Report from Fletcher’s Cove, July 30, 2009

Mid-summer fishing at Fletcher’s Cove is a relaxed affair. It’s more about “the feel” than “the fish.” There are still some nice bass, walleyes and cats out there in the deep, so anglers with optimism, a work ethic, and a bit of luck still get their rewards; but the water is warm, the current slow and our finned friends are on a bit of a summer diet. At this time of year, the first order of business is to enjoy your time on or by the water and away from the daily routine.

The skies have been beautiful this past month, with puffy clouds in the drier than usual air. I’m a birth native, and let me tell you, we’ve been getting off easy this summer of 2009. I hope you have had the chance to enjoy the break from our normal hazy, sub-tropical sauna. Sure, I know, we will pay for it sooner or later. Meanwhile, take some time to stare at the sky, breathe deeply the dry air, and feel the cooling breeze on your skin. Many of us travel from air-conditioned home, to air-conditioned office, to air-conditioned store, to air-conditioned mall, movie, restaurant, etc, etc, etc. Well, nature has been kind to us of late, and we should take notice and be grateful!

There is a friendly competition among the younger employees at Fletcher’s this season. The goal is… who will catch the first snakehead. Customers got quite a few of the much-discussed fish early in the spring, so we thought that one of our enthusiastic youthful workers would score a snakehead in short order. But no such luck. The last two months have been a dry spell for snakehead sightings. We are all speculating on the best lures to use, how deep to fish and so on. I’m placing my bet on the Binsted boys, based on sheer desire and a high level of angling skill. But you never know, and just one cast in the right spot, at the right time, with that strange new lure could do the trick.

Fletcher’s will soon be receiving a batch of new kayaks and some new bikes to bolster our well-used fleets. Kayaking in particular seems to grow steadily in popularity. It gets you close to the water, and it’s quiet and relatively easy to do for a beginner. But don’t forget our sturdy, stable, uniquely styled rowboats and our old faithful Grumman canoes. All can provide you a good time on the Potomac or C&O Canal.

As August days pass by, take a break and head down by the riverside. On weekends Fletcher’s is quite busy, so come early. As you might expect, you will find a bit more solitude on the weekdays. We might be working on a kayak or bike repair, stocking supplies or serving a fellow customer. But you will be welcomed; and, we hope you’ll feel at home in the place.

Dan