Capitol Smallmouth
By Dave Shindler
In the eyes of the outdoorsman, there is no better attraction in the
I consider the
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This section of the Susquehanna is separated from the lower areas, by a low head dam. The
As you travel upstream you will notice many of the same types of cover including feeder creeks and bridge piers. There are a few more islands as well, which area scattered along the miles of scenic waters. The seasonal patterns and movements can make this a very exciting year round fishery. Spring boasts some of the best Spinner bait and Jerk bait fishing around. Last spring my clients, landed 5 Smallmouth Bass over 5 lbs in a one week period. In the upper end of this section there is another very large ledge called the “Rockville Ledge”, which marks a large elevation drop and creates an impressive waterfall area. This ledge at times be a very productive spot, due to the increase in turbulence and Oxygen infused into the water. This is a very common attraction for Walleye and Bass fisherman.
There are also some unique sightseeing opportunities here also. One of the more unique aspects is “
Prop boats need not apply!! This is one of the most treacherous areas of the river, which is regarded by most as just plain nasty to run a boat in. More damage is done in this area than any other section of the Susquehanna. Launch access is limited to just a few ramps which make the area hard to reach. Launching from the
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Our Fountain of Youth
By Dave Shindler
Jst Fishin Guide Service
www.Susquehannariverfishing.com
Believe me, there is nothing a Susquehanna River Fishing Guide likes to see more than one of his clients hook into the fish of a lifetime. You know how a big Smallmouth in hand, makes all your troubles go away. Make that happy angler on the butt end of the rod a youngster, and the excitement sky rockets to a whole new level. Young anglers are truly the future of our sport and it is up to us to make sure they enjoy their time on the water.
Make it about them
One of the most important things with a beginner is to focus on getting them to catch fish. Don’t simply take your Son or Daughter along with you and your buddies. Designate a fishing day to your children to assure they will catch fish. Unless your kids are accomplished anglers, they will become bored, tagging along on a trip where they have to go long periods without action. Techniques need to be kid friendly and exciting.
They don’t have to be big fish…Just Fish.
Bluegill, Crappie, Carp and Catfish are great species to target. In general, live-bait is the easiest method to assure they will be successful. On every Susquehanna River fishing trip with my youngest son, we will spend an hour or two bluegill fishing and put a few in the livewell. This does two things. First it gives him something to play with when boredom sets in, and secondly bluegills can be tremendous bait for large Catfish and other species. Bluegill fishing with a bobber teaches them to watch the line, which will become the foundation for many techniques to come.
Give them their own tackle box
Kids usually have a short attention span, so you need to keep them busy. Even on a slow day of fishing you can make the day much more exciting by letting them play. I like to give my kids a couple of boxes with their own tackle in it. Don’t just give them your old junk either. Fill their box with the tools they need to catch fish. Tubes,
Don’t let them go Hungry
Like all of us, Kids like to eat!! My kids like to eat
I wish I Woulda!!
While very grammatically incorrect, this is a statement that I hear so often. Live for today because tomorrow, your kids will be in college or asking you to baby sit your Grandchildren. Every year I look back through my pictures from that season. It’s hard to believe how quickly my kids grow from year to year. It seems like only yesterday that I was taking my oldest son’s first fish off the hook. Now he is talking about where he wants to go to College, and his voice is getting deeper. I have been blessed with the most beautiful family I could ever ask for, and sometimes need to step back and enjoy what the Good Lord has blessed me with. I never want to say “ I wish I woulda spent more time with my kids when they were young.”
My point to this whole article is really not to teach you anything as fishing techniques go. Simply to help us all realize that sharing our love of the outdoor world with a kid is more than good for them and us. It is the Fountain of Youth for our sport!!
Take a kid fishing even if you have to borrow some. They will remember for- ever!!!!!