Lincoln Blanco

It’s that time of year again folks. The smell of tri-tip in the air, hundreds of people and vendors in the streets, and people partying all night long. Yup, Whiskey Flats is here! And in honor of all the festivities, I feel it’s only right to talk about how fishing was during the time of Whiskey Flat, 1860. I also spent a good part of my week, hitting the campaign trail, catching up to all the Whiskey Flat mayor candidates. To see what helpful fishing tips they had to share with the readers.

I caught Turncoat Chris, at his spaghetti dinner in the Odd Fellows Hall, just as he was returning from delivering meals to the Sportsman. When I asked him what his favorite bait for fishing was? Turncoat Chris said, “The best catfish bait I have ever used, is all that bull Tenderfoot Tony and Cimarron has been dishing out to their constituents.” “Mix that up with a little chicken liver and you’ll have yourself a heap’n big catfish in no time.” He also wanted me to let everyone know, if elected mayor, he promises to bring trout back to the Kern River. I think we are all with you on that one Turncoat. I found Cimarron Cynthia, at Ewing’s, preparing for her male auction. When I asked her what she fishes for? Cimarron replied, “I love fishing for bass, its just too bad I’m in a mayor race with a couple of sucker fish.” “However, I’m seriously considering using Turncoat Chris’s ear hoops as either a slip weight or fishing lure.” I found Tenderfoot Tony the next night at Ewing’s. When I asked him for his take on what the other mayor candidates fishing tips were. He said with a smirk, “They both are full of it, they couldn’t catch fish using dynamite.” All I can say is, I’d hate to see the three of them go fishing out in a boat. There is no telling who might be swimming back to shore. Yup people, fishing has been apart of the Kern River Valley since the dawn of the Native Americans. Back then, there was no lake, only a wild river with mines spread throughout the valley. Local Native Americans would fish with either hooks carved out of animal bones, handmade fishing nets, or spears to catch their fish. Early pioneer miners would fish in a similar way, using a long stick with a sharpened end to spear the fish. The pioneers would also use a long sturdy, yet flexible branch with a string, bottle cork and metal hook attached to the end of it. This my friends, is what we call today the fishing pole. As for bait, it was whatever mother natural provided. Pioneer fishermen were known to use everything from earthworms to crickets.

As the valley progressed, towns and encampments were built to suit the miners needs. Fishing then became more of a sport and a way to relax, than a means to a meal. This allowed fishermen to try out new ways to catch fish. One of those ideas are still around today, the fishing lure. Although the fishing lure wasn’t mass marketed until the 1900’s. Many creative pioneer fisherman were already using lures, they themselves had carved out of wood. Because lets be honest, if it didn’t work, they certainly weren’t going to starve. A hot meal was just a horse ride away, or walk into town. Well people have a great and safe Whiskey Flats and always remember, it’s called fishing and not catching.