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Show Page June NOW'S THE TIME TO CATCH LARGEMOUTH BE SPONTANEOUS IN YOUR SUMMER PLANNING Warmer temperatures mean good fishing for big "bucketmouths" When the water temperatures in Utah hit 57 degrees and keep rising, largemouth bass feel the urge to spawn. The bass move onto shallow flats, looking for a good place to nest. And large females begin feeding heavily to prepare for the rigors of the spawn. Walt Maldonado says now is the best time of the year to catch the biggest bass of your life. He says in the spring, bass fishing isn't about quantity—it's about quality. "You will not catch big numbers of fish," he says, "but the chance to catch a monster bass is very possible." Maldonado should know. In addition to serving as a regional volunteer services coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources, he's the conservation director for the Utah Bass Federation and an avid bass angler. You can stay updated on where bass fishing is best by reading the DWR's weekly fishing report. Try to look like a crawfish Maldonado says largeprofile casting and flipping jigs work their magic in the spring. These jigs are designed to mimic crawfish. Crawfish are a favorite food of largemouth bass. Crawfish provide lots of protein. And protein is something the bass need for the rigors of the spawn. "Jigs have been a mainstay of the bass angler's arsenal for many years," Maldonado says. "Although the basic design hasn't changed, the quality and use of high-tech materials in the modern jig make it come to life under the water." Maldonado says the silicone skirts placed on today's jigs pulsate and wave with the slightest water movement. The jigs' heads are also painted to look like a crawfish. And the jigs' hooks are strong and needle sharp. He says trailers, in the form of soft plastic or pork, are also added to today's jigs. "When the jig hits the bottom," he says, "the heads tip up. The trailer makes the jig look like a crawfish that's defending itself" Best technique Rocky areas in lakes and reservoirs catch the sun's rays and warm the water around them. The warming water attracts bass and crawfish. Maldonado suggests targeting these rocky areas with jigs. Try to cast your jig so it doesn't splash much when it hits the water. If you're fishing from a boat, cast to the edge of the shore, and then drag your jig into the water. Crawling the jig slowly across the rocks—an action that mimics a newly emerged craw- Wednesday Cnocoldte Fest/Silent Auction 250 East Center Street Wednesday 6 pm fish—is what you're trying to do. As you crawl your jig towards you, let the jig fall off the rocks. Then watch your line closely. "Hits will be light or nonexistent," Maldonado says. "Many times, just the tick of your line or your line moving slightly will be a sign to reel up the slack and set the hook." Also, when you lift your rod to move your jig, you might feel some extra weight on the end of your line. "If you do," Maldonado says, "set the hook. It doesn't cost anything to set the hook. If the line feels different, set it—you might have a bass on the end of your line." Gear Maldonado says fishing with jigs requires sturdy gear. He says a baitcasting rod and reel is the best rod and reel to try this technique with. "Baitcasting reels are like small winches," he says. "They give you the best control over large fish in rocky or weedy areas." Maldonado says a baitcasting reel, spooled with 12- to 15-pound test line on a 6 - to 7-foot medium- to heavy-action rod, is a perfect rig to catch largemouth bass with. "This rig is capable of horsing a big fish out of snags or sharp rocks," he says. Another piece of invaluable equipment is a quality pair of polarized, ultraviolet-resistant sunglasses. The glasses will allow you to look into the shallows and pick out fish that are already on their nest. "Sight fishing requires stealth, proper boat position and quiet casts," Maldonado says. "If a fish is on a nest this time of the year, it will most likely be a large female getting ready to spawn." or many families, summer is the time to hit the open road and see the country. However, there is a lot of pressure for parents to take their children everywhere, see everything and keep a tight schedule, according to "Family Adventure Mom," Deborah Geigis Berry. "The one thing many of us do wrong is over plan — I used to be guilty of that as well," Berry says. "I remember once I tried to take my family hiking, out to eat and whale watching in just four hours. It was crazy." Since great summer memories can be among the most important moments for your family, it is crucial to make sure you are ready to enjoy them when they happen. "When traveling with kids, spontaneous moments will lead to the best summer memories," Berry says. "But believe it or not, you have to prepare to be spontaneous." Berry shares travel tips that can help make great summer memories on your next family vacation: ■ Bring a VIP Be prepared to enjoy any type of adventure with a VIP, or "Very Important Pack." Berry's VIP includes a widebrimmed waterproof hat, beach ball, card games, map, photo album of family members if headed to a family reunion, and some pre-addressed labels and stamps. ■ Ban Bugs Ensure your family and your precious summer moments are protected from mosquitoes and other biting insects. Whether you're headed out for a weekend camping trip or taking the kids hiking, there's an OFF! insect repellent available to make sure you can enjoy your outdoor moments. "When we head to the beach I make sure to pack OFF! Clip-On Mosquito Repellent because it can be placed on my beach bag or lounge chair and within minutes creates head to toe protection," says Berry. ■ Plan for Change It's important to remember that an itinerary should be used as a guide, not a directive. Know going into the trip you likely won't be able to do everything. Focus on one highlight per family member to guarantee there's something for everyone. ■ Consider Missing the "Must See" Costly adventures don't necessarily equal happiness. Children often enjoy a day at a little known bike path as much as a crowded, overpriced "must-see" attraction. - ■ Limit "Plug In" Time Limit the "plug-in" time for the children when watching movies and playing electronic games in the car. When time is up, engage them in family conversations, have them write a letter to a grandparent or keep a journal of the trip. - Though it takes a bit of organizing to pull together these items, it's certainly time well spent. A little planning upfront ensures that your family will be prepared to make unseen bumps or detours just another part of the fun. Berry has one last bit of advice for travelers as they hit the road: "If you set your family trip up for spontaneity by bringing the right items along, even a simple road trip will be a blast," she says. "And remember, skip the schedule — get on the open road and enjoy yourself!" ,S4Fr us d a i on s 0 am - 9:30 am Show ;Act, High School Quilt r,ty Wide $5.00/person last Sumer Quilt 9-1: Panguitch High School 390E 100 South Donations appreciated Thur. & Fri. 9 am-6 pm Saturday 9 am-4pm June 390 E. 100 South Thurs. & Fri. 9 am•6 pm Saturday 9 am-4pm Pre-registration Required All day/half day/Evening Quilting Classes June 9.11 Panguitch High School 390E. 100 South Thurs. & Fn. 8:30 am•9 pm Sat 8:30 am•Spm Quilt Trunk Show Panguitch High School FREE 390 E. 100 South Thurs. Fri. and Sat. 12:15 pm website for classes Quilt Walk Dinner Theater June 9.11 Social Hall Center Street Play & Dinner $15.00 7 pm all nights Thurs. Fri. and Sat. 11/4.4 June 9-:: E. 100 South Pioneer Home Tour (n..1:oar) Reservations Suggested Pancake Breakfast June 1: I rnm. MeV 4‘. ^meg. Street by Zion% Bank you can eat 0:00/person Historical Main Street Walk Quilt Show Panguitch High School Sign-up on our F Once you've located a nest, cast past the nest with a tube jig or a soft plastic lizard, and then slowly inch the lure toward the nest. Using this technique will provoke the female to pick up the threat and either move it or "kill" it. "This technique requires patience and persistence," Maldonado says. "Casting past the nest is important; any cast into the nest will scare the fish off the nest." Maldonado says watching a bass turn and face an intruding lure makes this technique an exciting one to try. And, if you perform the technique properly, you might have the thrill of watching a bass take your lure. "This technique requires steady nerves and quick reflexes," he says. Handle with care It's important to handle the bass you catch carefully. If you're not going to keep the fish, don't keep it out of the water any longer than needed. "If you catch a fish," he says, "get it to the boat as quickly as possible, have your camera ready, and limit the amount of time you have the fish out of the water. "After taking a photo," he says, "gently put the fish back in the water and enjoy the moment." Best waters Maldonado lives in southeastern Utah. He says Recapture Reservoir near Blanding, Ken's Lake near Moab (you can use boats on Ken's Lake, but only electric motors are allowed), the community fishery at Green River State Park, the Huntington Game Farm ponds and Huntington North Reservoir are all great bass fisheries to hone your skills and prepare you for the best bass fishery in Utah—Lake Powell. " If you've never experienced bass fishing," he says, "this spring is the time to give it a try." Thursday Quilt Walk Park Thursday 2 prn 2011 ;tine 10 Social Mall - Map & Tickets available •iday 3 6 pm 3turday am-4pm Quilting Classes ; inguttch High School .)E. 100 South -Jrs. & Fn. 8:30 am-9 pm It 8:30 am-Spm Quilt Show Panguitch High School 390 E. 100 South Thurs. & Fn. 9 am-6 pm Saturday 9 am-fpm Quilt Trunk Show snguitch High School FREE June 9.11 :40 E. 100 South urs. Fn. and Sat. :2:15 pm Heritage Fair/Pioneer Village stage Activities Quilt Trunk Show Panguitch High School FREE 390 E. 100 South Thurs. Frt. and Sat. 12:15 pm , Penit) Zoo E Center Street turdaY am - 2 pm I rector Parade Quilting Classes - Panguitch High School 390E. 100 South Thurs. & Fri. 8:30 am•9 pm Sat 8:30 am•Spm nter and Main Street )turdaY Quilt Walk Dinner Theater June 9 1: - Social Hall Center Street Nay &Dinner $15.00 7 pm all nights Thurs. Fri. and Sat. Reservations Sugge-sted "huts. & Fn. 9 am•6 pm Quilt Walk Races enter and main Street tt a team of 7- all welcome aturday .io nzng parade Quilt Walk Dinner Theater June 9.11 ;sal Hall Center Street ay & Dinner $15.00 7 pm a nights ar d Sat. Res.er %ration% ctirmected |