Reduced to basics, fishing tackle is nothing more than a hook and a piece of string. Everything else is just improvements, modifications or accessories. But to connect the two, you need a knot. Finally, help is here with Lefty Kreh?s newest book, Fishing Knots (Stackpole, $24.95).
Fortunately, the book is as simple as the title and embodies Lefty?s common-sense approach to fishing. Lefty, our home-grown Hunt Valley fly-fishing guru and casting instructor par excellence, has written more than 30 books over a career that has spanned more than 50 years, and he nails it again with this offering. Known also for his photographic skills, Lefty wisely chose large, clear illustrations ? better for knots, concentrating on 39 connections.
He sticks to basics, highlighting knots for line-to-hook/lure, knots that join two lines, loop knots, knots for wire connections and knots that are specific to certain kinds of fishing. There is also a lot on such topics as line, whip finishes, repairing fly lines and snelling. It also lies flat for easy use.
» Something to aim for: There is still time for young writers (ages 12-14) to submit an essay and win a deer hunt at Talisman Farm on Youth Deer Hunting Day (Nov. 10).
The 200-word-or-less essay needs to address the following: “What a healthy Chesapeake Bay means to me as a teenager and a sportsman.” The contest is sponsored by the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen?s Foundation in partnership with Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World-Baltimore and the United States Land Alliance. All entries must be postmarked by Nov. 1 and addressed to U. S. Land Alliance, c/o Essay Contest, 208 Pier One Road, Stevensville, MD 21666 (attention: Brian Lowery). Include your name, address, e-mail address, birth date and phone numbers.
Entrants must have completed a Maryland Hunter Education Course and have a Maryland Hunting License. For information, call Allan Ellis (Bass Pro Shops) at 410-689-2500, ext. 5217.
» Attention all waterfowlers: Check out the 37th annual Waterfowl Festival ? Nov. 9-11, with a preview day Nov. 8 to get first shot (no pun intended) at purchasing waterfowl art and crafts. This Easton institution boasts 400 carvers, dealers, collectors and artists in 12 mid-town locations. Over the years, fees from this event have contributed $4.8 million to waterfowl conservation.
Admission is $12 for each of the first two days and $10 on Sunday. A $24 multi-day ticket will be available, and children under 12 are free. For information, call 410-822-4567, or visit www.waterfowlfestival.org.
» Now that?s a catch: Dean Mitchell of Dagsboro, Del., set a Maryland record for Spanish mackerel Oct. 5 with a 12.4-pound catch taken on the Middle Grounds while live-lining spot for stripers. The catch comes two weeks after a 11.47-pound record-setter, which broke the five-year-old record of 10 pounds. Mitchell?s catch was just off the world record of 13 pounds. Anyone for some Chesapeake Bay Spanish mackerel fishing?
C. Boyd Pfeiffer is an internationally known sportsman and award-winning writer on fishing, hunting and the outdoors. He can be reached at [email protected].
