Targeting Smallmouth Bass In Chilly Autumn Waters

The greatest debate between bass anglers is largemouth or small mouth? Well here in PA, there are largemouth but we're known better for our smallmouth and river fishing. MLF has some great information about targeting just small mouth in the colder months.

Here are some of the tips I find most helpful when looking for small mouth in fall waters. 

• Baitfish - (locating where the baitfish are schooled up is key to gathering an idea of where the smallies might be)
• Places such as, backwaters, islands, and good structures are a place to start.
• In northern states our typical baitfish are blue gill, sunfish, etc.. Each of the species of bait fish prefer different depths in the water column. It is important to research this before going out to give you an idea of where the big guys might be. 
• Water temperature - (typically as the temperature decreases fish move deeper.)

My bait recommendations:

• Crankbaits Medium Divers
• Swimbait
• Tubes

My importantly, get out at this time of the year and go fishing. Bass fishing isn't over in the northern states. It's only just begun. 

Navigating the Changing Seasons: Strategies for Successful Autumn Bass Fishing

 Strategies For Autumn Bass Fishing: 

1. Use Search Baits:
• Search baits such as crankbaits and top water baits allow you to fish faster and let you cover more water. This helps you to find fish. Depending on water temperature and which state of fall you are in, beginning, middle or late fall the bass can be shallow or deep. It's best in my opinion to use the search baits to find them, then you can move to some more finesse style baits. 
2. Water Temperature Drops
• Paying attention to cold fronts and temperature drops can be key to choosing your lures. As it gets cold bass metabolisms tends to slow down. They are less likely to chase fast moving baits. Try finesse baits in this situation. 
3. Changing Up Lures 
• This might seem like common sense, but don't be afraid to change your lures up. Try your lure and if you start getting frustrated change up your lure to something you're confident in or something you think might work.

Take Me Fishing has some great information about strategies for successful autumn fishing!

Unleashing the Fall Fury: Tips for Landing Big Bass in October

What do I use?

I know what your thinking. Its COLD out. Fishing is over for the year. NOPE! Fall bass fishing is incredible and if you haven't tried it yet, I highly recommend it. Bass are feeding up for the winter months and this is prime time to get your lines in the water and land yourself a big one. But what do I use?

• Jigs
• Crawbaits
• Crankbaits
• Spinnerbaits
• Buzz baits

How do I find them?

As the water chills, bass can tend to move into deeper water. A good way to find fish if you do not have fish finders is to use crankbaits to cover as much water as possible. Once you locate them with the crankbaits you can move onto more finesse style baits such as Crawbaits. 

Learn from Tim Little at TacticalBassin' 

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!

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