The Mail-Journal, Volume 21, Number 20, Milford, Kosciusko County, 30 May 1984 — Page 12

THE MAIL-JOURNAL - Wed., May 30,1984

12

Summer

lotfl WI £•■% ’ j .*S‘!;’T: s*s?i F JK--~--<idir' > F * r* ■ * ■■ j v i f iMI JOHN J. DAVIS I

'Fishing' away of life for Grace Seminary professor

By MARK W EINSTEIN Sports Writer Fishing is a sport that can be enjoyed by all ages. John Davis believes that, and*he tells others this everytime he gets The chance. Davis, who is known nationwide as a Biblical scholar, has also devloped into one of the fishing experts in the area. Continual reading about fishing, and picking up tips from others has helped the resident of Chapman Lake reach this status. Presently on staff at Grace Seminary. Davis serves as the president of the Hoosier Outdoors Writers Association, and is a member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America and Association of Great Lake Outdoor Writers. ■' i “Fishing is like anything.else, if you want to be good at it, you have to put the time into it,*’ said Davis ’ I was raised ijn a fishing family, and I really enjoy it.” A Philadelphia, Pa., native* Davis developed an early interest in fishing, largely in part to his parents' influence With the intense interest, the local sportsman was able to use his fishing experiences to further, additional interests While a student at Trinity College jn Florida. Davis developed a plan in order to help pay off his school bill. With his love for fishing. Davis decided to fish, and then sell his catch to the school cafeteria. “What away to pay for your college education." smiled Davis: “It was an interesting manuever. and it just allowed me to continue fishing." Although Davis enjoyed great success wjiile fishing in college, he admits he has increased his productivity since the sport has taken a change upwards. Fishing has become more specialized with the increasing knowledge of the sport. “The modern fisherman, compared to the fisherman in the 1950 s has changed greatly in two areas," said Davis. ‘First off. fishermen are much more knowledgable now than they were before This is because of improved reading materials. They know more about fishing and fish habitat." “Fishing has became much more scientific and fishermen are more direct in their methods." he added Also, the improvement of equipment has improved the sport. This advancement is nothing short of dramatic.” “The experience of fishing does

Featuring, For Your Boating Pleasure . .. • Rinkerbuilt as i^TGraft r • Mariner Outboards Fishing Bents e Hurricane Pontoons 8y... ■n By ** * Deck Boats • && • ft Ff>n ' w,s *" ic * : • janpan • Sea Ryder jNFun-Toon — Paddleboats Outboards • Holsclaw Boat Trailers • Boats & Motprs • Holiday Aluminum Pier Sections Sales • Service • Storage ''■ i ■ RFD2lMsbvrg 834-2271 North Webster

provide a lot of creativity," said Davis. “I enjoy people, and through fishing I’ve been able to build some’really nice relationships with people who I would never have been able to know before.” His fishing experiences have also been able to assist him with his speaking engagements. Besides his usual meetings on Biblical topics. Davis has also been able to blend his outdoors senses to attract people to his meetings. Conducting fishing clinics throughout the country. Davis looks at this work in conjunction with his other ministry work “I have had a long standing concern for the lack of involvement of men and boys in churches." said Davis. “I’ve been holding clinics for two years now. and they have grown faster than my wildest expectations.” “I’ve had clinics in California, New York. Pennsylvania, Michigan. Ohio, Kentucky, you name it, I have had clinics in churches all over the country,” said Davis. “It’s really a nice contact because it brings in men from the community together with men from the church in a . very informal basis.” Even though Davis has gained some fame from fishing, he admits it is d never ending cycle to gain more information about the sport. “You never reach a point in fishing skill that you’ve got it all,|" said Davis. “When I travel across the country I listen to everybody, I don’t care if its an 80-year-old man, or a young boy. I never cease to be amazed of the little tips I gain from the unexpected sources.” Likewise in Warsaw, Davis does the same thing. “I visit the coffee shops in town and sit around with the oldtimers and I drink it all in,” said Davis. “I love to learn as much as I can about these lakes. That’s an unending task.” Fishing has been an important part of Davis’ life, which is evident with his experiences. Looked upon as an area “professional fisherman" Davis proclaims the making of a good fisherman is one who studies the sport, and has the proper mental attitude A personal experience when he was 10 years old cemented the fact. Fishing for brook trout in Pennsylvania. Davis suffered through a dismal morning without a catch. After a break for lunch, his partner, who had caught several fish in the morning hours, came with the youthful Davis. He show-

ed Davis what he was doing wrong, and then fish started biting on Davis’ lines. “I remember hearing that the most important thing in fishing is doing a lot of looking and a lot of listening,” said Davis. “He told me you can’t learn everything in books. I’ve never forgotten that.” Along with his interest in fishing, Davis is known for his sportscasting ability. The former color man for Fort Wayne Comet Hockey on WOWO radio. Fort Wayne, Davis teamed up with Bob Chase from 1974-1979. Both Chase and Davis were approached by the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League to do their grimes, but both declined. Davis is also the former voice of Grace Lancer basketball from 1976-1980, and sportscaster for the Caple Television Network in Indiana from 1978-1980. Fish harvest surveys underway Fish catches at three Noble County lakes will be monitored this summer to evaluate on-going Department of Natural Resources fish stocking programs. A DNR clerk will periodically interview fishermen at Bear/ Crane, and Knapp Lakes in order* to gather information on hours spent fishing, number and sizes of fish caught, and angler interests in stocked fish. Since 1979, northern pike have been stocked into Bear Lake, providing the lake with ample pike. From the harvest survey. DNR biologists will determine howpopular pike are among Bear Lake fishermen, as well as determine the effects pike have on native fish populations. At Crane Lake, the survey will provide information on the success of the 1981 lake renovation and restocking project. Crane Lake suffered a severe fish kill in 1981 and was restocked with largemouth bass, blugills, and channel catfish. The survey at Crane Lake will also provide information on the success of a 14-inch minimum size limit on largemouth bass. If the size limit protects the large bass population at Crane Lake, it could be placed on bass at additional northern Indiana lakes. Fish catches at Knapp Lake are being monitored to determine the number and sizes of channel catfish caught by fishermen.

Conservation club to hold August 11-12 fishing contest

Gene Pettit, president, opened the May 15 meeting of Barbee Conservation Club held at Barbee Conservation Club building. Marjorie Penrod gave the invocation. A carry-in dinner was served. Marsa Henderson was a guest. Mr. and Mrs. Mike Janacek were welcomed as new members. Following dinner a program of colored slides was presented by Jess Studebaker, program coordinator and Verlin Rice, administrator of the Black Lake Lodge Juvenile Center located near Columbia City. Reports were given by: Bill Grodrian. trustees; Harold Henry, finances; and Rhonda Ousley, May 7 board of director’s meeting. A fishing contest, for the

' WHERE’S THE MARINA!! WAWASEE A SOUTHEAST BOAT BAY MARINA COMPANY &Club Pickwick Road ' At The Fish Hatchery North End Os Lake Wawasee KRM South End Os Lake Wawasee 219-457-4404 219-856-2175 WELCOME YOU BACK TO A SUMMER OF FUN AT THE LAKE REGION Northern Indiana ’s Largest Marine Complex Professional/Dependable/Insured “Trained Professional Staff To Serve You” • Engine/out drive re- • Insured — professional pair pH r trained staff • Fiberglas repair UK • 2 fully eqyipped shops • Wood repair *5 full time factory • Cosmetic repair t yr schooled mechanics • Premaintenance pro- y 4 ’ ygfcfjFW • Sat. Sun. mechanics grams L 4 for custorners • All work guaranteed I W I Jr J■ i “Investment In Physical Facilities To Serve You” • I/O service • 18 acres, 18 buildings • Ramp • 2 large show rooms • Restaurant at SEBM • 2 large service shops ' • 165 pier spaces . • In/Out service • Travel lift for large cruisers • Storage for 550 boats • 9 on premises storage buildings — no boats stored off our • Club program for pier renters > , nronertu * Rental ski boats & pontoons H H y • Showers — water and electric both facilities L R I L i t JM “Products To Serve You” • All price ranges luxury to starter i * $600,000.00 inventory new and used • Powerboats, inboards, I/Os, deckboats * W ■■ • Sailboats, pontoons • Tournament ski boats Al Lamley, Sales Bob Ruth, Sales Century Rinker * S-2 Yachts & Pontoon Chris Craft MacGregor Sailboats When you want constant year after year service and the best product available for the money — True Value come and see us. Serving the lake area since 1929. Carolyn & Doug Anderson Owners

Barbee Lakes only, will be held August 11 and 12. An ice cream social is scheduled for July 7 from 4 till 8 p.m. The conservation club summer games project will start on June 1 and be held each Friday evening throughout the season. Free CPR classes, taught by North Webster EMS personnel, will be offered at the club house from 8 a.m. till 12 noon, June 2 and 9 and again on June 5 and 6, from 6 till 10 p.m* The public is invited to attend and may enroll by calling 834-4921 or 834-2222, after 6 p.m. Members of the supper committee were Mr. and Mrs. Waldo Bostel, Mr. and Kirs. Ben Janecek, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Penrod and Ethel Elston. Mr. and Mrs. Jack Maule and chairmen of the dinner committee for June.

They will be assisted by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Walls and Mr. and Mrs. Roger Allen. Deepest lake With a maximum depth of 122 feet. Lake Tippecanoe is the deepest lake in Northeastern Indiana. Although fish can be found in deep water during cold seasons, summer fish seldom go below 25 feet deep. Because of that, there is not enough oxygen for fish to breathe at Lake Tippecanoe. Not sure The trouble with being a leader today is that you can’t be sure whether people are following or chasing you. - News, Savannah.

| _ > THxgClASacl Sunday Brunch 1 B Serving: —t~t | ■ 10A.M.-2P.M. M Swiss Steak • Eggs ® ■ •Chicken • Sausage Gravy & ■ ■ • Mashed Potatoes Biscuits • Vegetable * Bacon • Soup & Salad Bar * Hash Browns • Posfry Bar * Juices, Milk, Coffee j ■ • Fruit Bar ■ Adults S e . nior Children 11 ■ Citizens (12 SUnder) ■ ■ (60 & Over) ■ K * FREE 3 Years Old & Younger * ft ■ 'TREAT YOURSELF AFTER CHURCH" ■ If si. • Only 15 SI ■ | 83M111 I I S' S«I3 ’S' 10 ■ NORTH WEBSTER ■ _ Syracuse