Wow. You look great. Have you lost weight? No. Not really. Jeez, you’re tan. You must be playing lots of golf. Not at all. Actually, I came up with a new workout routine. It doesn’t require much skill, and it’s somewhat refreshing. You only need a little time and a pole. I like to call it EXTREME WADING, and it’s the perfect exercise for me.

Fishing has always been a passion, and I take full advantage of what North Central PA has to offer. I am on the water an awful lot and usually head out after dinner. So, I haven’t had the chance of late. Work and Little League baseball always seem to get in the way, but if there’s a free moment, I am usually in the middle of Lycoming Creek.

Some of my favorite holes are just a short drive or walk from the homestead. We live in the 17728 and Lycoming runs through it. I rarely stay in the same spot and cross the creek to gain better access. I am always on the move hence the term — extreme wading. Some like to jog or head to the gym, but I prefer to go for a three-mile wade to keep trim. The world would be a better place if more folks followed my lead.

I own two fly rods but seldom use them. OK, I admit — I stink at it. I have neither the patience nor the touch that is required. So I chuck metal instead. Or that’s what my purist chums call it. My goal is to get some exercise and to catch and release as many fish as I can. Many of my plain front SIMMS wearing bug-throwing friends think less of me. It’s cool. I used to post several pictures online of some of catches. That all came to an end recently after I slipped on a rock and lost another phone.

If I am not extreme wading, I am in my kayak or canoe. It’s what I do. So I guess you could say that I am an avid outdoorsman. No. I don’t hunt. It never intrigued me. I don’t own a gun either. My choice kids. I wouldn’t say that I am against them. I like to call myself a peaceful, metal chucking hippie who lobbies for more control. Forgive me, friends. I know this is not a political forum.

I am very loyal to Lycoming. It is where I do 90% of my fishing. There is no need to travel when you routinely catch fish in the backyard. I have successfully navigated the entire creek from its headwaters above Ralston to the Susquehanna. Bodines to Camp Susque. The old airport and Powys. Haleeka to the 973 green bridge. Hepburnville and the Heshbon. High Street to Memorial. I’ve fished them all. OK, some spots are better than others, and believe it or not I have my most luck within the city limits.

Lycoming Creek is a very unique and healthy waterway. I lost count, but I have been very fortunate to catch all types of species. Rainbow, brook, brown, golden and even a tiger. Most are stocked, but you would be surprised of the number of wild trout. I’ve landed a few walleye and a small muskie. Those encounters were totally unexpected, and I consider myself quite lucky.

I tend to switch to smallmouth bass when the temperature warms. I also replace my neoprene waders with a pair of Chuck Taylors. You might see me while you’re on Lycoming Creek Road or Fourth Street. I’m that guy walking back to his car with a fishing pole.

Jensen’s game with Salladasburg was canceled, so I had an evening to myself. I decided to fish near downtown near Memorial. I parked in an empty BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field lot. Hmm. I remember when they used to host tons of D4 and PIAA playoff baseball games. Tough subject. Chime in later.

I managed to catch a few decent smallies on my favorite topwater plug that evening. I had the entire stretch all to myself, and I only fished for an hour. I lost an absolute monster in the pool below the High Street bridge. Don’t worry. I am already making plans to head back this weekend. Cheers.