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Fishing Fever #39 ... New Test for Fishing License!
The Fish Commission has recently announced that Anglers age sixteen and up will need to sign up for and pass a test in order to qualify for a Fishing License.
This really caught me by surprise but after brief period of screaming and yelling profanities at my computer screen, where the bulletin was displayed, I started to think that it may not be a bad idea.
Surely, I thought, a veteran angler like myself would have no problem with a simple test. It would also help to reduce the number of people that seem to be always be in my secret spots when I get there. The disclosure also provided a link that would provide a "study guide" for those that might need a little brushing up. This was considered to be a direct insult to my intelligence and was scoffed at without a second thought. Little did I know that there would be some trick questions that would cause even the best of purists to blunder.
Anyway, using my connections within elite fishing circles and a little phone tapping I was able to secure a copy of the test before the official release. Having a deep feeling a responsibility to my readers and especially a few buddies, that actually take me fishing in their boats on occasion, I thought it would be a smart idea to ensure my future fishing opportunities by leaking a few of the more pertinent questions along with the correct answers! (Whew! long sentence there)
So here are a few of the real stumpers to get you off to a good start:
1. Name the person that is considered to be the Father of Fishing ?
On this one I'm thinking OpieTaylor of Mayberry RFD but turns out to be Izaak Walton.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Izaak_Walton
2. Who invented the first Bass Boat ?
Ok I figure it has to be Davy Crockett after modifying one of his rafts but nope. A bit of research proves that it was Forrest Wood. I slapped my forehead for being so antiquated in my thinking.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forrest_L._Wood
Then they toss in a real tricky one. Based on your age it asks...
3. Name a popular fish that has become a legend?
Ages 16 to 25 the correct response would be "Nemo"
If you are 26 to 40 you should enter "Jaws"
Those that are 41 to 60 get credit for "Charlie the Tuna"
Older than 60 then "Moby Dick" will be correct.
Another question will quiz you by asking:
4. What is the best fishing knot?
Now we all know that this subject has been known to cause much debate and there is still no final answer that can be agreed upon. However, the correct response here will be the "Improved Clinch". Don't ask me why, just remember it and check this link for details.
http://www.netknots.com/fishing_knots/improved-clinch-knot/
There are a total of twenty questions but to give them all away here would be an injustice to myself and downright despicable. Be advised that your score will determine what, if any, species you may fish for. It seems to be broken down like this:
Score 20 of 20 ... earns you the right to fish for all species.
Score 16 of 20 ... you may not fish for trout but all others are ok.
Score 10 of 20 ... Panfish only.
Score 1 to 9 ... Catfish and Suckers.
Those that fail to achieve one correct answer on the test will be granted a restricted license allowing you to fish only for carp!
O, one more question asks: Who is Orson Welles?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_War_of_the_Worlds_(radio_drama)
Good luck fellow anglers!
Lou Newby
7:55 am on Saturday, October 6, 2012
Len .. would you know how the fish ladders are doing.. someone told me they got a shad in Royersford area..
Thanks Lou
Len Faulkner Jr
9:32 am on Saturday, October 6, 2012
Lou.... I'am working on gathering some info on the fish ladders. It is a subject that I must treat seriously and the info is schetchy at this time. The ladder at Black Rock Dam is my main focus and it very well could be working. Shad runs are in early Spring so I think the best time to get real results will be this coming Spring Run. Keep an eye on "Fishing Fever" for more details. Thanks for reading!
Joe
10:18 am on Saturday, October 6, 2012
This is a joke, isn't it???
Len Faulkner Jr
12:20 pm on Saturday, October 6, 2012
Joe... Gotcha! Remember the motto.... "I fish, therefore, I Lie"
John Q. Public
6:56 pm on Saturday, October 6, 2012
I visited the fish ladder this summer with a young family member, and was disappointed that we couldn't see anything. There's a fence, easily jumped, blocking access. Too bad there's not a viewing window, or some way to observe its operation. I understand there's a better design being considered that allows more fish to make the trip.
Len Faulkner Jr
7:03 am on Sunday, October 7, 2012
JQP... It would be great if a "Fish Cam" was added. Even if you had easy (and legal) access to get closer I doubt if there would be much to see other than the dangerous water below. Although a few fish may move through from time to time it is far from being a tourist attaction. I have added a picture of the Fish Ladder for those interested.
John Q. Public
8:10 am on Sunday, October 7, 2012
Mr. Faulkner, someone told me he could see fish jumping up the ramps, but I have my doubts. Do you know how the Game Commission determines if the ladders are working, or not? It's a very interesting structure, but with such limited visibility, how would you know if a fish used it?
Len Faulkner Jr
8:51 am on Sunday, October 7, 2012
JQP... Please call me Len... I too have witnessed "Fish" moving around the intake area. Depending on the season there are many carp and suckers that will move near or thru the ladder. The Fish Commission tags and releases Shad up near the Reading area. The Shad are anadromous. Upon their return and possible catching the Fish Commission will be able to determine the level of success. In my opinion, it will take many years for a substantial "Shad Run" to become established up in our (Royersford and above) area. Here is a link for more info: http://fishandboat.com/shad_schu.htm
patrick
12:05 pm on Sunday, October 7, 2012
moby dick was not a fish
Len Faulkner Jr
12:57 pm on Sunday, October 7, 2012
Patrick .... You got me on that one! Thanks for reading "Fishing Fever"
Feodor Tiorlenko
10:43 pm on Monday, October 8, 2012
I had a most unique fishing license experience last summer at Lake Nockamixon on the fishing pier (read peninsula). It was the first time I ever forgot my license (attached to a jacket in my barn) and the first day an fisheries agent asked me to see it. He was a complete gentleman.
Realizing it took my PA drivers license to obtain the fishing license, I gave him my drivers license, whereupon he made a phone call on his cellphone and verified I was a licensed fisherman in the state of PA.He gave my 10 year old daughter a compliment on her casting skills and additionally gave her a very handsome poster of Pennsylvania fishes.
So kudos to the department of fisheries and their agents who both protected Pennsylvania waters, verified fishing priviliges and allowed a young lady to have fun fishing. Well handled!
Len Faulkner Jr
6:31 am on Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Feodor, thanks for sharing that little story. I have always found the Pa. Fish and Game Wardens to be polite and understanding. I do run into them at least once a year and they always have time for a chat etc. I hope your daughter has that poster hanging in her room!