Jefferson County Outdoors

utdoors O

A Special Publication of The Punxsutawney Spirit and Jefferson County Neighbors

Jefferson County

©2015 The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors

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Practice knots to save your catch the most commonly used line for all fishing.

Knots to Tie on Hooks, Lures, Rigs Knots to tie a fishing line to a hook or lure are the basic and used in all fishing.

Improved Clinch Knot – This is a variation of an older clinch knot. The variation (a final tuck of the line back through a loop) makes this knot test 95 percent of the line strength. The secret of this knot is to make five turns of the tag end of the line around the standing end part before running the tag end back through the formed loop. Use for lines up to 20 pound test.

Palomar Knot – This knot, over 95 percent in strength, takes more line to tie because it is doubled first. It is good for lines up to and over 20 pound test. Because it is run doubled through the lure or hook eye, knotted and then looped over the hook or lure, it may tangle easier. It is a favorite knot of many anglers.

Non-Slip Loop Knot – This knot creates a fixed loop so that a hook can freely move. It is best with larger lines where a tight knot such as the Improved Clinch can impede the hook/bait or lure movement. It is similar to tying the Improved Clinch Knot.

Knots to Join Lines Knots to join line are good for retying broken lines and to join a leader to the end of the line.

Blood Knot – This knot requires five turns of line, with each tag end around the overlapped standing end of line. This is easy to do by making one series of turns and tucking the tag end between the two lines and then repeating with the second line. It is a good knot if the lines are not too dissimilar in diameters. It’s good for tying 15 pound test line to 20 pound test line; not

Choose your fishing rod carefully (Statepoint) – The answer to this question is not that simple, according to Capt. Gordon Churchill, an experienced salt-water fly-fishing guide in Morehead City, North Carolina.

“What are you fishing for? Fresh or salt? Lures or bait? Heavy cover or open water? Light line or do you want to crank them in like on the TV bass fishin’ shows?” he asks.

There are also other questions needing to be answered. Nobody just goes out and buys a fishing rod without a need.

Most folks see somebody catch a fish in person or on TV, then get the itch and buy something to fish with, says Churchill.

The local “experts” will then take over. However the local tackle “shoperator” may have bait set up in front of the store specifically to catch the neophyte. Often these will be combos of low cost and low quality. If you’re looking to get something for years of use you should avoid the front-of-the-store models.

In contrast, tackle shop owners who are interested in repeat business and years of customers will ask many questions to determine your needs. Then they will present something of quality. It will be an outfit well-suited for the local waters.

Take the time and find out what you really need before getting something you will hopefully have for years, Churchill stresses.

good for tying 15 pound test line to 50 pound test line.

Surgeon’s Knot – This makes it easy to join two lines, but one line must be short, since you have to bring the one end through the formed overhand loop. As with other lines, use a lot of overlapping line so that you can pull on all four ends to properly pull tight. Work with both lines together as you tie this, and make sure that both loops are the same size to assure a strong knot.

Loop Knots Use loop knots to make a loop in the end of a rig to which the line can be tied or to make two loops for an interconnecting loop system of attaching tackle parts.

Surgeon’s Loop – This knot is similar to the Surgeon’s Knot for joining lines. To make this, fold over the tag end of line and form the knot using both strands to make a double overhand knot.

Pull up carefully on both the two ends and the loop.

Figure-Eight Loop – This loop knot is also easy to tie. Fold over the tag end of line (leave lots of line for this) and then form a figure-eight bend with the two lines, ending by going through the first loop. As with the Surgeon’s Loop, pull tight on the loop and both tag ends.

Special Knots Arbor Knot – You need to attach the line to your fishing reel, but this knot does not need to be strong. Run the line around the spool hub (arbor) and make an overhand knot around the standing line. Clip and pull tight.

In-Line Dropper – This allows you to make a loop in the middle of your line to attach a hook or other rig. Fold the line back over itself to make a loop, and then twist the two overlapping line sections four or five times. Pull the loop through this center twist. Pull tight.

(Courtesy of takemefishing. org)

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2 – Jefferson County Outdoors, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, April 2015

Fishing knots allow you to properly tie your line to your hook, lure and other tackle. These knots have been developed and tested thoroughly to assure tying ease and strength. Each knot has a specific purpose. Before you learn any new knot, consider the following: The right knot is important.

You want the strongest knot possible so that you don’t lose the fish. A simple overhand knot weakens line by about 50 percent.

Practice tying knots. Take a length of fishing line, a hook with the point cut off or buried into a cork, and practice. Practice until you can tie each knot correctly.

Wet knots with saliva as you pull them tight. This prevents damage to the line and allows the knot to pull tight.

Pull knots tight to prevent slippage.

Trim knots closely with a nail clipper. A good knot, pulled tight, will not come loose. Close trimming prevents the knot from catching snags or weeds. Do not burn the tag end – heat damages the line and knot.

Knots have their own terminology. The “tag end” (sometimes called the “working end”) is the end of the line used to tie the knot. The “standing end” is that part of the line coming from your fishing reel.

Leave a foot or more of the “tag end” of line for tying knots so that you can tie them properly.

Pull up all ends when tightening the knot. With some knots this will be only the standing end and tag end; with other knots it might be three or four ends.

There are several types of knots. These knots are especially good for nylon monofilament,

You can’t help but get hooked Ah, the joy of fishing. Some people like it for its peacefulness. Some like to be close to the water. And some just like to reel the fish in. If you’ve never gone fishing, there’s no better time than now to learn how.

The first step for a new angler is to find the fish. “Fish don’t spread themselves out evenly within a body of water,” says Chris Buddo, author of “1,000 Best Fishing Sites” from Stoeger Publishing. “Fish concentrate in spots that offer them the easiest access to food and safety from predators.” Buddo says that to be successful, fishermen should try and think like fish. It may sound silly, but he says it works.

According to Buddo, there are three ways to gain this knowledge. “Go fishing as much as possible; read through fishing magazines and books; and perhaps the quickest shortcut is to get an experienced fisherman to guide you.”

Now it’s time to get your fishing gear. Most sporting goods stores can supply you with an inexpensive combination of a rod, reel, line, tackle, hook sharpeners and bait appropriate for local waters. Bait shops sell a variety of live bait and grubs (2- to 3-inch plastic worms).

Live bait works best on smaller fish, but for larger ones you want to give them something solid to hang onto. If you opt for grubs, be sure to pack them separately, or they’ll melt onto your tackle.

For alternate bait ideas, all you need to do is scour your refrigerator or kitchen cabinets for items like bits of cheese, balledup bread, kernels of corn and even moistened chunks of dog food. These foods will attract a fish’s appetite.

A beginner must also consider his needs – and not just those of the fish. “Fishing isn’t any fun if you’re wet, cold or hungry, so make sure you wear warm waterproof clothing and take some snacks with you,” Buddo says.

A vest with multiple pockets is great to keep bait and supplies in, and a wide brimmed hat will help, along with sunscreen, to protect against the sun.

Lastly, according to Buddo, there are two other things needed to enhance a fishing trip: polarized sunglasses which allow you to look into the sun more easily and a small pair of binoculars to watch birds or animals.

From The Fisherman’s Mouth • To increase your rod’s castability and add a slippery finish

to the guides, apply a liquid car wax to the insides of your rod.

Wait for the wax to dry and buff off the excess with a smooth cloth.

• To remove fish smell from hands, first wash hands with soap and water and then wash a second time with toothpaste.

• To protect your tackle box from getting wet, sliding around in the boat and making noises which may scare off fish, glue a thick sheet of cork to the bottom of the box.

• The best days for fishing are when it’s slightly overcast. Fish don’t have eyelids, so when the sun is out and shining, they tend to move deeper into the water.

On an overcast day, the fish will come up closer to the surface.

That’s why it’s best to fish early in the morning just before the sun comes up.

• To prevent yourself from getting cut, keep a pair of pliers or a hook remover in your tackle box, and use it to remove baits that have extremely sharp hooks instead of removing them by hand.

• A fingernail clipper is the best tool to use for cutting fishing line. It’s not only sharp and gives a clean cut, but it’s also safe enough for kids to use.

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Use proper catch and release techniques

Jefferson County Outdoors, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, April 2015 – 3

To release a fish, keep it in the water if you can. Handle the fish as little as possible and avoid holding with dry hands to prevent removal of protective slime coating. Don’t let the fish bounce on the boat deck, carpet or on shoreline rocks and gravel.

If it’s a fish without sharp teeth like a bass, hold its lower lip between your thumb and index finger. Hold them vertically and support large fish with a hand under the belly. Grasp toothy fish (such as walleye or northern pike) across the back of the head, with fingers and thumb holding gill plates closed. Watch out for sharp edges and if you must hold a fish by putting your hand through the gill opening, avoid touching delicate gill filaments.

Don’t keep a fish out of water longer than

you can hold your breath and never tear a hook out. This can harm the fish and it may not live.

If the fish is hooked deeply and you can’t easily remove the hook, cut the line to release the fish.

The hook will rust, dissolve, or become loose without harming the fish.

If you are using bait or lures that are frequently swallowed and deep hooking is likely to be a problem, use barbless hooks. Unhooking your catch with barbless hooks is faster, easier and healthier for the fish.

If a fish loses consciousness, try to revive it by gently moving it forward and backward so water moves through its gills. When the fish begins to struggle and can swim, let it go.

Source: Oklahoma Dept. of Wildlife Conservation

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Kids can find bait in their own backyards where the soil is still moist.

Grab the worm as soon as you pick up the board, since they immediately try to go down a hole.

• Piles of compost, farm manure, leaves or mulch are also good spots to search for manure worms. Use a garden rake to sort through these piles to find worms.

• Once you have worms, keep them in a large container filled with soft earth or compost. An ideal way to keep a dozen or more worms is in a large coffee can. Ask Mom or Dad to help you use a can opener to remove both ends, and then use the snap-on plastic lids (you will need two) to hold the worms. Since worms tend to go deep, simply turn over the can and open the top lid to get worms when fishing.

• You can keep worms for weeks or longer in a large container of soft soil, mulch, compost or similar natural debris. Feed them with coffee grounds and vegetable scraps.

Maintain a “worm bed” with a wood box from which they can’t escape, sunk in the ground and covered with a tight lid. Keep worms cool, covered and slightly moist and you will have worms any time you want to fish.

Crickets and Grasshoppers:

• Look for grasshoppers early in the morning on summer days, where they can be picked off of weed stems before the sun warms them.

• You can find grasshoppers in fields and gardens from mid-spring through late-fall.

Crickets are found around sheds, homes, fences and garages.

To keep them from escaping, be careful to surprise them with a cupped hand as soon as you see them.

• You can trap crickets by placing a slice of stale bread in a hidden location and checking it daily to catch and trap crickets. Try also putting bread in a jar placed on its side. Keep the lid next to the jar to trap crickets when you check it.

• Hold an old sheet as you and a friend run through a field to trap fleeing and flying insects, including grasshoppers.

• Store crickets or grasshoppers in a lidded coffee can. Be careful – they can and will try to jump out. To keep them alive, punch holes in the lid so that they can breath.

• To keep crickets and grasshoppers for weeks, feed them a few vegetable scraps, moistened to provide water.

Courtesy of Take Me FishingTM

Use this checklist for kids’ fishing trips

By DENNIS TUBBS Before going fishing, make sure you have everything you need. Here is a checklist of items you need: 3 Fishing rod and reel. Spincasting outfits are good for beginners. Note: there are a few places where you can borrow fishing rods and reels, as you would borrow a book from the library. Visit the Fish & Boat Commission’s web site www. fish.state.pa.us.

3 Line on the reel. Check it for twists, nicks or knots.

Change the line if necessary.

Use six-pound test as a good all-around size.

3 Tackle box with lots of hooks, sinkers, bobbers and any other lures you can find.

Many sporting goods stores now sell tackle boxes already stocked with these items.

3 Lucky fishing hat and vest 3 Sunscreen 3 Live bait such as red worms, nightcrawlers, maggots, mealworms and grasshoppers. Bait can be bought at a local bait shop. Bait can also be found in your garden. Dig around the

plants with your parents and find your own worms.

3 Kitchen baits such as chicken livers, cheese, bread and dough balls.

3 Plenty of drinking water, especially necessary on hot days.

3 Snacks 3 Insect repellent 3 Waders if you have them, old sneakers if you don’t.

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3 Rain gear (just in case) 3 A fishing buddy 3 Family members 16 and older need a fishing license. A license can be bought at most stores that sell fishing equipment. Licenses are also available online at the Fish & Boat Commission’s web site www. fish.state.pa.us.

Courtesy of the PA Fish & Boat Commission

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Many great fishing baits are available in your backyard or in any plot of vacant ground or parkland. Check with Mom or Dad to make sure that you have permission to hunt for bait.

Worms are the most popular bait, and you can find them almost anywhere. Other good baits are grasshoppers, crickets and caterpillars.

Some popular baits and tips to find them are: Worms – There are all types of worms, but the following tips will help you get a bunch of them for fishing: • Know where to look.

Earthworms and larger “nightcrawlers” are found in rich soft soil. Smaller ringed manure worms are found in farm manure, around stables and barnyards. Worms are seldom found in hard or sandy soils.

• Look for worms after a rain. Worms come to the surface then. You can also easily pick them up early in the morning. Check on driveways, sidewalks and under rocks.

• Try at night in the spring or fall, and use a red plastic covering over your flashlight.

Worms won’t see the red light.

You can easily pick them up as they move on the surface.

• If it hasn’t rained for a while, try looking under old boards, bricks, logs or debris

Shorelines the perfect place to fish

Jefferson County Outdoors, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, April 2015 – 5

Shore fishing offers many opportunities for anglers. You can fish from the banks of rivers and streams, the shorelines of inland lakes and ponds, and in the surf on the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf coasts. You can also fish from manmade structures such as piers, jetties, walkways, and bridges.

Shore fishing is available to everyone, even large family and club groups. And because there’s no boat to own or rent, it’s low in cost.

Fishing from Shore Many anglers often fish from shore. Although some species of fish are rarely caught by shore anglers, there are still plenty of other species available to shore anglers. For example, free-swimming ocean fish are not found close to shore. Others like deep-dwelling lake trout are not often caught by shore anglers. Fish commonly caught by shore anglers include species that lives near structure (bass, northern pike, sunfish, and stream trout) and those that feed on the bottom (carp, catfish, suckers, perch and walleye).

One big advantage of shore angling is that almost everyone has some body of water near home that offers fishing.

Lakes and Ponds Many lakes and ponds have shoreline structure such as docks, logs, stump fields, brush and rock piles, and downed trees.

Such things, which provide shelter, shade, and protection for fish, are ideal fishing spots.

The best locations may be remote and far from roads.

Rivers and Streams Rivers and streams are also good places to fish, especially those with structure such as islands, sand bars, rocks or rock piles, and log jams within casting distance of shore. Many anglers fishing shallow rivers combine shore fishing with shallow-water wading. Being

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able to fish from the middle of a stream lets you cast to more structure. Remember, most fish face the flow of water and wait for food to come to them.

Fishing the Surf Surf fishing is a special type of shore fishing. Surf anglers either fish from the shore or wade into the shallow waters along the coasts. Usually, there’s little visible structure, so surf fishermen must learn to “read” the water to detect shallow sloughs, pockets, tide rips, and other areas where fish may be present.

Piers Fishing piers are structures that extend into the water for a few dozen feet or as much as several hundred feet. Piers may be just above the surface or as much as 20 to 30 feet above the water. Piers let anglers get their baits and lures farther out into the water than a cast from the shore would allow.

Often a pier is built with rock piles or other structure next to it to attract fish. Even if this structure is absent, the pier pilings attract fish. Some of the best fishing is often right under a pier.

Breakwaters and Jetties Breakwaters and jetties are similar to piers; they, too, extend into the water and offer a platform from which to fish.

Most are built to protect harbor areas and boat slips from the wave action of the open ocean or a lake. Those designed for fishing have rocks arranged so that they’re flat on top. When fishing breakwaters and jetties that aren’t flat on top, use extra caution.

Walkways and Bridges Walkways are like piers, but are specially built fishing platforms that are near or run parallel to bridges, piers, shoreline bulkheads, or similar structures. An example is a walkway along a bridge, but constructed at a lower level. This keeps anglers safe from auto traffic and puts them closer to the water.

Fishing isn’t always allowed from bridges because of the danger from traffic. Bridges where angling is permitted must be fished carefully.

This information provided by the Future Fisherman Foundation.

Use caution when wading • Never fish alone. In an emergency it is always best to have someone around who can help.

• Wear a life jacket. If you step into a hole or slip and fall, a life jacket may keep you afloat. Also, life jackets often have pockets where you can put your gear.

• Waders and hip boots – If wearing waders or hip boots and you lose your balance, immediately bend your knees. This traps air in and will help you float.

• Use a staff. A hiking stick or old ski pole works well. Face upstream and lean on your staff when crossing a stream or river.

• Don’t panic. If the water gets higher than your waist, expect to go swimming. Stay on your back with your feet downstream and your knees bent. Work your way slowly to shore. Your life jacket may keep you afloat.

• Learn to swim. If you don’t know how to swim, learn. It’s your best protection in, or near, the water.

(Courtesy of the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation)

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Seine fishing is educational and fun An afternoon spent fishing calls to mind a rod, reel and tackle box full of lures. However, fishing takes on many forms – including seine fishing. Using a net to collect and catalog marine species can be an enjoyable and educational family activity.

Seine fishing utilizes a dragnet, or a “seine,” to collect fish. These nets hang vertically in the water and are weighed down underneath.

The top edge of the seine is buoyed by floats. Seine nets can be deployed from boats or from the shore. Larger seine nets are used in many forms of commercial fishing to catch large quantities of a particular species of fish. But seine nets also come in smaller varieties.

These are typically manned by two people wearing hip waders. Both people take an edge of the net, walk out a few feet into shallow water at the shore, then pull the net back in toward the beach to create a pocket in which marine life is corralled.

The fish and other creatures may be observed on the shore or collected and viewed in water-filled containers.

Seine fishing also is a great way to catch small species of fish for bait, rather than pur-

chasing them from bait stores.

But when done in a catch-andrelease method, seine fishing is usually a way for adults and children to learn about various types of local marine life. Seine fishing at different times of the year may yield different catches, providing another opportunity to educate kids and even adults about the ever-changing habitat of the ocean.

Wi l d l i f e c o n s e r v a t i o n groups frequently employ seine fishing to observe and catalog underwater life. This provides important insight into which species are flourishing and which ones may be impacted by coastal or environmental changes. Comparing data from year to year will paint a picture of the health of oceans, lakes and other bodies of water.

Some groups offer seine fishing instruction to the public through a conservation center or a municipal beach or parks department. If you cannot find a seine fishing program, it can be quite easy to teach yourself. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, seines come in many sizes. For the amateur fishing enthusiast, a seine

measuring 10 feet long and five feet high with 3/16-inch mesh will adequately capture many small fish in shallow pools. Check with your local fish and wildlife department before seine fishing, which may require a permit or a fishing license before entering the water.

Children often find seine fishing to be a fun activity.

Seeing what the net has captured can be exciting, and kids are often eager to look and feel the creatures that have been pulled to shore. Use care to handle marine animals safely.

Crabs can pinch fingers, and some species of fish may have barbs. Jellyfish may or may not be poisonous. It’s advised to seine fish with an experienced marine biologist or a person knowledgeable about local marine wildlife.

Fish and other animals should not be squeezed, as they can be injured. Afterward, all animals should be carefully returned to the water.

Seine fishing is an activity that people of all ages can enjoy. It provides information about local marine wildlife, helping educate people about the beaches and water around them.

(BPT) – Picture this: warm wind blowing across your face, the sound of waves crashing, and all your worries left behind on land. This is you on a boat and now is the perfect time to make this dream a reality. Winter may be frigid for many, but it’s the best time to start planning for warmer days ahead.

More than 89 million Americans go boating each year, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, proving it’s easier than ever to join the fun and climb aboard. Whether you’re interested in fishing, sailing, wakesurfing, personal watercraft or cruising, start planning now so you don’t get left on land this spring.

Warm up with these four tips: Explore boats under one roof. Throughout the winter, hundreds of boat shows take place around the country, providing deals on boats for every budget, plus a chance to browse a variety of options in one location versus visiting multiple boat dealerships.

Boat shows are an opportunity

for the whole family to learn and have some fun, with educational seminars and workshops, hands-on trainings, fishing demonstrations and more. Check out boatshows. com to find a boat show in your neck of the woods.

Test the waters. No boat yet? No problem. There are ways to test the waters near your home or on a warm weather vacation, from hourly or daily rentals to charters and more. Another popular option is fractional ownership, similar to lodging timeshares, where members can pre-schedule use of the boat online and often receive the added benefits of lessons, flotillas and additional crew, if needed. Week-long charters are an additional option for those looking to escape to warmer weather, wake up on the water and fully experience the boating lifestyle this winter.

Do your homework. Prep for summer now by doing your online research on how to get started, where to boat and what to consider before buying. Get inspired by other

boaters by checking out Stories of Discovery documentaries on discoverboating.com.

Your own story of discovery can start with the right boat, so take the next step towards making your daydream a reality by using a boat selector tool to match your budget, lifestyle and interests with the best boat for your needs.

Learn the ropes. Education is a great way to prepare now for boating season later.

Boating schools and courses are a great way to learn the rules of the water – online, in a classroom or on the water.

Perfect your powerboating, sailing, fishing or watersports skills by learning the basics and having fun in the process.

Check out a list of courses and find one that floats your boat close to home.

This winter find ways to get out of the cold weather doldrums. DiscoverBoating. com is a resource to satisfy all your boating curiosities with a boat loan calculator to do the math, tips and how-to’s for the latest boating activities and how to get your feet wet with (or without) owning a boat.

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Joseph Kernich, MD Charles Lambiotte, MD Jay Elder, MD Cecilia Groman, PA-C Heather Park PA-C

83 Hillcrest Drive Punxsutawney, PA 15767 814-938-3310 www.primary-health.net

Amy Peace Gigliotti, D.M.D. Ronald J. Walker, D.M.D. Michele L. Stossel, D.M.D.

938-8554

938-5800

new patients welcome

• Participating With Blue Shield-Delta & Discount Plan Plus • Insurance Plans Accepted • Handicapped Access • Emergency Treatment • Evening Appts. Available • Parking Available

938-8554

203 Clearfield Avenue, Punxsutawney

6 – Jefferson County Outdoors, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, April 2015

• Freezing • Vacuum-Packing

Properly care for and store your equipment Spending a day on the water can equate to paradise for the millions of people who enjoy recreational fishing.

The National Sporting Goods Association ranks fishing sixth out of 42 recreation activities in terms of its popularity, preceded only by walking, swimming, exercising, camping and bowling. The highest concentration of anglers can be found in the state of Florida.

Fishing hobbyists spend millions of dollars on equipment and gear for their fishing excursions each year. With so much money being spent, it is essential to properly care for gear and store it well. Here’s how to get started.

Safety There are many components of fishing gear that can be dangerous in the wrong hands.

From fileting knives to bait hooks, there is the potential for injury should young children get into the fishing equipment you have. Also, sinkers made out of lead can be toxic should children put these items in their mouths.

Emphasize safety when storing your equipment. If you

are keeping rods and reels on your boat, be sure they’re in a locked cargo area so they’re not easily accessible. If tackle and other gear is kept at home, be sure to have a locked cabinet where it can be kept, or place it high enough where it is out of reach.

Make sure sharp lures and hooks are kept together in a tackle box and placed out of the way. Not only will this keep people safe, but it also helps to keep gear organized.

Cleaning In order to work properly, gear should be cleaned and inspected prior to storage.

Cleaning will also prolong the life span of fishing equipment.

Fishing rods should be wiped down after each fishing trip to prevent harmful contaminants and corrosives from eating away at the clear coat on the rod and any metal components.

Wiping down also reduces the chance of salt water corrosion.

In terms of cleaning lures and tackle, start out by soaking them in distilled water. If there is a smell or debris stuck on it, some people have used a

spray like WD40 with success.

If using a soap-based cleanser on soft rubber lures, choose one that is gentle, like baby soaps or even gentle laundry detergent.

Just be sure to rinse well.

Rod storage It is important to store fishing rods horizontally to prevent warping or bending. If using a rack specially designed for fishing rods, it will keep rods straight despite them being stored vertically. Try to keep rods out of a humid room, which can further exacerbate warping and bending of the equipment. Also, never stow a rod in its tube. This can trap humidity and cause corrosion of the guide rings.

Reels should be rinsed after use and disassembled to clean the gears inside. Water can become trapped in small crevices and may rust out ball bearings.

Never soak reels in water and try to keep them out of the water on fishing trips. Fly fishing backing may be left on the reel, provided it is completely desalinated and dry. Application of lubricant between uses of a reel can improve performance.

Popular sports for seniors Jefferson County Outdoors, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, April 2015 – 7

Age doesn’t have to stop older men and women from enjoying their favorite sports.

In fact, remaining active can improve physical and mental health.

If a doctor has confirmed that it is okay to participate in sports, these activities can help men and women 50 and older enjoy friendly competition and physical activity.

Fishing Fishing is more than just a leisurely day at the lake. Casting and reeling in your catch provides a good workout for the arms, legs and core muscles of the body. If you fish on the water, rowing out to your lucky spot provides additional cardiovascular exercise.

Golf Golf is enjoyed by people of all ages. Requiring a combination of strategy and skill, golf also pays several physical dividends. Play at your own pace, taking your time walking from hole to hole so you can enjoy the sunshine and soak in the beauty of the course.

Swimming A few laps around a pool works your whole body. Swimming is attractive to seniors because it works the muscles and provides a cardiovascular

jolt without putting any strain on the joints.

Cycling Many seniors are avid cyclists. You can ride a bicycle in competition or for pleasure.

You can even vary your route depending on how physically in-

tense you want the ride to be.

Seniors need not abandon their love of sport just because Father Time is catching up with them. Many sports can be enjoyed by athletes of all ages.

25th Annual

FARM TOY SHOW and SALE April 12

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Summerville Volunteer Firemen’s Association 7 miles South of I-80, Exit 78, Brookville, on Route 28

General Admission: $2 • Children under 12 Free Tables available for Construction Toys Set Up: 7 to 9 a.m.

Show Table: $5 each Pedal Pull 3 p.m.

Sale Table: $10 each Table Size 8 ft. x 36 inches Food Available

For show information, call or write: Charles E. Simpson, 1365 Heathville Ohl Rd., Summerville, PA 15864. Phone 814-856-2245

Not Just Great Food...

It’s An Experience!

OPEN WEEKENDS Starting April 17 New Hours for Sat. & Sun. 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Breakfast Buffet 8 a.m.-11 a.m.

Zoo & Furniture Store Open 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Bulk Food Store: 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Located between Cook Forest and Clear Creek State Park on Rte. 949 Sigel

752-2942

• Restaurant • Gift Shop • 9 & 18 Hole Miniature Golf • Bulk Food Store • Wildlife Zoo • Amish Furniture

Shiloh Resort & Mama Doe’s Restaurant Route 36 South of Cook Forest

Easter Buffet Dinner Turkey and All the Trimmings Baked Ham • Potato Salad Homemade Pie • Homemade Soup and Salad Bar

for only $15!

Children: Half Price • 4 & Under: Free 12-4 p.m. • Open to the Public

Prophetic Word and Music April 3, 4 & 5

Worship and Praise

Friday 8 p.m. • Saturday 8 p.m. • Sunday 10-11 a.m.

Come out for one more service or stay over in one of our rooms

for only $199!

Suites or Jacuzzi only $100 more 814-752-2361 • shilohresort.net

Live (or natural) baits are anything alive or previously alive that you use to catch fish.

Some of the best live baits for freshwater fishing include worms, leeches, minnows, crayfish, crickets and grasshoppers. Good saltwater baits include sea worms, eels, crabs, shrimp, strips of squid, and cutup pieces of fish.

Live bait can be purchased, or better yet, you can go and find your own. Compare the cost of losing one worm to losing a lure, and you’ll see that fishing with live bait can be less expensive than fishing with a lure. Always check your fishing regulations to make sure the bait you choose is legal for the lake you are fishing.

Worms Worms are good bait for nearly all freshwater and saltwater fish, although sea worms are often used in saltwater fishing. You can find enough worms for fishing from a few shovels of dirt in your garden or from a shaded, damp area. Worms can also be purchased in fishing tackle stores and bait shops.

If you have small worms, thread the hook through the side of the worm at several places along its body. For bait-stealing fish such as sunfish, thread the worm on the hook until the hook is completely covered.

Minnows Minnows must be stored in a minnow bucket with plenty of cool water to keep them alive.

Never crowd them.

One way to hook a minnow is through both lips, beginning with the bottom lip. You can also hook a minnow through the tail, behind the head, or through the back.

Other Natural Baits Land insects such as crickets and grasshoppers can be easily obtained and are great bait. Walk through your backyard before your next fishing trip and see how many you can find! When using small insects, you should use hooks made of thin wire.

Leeches are excellent bait for many fish. They should be hooked through the sucker in the tail.

Clams, mussels and sea worms are good baits for perch, drum, sea trout and rockfish.

You should completely remove their shells before threading onto the hook.

Shrimp can be used either alive or dead for saltwater fish.

You can either hook the shrimp through the tail or peel off the shell and thread cut up pieces of shrimp on the hook.

Courtesy of the Future Fisherman Foundation.

Great getaway ideas for guys Weekend getaways are a great opportunity to unwind and escape the daily grind of everyday life. That’s especially true for men faced with the pressures of raising a family and maintaining a career. Such men need a break every so often, and a weekend getaway can make for the perfect respite from all of that responsibility.

Many men prefer to share their weekend getaways with male friends who also could use a break. Multiple men making the trip mandates that it be planned in advance and not a last-minute affair. It also requires a little collaboration on the part of the participants, as a fun getaway for one man might seem like a chore to another.

Fishing Trip A fishing trip is an ideal getaway for men who love to fish and need to relieve a little stress.

Fishing is not for everyone, so make sure everyone is on board when planning a trip for your friends and yourself. The relaxing nature of spending some time on the water and catching some fish makes this the ideal getaway for men looking for

a peaceful weekend to enjoy the great outdoors. Take along a grill so you can cook up the fruits of your fishing labors each night.

Stadium Tour Few getaways may pique the interest of baseball fans more than a stadium tour. Pack up the car and plan a stadium tour with your friends. Many teams are located within driving distance of one another, so it’s very possible men could cross a handful of stadiums off their lists in just a few days.

Hit the Links Many men dream of spending a weekend on the golf course, and a golf getaway can make for the perfect weekend for men who love to share a few laughs on the links. Speak to a travel agent about planning a golf getaway weekend. Chances are you can save money by packaging your airfare, accommodations and even your greens fees into a golf getaway package.

Then simply hit the links and enjoy all that time relaxing in the sun. And instead of playing your typical 18 holes, play 36 instead!

Good Lauck on ! h c t a C t a e r G

All You Can Eat Breakfast to benefit

Perry Twp. Vol. Fire Co.

Compliments of

Perry Twp. Fire Hall, Valier

Sandy’s Beverages

Sunday, April 12

Second Sunday of Every Month 7 AM-1 PM • $8.00 per person

PANCAKES, BUCKWHEAT CAKES, OmElETS, EGGS, BACON, SAUSAGE, HOmEFRIES, COFFEE, JUICE AND mIlK

The Bottom of Indiana Hill, Punxsy 938-4990

Mahaffey Hardware & Supply Co.

Serving the Mahaffey Area with General Hardware n enses o Dog Lic ow!

Sale N

Camping & RV Supplies

Selling Licenses

Live Bait Stop Here for Your Fishing Supplies and Accessories

Lunch Combos: Fresh Sandwiches and Hoagies, • Fasteners & Nails • Tools Pizza by the Slice, • Key Cutting • Paint Homemade Baked • Lock Sets & Rekeying • Lawn & Garden Supplies Goods Daily, • Electrical • Plumbing Saturday Fresh • Guns & Ammo • We Buy, Sell & Trade Guns Donuts

814-277-7006

113 E. Main St. (Rt. 36 S.) Mahaffey, PA

8 – Jefferson County Outdoors, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, April 2015

Live bait good for all fishing