Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2020 - 12

NOTES from theStreams
The mystery float

While on patrol at High Point
Lake, Somerset County, I was in a
location where I had an aerial view
of the lake. I noticed two kayaks
and what appeared to be a section
of a floating dock between them.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat
Commission (PFBC) property is
to be used for fishing and boating
purposes only. As a new Waterways
Conservation Officer (WCO),
I created scenarios in my head
about what the paddlers were
going to tell me. At first, I thought
about the private houses and
camps bordering the lake and that
someone needed a quick, easy way
to take care of their dock. However,
I realized there are no private docks
on High Point Lake.
As I made my way down to the
launch ramp, an angler approached
me. The angler informed me that
two sections of a dock floated across
the lake. My eyebrows went up and

my mouth dropped. A gentleman
and his kids were kind enough to
paddle the dock all the way back
across the lake. Those familiar with
High Point Lake know how windy
and challenging it is for kayaking. He
informed me that they were floating
near the shoreline of his property, so
they decided to bring the docks back
over. I was impressed, and thanked
him for taking the time and effort.
There is still kindness "floating"
around in our world today. It still has
not been determined how the docks
were set free.-WCO Dina M. Cable,
Southern Somerset County.

The catfish kid and
bacon bait

WCO Peter N. Labosh and
I were patrolling the Delaware
River in Bristol Borough when
we saw numerous people fishing
and enjoying a beautiful day. We
approached a young man and his
father to ask if they were having

illustration-Andrea Feeney

12

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * November/December 2020	

a successful day. The anglers were
fishing for catfish and were having
luck there and other fishing locations
in Lower Bucks County. I asked
what they were using for bait, having
heard all sorts of interesting baits
anglers use in that area for catching
catfish-from garlic, blueberry
bagels, or top secret recipes. He
simply stated, "bacon." Bacon? That
was a new one for me. Although
impressed, I informed him that
my love of bacon far exceeded my
desire to waste it as bait. Without
hesitation, the young angler said,
"That is a sacrifice you have to be
willing to make." Well, that is not
a sacrifice this WCO is willing to
make! -WCO Michael Z. Blair,
Southern Bucks County.

Those in fiberglass boats
shouldn't throw stones

While on boat patrol at Keystone
Lake, Armstrong County, an
individual flagged me down. This
person was visibly agitated and stated
that some other people were taking
short bass and fishing without fishing
licenses. The angler continued to fish
in front of me, casting and retrieving,
while continuing to accuse other
anglers of ruining this lake. I took
note of the complaint, though not
much information was given. I told
the angler that I would investigate
the issue. At this point, I asked
to see his fishing license and also
noticed that his boat registration
was expired. He left proof of his
renewed registration at home along
with his fishing license. Both of these
are summary violations of the Fish
and Boat Code. I issued two Notice
of Violations to which the man was
required to respond within 7 days
with proof of his fishing license and
boat registration or be charged with
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2020

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