tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26341856772057050732024-02-07T03:02:18.250-08:00Going Fishin'Darl Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15706443870116037857noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634185677205705073.post-29921313747155846052015-12-18T14:23:00.000-08:002015-12-18T14:23:26.656-08:00El Nino Crappies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqa_4EVVEQ-4K2_2zIjzPzNmrqH_wbjIUXoGc1qXyQO4k2Xfud5Olwl0a8wARvRQtLhwlrB6Erymmw-Yp9kVrIalU38zFXKnY4vd-w86wHD7_L9bC4BgTbUFzVvZUj5IcQ7VG0aV37HLG/s1600/aa046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqa_4EVVEQ-4K2_2zIjzPzNmrqH_wbjIUXoGc1qXyQO4k2Xfud5Olwl0a8wARvRQtLhwlrB6Erymmw-Yp9kVrIalU38zFXKnY4vd-w86wHD7_L9bC4BgTbUFzVvZUj5IcQ7VG0aV37HLG/s200/aa046.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwX4TQhoewVZFj5qz3AU7urkzF9tkeTbt47HfT_RT46h12450xGz3lCn5w92Hd7bx4cB6w4mbbgyahcrVjKuBOJLlZ0oTHPcmZdogv0j0EHruTAVgB1Qp5QmdaAPoglu_4oGSODKUmXsn/s1600/aa044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwX4TQhoewVZFj5qz3AU7urkzF9tkeTbt47HfT_RT46h12450xGz3lCn5w92Hd7bx4cB6w4mbbgyahcrVjKuBOJLlZ0oTHPcmZdogv0j0EHruTAVgB1Qp5QmdaAPoglu_4oGSODKUmXsn/s200/aa044.jpg" width="133" /></a>Wow!If you favor open water fishing over ice, you've got to love an El Nino weather pattern here in NW PA. Open water in late December! (Not so much love, however, if you are an ice angler.) The other day I joined longtime friends Dave Lefebre and Ernie Pate for crappie fishing at Pymatuning Lake. It was a tad crowded in Lefebre's Troller, but we would be fishing vertical so it all worked out. Dave's first several stops were spots he had caught walleyes prior to Thanksgiving. But two hours of pumping blade baits yielded only a few small perch. Moving to a deep point where Dave suspected crappies to be holding, we switched to tiny tubes and Garland Baby Shads on drop-shot rigs.Bites were sporadic. With only 1/2 dozen crappies in the livewell at 12:30, we kicked around the idea of quitting. Frankly, we were chilled from a strong wind and cooler than forecast temperatures. But Ernie wanted to hang out awhile longer. So each of us switched to different colors, randomly readjusted drop-shot leads and moved to the other side of the lake. Suddenly I was catching crappie after crappie on the deep hump. As soon as the others made adjustments to color and leader, our do-nothing presentation in 14 to 18 feet of water started paying off. However, the crappie schools were moving about and Dave had to keep up with them on with the bow depthfinder and trolling motor. And we had to keep changing colors as the sun crept lower in the horizon. By the time we left at 4:30, there were 52 keeper crappies (10" or better) in the livewell. Keeping only 1 out of 3 crappies caught, our total tally was close to 200 crappies plus small perch, sub-legal walleyes, bluegill, pumpkinseed, rock bass, largemouth bass and one smallmouth bass. All because Ernie insisted we hang out awhile longer!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyYDVLbcKRSmX2hLfs4BZA812CuzvqFr75JMvbXW_k5p_jN9hoV3ekqehRm8sQ2mM2h8Wm2SnUDKbMEgLP8HxGF_uoS27FqbEEtyi6oOW8zFBA7DfrPioATM4nTwtXj_joG1wS8PybWSD/s1600/aa45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyYDVLbcKRSmX2hLfs4BZA812CuzvqFr75JMvbXW_k5p_jN9hoV3ekqehRm8sQ2mM2h8Wm2SnUDKbMEgLP8HxGF_uoS27FqbEEtyi6oOW8zFBA7DfrPioATM4nTwtXj_joG1wS8PybWSD/s200/aa45.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OegEvpEFcaOp_F4WPUAMbeUOa6FwPevuzaazBJXFGSDpU6CWeCShA9KAD9xIZ4s1MC8l4pAF4Srumnk70LzY8cU2oUTMNDv9AMGC7Tu8nFh5PEVspQA6StClbe4WYuVXqoIuBjfekS43/s1600/aa049+pym+d%2526e+livewell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OegEvpEFcaOp_F4WPUAMbeUOa6FwPevuzaazBJXFGSDpU6CWeCShA9KAD9xIZ4s1MC8l4pAF4Srumnk70LzY8cU2oUTMNDv9AMGC7Tu8nFh5PEVspQA6StClbe4WYuVXqoIuBjfekS43/s200/aa049+pym+d%2526e+livewell.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Darl Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15706443870116037857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634185677205705073.post-83066399168826298122015-11-06T08:10:00.001-08:002015-11-06T08:10:32.889-08:00Fall Crappies on Shenango<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15LlMYeWKvunVCjoqCy4PFryzUqn30osBWoDjxw2VY_u7czXwuH2IM7rWErnJj0yC7LLSLM8xCa6APF310YqFZgwUVkAhAMS59uVVnbKwMzJHXjpL_qdtDJ21dyY05couqPcuHiC6uL4R/s1600/11-5-15+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15LlMYeWKvunVCjoqCy4PFryzUqn30osBWoDjxw2VY_u7czXwuH2IM7rWErnJj0yC7LLSLM8xCa6APF310YqFZgwUVkAhAMS59uVVnbKwMzJHXjpL_qdtDJ21dyY05couqPcuHiC6uL4R/s200/11-5-15+023.jpg" width="200" /></a>November - time to fish Shenango River Lake for crappies! Ken Smith considers Shenango Lake in northwestern Pennsylvania as his home water. He fishes the heck out of it in the spring, But with the arrival of the summer boating season about first of July, he rarely drops a line in the lake until after Labor Day. Early fall fishing is good, but what really excites him is late fall fishing when the crappies concentrate around deep brushpiles and river bank ledges. During this time of year Ken employs a down-line slow-troll strategy he refers to as Hang-Glidin', allowing him to hover right beside deep cover. His rods are 10-foot Richard Williams' Signature Crappie Wizard Rods from B'n'M Pole Company. Spinning reels are spool with 8-pound Gamma Panfish Line. Ken loop wraps a 1/2-ounce egg sinker on the line leaving an 18-inch leader. To that he ties a light jig with a soft plastic body -- usually a Bobby Garland Shad. And he always tips the jig with a white Berkley Crappie Nibble. After pinpointing cover in 14 to 17 feet of water on his sonar, Ken lowers his lines and very slowly trolls around the cover with his electric motor.<br />
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I recently spent the morning on Shenango with Ken. Our catch included 30-some black and white crappies (keeping only a dozen), along with white bass, bluegills and the occasional small largemouth bass. "Shenango has been slow to cool this year due to a warm fall. We are into the first week of November and the water temp is still in the upper 50s. The best fishing is yet to come," says Ken.Darl Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15706443870116037857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634185677205705073.post-77985846081983702252015-04-20T04:49:00.000-07:002015-04-20T04:49:07.394-07:001st Smallmouth Bass of 2015<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Darl's First Smallmouth of 2015</td></tr>
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Spring of 2015 so far has not been the spring I envisioned all winter long. Usually I'm on the Allegheny by mid-March catching smallmouth bass. But a series of impediments delayed my fishing this year. But I finally got out for a few minutes on Sunday, April 19. Actually I was driving to Oil City to meet my wife for lunch. She was working the weekend at her office to catch up. So I threw in my G.Loomis 721 spinning rod and called Dale Black's cell phone as I headed down the highway. Sure enough, Dale and Chris Wolfgong were fishing on the River - both for their first time this year, too. "Got room for a third in boat," I asked. "Well, my trolling motor batteries are dead and we are fixing to pull out. But if you can be here shortly, I'll wait and we can make a drift or two to see if we can get you that first smallmouth of the season for that Facebook contest you are running."<br />
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Pulling into the parking lot, I grabbed my rod and camera case, and headed towards Dale's beached boat, passing Chris on his way to his car. "We caught most of our fish on tubes today," says Dale. But I had a Galida's Grubz tied on the rod from last fall, and decided it would work just fine. Dale raced the boat upstream about one mile to a shoreline current break where the boat would sit in the slack water. I made my first cast into the Allegheny River of the 2015 to a current seam. I made two turns of the reel and a fish smacked it! Fighting the strong river bass to the side of the boat, we quickly netted it and measured it. It was 17-1/2 inches. "Well, I accomplished what I needed to do," I explain to Dale. "We can leave whenever you want to." Of course Dale had to fish a few minutes longer. In the next 10 minutes, we landed six smallies. Then we headed in.<br />
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So with my first cast into the Allegheny, I was able to conclude Darl's First Smallmouth of 2015 Contest. The winner of the bass lure pack is Gail Petersen of Meadville whose guess of 17-1/4 inches was the closest of all contest entries. Go fish!Darl Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15706443870116037857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634185677205705073.post-16687145572143777052015-04-19T09:04:00.000-07:002015-04-19T09:04:23.337-07:00Long Time Coming<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0m3w_8qibFZdQXaQTwqWX4WFGApYy_KmNAmzzNph69wF-_MuPXOXgLeaxzTkEN9d67WsdGwO9vCWWBuJaWoO0QfpEkURWNwqQ83qG-tLB2mDKetELXpNm0aKuPcFVI5uMI7ifuZZBgZSo/s1600/4-19-15+035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0m3w_8qibFZdQXaQTwqWX4WFGApYy_KmNAmzzNph69wF-_MuPXOXgLeaxzTkEN9d67WsdGwO9vCWWBuJaWoO0QfpEkURWNwqQ83qG-tLB2mDKetELXpNm0aKuPcFVI5uMI7ifuZZBgZSo/s1600/4-19-15+035.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Darl's First Two Crappies of 2015</td></tr>
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I finally got out fishing in open water for the first time in 2015. It was a long time coming. There was a storage building cave in that wipe out both my fishing boats in early March,. And there was late-ice out, and the same day it went out I came down with a nasty bout of the flu. Finally recovered, I was ready to fish on April 18 - but no boat ready. So I called my buddy Jim McClave who had just moved to the Pymatuning and was anxious to fish in his boat. So we motored to a nearby cove, and dropped anchor by a couple stumps barely visible in the water. Five minutes and no fish, so we moved to a deadfall on the other side of the bay, and dropped anchor up wind of the tree. Jim was a bit apprehensive about getting snagged in the branches. But I figured the crappies would be in the branches, not outside the tree. On my second cast to the tree, I let the wind carry my bobber and minnow right up to edge of the branches. Fish on! It was a 12-1/2 inch black crappie. From then on it was easy. Cast almost to the branches and then let the wind carry the bobber and bait to the honey pocket. One crappie right after another. And except for the first one, all the others ran between 13 and 14 inches. Jim kept the first dozen crappies for a fish fry, and we released all the others we caught after that. By the way, that first crappie I caught earned Ron Burger a huge lure pack in Darl's First Crappie of 2015 Contest. (Details in a previous post at Going Fishin' blog)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXuvmciBVTC8YbhUJ1l0PrxJM5qjXDapAmT_LJjTIyJIO1QTxZEQxYZgPwiH9EsQ72embUQDyUt7d0L_U9r8Mj9POIcs0aW-h2b72uNJH00O47hJtWpojGzy5k3TwAqr36j-bx3HALoZzK/s1600/4-19-15+049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXuvmciBVTC8YbhUJ1l0PrxJM5qjXDapAmT_LJjTIyJIO1QTxZEQxYZgPwiH9EsQ72embUQDyUt7d0L_U9r8Mj9POIcs0aW-h2b72uNJH00O47hJtWpojGzy5k3TwAqr36j-bx3HALoZzK/s1600/4-19-15+049.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim McClave scores with bobber & minnow</td></tr>
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Darl Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15706443870116037857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634185677205705073.post-14290843662220165052015-03-08T07:37:00.000-07:002015-03-08T07:37:19.986-07:00Predict Fish Length and Possibly Win Big!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSK78L96aJGK9PGtmajhwgWhH_YyCezfpPmLVsM2o-eFiXIu-4ewfSM1HzTrC93g_R5W06Xz4fLPEiX8kByaEN8qkut6suy7uyMh5h1SZ-y5sNMhAyjlRlT6ofxfw54ROw9hqJgmiYhlH/s1600/2-21-15+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSK78L96aJGK9PGtmajhwgWhH_YyCezfpPmLVsM2o-eFiXIu-4ewfSM1HzTrC93g_R5W06Xz4fLPEiX8kByaEN8qkut6suy7uyMh5h1SZ-y5sNMhAyjlRlT6ofxfw54ROw9hqJgmiYhlH/s1600/2-21-15+012.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_a_3VQuMTXm12sDOocX6DE_a5EA6Zz0QFTZ19DjP9fRi3dhO5DMjwaCLZsXlReugHCeraUrsHLeJoDPqKUt5hO192Q6VTe-2hg13t-6jtWpHQy06MQx-aBcddu6wORkDayWgwSIMsxsG/s1600/2-21-15+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_a_3VQuMTXm12sDOocX6DE_a5EA6Zz0QFTZ19DjP9fRi3dhO5DMjwaCLZsXlReugHCeraUrsHLeJoDPqKUt5hO192Q6VTe-2hg13t-6jtWpHQy06MQx-aBcddu6wORkDayWgwSIMsxsG/s1600/2-21-15+019.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a>To celebrate the official launch this spring of www.BlackwolfeCommunications,com website and "Fishing with Darl Black Guide Service" as well as a new cover photo on this blog, we are having a contest! I will give away two impressive lure packs, each with a retail value of well over $50. (See photos) The winner of each lure pack will be based on the length in inches of the first Smallmouth Bass and first Crappie which Darl catches in NW PA after ice-out. The winner of each category (Smallmouth Bass and Crappie) will be drawn from the pool of entries which correctly guess the length of each species to the nearest 1/4 inch. The tie breaker will be the type of lure used by Darl to catch each species. Whoever is fishing with Darl at the time he catches each species will measure and photograph the fish. The contest is open to everyone and remains open until Darl catches his first Smallmouth Bass and first Crappie in NW PA. Now this is very important! You can ONLY ENTER your guess through the BlackwolfeCommunications.com website.Go to the website.Check out content on SmallmouthQuest Page and CrappieQuest Page for possible clues to the size of fish Darl usually catches at ice out and the possible lure he may use. Next press the "Contact US' button and enter the required information. In the body of the email message provide the following: (1) Your name; (2) Your guess in inches to the nearest 1/4 inch for both the first Smallmouth Bass and first Crappie which you predict Darl will land after ice out; (3) the lure you predict Darl will use for each species. Then Submit. Only guesses coming from the website are valid and only one entry per email address will be honored. Then sit back and wait on ice-out and Darl's initial open water outings - which will be recorded on this blog. Fish will be measured on a flat surface ruler device, measured to tip of tail (according to PA Fish & Boat Commission standards). There will only be one winner in the Smallmouth Bass category and one winner in the Crappie category, each randomly drawn from among those who correctly guess length and lure. The two winners will be notified through their email, and will be announced on "Fishing with Darl Black" Facebook Page.<br />
<br />Darl Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15706443870116037857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634185677205705073.post-21836249635091380452015-02-09T09:21:00.001-08:002015-02-09T09:21:35.616-08:00Watching Ice Fishing TV<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching Ice Fishing TV</td></tr>
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Over the weekend, I joined Dave Lefebre and his buddy Brad on the ice at Presque Isle Bay. With air temps above freezing, I figured there would be good numbers of ice anglers out. But I was surprised just how many fishermen were sitting around holes in the ice! There was no place to park when I arrived at the parking lot at the Chestnut Street Ramp. I looped around the lot twice until a vehicle left and I slid into the spot. Most of my time was spent watching the Mar<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brad with on-camera perch</td></tr>
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cum Underwater Camera, snapping images of the screen when fish appeared near Dave's bait. Meanwhile Dave was watching on his Marcum Ice Sonar. Dave was able to see the fish on his flasher while I watched on the camera. I learned a lot about teasing fish under the ice into striking your bait -- which I will share on the Havalon Blog in the near future.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAcr6UWvNucsRmevYWjjPtBnHbpB5YIAtYEeUT_PsyCxwRN9ibQ7gF7ercm_mhSoJ3Ty7VHvngaq8nsBUNgJyvPyAEIVpW8c2i2ZymlOxoTZDAlPWbEBP3_otMux-i5JfDH-Ib1AT99SO/s1600/DS+012+Sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAcr6UWvNucsRmevYWjjPtBnHbpB5YIAtYEeUT_PsyCxwRN9ibQ7gF7ercm_mhSoJ3Ty7VHvngaq8nsBUNgJyvPyAEIVpW8c2i2ZymlOxoTZDAlPWbEBP3_otMux-i5JfDH-Ib1AT99SO/s1600/DS+012+Sunset.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PIB Sunset</td></tr>
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<br />Darl Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15706443870116037857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634185677205705073.post-32933978374486949272015-01-25T15:25:00.000-08:002015-01-25T15:25:50.179-08:00The Ice Fishing Gene<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNUysChFoOvvOWGfqyvAiuNmJJOGSAMdvoDlxG_zhKiiIQ-FB_z1rl171oB47IMvlcITKXlnwkItI0cAROMyXoCLQoHnzXQwPyinJB7fkrSPeW-hu21YsTum7uLbbWNV6W7xlJuorsfxB/s1600/ds+ice+02+jeff-seed+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNUysChFoOvvOWGfqyvAiuNmJJOGSAMdvoDlxG_zhKiiIQ-FB_z1rl171oB47IMvlcITKXlnwkItI0cAROMyXoCLQoHnzXQwPyinJB7fkrSPeW-hu21YsTum7uLbbWNV6W7xlJuorsfxB/s1600/ds+ice+02+jeff-seed+a.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a>I believe fondness for ice fishing is a genetic trait among certain fishermen in the northern tier states. As many times as I have tried ice fishing, I simply cannot get excited about pulling a mess of gear out on a frozen lake, drilling holes in the ice, then sitting around those holes trying to make a fish bite. Yes, I know ice fishing is a way of life during the winter in the most northern of the northern states, but I do not have that gene. Meanwhile the the majority of my friends in southern regions where lakes do not freeze cannot understand why anyone could go ice fishing. The one exception is noted outdoor writer Jeff Samsel of Georgia, who makes repeated trips to the frozen north each winter in order to ice fish. However, Jeff proves my point that enjoying ice fishing is a genetic trait - he was born in Minnesota!<br />
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Here in NW PA during a typical winter our waterways are frozen from about January 1 to around mid-March. So what do I do during those winter months? I go ice fishing! Everyone has some part of their job which they don't like but must do it regardless. I don't enjoy ice fishing, but I must do it. That is why I look forward to Dave Lefebre's Erie Ice Camp.<br />
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"Isn't Dave Lefebre a professional bass angler on the national tournament tours?" someone asks. Yes he is. But next to chasing bass, his second most favorite activity is ice fishing. As a member of Rapala's Ice Force Pro-Staff, Dave has access to the latest equipment. When I play on the ice and need to come away with cutting edge material for stories, the best source of material each winter is Erie Ice Camp where a handful of outdoor media types gather to learn new tricks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4f-uA0eqOG1fHJ7a_3OuqigaXRhFkveh5VQEZ2JZFZTsh1lGFnUkB4rbujbXh5yz3jjZKFG1lSXUQPt0Wf5zAA08pwe9RokHRXjbMfmZ9OM4wLTOCxB1LH7KcM72s_mv5-7goZ8yP7a8/s1600/ds+ice+17+light+lures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4f-uA0eqOG1fHJ7a_3OuqigaXRhFkveh5VQEZ2JZFZTsh1lGFnUkB4rbujbXh5yz3jjZKFG1lSXUQPt0Wf5zAA08pwe9RokHRXjbMfmZ9OM4wLTOCxB1LH7KcM72s_mv5-7goZ8yP7a8/s1600/ds+ice+17+light+lures.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a>The first thing everyone does is strap on a pair of STABILicers (www.32north.com) in order to stay upright when walking on slick ice; without a doubt these are the most effective boot cleats I've ever used. Of course Dave dazzles everyone with the number of panfish he catches while using the futuristic Black Betty inline reel and the fantastic Tickle Stick. Dave says the new flat tip Tickle Stick renders spring bobbers obsolete. Check both out at www.13Fishing.com. On the end of 1-pound Suffix Ice Line, Dave has VMC Tungsten ice jigheads tipped with Trigger X soft plastic Nymphs and Wingdings. Intently watching the MarCum Sonar, Dave teases 'gills and perch off the bottom towards the jigs, setting the hook when the fish line and jig line merge. All these items may be found at www.Rapala.com under the Ice Force tab.<br />
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After photographing the action for couple hours in the open, I'm ready for a break. So I retire to the insulated Otter Pro XT1200 Shelter and watch a little TV - that being a MarCum Underwater Camera where I can observe fish move to jigged baits live on the screen. Now this is my kind of ice fishing! <br />
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Darl Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15706443870116037857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634185677205705073.post-87076864563042720112014-12-10T10:13:00.001-08:002014-12-10T10:13:38.358-08:00Magic Number<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBAWfryTj5feGuVbBFO_-JHhTpkWg79T3R2G0XcY6b35CHUNH1eKk04YsMtneBQTyq4teY0ryHTpX8sgKjRPvqkMo_n5_6DUJTu0kYAqag8X6kv_t16Cg2DwXm2G2SGhuYlF_kZYiZGrT/s1600/12-9-14+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBAWfryTj5feGuVbBFO_-JHhTpkWg79T3R2G0XcY6b35CHUNH1eKk04YsMtneBQTyq4teY0ryHTpX8sgKjRPvqkMo_n5_6DUJTu0kYAqag8X6kv_t16Cg2DwXm2G2SGhuYlF_kZYiZGrT/s1600/12-9-14+004.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a>Since water temperature of the Allegheny River in the Oil City/Franklin area dropped into the 30s much earlier than normal this fall, I've struggled to catch more than one smallmouth bass on each trip to the river. Years of river fishing experience has taught me that the best fall smallmouth bite is with temperatures between 55 and 40 degrees. Once the temp dips below 40 degrees, the bites become few and far between. Normally, the river reaches the low 50s about November 1, and continues to drop slowly to 32 degrees by January 1. This year, with an incredible snow storm the first part of November sent river temps in a downward spiral from which it cannot recover. The last three trips to the river, the water temp has been 32, 38 and 37. Each time I could only manage one smallmouth. Each time, I keep thinking this is my last smallmouth for 2015. Yesterday, Gene Winger and I hit the river for four hours with water temp at 37 degrees. I caught a 15" smallmouth right off the bat on a small tube jig, and handed it to Gene so I could get a quick picture - thinking this would NOT be my last fish of the day. But it was. Gene caught one walleye on one of his favorite cold water jigs. But that was it. I'm thinking it is time to switch species for the balance of open water season, Maybe walleye, trout or steelhead - a species which likes colder temps. I don't see the smallmouth magic number of 40 degrees returning until March.Darl Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15706443870116037857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634185677205705073.post-10610086400880399492014-11-25T06:20:00.002-08:002014-11-25T06:20:55.029-08:00Last Smallmouth Bass of 2015?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last smallmouth of 2015?</td></tr>
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On November 12 in NW PA, winter arrived way too early with unexpected ferocity. With a blanket of snow on the ground and below freezing temps, lakes were skimming with ice and the rivers/creeks were icy slush. When it climbed into the 40 on Sunday Nov 23, Dale Black and I decided to hit the Allegheny for what we thought might be our lasting smallmouth bass outing of the year. We arrived to view large sheets of ice floating down river and water temperature at 32 degrees. Undaunted we fished hard, crawling small critter jigs, tubes and hair jigs over shallow flats, down slopes and into deep winter holes to no avail. We did witness a walleye angler fishing live bait catch a very large fish. After 3.5 hours, we were going to call it, but Dale had one more winter hole to hit which required an upriver ride through a wild rapid. I had just tied on a chartreuse Jimmy D River Bug hair jig after loosing my six jig of the day. On my second cast, I felt mushy resistance and set the hook on the only bite I had all day. That single smallmouth was a great boost to our spirits. Was this going to be my last PA bass of 2015? Remains to be seen. Moderation in the temperature should keep the river open through next week. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsavtIwQXa3cA6IMDsKjvqx0HgUKCFPWHNKVe8OVrdkOhB__cIFQ0FntvHOZ2R16mHn8Zu9fkw6BL9ke6miL2s8oRUO9T09GwX5YIqgqFyvTW2k2xvGqU7e0cAoPIscg9xQZDaKyKOo4WM/s1600/FB+12+lb+eye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsavtIwQXa3cA6IMDsKjvqx0HgUKCFPWHNKVe8OVrdkOhB__cIFQ0FntvHOZ2R16mHn8Zu9fkw6BL9ke6miL2s8oRUO9T09GwX5YIqgqFyvTW2k2xvGqU7e0cAoPIscg9xQZDaKyKOo4WM/s1600/FB+12+lb+eye.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">12 pound walleye taken on live bait</td></tr>
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Darl Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15706443870116037857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634185677205705073.post-15906328363735265072014-11-13T18:37:00.002-08:002014-11-13T18:37:28.850-08:00Rend Lake Crappie Camp<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1anNa_RrPU2M5-l4y8_T6px7a_6zyYFoN8EXLiTHo54qP-sS-KdUUkPeKoKqAXW1oPe94JGNZLJpivTpjFX1TwdQq3dd9xKcEElZq6iyQ26sUhV8IfPPcm50ByvTisCty9GYu62UgVE5F/s1600/ds+dock+angler+in+fog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1anNa_RrPU2M5-l4y8_T6px7a_6zyYFoN8EXLiTHo54qP-sS-KdUUkPeKoKqAXW1oPe94JGNZLJpivTpjFX1TwdQq3dd9xKcEElZq6iyQ26sUhV8IfPPcm50ByvTisCty9GYu62UgVE5F/s200/ds+dock+angler+in+fog.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise on docks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wJ3FP6xsjiWPbcBSL51kzz5kLuelmMmMi5eKSZZ6WrtG8okpimODIA7kTO4LhXiASPrO-psU6FIKV_S5iWVRDn4WL9N5ElFnBPB_X9yWrOcQ_6QlMVZQOOhrgWd2uiHmksDvozsG8F-4/s1600/ds+single+angler+sil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wJ3FP6xsjiWPbcBSL51kzz5kLuelmMmMi5eKSZZ6WrtG8okpimODIA7kTO4LhXiASPrO-psU6FIKV_S5iWVRDn4WL9N5ElFnBPB_X9yWrOcQ_6QlMVZQOOhrgWd2uiHmksDvozsG8F-4/s200/ds+single+angler+sil.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset on docks</td></tr>
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Last Friday was spent on the road to Rend Lake, Illinois for a media Crappie Camp organized by crappie tournament angler and Rend Lake guide Kyle Schoenherr. Gamma Line owner Dale Black and I arrived at Rend Lake Resort just as the sun was setting, giving us just enough time to catch a few crappies from the dock - a very productive fall pattern if you do not have a boat. In the morning morning, there were anglers on the docks right at first light! Over the next two days my time was spent touring the lake with professional crappie anglers, sampling the fishing and shooting a lot of photos. As a first-time visitor to the lake, I found the various types of water and fishing styles of the anglers most interesting. In addition to fishing with Kyle, I had the opportunity to fish with pros Dan Dannenmuller, Kevin Jones and Team Bunting (Travis & Charlie). In addition to several other writers with whom I've worked with in the past, I finally had the chance to meet longtime writer Don Gasaway in person as well as being introduced to Josh Gowan. Rend Lake Resort caters to anglers, offering all the amenities including launching, docking, lodging choices and restaurant. If you are looking for a some place new for your next crappie fishing vacation, check out Rend Lake and Kyle Schoenherr at allseasonsguide@yahoo.com. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HAx-6xaIcgB8luc8Rrpy-GTlei-siY5MrvuTSs0MpLvCLor31ZRJ6nBhOfBZEuW_-sNK-swZctWc2LraPwN4mbZhlHIht2m8Pya7gq8d9ubYRRfAVkDUolTlAvehwSbkL-VtkrgfXl0l/s1600/ds+team+bunting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HAx-6xaIcgB8luc8Rrpy-GTlei-siY5MrvuTSs0MpLvCLor31ZRJ6nBhOfBZEuW_-sNK-swZctWc2LraPwN4mbZhlHIht2m8Pya7gq8d9ubYRRfAVkDUolTlAvehwSbkL-VtkrgfXl0l/s200/ds+team+bunting.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team Bunting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8P5e7N7cCwl13w2ZNj5y23DJ2V-iJmhoYrybzOFD9IW0otMccwWd1wfengX9-u7_VARJ0E6u8NAovyMDfPm0bL1ZVJZ2Lw7AWZmIRhE0CHzAYedQSfzpb2kEOcLhsAfo2AD5EFeVr3yU/s1600/ds+kyle+and+dale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8P5e7N7cCwl13w2ZNj5y23DJ2V-iJmhoYrybzOFD9IW0otMccwWd1wfengX9-u7_VARJ0E6u8NAovyMDfPm0bL1ZVJZ2Lw7AWZmIRhE0CHzAYedQSfzpb2kEOcLhsAfo2AD5EFeVr3yU/s200/ds+kyle+and+dale.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kyle and Dale pushing minnows</td></tr>
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Darl Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15706443870116037857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634185677205705073.post-78128847470042370392014-10-28T10:44:00.003-07:002014-10-28T10:44:56.992-07:00Lucky Hat?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YZPFIDIX0ECDU_8zmt76SqPqJDmrHdB8aonxBrVrn4cxIBlscSe_hGXovgvJVPRrp8Q9g4s1ULwKswomeen8y9V3REQDw_jSXw6yL6zSE_jT3ryjacqEMQbFUpKytiAh159N78xuO0xQ/s1600/DS+03+MB+smb+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YZPFIDIX0ECDU_8zmt76SqPqJDmrHdB8aonxBrVrn4cxIBlscSe_hGXovgvJVPRrp8Q9g4s1ULwKswomeen8y9V3REQDw_jSXw6yL6zSE_jT3ryjacqEMQbFUpKytiAh159N78xuO0xQ/s1600/DS+03+MB+smb+a.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old cap works!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhdTOjY5hmB96atx2XGMXifM0ww65CUd8N7E6bzk60nctu4bRUjSK6cCbEBFl0OLmzTPaYTrJ60YLiVRZuLrnaa2u7cB_jo1P8uB83yr_-F9DtdTFdnV_QeJsHYaXN2BBYaLp960vZJEh/s1600/DS+02+MB+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhdTOjY5hmB96atx2XGMXifM0ww65CUd8N7E6bzk60nctu4bRUjSK6cCbEBFl0OLmzTPaYTrJ60YLiVRZuLrnaa2u7cB_jo1P8uB83yr_-F9DtdTFdnV_QeJsHYaXN2BBYaLp960vZJEh/s1600/DS+02+MB+hat.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New cap has no experience at catching </td></tr>
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When Marilyn and I fish for smallmouth bass on area waters, she in the habit of wearing my favorite red G. Loomis cap during our spring, summer and fall outings. For good reason. Since she started wearing it a few years back, she always outfishes me by catching either the largest smallmouth or the greater number of smallmouths. We jokingly refer to it as our bronzeback good luck cap. However in early October while she was attending a heritage conference, she picked up a colorful cap which she thought would look good in photos. On our outing this past weekend to Conneaut Lake for big fall smallies, she wore her new multi-color cap while I wore the Loomis hat. I caught a 4-pound smallmouth at the very first spot we fished. However, by early afternoon she had not caught bass. I suggested her new cap may not be so lucky after all, and offered her G. Loomis cap. She paused for a moment, then made the switch. On her very next cast, she caught a beautiful smallmouth on a jig. The red Loomis cap was responsible for the other lunker smallie that day too. Moral of the story: you cannot "name" a new cap as a good luck hat. That title has to be earned over time! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_JrRnNf7ndkPXO38dmgXFxM8W1itdE8HT9HtadPcgqjM3vQDD2msx4EqdPyBjNry6mvQSqXJt7If0y-U2-mmT_GdXcdzzNjLPx3EXAo8BVIr_YJgjrVCy9UconHBPx8Qgsuc0GGIJ-wS/s1600/DS+04+MB+smb+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_JrRnNf7ndkPXO38dmgXFxM8W1itdE8HT9HtadPcgqjM3vQDD2msx4EqdPyBjNry6mvQSqXJt7If0y-U2-mmT_GdXcdzzNjLPx3EXAo8BVIr_YJgjrVCy9UconHBPx8Qgsuc0GGIJ-wS/s1600/DS+04+MB+smb+b.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
Darl Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15706443870116037857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634185677205705073.post-42357522429350359652014-07-14T13:07:00.002-07:002014-07-14T13:07:54.605-07:00Marilyn Rules on WoodcockHere in NW PA, we have been impacted by a considerable number of thunderstorms since mid-May, dumping higher than normal amount of rain. Even going into July, all our lakes and reservoirs remain high and dirty. The Allegheny River and French Creek have been blown out several times, and both remain higher than usual for mid-summer and chocolate in color. Due to the unstable weather and other pressing matters, Marilyn and I have not been fishing nearly as often as we would like. The other night Marilyn called from work saying she really needed a fishing break when she got home. With the full moon rising, I knew exactly where we should go: Woodcock Creek Lake for smallmouth bass.<br />
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We hit the lake about 7 PM. It was high and dirty as expected. But the ramp was busy with anglers launching and retrieving boats. However among those we conversed with, no one had caught a bass all day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWTOoIh3X90bt-bMkvyiqRqP8LrfrS-DS-vG9ciCjbBLNCFFtmfEyp6RRZSBOKy0jCe6z89aj5FwbpK19N9HWvZTxYLtHVLKbJtDw50eaFyiYyJHX_jR3oV1JXm89qO19DK3tFF51DrH5/s1600/001+W+smb+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWTOoIh3X90bt-bMkvyiqRqP8LrfrS-DS-vG9ciCjbBLNCFFtmfEyp6RRZSBOKy0jCe6z89aj5FwbpK19N9HWvZTxYLtHVLKbJtDw50eaFyiYyJHX_jR3oV1JXm89qO19DK3tFF51DrH5/s1600/001+W+smb+blog.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a>Our plan was simple, forget about the usual offshore structure. Instead, stay within casting distance of the shore and throw some loud, visible baits. I started out with a Hubs Chub topwater that my buddy Steve had been catching bass on at the lake a week ago. But the topwater failed to draw a strike in the first 100 yards.<br />
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Meanwhile, Marilyn struck first with a dark colored Chatterbait. The fish hit so hard she almost had the rod ripped from her hands. It stayed down even though the water depth was only 4 feet, pulling drag in a dogfight as it made for deep water. With water so discolored, we could not clearly identify the fish until she worked it to the net. It was a smallmouth bass approximately 16/17 inches in length.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ithPH5-GTFGoV4T7Vui6Tv-Gn33JlBT0doaGUhRdrfEMqSiAYQy4ONHe2NofKRiZQ8ZfhIbnxCqhyphenhyphenJ06e9Lk1BBbmnE5do6UMLP4sSpL_ZBrvVeNk1OGCMYJn6BCR4TYDgkGef9wYXQ7/s1600/002+W+smb+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ithPH5-GTFGoV4T7Vui6Tv-Gn33JlBT0doaGUhRdrfEMqSiAYQy4ONHe2NofKRiZQ8ZfhIbnxCqhyphenhyphenJ06e9Lk1BBbmnE5do6UMLP4sSpL_ZBrvVeNk1OGCMYJn6BCR4TYDgkGef9wYXQ7/s1600/002+W+smb+blog.jpg" /></a></div>
Offering me the rod with the Chatterbait (a custom we do when one of us catches the first fish), Marilyn picked up a G.Loomis NRX casting rod with a Terminator Swim Jig tied to it - the bait she had done so well with on Woodcock last year one evening. As we approached an obscure point with a stump sitting in about three feet of water, Marilyn scored twin 15 inch smallmouths on back to back casts.<br />
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Me? I lost a 12-inch bass and missed another hit on the same point. It wasn't my night.<br />
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Interesting all the smallmouths were fat from eating well. They also lack the typical bar markings and dark shading typical of smallmouths in this normally clear-water impoundment.<br />
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We fished another another hour without a hit and headed back to the ramp as darkness set it.<br />
Darl Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15706443870116037857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634185677205705073.post-66348133306407253382014-04-08T10:15:00.000-07:002014-04-08T10:15:05.243-07:00Harbinger of Spring<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim with Pymie slab black crappies</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkJeaDwlK5dZVPggWtlvtKqD3xoWT4lCRiVmv27jIxQAljld49GbUBWqxmJLJLP4RSOt0KKjgMxOrHZekBqMEfi1reaTrfxg9yE0MKdV8_fezKxaS9xyW6fGrAtxRJr1zbbxxGDeo9ltd/s1600/blog+4-7+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkJeaDwlK5dZVPggWtlvtKqD3xoWT4lCRiVmv27jIxQAljld49GbUBWqxmJLJLP4RSOt0KKjgMxOrHZekBqMEfi1reaTrfxg9yE0MKdV8_fezKxaS9xyW6fGrAtxRJr1zbbxxGDeo9ltd/s1600/blog+4-7+01.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pymatuning ice April 1</td></tr>
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This has been an incredibly long winter in northwestern Pennsylvania. As of April 1, Pymatuning Lake still had large sheets of ice, preventing safe boating up and down the lake. However by April 3, the ice was gone and I heard the first report of crappies being taken in open water. Many Pennsylvanians look to the sound of spring peepers as the first sign of spring. But for me, the first open-water crappie of year is the true harbringer. An old school mate, Jim McClave, headed to Pymatuning on Sunday, April 6. My 20 horsepower motor started on the first pull of the rope - a real shocker! Then again, it had been properly winterized. We motored a short distance from the ramp to a shallow flat near the main lake point of the boat lunch bay. Casting a bobber with a live minnow, we probed a beaver lodge, a large submerged tree trunk and some spotty brush. No takers. Knowing friends across the lake had been catching crappies in old pad beds, we moved to back of the bay where I knew a large bed existed. Several boats were already anchored. I situated our boat on the north side of the hidden pad bed and dropped the anchor. It took several minutes to figure out that crappies were holding a very long cast from the boat in the heart of the pad bed. A Thill Slip Float with 1/32-ounce Pro Crappie Jighead sporting a skinny 2-inch white worm tipped with a Rosey Red fathead minnow produced the most fish through the afternoon. Jim wasn't accustomed to casting so such a distance with a bobber but but eventually mastered the slip float and began catching crappies. These were some of the largest black crappies I have ever encountered immediately after ice-out on Pymatuning. Jim took home approximately 20 to clean, with all others released.. I can now officially declared that spring has come to Northwest Pennsylvania! Watch for future reports as fishing continues to heat up through April and May.Darl Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15706443870116037857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634185677205705073.post-52622116358873988062014-01-17T19:27:00.002-08:002014-01-17T19:27:38.149-08:00Erie Ice Camp<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHPo3EbGvPpG6n8BV7bQNIm98gslukAMZd9YuDaLfRPXj8vc5zQicW6M8IjhUTRzTfeFoVFLSPS-HTEdVA2dLIWmZhB-8TlADLq_4jdsMuVjeBi7pgU1XzNVyfmpzr3ZlHpbl4WW-e2Yd/s1600/ice+camp+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHPo3EbGvPpG6n8BV7bQNIm98gslukAMZd9YuDaLfRPXj8vc5zQicW6M8IjhUTRzTfeFoVFLSPS-HTEdVA2dLIWmZhB-8TlADLq_4jdsMuVjeBi7pgU1XzNVyfmpzr3ZlHpbl4WW-e2Yd/s1600/ice+camp+01.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a>When Ice Force pro-staffer Dave Lefebre planned an ice fishing media even for mid-January in Northwest Pennsylvania, he expected the odds to be in his favor for safe ice on area lakes. However, with the strange freeze-thaw cycle this winter, the event seemed to be in peril up to about a week before...then the big Polar Front blew across PA and sealed the deal.<br />
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While recognized for his tournament bass fishing skills, this was Lefebre's opportunity to show his extensive fishing skills and to demonstrate new ice fishing equipment from Rapala, VMC, Trigger X, MarCum, Otter and Strikemaster. Attending the Erie Ice Camp were outdoor writers Jeff Samsel (Atlanta, GA), Steve Chaconas (Alexandria, VA), Jon Storm (Buffalo, NY) and myself. Although referred to as a camp, we were very appreciative that Dave didn't have us sleeping in tents!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8FqcNpfuQfIeyi9JrsbA8TWOex6yGoEXGPWP-CQ_JGS0tpcXXTwHGIL6M6GyEeahm_Nno_0wHl5X-eN_25ycv5YmZUn9ZwU22eC6GGcSrVVExlkt8-9VxpQBay0FbRUPcsRZgZlQQtQs/s1600/ice+camp+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8FqcNpfuQfIeyi9JrsbA8TWOex6yGoEXGPWP-CQ_JGS0tpcXXTwHGIL6M6GyEeahm_Nno_0wHl5X-eN_25ycv5YmZUn9ZwU22eC6GGcSrVVExlkt8-9VxpQBay0FbRUPcsRZgZlQQtQs/s1600/ice+camp+03.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mVTzm8bY7IWUJiSVcyMj_7GlMKSLisofuhyA9KUXgo599dKjqypQHQSfVKQu8n81Y4S_CU2rKRfIugFLEslD5U9UC0v6eOVxi0Tect3kla0s34pC0KSUm6-SsHDykOcXpWvyLeKf-KOt/s1600/ice+camp+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mVTzm8bY7IWUJiSVcyMj_7GlMKSLisofuhyA9KUXgo599dKjqypQHQSfVKQu8n81Y4S_CU2rKRfIugFLEslD5U9UC0v6eOVxi0Tect3kla0s34pC0KSUm6-SsHDykOcXpWvyLeKf-KOt/s1600/ice+camp+02.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0nRvrFCDutntaAikYlzwsnDERaAlB3rSgEcMlMiewIhE6wyr9d-xU4j3aNS7Tv_Qsasm6mcoY86ettv5lF35xBELaleF49J8ITsaCgGe3aywNp8hwjK500ggnpVdH1mltFYVUZUhLuZWw/s1600/ice+camp+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0nRvrFCDutntaAikYlzwsnDERaAlB3rSgEcMlMiewIhE6wyr9d-xU4j3aNS7Tv_Qsasm6mcoY86ettv5lF35xBELaleF49J8ITsaCgGe3aywNp8hwjK500ggnpVdH1mltFYVUZUhLuZWw/s1600/ice+camp+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0nRvrFCDutntaAikYlzwsnDERaAlB3rSgEcMlMiewIhE6wyr9d-xU4j3aNS7Tv_Qsasm6mcoY86ettv5lF35xBELaleF49J8ITsaCgGe3aywNp8hwjK500ggnpVdH1mltFYVUZUhLuZWw/s1600/ice+camp+04.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbua4jWI7MSoKazmIsizQdhs0lpHwx565BAP0wNVKLFOg441D_145LgCyzaNuFlfAxVUMJ8nIjiEgTkmTQbRfi2Qv9BtVh5HUurWeW27_sHb6OPcpM6DdslOjpcTZmRg4l-DAz_K50itVa/s1600/ice+camp+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbua4jWI7MSoKazmIsizQdhs0lpHwx565BAP0wNVKLFOg441D_145LgCyzaNuFlfAxVUMJ8nIjiEgTkmTQbRfi2Qv9BtVh5HUurWeW27_sHb6OPcpM6DdslOjpcTZmRg4l-DAz_K50itVa/s1600/ice+camp+05.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><span style="color: black;">I was only able to attend two of the three days. During my first day, we fished Presque Isle Bay for crappies, bluegills and perch - filling a five gallon bucket with panfish. However, returning the next day to Misery Bay, we found the water level in PIB had come up overnight due to a strong Northeast wind on the main lake (which was still open). Ice cover had separated from the shoreline, so Dave's Plan B kicked in. We head inland to Lake Pleasant - a small natural lake with panfish and trout. Although I had never fished Pleasant, I was very impressed by the size of the yellow perch, rainbow trout and brook trout which the crew caught on a variety of ice jigs with plastic trailers while watching strikes happen on MarCum sonar and underwater camera.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0nRvrFCDutntaAikYlzwsnDERaAlB3rSgEcMlMiewIhE6wyr9d-xU4j3aNS7Tv_Qsasm6mcoY86ettv5lF35xBELaleF49J8ITsaCgGe3aywNp8hwjK500ggnpVdH1mltFYVUZUhLuZWw/s1600/ice+camp+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0nRvrFCDutntaAikYlzwsnDERaAlB3rSgEcMlMiewIhE6wyr9d-xU4j3aNS7Tv_Qsasm6mcoY86ettv5lF35xBELaleF49J8ITsaCgGe3aywNp8hwjK500ggnpVdH1mltFYVUZUhLuZWw/s1600/ice+camp+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0nRvrFCDutntaAikYlzwsnDERaAlB3rSgEcMlMiewIhE6wyr9d-xU4j3aNS7Tv_Qsasm6mcoY86ettv5lF35xBELaleF49J8ITsaCgGe3aywNp8hwjK500ggnpVdH1mltFYVUZUhLuZWw/s1600/ice+camp+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></a><br />
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-ePhqglp8oig%2FUtnw04n7mgI%2FAAAAAAAAAQQ%2FUGQm_5TJ4ns%2Fs1600%2Fice%2Bcamp%2B04.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0nRvrFCDutntaAikYlzwsnDERaAlB3rSgEcMlMiewIhE6wyr9d-xU4j3aNS7Tv_Qsasm6mcoY86ettv5lF35xBELaleF49J8ITsaCgGe3aywNp8hwjK500ggnpVdH1mltFYVUZUhLuZWw/s1600/ice+camp+04.jpg" -->Darl Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15706443870116037857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634185677205705073.post-32568405182234844062013-12-29T11:24:00.001-08:002013-12-29T11:24:59.228-08:00New Friends and Old Acquaintances on Winter Creeks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjen6VImKFN-R73GuO5kmGh2DzY5VZUBxIC9xf3iuteMmwiJKMvU5KVwiZNufDazMKdLNJQ8ftsR37-LawAJNEwwjD1grRMAQpVVkg4rBIkSJUrKncpfPTGe4-CUvPqNIK0i1z67LbG8WRY/s1600/01+woodcock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjen6VImKFN-R73GuO5kmGh2DzY5VZUBxIC9xf3iuteMmwiJKMvU5KVwiZNufDazMKdLNJQ8ftsR37-LawAJNEwwjD1grRMAQpVVkg4rBIkSJUrKncpfPTGe4-CUvPqNIK0i1z67LbG8WRY/s200/01+woodcock.jpg" width="200" /></a>A 40-degree sunny day on Saturday, December 28 seemed perfect for Marilyn and I to go fishing for photos on a little road trip to winter fishing hotspots in our region. Our fist stop was a walleye hotspot at the outflow below Woodcock Dam where two anglers were casting the current seam. In our conversation with them, it turned out that I had taken pictures of one - John Moraski of Union City - at the same spot two years ago during the winter. The other - Brian Gerson of Pittsburgh - recognized my name and Marilyn's name from our articles in the PA Angler. Marilyn joined the two fishermen on the wall for a quick snapshot before we headed north.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ooJ6RdDlcxab6cAUqS_7_pAE7U0IdtcYdE4t7aoo3HzdbUwiz6sm3f3KbK1pcUd-f2RVdqPJZSp_nUG71X4f-IY1aDvo55C1TzqQfTWBtbWjgmRfF4wLTityMO5sb80rBf2u_5em4qiw/s1600/03+musky+streamer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ooJ6RdDlcxab6cAUqS_7_pAE7U0IdtcYdE4t7aoo3HzdbUwiz6sm3f3KbK1pcUd-f2RVdqPJZSp_nUG71X4f-IY1aDvo55C1TzqQfTWBtbWjgmRfF4wLTityMO5sb80rBf2u_5em4qiw/s200/03+musky+streamer.jpg" width="200" /></a>Our next stop was "The Point" where Conneautee Creek joins French Creek near Cambridge Springs - a hotspot for winter musky. I walked down to talk with a fly-fisherman working a hand-tied oversize streamer for toothy critters. When I introduced myself, he says "I know you from sportsmen's meetings years ago, and I know your wife from her years on the Fish Commission. I'm Jim Simonelli of Girard." The name I certainly recalled the name even though it had been 20 years. When Marilyn joined us, it was like old home week as they caught up talking about steelhead issues.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjjCGvYEJlfNXg45xlgqVLyCe3lgyJncmQF6zrRehgR1ipp19o0ThB2Z2fqNSv_f_45Aybhg-HG6akjSmN_HgPdO93ofUeVbR5kUbR15Se-A5Sho1PbgRC8XMahREizN73ApCXpDg_Nor/s1600/05+steelhead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjjCGvYEJlfNXg45xlgqVLyCe3lgyJncmQF6zrRehgR1ipp19o0ThB2Z2fqNSv_f_45Aybhg-HG6akjSmN_HgPdO93ofUeVbR5kUbR15Se-A5Sho1PbgRC8XMahREizN73ApCXpDg_Nor/s200/05+steelhead.jpg" width="200" /></a>Then it was off to 16 Mile Creek near North East in hopes of steelhead photos. We encountered two couples from St. Mary's just as the steelhead turned on in the pool they were fishing. I went to work with the camera, getting pictures which included Josh Odell's biggest fish of the day and his wife Ashley's first steelhead ever. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo24wZYMzabNMI_oTTKNN5lPHnK5u0wa81N0He9_OArQpAYPvMVE6-RIGDYNz6aWq89HivFHNT8T99IC84270lhTRC71HlqsgcjhPgSlGeYtgaLLkwcIdVh_Jh8cdJliz9ACDkBUrUkTiV/s1600/04+16+mile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo24wZYMzabNMI_oTTKNN5lPHnK5u0wa81N0He9_OArQpAYPvMVE6-RIGDYNz6aWq89HivFHNT8T99IC84270lhTRC71HlqsgcjhPgSlGeYtgaLLkwcIdVh_Jh8cdJliz9ACDkBUrUkTiV/s200/04+16+mile.jpg" width="200" /></a>As action waned, Marilyn walked upstream to photograph an angler by the falls. As when approached, he stared at her for a moment and said, "I know you from photographs in the PA Angler. Aren't you Marilyn Black?" This was his 7th trip this year to the steelhead streams for avid PA Angler reader Mike Limerick of Punxsutawney.<br />
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Never know who you will meet on NW PA creeks!<br />
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Darl Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15706443870116037857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634185677205705073.post-52435821732232055182013-11-21T18:32:00.000-08:002013-11-21T18:32:30.302-08:00Hot Time on a Cold River<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNbGh-4UxFVsoTfldd1jqNoA-EbEg6Usbt4c-yE0pzkooGhbo1YM89IQ4u3smhvVfgPyKk7De3kWHBQihFKCyiw5dujh6HSi9AD-NqRdpqpHhtmEVPo2fZv-TU3UOo-V1EySPf00CNhCd/s1600/DS+mb+2+smb+red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNbGh-4UxFVsoTfldd1jqNoA-EbEg6Usbt4c-yE0pzkooGhbo1YM89IQ4u3smhvVfgPyKk7De3kWHBQihFKCyiw5dujh6HSi9AD-NqRdpqpHhtmEVPo2fZv-TU3UOo-V1EySPf00CNhCd/s200/DS+mb+2+smb+red.jpg" width="133" /></a>This past week I angled for smallmouth bass on the Allegheny River with my favorite fishing partner, my wife Marilyn. We really enjoy being on the water this time of year. Often when one of us mentions to someone that we are still fishing into November and December, they immediately ask 'what can you catch when the water is so cold?' I try to explain that 40-something degree water is prime for river smallmouth bass and walleye, but generally they give us a funny look. Well, here's the deal...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WDYKtAmD8Gym81AuAC0kXojrdHUjupG0r_muZY77IKhZ1VesPGK0nOJKgu91E9VWp0JfVP8-MSmd2RIPvo-9bvj-c12yj_XsUtt9PD-rXTClLWaU-8v4FgqATB4kYIJDjrQdbBPMOwA_/s1600/DS+cu+smb+tube.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WDYKtAmD8Gym81AuAC0kXojrdHUjupG0r_muZY77IKhZ1VesPGK0nOJKgu91E9VWp0JfVP8-MSmd2RIPvo-9bvj-c12yj_XsUtt9PD-rXTClLWaU-8v4FgqATB4kYIJDjrQdbBPMOwA_/s200/DS+cu+smb+tube.jpg" width="133" /></a>On this most recent outing, we actually fished only three hours, with the balance of the time spent running the river and doing fishing photography. We landed 30 smallmouth bass; all but one were between 15 inches and 20 inches. Each bass came on a Get Bit Bait tube, especially their Crawling Tube (see lure close-up). Tubes are fished slowly along rocky bottom in slower moving pools and eddies. Rod and line are also very critical elements in cold water. We use 6-pound Gamma Edge (fluorocarbon) line on incredibly sensitive G. Loomis 2-power GLX 6'10" spinning rods. The proof is in the pictures!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjfieOTSO7y3IXn_3HnhVXLWABjR2vuDvFot-X6ogMJpflf_mM9I7WXU1VWSxCjLo-k0DYk7EbpccZGxylPELCPGZCmiW7MuaKcWLvN1L4uhW_677m1TjhZlWhds2BjE6NwGlkvBRb8kO/s1600/DS+db+2+smb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjfieOTSO7y3IXn_3HnhVXLWABjR2vuDvFot-X6ogMJpflf_mM9I7WXU1VWSxCjLo-k0DYk7EbpccZGxylPELCPGZCmiW7MuaKcWLvN1L4uhW_677m1TjhZlWhds2BjE6NwGlkvBRb8kO/s200/DS+db+2+smb.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtWNu2KAQ9xvFavaZDKuOXFKFBBhIbemRdn9G-uvw89V8JpiNdjTBAPP7uWRqUPnwGCWshV8_DqZRww3Oq3V4U7sudreeYn6Ostn9Wqq080qRNXxRbsuWgpd2S0bjEJIhAVl8SH_HrwLv/s1600/DS+Boat+LW+smb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtWNu2KAQ9xvFavaZDKuOXFKFBBhIbemRdn9G-uvw89V8JpiNdjTBAPP7uWRqUPnwGCWshV8_DqZRww3Oq3V4U7sudreeYn6Ostn9Wqq080qRNXxRbsuWgpd2S0bjEJIhAVl8SH_HrwLv/s200/DS+Boat+LW+smb.jpg" width="200" /></a>Darl Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15706443870116037857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634185677205705073.post-17271006568434673982013-10-23T11:21:00.001-07:002013-10-23T11:21:41.952-07:00Beating the Slump<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlOVVL8QuSVh1JNi_P6dtx8vYZPauYs58zDYZwVBXI_8htfcemWXS70NGg_lueFDoqpZRiJyh6pb-yoSAnJ8wl2rRFyx7KAcynfwIwMZTzqjPqtyJjGFQTY6mg2p2Y4UFWYawkkgFwlNe/s1600/Blog+02+mb+sb+smallie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlOVVL8QuSVh1JNi_P6dtx8vYZPauYs58zDYZwVBXI_8htfcemWXS70NGg_lueFDoqpZRiJyh6pb-yoSAnJ8wl2rRFyx7KAcynfwIwMZTzqjPqtyJjGFQTY6mg2p2Y4UFWYawkkgFwlNe/s200/Blog+02+mb+sb+smallie.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PLYgeLFvKN4PMCc6sSP1lJnNBPuAjQklU_b4oGPCH0XA0QLnwZqal8Mm6mKIQ2zXvKMJ84efRGpBfO_kQg9OVQjUuYviLr8GGqhnKZg6yTXO4mTooH4Fr1Shplzok-W6koSfJSOOsGJs/s1600/Blog+01+mb+landing+smb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PLYgeLFvKN4PMCc6sSP1lJnNBPuAjQklU_b4oGPCH0XA0QLnwZqal8Mm6mKIQ2zXvKMJ84efRGpBfO_kQg9OVQjUuYviLr8GGqhnKZg6yTXO4mTooH4Fr1Shplzok-W6koSfJSOOsGJs/s200/Blog+01+mb+landing+smb.jpg" width="133" /></a>Recently angling friend and renowned bass angler Rich Zaleski referred to "losing and finding his mojo" when experiencing a couple day dry spell of not catching bass. We've all been there - when the bites don't come as expected on familiar waters. Sure, we all have outstanding days on the water, better than average, just okay and even below average days of catching - we all expect that. But when you cannot put a single desired bass species in the boat...well that was the slump I found myself in during recent weeks. It stared during a one-day trip to New York's Chautauqua Lake for smallmouth bass where Marilyn caught her largest walleye ever, but I could not muster a single bass. The next day at Kinzua Reservoir, Marilyn caught the only "photo fish" and I struck out. Then the following week I fished Conneaut Lake near my home where I normally come up with multiple 4- to 6-pound smallmouths in mid-October - but not a single smallie in two trips. There was talk of taking up golf. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYrNh9yNMfH18CVjslKBjsC73qlGxPCA9LMSGKnZc00SKGrTDZ5WIhMkWrTIxoKpqloBfskv-sKMs1ffgV8od2soT9Mebv0g3V6jncvMt1S3R5uWEiuImjcMpZIzNgIJ9IomSxbJ4ktiA/s1600/blog+03+db+1+smb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYrNh9yNMfH18CVjslKBjsC73qlGxPCA9LMSGKnZc00SKGrTDZ5WIhMkWrTIxoKpqloBfskv-sKMs1ffgV8od2soT9Mebv0g3V6jncvMt1S3R5uWEiuImjcMpZIzNgIJ9IomSxbJ4ktiA/s200/blog+03+db+1+smb.jpg" width="133" /></a>Fortunately things turned around this past week when Marilyn and I hit the Allegheny River after two days of cold rain. The river was rising and dingy, and water temperature dropped from the low 60s to the mid-50s. Now some fishermen might think these were unfavorable conditions, but for October it was just what the doctor ordered. Marilyn struck first with a couple brown beauties taken on a chartreuse-blade Terminator T-1 Spinnerbait. Then it was my turn with a Get Bit Crawling Tube with chartreuse-dyed tail - landing a 3-pounder and then back-to-back 4-pounders. the bite continued strong through early afternoon, providing us a most exciting day. Wow, it feels great to break a slump with brown bass like these!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdTW6pn-rKhxmfm8r0oBucwaCd1H47pkuiBcmNKS6EOv2cEf8n1xTMNFtFnSJGC6ierCcP6CNqSZwih0Y5rNvbAciZCFoO86HVS85W3GFPZrzGumtqEhJD8pcrE5bUCplXhgt1as-JLsv/s1600/blog+04+db+2+smb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdTW6pn-rKhxmfm8r0oBucwaCd1H47pkuiBcmNKS6EOv2cEf8n1xTMNFtFnSJGC6ierCcP6CNqSZwih0Y5rNvbAciZCFoO86HVS85W3GFPZrzGumtqEhJD8pcrE5bUCplXhgt1as-JLsv/s1600/blog+04+db+2+smb.jpg" /></a>Darl Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15706443870116037857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634185677205705073.post-90952289642957742732013-09-22T19:35:00.000-07:002013-09-22T19:35:38.296-07:00Counting by Ten<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOhfa_PQctTbz6FA-1y0t1Ic21PApWkr-qwxRTa1UEBFiWc3EHxTEphkQGk57PbQDH_SkgPxwXNUFs13LQh-8JdaBqekEE_ZBOPdqOnJ9gT7LgqaNPSnIk6ScwgRwyHp10ZKDX_7snWoa/s1600/DS+PIB+Dave+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOhfa_PQctTbz6FA-1y0t1Ic21PApWkr-qwxRTa1UEBFiWc3EHxTEphkQGk57PbQDH_SkgPxwXNUFs13LQh-8JdaBqekEE_ZBOPdqOnJ9gT7LgqaNPSnIk6ScwgRwyHp10ZKDX_7snWoa/s200/DS+PIB+Dave+02.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5iLZk3i9ClB2nOeNCRuHk_tGq1lRdfZdcE9ORV13ibqQJu5H7VOUGOx-boC5LqQAaAsc_gvPXgDfQWZGpfCVn7kXz44vuli7IQGXv3WQXkdviC6Wev3jKe-qObaVCo8YrroTg8VwtHg8/s1600/DS+PIB+Dave+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5iLZk3i9ClB2nOeNCRuHk_tGq1lRdfZdcE9ORV13ibqQJu5H7VOUGOx-boC5LqQAaAsc_gvPXgDfQWZGpfCVn7kXz44vuli7IQGXv3WQXkdviC6Wev3jKe-qObaVCo8YrroTg8VwtHg8/s200/DS+PIB+Dave+03.jpg" width="200" /></a>This week I fished Presque Isle Bay with professional angler Dave Lefebre of Erie, PA. As many of you may know, Dave is a hot stick on the bass tour. When fishing for fun, it is impossible for anyone in the boat to keep up with him when bass are biting - especially when it comes to flipping weeds. Dave is a fishing machine...he spots an opening, drops the jig in, shakes it once, detects a bite, sets the hook, hauls the bass in, unhooks it, releases it and tosses the jig back to the pocket as fast as I can focus and snap a picture. In a little under three hours we put 30 bass in the boat. I caught my customary 6 bass while Dave caught the other 24. If you fish in a boat with Dave during a casual outing, the first thing you've got to understand is he only quits when a multiple of 10 bass has been reached. We were stuck at 28 bass for over 40 minutes before getting two to make 30 - at which point we could stop and do photography. The next day I was talking with Tom Ference who has fished with Dave on numerous occasions, and we reflected on Lefebre's insistence to hit a certain number before stopping. "If the bite is very good and the boat catch hits 80 bass, then Dave won't quit until 100 bass are caught," note Tom. "And whatever you do, don't let that 101st bass be caught 'cause Dave will insist you fish until dark to hit 120!" <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfdxBxEbZ3AGAYtNDxiHN_MnUSEsAU6nlG31Gwwi9aS_YtCHDwmMdg3qW6KjdAnyp91rKp0YSMUE3WCSRdTsjv2DDYPhnY1PKGD5-pNAEC_WfI1WqAkcmVFi3wnkphBzzBTsB1xF2QNnr/s1600/DS+PIB+Dave+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfdxBxEbZ3AGAYtNDxiHN_MnUSEsAU6nlG31Gwwi9aS_YtCHDwmMdg3qW6KjdAnyp91rKp0YSMUE3WCSRdTsjv2DDYPhnY1PKGD5-pNAEC_WfI1WqAkcmVFi3wnkphBzzBTsB1xF2QNnr/s200/DS+PIB+Dave+04.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrINkVJz5SfNbIQEv3X0UsaVMS6M7UZjUg3_FjQ17q2Fvlkj1dDyTn-e77jEhxoRjXVLXq2LUYITtSokciRaNXheG46Zr-c6wdhPiIBHy3KLvqGcku4ggqs2WiMqC1qG-TJexmEMPFnDi/s1600/DS+PIB+Dave+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrINkVJz5SfNbIQEv3X0UsaVMS6M7UZjUg3_FjQ17q2Fvlkj1dDyTn-e77jEhxoRjXVLXq2LUYITtSokciRaNXheG46Zr-c6wdhPiIBHy3KLvqGcku4ggqs2WiMqC1qG-TJexmEMPFnDi/s200/DS+PIB+Dave+05.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
Darl Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15706443870116037857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634185677205705073.post-17875361302428720982013-08-23T10:35:00.000-07:002013-08-23T10:35:59.631-07:00Full Moon Smallies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK79suTfPShQHCyCGzZFAFcdDhrevDOMM7MmfYQFQFPlQJQGJWz1tfi4xFbBR0w9nkT_dzp3CCyXIWgQ2s7C6XKumkDrgRIMJRGNmRRn6kMK7EXInHxw343g2vZbBw67UHVQ0jdJQJi8w-/s1600/W001+MB+SMB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK79suTfPShQHCyCGzZFAFcdDhrevDOMM7MmfYQFQFPlQJQGJWz1tfi4xFbBR0w9nkT_dzp3CCyXIWgQ2s7C6XKumkDrgRIMJRGNmRRn6kMK7EXInHxw343g2vZbBw67UHVQ0jdJQJi8w-/s320/W001+MB+SMB.jpg" width="320" /></a>Although casting would be hampered by a dozen stitches in my right arm, my desire to get out smallmouth fishing during the rising full moon this past week overcame common sense. Marilyn and I headed to s small USACE flood control lake near our home for a moonrise/sunset outing. During the late summer we would usually fish this exceptionally clear-water lake with drop-shot baits in 10 to 18 feet, switching to topwater at dusk. <br />
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But we arrived to find the reservoir higher than normal with water up to the shoreline grass, and visibility less than six inches - apparently the result of an algae bloom. "Swim jig time" I said to Marilyn, but immediately followed it up with an unprintable expletive when I recalled the swim jig case was left behind. With the only swim jig tied to the G. Loomis NRX 853C, Marilyn elected to fish topwater on another rod while I fished the incredibly lightweight NRX which allowed effortless casting with my injured arm. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4l3jDmHPy5cQ3ga4LzfcJ6itorUT9ZcBbZtfRvfh-3f5h1cSq9mXyV9zzcnaWt3ZCmXwAzrqdxPlfJbgB30UmQiqk7kTZsXQRiZYcPbbYuyxJwQXESXOpJWiOOLtXHpMyANn8ux3kigp/s1600/W002+MB+sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4l3jDmHPy5cQ3ga4LzfcJ6itorUT9ZcBbZtfRvfh-3f5h1cSq9mXyV9zzcnaWt3ZCmXwAzrqdxPlfJbgB30UmQiqk7kTZsXQRiZYcPbbYuyxJwQXESXOpJWiOOLtXHpMyANn8ux3kigp/s200/W002+MB+sunset.jpg" width="200" /></a>Upon landing my second smallmouth (after missing three), I suggested we share the swim jig rod. Within a half dozen casts, Marilyn hooked a lunker bronzeback which measured 21 inches - with a guesstimate weight of 5 pounds. At that point Dr. Marilyn decided my arm would be further injured if I was allowed to cast and fight fish. So in the midst of the best summer smallmouth bite on Woodcock Lake, the balance of the evening I served as net man for Marilyn. However, she figured I wasn't so incapacitated that I could not hold up a couple more of <em>her fish</em> for a photo!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cVwgM7m99ET75FbWgHlOsVB3vZBHGUv-eI_FyYgcW1oB803pQJK-2HJBc7GR4OxU9cRxIElZ92_NMXzs3Or1EDGFlVBE4AO53ahr95JyEtdc2tpbg5dhOZq0PB0aEVALz7gcG8AwmQBD/s1600/W003+DB+duo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cVwgM7m99ET75FbWgHlOsVB3vZBHGUv-eI_FyYgcW1oB803pQJK-2HJBc7GR4OxU9cRxIElZ92_NMXzs3Or1EDGFlVBE4AO53ahr95JyEtdc2tpbg5dhOZq0PB0aEVALz7gcG8AwmQBD/s200/W003+DB+duo.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Darl Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15706443870116037857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634185677205705073.post-13671035806442078192013-07-26T19:15:00.001-07:002013-07-26T19:15:57.564-07:00Some Days I Love My Job<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsU7gJAA-72IzAzbEk_GYA5aeUkV2O7cOrKtHFscAp5fnuJFt7uzJ4L2l2sfF6jrDXH4oq4Q1VFT_ZSq2cqGfLurkXuS4nl8GDk2UaX2_2jJGEI48Q8SByXTqNejzl4aKrGRpLhNSEOaHY/s1600/B003+CL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsU7gJAA-72IzAzbEk_GYA5aeUkV2O7cOrKtHFscAp5fnuJFt7uzJ4L2l2sfF6jrDXH4oq4Q1VFT_ZSq2cqGfLurkXuS4nl8GDk2UaX2_2jJGEI48Q8SByXTqNejzl4aKrGRpLhNSEOaHY/s200/B003+CL.jpg" width="133" /></a>Some days a plan comes together. After six weeks of daily extreme storms followed by two weeks of extreme heat, I had fallen behind in shooting pictures needed for upcoming articles. With deadlines approaching, I set up three photo shoots in one day.<br />
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Yesterday morning, I started out at Conneaut Lake at 6 AM with Steve Hughes to obtain photos of his weedline cranking technique for largemouth with a Bomber Fat Free Shad; these were needed for a website article. Steve came through with fish and I was out of there before noon. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9wP9hkQndemHlEUTTye96BgKYPRGgW6VLT51Yf9azGVN0sGtLVwTXRlFPaTJQot5KyF03szpb4QEGLD0g0NHo7z38uPjmrilPQjt0ZpLCGUdKcqepd2GxLW-KZKdogC8Sf213SQUc6Dv/s1600/B004+Py.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9wP9hkQndemHlEUTTye96BgKYPRGgW6VLT51Yf9azGVN0sGtLVwTXRlFPaTJQot5KyF03szpb4QEGLD0g0NHo7z38uPjmrilPQjt0ZpLCGUdKcqepd2GxLW-KZKdogC8Sf213SQUc6Dv/s200/B004+Py.jpg" width="133" /></a>At 1:00 PM, I met Pymatuning Lake crappie expert "Hooker" at Hill's Country Store and we proceeded to Bay 41 launch. This shoot was for an article on depthfinder use for crappie fishing. Out first stop on a stump-covered hump produced one crappie. But Hooker came through at our second stop which yielded impressive sonar photos of deep cover and crappies - and plenty of fish on Bobby Garland Baby baits.<br />
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Then back to Conneaut Lake for a 5:00 meeting with Bryan Stuyvesant to obtain photos of his drop shot technique for smallmouth bass, needed for a Cabela's Outfitter Journal Article. We struggled but Bryan came through with a photo fish. We also learned just how much white bass love umbrella rigs!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe98T3peWSKnX6wdx_mTAzu1DCF6E5C7kWIzQg394gqNKDyF-4Mf4UzP4T1uuU1FO2rB7QxGGNRf0-zkeirNanrdY72MczTDTpib0sTtm-y3oYGcddTZOGA11GJP1H5E_njbccVoIkTqwS/s1600/B005+CL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe98T3peWSKnX6wdx_mTAzu1DCF6E5C7kWIzQg394gqNKDyF-4Mf4UzP4T1uuU1FO2rB7QxGGNRf0-zkeirNanrdY72MczTDTpib0sTtm-y3oYGcddTZOGA11GJP1H5E_njbccVoIkTqwS/s200/B005+CL.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />
Thanks to rhree great anglers hitting home runs under pressure. Gee, some days I love my job!Darl Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15706443870116037857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634185677205705073.post-11801181895262937962013-07-21T19:51:00.000-07:002013-07-21T19:51:28.270-07:00Heat Wave BreaksFishing in Northwest Pennsylvania this summer as been a challenge. A funny shift in the jet stream has generated record rainfall and record heat in our area for the past month. I attempted a couple trips to area lakes, but literally melted in the 95 degree temperatures and near 100% humidity within an hour. <br />
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The heat wave finally broke yesterday, with temperatures dropping into the 80s. So with a heavy overcast and misty rain last evening, Marilyn and I headed to Conneaut Lake hoping to connect with active smallmouth on top - knowing that today we would be under high pressure. But the smallies didn't get the news bulletin. Actually, every species apparently had lockjaw. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0sn6a0trAs2LCYafWtVRnG-2rMMysQ9eup8dB0gnhc3NJkD9ciau7gtZ2eR6BZi08DUyR8oo1VPL1QrzkJxRYB2czmdA-TZksdfBNpMMhYd0d5S6_WKJLvIvPzEymaS1-SiCFtDkBZ9-/s1600/002+blog+smb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0sn6a0trAs2LCYafWtVRnG-2rMMysQ9eup8dB0gnhc3NJkD9ciau7gtZ2eR6BZi08DUyR8oo1VPL1QrzkJxRYB2czmdA-TZksdfBNpMMhYd0d5S6_WKJLvIvPzEymaS1-SiCFtDkBZ9-/s200/002+blog+smb.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNArCE5byZ4VVXaJ8b6OjzNoKyG-GeGMQ6xqEQfim4RDS_Ed63cGaWk6vDAU8PFNU1zRNqsoLJyYc9V38jTjNG0m-lbNz6g5A6Oi2rGcDOy93CmU3gjsw3NpJKL5SeWyHCllWElu8zxUW/s1600/001+blog+sonar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNArCE5byZ4VVXaJ8b6OjzNoKyG-GeGMQ6xqEQfim4RDS_Ed63cGaWk6vDAU8PFNU1zRNqsoLJyYc9V38jTjNG0m-lbNz6g5A6Oi2rGcDOy93CmU3gjsw3NpJKL5SeWyHCllWElu8zxUW/s200/001+blog+sonar.jpg" width="133" /></a>So I began probing the deeper edge of one of the mid-lake humps with my newly installed Garmin echoMAP 50. When I spotted what appeared to be exposed rocks, baitfish school and some larger fish on the screen in about 17 feet of water, Marilyn cast a drop-shot rig and slowly dragged the sinker until she contacted rocks. A little shake or two of the Lunker City Ribster Worm, and a she was connected to her first Conneaut Lake smallmouth of the summer! Darl Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15706443870116037857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634185677205705073.post-66373191287623172562013-06-06T14:57:00.000-07:002013-06-06T14:57:25.856-07:00A Place Out of TimeMarilyn and I pointed our Explorer south on I-79 recently to visit Britt and Leigh Stoudenmire in Pembroke, Virginia. Britt and Leigh operate the New River Outdoor Company (<a href="http://www.newriveroutdoorco.com/">www.newriveroutdoorco.com</a>), offering canoe and kayak rentals, guided fishing trips and secluded cabin rentals. I had first fished smallmouth with Britt in April 2010. This time, Britt wanted to demonstrate the post-spawn bite on the New River and James River.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQrCa8HQSNRvk6DzuECQuSHPs0pak8ORIP8D2Wdqng2fr4GmRni6oSP9Z7jOK4Hl1JqvW-qVLDQQiOQP6s7oGxBqo8wHx55eIlJ0jCmLRwSr7H9f1_l6f64vKOmHKxeYZj-JvSsmGDltU/s1600/NR+01+rapid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQrCa8HQSNRvk6DzuECQuSHPs0pak8ORIP8D2Wdqng2fr4GmRni6oSP9Z7jOK4Hl1JqvW-qVLDQQiOQP6s7oGxBqo8wHx55eIlJ0jCmLRwSr7H9f1_l6f64vKOmHKxeYZj-JvSsmGDltU/s200/NR+01+rapid.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The New River is anything but new. Britt explains that geologically, the New is the oldest continuous flowing river in the US, carving an unusual south-to-north path through the Appalachians from east side of the mountains to west side. It's smooth stretches are interrupted with substantial solid rock rifts extending the width of the river creating foaming white water. Jet boats run small sections, but inflatable self-draining rafts are required for long distance float trips.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDO-K284OtBjUP4X6f9O70WpRoK0vrgeoFyFU6Zc_6f6tcDi0QR3xgMawkdTKce2607NjIagZh6dNVtdOdLRNl-a2iVwC3wZgODFDP9QOkfnm_TlRYIGoK9iGWW3oOOu-gIxnqDveMcmMX/s1600/NR+02+mb+bs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDO-K284OtBjUP4X6f9O70WpRoK0vrgeoFyFU6Zc_6f6tcDi0QR3xgMawkdTKce2607NjIagZh6dNVtdOdLRNl-a2iVwC3wZgODFDP9QOkfnm_TlRYIGoK9iGWW3oOOu-gIxnqDveMcmMX/s200/NR+02+mb+bs.jpg" width="200" /></a>Day One on the New started off with Marilyn catching a smallmouth on her first cast. Bass in the 8 to 13-inch range came almost at will. But boasting-size bass seemed to be holding back - except for Marilyn's magic bait. Fishing a 3" black tube that had been tied on her river smallmouth rod since an outing in March, she caught not only smaller fish but all the respectable bass over 17 inches...until thunder ringing across the valley forced us to make for the take-out point with haste.<br />
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On Day Two, Britt and I took a page from Marilyn's playbook, with each of us tying on a black tube. It was the right choice for me as I rallied somewhat from Day One using a new Get Bit Stream Tube on a 1/8-ounce head. Britt switched often, between a tube, soft jerkbait and hard jerkbait. Marilyn continued her run on large smallmouth with the same black tube which somehow she had not lost to snags the previous day, claiming it was the 6-pound Gamma Edge that saved her bait time and time again.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iSME2h1e5zFMREfFoWXYSqvvao4eSfUoWx3YYfiFFLjAHqtCgxgPLJtp3bEqf662_mHU1XlkJUREUeEbQ7tQSla1N8uEwgEZX1EfiPB1K4TV3tuENf7XSMwv54Q82P0jDp5q36R0zfBS/s1600/NR+04+double+B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iSME2h1e5zFMREfFoWXYSqvvao4eSfUoWx3YYfiFFLjAHqtCgxgPLJtp3bEqf662_mHU1XlkJUREUeEbQ7tQSla1N8uEwgEZX1EfiPB1K4TV3tuENf7XSMwv54Q82P0jDp5q36R0zfBS/s200/NR+04+double+B.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQEQe57BJZWhanl3DrIY2i5MDC5auRpbdIESjfMpL65NbasYaKDZ07siNsvTOco9hZlXqTAEq3-IRu-4dP2-PWniT7N50Gx4PF8yOmIBMDsxJsiNZfqEXyaQd3USwwteQieNglphz1I4K/s1600/NR+03+double+A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQEQe57BJZWhanl3DrIY2i5MDC5auRpbdIESjfMpL65NbasYaKDZ07siNsvTOco9hZlXqTAEq3-IRu-4dP2-PWniT7N50Gx4PF8yOmIBMDsxJsiNZfqEXyaQd3USwwteQieNglphz1I4K/s200/NR+03+double+A.jpg" width="133" /></a> Right after lunch, a major approaching storm front kicked bass into a feeding frenzy. It was all I could do to keep up with the camera while Marilyn and Britt caught doubles. Britt even caught two bass on one lure at the same time! Bigger bass began chowing, too , with Britt and I finally each scoring smallmouth in the 19 inch range. But we didn't want to leave the hot bite and paid the price with a good soaking before we reached the take out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuJRwlyc5eM_WsreCU-UQZxJSkblM4qMAU9jLkBXCgMd-VbsGbWJzAE9WvWliBWjQTghTFugTGzsigW3_pam-KEta4GjiDrWGZSOSHMSCwlyP6vBH8gzLMXfT1aFWhZGJBPv5b0g40rww/s1600/NR+05+britt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuJRwlyc5eM_WsreCU-UQZxJSkblM4qMAU9jLkBXCgMd-VbsGbWJzAE9WvWliBWjQTghTFugTGzsigW3_pam-KEta4GjiDrWGZSOSHMSCwlyP6vBH8gzLMXfT1aFWhZGJBPv5b0g40rww/s200/NR+05+britt.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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Next installment: The James River<br />
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Darl Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15706443870116037857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634185677205705073.post-30114745472553653732013-05-19T06:40:00.000-07:002013-05-19T06:40:39.921-07:00A Three-day, Three-lake Crappie FestThe 2013 PA Crappie Camp has been put to "bed" following a three day blitz by outdoor media and crappie pros from Alabama, Georgia, Massachusetts, Ohio and Pennsylvania on three Western Pennsylvania lakes - Pymatuning, Conneaut and Shenango.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiosEd6qdAmkKwakSs99O95XZYzZNVeItypZ7fYQ_0A1zE1ZnpMEpc7lcfRBSoVZwWbpYp29wKHTvtI9zEa1OGpkuPK3ZlctPvpSIDYd5e-B7xXySobbZEKEnkWsRjQ_5Yu485OTYvT9vQZ/s1600/cc001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiosEd6qdAmkKwakSs99O95XZYzZNVeItypZ7fYQ_0A1zE1ZnpMEpc7lcfRBSoVZwWbpYp29wKHTvtI9zEa1OGpkuPK3ZlctPvpSIDYd5e-B7xXySobbZEKEnkWsRjQ_5Yu485OTYvT9vQZ/s200/cc001.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spider-rigging</td></tr>
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This year's Crappie Camp can be compared to the nursery rhythm of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. On Day one, the weather was too cold. (We had snow flurries the two preceding days!) On Day Two it was too windy. (Did I mention squall lines with thunder and lightning?) But on Day Three, the weather was just perfect. (Okay, at 80-degrees-plus, it was a tad too hot - but no one was going to complain!)<br />
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Yet given the unsettled and unseasonable weather, a Camp Hero came through each day. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2nGDWJNgJ_PO4Bw6ZWtlRNjNVGbtCBZeagbY0J8pxvIww_dFVz0Yk1NBliJZu2UkAeZ8BbTl0rXpW1fE80eMrS1vdr427eZw5SeP69IXFVXlXUclh-N7NSo2XQ_rhCOOwqEgxcJ9YBQw/s1600/cc002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2nGDWJNgJ_PO4Bw6ZWtlRNjNVGbtCBZeagbY0J8pxvIww_dFVz0Yk1NBliJZu2UkAeZ8BbTl0rXpW1fE80eMrS1vdr427eZw5SeP69IXFVXlXUclh-N7NSo2XQ_rhCOOwqEgxcJ9YBQw/s200/cc002.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Russ Bailey</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbM_BM8YS5TCtj8evMu6MBNhaGUe3YyC-nM7U3U196MXBUE12mzfR0OfGULE8q5CFn8h4yyEt2puVNacQHK-41lh6gQr1HbGxHil-8lB9pJQdHxwCtg4TX9B10lux-ljGjxUHPCEQ7ZI2/s1600/cc003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbM_BM8YS5TCtj8evMu6MBNhaGUe3YyC-nM7U3U196MXBUE12mzfR0OfGULE8q5CFn8h4yyEt2puVNacQHK-41lh6gQr1HbGxHil-8lB9pJQdHxwCtg4TX9B10lux-ljGjxUHPCEQ7ZI2/s200/cc003.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bryan Stuyvesant</td></tr>
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At Pymatuning, Russ "Calico" Bailey of Mid-West Crappie TV provided instruction on how to catch tight-lipped black crappies with a long pole and 1/48-oz. jig from shallow pad beds.<br />
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Over at Conneaut Lake, local angler Bryan "Crappie King" Stuyvesant proved it is possible to catch monster black crappies that had suspended off the weedbeds due to post-frontal conditions.<br />
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During Day Three on Shenango River Lake, Crappie Now publisher Dan "Spiderman" Dannenmueller pulled off a remarkable catch of closed-mouth black and white crappies from brushpiles in 12 to 15 feet of water by spider-rigging.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8zzyXF7QxNbbCKPLpoLfP5tPEZ18egFMKbrm_BEOfnXYpit1Acp6s8Bmh0L4W86uH-lEWj178S37DWfscmgq_Ve_8zjT_m0MumyF2BrbE4RnwKKK9nbum2AwER_AanjPnBrpvioptbcJ/s1600/cc004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8zzyXF7QxNbbCKPLpoLfP5tPEZ18egFMKbrm_BEOfnXYpit1Acp6s8Bmh0L4W86uH-lEWj178S37DWfscmgq_Ve_8zjT_m0MumyF2BrbE4RnwKKK9nbum2AwER_AanjPnBrpvioptbcJ/s400/cc004.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TJ Stallins, Vic Attardo and Dan Dannenmueller (seated)</td></tr>
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Although faced with extreme weather conditions, specialized contributions by exceptional anglers helped make the 2013 PA Crappie Camp a story-gathering and photo-collecting success. Watch for details on how it was done in future articles from media attendees Jeff Samsel, Vic Attardo, Bill Decoteau, Jeff Frischkorn, Larry Claypool, John Hayes, TJ Stallings and others.<br />
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Darl Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15706443870116037857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634185677205705073.post-2399059755794546692013-04-24T10:50:00.000-07:002013-04-24T10:50:58.811-07:00Love/Hate Relationship with Raystown Lake, PAI sometimes wonder why I leave the fantastic fishing opportunities so close to home in NW PA to occasionally travel to a mid-state lake that has a reputation of being very stingy in giving up fish. Well, it's because I recall the Raystown Lake of the mid 1970s through the mid 1980s - a newly impounded 8,000-acre mountain lake that was producing awesome largemouth bass and striper fishing. Marilyn and I made routine trips to Raystown to participate in bass tournaments, often staying for days at a time. It was an exciting and productive fishery. However by the 1990s, fishing had become very tough on this exceptionally deep, clearwater, weedless reservoir. Sure, the locals who were able to fish every day would hit the brief seasonal bites for a particular species, but for someone traveling to the lake for a couple days, pickings were slim. On some trips I fished with a bass pro or guide - but the story was always the same: You should have been here yesterday, or last week, or next week... Yes, big fish were in the lake, but my timing was never right. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwBs_dzW9TbNJ6prhVJgnpUIh1jScskTk_RXAli1NGrvqg_4DEdj15KGs99Td03LRk4_gL11a71iC5oyp6BzPE1zCeFZJ2AAXS4i84GTWW9WJIYMl5LWgcFk4_jIpchnZFTxj4HJgJLvD/s1600/mark+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwBs_dzW9TbNJ6prhVJgnpUIh1jScskTk_RXAli1NGrvqg_4DEdj15KGs99Td03LRk4_gL11a71iC5oyp6BzPE1zCeFZJ2AAXS4i84GTWW9WJIYMl5LWgcFk4_jIpchnZFTxj4HJgJLvD/s200/mark+01.jpg" width="133" /></a>I figured sooner or later my luck would have to change. So when Raystown resident Mark McQuown, Garmin Marine Electronics Sales Rep for the region, called to say this week would be a good time to stop by to fish, I decided to go for it after talking Gamma Line president Dale Black into making the long drive with me.<br />
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Mark said there was no need for a sunrise start - thanks goodness - and the bite should get better as the day progressed. We were fishing jerkbaits and weighted Flukes for smallmouth bass on abbreviated flats along steep shorelines. The initial fish, a small lagemouth, didn't give me much hope that this day would be different than other trips. I took Mark's picture with the catch in case it was the only fish!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOegcO-U6OZcn4BdHIFKVjGgEe70cnVhRGdEX25AEJh-llzheVLgPxf-9n2MuPRlny4g5cH5uvxmK6uSQcrKLKa3alYDNwTipxFxVwNg563nqcbZ80-e0hVe_Dm9tserUKXFjCyYk3HTk/s1600/mark+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOegcO-U6OZcn4BdHIFKVjGgEe70cnVhRGdEX25AEJh-llzheVLgPxf-9n2MuPRlny4g5cH5uvxmK6uSQcrKLKa3alYDNwTipxFxVwNg563nqcbZ80-e0hVe_Dm9tserUKXFjCyYk3HTk/s320/mark+02.jpg" width="320" /></a>But my mid-morning, the tide turned. When we hit Mark's favorite smallmouth bank, strikes came as if a switch had been turned on. There were hook-ups with nice smallmouths and largemouths on the first two passes. Giving it a rest, we returned a short time later to find lake trout had moved onto the bank, and the action was so hectic we lost count of the lakers landed. We fished another spot, providing my very first Raystown walleye and a huge yellow perch that would be envy of every Lake Erie anglers. Returning to the magic bank, some stripers (which were suppose to be up the river) had now moved in! When we quit, seven different species of fish had come to the net - according to Mark, a single day record for boat, including his first ever Raystown pickerel.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4Ox7-EdXDsPUmiq60-qff3oo0cy3EVvlRgwR4wor1-nk-p5Zq08OpgJKtHzWBE8toA82rIEyCbWSMd4vFxXaaVrGdGqsxrA4zSVPgsv2CzCJcy5juln5m37f4Y40ydjWIZXz9vpFWeXe/s1600/mark+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4Ox7-EdXDsPUmiq60-qff3oo0cy3EVvlRgwR4wor1-nk-p5Zq08OpgJKtHzWBE8toA82rIEyCbWSMd4vFxXaaVrGdGqsxrA4zSVPgsv2CzCJcy5juln5m37f4Y40ydjWIZXz9vpFWeXe/s320/mark+03.jpg" width="213" /></a>"We should make this an annual event in April," suggested Mark. All I could do was shake my head yes, and smile! I'm loving Raystown now!<br />
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Darl Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15706443870116037857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634185677205705073.post-31867211474858101702013-04-19T17:46:00.000-07:002013-04-19T17:46:12.731-07:00Fantastic Flats<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXACQwsDh7JOqrOZA1k5zWoltWsn2072RgLKpQjjyfy3RloL-gbj9IwUQkc0HHR9KbBr2zt3q6ivNQDBM1Ni7y__sk1XHIm8VN3VGMj-mb8XDj92v09vIr5f6te1sqQWiOiK0dvLlePe8J/s1600/pete+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXACQwsDh7JOqrOZA1k5zWoltWsn2072RgLKpQjjyfy3RloL-gbj9IwUQkc0HHR9KbBr2zt3q6ivNQDBM1Ni7y__sk1XHIm8VN3VGMj-mb8XDj92v09vIr5f6te1sqQWiOiK0dvLlePe8J/s200/pete+01.jpg" width="133" /></a>This week I had the opportunity to join Gamma Line president Dale Black and Gamma pro staff member Pete Gluszek for a day on the Susquehanna Flats out of North East Maryland. I had not fished the Flats since the early 1980s, when anglers would struggle all day to catch just a couple average size largemouth bass. An extremely productive bass fishery in the 1960s, the Flats had fallen on hard times by the late 1970s due largely to loss of grassbeds on - what else - the shallow flats. But today the grass is back, and so are the bass! <br />
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Pete Gluszek, a founding partner in The Bass University educational fishing program, has been guiding on the Flats for several years. He certainly knows the ins and outs of this massive tidal fishery. When he met us at our hotel, Pete stated that bass would be in pre-spawn mode holding in protected grass beds, and that a modified Chatter Bait would likely be the ticket. However, he had left his box of Chatter Baits at a recent seminar. So before we hit the water, we had to hunt for Chatter Baits at a local store. A stop at the local Wal Mart - supposedly recognized for catering to anglers - did not yield a single Chatter Bait. Thanks goodness for Herb's Tackle Shop at 203 Main Street, North East. They had just what we needed - and more! I love stopping at local shops that have been around for years and years 'casue you never know what treasure you may find.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIZ2Ppb0afC16daFP2BMLb-XDRj5TiXDJj18-njk69TnKb5ZFgnruFn_2DbeVsfENq-cj-WlrWfO3iKh38Ymdqw02KIHmXw2i0Lc50GqI_XH7yD4m9kxnkIjXIiMRhyYn6z8hMNzV3wbs/s1600/pete+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIZ2Ppb0afC16daFP2BMLb-XDRj5TiXDJj18-njk69TnKb5ZFgnruFn_2DbeVsfENq-cj-WlrWfO3iKh38Ymdqw02KIHmXw2i0Lc50GqI_XH7yD4m9kxnkIjXIiMRhyYn6z8hMNzV3wbs/s1600/pete+02.jpg" /></a>Once on the water, Pete commenced modifying each Chatter Bait with a new skirt and tail to make it resemble a bluegill. Our first couple hours of fishing produced only one small largemouth. But Pete said not to worry. The tide had turned - literally - and he anticipated the action to pick up. It did, slowly at first but then more intently. Our last hour of fishing certainly made the trip, with a number of quality bass including one which we estimated to be pushing six pounds. All bass but one came on Chatter Baits. The exception was the lunker which struck Pete's custom-made shallow crankbait.<br />
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I'm look forward to another visit to the Flats, and I can say with certainty it will not be another quarter century before wetting a line down there!<br />
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Darl Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15706443870116037857noreply@blogger.com1