Appreciate all the love. I heard from several friends. Even a few fans from this column said hello. It was a quiet birthday. Twelve months shy of 50 clicks. I spent the evening on Lycoming. That is my favorite thing. My bride was okay with me fishing. It was my fourth night straight. Fun time of year. The Smallmouth bite has been insane. I prefer to go solo. But I never say no when I get a chance to fish with my son.

Jensen has the bug. The kid is also possessed. He now has his license and my old car. Bird is fishing tons. Nolan Diefenderfer is one of his good buds. These two target all types of fish. From small native Brook Trout in the mountains to Susquehanna Cats. They always seem to catch. These boys make me super jealous. I begged them for a dance. We agreed to hook up nearby. But I had to drive separately. Jensen doesn’t like to be seen in public with his Dad.

I parked near the top of Metzger Park and worked my way down. Nolan and Jensen were in the deep hole at the start of the Heshbon. I was throwing my usual, trying to entice a bass. I love using top water. I prefer the Heddon Torpedo. I have a sticker on my car. This plug and I go way back. It floats on top. The perfect size for Lycoming Creek. She mimics a distressed baitfish or a wounded frog. I cast towards the bank or a log. A quick twitch and bang. Fish on. Whether it is a dry fly or a lure, a top-water strike is paramount.

I landed a few decent Smallies. I sent a photo to my son. He wasn’t impressed. Jensen returned serve with two monsters that he and Nolan caught. Beautiful fish. Two bruins out of the Crick. Hard to say, but they were both in the 3-4 lbs. range. I was super proud. Okay. A tad jealous. I continued to fish downstream, hoping to see my young friends in the flesh. We exchanged a few more pictures. Another beautiful evening in the 17728. I landed several bass.

I finally reached my destination. The sun was starting to set. There were no signs of Jensen and Nolan. I was perplexed. I gave my son a call, and he told me they just left. Dude? What gives? I asked if he could swing back and give me a ride. I wasn’t looking forward to the 2-mile walk. Jensen didn’t answer. He mentioned that he and Nolan were already on their way to Walmart.

All fishing is noble. I prefer to fly. But it all depends on the situation. Ultralight Bassing in the backyard is the absolute best. I have used several different lures, but these Heddon Torpedoes are legit. I have a full box in every color. I love catching Smallmouth on top. They are the top local prize. They are super strong. Jensen and I have been out quite often. We never fish the same stretch. We had another great summer on Lycoming Creek. Several monsters. It is grand.

Last night I was out solo, and I ran into a few new friends. Two young South Siders were fishing near the High Street Bridge. I was across the way, and I waved. One asked if I had any luck, and it was game. I introduced myself and then started asking questions. We had several mutual friends. I knew all of their coaches. Isaiah Snyder and Ethan Gardner are great dudes. I told them a few secrets. I gave them two Torpedoes and a quick tutorial. They were both well-spoken and very appreciative. I went on my way and asked if they were on Instagram. Fantastic kids. Maybe these guys thought I was important. This is what it is all about. Cheers.