The MAS Darter collecting trip took place on Saturday, May 18, 1996. Only a few MAS members showed up making it more work for everyone who did come. It was a hot, humid, sunny day and those that forgot to use sunscreen probably got a good sunburn. To top it off, the water was so cold that hip waders or wet suits were the order of the day. It also didn't take long to realize that we had left the civilized conveniences such as indoor plumbing, air conditioning, central heating, shelter from the elements, and good food far behind.

It had rained the night before and everything was a muddy mess. Green was everywhere; green water, green algae, green moss, green slim, and green something I couldn't identify. The Cannon River was a torrent with the current almost carrying a couple of MAS members down river.

We took a lunch break at a run down bar where the words 'fast' and 'food' would never be associated. They even had Buffalo on the menu which I avoided because I thought it might have been acquired when it was plentiful.

We only caught a few different species of fish (not including the dead and rotting big ones and numerous creepy and crawly things).

We put the fish in coolers and oxygen starved them. I'm surprised that any survived to be split up at the end of the day. I wonder if any of them survived the trip home.

I took 2 rolls of slide film but I doubt if any will turn out.

The MAS Darter collecting trip took place on Saturday, May 18, 1996. Several MAS members showed up making the event a success. It was a beautiful sunny day with temperatures in the 80's making it almost perfect for outdoor activities. The water was cool and refreshing, even the kids helped and got in the water. It didn't take long to realize that we had left the concrete jungle and polluted air of the city far behind.

The Cannon River area was beautiful with the green of spring. The river had a good current making it easier to stir up the fish and get them into the seining net.

We took a lunch break at a quaint local restaurant. I had a delicious roast beef sandwich and a leisurely conversation with everyone about the exciting events which had already occurred on the trip.

We caught several different types of Darters and what we were calling a "Long Nosed Dace". Enough were caught for everyone to get what they wanted when we split them up at the end of the day.

We carefully kept the fish in local water with good circulation. I don't think we lost a fish all day. I took seven of what appeared to be "Johnny Darters" and got them home without incidence. They appear to be all doing fine.

I took 2 rolls of slide film during the day and I am hoping that there will be some good ones to show to other MAS members.