Kayak Fishing - Irwin Park To Curwensville VFW

Hello everyone! Lets catch some smallies!

The Route:

One of my favorite floats this time of year is floating from Irwin Park in Curwensville to the VFW. At Irwin Park there are multiple places to park and a kayak drop off site. When dropping off your kayak, you will have to drag them down over a hill, it's a bit tiring. Once your kayak is dropped off, you will travel down the road and there is a little park bench and a pull off spot across from the VFW. I believe 2-3 trucks can fit there. The nice thing about this float is that you really only need one vehicle. If you drop the kayaks off, and have the driver walk back up the road it takes about 20 minutes. If you run it's about 10. But it is complete manageable if you are in shape. The float takes approximately 2-2 1/2 hours to finish if you are fishing. 

On The River: 

Once you have secured your kayaks and all your things and you are ready to go you will notice there are "little islands" going down the river. These are what is left over from an old railroad bridge. They are great structure to hit as you continue down the river. Once they stop, I recommend fishing the banks. Both sides are great fishing. 

You will also notice as you approach about halfway there are campers all along the left-hand side, this is the Curwensville Moose campground. If you're feeling froggy, once you approach the back of the Moose there is area there to pull off in your kayaks. You will see long steps that go up to a pavilion and you are at the Moose. 

Life Of A Baby Bass - Smallmouth

 Ever wonder how these beautiful smallmouth bass we have up here turn into what they are?

According to Bass Resource smallmouth bass in northern waters mature later than southern waters. Males mature in 2-4 years, and females in 3-4 years. Spawning typically occurs in the spring at water temperatures around 55 degrees. Only 25% of mature male bass build nests yearly. Largemouth bass also typically produce more eggs than smallmouth bass. 

The female smallmouth can spawn 2-3 times as not all of the eggs will mature at the same time. This I think is very interesting. After the female lays the eggs, and they have been fertilized, the male stays with the "fry" aka baby bass. The eggs typically hatch within 4-6 days.

It has also been reported that some bass actually suck up some of their fry while they are protecting the nest. The fry will start eating zooplankton and various water fleas. Once fry is 12mm long, their mouths are developed enough to start eating minnows and shiner fry. 

All information came from Bass Recourses for this. I thought this was a very interesting chart to show how many eggs the average bass lays. 

Keeping Your Cool - How To Stay Calm While Fishing

 I see so many people while I'm fishing getting upset. 

Getting upset while fishing is something that has always bothered me. I am guilty of it to. I get upset I missed a fish or I'm not catching fish. Losing a fish can be the most frustrating thing that can happen to you. Especially when you love fishing so much. But it's key to remember to keep your cool. I also see parents screaming at their kids and getting frustrated. Although I understand sometimes kids are being bad. But most of the time the kids are just getting their lines tangled.

It's important to remember that being calm is the most important thing in any stressful situation. Here are some tips to help you make it through the day.

1. Remember a bad day fishing is still better than a good day at work.
2. Take a deep breath. 
3. Remember fishing is supposed to be fun. Although you are frustrated, just sit back and enjoy the time you have outside. 
4. Fishing is a sport but, you should always remember to have fun with it. 
5. Sit back and reevaluate the situation. If it is something you can fix, fix it. If it was something that was purely accidental, move on from it.
6. Don't break your gear. Breaking your gear does nothing for you and wastes your money. Just breathe!
7. Remember, take a break if you need to, but get back out there and get your line back in the water. 

Curwensville Dam - Clearfield County PA

Hello everyone!

This Blog post is especially. special to me. I spent my childhood at this dam with my father. Swimming, boating, fishing, and camping.

This is a great place to fish and boat. I don't recommend this place for kayaking unless it is a completely calm/flat day. BUT, you can bank fish or boat fish. This dam has a no Hoursepower restriction.

All boating and fishing regulations are enforced by the PFBC. 

Although Curwensville Dam is known for its musky fishing, it is still a great place for all sorts of fishing.

Some species include:

Largemouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

White & Black Crappie

Perch

Smallmouth Bass & Rivers

 Why do I always catch smallmouth bass in the rivers and largemouth bass in the lake? Great question!

According to Ask The Fisherman, smallmouth bass prefer the river systems for a few reasons.

• Oxygen levels (flowing rivers have more dissolved oxygen levels)
• Smallmouth peek activity 58–72-degree water temperature
• In rivers smallmouths can find the structure they need, and it is more abundant. In lakes, smallmouths are typically greatly outnumbered by largemouths and have to take over what cover they have left.
• Smallmouth bass typically do not like sunlight, the river allows them to go shallow at night and in the morning and retreat to the depth during the day.

Central PA Crappies - What & Where Are They?

What the heck is a Crappie you might ask? 

If you Bass fish, you probably know what a Crappie is. If not that's okay too. 

Pennsylvania has two species, the White Crappie and the Black Crappie. Crappies are considered a north American freshwater a pan fish.

The state record for a Black Crappie is unknown and 4lbs 3oz for a White Crappie. Thats HUGE!

Some of the best places to crappie fish in Central PA:

1. Curwensville Dam
2. Glendale Lake
3. Bald Eagle State Park

Kayaking Places: Out For A Float

Hey everyone, it's getting kayak season here in Central Pa!

With that being said, I wanted to dive into some local places I think are great kayak places and places to avoid. This blog post is just going to be a compiled list. I will post more blogs with details about launching sites and etc. 

Interested in taking a float?

May-June

Do not miss out on the Little Juniata or Clearfield Creek. Once summer appears these places get a little to shallow to kayak. So its best to hit them between May & June.

• Irvona to Glen Hope (Clearfield Creek)
• Glen Hope to Madera (Clearfield Creek)
• Faunce to Dimeling (Clearfield Creek)
• Tyrone VFW to Limestone Rd (Little Juniata)

Anytime:

• Irwin Park to Curwensville WFV (Walkable - Susquehanna River)
• Shawville to Karthaus (Susquehanna River)
• Park by CCCTC to Shawville (Susquehanna River)
• Newton Hamilton to McVeytown (Juniata River)
• Mount Union to Newton Hamilton (Juniata River)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Fishing Crankbaits

Don't you just toss it and reel? 

Well no. They are much more complicated than that. This video below shows you about different crank baits and how to fish them.

Crankbaits are one of my favorite lures to use. This video is extremely helpful at explaining everything and giving you the visualization of what is going on. 

Learning how to properly fish each crankbait can be important to your hook up ratio. You want to catch fish, right? 

Types Of Crankbaits: What Are Their Differences?

Sport Fishing Buddy has some amazing information about crankbaits and their differences. This chart from their website I found extremely helpful. I'm more of a visual learner, like I'm sure most of you are as well. I just wanted to share this with you guys so that you can better understand the differences between crankbaits! Go check out their website for more information!

Crankbait Types Chart

Type of crankbait	Image	Lip shape & size	Diving depth (feet)

Square bill crankbait		Square lip	2' to 5'
Round bill crankbait		Round lip	2' to 30' (depending on size & angle of lip)
Lipless crankbait		No lip	10' to 40'
Shallow diving crankbait		Small lip	2' to 5'
Medium diving crankbait		Medium size lip	5' to 15'
Deep diving crankbait		Big lip	12' to 30'

CRANKBAITS! What Are They?

What the heck is a crankbait you might ask?

You might have heard about a crankbait previously, but heard of it as a different name:

• Crankbait
• Square bill
• Deep divers
• Flat side cranks
• Medium runner

Crankbaits are a favorite for first time anglers. They're also used by many of the pro-fisherman. According to Sport Fishing Buddy "crankbaits are fishing lures a made of hard plastic or wood and are used to catch predatory fish such as bass, walleye, and trout."

On the next post I'll discuss all about choosing crankbaits and my personal favorites.

I just want to point out that next to a Texas rig plastic, crankbaits are my favorite thing to fish. I love crankbaits and I've been extremely successful with them!

Local Fishing Spots

 Hello everyone! My name is Morgan & I was asked to guest write. I would like to share some local fishing favorite spots of mine. Local would be considered around the Houtzdale area. 

One of my favorite spots to go would be "Pine Lake". Its located behind Caprios Beer Distributor. Ive been going here ever since I was little when my dad would take me out there fishing. Years went by until I ventured out there on my own & have continued going ever since. There are actually a couple nice ponds back there. Another pond many know about is the "Bass Ponds" which is not too far from Pine Lake. Both Ponds have large mouth bass, rock bass, perch, blue gill, pumpkin seeds & crappy. I know Pine Lake has some decent size carp but I'm not sure about the Bass Ponds. 

Here are a few pictures of the different parts of Pine Lake. It is quite big and shaped oddly so it has some different views. 

Choosing A Trailer - How?

Choosing a trailer can be very confusing. 

It almost takes me back to talking about Senko's. But choosing your trailer is very important to catching fish. I am going to use swim jigs as the example here because we just talked about them. But when choosing your trailers, you want to try your best to match up the other with the swim jig. You don't want a white swim jig with a green pumpkin trailer. I mean I don't anyway. HA! 

So what is a trailer anyway? A trailer is a soft plastic that you can attach to lures such as swim jigs. This gives them a little extra. Trailers can often be fished by themselves with just a normal Texas rig. But they work great paired up with a swim jig. 

Some good trailers:

• Strike King Rage Bug
• Googan Baits Happy Trailer
• KVD Rage Chunk

Reeling in the Fun: A Guide to Taking Your Kids Fishing (Without Losing Your Mind)

Anyone with kids knows that trying to do anything with kids is never easy. This includes fishing. That is why in this blog, we'll be discussing what to do so you can capture the joys of taking your kids fishing and avoid utter meltdown central. Because nothing says "quality time" like being surrounded by nature and constantly asking your kid to stop throwing rocks in the water.

Spending time outdoors with kids is important because it helps them appreciate the natural world and gives them a break from staring at screens all day. Plus, it's a great opportunity to bond and make lasting memories. So, let's dive in and learn how to make your kid's first fishing trip successful!

Location is Key

Choosing a suitable location is key. You want to find a spot that's easy to access, has a good chance of catching fish, and isn't too far from the nearest ice cream stand. Gathering necessary equipment can be a hassle, but it's worth it. Don't forget to pack sunscreen, bug spray, and enough snacks to feed a small army. Safety first, folks! Teach your child about the dangers of hooks, slippery rocks, and the fact that fish do not like being hugged. And most importantly, involve your child in the preparation process. Let them help pack the tackle box, choose the bait, and decide which superhero they want to wear on their fishing hat.

Teach Them The Art Form of Casting

Before your child can catch fish like a pro, they need to know what they're dealing with. Show them pictures of the different types of fish they might catch and explain the unique qualities of each. Casting a line is an art form, and it takes practice to master. Be patient and demonstrate the technique slowly, or risk a hook in the ear. Once your child has caught a fish, they need to know how to hook it and reel it in. It's important to stress the importance of treating the fish with respect and returning it to the water quickly. And don't forget to teach your child about fishing ethics and regulations. It's never too early to instill a sense of responsibility in your little angler.

Trust the Process

Fishing can be a long and tedious process, so make sure you pack plenty of snacks and drinks to keep your child fueled and hydrated. Trust us, a hungry kid is a grumpy kid. Play fishing games to keep your child entertained when the fish aren't biting. See who can cast the farthest or make up a story about the one that got away. A little friendly competition never hurt anyone. Set a goal for the number of fish caught, or see who can catch the biggest fish. Just be prepared to lose gracefully if your kid beats you. And don't forget to capture memories with a camera. A photo of your child's first catch is a priceless memento that they'll treasure for years to come.

Switch it Up

Let's face it, kids have short attention spans. Be prepared to switch up the scenery or change up the bait if your child loses interest. Keep your child engaged by asking questions and sharing interesting facts about the fish and their habitat. Did you know that some fish can change color to blend in with their surroundings? Tangled lines are an inevitable part of fishing, but they don't have to ruin your day. Teach your child how to untangle the line themselves, or use it as an opportunity to practice teamwork. And if your child gets discouraged after a few unsuccessful casts, encourage them to keep trying. Fishing is all about patience and perseverance, and you never know when you might get that big catch!

Ignite Some Passion

So there you have it, folks. By following these tips, you can make your child's first fishing trip successful. Just remember to be patient, have fun, and enjoy the great outdoors with your little angler. Fishing with your child is an opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime, and who knows, you might even ignite a passion

Swim Jigs - What Are They?

 What the heck is a swim jig you might ask? It is only my favorite of all of the jigs. 

They can be fished multiple ways! They can be accented with trailers. According to Karl's the main difference between a swim jig and a casting jig is the head design. This lure has a vertical nose so that it can swim through the water column. With a trailer on it, you can basically make them look like a fish. I love them. I think they are awesome to fish with. Best news of all you can buy them so that they are Texas rigged. They also come with a weed guard if you don't prefer the Texas rig. The strike king swim jig in blue gill color is probably my favorite to use around our area. We don't have many shad around here, so the blue gill is typically what the bass are going after. 

Fishing During the Spawn - CAN I?

So, when I first started bass fishing, I saw so many anglers getting so excited about fishing during the spawn. Most states have their own rules and regulations about fishing during the spawn. Here is Pennsylvania's and I just wanted to remind everyone of this before we get started with this post.

§ 63.43. Fishing for bass during spring season.

 (a)  During the period from 12:01 a.m. on the second Saturday in April until 12:01 a.m. on the second Saturday in June:

   (1)  It is unlawful to kill or possess, while in the act of fishing, any largemouth, smallmouth or spotted bass.

   (2)  Tournaments are not permitted.

   (3)  Catch and release fishing for bass is limited as follows: It is unlawful for an angler to repeatedly cast into a clearly visible bass spawning nest or redd in an effort to catch or take bass. Otherwise, a bass caught and immediately returned unharmed to the waters from which taken during this period will not be considered a violation of this section.

 (b)  This section does not apply to portions of the Susquehanna and Juniata Rivers and their tributaries that are regulated under §  65.24 (relating to miscellaneous special regulations).

This law can be very confusing, but the short answer is yes you can fish during the spawn. BUT you cannot cast into beds knowingly and repeatedly and you much immediately catch and release. 

This is a subject that is very up in the air for most anglers. Alot of people believe that this can hurt the bass population because the bass do not always return to their beds when being caught. However, the bass are extremely feisty at this time because they are trying to protect their young. On the next post, I will share some videos from other states where it is legal to throw into beds. Its extremely interesting to me how aggressive they are at this time.

Here is a Spawning chart for the areas across the United States! Click on the picture below for more information.