The Glory of “Fishmas” May Have Passed but Let’s Not Forget Those Whose Joy Springs From It

The Glory of “Fishmas” May Have Passed but Let’s Not Forget Those Whose Joy Springs From It

We were lucky enough to attend this year’s Fishmas Eve celebration at Whiskey Creek and it did not disappoint

Arriving at Whiskey Creek is never not exciting.

The address is right on Main Street 395. The welcoming, open space as you walk in to be seated. The customer service, atmosphere, and outdoor area are one in a million but, for locals, we know this is just the energy and quality that the Eastern Sierra is guaranteed to deliver.

After settling in and making sure my filming equipment wasn’t in anyone’s way I was lucky enough to run into Pat and Gary Gunsolley who helped welcome me into this fantastic event.

The positivity and excitement was impossible to avoid as I walked around making sure to appreciate all the folks who help to preserve, enjoy, and elevate the experience of fishing throughout our wild lands.

Tawni Thomson took the mic, once things settled down and everyone’s bellies were full, to make sure the crowd knew they were home. There was no set schedule or lineup of speakers or presenters – only an opportunity for those who work in and love these environments to speak and praise those around them.

Nick Buckmaster, an environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, was the only one officially asked to step forward.

He spoke of the previous threats of invasive species in order to add gravity to the current danger – golden mussels.

Take seriously this threat because, as he said, it is significant in comparison to others we’ve faced before.

Golden mussels are native to China and Southeast Asia and their impact is severe.

Quite simply, they “take the feet out from under” our trout.

During the life cycle of our beloved trout the alevins depend upon plankton to grow into parr, which the golden mussels devour wholesale. Without this precious resource the entire spawn is at risk.

Boat inspections have been implemented rigorously throughout the region. It appears we have done all we can to maintain control over the growing threat but make sure to hold everyone you know who visits accountable for taking proper care to clean and dry their vessels.

Fishing legend Marlon Meade came next to share some great stories and praise the accomplishments of Berkley Fishing PowerBait. The love and history surrounding the development of PowerBait and its relationship to the Eastern Sierra is undeniable.

“We appreciate all you guys,” said fish scientist and one of the original inventors of PowerBait John Prochnow of Berkley Fishing.

“We started in June Lake” and “ever since then it’s just grown.”

“This is where it all started and you helped propel us to the top.”

John Urdi, President and CEO of Mammoth Lakes Tourism, took the mic to speak about sustainability and care of our public lands.

He talked about the incredible partnership with ‘Clean Up The Lake’ of Tahoe who do a deep cleaning up to 25ft from the shores of any lake they’re happy enough to aid.

3500lbs of trash came from Lake George alone, logs filled with 60 or more lures, in addition to 3400 bait jars out of June Lake and, oddly enough, an entire Ford Model T from Lake Tahoe itself.

Mammoth Lakes is currently matching $100,000 in funds to facilitate these efforts over the next five years. A commendable partnership, to say the least.

He even shared a personal story of going overboard to fetch a Frito bag that happened to liberate itself from his own craft.

Tawni came back to speak on the fact she had a friend who complained their kids were out on the water all day but more interested in picking up trash than fishing, which she considered the “biggest win of the day.”

Afterwards, a raffle was held to hand out some prizes from Plano tackle boxes to custom turned wooden bowls from Gary Gunsolley himself.

The evening would not have been complete without comments from Bart and Ginny Hall.

Ginny may have been brief and coy in expressing her love, and how long that love has lasted, for the fishing community here on the Eastside.

Bart was, as many might expect, also kind and plain spoken, if not a tad too humble, in his appreciation for his history and accomplishments here.

His love for Convict Lake will never pass from memory as Tawni remarked that they think they’d never actually given a present to “a guy who has everything.”

“You’re not supposed to give me stuff,” Bart remarked, “I do this ‘cause I love it.”

A beautifully printed metal wall slate depicting Convict was held high by Bart in deep appreciation.

To wrap things up there was a reminder that the incredibly welcoming Wayfinder hotel lobby bar was offering discounts for attendees as everyone shared in the moment that we wait all year for…

Fishmas is here!

Get out there! What are you waiting for!?

MGraham