Have lived in the deep south my entire life. Things went really badly during 2020 and we realized we needed to get out. Started saving and preparing, our plan was to move before the next election.

We have bought a 1920's farmhouse that still has 9 acres. 100 year old apple trees, blueberries, vineyard. It's amazing. Part of the land is industrial zoned with power and I'm going to build my machine shop there. We got a steal of a deal, it would be a $500k house and land here.

I bought a '98 Chevy box truck. The boy and I will be making our second trip tomorrow.

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[–] LaunchesKayaks@lemmy.world 4 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Welcome to the area. I'm also in a place like you described. I hope you enjoy it. This part of Pa is absolutely beautiful, but you really gotta watch out for the crazies and drug addicts.

[–] Machinist@lemmy.world 3 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Thanks! Our former neighbor ran a meth lab for years, can't be much worse than that.

Kayak questions, if you don't mind.

My son and I like to go kayak camping and fishing. We have big old sit on top Lifetime fishing kayaks. We don't do rough water or big rapids. I think level I/II is our thing.

Where should we go in the south west part of the state?

I fish for bream and catfish. Not into sport fishing, don't care about bass. Eat what I catch. Was into fly fishing when I was younger but got over that sickness.

What should I fish for and what sort of tackle?

Thanks!

[–] LaunchesKayaks@lemmy.world 4 points 4 months ago (1 children)

The Monongahela River is pretty calm in rural parts. Local creeks can also be good after it rains but can have some rapids. I look for rougher waters because I enjoy the thrill. I also own a racing kayak that's meant for stuff like that lol. My stepfather has a sit inside fishing kayak and it does okay in shallower waters, but I always scout ahead to warm him of obstacles lol. Ohiopyle is also an insanely popular spot to kayak and has all levels of difficulty. Can't really say more without doxxing my location lmao.

As for fishing, I don't take part in it, but big catfish are very very common. Relatives regularly catch 1-3 ft fish. They like cicadas if you can get some when they're out. I've also seen people use chicken livers. A lot of people make their own bait concoctions as well. There are also loads of carp that eat the same stuff as catfish. Bluegill are common but aren't big enough to eat. I recommend being careful with where you catch your fish if you intend to eat them. Researching the history of the waterways to see their pollution history is very helpful when determining if a fish is safe to eat imo.

You also gotta be careful of water moccasins. They like to swim around. See at least one every time I kayak (which isn't as often as I would like. It's been a few years because my stepfather and I have been dealing with health issues and all the bullshit that comes with home ownership. Adult life, amirite. T_T)

[–] Machinist@lemmy.world 1 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Thank you for the advice.

We haven't had much time this year, so far, to go. Went to Lake Ouchita in Arkansas for the eclipse. Carried 200lbs of gear or so and used my boy's old sit on top child-size kayak for cargo.

Glad there are bluegill, we eat some pretty small ones so maybe it will be alright. Big cats will make my wife and myself happy.

Believe it or not, Alabama has a lot of clean rivers and I'm not used to worrying about pollution. There are some areas of the Tennessee River where it is a concern but that's big water and we haven't gone there. I'll have to look into it. Thanks for the heads up.

Water moccasins aren't a problem, used to them, there's a 10' gator in one of my favorite ponds.

[–] LaunchesKayaks@lemmy.world 1 points 4 months ago

No problem! There's a LOT of coal mining and steel mills and other industrial stuff in this area and it pollutes everything. The Mon river is a lot cleaner than it was when my parents were kids (they're approaching 50). There's a creek by me that I kayak in sometimes that I won't eat anything out of. The water failed numerous tests over the years and most people tell you to not eat the fish lol.