Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 46
Catching
Smallmouth Bass
Over the
Holidays
by Jeff Woleslagle
photos by the author
Standing on the river bank and eyeing the milky, green water,
I had a strong feeling that the fish may be stacked in the
channel. The holiday meal had been excellent, and we were all
hoping the fish had as much desire to feed as we did a short
time ago at the crowded dinner table. We all gently flipped
our jigs out into the jade-colored flow and hopped them
slowly along the bottom, anticipation running through each
of us. My cousin was the first to get a bite as he felt a subtle
"tap" on the line. His reaction was anything but subtle, as he
slammed back his rod to set the hook. The fish immediately
rolled once on the surface before making a run against the
current. We all marveled at the beautiful bronze and green
of the big Smallmouth Bass that was a strong contrast to the
green of the river. I eased to the water's edge, net at the ready.
Soon, we were all admiring the first fish of the day, which was
a solid 4-pound Smallmouth Bass. Before darkness fell and
46
we returned to the family gathering, we landed and released a
combined seven fish and lost a few others.
The family get-togethers and holiday parties are fun, but
it can also be a great time to pursue one of Pennsylvania's
hardest fighting fish-Smallmouth Bass. Most people have
some time off during this time of year, and great Smallmouth
Bass water abounds across Pennsylvania. Give yourself,
friends or family the gift of time on the water.
For lure selection, try small jerkbaits, hair jigs and soft
plastics. Jerkbaits can be highly effective when the water is
warmer. Baits in natural shad and minnow shades measuring
21/2- and 3-inches can be great choices. Select the color based
on the forage that frequents the waters you will be fishing.
If the water temperature is in the 40s or lower, opt for hair
jigs and soft plastics. Fish lures as slowly as you can. Do not
expect the aggressive strikes that were typical in the warmer
months. Give the bait short hops along the bottom. Frequent
contact with the bottom is key, as the strike will often come
just after a short hop. Usually, the take will be felt as a light
"tap" on the line. When this happens, point the rod where the
line enters the water, and reel up the slack. Then, set the
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019
Contents
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - Cover1
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - Cover2
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - Contents
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 4
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 5
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 6
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 7
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 8
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 9
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 10
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 11
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 12
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 13
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 14
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 15
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 16
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 17
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 18
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 19
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 20
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 21
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 22
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 23
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 24
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 25
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 26
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 27
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 28
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 29
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 30
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 31
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 33
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 35
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 36
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 37
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 38
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 40
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 41
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 42
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 43
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 44
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 45
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 46
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 47
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 48
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 49
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 50
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 51
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 52
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 53
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 54
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 55
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 56
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 57
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 58
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 60
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 61
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 62
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 63
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - Cover3
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - Cover4
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