Jayhawks hooked on thrills of fishing
Local lakes provide opportunity for new enthusiasts
By Brian Vandervilet Special to the Kansan
Fat men sitting near water. That is what Jane Whitley thought fishing was about until something finally bit the minnow at the end of her line.
Whitley, Kansas City, Kan., sophomore, will not soon forget the excitement of her first big catch at Clinton Lake a year ago.
"I was taken back by the force of it," she said. "It felt like it took forever to reel the fish in because I was so anxious."
Like Whitley, many KU students have discovered the thrill of being outdoors and catching fish. The lakes and streams in the area provide an excellent opportunity for those wanting to learn the art of angling.
"It can be really fun," Whitley said. "You really do have to think about where the fish is going to be and what kind of bait to use."
Phil Huntsinger, professor of health education, instructed about 60 students this summer in a one-credit course that taught the fundamentals of fishing.
"Fishing is good for you," Huntsinger said. "You can't fish and worry at the same time."
Huntsinger recommended Clinton Lake or Lone Star Lake as good places to find bass, bluegill and channel cat. He advised fishermen to look for rocks or log piles, where the
fish feed and spawn.
Bryan Thomas, Newfield, N.J., freshman, has fished off the coast of New Jersey every weekend since he was 4 years old. When he was only9, he caught the state's largest blue fish of the year. Despite his trophy catch, Thomas has remained humble about his fishing.
"I don't go fishing to catch fish," Thomas said. "I go to sit and think. Catching one just makes it all the more exciting."
For students who want to start fishing,the expense is reasonable.
Steve Sheldon, an employee at Lunker Bait and Tackle, 947 E. 23rd St., said the beginning fisherman can expect to spend about $40 for a rod, reel and tackle. A $14 fishing license must also be purchased, which lasts for one calendar year. Licenses can be bought from Lunker, Kmart, Wal-Mart or Dillons.
Finding the perfect bait is really a sport of its own, with a smorgasbord of options. A fisherman can choose from items such as crankbaits, stinkbaits, worms or goldfish. Despite all of the luxurious enticements available, standard minnows are often the most popular.
Mike Thomas, Kansas state park officer, said that now is an excellent time to fish because water levels are still high from the summer's rain. High water levels give fish additional vegetation to spawn in. But Thomas' enthusiasm for fishing goes well beyond high water levels.
"I've been ice fishing ... I've fished in 110 degree weather," he said. "And I just don't believe there any bad days of fishing."
Bill Roberts fishes for white bass by the dam at Clinton Lake. People often fish to enjoy the outdoors and relax.
Brian Vandervliet / KANSAN
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