Photo by Andy Molloy

Snapping turtles are meandering across Maine roads during their annual emergence to deposit eggs.

Photos by Andy Molloy

The hues of spring are on full display.

American Bald Eagles, Ospreys and Belted Kingfishers all reside and dine on the Kennebec River.

Last week, watching each feed on fish beneath the surface of the river, I wondered which species is the best angler?
All photos by Andy Molloy

Eagles roost and exert little energy until striking. Half the time they miss their mark.

As the Ospreys circle, chirping smack, they arc and dive. By my estimate, they get lucky once out of every three strikes.

Kingfishers, usually hunting in pairs, seem to hit the mark most often.

What do you think?

All this Wednesday morning rain has me thinking about last weekend. Come to think of it, I think I just dried out sometime late yesterday afternoon.

Note to self: Hunting wild turkeys in a driving rain isn't worth it.

Note to self #2: Pay closer attention to weather reports.

When a local hunting trip on the last day of turkey season produces more time in coffee shops than in a blind, there's a problem. But, when this hunting bug bites, like the fishing bug, there's little in the way of reason that can intervene.

Sadly, even through I spent last Saturday morning driving 40 minutes to the house while soaked through -- literally -- halfway up my thigh, I still had a fantastic time. Sure, we all like to be in afield in perfect conditions, listening to the sounds and paying attention to what we see around us.

Sometimes, though, it's nice to be out in harsher conditions.

Not only is there a sense of pride -- dragging yourself out of bed hours before the rest of the world and putting yourself under deep cover when it's miserable -- but there's also a lot to learn, too. The woods change in the rain. Sounds are harder to hear, visibility is complicated by sudden movements of leaves in every direction.

Of course, wildlife can be a lot less active, too -- so you've got to take the experience for what it is. In some cases, that means a really good plate of eggs and sausage.

Read more in today's Kennebec Journal.

They tell me it works for anything.

I'm not so sure about that, but I do know this: When guide Chris Russell introduced me to the Mepps Aglia lure last week, he introduced me to the most effective spinning lure for smallmouth bass I've ever used. It's got that twitch-and-flash combination that makes smallies -- and, certainly, largemouth bass, too -- have to strike just out of curiosity.

The Mepps comes in different sizes, with the size 3 being primo for the bass population. The French Mepps company also claims that the size 1 and 2 versions work great for perch and crappie, as well as trout. They come in silver and gold, dressed and undressed with marabou tails and such.

Stick with the undressed gold or silver and you're, uh, golden.

Chris told me his father only fishes the Aglia -- no matter where he is or what he's fishing for.

A lifetime on the water. That's enough proof for me.

The story of Chris' father raises an interesting point for me. Most of us become attached to what works for us and don't bother to try out new things. Granted, I'm in a unique position as an outdoors writer -- most of the time, I'm fishing out of my element. I'm with new people in new places fishing for new targets, both with spinning and fly tackle, and I'm wide open to suggestions on what to try or how to attack a game plan.

But if I'm out fishing with my brother or with a buddy, then chances are, I'm going to my comfort zone -- rubber minnow bodies on jig heads (works for most warm water species, I've found) or a small floating Rapala that attracts interest close to the surface.

But, like I said, I'm open to suggestions.

Technology becomes refined, friends stumble onto new combinations and pass those along, or a registered Maine fishing guide tells you to use something specific.

Take the advice. It's the only way to find the next Mepps Aglia.

Friday #1: Kingfishers

All photos by Andy Molloy
At 5:53 a.m. Friday a Kingfisher surveyed the Kennebec River for fish.

Friday #2: Hen Mallard

By 6:05 a.m. a hen Mallard descended upon the Kennebec River before returning to their nests.

Friday #3: Baltimore Oriole

Around 6:09 a.m. a Baltimore Oriole serenaded the Kennebec.

Friday #4: Hen Hummingbird

At 10:30 a.m. a hen Ruby-throated Hummingbird arrived on the river.

Friday #5: Drake Ruby-throated Hummingbird

A drake Ruby-throated Hummingbird arrived at 11:42 a.m.

Friday #6: Hawk and Sparrow

At 12:03 p.m. hawk swooped in for lunch on the Kennebec River with a sparrow.

Friday #7: Hen Redstart

At 1:39 p.m. an American Redstart hen dropped by the Kennebec.