Report from Fletcher’s Cove, May 16, 2006 Let’s start with the photos! It was a great first half of May for fishing at Fletcher’s Cove and the pictures above show a bit of the cream that rose to the top. (Left to right, top to bottom…) First, we have Mr. David Policansky with a beautiful American Shad caught on the fly rod just out from the cove. David is a purist when it comes to shad angling with fly fishing gear and he usually gets results. The second photo shows Mr. P with a Hickory Shad. If you study the two photos side by side a good image of the difference between the two related species should be clear. We have much confusion each spring over these fish. Next you see our White Perch specialist, Helena, with a piscatorial prize slightly larger than her usual jumbo perch. The lady angler caught this fish on the first day of Striper season and in fact it was oversized and Helena released it to fight another day. Fourth photo is of noted author Sebastian O’Kelly with a schoolie striper caught while fly-rodding for shad. Sebastian, who co-authored “The Offbeat Angler” is by his own words a “Brown Water Boy” who revels in the unexpected in angling. Believe me, plenty of unexpected things happen at Fletcher’s Cove. Lonnie Darr needed two hands to hold up the impressive Rockfish in the fifth photo. It was hooked just upstream from Fletcher’s. Lonnie has the positive attitude and disposition that makes each day he fishes a success, fish or no fish. With that mindset, Lonnie is rewarded more times than not. The last photograph shows just how beautiful it can be to get out on the Potomac at Fletcher’s. Remember, this is just a couple of miles from downtown D.C. Our tile red rowboats make a striking scene in the early morning mist and light. This photo is compliments of Mr. Policansky. The others are compliments of the subjects themselves. Inexorably, we will slide into a summer fishing pattern that will exchange excitement for relaxation. For now though, there are still a few stripers, shad, perch, as well as big catfish and their fresh-water friends to tempt your angling skills. Fletcher’s Cove also offers canoe and kayak rentals on the canal and will in coming weeks, have them also for the Potomac. Bikes can be used on the C and O Canal towpath and the Capital Crescent Trail. As always, we have fishing tackle, bait, D.C. fishing permits and light refreshments to offer. There is a spacious picnic area adjacent to the river. Come give us a look-see. If you can get through the entrance you’ll be just about half-way to paradise. Dan
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