Fishing the NH Lakes Region...It really was this big

The fun of fishing seems to transcend all ages as to excitement and thrills, from the great grandparent to the great grandchild. And the lakes and rivers of the Lakes Region of New Hampshire provide endless opportunities and memories for everyone. I have several favorite quotes about fishing. Some even by noted and notable fisher folk.  But my all time one remains, “We are always the same age inside” which I’ve taken from a Gertrude Stein essay and applied to this noble effort.

In another few weeks I’ll put my own dock out. I have a bench at the end of it which provides just the right comfort level for both the eldest and youngest anglers. For me as well, though I do like to go out in pursuit of the small mouth bass and lake trout of Lake Winnipesaukee. For the first timers I suggest a day or half day with one of the professional guides on the big lake, check Lake Winnipesaukee Fishing Guides. They won’t give away all of their secrets, just enough of them to make sure that you’ll enjoy yourself.

The NH Fish and Game Dept. has been busy since early April stocking the smaller lakes, rivers and streams in Carroll and Belknap Counties. My neighbor and his son had a great day at Manning Lake on Sunday. They limited out on fine Brook Trout. And my friend, Captain Joel, of www.nhsaltwaterfishing.com should have his boat out by late May in the Piscataqua River and offering the very best striped bass action anywhere. I’ve been out with him a half dozen times and always had a great time.

Like James Joyce, “I love all things that flow”, I too am enamored by the sight and sound of moving water though I suspect he may have been alluding to things other than rivers. At any rate its fishing season, part of the many whys folks embrace the New Hampshire life style especially here in the Lakes Region. I encourage you to experience and re-experience an activity that will never grow stale, you can always recall a day on the water.

Jim Ferriman
603-267-9866

The Lakes Region comprises hundreds of distinctive lakes and ponds and each would seem to have their own unique characteristics. Lakes Winnipesaukee alone is the host to over 200 hundred islands more than half of which have a home or camp in place. The largest islands, Long and Governor’s, are bridged to the mainland and are extensively developed. The majority of the islands are therefore accessible only by boat or after “ice in” by snowmobile.

What is the appeal of a second home that is typically used only 3 to 4 months a year? To me it is a balance of values and of opposites. A special refuge that allows an energizing of the spirit and a sharpening of personal awareness. The reasons that an island home is passed along from one generation to the next may vary but all have a common thread of powerfully shared family memories.

Things to be aware when considering an island property include but are by no means limited to; availability and cost of insurance coverage, mainland docking and parking arrangements, higher construction and remodel costs, communication capabilities, power and energy sources, septic and leach field terrain acceptability and more. With the drawbacks there must be some very positive plus points, I’ll leave these to your imagination.

According to Webster’s New World Dictionary the meaning of the word vacation
is “a period of freedom from activity; rest; respite.” I would also include in this textbook definition “an opportunity for one to become aware of something larger than oneself.” Island folk gain this insight every day and the luckier ones carry it with them forever after.

Jferriman@spencerhughes.com (603) 520-5385