TROUT TIME Currently buzzing at 52 degrees Fahrenheit, our classroom 55-gallon tank waits on the Rainbow Trout eyed-eggs to arrive from the PA Fish & Boat Commission. The last two years have been challenging for all TIC participants due to Covid restrictions, delays, and schedule changes. As we usually receive our eggs in early November, this year, we will receive them this week in early February. The kiddos are excited. It’s always a hopeful time for all when the eggs arrive. These round orange dots, about the size of an eraser head with little eyes inside, represent the beginning of life for the trout. We provide the perfect scenario including shade, oxygen, runs, riffles, and pools, much like a trout stream. The eggs will sit in the hatching baskets until they hatch into the alevins (sac-fry). Then, we will wait further for them to button-up and begin feeding and swimming freely within the tank. By March, I'm hoping to share some pictures of our trout fry. PUBLISHING DATE I’m also happy to announce that the publishing date set for my middle grade novel is… (DRUM ROLL, PLEASE)…. AUGUST 2022! The Relevant Publishing team is currently working on the final drafts of Salmon Survivor behind the scenes, getting the Library of Congress information registered, and creating the cover work. Sheila Dunn’s salmon artwork will adorn the novel’s cover. We decided to have the fresh Sockeye (Red) salmon on the front and the wrap the salmon around the book. Her rendition of the Red when it comes back to spawn in its reddish head and olive body colors will be on the back cover. Here's an example of the cover, artwork, and possible font. The interpretation for the reader of the full salmon journey from beginning to the end played a part in our choice to use both of the salmon stages (fresh from the ocean and mature spawning versions). We hope that Sheila’s work will entice readers and anglers alike to open the book and read Salmon Survivor. Check out her work and website at www.sheiladunnart.com. I’ll have more updates in March to share about the book and ways to pre-order your copy and novel goodies to share. In the meantime, while fishing is at an icy standstill due to Punxsutawney Phil’s winter outlook, hope you're getting some winter fly tying in. Does anyone have some groundhog fur to tie up a Groundhog nymph pattern? Comments are closed.
|