Reports limited due to Christmas holidays, rain; Reelfoot programs set

The Messenger 12.30.11

On Monday, the Reelfoot Lake State Park folks are once again getting ready to start providing programs at the Visitors Center on the south end of Reelfoot Lake.
Some of these programs will be held at 7 on Saturday nights and are among the most popular winter activities, along with the Eagle Tours.
The guest speakers are invited to talk about a variety of topics that relate to Reelfoot Lake area. There are a variety of programs scheduled for this upcoming 2012 year.
There will be hikes, birds of prey programs, earthquake history and hazards, the Steamboat of New Orleans display and Native American History information told.
For more information, you can call 731-253-9652 or visit their website at www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/reelfoot/.
The programs are open to the public.
Water levels on Reelfoot Lake are up and holding, thanks to recent heavy rains and some that followed to keep the lake levels high.
As of this past mid-week time period, Reelfoot Lake water levels stood at around the 282.89 feet above sea level. That is several inches above the 282.20 feet above sea level normal pool level mark for Reelfoot Lake.
The fishing reports are slim due to the recent Christmas holiday and the weather hasn’t been the best either. Enjoy what we have because possible much colder weather may be on the way during this next week and weekend.
We have been on the lucky side for the most part and usually have had several nights with lows into the teens and lower 20s but those days have been very very limited.
The pattern we have been in for the past several weeks has indications of changing and if it does happen, should last a couple of weeks. This is all according to the weather folks I keep up with.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is now accepting entries for its 2012-13 photo contest for publication in the Tennessee Wildlife Magazine. All interested photographers are invited to submit their best photos on fishing and wildlife species native to the Volunteer State, as well as fishing and hunting scenes in Tennessee.
Interested photographers must submit their photo entries by the March 5, 2012 deadline.
The photos will be reviewed for publication in the annual calendar edition of Tennessee Wildlife Magazine. If a photo is selected for the calendar edition, the photographer will receive a cash stipend of $60.
The format is horizontal digital images on disk. Only digital images in JPEG format and of high resolution (300 dpi) sized as an 8 1/2x11 will be accepted.
Each disk submitted must have the name of the photographer stamped or written on it. No prints can be accepted. (Disks cannot be returned.)
If interested, you can mail to: Tennessee Wildlife Magazine, Calendar Issue, P.O. Box 40747, Nashville TN 37204.
For sure, 2011 has been a year to remember. First, Reelfoot Lake was at almost historical low levels a year ago this time, then came the flooding rains which sent not only Reelfoot Lake to near record high levels but the Mississippi River as well. Then the Asian Carp subject became a hot subject to say the least and still is.
We have had near record rainfall totals for the year for many areas in this part of the country. Just right here in Obion County, many of us have seen around 70 inches of rain with only about 36 1/2 inches in 2010. We had nice fall-like weather and not too bad of a winter so far.
We had a year that crappie bit well into the summer at Reelfoot Lake, which is kinda unusual.
The City of Union City is doing its part in helping to provide more areas for the public to fish without having to go out of town and also can fish from the bank. Taking over and renovating the former Moose Pond located just on the north side of union City. The city already has control of the former Reelfoot Packing Plant’s pond on Reelfoot Ave.
The area waterfowl season started about 30 days ago but for many, not the season they were hoping. Just a few seem to be having decent seasons. Now with about 30 days in the season, it’s not too late to turn things around.
The Alabama Rig has also become a subject of hot discussion, winning two major bass events back to back earning the bait over $170,000 in prize money with two first place wins. I am now a proud owner of the Alabama Rig, thanks to one of Santa’s elves.
Local bass angler Ben Parker completed his first year on the professional bass tour and also produced a DVD on learning your electronics called Bass UnderGlass.
BASS, the organization that was formed by Ray Scott has 3 new owners and taking the company in a new direction.
On the much sadder note, Strike King Lure Co. owner Ray Murski of Texas dies suddenly in a auto accident almost two weeks ago. Murski, a person who devoted countless hours introducing over 50,000 youngsters to the outdoors.
This was a year I loaded up on catching large bass. I had the best day ever fishing in June with a buddy on a local lake. Our five best bass that day weighed well over the 41-pound mark during this time period with one tipping the scales at 9 pounds, 9 ounces. There were other days I really did well and I’m so thankful for that also. Most all of this year’s catch, as most usually are, was caught on Strike King Lure Company baits.
These are just a few that came to mind that stuck out above most this past 2011 in the outdoors.
Before I close out my column, I want to wish my mother, Patricia, a Happy Birthday today. Happy birthday Mom. I hope your day was very special.
Til next week’s column in 2012, Happy New Year to you all.
Catch ya on the water folks,
Brent

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