Saturday, December 21, 2002

Grand Rapids Press Outdoors Editor

River fishing is tricky business. Rivers have currents, rocks and logs. Fish hang out in different locales -- deeper in the summer and in the shallows and creek mouths in spring.

Knowing how, when and where to get them are the keys to successful river fishing. It's a puzzle that stumps many an angler.

But not captain Ken Neidlinger, a 30-year veteran guide on the St. Joseph River who fishes Lake Michigan in summer and the river during the fall, winter and spring for steelhead and salmon.

Nor should it stump anyone else once they see Neidlinger's excellent new fishing video entitled "Captain Ken Neidlinger's Secrets to Successful Fishing for Trout and Salmon: River Fishing Where, How and When."

This is Neidlinger's second video release this year. He again teams up with travel and nature film producer John Holod, whose skill behind the camera and in the editing booth makes this a video you will want to watch again and again.

The pair produced a very good instructional video last summer showing Neidlinger's tricks for catching big fish in Lake Michigan. It was their first project together and a quality production, but this one, with its beautifully shot scenes and quirky, fun moments, scores big time.

River anglers should find it invaluable. Even non-angling family members will enjoy many of its scenes.

Neidlinger, with his bushy white mustache and hair, bears a certain resemblance to Walter Cronkite -- were the former TV news anchor ever to wear a safari hat. However, with 30 years of experience and a state record 40-pound, 8-ounce lake trout to his credit along with a 28-pound, 1-ounce brown trout which set a record for the St. Joe River, Neidlinger brings the same kind credibility to his own unique television genre.

His step-by-step approach of discussing and demonstrating the needed equipment and techniques for each different season quickly demystifies the art and science of river fishing from a boat.

"I used to lose 25 fish a year, but now I only lose five," said Neidlinger, explaining why he chooses to add three feet of 30-pound test as a leader to the 20-pound spooled line he uses on single-action fly reels and 81/2-foot Ugly Sticks.

Neidlinger goes on to explain that hooked fish flop around and often end up causing the line to get snagged in the bend of a treble hood. The heavier line prevents it from snapping off as easily.

The learning also is made easy with Holod's use of an underwater camera to show viewers how Neidlinger's recommended lures work in a river current. Viewers are not only treated to the hows and whys of fishing technique, but shot after shot of anglers -- Neidlinger's clients and friends -- pulling in big salmon and steelhead.

"I fish 300 days a year and if Mother Nature would let me, I'd fish 365," said the ever affable Neidlinger. "I've made this video to help people catch as many fish as they can.

"I enjoy Lake Michigan, but I enjoy fishing the fall more on the river. It's a lot more fun for me."

It is also likely to be fun for viewers. Holod has a great eye for quality nature scenes, even on a river like the St. Joseph which is not known for its top-shelf scenic beauty. His nature scenes regularly punctuate the 55 minute river fishing lesson, giving the video depth and feeling.

Whether he captures the excitement of a big fish jumping, the cozy intimacy between an adult Great Horned Owl and its young in the nest or the quiet reflection of a snowy day on the river, every one is a joy to watch.