He was three years on the job part-time before the full-time ranger program commenced here. He took a full-time position in 1977 and has staunchly supported his historic lake, answered the phone and delivered fishing reports from his post and witnessed legendary anglers and remarkable bass catches over the the span of his career. But 2009 will be his last, having outlasted all of the other original rangers in the program, he will retire at the end of the year.
Here’s my three-part question: Who is he? (Ranger Jay Cowan) At what reservoir does he work? (Lake Wohlford) What landmark is he standing in front of? (Murphy’s Rock)
I’ll be happy to send out a prize to anyone who knows the answers (and who doesn’t own a popular website). First correct response in “comments” wins!
(1biggbass, get me a shipping address, email: kramersez1@aol.com. Nobody poach his spot, please)
5 Responses to “ID: Cowan, Wohlford, Murphy’s Rock”
jay cowan
lake wohlford
murphys rock
Anyone know the significance of the “Murphy’s Rock” name ????
As the former President of the Pisces Bass Club in San Diego, I think it would only be proper that you enlighten us on that one. We know Murph was the most storied bass angler on the San Diego City Lakes for three decades. What more can you add…?
“Lunker” Bill Murphy, unquestionably the “big bass” champion of the West forever, was fishing a Pisces Bass Club Tournmant (I think in about l973 or l974) at Lake Wohlford. It was a “singles” event (you fished alone in your boat). The “rock” was one of Murphy’s targets, as he had a deep belief that such structure would hold a big bass or two.
Murph anchored on the rock at about 7:00 a.m., put out both anchors fore and aft and began “stitching” a plastic worm. If patience is an attribute and a key to success, Lunmker Bill had it all. He stayed with his game plan, never moved and never got bit all day until about an hour before the tournament weigh-in deadline. He got bit once all day! It was a 15lb 3 oz largemouth – the only fish he put in the boat and he won the tournament. It stood as a big bass record in California tournament fishing for many years. From that day on it was “Murphy’s Rock.”
Just a guess
Jay Cowan
Lake Wohlford
South Shore Rockpile