I was near Pymatuning Lake this week and the weather was miserable as rain fell in buckets, which held down the number of fishing boats on the lake.

I decided to stop at Richter's Bait and Tackle on Route 322 to hear the latest word on the walleye and crappie fishing.

I was surprised to hear that some anglers were catching black crappies in good numbers around the northern and Ohio side of the lake. It's funny how everything starts earlier from our west and works its way to us, things like Ohio crappies, walleyes and tomatoes.

Fillet-sized pan fish have been hitting, with the primary fishing season for them in the shallows nearly ready to peak. The best spring fishing for crappies has always been mid-April to mid-May, and you should take time to clear your schedule for some fishing action.

In my opinion the crappie is one of the tastiest table fares an angler can pursue. It is delicate and mild, and the white fillet holds up to being pan fried or batter fried in a deep fryer.

Not only are there a good bit of random recreational fishing opportunities, there are quite a few competitive experiences for anglers who relish such a challenge.

The folks near Pymatuning sponsor quite a few early season fishing events that are open to all anglers. I've enclosed a list of some that are being touted by the locals as the best chances to enjoy the Jamestown, Pa., area.

• The Crystal Lake Inn ninth annual Walleye Tournament will be held April 18. The rules call for two- to three-person teams with a $20 entry fee per person. This is not a catch-and-release tournament, as all of the fish are prepared for a fish fry after measurements. Contact Crystal Lake Inn at 814-382-6249.

• Bass anglers will be excited to learn about the Clarion County Bassmasters Cabin Fever Buddy Tournament. This event will be held April 26 at Pymatuning Lake with an entry fee of $60 and a lunker fee of $10, with a payout of up to $4,500. This is a catch-and-release tournament. Call Tom Jackson at 724-399-2600.

• The Pymatuning Lake Association will sponsor the annual Crappie Roundup May 2 and the 2009 Walleye Roundup May 16, with an entry fee of $40 per team. (There also is a big fish pool fee of $5 winner take all if you would like to participate). There is a $1,000 prize for the team that catches the largest fish.

For registration information, call Richter's Bait and Tackle at 724-932-5372. This event benefits the Pymatuning Lake Association's Habitat Projects Fund and Kids Free Fishing Derby. Visit www.pymatuninglake.com

So there you have it. Get outdoors, do some fishing and check out Western Pennsylvania's natural resources while having some fun shaking off the long winter months we've all had to endure.

Remember to yell out "Fish on!" when you hit that lunker.