Out and About: Talk about bass! Stanley Walczak of Alton, Ill., has been spending his summers at Pushaw Pond for the past 10 years or so. Apparently, the man has his priorities in order. Each day he sets aside a few hours to cast bass plugs into the rock-rimmed coves and weedy pockets that provide shelter for Pushaw’s smallmouths.

Recently, Stan phoned to report the bass were accepting his invitations eagerly. So far this summer, the avid angler has won 25 tug-of-war contests with the broad-finned brawlers. A few days ago, however, Stan had his doubts about the outcome when he latched onto two heavyweight contestants.

“One fish weighed 6 pounds and measured 22-inches long, the other weighed 5 pounds, 2 ounces and measured 19 inches,” he said with excitement still ringing in his voice. Needless to say, those are BIG smallmouths. Stan didn’t hesistate to say he caught the bass on a plastic underwater lure that wobbles and darts as it is retrieved.

“Flying Lures, they’re called,” said he. “They come several in a package, different colors, and have lead weights in them. When you make a cast, the lure tends to keep moving away from you after striking the water. Naturally, when you start reeling it turns and swims and darts the other way.” Could be that turning, darting action looks like a spooked bait fish changing directions. Regardless of what the lure resembles, you can bet Stan Walczak will keep on casting it. Those were BIG bass.

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The bass weren’t nearly as big, but a dozen kids and six adults had a great time catching them at Lily Pond in Gouldsboro last Friday. In all, 63 largemouth bass measuring from 5- to 11-inches long were caught on rod and reel. The fish then were transferred to Hamilton Pond on Mount Desert Island. Supervising the activity were fisheries biologists Ron Brokaw, Greg Burr, and Dave St. Laurent of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s Region C office in Machias.

Hamilton Pond is a weedy, warmwater pond located in Salisbury Cove off Route 3. “The pond is ideal largemouth habitat,” said Greg Burr. “The fish should do well there and provide a productive fishery. The catch and transfer went better than expected. We figured on 40 to 50 fish being caught, but ended up with 63. The fish were so cooperative that we didn’t have to seine them and the kids had a great time catching them.” Obviously, the kids also benefited from taking part in the program and saw, firsthand, the value of the catch-and-release ethic.

Within the next few weeks, the biologists will consider introducing bass into Great Pond in Franklin. – – –

During July, a group of Maine bass anglers were busy at more than casting and cranking. In fact, fishing out of Eliot, they succeeded in landing the newest state affiliate of the American Bass Association, with headquarters in Wetumpka, Ala.

The able anglers elected officers of the ABA of Maine were: Don Cresswell of Eliot, president; Duane Sennett of Hampden, vice president; Dan Roy of Lewiston, secretary; Jim Cordica of Pittsfield, treasurer. Maine joins 12 other state affiliates to make the ABA the largest non-profit fishing group in America.

The ABA of Maine wasted no time in scheduling its first fishing contest, which was restricted to affiliated bass clubs. Held at China Lake on July 25-26, the state fish-off qualified the top five teams for the sixth annual ABA National Team Championship to be held Sept. 18-19 at Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. The championship is open to the top 10 qualifying teams from state affiliates.

An ABA of Maine tournament scheduled at Cobbosseecontee Lake on Aug. 23 will qualify another top five teams for the National Championship competition. The Cobbosseecontee tournament is open to everyone, but membership in the ABA is required. Annual dues are $15 and will be accepted the morning of the tournament. The tournament hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Entry fee is $105 per team and is restricted to the first 100 boats.

Based on entries of 35 teams, the tournament guarantees a payback of: first place, $2,000; second place, $700; third place, $300. Total payback and number of places will increase as the entries exceed 35. For additional information regarding the ABA of Maine and the upcoming Cobbosseecontee tournament, contact: Don Cresswell, ABA of Maine, 20 Marshwood Estates, Eliot 03903. Phone: 748-1704. – – –

Although early fall often provides fast fishing, there’s no denying the fact that hunting season is just over the hill. In accordance with that, now is the time to set your sights on equipment that will make your day afield enjoyable and memorable.

If you scan windy marshes and bays while hunting waterfowl, brushy fields or rock-cluttered barrens while deer hunting, or sprawling clearcuts during Maine’s one-week moose hunt, you won’t go wrong in looking into a pair of LOOK “Power Zoom” binoculars by Copitar. From what I gather, the battery-powered, touch-button control binoculars have attracted the attention of hunters, and for good reason. While toting a rifle or shotgun, it’s an advantage to have binoculars that can be operated easily with one hand.

Compact and lightweight – 11.3 ounces – the LOOK design combines form and function. The binoculars feature a 7-15x25mm field of vision, high-performance prisms, and multi-coated lenses that deliver sharp images under all conditions. You may have seen them advertised in Orvis magazine, or Sportsman’s Guide or Gander Mountain catalogs. Ask about them at your local sports shop – from what I’ve heard, “they’re worth looking into.”