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DRY
Joined: 26 Jun 2006
Posts: 231
Location: Selinsgrove, PA
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 Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2009 9:26 am Post subject: COLD Water Smallmouth |
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There was a good article in the last issue of Pennsylvania Boater and Angler Magazine about cold water smallmouth fishing. It was written by Chris Gorsuch. For those who do not get the magazine, it will eventually be online at this address (the Nov/Dec 2008 issue is not on-line yet).
http://www.fish.state.pa.us/angon.htm
One of the bass pictures that I posted yesterday shows evidence of one of the keys to winter smallmouth fishing. It is mentioned in the article.
This time of year the undersides of the bass may look dirty. In the Spring this is due to spawning behavior. But this time of year, the dirt comes from lethargy......just sitting on the bottom.
Sort of like what happens to us old guys in the winter, sitting by the fire in our rocking chairs sipping a hot toddy.
Very important to fish v..e..r..y slow and to fish current breaks and shorline eddies where the current isn't quite as fast.
From now until spawn, that big ole 21 incher just might be sitting there on his rocking chair just waiting for your C.W. (Cold Water) Delight.  Bill
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The future of fishing is in your hands-catch,photograph and release. Thank You! |
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Jst Fishin
Joined: 26 Jun 2006
Posts: 95
Location: MANCHESTER PA
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| Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 7:46 am Post subject: Re: COLD Water Smallmouth |
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| DRY wrote: |
Sort of like what happens to us old guys in the winter, sitting by the fire in our rocking chairs sipping a hot toddy.
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Funny thing Bill,
I am sitting in my La Z boy sipping a hot Coffee reading this. Guess I am part fish!!
Dave
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DAVE SHINDLER
JST FISHIN' GUIDE SERVICE
www.jstfishin.com |
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tcba1987
Joined: 18 Feb 2007
Posts: 27
Location: Dennison Ohio
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| Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2009 3:04 pm Post subject: |
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ive never caught a smallmouth when the water temps were in the low 40s or even high 30s ..............whats the best way to get one ???
NICE SMALLIE ..........CONGRATS !!
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Brian Huff
Tuscarawas River Smallie Angler |
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DRY
Joined: 26 Jun 2006
Posts: 231
Location: Selinsgrove, PA
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| Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2009 4:38 pm Post subject: |
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| tcba1987 wrote: | ive never caught a smallmouth when the water temps were in the low 40s or even high 30s ..............whats the best way to get one ???
NICE SMALLIE ..........CONGRATS !! |
I wade and winter fish the Susquehanna River. The area I fish is a section of river from 1 1/2 to about 7 miles below a coal fired electric generation power plant. The warm water addition to the river keeps the river open and free of ice most of the winter.
Some will call where I fish warm water but where I winter fish the water is anywhere from 35-45F depending on water levels, snow melt and how much warm water is put out. If you can find such a place to fish it would be of benefit.
Some people fish right in the warm water outflow in water that is usually from 60-70F. That can be successful in winter.
If you find open water anywhere that is fishable in winter that is between 35-45F.... the secret is to fish slow. Fish the bottom, that will be where the fish are. They may be in deeper sections of the flow or they may be shallower sections but they generally will not be as aggressive in colder water. Fish slow....bounce the bottom.
Use anything that mimmicks what the smallmouth in that particular body of water usually feed on. Crawfish and baitfish are primary food.
Use a tube jig or anything that mimmicks a small baitfish (Locketts minnow, Gulp minnow or any number of swimbaits).
Fish slow...fish often. Enjoy the time of the year!! Bill
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The future of fishing is in your hands-catch,photograph and release. Thank You! |
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Tom Boyd
Joined: 23 Jun 2006
Posts: 1240
Location: South Central Pa.
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| Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2009 6:37 pm Post subject: |
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Bill, you've had a great winter fishing. I always enjoy your fishing reports and pictures of beautiful smallies.
Thanks for sharing with us all.
dad
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"March 20, 2009"... Springtime!" dad |
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