Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2014 - 35

As with any type of fishing, think safety. Wade fishing is more
fun with a friend. You should make it a practice to always let
someone know where you will be fishing and when you expect
to return. I often wear a self-inflating manual life jacket when
wading and highly recommend them. There are many models
that are inconspicuous and very comfortable. I like to wade
when the water is clear and recommend not wading in water
more than waist deep. A good pair of polarized sunglasses can
help you clearly see the bottom where you are wading as well as
structure and fish.
Depending on the waters I will be fishing, I prefer a spinning
outfit with 6- or 8- pound-test line. Make sure the drag on the
reel is adjusted properly. More than one big Smallmouth Bass
has caught me unprepared and snapped my line in its initial rush
after the hook set.
Good baits for wade fishing include ⅛-ounce jigs with 3-inch
curly tail grubs, floating minnow type baits, ¼-ounce inline
spinners, crayfish imitating baits and small spinner baits. In
live bait, I like to use hellgrammites, shiners or large minnows,
nightcrawlers, soft shelled crayfish and Stonecats. To avoid
transporting unwanted aquatic invasive species, you should
collect your live bait from the waters where you will be fishing.
When fishing with live bait, be sure to set the hook at the strike
to avoid hooking fish too deeply.
The best time for wade fishing is in the early morning and
early evening hours, but I have enjoyed many great wade fishing
outings in the heat of mid-day. I particularly enjoy wade fishing
on sultry summer evenings. An old stand-by after dark is a black
surface popper worked across or against the current. Often, you
will hear the splash of the strike, but try to refrain from setting
the hook until you feel the weight of the fish. I have taken the
bait away from a fish many times by reacting too quickly.
Wade fishing can be a blast in the summer and a great way to
beat the heat. It doesn't take much in the way of fancy gear, and it
doesn't get much better than a feisty Smallmouth Bass on your line.

Some of the author's favorite wade fishing baits for
Smallmouth Bass.

MAKE SURE YOUR
LIFE JACKET FITS!
For a life jacket to work properly, not
only does it need to be on your body, it
should fit properly as well. A properly
fitting life jacket is more comfortable PENNSYLVANIA!
(meaning you are more likely to wear it)
but more important, it functions better. Life jackets that are too small
or large can ride up or even come off when you are in the water.
It's easy to check a conventional life jacket for proper fit-just put it on.
The jacket should fit you snugly with all zippers, straps, ties and snaps
correctly secured. With a partner behind you, raise your arms like you
are signaling a touchdown in a football game. Have the partner lift the
jacket by the shoulders. The jacket should come no higher than your
chin. If the jacket covers your face or comes off-that's what would
happen in the water. In this case, tighten the straps or use a smaller size.

PFBC website: www.fishandboat.com

William Wenner, Perry County, with a nice
Smallmouth Bass.

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * July/August 2014

35
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2014

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