WELCOME to LANDEN
Hi, my name is Scott and my Wife's name is Joyce, she passed in April of 2023. We have lived in Landen since 1990. Over the years I have spent countless hours fishing in the lake and surrounding ponds and dangling in the deep end of Woodfield Pool. I created this site as an educational tool for all our neighbors around Landen so they knew what kind of wildlife they might expect to see in their backyards and what kinds of fish can be caught in the lake and ponds, if you like to fish. If you mouse over the topics in the header you'll see drop down menus come up with other informative pages of Photo Galleries, Fishing Reports, Favorite Recipes, Stories and Preparedness Tips.
I hope you enjoy the site !
I hope you enjoy the site !
It's Hurricane Season
Hurricane in the Atlantic
6/2/2023 We are now at the begining of hurricane season.
Hurricane Season started in June and goes thru October. They affect the states along the Atlantic & Gulf of Mexico coastlines and the islands in the Caribbean.
We also feel their effects. We may not lose power but we could get heavy rains as a result of these storms. They could cause local flooding and damage to homes and property. But high winds aren't out of the question.
With all this technology and advance warning for Tropical Storms, Depressions & Hurricanes either in the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean and heading north to the coast, we will probably still see images on the Nightly News of tens of thousands of people rushing to the store to "BUY" the simplest of supplies like bottled water before the hurricane hits. Maybe it's staged by the media or maybe it's old video stock but we keep seeing store shelves if not the entire store completely emptied.
I personally can't believe that anyone living in an area that could have hurricanes annually wouldnt be better prepared. Water should be the first thing to store and can be gathered when 2 liter bottles are emptied, rinsed out and filled with fresh tap water and stored in a cool dry place. Gas and propane can also be stored ahead of time and used when and if needed.. I definitely wouldn't be going out to buy any type of food needing refrigeration, when your area will probably have it's power knocked out for an undetermined length of time. That food will likely spoil and eventually be thrown away. I know breads don't store long in summer heat of Florida but there must be something like crackers and energy bars that can last a while. It's not a bad idea to have a bag of some sort packed in the car incase you need to leave. It's never too late to start being more prepared.
Who remembers the 5 day power outage Hurricane Ike caused in 2008 ? We had wind gusts up to 80 mph that caused a lot of tree damage and knocked out our power. Luckily the weather was warm and dry and the whole city wasn't affected. Home City Ice was still being delivered to Wal-Mart and those that had coolers could preserve some food supplies. Lots of our neighbors weren't prepared and lost a lot of food needlessly. Some neighbors didn't even have matches to light a candle in their home at night.
Hurricane Season started in June and goes thru October. They affect the states along the Atlantic & Gulf of Mexico coastlines and the islands in the Caribbean.
We also feel their effects. We may not lose power but we could get heavy rains as a result of these storms. They could cause local flooding and damage to homes and property. But high winds aren't out of the question.
With all this technology and advance warning for Tropical Storms, Depressions & Hurricanes either in the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean and heading north to the coast, we will probably still see images on the Nightly News of tens of thousands of people rushing to the store to "BUY" the simplest of supplies like bottled water before the hurricane hits. Maybe it's staged by the media or maybe it's old video stock but we keep seeing store shelves if not the entire store completely emptied.
I personally can't believe that anyone living in an area that could have hurricanes annually wouldnt be better prepared. Water should be the first thing to store and can be gathered when 2 liter bottles are emptied, rinsed out and filled with fresh tap water and stored in a cool dry place. Gas and propane can also be stored ahead of time and used when and if needed.. I definitely wouldn't be going out to buy any type of food needing refrigeration, when your area will probably have it's power knocked out for an undetermined length of time. That food will likely spoil and eventually be thrown away. I know breads don't store long in summer heat of Florida but there must be something like crackers and energy bars that can last a while. It's not a bad idea to have a bag of some sort packed in the car incase you need to leave. It's never too late to start being more prepared.
Who remembers the 5 day power outage Hurricane Ike caused in 2008 ? We had wind gusts up to 80 mph that caused a lot of tree damage and knocked out our power. Luckily the weather was warm and dry and the whole city wasn't affected. Home City Ice was still being delivered to Wal-Mart and those that had coolers could preserve some food supplies. Lots of our neighbors weren't prepared and lost a lot of food needlessly. Some neighbors didn't even have matches to light a candle in their home at night.
A Northern Flicker out today
A Northern Flicker flying in
6/14/2023 Jane saw a Northern Flicker today.
I usually hear them more than see them. I believe it's considered part of the Woodpecker family.
I usually hear them more than see them. I believe it's considered part of the Woodpecker family.
Killdeers spotted at the lake
Killdeer on the boat ramp
6/9/2023 I was out early and saw a couple Killdeer walking aroud the ramp, in and out of the water.
I was in the fourth grade our classroom overlooked the roof of a room below us and a pair of Killdeer made a nest in the gravel on that roof. As a class we watched as the pair went thru each step their life on the roof. We went out and saw the eggs before they hatched and the babies after they hatched. We took notice how the female tried to draw our attention away from the nest and young as we looked on from a distance. We watched the babies grow up and leave the nest. I think that was my first close up encounter with a bird. Good memories
I was in the fourth grade our classroom overlooked the roof of a room below us and a pair of Killdeer made a nest in the gravel on that roof. As a class we watched as the pair went thru each step their life on the roof. We went out and saw the eggs before they hatched and the babies after they hatched. We took notice how the female tried to draw our attention away from the nest and young as we looked on from a distance. We watched the babies grow up and leave the nest. I think that was my first close up encounter with a bird. Good memories
Osprey overlooking Landen Lake
A Juvenile Red-tail Hawk by Andy
6/5/2022 I see on facebook where Carol went for a SPRIN walk around the lake. Along the was , she happened to see an Osprey overlooking the lake.
I always llike seeing the Osprey around the lake. It is easy for me to identify them. (being colorblind as I am.
Bald Eagles, Great Horned Owls, Osprey and Cooper's Hawks all have yellow eyes. Turkey Vultures, Barred Owls, American Kestrels, Red-tailed and Red Shouldered Hawks all have black eyes. I wonder why that is?
I always llike seeing the Osprey around the lake. It is easy for me to identify them. (being colorblind as I am.
Bald Eagles, Great Horned Owls, Osprey and Cooper's Hawks all have yellow eyes. Turkey Vultures, Barred Owls, American Kestrels, Red-tailed and Red Shouldered Hawks all have black eyes. I wonder why that is?
Recent sightings of the White-tail deer eating hosta
A White-tail fawn
6/14/2023 I had a White-tail fawn on the deck today. Jane saw a deer over by the lake too.
Eastern Cottontail Rabbits seen recently
Eastern Cotton-tail baby Rabbits
6/12/2023 I was out early this morning and saw a baby rabbit jump across the street in front of me..
With all the predators that prey on Rabbits, like Domestic Cats, Red Fox, Coyote, Owls, Hawks and Eagles we have around here, it's kind of surprising to see a Rabbit out and about.
Thumper > Bambi... Just eat the blossoms, that's the best part.
Thumper's Mom>Thumper, what did your father tell you ?
Thumper, which time?
Thumper's Mom> Thumper, about eating clover.
Thumper> Bambi, Eating greens is a special treat, it makes long ears and great big feet (but it sure is awful stuff to eat) I made that last part up myself.
With all the predators that prey on Rabbits, like Domestic Cats, Red Fox, Coyote, Owls, Hawks and Eagles we have around here, it's kind of surprising to see a Rabbit out and about.
Thumper > Bambi... Just eat the blossoms, that's the best part.
Thumper's Mom>Thumper, what did your father tell you ?
Thumper, which time?
Thumper's Mom> Thumper, about eating clover.
Thumper> Bambi, Eating greens is a special treat, it makes long ears and great big feet (but it sure is awful stuff to eat) I made that last part up myself.
Cedar Waxwing heard & seen in Montgomery Hills
Cedar waxwing perched in a tree
6/2/2023 Jane was out in her backyard and could hear a Cedar Waxwing calling, in a nearby tree. Then she saw it, but it flew off before she could get a photo of it.
Seeing small, white butterflies at the Park
A small white butterfly
5/31/2023 What nice weather we had today. I saw a small white Butterfly at the park but not near the the wildflower garden.
Backyard Birds Refreashing themselves
A Robin taking a cool bath by Jane
5/31/2023 Jane took this photo of this Robin taking a cool bath, before Memorial Day.
I have my birdbath on the deck where I can see it. Between the Robins, the blue Jays and the Raccoons, I can't seem to keep it full of water, these days.
I have my birdbath on the deck where I can see it. Between the Robins, the blue Jays and the Raccoons, I can't seem to keep it full of water, these days.
Hummingbirds spotted
A female Ruby throated Hummingbird
6/13/2023 I think I caught a glimpce of a little female, hummingbird. Up until now I have been seeing a little male He seems to be leery of the cat being outside or maybe even the raccoons.
He has been dominate over the feeder but now the female shows herself..
The Hummingbirds go to places like Southern Florida, Mexico, Panama and as far away as Costa Rica. Most will follow the coast to their destination but some fly across the Gulf of Mexico to reach their destination. The Ruby Throated Hummingbird is the only hummingbird that comes east of the Mississippi River.
He has been dominate over the feeder but now the female shows herself..
The Hummingbirds go to places like Southern Florida, Mexico, Panama and as far away as Costa Rica. Most will follow the coast to their destination but some fly across the Gulf of Mexico to reach their destination. The Ruby Throated Hummingbird is the only hummingbird that comes east of the Mississippi River.
Snakes are out sunning
A Northern Water Snake swimming by Jan
6/22/2023 Jan & Jane were out walking and spotted a Water Snake near the tennis Courtss at the Islands
We seem to have nine species of snakes around Landen. The Black Rat (commonly called a Black Snake), the Queen, the Garter, the Northern Water, the Hog-nose, the Corn, the Ring Neck, Gray Rat, and the Lake Erie Water Snake. None are poisonous. One thing to keep in mind is that there haven't been any confirmed sightings or captures of Copperhead Snakes in this area of Ohio.
We seem to have nine species of snakes around Landen. The Black Rat (commonly called a Black Snake), the Queen, the Garter, the Northern Water, the Hog-nose, the Corn, the Ring Neck, Gray Rat, and the Lake Erie Water Snake. None are poisonous. One thing to keep in mind is that there haven't been any confirmed sightings or captures of Copperhead Snakes in this area of Ohio.
The Raccoons are out & foraging today
A Backyard Raccoon and her babies
6/22/2023 I saw the mother and four baby raccoons today. They are getting bigger. .
The Great Blue Heron was seen today
Great Blue Heron standing for this photo by Jane
5/25/2023 Today I saw a one of the Great Blue Herons standing at the dam, fishing. Jane got this photo the day before. We hadn't seen any of them for a while.
Herons normally stands about 4 feet tall and have a wingspan the rivals that of a Bald Eagle at 6 feet wide or more.
The first time I ever had one fly over and cast its shadow over me, I thought it was a Pterodactyl or something Prehistoric!
Herons normally stands about 4 feet tall and have a wingspan the rivals that of a Bald Eagle at 6 feet wide or more.
The first time I ever had one fly over and cast its shadow over me, I thought it was a Pterodactyl or something Prehistoric!
I think I saw a Little Brown Bat last night
Little Brown Bat barring its teeth (designed to grip and hold insects)
6/2/2023 I went out last nist, about 9:00 PM to see what I might see. I sat for nearly an hour and Y thiink I saw one little Brown Bat. Anyone else see one yet?
Did you know there are 11-13 different species of bats that visit Ohio each season. The most common to this area are the Little Brown Bats and the Big Brown Bats. Here in Landen we usually see the Little Brown Bat. They are only about 5 inches long, have a wing span of 10 inches and weigh about 1/2 an ounce.
Bats, are not carriers of rabies, (in most cases). Less than half of 1% might contract rabies. This is a point that is argued by different groups. They are very clean, constantly grooming themselves and important to our eco-system but for some unknown reason, their numbers have been declining. Bats in the wild can live anywhere from 1-30 years of age. They mate in Fall but the female controls the fertilization of the egg to happen after hibernation and when they return to their Spring/Summer territories. The female will hang right-side up to bare her young. She bares one young per season (called a pup) and it nurses milk from it's mother. Even when the female goes out for evening foraging, she always returns exactly to where she left her young. The young leave the roost within a month after being born. Our Little Brown Bats have pointed, sharp teeth for holding hard shelled insects, even their molars are pointed. They only eat insects and pose no threat to humans. They aren't even interested in your hair. Bats are the only mammal that can fly and it's origins date back more than 50 million years. Little Brown Bats roost in tree cavities and caves. The Little Brown females will always return to their roosting place and finds it's young. If you find a bat hanging on the side of a wall or under the eves of your house, it's probably a male Little Brown Bat. You might even see one on the ground. Please don't kill them. Try moving them to a safer place, or just lift them gently on some sort of platform, like cardboard. It was said that Bat's need to drop and glide to take flight and can't take off from the ground, but that is false. They can take off from the ground.
If you have bats living in your attic, barn or shed, this is most likely a Big Brown Bat. They have a wing span is 12-13 inches and a slightly larger body than it's Little Brown cousin. Don't try to "Bat Proof" your attic, the Big Brown bat will winter over in your attic and you'll be trapping it inside. It may find a way into your home at this point. You are better off hanging a Bat House out in your yard or against your house, They will most likely prefer it over your attic.
Did you know there are 11-13 different species of bats that visit Ohio each season. The most common to this area are the Little Brown Bats and the Big Brown Bats. Here in Landen we usually see the Little Brown Bat. They are only about 5 inches long, have a wing span of 10 inches and weigh about 1/2 an ounce.
Bats, are not carriers of rabies, (in most cases). Less than half of 1% might contract rabies. This is a point that is argued by different groups. They are very clean, constantly grooming themselves and important to our eco-system but for some unknown reason, their numbers have been declining. Bats in the wild can live anywhere from 1-30 years of age. They mate in Fall but the female controls the fertilization of the egg to happen after hibernation and when they return to their Spring/Summer territories. The female will hang right-side up to bare her young. She bares one young per season (called a pup) and it nurses milk from it's mother. Even when the female goes out for evening foraging, she always returns exactly to where she left her young. The young leave the roost within a month after being born. Our Little Brown Bats have pointed, sharp teeth for holding hard shelled insects, even their molars are pointed. They only eat insects and pose no threat to humans. They aren't even interested in your hair. Bats are the only mammal that can fly and it's origins date back more than 50 million years. Little Brown Bats roost in tree cavities and caves. The Little Brown females will always return to their roosting place and finds it's young. If you find a bat hanging on the side of a wall or under the eves of your house, it's probably a male Little Brown Bat. You might even see one on the ground. Please don't kill them. Try moving them to a safer place, or just lift them gently on some sort of platform, like cardboard. It was said that Bat's need to drop and glide to take flight and can't take off from the ground, but that is false. They can take off from the ground.
If you have bats living in your attic, barn or shed, this is most likely a Big Brown Bat. They have a wing span is 12-13 inches and a slightly larger body than it's Little Brown cousin. Don't try to "Bat Proof" your attic, the Big Brown bat will winter over in your attic and you'll be trapping it inside. It may find a way into your home at this point. You are better off hanging a Bat House out in your yard or against your house, They will most likely prefer it over your attic.
I saw my first of the season Lightening Bugs tonight
Backyard Lightening Bug
6/14/2023 More and more Lightening Bugs are showing up at night. I see them outside the window at night before I go to bed,
This is a Tick's Nest
Tick's Nest
I had never seen one of these before. This is what a tick's nest looks like. If you see one, don't play with it...burn it.
Poison Ivy, learn what to lookout for in the woods
Common Poison Ivy
As Spring brings out all the greenery around Landen, beware of our Common Poison Ivy The Warmer temperatures make kids want to play in the creeks and use old deer trails to access the water. Dog walkers and hikers get out more.
Some hiking or biking on the Moutain Bike trails or maybe taking old deer trails through the woods below the dam on Simpson's Creek. Whatever your pleasure is, it's good idea to be aware of your surroundings and know what to look for and stay away from. Easily identifiable by it's 3 leaf pattern. If Honeysuckle bushes are removed, Poison Ivy will grow in its place.
Some hiking or biking on the Moutain Bike trails or maybe taking old deer trails through the woods below the dam on Simpson's Creek. Whatever your pleasure is, it's good idea to be aware of your surroundings and know what to look for and stay away from. Easily identifiable by it's 3 leaf pattern. If Honeysuckle bushes are removed, Poison Ivy will grow in its place.
Barn Swallows have returned to Landen Lake
A beautiful looking Barn Swallow by Jane
5/18/2023 Today, Jane saw this Barn Swallow flying around the lake and others too.
Red-eared Slider Turtles seen at the Park today!!!
Red-eared Sliders came out to sun today by Jane
6/22/2023 I was out for a daily drive today, and saw Red-eared Sliders on a log at the park. The one with the black head is a Slideer but without marks. Called a melanistic type of this breed.
Some of the Usual Suspects on the lake & more
Aflac & his buddy by Jane
5/18/2023 While out and about the lake, Jane saw this new family of Mallard Ducks. Jane says she thinks she counted fifteen ducklings in tow.
Every Black & White Mallard you see on the lake are the offspring of the white Mallard hen. I think they are typically males, but there seems to be at least one black & white hen. Once I saw her and all or most of the black & white Mallard offspring around her and there were 15-20 of them.
Every Black & White Mallard you see on the lake are the offspring of the white Mallard hen. I think they are typically males, but there seems to be at least one black & white hen. Once I saw her and all or most of the black & white Mallard offspring around her and there were 15-20 of them.
Lots of goslings growing up around Landen
Canadian Geese goslings
6/21/2023 I saw a bunch of Canadian Geese all around different parts of Landen, today. Some on the Upper Farm Pond had their goslings in tow.
The goslings are getting bigger!
We can already hear the squabbling over mates and territories for nesting. You'll see them pairing up all around Landen, on and around the lake, ponds and Orchard Apartments. Even some over at the Landen Deerfield Park.
Selections of Food to use for Bait, plus Poppers & Flies to use for
Bass, Bluegill, Carp, Catfish & Crappie !
Poppers, dry flies, streamers, Wooly Buggers all make up a nice selection to use when fishing for Bass, Crappie & Bluegill. These Dial-A-Fly or Dial-A-Popper boxes are great for kids starting out and using cane poles. Cane poles are always available at Wal-Mart for just a few dollars.
You can also use stuff like whole kernel corn threaded onto a small barbless hook or dough balls made from the middles of a slice of white bread and pinched around the hook as shown below. These are good for Bluegill and Carp but don't be surprised if you catch Bass or Catfish on it too. Next you can use tiny bits of cut up hot dogs threaded on to a barbless hook for Bluegill and Largemouth Bass or cut up larger chunks on a bigger hook for Catfish.
You can also use stuff like whole kernel corn threaded onto a small barbless hook or dough balls made from the middles of a slice of white bread and pinched around the hook as shown below. These are good for Bluegill and Carp but don't be surprised if you catch Bass or Catfish on it too. Next you can use tiny bits of cut up hot dogs threaded on to a barbless hook for Bluegill and Largemouth Bass or cut up larger chunks on a bigger hook for Catfish.
Craft Hair Jigs (Float N Fly)
Multi-colored Float n Fly Craft Hair Jigs
This time of year is what the Float n Fly was created for.
Made from everything from craft hair, to fox, rabbit, deer, horse hair, feathers, and even nylon, these jigs range in size from 1/32oz up to 1/2oz and more. I have been using a type of hair jig that is called the Float 'n' Fly that is made with craft hair and designed to catch winter smallmouth bass in Tennessee. I figured our Landen Bass wouldn't know that and have been using these for a couple weeks now, catching huge crappie and a largemouth bass every now and then.
I'm using a chartreuse for the crappie I'm catching, and I'm catching 15-16 inch Crappie and have also caught one that was so big I couldn't lift it out of the water. As I went over to lip it, it scraped the line over the sharp edge of a rock, snapped the line and slid into deeper waters, never to be seen again.
Notice the pear shaped bobber, in the middle of the multi-colored hair jig or flies. This is the type bobber recommended by Charlie Nuckols himself. He used a 3/4 inch diameter bobber for the 1/16 ounce jig and the 1 inch bobber for the 1/4 ounce jig. Suspending the jig a couple feet under the bobber, making long casts and painfully slow retrieves and allowing the wind and wave action to do most of the enticing of the bass and crappie.
The Big Chill
The float 'n' fly method is most effective in clear water with a temperature between 38 and 48 degrees. It absolutely shines when the water is in the low 40-degree range-a period when many reservoir smallmouth anglers have traditionally hung up their rods. When the water is extremely cold, suspending bass are in a totally neutral mood. Their metabolism is cranked down so low and their digestion process so sluggish, they don't feed very often. But they will strike a tiny lure dangled right in their faces. I figured the same might hold true for our local Crappie & Bass. So I tried it and it worked !
Solution for Suspenders
The float 'n' fly system was developed by eastern Tennessee angler Charlie Nuckols as a method of teasing sluggish smallmouth bass to bite in clear, frigid water. Nuckols, owner of Bullet Lures, knew that once the water temperature dipped below 45 degrees in winter, the bass in his local reservoirs became so lethargic they were virtually impossible to catch. Nuckols could see fish on his graph. He just couldn't catch them by conventional means. The bass suspended in the water off rock bluffs or deep points. He tried to catch them on a jigging spoon, but even this old winter standby would falter once the water temperatures dropped into the low 40s. Sometimes the bass wouldn't budge regardless of what the angler did to elicit a response.
Nuckols suspected that the answer to the slow-bite riddle would be a small lure fished for extended periods at the depth at which the smallmouths suspended. Instead of trying to trigger reaction strikes, Nuckols decided a soft sell was better. He started experimenting with tiny crappie jigs dangled under a bobber and soon began catching bass. The more he refined the concept, the more fish he caught, until he eventually arrived at what many bronzeback aficionados feel is the ultimate system for big smallmouths in cold, clear water: the float 'n' fly.
Charlie Nuckols drowned in a boating accident in 1996, just as his revolutionary bass system was gaining a following among smallmouth anglers.
How it Works
One reason for the float 'n' fly's popularity, beyond its effectiveness, is its simplicity. The float 'n' fly system consists of three basic components:
1. A tiny leadhead jig, or "fly," tied with craft hair (a crinkly man-made material frequently used in the toy industry). When suspended beneath
a bobber in clear water, a craft-hair jig will puff out, or "breathe."
Consequently, the small jig (usually 1/16 ounce and 2 inches long) resembles one of the diminutive lake minnows that suspending bass feed on in winter.
2. A small (¾- to 1-inch) plastic pear-shaped bobber. Float 'n' fly fanatics insist on a stationary float as opposed to a slip bobber. The float is clipped onto the line from 8 to 13 feet above the fly. The float bobs on the surface and keeps the jig suspended at the desired depth. It's simple, but effective. I have only been suspending my fly 2 feet below the bobber and catching nice, slab crappie.
3. A long, flexible spinning rod.
Anglers proficient with the system use two-piece rods 8 to 11 feet long. The rod should have a super-soft action,
almost like a flyrod, to cast the lightweight jig and float long distances and to provide the shock absorption needed to prevent huge bass from
popping light line. This rod is paired with a spinning reel loaded with small-diameter 4- or 6-pound-test monofilament line. I have had good success making two-handed, side-arm casts of maybe 75 feet or more and slowly...very slowly retrieving the jig. I use a 9 foot Silstar rod I got from Dicks, many years ago
Made from everything from craft hair, to fox, rabbit, deer, horse hair, feathers, and even nylon, these jigs range in size from 1/32oz up to 1/2oz and more. I have been using a type of hair jig that is called the Float 'n' Fly that is made with craft hair and designed to catch winter smallmouth bass in Tennessee. I figured our Landen Bass wouldn't know that and have been using these for a couple weeks now, catching huge crappie and a largemouth bass every now and then.
I'm using a chartreuse for the crappie I'm catching, and I'm catching 15-16 inch Crappie and have also caught one that was so big I couldn't lift it out of the water. As I went over to lip it, it scraped the line over the sharp edge of a rock, snapped the line and slid into deeper waters, never to be seen again.
Notice the pear shaped bobber, in the middle of the multi-colored hair jig or flies. This is the type bobber recommended by Charlie Nuckols himself. He used a 3/4 inch diameter bobber for the 1/16 ounce jig and the 1 inch bobber for the 1/4 ounce jig. Suspending the jig a couple feet under the bobber, making long casts and painfully slow retrieves and allowing the wind and wave action to do most of the enticing of the bass and crappie.
The Big Chill
The float 'n' fly method is most effective in clear water with a temperature between 38 and 48 degrees. It absolutely shines when the water is in the low 40-degree range-a period when many reservoir smallmouth anglers have traditionally hung up their rods. When the water is extremely cold, suspending bass are in a totally neutral mood. Their metabolism is cranked down so low and their digestion process so sluggish, they don't feed very often. But they will strike a tiny lure dangled right in their faces. I figured the same might hold true for our local Crappie & Bass. So I tried it and it worked !
Solution for Suspenders
The float 'n' fly system was developed by eastern Tennessee angler Charlie Nuckols as a method of teasing sluggish smallmouth bass to bite in clear, frigid water. Nuckols, owner of Bullet Lures, knew that once the water temperature dipped below 45 degrees in winter, the bass in his local reservoirs became so lethargic they were virtually impossible to catch. Nuckols could see fish on his graph. He just couldn't catch them by conventional means. The bass suspended in the water off rock bluffs or deep points. He tried to catch them on a jigging spoon, but even this old winter standby would falter once the water temperatures dropped into the low 40s. Sometimes the bass wouldn't budge regardless of what the angler did to elicit a response.
Nuckols suspected that the answer to the slow-bite riddle would be a small lure fished for extended periods at the depth at which the smallmouths suspended. Instead of trying to trigger reaction strikes, Nuckols decided a soft sell was better. He started experimenting with tiny crappie jigs dangled under a bobber and soon began catching bass. The more he refined the concept, the more fish he caught, until he eventually arrived at what many bronzeback aficionados feel is the ultimate system for big smallmouths in cold, clear water: the float 'n' fly.
Charlie Nuckols drowned in a boating accident in 1996, just as his revolutionary bass system was gaining a following among smallmouth anglers.
How it Works
One reason for the float 'n' fly's popularity, beyond its effectiveness, is its simplicity. The float 'n' fly system consists of three basic components:
1. A tiny leadhead jig, or "fly," tied with craft hair (a crinkly man-made material frequently used in the toy industry). When suspended beneath
a bobber in clear water, a craft-hair jig will puff out, or "breathe."
Consequently, the small jig (usually 1/16 ounce and 2 inches long) resembles one of the diminutive lake minnows that suspending bass feed on in winter.
2. A small (¾- to 1-inch) plastic pear-shaped bobber. Float 'n' fly fanatics insist on a stationary float as opposed to a slip bobber. The float is clipped onto the line from 8 to 13 feet above the fly. The float bobs on the surface and keeps the jig suspended at the desired depth. It's simple, but effective. I have only been suspending my fly 2 feet below the bobber and catching nice, slab crappie.
3. A long, flexible spinning rod.
Anglers proficient with the system use two-piece rods 8 to 11 feet long. The rod should have a super-soft action,
almost like a flyrod, to cast the lightweight jig and float long distances and to provide the shock absorption needed to prevent huge bass from
popping light line. This rod is paired with a spinning reel loaded with small-diameter 4- or 6-pound-test monofilament line. I have had good success making two-handed, side-arm casts of maybe 75 feet or more and slowly...very slowly retrieving the jig. I use a 9 foot Silstar rod I got from Dicks, many years ago
Please don't harm the Possums
A Possum
Possums may not be the prettiest or the cutest of the critters living in and around Landen but they are beneficial. They like woodland areas with water near by and feed on a variety of items including lots of insects and even better, they eat lots of ticks, including up to 4000 Lime Disease carrying ticks. So you see, we live in an area that is perfect for them and like us, you probably have had a Possum living under your deck at sometime or another. I know we have. Typically nocturnal, they can be seen sometimes in early evening and morning, coming out of or going back to their sanctuary. In the wild they may only live 1-2 years and are solitary except when breeding. They may breed twice in a season having anywhere from 4-8 young (called Joeys). They are not a danger to you. When threatened they may bare their teeth and hiss but don't normally attack. Possums body temperature is too low to support diseases like rabies.
Do we have big cats near us ?
A Cougar up a tree
I had seen a plaster cast paw print of a Cougar in Harrison Ohio confirmed by a ODNR Ranger back in the late 70's.
A couple years ago one of our neighbors told me that he and a couple of his kids thought they had seen a Bobcat down near the inter-section of Montgomery Road and Mason-Montgomery. Another Bobcat sighting may have occurred down in the residential part of Fields Ertel.
Then a short time ago I read on the Nextdoor Neighborhood about a sighting of a Cougar around Pheasant Hills in Loveland and I posted a notice since it's so close to us in Landen.
Then a neighbor told me that one day in January of 2021, about noon time, she was nearing the inter-section of Irwin Simpson and Duke Blvd, and thinks she saw what could've been a Cougar running across the street and down by Anthem. She could still see it in the distance as it continued moving away from where she was and when the light finally turned green and she was able to turn into the parking lot, she couldn't find it.. Another neighbor has seen what she describes as a very large cat crossing Irwin Simpson, just on the other side of I-71. By the time she could turn around and try to get a picture of it...it was out of sight. So that's two sightings in the same general area. It or they (the Cougar(s) would have all of Kingwood Park, the old Western Row Golf Course and that large field beside Anthem to reside in and hunt. No sighting officially within the Landen boundaries but they do seem to be around us. Even Mason says there have been unconfirmed sighting of a Cougar. Have you seen anything resembling a large cat of some kind near here? I'm keeping my eyes open and scanning more than usual when I drive around these two areas. I hope I get to see one ! What do you think ?
A couple years ago one of our neighbors told me that he and a couple of his kids thought they had seen a Bobcat down near the inter-section of Montgomery Road and Mason-Montgomery. Another Bobcat sighting may have occurred down in the residential part of Fields Ertel.
Then a short time ago I read on the Nextdoor Neighborhood about a sighting of a Cougar around Pheasant Hills in Loveland and I posted a notice since it's so close to us in Landen.
Then a neighbor told me that one day in January of 2021, about noon time, she was nearing the inter-section of Irwin Simpson and Duke Blvd, and thinks she saw what could've been a Cougar running across the street and down by Anthem. She could still see it in the distance as it continued moving away from where she was and when the light finally turned green and she was able to turn into the parking lot, she couldn't find it.. Another neighbor has seen what she describes as a very large cat crossing Irwin Simpson, just on the other side of I-71. By the time she could turn around and try to get a picture of it...it was out of sight. So that's two sightings in the same general area. It or they (the Cougar(s) would have all of Kingwood Park, the old Western Row Golf Course and that large field beside Anthem to reside in and hunt. No sighting officially within the Landen boundaries but they do seem to be around us. Even Mason says there have been unconfirmed sighting of a Cougar. Have you seen anything resembling a large cat of some kind near here? I'm keeping my eyes open and scanning more than usual when I drive around these two areas. I hope I get to see one ! What do you think ?
Black Bear sighted in Warren County, north of Mason
A Black Bear
I saw and heard news reports about a Black Bear sighted in Warren County near the corner of SR 741 and Hamilton Road, just north of Mason Ohio. A driver spotted it at 11:00 PM and videoed it with his phone. ODNR has not confirmed the sighting yet. 11/21/2021 No update or new sighting of the Black Bear. that I've heard about
Many years ago, a Black Bear Cub was found sleeping in the bucket of a front-end loader in what is now called "Home of the Brave Park". For about a week the cub was sighted in backyards around Loveland. I always wondered if the cub was brought here and left by its momma, where was momma ?
Many years ago, a Black Bear Cub was found sleeping in the bucket of a front-end loader in what is now called "Home of the Brave Park". For about a week the cub was sighted in backyards around Loveland. I always wondered if the cub was brought here and left by its momma, where was momma ?
A Few Little Items Like This In Your Vehicle, Can Always Be A Great Help & Comfort,
in an EMERGENCY
Storing bottled water for an Emergency?
Water Storage
Are you stocking up on essentials in case of an emergency ? Just look at what Hurricane Ida did to the states from the Gulf of Mexico clear up to the East coast of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Clean water is hard to find. Water is one of the items they should have had gathered and stored for times like this in these states where annual hurricanes are normal.
When we watch the NEWs they will show us video of people trying to buy bottled water or see relief workers passing out cases of bottle water to the victims of the disaster.
They could have and should have done what we have done and reuse your 2 liter pop bottles and any other type of water bottles you may have already used, instead of throwing them out in the trash. Joyce and I have reused our bottles for years and stored them in a cool dry place, in case of an emergency.
I don't understand how people living in an area known for annual hurricanes and tornados can not have some sort of supply of fresh, clean water ?
The American Red Cross and FEMA both suggest using and reusing rinsed out pop bottles for water storage. It's Hurricane Season and we just were missed by Hurricane Ida...we got lucky!
We keep a stash of supplies for just such an emergency. In our basement as part of our preparedness plan. We also have another stash in our bedroom. It just depends on the emergency.
Water, warmth and shelter are most important in unusual circumstances. If your home or part of your home is intact after something like a tornado or the high winds from a passing hurricane, this is a good thing. Blankets, sleeping bags and warm clothing would be good to have where you can get at them or even in your car if you have to leave home.
Now if you're starting to create a basic plan to survive an emergency of this nature, you might want to start with a stash of fresh drinking water. You don't need to go out and buy a ton of store bought, bottled water. You can easily take an empty water or pop bottle of any size, (we use 2 liter bottles) rinsed out and refilled with fresh tap water, screw the cap on tightly. This is the start of a basic plan. Store as much water as you can. The American Red Cross and FEMA say you should plan on having a gallon of water per person, per day. This is not only for your own personal hydration but cooking and sanitary purposes as well. Good old fashioned bar soap and water can be used to wash hands. We also have saved empty liquid laundry detergent bottles and filled with water to use for washing hands. We did it this way before hand sanitizer and soft soap were invented.
(Never re-use milk or juice bottles, only water or pop bottles)
Maybe a bag of spare clothes in the trunk of the car and possibly a spare 5 gallon can for gasoline (stored in a cool dry place). These are all steps in the right direction. What about a couple candles and matches and or lighter ? Do you have any of this stuff already around your house or apartment ? If so get them organized so you have them in one location when you need them.
From here you can add to the plan. Build a small supply of non-perishable foods that can be eaten without needing to be heated or cooked and store them in a cool dark place for long-term storage. Make sure you buy food that you will eat. It makes no sense to buy foods that you or your family don't like and will not eat. Having an escape plan and rally point for your family, in the case of fire, is a good idea. If you live in an area where tornadoes are possible, having a plan and a rally point for family members and a place to shelter with your food and water supplies in this type of an emergency, is a good idea and doesn't cost a lot of money. So... why aren't you prepared ? What's the plan ? Visit the Being Prepared section of this site for ideas to help you with your plans. PREPARE FOR THE WORST & PRAY FOR THE BEST
When we watch the NEWs they will show us video of people trying to buy bottled water or see relief workers passing out cases of bottle water to the victims of the disaster.
They could have and should have done what we have done and reuse your 2 liter pop bottles and any other type of water bottles you may have already used, instead of throwing them out in the trash. Joyce and I have reused our bottles for years and stored them in a cool dry place, in case of an emergency.
I don't understand how people living in an area known for annual hurricanes and tornados can not have some sort of supply of fresh, clean water ?
The American Red Cross and FEMA both suggest using and reusing rinsed out pop bottles for water storage. It's Hurricane Season and we just were missed by Hurricane Ida...we got lucky!
We keep a stash of supplies for just such an emergency. In our basement as part of our preparedness plan. We also have another stash in our bedroom. It just depends on the emergency.
Water, warmth and shelter are most important in unusual circumstances. If your home or part of your home is intact after something like a tornado or the high winds from a passing hurricane, this is a good thing. Blankets, sleeping bags and warm clothing would be good to have where you can get at them or even in your car if you have to leave home.
Now if you're starting to create a basic plan to survive an emergency of this nature, you might want to start with a stash of fresh drinking water. You don't need to go out and buy a ton of store bought, bottled water. You can easily take an empty water or pop bottle of any size, (we use 2 liter bottles) rinsed out and refilled with fresh tap water, screw the cap on tightly. This is the start of a basic plan. Store as much water as you can. The American Red Cross and FEMA say you should plan on having a gallon of water per person, per day. This is not only for your own personal hydration but cooking and sanitary purposes as well. Good old fashioned bar soap and water can be used to wash hands. We also have saved empty liquid laundry detergent bottles and filled with water to use for washing hands. We did it this way before hand sanitizer and soft soap were invented.
(Never re-use milk or juice bottles, only water or pop bottles)
Maybe a bag of spare clothes in the trunk of the car and possibly a spare 5 gallon can for gasoline (stored in a cool dry place). These are all steps in the right direction. What about a couple candles and matches and or lighter ? Do you have any of this stuff already around your house or apartment ? If so get them organized so you have them in one location when you need them.
From here you can add to the plan. Build a small supply of non-perishable foods that can be eaten without needing to be heated or cooked and store them in a cool dark place for long-term storage. Make sure you buy food that you will eat. It makes no sense to buy foods that you or your family don't like and will not eat. Having an escape plan and rally point for your family, in the case of fire, is a good idea. If you live in an area where tornadoes are possible, having a plan and a rally point for family members and a place to shelter with your food and water supplies in this type of an emergency, is a good idea and doesn't cost a lot of money. So... why aren't you prepared ? What's the plan ? Visit the Being Prepared section of this site for ideas to help you with your plans. PREPARE FOR THE WORST & PRAY FOR THE BEST
EMERGENCY Bag in your Vehicle?
Survival Bag
I always keep a SURVIVAL BAG or BUG OUT BAG packed just in case. it may be just what you need to make a bad situation more bearable.
You don't need a special backpack, maybe just an old book bag or a small suitcase, duffel bag, heavy duty garbage bag or stuff sack will do just fine. Just something to hold your stuff, keep it clean and dry to keep in the back of your car. Here are some items I would suggest having in your special BUG OUT BAG.
1. One set of warm clothing like sweat pants & sweat shirt
2. At least one change of underwear & cheap poncho
3. A couple pairs of socks, gloves & comfortable pair of shoes
4 One set of light clothing, like shorts, T shirt & ball cap
5. A bag with a bar of soap, travel shampoo, deodorant,
toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss (from the dentist)
tweezer and razor.
6. Flashlight, whistle, knives, rope, candle, lighter & matches. 7. Simple First-Aid Kit, bandana, paper towels & duct tape
8. Water Bottle (filled) Steel Cup, heavy duty aluminum foil. 9. Water purification device & purification tablets.
I have two vehicles and both are prepared to go at a moments notice and has our Survival Packs in them. You can add as much as you want and get very creative but this is the very least, I think a person should have in the trunk of their car. You could keep a hooded sweat shirt or warm coat and pair of boots in addition to your bag, in the trunk. I'd put the coat, spare pair of shoes and boots in a heavy duty garbage bag and zip tie it shut to keep them clean and dry. I'd do the same thing with a blanket or sleeping bag,(or both) keeping the SURVIVAL PACK for your clothes and supplies. If you had to sleep in your car, at least you could keep warm using the sleeping bag or blanket and candle for warmth. I'd keep a few Protein Bars or Granola Bars, chewing gum and a couple of bottles of water too...just in case ! Some people keep a little stash of CASH in their Bug Out Bags...just in case of an emergency !
If you have children, I would think you'd want to have a bag prepared for each of them too. A spare coat, ski hat, mittens (because they keep hands warmer), spare socks and boots or golashes that can be pulled over shoes.
I also keep some Granola Bars, bottled water, Tootsie Roll minis and crackers in my bag along with Lifesaver Mints and chewing gum. I know we live in a populated area but you never know where we might end up so I'm always prepared.
You probably have a lot of stuff to create your own SURVIVAL KIT, around the house. Other specialty items can be purchased inexpensively at places like Wal-Mart, Dollar Stores, DEALS & Harbor Freight. Don't get caught with your guard down !
You don't need a special backpack, maybe just an old book bag or a small suitcase, duffel bag, heavy duty garbage bag or stuff sack will do just fine. Just something to hold your stuff, keep it clean and dry to keep in the back of your car. Here are some items I would suggest having in your special BUG OUT BAG.
1. One set of warm clothing like sweat pants & sweat shirt
2. At least one change of underwear & cheap poncho
3. A couple pairs of socks, gloves & comfortable pair of shoes
4 One set of light clothing, like shorts, T shirt & ball cap
5. A bag with a bar of soap, travel shampoo, deodorant,
toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss (from the dentist)
tweezer and razor.
6. Flashlight, whistle, knives, rope, candle, lighter & matches. 7. Simple First-Aid Kit, bandana, paper towels & duct tape
8. Water Bottle (filled) Steel Cup, heavy duty aluminum foil. 9. Water purification device & purification tablets.
I have two vehicles and both are prepared to go at a moments notice and has our Survival Packs in them. You can add as much as you want and get very creative but this is the very least, I think a person should have in the trunk of their car. You could keep a hooded sweat shirt or warm coat and pair of boots in addition to your bag, in the trunk. I'd put the coat, spare pair of shoes and boots in a heavy duty garbage bag and zip tie it shut to keep them clean and dry. I'd do the same thing with a blanket or sleeping bag,(or both) keeping the SURVIVAL PACK for your clothes and supplies. If you had to sleep in your car, at least you could keep warm using the sleeping bag or blanket and candle for warmth. I'd keep a few Protein Bars or Granola Bars, chewing gum and a couple of bottles of water too...just in case ! Some people keep a little stash of CASH in their Bug Out Bags...just in case of an emergency !
If you have children, I would think you'd want to have a bag prepared for each of them too. A spare coat, ski hat, mittens (because they keep hands warmer), spare socks and boots or golashes that can be pulled over shoes.
I also keep some Granola Bars, bottled water, Tootsie Roll minis and crackers in my bag along with Lifesaver Mints and chewing gum. I know we live in a populated area but you never know where we might end up so I'm always prepared.
You probably have a lot of stuff to create your own SURVIVAL KIT, around the house. Other specialty items can be purchased inexpensively at places like Wal-Mart, Dollar Stores, DEALS & Harbor Freight. Don't get caught with your guard down !