I was elated, more so than it 1 had

I was elated, more so than it 1 had gotten the old gobbler myself!

I told Eric that there’s nothing like waiting until the last minute. He had killed his first turkey on the last day of the first season he had ever hunted for spring gobblers.

I would like to think that someday this nice young man will grow into an adult who will pass along the pointers that we swapped over the phone, to another first time turkey hunter.

Oh yes, by the way. We have met in person and he is much the same as I had pictured, except he doesn’t have red hair like I when I was his age.

Eric Roethlisberger is a 15-yearold Fauquier High School student and an avid hunter and fisherman. Freshwater fishing update

• Chickahominy Lake — Lots of largemouth in the 2‘/2-to 6V2-pound range are reported. Bluegills are hitting crickets, but catches are not large as the water level has been down. With the most recent rains all water levels should rise some and fishing area-wide should improve.

• Lake Anna — Crappie and catfish action is good — water Is in good shape and bass should improve now as they move off the beds. Striper action is very slow, but they are hitting on topwater lures.

• Potomac River — Walleye action has been good at Great Falls area, but is slacking off because of too low water -increased water level should increase walleye activity. Lots of crappie around Belle Haven Marina. Mack Lloyd of Alexandria caught, several stripers in the 1 Vz-to six-pound size but had to release them, because of the closure on striper fishing in the river and its tidal creeks. Lloyd also reports a four-pound walleye. Ten citations this week on catfish — up to 16 pounds.

Readers may send suggestions, comments and story ideas to Mr. MeMeans at Route 2, Box 365, Bealeton, Va. 22712. His telephone number is (703)439-8364.