May 06, 2008 05:05 pm
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As we enter the month of May, we need to be aware of the threat of severe weather. May has been proven to be a month to provide severe storms.
Tornados, lightning, hail, and flooding rains can ruin a perfect fishing trip. Using common sense will keep you and family members safe from severe weather. Keep a battery radio handy to keep up with any pending weather issues. When lightning is a threat, stay indoors and away from any metal objects, trees, or water. Remember your fishing rod can act as a lightning rod and cause you an electrifying experience if struck by lightning. Be careful when weather is an issue.
All 30 gates on Fort Gibson Dam are open and four turbines are on, making the river rough and dangerous for anglers in boats. The Corps campsite below the dam is closed until the lake level falls to near normal.
Anglers are catching sandbass, catfish and a few crappie. Yes, there are spoonbill still being snagged. I might mention that the daily limit for spoonbill is one.
The game rangers gave one snagger a $402 ticket for having more than his daily limit. Be aware the rangers are watching and writing tickets for non-tagged spoonbills, more then the daily limit or culling of fish.
It is exciting to see a young angler with his or her first fish, especially if that fish is a spoonbill. Micka Foster, Fort Gibson, brought in a 21-pound spoonbill making it his first spoonbill. Kerry Hudgins brought in a 29-pound spoonbill. Jesse Bias snagged a 31-pound spoonbill. Cody Babb brought in a 28-pound spoonbill. All wanted their picture put on the famous Mr. Crappie Brag Board. It is free. Bring in your catch and I could make you famous.
The Mr. Crappie Biggest Crappie Contest started May 1 and will run all month.
There is an adult class and a 12-year-old and under class. Hats, T-shirts cash and a trophy will be awarded to the biggest crappie by weight at end of contest. There is no entry fee and it is free to any angler who brings in a crappie. Take your young angler out fishing and bring in that big crappie.
The only report I have from lakeside is from Sharon McDonough. Sharon has been baiting limblines with goldfish and catching nice eating size catfish. This week Sharon was so excited when she had a 24-pound flathead catfish on one of her limblines.
With the river and lake levels still high, extreme caution must be taken when children are along for a fishing trip. Those little anglers can need special attention and watched every moment around any water. Accidents can happen so fast. Have a cell phone handy just in case and emergency should arise.
Summer is around the corner and hot temperatures are to follow. Get out and enjoy some family or friend time.
Until next week Good Fishing and Good Luck.
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