Report from Fletcher’s Cove - June 30, 2010

It’s summertime in Washington! Those snowy days of February seem a distant memory now. Did that really happen? You would not think so if you were to judge by the parched landscape of late June. We need rain; for the earth… for the river… for our souls. I’ve had enough of the hum of fans and air-conditioners. Give me the pitter-patter of raindrops on the roof and a cool breeze through the screens at night.

Rain is a mixed blessing at Fletcher’s Cove. Great for the lush woodlands around us, not so great for business. But the river is essentially rain itself, so fresh rainfall breathes life into the Potomac. As always, a balance is best. Being Washington, where the irony of weather seems to mimic the irony of politics and power, there will probably be a tropical storm to balance the dry spring we have experienced this year.

While the searing heat has not been kind to the local fisherman (or the fish!), some of our regulars have had notable success. Brooks Noble continues his “catfish angler of the year” quest with yet more fish almost too heavy to hoist. Brooks often shows up at our dock with a monster in his live well. He lets all his catch go, so those big denizens of the deep are still out there to fight the lure another day.

In contrast to Brooks, who fishes from a boat, Presley Hyman is a regular shore angler who “hooks-up” with big fish on a regular basis. Last year his notable catch was a snakehead. This season, Presley consistently drags in big catfish from the shore all around Fletcher’s. You will need a stout spinning outfit for this kind of fishing; conveniently, we sell just what you need at the tackle shack!

Having received the usual TLC, Ray’s zinnias are now blooming vibrantly in front of our store and bike shed. It is a great spot for these pretty flowers that have the ability to brighten anyone’s day. We can only hope the weather will moderate for the rest of the summer and prolong the show of color.

Come take a look-see and have a chat with us at Fletcher’s Cove.

Dan