Lundrunner Chronicles Return

The Lundrunner Chronicles have returned. Please continue to check in as I will be doing my best to resume regular contributions, and perhaps solicit additions from all of you. I look forward to a year of great fishing, and keeping up with fellow fisherman through photos, storytelling, and generally sacchirine notions.

STRIPER ON 6LB TEST THROUGH KANSAS ICE

Wilson Reservoir was originally created in 1964 by damming the Saline river near the Russell and Lincoln county border in western Kansas. It sits nicely in the gently rolling terrain of this fine state and though it's creation was for the purpose of flood control, it has become a popular fishery for those searching trophy walleye and nice land-locked striper. I have enjoyed several trips with my dearest Kansas friends pulling walleye out of very deep water in late autumn of years past, but this last December we headed up toward the inlet where the ice had set in and sought to pull a few white bass, white perch, or even the occasional striper. Since moving to the East coast where striper fishing is a way of life for many anglers, it seems odd to be telling of stripers so far west, but they have existed in these waters for a long time now and have even gained some national recognition for the success of the fishery. Kansas Wildlife and Parks is a fabulous organization that has worked very hard for the sportsman, and I must say it is one element of my home state that I am most proud. Wilson Reservoir is just one example of their success, and I was happy to spend time there over my holiday vacation.

FATHER FISHERMAN

My father and I have been fishing together since the beginning of time. Well, since the beginning of MY time. Having fished the rivers, hunted the hedge rows, and explored much of the Kansas terrain as a young man, it must have been a happy reunion for him as he re-entered the outdoor sports for my sake as I was growing up. We discovered Kansas reservoirs together along with the many pleasures of boating and camping. It was on such an adventure I first met Barry. He was pulling crappie out of a brush pile seemingly three at a time while I was alone in our boat across the cove yet to see a spotted scale up close. Being a generous man and advocate for the sport, he waved over what he perceived to be a frustrated but determined boy. He gave me simple instructions, demanded I cast into his fishing lane and success was immediate. Imagine my surprise when retrieving my father to introduce him to my new acquaintance and share my new fishing discovery I learned they did not just know each other, but had been friends and fishing buddies years ago. Life had separated them as they were wrapped in their own new careers and families, but now an old friendship was rekindled and we've been fishing as three ever since.

BARRY, LEADING THE CHASE

In college I met Woodie as a fellow resident assistant for the dormitories. A few meals and even more stories of geese on his family's property, and we were soon skipping class to fill the sky with steel shot and doing our best to rid the waters of any fin who dared come near. The countless stories of our boating and hunting adventures never cease to fill an always pleasant evening, and we made it a point to catch up while I was back. He joined Barry, my father, and I on our final trip on the ice. I am sad to say it was our least successful trip of the week, but a fine time we had. I am already looking forward to my next trip when the waters will be warmer, the fish on the move, and keeping good company with longtime friends.

WOODIE, SNIFFING OUT A COLD TRAIL

Kansas is a beautiful state. As I have now lived on both coast lines I am confident this is a secret that will remain safe no matter how loud I shout from the roof top. Many Southern Californians regards it as a "fly-over" state, and some New Englanders still believe we ride horses to work and practice circling the wagons instead of fire drills. Regardless of the varied responses I get from people I meet, I have yet to meet anyone who is eager to invade Kansas. I have to say I'm fine with their ambivalence, for when I take leave for a relaxing trip home it is refreshing to view a lake with 15 people on it as quite a crowd. Aside from the fine fisheries and wildlife management, there are big skies, stunning sunsets, and a few friends to make any journey west a welcome one.

KANSAS ICE SLED AT SUNSET