School is out. Summer is upon us. One of my most
pleasant memories of Calhoun County is wade fishing the Little Kanawha
and various creeks.
It’s simple fishing. Some old shoes and shorts,
coupled with lots of suntan lotion. Bait selection includes small
artificial or live bait, such as lizards or minnows. A bait holder with
a shoulder strap is essential.
Most of the Little Kanawha is “wadable.” I suggest
never to wade alone and wear a lifejacket if you have any concerns. Many
shoals and riffles contain smallmouth bass. One of my favorite memories
is of a 14-inch smallmouth that nailed a live grasshopper as it was
hitting the water near Russett.
Many childhood memories are of my father and Junior
Starcher taking me wading. As a young fisherman, I was run out of the
water by a rather large muskie while wading near Munday. The large
muskie made a lazy follow after my lizard. Noticing the 40- some inch
fish was barely shorter than me, I decided to make a hasty retreat.
Enjoy your summer. Go wading one evening for a good
time.
Comments can be sent to
Coryboothe@verizon.net.
Editor’s
Note: Cory is the son of Ronzel and Karen Boothe of Russett. He is a
1996 graduate of Calhoun County High School and is a teacher at Meadow
Bridge Elementary, Fayette County. He resides near Summersville.)