Hunter safety course needed with hunting season approaching

With hunting season just around the corner, it is time to look into that needed hunter safety course. North Harford Fish and Game Association, on Wheeler School Road in Whiteford, will offer one in early September. You can register for this class on Sunday, Sept. 11, at 2 p.m. The class will consist of two Tuesday evenings, a Thursday evening and a Saturday. All must be attended to complete the course. If you have questions contact Ernie Tilmes, 410-838-2738, or Wally Hawtin, 443-402-1128.

This is the time of the year when I enjoy top water action in most waters. The big stripers in the Susquehanna will take these offerings late evening or early morning. The action is best when there is little boat traffic. Mostly the surface lures are retrieved rapidly but if this doesn't work you may want to slow down. The slow jerky retrieve that represents an injured minnow can be deadly.

Largemouth and smallmouth bass will react to surface lures during the same period, although the lures should be smaller and I prefer those that float so that they can be worked on the surface extremely slowly.

Small popping bugs with rubber legs are my choice for the fat bluegills. Some you can cast with ultra-light spinning tackle but a fly rod is my choice. You can cast the tiny bugs better and give them a more lifelike action with a fly rod.

I have been asked many times "when is the best time to go fishing." My answer is whenever you can get out and go. How fast the summer is ending and so few days of good fish weather left. So do as I do keep your tackle in your truck or car and use it often.

Don't forget to check your bows and guns — deer season is just around the corner.