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

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
• 
  

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

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. 

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. 

Janesville Dam - Janesville, PA

I know, I know. Just what you were looking for, another fishing spot.

Janesville Dam, also known as Mountz Memorial Park, is the perfect place to take your kids fishing. It is known for trout. As it is frequently stalked with trout. But did you know there are other species of fish there as well?

If you're looking for a small dam, you can take your kayaks and paddle around or fish from the edge. There are benches located around the dam and many other spots. The breast of the dam is not allowed to be fished though. (There are signs that mark where you can fish from the bank) 

Fish Species:

• Chain Pickeral
• Trout
• Large Mouth Bass
• Carp

I strongly recommend using a Senko or weedless bait here if bass fishing. The dam has a lot of vegetation. Although, I was able to run a small, shallow diving crankbait through in some spots. 

Bait Scents - Do I Need Them?

What are bait scents? Glad you asked!

Bait scents are typically spray bottles or gels that you can add to your baits to get them to be more appealing to the bass.

How do they work?

According to Bass Resource, "As the water holding the scent molecules flows across the olfactory nerves, a message is sent to the brain, where the scent is classified as a positive or negative scent. Bass then act on the sense by the conditioned response."

This means that basically if it smells like food, it is food. This method is best used for artifical lures. 

What are some good brands?

• Berkley
• Mikes
• Yum