Susquehanna Fishing Magazine
Transcription
Susquehanna Fishing Magazine
Susquehanna Fishing Magazine December 2010 NEW INTERACTIVE FORMAT! Click ads for internet links Check out all the back issues! SusquehannaFishing.com Contents December 2010 Susquehanna Fishing Magazine, LLC 13 York Road Bloomsburg, PA 17815 Phone: 570-441-4606 On the web: http://susquehannafishing.com/ Email: [email protected] Publisher: John King Oast, Jr. Initial Issue Release: February, 2010 Coverage: Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania (Susquehanna River Regions) Susquehanna Fishing Magazine is a free publication funded by participating advertisers. It covers the entire Susquehanna River regions of New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, and helps to inform anglers about the most productive angling techniques, while promoting safety and responsible stewardship of the river. Monthly Sections 4 Special Interest.....................Lynda Morris Bass Fishing: More than just... 13 November Report.............Lance Dunham The Month... 16 Cool Stuff.......................................Various 23 Photo of the Month / Hints & Tips Feature Articles 5 Feature Article....................Bryan Wilhelm Making your own... 9 Feature Article...........................Matt Dotts Jack of all Rods 11 Feature Article......................Juan Veruete Slow your roll... Cover: Mike Kurutz with a hefty walleye. Susquehanna Fishing Magazine, LLC and its contributors always recommend using caution whenever around the water. Always wear a personal floatation device, and practice responsible behavior when on the water. SFM content and submissions do not reflect the opinion of Susquehanna Fishing Magazine, LLC. Ads as low as $15.00 per month! Susquehanna Fishing Magazine has expanded its online format. Check out SusquehannaFishing.com for more info. Susquehanna Fishing Magazine - December 2010 3 Special Interest... Bass Fishing: More than just a rod, reel, and bucket of bait By Lynda Morris When Rob Rosencrans took me for my first ride in his bass boat this past June and handed me a rod with a gooey plastic tube on the end, I really didn't know what to expect, much less what was expected of me. At that time fishing was simply tossing out some bait into the water and waiting for something to hit the line. Never, in my wildest dreams, did I ever expect there to be so much to learn about "fishing" and I've come to believe that this is likely true for many other people out there. Ten days later not only was I a member of Suskie Bassmasters, one of the largest angling clubs in Pennsylvania, I was fishing in their Wednesday night series tournaments, handling tournament registrations and learning the weigh-in process all while learning the ins and outs of angling and how to handle a bass boat. The next thirteen weeks there was a major learning curve. I discovered that weather conditions, water temperature, water level, moon phases, atmospheric conditions, and even fish temperament and biology, not to mention presentation (type and color of bait) all played major roles in a productive vs. a non-productive evening on the river. I found myself watching (daily) the river gauge and reading reports along with Rob as we attempted to figure out from week to week what would attract the larger smallmouth. The more I learned - the more I wanted to learn. It was a whole new world and much more than just tossing out a line of bait and waiting for a hit. During this time I was introduced to Lake Wallenpaupack (where I fished one of their tournaments), Harvey’s Lake, and Lake Henry and all came with a whole new set of techniques to learn. Night fishing on the Pack is fantastic! It was on the Pack where I first learned to pitch docks. Thirteen weeks later I found myself fishing both the Suskie Bassmasters Championship (where I placed 7th) as well as the Monday night series Championship (where Rob and I placed 4th). Since then, we’ve fished the Deaf Angler’s Tournament and are currently fishing the fall season (which is almost over). I can’t count how many times I’ve heard comments about how bad it is to fish the Susquehanna River and I can’t express enough how wrong these feelings about the river are. I was told that to learn angling on the river is one of toughest places to learn, and that actually is true, but it’s also the BEST place to learn. I’ve been on the river in the best of conditions and the worst - and it all comes down to how you look at it. I viewed each trip to the river as an individual lesson in angling, because if I can learn in the worst of conditions, I can aim to be that much better in the more favored conditions. Of all the experiences I’ve had on the river, there’s been one area of deficiency that I hope to be instrumental in correcting - and that is a serious lack of women anglers in our area. Angling is not just a man’s world and there are plenty of pro women anglers out there who’ve made it all the way to the Women’s Bassmasters Tournament Classic. There are many benefits to angling, physically, mentally, and emotionally and the health benefits are better than a month at the gym. When you’re out there fishing, you’re using your mind (kind of like playing a chess match with a fish) and your body - and from a “Zen” point of view, angling is an excellent way to just “get away from it all.” It is a mental and physical vacation from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Even during the high-energy levels of tournament fishing, there’s a sense of relaxation that goes along with it. And for those who have a disability (as I do), it’s a way to participate in a sport and regain that sense of self-esteem that tends to easily get lost when the disability becomes overwhelming. Stated from someone who is a true newbie Susquehanna Fishing Magazine - December 2010 4 Feature Article... Making your own solid body diving crank baits… By Bryan Wilhelm Custom-made and custom-painted crank baits are the hottest item with professional and serious anglers alike. With a few evenings of spare time, you too can have some very special wooden lures, just like the pros. Lynda Morris with a nice smallie. on the water, there is so much more to angling than just tossing a line out into the water if you’re willing to open yourself to the experience. My journey since June has taken me down many roads to include recently being recognized for my efforts by becoming a member of the pro-staff of Backwater Custom Baits. Have I learned a lot in the short six months I’ve been on the water? Oh yes, most definitely- but, with all that I have learned - there’s still a lot more to learn! Interested in learning more about the Suskie Bassmasters? Just visit our website at: http://www.suskiebassmasters.org/ Looking for some custom made baits, reasonable priced? Visit: Backwater Custom Baits at: http://mysite.verizon.net/vzey34im/backwatercustombaits2/index.html Fish for fun, fish for the challenge, fish for health, but just fish! Tight Lines!! Lynda Morris is on the Backwater Custom Baits pro staff, has a joint affiliation with “Reels on Wheels” based in the UK, http://www.reelson-wheels.org/index.htm and a member of the Suskie Bassmasters. You can contact her directly at [email protected]. This is another in the series of articles about making your own fishing lures. From the beginning of this series, SFM promised a progression of more intricate projects using more complex processes and requiring a greater level of skill. This is the top of that progression. This project will require more materials, time and skill than the previous articles on making lures. In this article we will make a solid body diving crank baits using balsa wood. Balsa wood has a unique quality that makes a great lure. Most home made plugs will catch fish as well or better than ones purchased. A few have the unique quality when fished they travel in an unpredictable track…self correcting as they run. This is called “hunting”. You will need to purchase Balsa wood, 0.031 stainless steel wire, hooks, diving bill, paints epoxy and some other materials. The body, the hook hangers and the preparation for finish will be crafted and assembled by you. Whatever comes out will be your own creation. Do not get discouraged. Many have made very professional looking lures that get results while fishing their very first time. This project begins with a profile outline of a lure body. I would suggest that you take a look at the shapes of the lures in your tackle arsenal, and make a pattern similar to something you already have. Select a 3/8 ounce size, alphabet style, Susquehanna Fishing Magazine - December 2010 5 crank bait (Big O, Little N, etc.) and develop your outline pattern. Transfer that to a piece of 1/16” ply wood. With a ball point pen, trace the outline onto a piece of ½” balsa wood ten or more times. Using a coping saw or jig saw cut the pieces out leaving your lines. Sand the bodies to profile. An oscillating spindle sander makes quick work of this step. Check the screw eye while the epoxy is hardening to ensure alignment. Next, drill the body cavity for a 1/8 ounce bullet weight. Make a fixture or use a drill press to get the hole centered and straight into the body. The weight is cemented in the hole with epoxy after installing a screw eye into the weight (see photos below) Low density balsa wood was used for these lures. Mount your lure bodies on wood skewers for ease of handling. Later you will install the aft hook hanger in the hole made by the skewer. Draw a center line on your lure. Using a sharp craft knife, start to taper and round the edges of the body. Finish this step with sand paper. Keep both sides of your lure symmetrical. Your lures should look like this. A second plywood template can be made to trace the cut-out for the diving bill. Trace the lines for the diving bill, and then cut the slot in the body. The accuracy of this step makes the lure track and run correctly. This step was cut on a jig saw making sure the blade was perpendicular to the table. You could cut the slot on a table saw with a holding fixture. The bill should fit snug in the cut. The solid body baits get the diving bill Susquehanna Fishing Magazine - December 2010 7 installed after painting. Begin preparing the wooden body with sanding sealer. Dip the lure in Deft, let dry, then sand smooth. Repeat this process four or five times. An alternate method is to seal the body with epoxy and sanding it smooth after it sets up. The lure is ready for paint when all the grain is hidden and the lure is finish-sanded with 400 grit paper. Overcoat the painted lures with two ton epoxy. Mix it, paint it on with a brush and then rotate the lure to get a smooth all over clear coat. Add treble hooks with snap rings. The easy way to paint the lures is to dip them into the paint. Enamel makes a fine finish for dip and dunk. The finished one piece custom painted bodies. These lures were painted with the dip and dunk process. Install a stainless wire hook hanger to the rear of the body with 2 Ton Epoxy. Next, add eyes with craft paint using wood dowels to dot the paint onto the lure. Above are four examples of Tim Hughes Custom Painted finishes. I sent Tim eight of my lures to have him paint them. Tim Hughes is the best in the world according to the many professional anglers that use his services….and I agree! www.hughescustombaits.com There are many ways to paint and finish your lures. Several of those methods of painting and finishing will be covered in detail in a separate article to follow. As time allows, Susquehanna Fishing Magazine - December 2010 8 I hope to answer your questions on our blog. Tight lines. Bryan Wilhelm is a multi-species light tackle angler with many years experience both as a professional and a sportsman on the lower Susquehanna River. His zeal for fishing grows each passing year. We look forward to him sharing his experiences. Feature Article... Jack of all Rods By Matt Dotts Did you ever try to remove an overly tight hex nut with a pair of standard pliers? Sometimes it works but most of the time the pliers slip, and after a few tries all you’ve done is stripped the nut. The most effective thing to do is use the right tool for the job at hand and get it done correctly the first time. Using a properly sized wrench or a ratchet would quickly and correctly remove the nut and save you a lot of extra work down the road. technique requires a rod with different qualities and properties to maximize the effectiveness of the bait and presentation. An example is the difference between a good tube bait rod and a good crankbait rod. An excellent tube rod is a 7’ medium power fast action blank. The extra length with a faster action provides the leverage to really throw lighter-weight baits yet the medium power still allows enough strength in the spine to really lay a good hook set. Could you throw a big deep diving crankbait with that rod? Certainly. You would probably even catch a few fish, but you can be sure that you’ve missed a bunch more because the stiff action of that blank is moving the bait to quickly and literally ripping the bait from the mouths of the fish. The lack of flex in the blank is also going to translate directly into pressure on your forearms and after pulling that big resistant bait through the water for a few hours you’re going to start to feel the fatigue. Conversely, consider throwing that same crankbait The same principle applies to fishing rods. When you use the right rod for the technique you are plying you make yourself a better, more effective angler. As a rod builder I am regularly engaged in explaining this concept. I routinely get requests for a custom built rod by those who wish for a rod to cover the techniques of soft plastics, hard jerk baits and crankbaits. The most common request for smallmouth anglers goes something like, “I throw a lot of tubes and spinnerbaits”. My standard reply is usually along the line, “Great options for smallies but which one do you want the rod built for?” Split Grip spinning rod designed for lighweight soft plastics (above), and minimized handle spinning rod designed for cold water jigging (below). While you can certainly employ all the mentioned techniques with one single rod, it’s not going to do all of them very well. Each Susquehanna Fishing Magazine - December 2010 9 on a medium power slow action fiberglass blend blank with a nice progressive action that flexes into the butt. That flex is going to absorb the stress from the resistance of the bait in the water and allow you to work the bait slower when needed and help to prevent short strikes. I won’t even go into the waste of effort that results from trying to throw a light-weight tube bait on that same crankbait rod. The design and components of the rod also need to be matched to the bait and technique. A split handle grip will allow you keep a good portion of your hand directly on the blank and feel that slight take as a smallie gently sucks in a tube while a full grip allows you to get a good firm grasp while ripping a hard jerk bait in that fast jerk, jerk, pause pattern that smallies find irresistible. Consider the type of line you’ll be using when choosing the guides. If you’re using braided line you want to use the hardest ceramic insert you can afford as microscopic dirt particles will embed in the braid and work as sandpaper, eventually eroding and grooving the ceramic insert. If you’re only using standard monofilament line you can get away with most quality ceramic inserts; however, lighter and harder is always better. You need to look no further than Saturday morning television to see the theory and successes of technique specific rods. No group of anglers has realized the value of using the right rod for the job better than the tournament anglers. Yes, I know it’s hard to take anyone seriously who is wearing a motley-colored shirt covered with logo patches and shouting war whoops after landing every 12 inch bass, but for the most part, tournament participants are really good anglers. Pay attention to the front deck of their boats and rod lockers. You’ll see many different rods all pre-rigged for the specific technique for which they were designed. Sometimes you may even see two or three rods just for the various methods of fishing soft plastic baits. Much of the drama instilled into professional angling television makes it comparable to watching “The Jersey Shore” on MTV, but if you can sit through an episode you’ll certainly learn a thing or two. Those guys didn’t reach that level by being mediocre. I often hear the cliché that a fishing rod doesn’t make the angler and to some degree this is very true. A fishing rod will not help you understand weather and water flow patterns, it won’t help you read the water, and it certainly won’t be able to pick out that sweet little eddy seam on the back side of a hidden boulder. A Susquehanna Fishing Magazine - December 2010 10 good fishing rod will, however, help you make the best use of your selected lure when you do put everything else together and have the chance to place the bait in front of the fish. Make the most of your opportunity and have confidence that you’re going to make that bait act as you want it to and are going to feel the take when the fish strikes. Use the right fishing rod for the technique of the day and move beyond the world of stripped nuts. about an hour with very limited success. When I say limited, I do mean limited... We are talking two fish between five anglers. The water temperatures were right at 50 degrees. The water was on a slow rise and getting even colder. Most of us were tossing a lot of plastic. Matt Dotts is a custom rod builder based in Central Pennsylvania who sometimes gets to use a rod himself. You can see his work at www.rodtrader.net Feature Article... Slow your roll for late fall river smallmouth By Juan Veruete A recent fall trip with some fellow anglers on the Susquehanna River reminded me just how versatile a spinnerbait is. We had been fishing Author with a nice smallie using the described technique Eastern PA Kayak & Canoe Fishing & Hunting Headquarters 103 South State Road, Marysville, PA, 17053 • (717) 957 - 2413 • www.bluemountainoutfitters.net Featuring Canoes and Kayaks From Bell Current Designs Dagger Emotion Eqsuif Lincoln Mad River Native Watercraft NovaCraft NuCanoe Perception Vermont Canoe Wenonah Wilderness Systems Open Black Friday (& Saturday) Nov. 26 & 27 10 - 6 Customer Appreciation Sale Fri. & Sat. Dec. 3 & 4 10 - 8 103 South State Road, Marysville, PA, 17053 • (717) 957 - 2413 • www.bluemountainoutfitters.net During the course of the morning, one of our party decided to throw a spinnerbait. He ended up sticking a nice 16 inch smallmouth in fairly short order. That was good enough to convince the rest of us to change things up a bit. Soon we all had a spinnerbait tied on. Armed with new baits and new found enthusiasm, we targeted ledge chutes and eddies at the tail end of islands. At the close of the day, almost everyone in our party had big fish to their credit. We combined for 5 smallmouth over 19 inches! I ended up catching several fish over 17 inches with the largest being 20.5 inches. The day was a great reminder of how versatile a spinnerbait can be. During late fall many anglers stuff their spinnerbait box into the recesses of their boat or garage in favor slower moving bottom-bouncing lures like the tube. If your one of those anglers, take a couple minutes, run to the garage, get your spinnerbait box then read on. Spinnerbaits catch smallmouth in late fall. More specifically, spinnerbaits catch BIG fish in late fall. Even when water temperatures fall to the low 50’s and even high 40’s, don’t give up on them. A spinnerbait could catch you your next trophy smallmouth. I’m a big believer in fishing “outside the box”. I like to push the limits of lures to see if I can find new situations in which baits can be effective. For example, many anglers look at the suspending jerkbait as a clear water bait. I’ve found by adjusting color and increasing the amount of time I let the lure suspend in place, the bait can be fished in some low visibility situations. The spinnerbait is no different. Adjustments to the color, profile, and presentation technique can extend the effectiveness of this bait into cold water situations. In cold water, I focus on two factors. First, I change up the profile of the bait. I want the bait to be compact but bulky. I typically toss a compact 3/16 oz. spinnerbait and sometimes bump up to ½ oz bait if I need more weight in higher flows. I always add a swimming grub trailer. One of my favorites is the 3.5” Winco’s Swimming Grub. The grub adds bulk to the profile of the bait. It also adds action because of the grub’s tail movement. The bulk aspect also helps create a slower fall rate. The importance of a slow fall rate is critical to the success of many of my cold water presentation. The second important cold water factor to consider is presentation technique. Slow rolling spinnerbaits, keeping contact with the bottom, is a great presentation, but there is a variation on this that I’ve found can be even more effective in cold water. The proof was in the pudding the day we fished the Susquehanna. The technique I used is what I call a “low angle Yo-Yo”. It’s really a variation on a deep water Yo-Yo technique lake anglers use. The goal of my presentation is three fold; first, I want as slow a presentation as possible; second I want to have consistent contact with the bottom; third, I want the bait to do a “true” vertical helicopter fall. Most anglers who helicopter a spinnerbait do it by simply reeling then “killing” the bait by stopping the retrieve. The bait does fall but on a tight line it will pendulum toward the boat. I want the bait to do a true vertical free fall. Much the same as Senko style baits’ vertical fall elicits strikes from smallmouth, so does the vertical fall of the spinnerbait. The presentation is accomplished by casting the spinnerbait at a likely target, such as an eddy, then letting it flutter down ‘till it makes contact with the bottom. Upon contact, instead of reeling, I start with the rod out in front of me then pull the bait off bottom by sweeping my rod tip to about 2 o’clock off to one side. The upward sweeping action should move the bait about a foot or so. Once the first phase of the retrieve is complete, I’ll then “recover” by moving the rod tip forward again while slowly taking up the slack. This allows the spinnerbait to helicopter strait down on a “loose line” and also make brief contact with the bottom. I then repeat the sweep motion. I want to be sure to follow up quick enough Susquehanna Fishing Magazine - December 2010 12 during the “recovery” so that the bait is only making momentary contact with the bottom. There are two distinct times when hits usually occur using this technique. Typically smallmouth will hit when the spinnerbait is helicoptering down, or just as you’re lifting it off the bottom. You’ve got to be a line watcher if the fish are hitting on the drop. You will see your line careen off to one side or the other. When you see this, set the hook! If smallmouth are hitting on the sweep, your life is made a bit easier. When you feel the weight of the fish, just continue your sweep but at an accelerated hook setting speed. Bingo! Fish on! I’ve used this technique to catch some really nice fall smallmouth. You can also experiment with the angle of your sweep. Making the sweep higher or lower will change the angle at which the bait comes off the bottom. I’ve used a really low sweeping angle with a lot of success off steep drops or along big chunk rock strewn bottom. The low angle Yo-Yo technique been a proven winner for me in cold water. Give it a shot! Juan Veruete is owner and operator of Kayak Fish PA, LLC (KayakFishPA.com) and offers Guided Kayak Fishing Classes on the Juniata River and various other waters of central Pennsylvania. He has nearly 40 years of fishing experience on the waters of Pennsylvania and is on the pro-staff of Temple Fork Outfitters, Winco’s Custom Lures, and Kayakbassfishing.com. November Report... The Month with a Susquehanna Fishing Guide By Lance Dunham November is that month that gives you a feeling of transition between the easy, warm fishing in October and the tough fishing in the Juan Veruete on his recent group outing on the Susquehanna. frosty ice of December that has yet to come. We got a few days of beautiful warm sunshine but for the most part that’s gone now. In the crisp morning air your breath is like puffs of moist smoke signals telegraphing the message “It’s good to be here” or “What the heck am I doing here in this boat in this cold morning air”, depending on how well you read smoke signals. The water is clear and you can see down 7ft in the water. It’s also cold in the 40 to 44 degree range and getting colder by the day. The main lures of choice for me this month are hair jigs like the Mrs. Simpson with rattles or the Susquehanna Seducer from JJ’s Jigs, the 3” Trick Stick worm from Alluring Baits, or the deep diving suspending jerk bait like Rapala’s deep billed X-Raps. All are fished very slow with long pauses. Being on the river most every day I sometimes take for granted the beauty that nature has put before me and it’s often my clients who remind me of how great “my office” is and how truly lucky I am to see it all the time. It’s times like this that I wished I had taken even more photos of the scenery while guiding. A couple of weeks ago we were out on the river early. The air was 29 degrees and the water came in at 43 degrees which made for a thick fog on the river. As the morning progressed and the fog started to lift in the cold air, there were places on the river where the sun didn’t get to until late morning. The fog froze to the pines and hard Susquehanna Fishing Magazine - December 2010 13 woods giving them a glitzy glitter effect. It was just beautiful. As I remembered to take photos this time I thought “Man, I love this job”, not everyone gets to see this, but they can now. At the same time on the water behind us a Loon gave out that familiar loud distinctive call that is theirs alone. Can it get any better than this? All this nature around me got me to thinking that I’ve just got to get more of my charters on video, and what better way to do it that with a video recorder. I could put 30 second spots on my web site, You Tube, Face Book, and all those other countless places on the internet. But how? I’ve got a very good camcorder, state of the art, but I can’t just go along on a charter ignoring my clients so I can video everything around us. I need my hands free to handle the net, tie on lures, taking the lure hooks out of the clients’ hands, and don’t forget the actual act of fishing, after my clients, of course. But I also need to be able to film in an instant when the opportunity arises. I was looking at those little hat cams that screw on the bill of your hat. I had been previously staying away from them because they would run out of memory and battery before the end of the charter. And they didn’t have a stabilizer in them like the better camcorders to help eliminate that jerky filming effect. However, times have changed and improvements have been made to these little camcorders and I had to have one (yes, I’m a gadget junkie, I may be going into rehab soon). They now have a 3rd generation model that had everything that I wanted. I bought it on-line and it came in about a week ago just in time for my last customer charter of the season. Of course I bought the best they had for a little over a couple hundred bucks -- did I mention the hat came with it? My customer had been fishing with me for over 10 yrs so I knew that this would be a good time to try it out. A new customer may have thought I was a little off the wall, so to speak, but my old customer knew it and we got along great. were slow motoring down the river with my new hat cam recording the adventure. I introduced my long time customer on camera and kept it running as we came upon the first area we were to fish. As soon as I was done explaining and describing the water that we were fishing and how to fish it I reached up and pushed the little record button in the back of the camera to pause it until we got our first fish on. And then it happened, WHAM, my first fish was on and it was a really big walleye. I started to fight it and bring it in and then I remembered, “Turn on the video recorder, dummy”. Now I’m right handed and I had the rod in my right hand and I reel with my left. The fish is doing a classic walleye fight, staying down at the bottom and shaking its head back and forth. So predictable, I grinned, I have lots of time to land this fish. Just as I was putting the rod in my left hand and reaching for the little recorder camera that was on the bill of my hat with my right hand, the walleye did the unpredictable and quickly came at the boat causing slack line on my rod. What! They aren’t supposed to do that! My instinct was to quickly lift and pull CPR Custom Fishing Rods Specializing in Rods for Smallmouth Bass www.rodtrader.net Before he got to the river I had already tried it out and started to video the day’s fishing. I thought this is going to be great! Soon we Susquehanna Fishing Magazine - December 2010 14 with my left hand that had the rod to take up the slack and in doing so I hit myself right between the eyes with the rod. Don’t worry folks, I’m ok, the bill of the hat took the force of the blow. Oops! Of course the new hat cam flew off my head, hit the deck of the boat behind me and bounced right into the river while I’m swinging wildly at it with my free right hand and fighting the fish with my left. My customer quickly started to rescue my sinking hat and camera which took him all of 30 seconds. He gave it to me as I watched the little red light in the back of the camcorder fade away. Well, the hat is still good but the camcorder is toast! I never got to video even one fish catch with it! I now have a couple hundred dollar hat only. Anyone want to buy it? Half price. So after the charter while driving home I remember that I promised my wife that I would help her at her business for a bit. I was all depressed about losing my new toy and when I got there I told her my sad story. I expected to get at least a “poor baby” out of her because she knows how I love my new gadgets. Instead she starts laughing hysterically and says “When I first saw the thing, I knew you’d lose it. Only I thought it would fly off your head while you were running the boat at some break neck speed.” OK, OK, so I have lost more than a few hats on the boat but that wasn’t the case this time. “Well dear, I guess you’ll have something to write about this month” she said while still trying to hide her delight at my obvious pain. Then her face got kind of serious. “You’re going to buy another one aren’t you.” “You betcha, darlin’ and it’ll be here next week”. Only this time I just got to figure out a way to strap that hat to my head, maybe a chin strap. It might look a little dorky, but I’ll bet it works. Oh, and by the way, I caught that walleye. Author, Lance Dunham, with a quality smallmouth. Well, that’s all I got room for this month. For further reports, photos, and chartering information please visit me at my website at www.ldguideservice.com. Fish safe and I’ll see you on the river. Susquehanna Fishing Magazine - December 2010 15 Cool Stuff... Kayak Fishing Minn Kota’s New Talon Minn Kota has recently released its new shallow water anchor system, the Talon. The Talon has received rave reviews during the recent outdoor product show season. It is both durable and environmentally friendly. This is a great way to hold position in shallow environments. To see Minn Kota’s Talon press release, click HERE J. Oast Self published in 2009 by Jon Shein, Kayak Fishing is a definite must-have for any kayak angler or anyone interested in investigating the sport. Shein guides the reader from the point of choosing the ideal kayak to discussing what the future of kayak fishing may become. His photos and descriptive content will give even the most veteran kayak angler new ideas about how to rig such a platform for fishing. The new Talon. For more information, or to order a copy, check out http://www.kayakfishingbook.net/ J. Oast Susquehanna Fishing Magazine - December 2010 16 Marsh Works Tackle Ocean Kayak Trident Series A few weeks ago I was sent a package from my friends down south at Marsh Works. While these baits were originally designed for saltwater angling, they produce very well in a variety of conditions, as well as for smallmouth bass. My personal favorite for the Susquehanna is the Killa Squilla. Marsh Works manufactures their own plastics, and uses the highest quality materials. For more information: http://www.marsh-works.com/ J. Oast Ocean Kayak has revamped and improved their Trident series of sit-on-top kayaks. As in previous years, the Tridents are available in 11, 13, and 15 foot models, but now the Rod Pod storage hatch has been upgraded to easily be outfitted with various model fishfinder units, rod holders, and accessories. They have also added an upgraded seat and keel skidplate. For more information: http://www.oceankayak.com/ J. Oast The Killa Squilla. Pappy’s Hickory Smoked Turkey Jerky Turkey World, LLC, located not far from the banks of the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania, has introduced their own delicious turkey jerky. Visit their website to find a store near you that carries Pappy’s. For more information: http://turkeybitz.com/ J. Oast Susquehanna Fishing Magazine - December 2010 17 YakAttack’s VisiCarbon Pro YakAttack began as a company interested in the rigging of fishing kayaks with their original VisiPole light, which set the industry standard. They recently released their VisiCarbon Pro light, which is a more compact, lightweight version. These light poles collapse and fit into a bag, which also acts as a safety flag. Being a self-contained battery powered marine light option, and not needing to be tied into a vessel’s electrical system, these poles also are a great option for powerboaters, or anyone traveling on the water at night. They can either slide into a vertical fishing rod holder, or into one of the more popular turret style rod holder bases. For more information: http://yakattack.us/ The YakAttack VisiCarbon Pro. Kayak Bass Fishing J. Oast Engel Portable Fridge-Freezers Engel is an international company which builds the highest quality portable 12 volt refrigerator and freezer units. These units are perfect for the outdoorsman or traveler. From compact, to dual-voltage systems, they have a product to fit any application. For more information: http://www.engel-usa.com/ J. Oast Old Town Camden Kayaks Old Town has recently introduced its new Camden series of kayaks. Available in 10’6” and 12’6” models, the Camden offers an outstanding recreational and sit-inside kayak, with an excellent hull design and cockpit layout. For more information: http://www.oldtowncanoe.com/ Chad Hoover has written a book unlike any other kayak fishing book. Kayak Bass Fishing is an awesome resource for kayak anglers who are interested in learning more about not only equipment, but the technique involved in fishing from a kayak. For more information: http://www.kayakbassfishingstore.com/BooksVideos-Magazines_c_9.html J. Oast Old Town Camden. J. Oast Susquehanna Fishing Magazine - December 2010 18 Kayak Fishing; The Complete Guide Veteran professional kayak angler Cory Routh recently released the second edition of his popular book. This is a great resource for kayak fishing techniques and guides new kayak fishermen through various gear and rigging options. For more information: http://ruthlessfishing.com/Order-My-Book-andDVD.php J. Oast New Malone MicroSport XT Trailer The NEW MicroSport XT is an upgraded version of the popular MicroSport Base Trailer that includes the three top selling accessories at a reduced bundle price. The MicroSport XT has custom 12” aluminum spoke wheels and diamond plate aluminum fenders for a great look while you are traveling AND a removable/retractable tongue for easy storage. Within seconds, the 8’ tongue can be removed or pushed back under the trailer body allowing you to store the trailer against a wall taking up less than 20 square feet of floor space. Like the base model, the XT has DOT approved lighting and bearings, pre-tested electrical system, pre-fitted chassis components, 65” coated steel load bars, and assembles in less than three hours. You can customize your trailer to meet your specific needs with a variety of kayak and canoe carriers, a trailer storage trunk, and a tray style bike rack. The Malone MircroSport Trailer MPG460XT retails for $1,499.00. Check it out at www.maloneautoracks.com. J. Oast New Powell Endurance Series Rods This is a new series of 16 rod models that bear distinctive graphics with a purple water spot pattern, matching thread wraps with black and silver trim, purple galvanized aluminum non corrosive trim rings on a matte black blank. All of the rods are constructed on Powell’s proprietary Maxumfiber blank technology, a special blend of fibers that reduces weight without sacrificing strength. The new rods will still feature Fuji reel seats and Fuji Alconite guides; however, the guides on these new rods will begin with a smaller first guide, yet large enough for knots to pass through. Fuji Alconite guides are a standard setting guide in the rod building community. For you river fishermen, the Powell Endurance 6101L is a light action 6’10” extra fast spinning rod that gives plenty of balance in action versus sensitivity and is a new favorite of drop-shotting and shakyhead fishermen. The complete line of Powell rods can be viewed on line at www.easternshoreangling.com. Dave Perrego Malone’s MicroSport XT Trailer. Susquehanna Fishing Magazine - December 2010 19 Jackall Cross Tail Shad Cablz Eyewear Retention System The Jackall Cross Tail Shad has become my new “go to” tough bite finesse application. The three fins on the tail of this simplistic creature give the bait an unprecedented wiggle and shimmy when used as a drop shot bait. Typically, I nose hook the bait with a 1/0 Gamakatsu drop shot hook, weighted with anywhere from a 1/8 oz. to a ¼ oz. drop shot weight. I‘ve recently had the pleasure to come across the Cablz eyewear retention system. I was turned on to the Cablz system by my good friend Josh Wich, who is the Northeast rep for Cablz. After speaking with Josh about the many benefits to wearing the Cablz, he finally put a pair on me and I have to say they are a really decent product. I fish the bait on a Powell 6101L Endurance series rod with 6lb Berkley 100% fluorocarbon line, and cast to rocky drops and ledges for finicky largemouth and smallmouth in the Lower Susky/Upper Chesapeake Bay region, and the lower Eastern Shore’s Nanticoke and Wicomico Rivers. Add to this, a clear plastic swivel about 12 inches above the line to prevent line twist and an unnatural appearance of the bait. The Cross Tail shad is becoming very popular with the small time hand pour guys who are adding more color schemes to this bait’s presentation, and for a tough bite, you won’t find anything better than the smaller vertical presentation of the Jackall Cross Tail Shad under tougher, heavily pressured conditions. For more information: http://www.jackall-lures.com/ Dave Perrego Cablz The predominant feature of the Cablz eyewear retention system is the surgical grade cable used in the product. This cable, when attached to your favorite eye, or sun glasses, will extend outward from your neck. This feature allows the retention system to firmly hold your glasses in place and prevent falling/dropping of the glasses, but they WILL NOT rest uncomfortably on your neck. We all know that during the hot summer months when fishing out on the water, the other sunglass retainers made of cloth or other absorbent material will rest on your neck and absorb sweat from your neck. The Cablz are lightweight, won’t absorb moisture, and definitely won’t retain any odors or corrosion. The only disadvantage, I have found in using this product is during the colder months when fishing with my hooded sweatshirts. The extended Cablz will rub against the hood when it’s resting on my neck, thereby causing the Cablz to effectively move the glasses with every turn of my head. Not a great feature when driving the boat. In all, the good certainly outweighs the bad and I highly recommend using Cablz when you’re fishing, engaged in any other outdoor activity, or just looking for the best option to comfortably keep your glasses from falling off into the water! The Cablz eyewear retention system was voted best in class at ICast 2009. For a look at the Cablz you can go to www.cablz.com, or contact Josh at [email protected]. Dave Perrego Susquehanna Fishing Magazine - December 2010 20 Hawk Lake Lodge Hobie SEGUNDO Sunglasses One of Ontario’s premier five-star lodges in a beautiful setting coupled with trophy smallmouth fishing. Welcome to Hawk Lake Lodge. Just 30 minutes from Kenora, Ontario our guests have the opportunity to fish on 19 private lakes and will be the only boat on the water. A catch and release sanctuary for 3 decades you will be exploring waters few anglers have ever seen. With 5 species (lake trout, northern pike, walleye, smallmouth and crappie) to target our specialty is far and away smallmouth. We currently hold 2 catch and release world records for smallmouth (as well as the world record for a 38 inch walleye) with fish averaging 17 inches and 19+ inches common on many of our lakes. Numerous fish over five pounds are caught every summer with some fish a whopping 8 pounds. Come and see why these lakes have been called “some of the best Smallmouth Bass waters in North America”. After a great day on the water and a home cooked meal you will relax in the hot-tub, play some billiards or cards in the game room and kick back on your private deck overlooking the lake. Truly a fisherman’s paradise. For more information: http://hawk-lake.com/ Ted Putnam Hobie Polarized is proud to announce the release of the newest addition to the Heritage Series, SEGUNDO. Exceeding the standards of world champion watersport athletes, SEGUNDO features our highest quality thin, lightweight and durable Borosilicate Glass HydroClean polarized lenses, set in carefully crafted frames of Grilamid TR-90 and hand-finished Italian Zyl. SEGUNDO also features precision flex hinges for a custom fit and extra durability. SEGUNDO incorporates co-molding technology into the frame, strategically placed to form a comfortable fit by supplying this rubber as padding for all the contact points on the consumers face. SEGUNDO is available in Shiny Black & Pacific Blue Frame with Grey, Copper and Blue Mirror Lens. Visit HobiePolarized.com to view the entire collection. eyeking.com/ Our knowledgeable captains offer an experience you will not forget as you fish for striped bass, bluefish, black drum, flounder, perch and more. www.ecalvert.com 800.331.8771 Susquehanna Fishing Magazine - December 2010 21 Hobie SEGUNDO sunglasses. TM Suspenz Fishing Kayak Stand The new Fishing Kayak Stand from Suspenz is compact, lightweight and portable. A great stand for getting your fishing kayak up off the ground for rigging, during repairs, while washing or between trips. With our sturdy, 4-leg, yellow aluminum core this 24” stand is stable on flat or uneven ground. Your kayaks rest on UVresistant webbing to protect the hull from damage and scratches. Two stands per kit fit into a mesh bag with carry handles. Check out the racks online: http://www.suspenzkayakstorage.com/kayak_ fishing_stands Use code SFM11 for your exclusive 10% discount, for a limited time Suspenz Fishing Kayak Stands Portable & lightweight rig your kayak uP off the ground Keeping your boats action ready! suspenz.com 866-787-7369 Susquehanna Fishing Magazine - December 2010 22 Hints & Tips... Stop-and-Go Spinnering By Kevin Meininger Fishing with spinners is a very common practice. Instead of using a steady retrieve, mix up the speed. Fish are attracted to wounded fish, so mixing up the speed of your bait can give the appearance that it is having trouble swimming, making your bait more attractive to bass and other species. (For more on the topic, see Juan Veruete’s article on page 11) Replace your Belly Hooks By Nathan Follmer Photo of the Month... Replace the belly hooks on cranks with a treble that is 1 to 2 sizes larger than "stock". This can give you some additional depth, but it also keeps the front end of the lure facing at more of a downward angle. This helps eliminate hang ups. Visit Nate’s website, http://www.fishinginpa.com. Boyd Martin with a nice reservoir largemouth! Ads as low as $15.00 per month! Susquehanna Fishing Magazine - December 2010 23