Freshwater fishing easy to get hooked on

Fishing — once a method of survival — is not just a method of survival anymore. Fishing has evolved into either a relaxing pastime or highly competitive sport.

The Valley provides an excellent opportunity for fishing of any sort in the area’s scenic rivers and lakes.

Bass, including largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, white and striped, are the kinds of bass that exist in Virginia, according to the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Three types of trout also exist in Virginia — rainbow, brook and brown.

"Mountain streams provide an opportunity for trout — mainly brook trout — but not exclusively," said Stan Ulanski, geology and environmental science professor.

Some good places to fish near JMU include Silver Lake in Dayton, the Skidmore Reservoir in the George Washington National Forest, Lake Shenandoah and the South Fork of the Shenandoah River near Port Republic Rd. One can find an assortment of bass, bluegill, crappie, carp, catfish and musky in these areas, according to the Department of Game and Fishery.

"My advice would be to fish in Skidmore Lake, because it’s more accessible and a lot bigger," said sophomore Chase Galerdise.

Galderise catches mainly brim and smallmouth bass using a spin and artificial lures. "I usually wade when it’s warm and wear old shoes and shorts."

Ulanski said, "I got interested in fly fishing 15 years ago, then studied how to become a better fly angler — there are scientific components [to fishing], and to be a better angler, you would have to know some of those scientific aspects."

Getting started in fishing can be the most difficult task. Harry Murray has owned Murray’s Fly Shop in Edinburg since 1962. He recommends beginners take a class on fishing. Individuals can sign up for lessons from six different schools, each for $20, at his shop. The classes meet every Saturday and include courses in "Just Getting Started," "Just Bass," "Just Trout," Fly Tying" and "Casting."

Freshwater fishing licenses are required to fish anywhere, and they are available at Wal-mart. The freshwater license is $12.50, the trout stamp is $12.50 and the national forest stamp is $3.50.