McClory: What a weird spring it’s been!

At this point in time all I can say is, wow, what a strange spring we have had so far! While writing this week’s column the thermometer read 92 degrees, a definite record breaker. How about the record breaking rain we received during the month of March. And to top it off, yesterday I heard that we are in a red alert for possible brush fires.For the salmon fishermen, the ice went out on March 24, 2010. “Ice-Out” on Lake Winnipesaukee occurs when the ice that has covered the lake since late December or early January melts enough to allow the M/S Mount Washington cruise ship to navigate between Alton Bay, Center Harbor, Weirs Beach, Meredith and Wolfeboro. The date has been observed and recorded for over 120 years. Even though the ice went out early, open water fishing season didn’t start until April 1. I wonder if Harry would have had his boat ready if the Division of Fish and Wildlife in New Hampshire declared it OK to start fishing early like they did in Maine this year. That’s right, the Director of Fish and Wildlife allowed open water fishing a week early on lakes like Sebago and Moosehead Lake. It’s another first that I have never experienced. For the avid fisherman, there is nothing like fishing for salmon just after the ice goes out. It can’t be matched and it’s the most breathtaking, thrilling and productive time to be on the water. Now that they have plenty of room to run, the recently-stocked feisty trout that were raised in a concrete pen are ready to put on a show when you hook one. But if spending time in the field and hunting is your preference, turkey hunting season will begin in most of Massachusetts on April 26.When it comes to fishing, mark your calendars for Saturday, April 24; it’s the traditional opening day fishing tournament at Sluice Pond sponsored by the Lynn Fish and Game Protective Association. All the activities that will take place, rain or shine, are free of charge and open to the public. Starting at 7 a.m. and continuing until noon, trophies will be awarded for the largest trout to fishermen in the following categories; adult male, adult female, boy and girl each from ages 8 to 14, and peewee boy and girl each age 7 and younger. As an added bonus, there may also be a special award for the largest salmon taken the morning of the tournament. The awards ceremony will be at the weigh station at the Briar Cliff Lodge boat ramp on Lynnfield St., Lynn. If you are planning to fish the day of the tournament, you may want to enter the Lynn Club’s “Super Trout” contest that also starts on April 24 and runs until Oct. 31. Several large trout will be tagged and stocked by the Lynn Club before opening day. The tags will say “LFG” and have a number assigned to them. The prizes are: one fish worth $300, 2 fish worth $100, and 5 fish worth $50. This contest is also open to the public, with an entry fee of $15 for adults and $10 for youngsters under 14 and seniors over 65. Stop by Ippi’s Bait and Tackle on Parkland Ave., R&R American, Lynnfield St. or Tom’s Bait and Tackle on Ballard St. to register. All proceeds from the tournament are used to stock Sluice Pond. The state also tags trout as part of the Massachusetts Tags “N” Trout program that could also be worth a prize. Incidentally, Ippi’s Bait and Tackle will have extended hours for your last minute tournament angling needs and they are stocked up and ready to provide you with all the right bait and tackle to make your next outing a successful one, especially at Sluice.Just a few last minute reminders, if you are planning to fish out of a canoe or kayak, remember, you must wear a life jacket until May 15. There is no reason not to wear a lifejacket, especially if it saves your life! Another reminder, if you are planning to salt water fish, you must get a salt water fishing license. It’s free this year and easy; call 1-888-MRIP411 or apply online at www.countmyfish.noaa.gov.All for now.