By Daryl Bauer, Fisheries Outreach Program Manager
Had a discussion on a recent radio show about Independence Day fish. For fun, we talked about which fish best represented the “Fourth of July”? My reply was a pumpkinseed. The margins of the gill cover tab on a pumpkinseed has the colors red, white and blue. Naturally.
I usually do not do a lot of fishing over the Independence Day holiday. For my family “The 4th” has been one of our favorite holidays, and we almost always spend it together. We eat, shoot, parade, ignite, laugh, float, boat, play, and generally just have a great time together! There are a lot of family activities, but in the celebrating, I and maybe a partner or three will sneak off for a little time fishing.
Even caught a pumpkinseed on the Independence Day holiday a few years back! That fish is featured at the beginning of this blog post.
Reminded me of a few more catches during 4th holidays over the years. . . .
Last year there was a nice smallmouth bass caught from a special spot:
My son has always seemed to catch the biggest 4th of July bass:
Usually, with only a little time to sneak away to fish, panfish are the target. Some of them have been nice panfish!
There have been larger predator fish too!
A few of those fish, like that cat, have been long enough for catch & release Master Angler Awards!
However, if you want an Independence Day trophy catch, then “Goldy” has to make the list!
Heading out the door for this year’s extended Independence Day weekend. You better believe the fishing gear is going with me! Do not know how much time I might get to fish or what I might catch. However, you can be sure we will have a great time together and enjoy every minute of it!
Is this a great country or what?!