Visit to Tickfaw SP

A quick trip to Tickfaw State Park was pleasant. I took the wife and the fly rods to check out their lake. I had seen the lake under construction, learned of it being stocked, and now I intended to try the fishing. The lake was completed and stocked several years ago, so there should be some good- sized fish in it by now. My "fishing report" is that we caught two small brim. It was a nice outing and not a long drive, so I was able to get back and work that afternoon.

I do like paddling and fishing in the Tickfaw River. And camping in the park is fun. They are building a road and bridge to access more property across the river, so I would be interested in whether those campsites will be public.

So I am ready to go back again soon... for an overnighter. However, I am not likely to fish in that lake again. If they do intend it to be as advertised, a "fishing lake", I have some ideas. I would wish for keeping the river floodwaters out of the lake. Catch- and- release policy will discourage many users. Consider allowing real access, not just the pier. Clear a few spots where the lake edge could be reached from the trail. Set up canoe rental or open the road to allow drive- up launching of personal boats.

Sunset at the Lake

I had heard there were sightings of roseate spoonbills, so I had to check it out... saw none, but it was a pleasant spin on my bike. That's my "new" bicycle; second- hand, but it's tight and has high- end components. It's comfortable, plenty fast enough, and handles the streets just fine. It's really better than my old 3- speed; and, maybe in a few decades, I will become just as sentimental about this "new" one.

There was a pleasant breeze and the sun was sinking low, and I was wishing I had brought my fly rod... not enough fishing, lately.