I
have missed writing a few of the weekly columns for the BCNorth
Outdoors
site.
Between
a
bug
that
had my
face looking
like
a wasp
target and being extremely busy at work, I apologize to our regular
readers.
Salmon
Salmon season is in full momentum right now. Numbers are
getting better every day on the Skeena and Nass watersheds. River
conditions
are way ahead of last year and the best is yet to come. The only
river reported spotty is the Kitimat where the springs and chum
are late.
Ocean fishing is still great, but fewer springs are being taken
as the huge runs of coho and pinks become the dominant species.
The fish are large so ocean-feeding conditions must have been
very good.
Sockeye salmon have been taken in the Skeena for the last two
weeks and are even reported up in Babine Lake. You can take two
sockeye
in the Skeena mainstem right now but the Babine River and Lake
do not open until August 1.
Bears
Since this is the peak time for salmon, fishing can get crowded
on some of our rivers. Part of that crowd can be the furry four-legged
type that demands some respect. Bears are a normal part of the
outdoor experience here in the Northwest. Many of us feel a little
cheated if we don’t see a bruin on our trips. After all,
they also know the good salmon spots.
Aware
Being bear aware is our best
defense against getting caught in an uncomfortable situation.
We must be keenly aware of the surroundings.
The presence of bear sign, leftover salmon carcasses, lots
of garbage are obvious clues for us to take extra precautions.
Bear bells, whistles, sonic devices, bear bangers and flares
all make sense in heavy bear country. But what if you have
to stop
a charging bear? To those of us who spend a lot of time in
the bush it is a question of some importance. How effective are
the
pepper sprays over a firearm when it comes down to stopping
a bear?
Attacks
Well, take some comfort in the results of an analysis
of Grizzly attacks over the last decade that took place outside
of a national
park. Dominic Domenici with the US Fish and Wildlife Service
found that of 40 Grizzly Bear attacks more than half (54%)
who defended
themselves with guns still suffered injuries. However,
those who defended themselves with pepper spray escaped injury
92% of the
time. So, the gun in the hands of a cool, calm rifleman
is still likely to result in injury while the pepper spray will
be more effective in avoiding injury more
than nine
out of ten times
(All previous issues are stored in the ARCHIVE for
your convenience)
Bob's
Weekly Fishing Report is back
|
Those
are pretty good odds and the money spent on a bottle of spray and
a holster that is readily accessible seems to be fairly cheap life
insurance.
Bear tales
Sitting
around the campfire the inevitable bear humor will begin to circulate
around the group. Amid the nervous laughter and furtive glances
the outdoor comedians will cite the classic bear one-liners.
“ I
always have Joe bring smoked salmon. Bring a slow partner. Make
sure you get in the first trip. Wear light running shoes and insist
buddies wear heavy hiking boots. Coat their waders with roe or
jam.”
The next time a bear story comes up, just remember that pepper
spray used properly is your best defense if you have to stop
a bear. But,
be bear aware so you never have to put yourself in that position.
Fishing Truths
> The time spent fishing shall not be deducted from a person’s
lifetime.
> The fishing is always better on the other side.
> The best days to go fishing end in ‘y’.
> The best time to go fishing is when you can.
> The best day to go fishing is when it’s raining or when
it’s
not.
> The best days for fishing are the day before you arrive and the
day after you leave.
> The best place for fishing is the place you know the best.
> The best color of spin-n-glo is the one in front of their mouth.
More Fishing Truths
> The best lure is your favorite. Because it spends more time in
the water, it will catch more fish.
> Waders always leak at the armpits.
> The water is awfully close to the shore this time of year.
> There is always a lure or fly that will work better.
> Your biggest fish will be caught while you are alone, or playing
hookey from work and now can’t tell anybody.
> Your buddy always catches bigger fish out of your sight.
> Your buddies will always have a great trip on the one trip you
couldn’t take.
> The biggest fish always get away.
> All anglers are liars except you and me and I’m not
so sure about you.
> Good things come to those who wade.
Let us know your thoughts. Click on discussion
group or email
me and
give us some input.
Check for new photos on the Photo
page
....................
and past photos on the Slideshow |
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