Fall is the BEST time of year

There is just something about this time of year that really gets my blood moving. I think it does the same with just about every other animal and plant out there too. When you step back and think of the enormity of change that's taking place right now, it sort of boggles the mind.

The changing weather patterns, especially the cool nights, trigger something in everything around us. The trees are starting to change color. Plants that were thriving in Summer are starting to die back. Deer are really moving, looking to feed on acorns, leftover corn, apples, preparing for the rut and a long, cold Winter. Birds are on the move, with migrants crossing Lake Erie on their way South. Songirds, shorebirds, ducks and geese, and even some species of hawks are all on the move.

You can go out and see all sorts of animals this time of year. Coyotes, fox, raccoon, squirrels, rabbits... Everything is feeding up for the cold season.

The fish in our lakes and rivers are very active too. The rains over the past week have the steelhead swimming up Lake Erie's tributaries, and they are looking to feed. An easy way to catch them is to head to the mouth of a river, such as the Grand River in Fairport Harbor, and cast spoons or spinners for them. Set the drag on your reel and be sure to have a long handled net! The yellow perch have been biting for weeks now and will actually get better over the next month or so. And of course, once the weather stabilizes, the walleye will be in close and ravenous. The night bite will be on.

Inland, the same things are happening. Crappies, both numbers and size, are feeding up, as are saugeye and walleye. My annual fall trip to Piedmont is right around the corner and I can't wait. Muskies, smallies, largemouth... They are all hitting.

The autumn season has so much to offer, whether you're a fisherman, a hunter, a birdwatcher, or hiker. One of the most difficult things this time of year is to narrow down your choices and pick something to do outside. For those of us who understand what's out there for us to experience, it's a great problem to have.

I'm Carl "Big Daddy" Bachtel and I'll see you out there...

For any outdoors related questions, you can contact Carl at cbachtel@wkyc.com.

Getting Ready

Today was a great day, sort of. Had a lot of errands to run, picking up some much needed items for steelhead fishing Sunday morning. Took in one of my son Sam's soccer games, then watched as my daughter got ready for Homecoming... Man, I sure am old.

Since I got the new camera, I've been taking a lot of pictures. Some of them outdoors-related, but a lot more of my kids. It's important we do that, because what I heard today from a fishing friend really hit home as to why.

I found out that after spending a day together, his grandson was tragically killed in an auto accident. It brought back memories and feelings of when my own daughter, Abby, was taken from us several years ago. There is nothing more tragic than the loss of a child.

I can't really get into any more than that, as the wounds, even as old as they are, haven't really healed. I don't think they ever will. All I can pass along to everyone is to spend time with your kids, grandkids, nephews, nieces... And I would suggest spending the time outside. The memories you build will last a lifetime, even if the other person you spent the time with isn't there.

I know it's sort of a sad subject, but it needs to be talked about. Even if all goes the way it should and you are lucky enough to live a full, productive life, when you do go, the times you spent in the woods or on the water with friends and loved ones will be cherished and remembered. We can all live forever in those memories.

My most sincere condolences to my friend Ron and his family. May God Bless you in this most difficult of times.