Thursday, September 14, 2023

Panfish Identification - What You Need To Know

PA waters are filled with beautiful fish, not just bass. Pan fish are a vital part of the ecosystem. I decided to do a blog post on this because I see people calling Blue Gill, Pumpkin Seed and vise versa. 

Below are some identification charts, take a look at them the next time you're out fishing!





Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Striped Bass - What Are They?

I know on this blog we talk a lot about small mouth and large mouth bass. But there is another species of bass in PA that people go crazy for. The striped bass.

Commonly known as "stripers," they are also known for their mature weight of 20-40lbs. They are believed to live up to 30 years. These fish can tolerate both salt and fresh water.

Striped Bass Regulations In PA:

  • From the Pennsylvania state line upstream to Calhoun Street Bridge; Jan. 1 through March 31 and June 1 through Dec. 31: 28 to less than 35 inches: 1 Fish
  • April 1 through May 31: 21 to less than 24 inches: 2 Fish
  • From Calhoun Street Bridge upstream - open year-round: 28 to less than 35 inches: 1 Fish


Monday, September 11, 2023

9/11 Never Forget - Flight 93

Today in America is a day we remember everyone who lost their lives in the 9/11 attack. In Central PA we have the Flight 93 Memorial in Summerset County, PA. 

Flight 93, was intended to hit the U.S. Capital because of the brave 40 passengers and crew on the flight, it was diverted to where it crashed in Summerset County. 

I understand, this is not about Bass fishing. But, I think we should take time today, even a few moment of silence to remember everyone involved in 9/11, the first responders, victims and families of all those involved. If it weren't for the courageous people we have in this country, we wouldn't be able to enjoy Bass Fishing as a sport some of us hold so dear. 

If you are interested investing the Flight 93 Memorial, please check out their website as they are part of the Natural Park Service. 



Visiting Hours:

  • Sunday9:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Monday9:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Tuesday9:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Thursday, September 7, 2023

Coyler Lake - My First Catch

As many of you know I did a post on Coyler Lake previously. This place has evaded me. There is beautiful cover and structures there. I have seen big bass come out of there. But, I had not had any luck there. 

This passed weekend, we had decided to fish from a different side than I did previously. I want to point out that I think this would be an amazing place to take out kayaks and fish. Unfortunately, I haven't had the opportunity to take my kayak out there. 

The water at Coyler Lake tends to have stained water. I have tried dark and light, swim jigs, worms, crankbait, chatter baits. You name it. 

I was able to catch one fish this time. One fish I am proud of. It wasn't the biggest fish, but it was a fish and it's so exciting to me that I was able to finally hook up with a fish there.



Equipment used: 

Bass Pro Bait Caster Combo

Yum's 5 In Dinger - Elders Magic

Gamakatsu EWG 3/0 Hooks

Fluorocarbon Leader

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Using Braided Line With Fluorocarbon Leader

One of my personal favorite ways to fish a lot of baits is Fluorocarbon Leader with Braid. Here are some benefits to having your rods set up this way. Bonus, it's really nice to have the braid already on the road when you want to throw things like frogs. 




Most of my rods are set up this way, both my many spinning reels and my bait caster. So don't just think this only works on a bait caster. 

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Catching Big Smallmouth Bass In The Fall

Recently I took a kayak trip and caught my new personal best Smallmouth Bass

Everyone will tell you what you are "suppose" to do. But, here is what I've personally noticed. They tend to want something slower. Such as a Senko. I tended to have better luck on darker colored Senko's right now as well like black with blue flake. 

Here's some words from the experts at In-Fisherman. Bass typically feed heavily in the fall. This is when they gorge themselves to prepare for winter. They recommend, spinnerbaits, chatter baits, jerk baits, spy baits, or swimbaits. 



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