An Interview with a Local Fisherman
This is an interview with an elderly gentlemen named Bob. Bob was born and raised in West Beth Township.
I haven’t fished for a decade or so, due to bad legs, but when I did, I fished in Clarksville near the old bridge, and up from Zollarsville bridge, and at West Beth township bridge there’s a deep pocket. There’s plenty of places along the creek for fishing.
How long were you a fisherman?
I started fishing in the late 1940’s, until not too long ago. I was pretty young when my dad took me to the creek for the first time. I fished all up and down that creek. Besides fishing, when I was younger my friends and I would tie railroad ties together and float up and down the creek for fun. My family had picnics near pump station dam area. However, back when I was younger, sewage was an issue in the creek and later mining issues. Things have changed some for the better.
Did you fish alone?
I used to go alone, but later I took my son and grandson with me.
What kind of bait did you use?
I have lures but I don’t like them much. Artificial spinners require more work and bait allows me to sit and enjoy my time. I use night crawlers and mini’s for bait.
What kind of fish are in Ten Mile Creek?
Bluegill, rock bass, various trout, smallie, bruiser carp. I’ve even caught musky at the mouth of the Ten Mile near the Mon.
Did you ever eat the fish you caught?
I used to. Later I just put them back for other’s to enjoy.
What else would recommend to someone who wants to fish?
Get a license. You can’t fish without a license.
Anything else worth sharing about fishing or Ten Mile Creek?
I have lots of stories about flooding. But you don’t have time for all those stories. When I was young I saw cows floating down the creek at the Marianna dam area. It was in March during a thaw. I remember running to tell my mom just before the flooding occurred “Mom, it’s coming. It’s coming, Mom. We’re getting a flood.” All the towns along the creek were affected then; some people could float their boats to the top of a 2nd story windows to see the damage to their house, or to help someone. The water was that high. I’ll never forget it. It’ll happen again, someday, I’m sure of it. As for fishing, Ten mile is a good place for fishing if you know where to go. I have lots to good memories on that creek, and some not so good.
