Hot Fishing at "Angler's Envy"

Hot, humid and a chance for pop-up thunderstorms. That was the forecast for our outing at Angler’s Envy in Mount Holly Springs on 17 July. A strong morning thunderstorm had just rolled through, and the humidity was high. Bright and early Sunday morning, Mary Kuss, Faye Haering, Donna Trexler, my husband, Dean, and I met up with owner, Bill Skilton, in the parking lot of Boiling Springs Tavern. I had never fished a pond before so I was a bit apprehensive. After everyone gave a quick nod to Bill that we were ready, we jumped in our cars and caravanned to the pond. Boy what a pond! I believe Bill said it was approximately 7 acres! The pond is split into two areas – a small instructional area bermed off from the rest of the pond. Bill has several boats and a canoe so patrons can explore around the pond. He also has a small camper on-site to accommodate the special needs of the ladies.

When we first arrived, Bill gave us a short tour and some tips for fishing. The blue gills, bass and stripers are conditioned so any vibration toward the pond triggers excitement along the shore line in anticipation of food. I was amazed at the number and size of the blue gills! Some of the blue gills were the size of a large paper plate. Even though the water was muddied as a result of the overnight and early morning rain, you could still see so many fish that it was like looking at an aquarium. 

Mary and Donna were probably the first to hit the pond with Faye close behind them. Dean and I decided to walk to the other side of the instructional area – I fished the instructional area and Dean waded in the open area. Right away Dean began getting hits while the rest of us tried various flies. Bill quickly came to my rescue and began tutoring me along the dock side. Pond fishing is very different from fishing for trout. Bill was extremely patient and worked with me to “feel the fish.” Watching the line and any little bit of movement was the key. It reminded me of Mary’s instructions for nymphing. Once I got the hang of watching my line closely and maneuvering the fly to attract the fish, I was hooking blue gills left and right.

While Bill worked with me on the dock, Mary and Donna trolled around the pond, Faye continued to fish the instructional area, and Dean continued to wade. Shortly before lunch, Janice Egeland joined us. The humidity continued to rise and the clouds gave way to bright, hot sunshine. Janice was gracious enough to provide fruit and pastries. We received word that Rabbit was not able to make it, so we opted for MTO (made-to-order) sandwiches from Sheetz. It was so hot and humid I don’t think any of us were really that hungry. I think air conditioning and lots of cold water or any cold refreshment was the highest priority.

Before Faye departed for home, Bill wanted us to have the experience of fishing during feeding frenzy. And I do mean ‘frenzy.’ Bill brought down food pellets and bread to the instructional area. Faye was up first. Bill threw a slice of bread into pond. Within seconds, the water boiled with activity. Stripers began tearing at the bread like piranhas. Bill instructed Faye to cast into the middle of the activity. Bam! A strike! Faye landed a nice size striper (hopefully it will be posted to the website). Bill continued to feed the pond, while Faye and I casted into the swirl of activity. It was almost impossible to not hook a striper. It was great!

This outing was a great experience for me. I have been working too many hours and not allowing time to enjoy fishing and just spending time with such wonderful people like Mary, Donna, Faye and Janice. This day help me make up for some very precious lost time. With such a great host, Bill Skilton, it was inevitable that everyone was going to catch something that day. While I know I would have caught something during the course of the day, without Bill, I would not have experienced seeing my backing for the first time.

--Kathleen Baker--
Fall 2005 Issue