Barbs and Backlashes

It has been a while since I posted a “Fish Tales” newsletter; time to change that: If you are one of our certified youth fishing instructors, you should have received a copy of this newsletter.  However, I like to post it here in case you have not seen it, especially for those who are not youth fishing instructors.  There are several good news items and an educational thing or three there. My motive is this:  Our certified youth fishing instructors …

My name is Daryl. I am an ice-fisherman. In many circles, that makes me crazy. Many of you know, you hear the whispers, see the looks, the rolling of the eyes, shaking of the heads.  “Normal” society judges you to be a half-bubble off level if you enjoy going out on the ice, drilling holes and catching fish.  Afterall, who likes the cold?  Must be something wrong with you if you do. While “normal” people rejoice in mild, warm winter …

I have continued to be “out of the office” with some frequency the past few weeks.  Have continued to get around the state and dry off a few while I was at it.  Time for a report. . . . How far have I been?  Well, far enough to see some sights! Caught some fish while I was out there! Thanks for sharing your fishing spot with us, Robby! Then I met up with my kids for a few days …

I want to spread the word on some more job opportunities.  Want to be on the front line preventing the spread of aquatic nuisance species? Conservation Technician II, 3 month Conservation Technician II, 7 month Again, these are great entry level positions for folks interested in careers in natural resource management, especially fisheries and water resources.  Primary job duties will involve on-site inspections looking for aquatic nuisance species, but workers in these positions will get involved in a lot of …

By now you have probably heard the news that Nebraska outdoors has lost a legend.  Dick Turpin passed on Feb. 2. Another one of my heroes is gone. If you have not seen the story that ran in the Omaha World Herald, it was a nice tribute to Dick, A Giant among giants:  Dick Turpin Since he passed, I have read a lot of tributes from a lot of people.  I need to write one too. . . . First …

I have another news item to share today: Game and Parks will certify youth fishing instructors at Ponca State Park LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will certify youth fishing instructors at a workshop Feb. 13 at Ponca State Park. Instructors are part of the Youth Fishing Program, a statewide team of volunteers and Game and Parks staff who host educational fishing events. Trainings will take place at Ponca State Park’s Education and Resource Center from 1-4 …

Seems to be common anymore that every one is looking for workers.  Might as well join the list. . . . Most years we, the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, will be doing on-the-water, angler surveys someplace in the state.  That kind of survey work is labor-intensive and expensive.  We never do a lot of angler surveys in any one year.  On the other hand, as it is with most data we work with, I will tell you that information …

With the “up” and “down” temperatures we have had this winter, our ice conditions vary widely across the state.  In some places we are looking at “late ice” conditions already.  In some places I am afraid we are already beyond that. Does anyone know where I can get one of these? https://www.facebook.com/sherpru/videos/2042315952694766/ I am outta the office.  I ain’t giving up, yet.  More fish to catch. . . .

The year 2021 is in the rear-view mirror.  Time to summarize the state record fish that were caught last year: Surface Spearing No state record fish were taken by surface spearing in 2021. Underwater Spearfishing Two state record fish were taken by underwater spearfishing last year, both of them channel catfish.  The first was taken on June 5 and weighed 26 pounds 9 ounces. A little over a week later, that record was bested by a 27 pound 5 ounce …

The water level at Wagon Train Reservoir south of Lincoln is down several feet right now.  We will be doing some maintenance and modifications on previous aquatic habitat work there.  Eventually, a rotenone renovation will be done as well. There are numerous cedar trees around Wagon Train that need removal.  While the water is down, those cedar trees might as well end up as fish attractors in the reservoir.  Volunteers and fisheries staff muscled 300 cedar trees into the reservoir …