PA Bass Fishing Regulations & Big Bass Program

This is I think the most important part of fishing. You need to follow the law and respect the fish. 

Regular Regulations:

Bass: Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Spotted - Lakes, Rivers & Streams

January 1 - April 7 & October 1- December 31: Minimum Size 15 Inches: Daily Limit 4 fish combined species.

April 8 - June 9: NO HARVEST - Catch & Immediate Release!

June 10-September 30: Minimum Size 12 Inches: Daily Limit 6 fished combined species.

Big Bass Program Regulations:

January 1 - April 7 & October 1- December 31: Minimum Size 15 Inches: Daily Limit 4 fish combined species.

April 8 - June 9: NO HARVEST - Catch & Immediate Release!

Waters that follow the Big Bass Program in Central PA are Coyler Lake, Centre Co. and Canoe Creek State Park, Blair Co. 

For a complete list of the locations, rules and regulations you can visit the PFBC website or read the PDF.

Coyler Lake, Centre Co. 

How To Set Up Your Rod: Video

Crappie Head TV

This YouTube channel has some great content. Although we are setting up our rod for the purpose of Bass fishing, not Crappie. Both fish have very similar qualities. This is a great video to watch to show all of the process of how your rod, reel and line will come together. 

 

Choosing Line For Beginners

You're probably thinking, it's just line! NO, it's not just line! 😄

The hardest part of Bass fishing I think is listening to everyone tell you, "This line is the best line." With my own personal experience in fishing my whole life I decided to go ahead and talk about what line I think you should buy. 

Beginners: If you are just starting to fish and read the previous post about getting your Shakespear/ugly stick combo. I recommend no other line but monofilament. I recommend this simply because it is the easier line to mess with. It's the easiest to put on a reel. It's easy to cut with fingernail clippers or simple line cutters. 

It's also my personal favorite. Although everyone seems to disagree on this subject, I would use a line that is between 8lbs and 12lbs. Old faithful or Trilene Big Game has never let me down. Trilene is made by Berkley. They have several different monofilaments that will all do the job. They are affordable and best for someone just starting out trying to get the feel of using a rod. 

Choosing color: It can seem overwhelming. Especially with monofilaments. I personally only use green or clear as it works for about every situation and I have never had an issue with either. The below link is a great example of what each color is used for. 

How to Choose the Right Fishing Line Color - LiveOutdoors

Choosing A Bass Fishing Rod for Beginners

How do you know what to choose?

Gear Ratio/Reel: When you're starting from scratch for fishing it's important to get a fishing rod that is going to be easy for you to learn on. WHATEVER you do, do not get a closed faced reel. They are a mess. Stay away from them. For learning purposes, I recommend a medium or medium heavy action rod with a 6.0:1 gear ratio. Honestly, about any rod you pick from Walmart that is a medium heavy will do. You do not need to spend a bunch of money to begin fishing. Once you get more into fishing you can dive deeper into the rod of your choice.  

Rod: I know it feels a bit overwhelming walking into the store and seeing all these different rods and reels. Just pick one up. See how it feels to you. If you're short like me, you might prefer a shorter rod. But since you're just learning there's no need to be very technical about anything. Grab something that feels right to you as long as it's a medium or medium heavy. This can be found on the bottom of the rod by reel on a rod/reel combo. Shakespeare/Ugly Stick makes a great affordable rod/reel combo that can be purchased at Walmart or Dick's Sporting Goods. 

Purchasing a PA Fishing License

What the heck is a fishing license? Glad you asked!

The most important thing to remember if you want to start fishing for any fish species in PA is that you need a fishing license. I know this can be rather boring to someone who just wants to get out there and pick up gear or get out on the water. But, the fish commission is out there. I don't want anyone to have a negative encounter with them. The first step to a positive one is having a fishing license. Licenses can be purchased at your local Clearfield, State College or Altoona Walmart, some hardware stores, Jim's Sports Center, Travis Supply, and many more. They can even be purchased through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat commission website. The commission also allows two "fish for free days." Which are two days a year that you don't have to have a license.

Below is a chart of the 2023 Fishing License prices. To see in better view or detail please visit Buy a License/Permit (fishandboat.com) 

Now for the sake of this, I understand that I am going over Bass Fishing. But I do recommend still buying a trout permit. In Central PA we have amazing Bass fishing waters, but we also have great waters for trout. I do trout fish, but even if you plan on only bass fishing, I still recommend getting one of these. If you want to save money and don't want to purchase it at the time of purchasing your license you can always purchase it separately at another date. As the "start" of the 2023 season approaches it is best to purchase your license, so you can get out on the water and get fishing!