WS Chronicle

By Judie Holcomb-Pack

One of the most relaxing ways to spend a summer’s day is fishing. Whether you’re down at your favorite fishin’ hole, fly fishing in a mountain stream, deep sea fishing at the coast, or just wetting a hook at a local lake, fishing is one of the least expensive and most relaxing hobbies around.

Salem Lake, just off Reynolds Park Road, is a great local place to fish. Bobby Hege, the lake supervisor, commented, “We have a lot of seniors who are regulars here. It is a social activity for them and they enjoy hanging out together on
the pier.”

In fact, one of their regulars, 87-year-old George Sellers, holds the lake record for pulling in the largest crappie – 3 lbs. 7 oz. – off the pier!

Betty Foster, the director of the daycare program at Friedland Moravian Church, has been bringing children from the church daycare to fish at Salem Lake for several years. Wanda Bowdin and Bob Alphin also help to teach the kids to fish, or to bait hooks for the squeamish. Betty hopes  that by introducing the children to fishing, they will learn about nature and develop a hobby that they can share with  their parents. Betty also noted, “Fishing teaches patience. It changes the ‘me-first’ and instant gratification attitude, and encourages sharing with others.”

Born and raised at the Cape Fear River, Bob Alphin has been fishing since he was about six years old and enjoys sharing his hobby with the kids. He also likes trout fishing in the mountains and deep sea fishing at Morehead City. The largest fish he ever caught was a 62 lb. grouper!

James Carter, an educator at Mineral Springs Middle School, brings his son Cecen to Salem Lake to fish. He believes it is important for kids to get outdoors, whether it’s fishing, sports, or another activity.

Another regular at Salem Lake is Raymond Jones. He has been fishing on the pier at least two or three times a week for several years. Not only does he find it relaxing, the walking up and down the pier has helped him lose 60 lbs!

Salem Lake is stocked with a variety of fish: bass, bream, crappie and catfish. Bream, crappie and catfish are most often caught off the pier. Fishing from a boat is best when you’re fishing for bass. The cost to launch a boat is $6 or you can rent a rowboat for $6 for the day.

You must purchase a fishing license to fish at Salem Lake. A license for seniors 65 and older is $15. If you were born before August 1, 1953, you can get a lifetime fishing license for $15.00. If you were born after that date, you have to wait until you turn 70 to get the discounted license. A state ID such as a drivers’ license is required to get a fishing license. The cost for seniors 60 and older to fish is just $1.00 per day.

Salem Lake is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. (fishing ends at 8:00 p.m.), and 7 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. on weekends. They do not rent fishing equipment, but you can purchase a short rod for about $14.00 and a kit with hooks and weights for $3.00. Bobby Hege noted, “For around $30 you can be completely outfitted and out on the lake fishing!” They also sell bait, such as worms and minnows, ranging from $1.65 for a dozen minnows to $3.50 for worms.

Bobby Hege offered these fishing tips:

Fishing for catfish is good in the summertime; chicken livers make the best bait.

The best time to fish is in the cool of the morning or late afternoon.

Stop by the lake office and ask what’s biting and what they recommend for bait. They are always happy to help you get started.

You can bring your own cooler or purchase drinks and snacks at the office.

Bring the grandkids! Children 11 & under fish free.

Get out that fishing pole and enjoy a relaxing day at the lake!

Salem Lake is part of the City of Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks. For more information about fishing at Salem Lake, call 336-650-7677 or visit www.weplay.ws.