona

Commissioners Yes on 109

Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife

Right now we need help to get the truth out to the public and raise funds to support the Commissioners Yes on 109 campaign.

We also need help distributing yard signs throughout Maricopa County.

Thank You.

Collaboration results in enhancements to Yuma fishing area

The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Region IV (Yuma) and the Bureau of Land Management’s Yuma Sector celebrated the opening of the Redondo Pond Fishing Pier on August 4. The completion of this enhanced access project now provides enhanced access to stocked fishing opportunities at three locations around Yuma, at Redondo, Fortuna Pond, and at the West Wetlands Park pond.

Formed in an old gravel pit, the pond itself has existed for several years with limited access for fishing and recreation. The project, which took about a year-and-a-half to complete, included creating a parking area, providing disability access, and construction of the fishing pier.

Both agencies are excited to be able to contribute to the quality of life for Yuma residents and to help provide inexpensive and easily accessible opportunities to enjoy nature.

“It’s a reflection of our commitment to promoting family-oriented outdoor activities and recreational opportunities in Yuma County,” said Pat Barber, Game and Fish Region IV supervisor.

J. Todd Shoaff, field office manager for BLM, envisions this project as just the beginning. “Children today spend half as much time outdoors as their parents did as children,” he said. “The Redondo Pond is a perfect way for parents and children to connect to the outdoors together.”

For more information on Redondo pond or fishing opportunities in the Yuma area, please contact the Arizona Game and Fish Region IV office at (928) 342-0091.

Good news: Few arrested at checkpoint
But many still cited for equipment shortcomings

Five law enforcement agencies recently worked together to help provide a safe boating environment for watercraft users along the Colorado River.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department, Nevada Department of Wildlife, National Park Service, Bullhead City Police Department, and Yavapai County Sheriff’s Department recently conducted an OUI (Operating Under the Influence)/Safety Checkpoint at Katherine’s Landing in Bullhead City.

Two arrests were made for exceeding the blood alcohol limit of .08, down from nine in 2009, and overall compliance with required safety equipment was 78 percent, up from 73 percent in 2010.

Velma Holt, west sector supervisor for the Game and Fish Kingman office, believes an outreach effort that has reached 6,000 boaters over the last three years may have played a role in the higher compliance rate.

“I’m pleased to see more boaters operating with the required equipment,” Holt said. “The regulations are in place for a reason. There are a lot of potential dangers on our waterways, not the least of which is the sheer number of boats using a limited amount of space.”

Holt also mentioned cold water temperatures, alcohol, and inexperienced boaters as other potential safety issues.

“Boat Safe, Boat Smart, and Boat Sober,” Holt said, referring to the safety slogan. “Game and Fish also offers free boating education, which covers safety issues, regulations, and the required equipment prior to launch.”

While compliance improved and arrests were down, Holt did point out some concerns. A total of 72 citations were issued, 31 of which were for not having a Type IV throwable on board.

Holt explained these throwable floatation devices are critical because one person jumping in the water to try and save another simply puts two people at risk.

An additional 15 citations were written for not having a fire extinguisher, 13 for insufficient PFD’s (Personal Floatation Device), four were written for expired registration, four for having a child under 12 not wearing a life jacket, two for possession of drugs and paraphernalia, and one for an overloaded boat.

“Everyone on the water needs to understand how many scenarios on the water can quickly turn into a life-or-death situation,” Holt said. “If you are going on a boat, take a few minutes to learn what is required prior to launching.”

For those interested in taking a boating education class, visit the Game and Fish website at www.azgfd.gov/boating.

Game and Fish participates in second annual Operation Dry Water campaign

Heavy law enforcement patrol efforts from the tri-state region will remove alcohol-impaired boaters from the Colorado River at the end of the month as part of Operation Dry Water, a countrywide movement that has more than 40 states increasing OUI enforcement and awareness.

Operation Dry Water is a national campaign that was created to detect and remove impaired boaters from waters across the nation. It is organized by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the U.S. Coast Guard, and it will focus on enforcing Operating/Boating Under the Influence (OUI or BUI) laws June 25-27, 2010.

Among the many lakes and rivers across America, one of the most dangerous waterways west of the Mississippi is the Colorado River. The national effort broadens the public safety message and includes interagency OUI checkpoints, saturation patrols and awareness between states like Arizona, California and Nevada that border waterways such as the 233-mile Colorado River system.

“The Colorado River is a massive undertaking to enforce,” said Kevin Bergersen, Arizona’s boating law administrator. “However, it is important that every agency does their share since a significant number of alcohol-related accidents occur on the Colorado River,” he said. “These checkpoints remove dangerous boaters from the river by enforcing the .08 Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) throughout, making it safer for everyone.”

The primary purpose of the campaign is to detect boat operators who are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and to provide boating safety education and outreach to all boaters. “We want people to be responsible while having fun,” said Bergersen.

United States Coast Guard statistics from 2008, the latest available, reveal that 17 percent of all boat accident fatalities were a direct result of alcohol or drug use. Alcohol can impair a boater’s judgment, balance, vision, and reaction time. It can increase fatigue and susceptibility to the effects of cold-water immersion. Sun, wind, noise, vibration, and motion – “stressors” common to the boating environment – intensify the side effects of alcohol, drugs, and some prescription medications

To find out more about Operation Dry Water and boating safety laws, please visit www.operationdrywater.org, www.azgfd.gov/boating, or www.boatcoloradoriver.com.

Orange Beach Fishing Gearing-Up for Stellar Summer Season in Waters Not Affected By Oil Spill

Orange Beach, AL – 5/14/10 – You’ll never find fishing better off the coast of Orange Beach, Alabama, than right now. Anglers who are fishing in the abundant Gulf of Mexico or inshore waters are pulling-in monster fish daily in waters unaffected by the oil spill. Only about 5 percent of the federal waters are closed in the Gulf, and all other Gulf waters – especially those frequented by the Orange Beach charter captains – are open for fishing.

Captain Johnny Greene of the charter boat “Intimidator” docked at Orange Beach Marina explains: “We have more than 20 miles from shore that we can fish, and we’re catching plenty of reef fish, as well as mackerel, cobia and other saltwater fish. I’m keeping my customers up-to-date on the oil spill situation, and so far, we’ve had no problem with oil here at Orange Beach.”

Meanwhile, the fishing action in the back bays and bayous is just as hot according to inshore fishing guide Gary Davis of Foley, Alabama: “We’re catching some of the biggest speckled trout we’ve caught all year now in the late spring and early summer. We generally catch at least one or two speckled trout that will weigh from 5- to 7-pounds each every day.”

Alabama’s Gulf Coast has plenty of boats and captains available, as well as numbers of fish, and the fishing pressure is low. To make fishing more available to more people, many captains offer 4-, 6-, 8-, 10- and 12-hour fishing trips, as well as 2-day fishing trips. You can design a trip that best suits the needs and the schedules of you and your family and friends.

“On an overnighter, we fish for grouper, snapper, amberjack, triggerfish and other reef fish,” says Captain George Pfeiffer of the charter boat “Island Spirit.” “Then, we deep-drop for snowy grouper, tilefish and other deep-water species. When we can, we’ll also fish for tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi and other big-game species. We’ll finish the trip fishing for reef fish again. On a 2-day trip, we can bring-in a 2-day limit of fish per person. People can sleep, eat and have a great day of fishing.”

Inshore fishermen like Captain Kathy Broughton go out each morning and fish for redfish, speckled trout, flounder and pompano on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. On a 4-hour trip, they’ll catch plenty of inshore species that will put smiles on faces, make drags squeal as the fish run and provide delicious saltwater fish for the table.

As the oil scare continues to flood the news media, the story not being told is that the sport fishing along Alabama’s Gulf Coast is now as good, if not better, than ever. Those sugar-white beaches for which Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have been known for are still white and clean, and the water remains free from oil sheen. The State of Alabama has worked diligently putting-up barriers to thoroughly protect the inshore estuaries and especially the fisheries. Alabama has a large number of inshore artificial reefs created by the State to increase the habitat and the number of fish produced in the back bays, the lagoons and the bayous, all of which are being protected should effects of the oil spill reach this area.

To enjoy the freshest seafood the Gulf of Mexico can provide at reasonable prices and have a great day of fishing, either inshore or offshore, visit www.orangebeach.com/fishing, or call 1-800-745-SAND (7263). Also stay informed on the Gulf oil spill with verified and accurate information, specific to the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area at www.orangebeach.com/issues.

Catch monster pike to help Ashurst Lake

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is asking anglers to catch the monster northern pike at Ashurst Lake near Flagstaff to help this popular trout lake overlooking the San Francisco Peaks.

“Northern pike are in the spawning mode. This is the best time to catch these voracious fish to help the survival of stocked rainbow trout at Ashurst – so please catch and keep all the pike you can here, there is no pike limit,” said Chuck Benedict, a fisheries biologist in the Flagstaff region.

Biologists sampled Ashurst Lake last week and brought in 32 pike – with the vast majority of them tipping the scales at over 10 pounds. Only one trout was sampled.

“We estimate that of the 40,000 trout we stocked in Ashurst last year, possibly 30,000 of them were gobbled up by pike. You might even catch a new state record,” Benedict said.

The state’s record northern pike weighing 32 pounds, 5.6 ounces, was caught in Ashurst by Ronald Needs of Flagstaff on Nov. 5, 2004.

Benedict suggests using any lure that resemble a rainbow trout to catch northerns at Ashurst. “Try anything big and rainbow colored – even a painted broom stick with hooks will probably work,” he joked.

Many pike anglers use swim baits or large jointed surface lures, such as AC Plugs. In-line spinners such as Mepps, Rooster Tails and Blue Fox can also work. Be sure to use steel leaders – monster pike have needle-sharp teeth.

Ashurst is a 229-acre fishery tucked amongst the pinion-juniper woodlands and high grasslands of Anderson Mesa. This is a relatively shallow lake with an average depth of 12 feet.

To get to Ashurst, take Highway 3 (Lake Mary Road) and then turn east on FR 82 east and you will reach Ashurst in four miles.

Fishing is busting loose – it’s time to get out

Grab your poles — it’s time to get out fishing.

“This is the first week of spring, there is a full moon on Monday, March 29, and thanks to lots of runoff and nutrient loading, the fishing at Arizona’s desert lakes is really turning on. This is also the leading edge of the good trout fishing season,” said Rory Aikens, who compiles the weekly fishing report for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

If you want to learn techniques for catching fish, especially in the warmwater lakes, come to the Game and Fish Outdoor Expo this weekend and visit the “Demo Fishing Tank” where local experts will share their secrets. Aikens will also be on hand at the Demo Tank to answer your “Where to” fishing questions.

The Outdoor Expo is Saturday and Sunday, March 27-28 at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility on Carefree Highway just west of Interstate 17.

Here is a quick run down on the fishing hot spots.

Desert Lakes

* Lake Pleasant is the hot spot. Post-spawn striped bass are feeding aggressively. Largemouth bass are spawning. White bass are just finishing their spawn.
* Roosevelt Lake is turning on for largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. Crappie should start spawning any time (probably this weekend). Carp are spawning. Due to exceptional runoff, Roosevelt is very turbid. This should be a superb fishing year at Rosy. Don’t miss out.
* Bartlett Lake is heating up for bass and crappie. Don’t ignore the flatheads. On any given day, this can be the fishing hot spot.
* Saguaro Lake is good for 1- to 2-pound largemouth bass, some nice yellow bass and large channel catfish.
* Canyon Lake is tougher to fish, but is the land of the lunkers. Catch rates are typically low, but you might just land a new state record bucket mouth.
* Alamo Lake has been challenged with fluctuating waters levels, but crappie are spawning and largemouth bass action is picking up almost daily. Don’t ignore the plentiful channel catfish.
* Apache Lake is picking up for largemouth bass, with some nice smallmouth being caught. But if you want walleye, this is the place; a 9-pound walleye was caught recently.
* Havasu Lake is very good for spawning largemouth and smallmouth bass, and striped bass fishing should be picking up as well.
* Mead and Mohave are both a little slow yet, but striped bass action should pick up soon. Largemouth bass are starting to spawn in the more shallow, protected coves. The water level at Mohave is very good, but Mead is very low.
* Lake Powell is slowly turning on. This is shaping up to be a stellar fishing year. The spring fishing can provide some of the best action in the West for striped bass, smallmouth bass and walleye.
* Martinez Lake along the lower Colorado River near Yuma is another hot spot for largemouth bass, but it is a little early for good striped bass action.

Trout waters

* The Lower Salt River near Phoenix has been running pretty high, but the deparment is stocking it with rainbow trout again. Expect the higher flows to continue as snow melts in the high country.
* The spawn for wild rainbow trout at Lees Ferry in northern Arizona is underway. This renowned fishery in Marble Canyon provides world-class action.
* Oak Creek, the Verde River, Burro Creek and West Clear Creek are all running a little high to stock with trout right now, but once they settle down you’ll want to give them a try.
* The creeks below the Mogollon Rim are scheduled to be stocked with rainbow trout the first week of April. These include Christopher Creek, Tonto Creek, Canyon Creek, the East Verde River, and Haigler Creek.
* Fain, Lynx and Goldwater lakes in the Prescott area have already been stocked this season, and are scheduled for additional stockings soon.
* Although it might be May before snow melts and the higher trout lakes become accessible, early bird specials include Becker Lake, Fool Hollow, Show Low Lake, Scotts Reservoir, Woodland Reservoir and Rainbow Lake in the White Mountains.
* Keep watching the reports for the Williams area lakes, they are scheduled for stocking the first week of April. Kaibab and Cataract should be accessible. Dogtown requires a quarter-mile walk through snow. Whitehorse is not accessible yet, but snow melt is underway.
* Anglers are catching limits of trout at Parker Canyon Lake. Pena Blanca is now full and the department is actively stocking it with trout – but there isn’t a usable boat ramp. Rose Canyon is scheduled for stocking the second week of April.
* Lower Lake Mary near Flagstaff has been stocked with small rainbow trout, but the fish will grow quickly. It won’t take long before this is a trout fishing hot spot in Arizona.
* Along the Colorado River, Willow Beach below Hoover Dam is stocked with rainbow trout. This is a good place to escape the crowds, fish in pleasant weather, and catch ‘bows in the lower Mohave desert. You might even see desert bighorn sheep.

“The higher elevation trout lakes, such as Woods Canyon and Big Lake, might not be accessible until late April or even early May, but due to tremendous snow pack this year, the high country trout fishing outlook is superb. Watch our reports – we’ll keep you informed as the season progresses,” Aikens promised.

In addition, the Urban Program lakes were stocked this week with channel catfish weighing from 1 to 2 pounds – those are some quality fish.

Visit www.azgfd.gov for the weekly fishing report and stocking schedules.