Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2020 - 9

This large Brown Trout was holding near an undercut bank.

rod in hand. I could not see the bass, but there was a large
brush pile against the far bank, and I figured that would
be a likely location to find it. I flipped a wacky rigged
stickbait to the edge of the brush and immediately my line
began to move sideways. I set the hook hard and reeled
as fast as I could to keep the fish from getting tangled
in the wood. Most anglers would never have thought to
investigate that spot, but it resulted in one of my biggest
bass that year.
Waterways that are remote and require determination
to access are also super locations to search for a big fish.
There are two ponds that are on state lands near my home
and both require a decent hike but are well worth the
effort. One of my best Largemouth Bass ever came from
one of these ponds on a sweltering summer day. The water
was low and clear, and I pitched a soft plastic bait to a
large rock that was just barely visible under the surface
near the center of the pond. The line twitched and my rod
doubled when I set the hook. After an intense battle on
light line, I took a few quick pictures and released it. I still
wonder about the weight of that Largemouth Bass.
My best wild Brook Trout came from a remote beaver
pond that I stumbled onto while working one summer
in the Allegheny National Forest. The beavers made an
extensive dam on a small creek almost 2 miles from the
road, and I couldn't believe the number of native Brook
Trout I saw cruising the pond and stacked at the inflow.
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I used a large inline spinner on my first venture to keep
from hooking the numerous smaller trout and landed one
close to 14 inches. In my deer hunting forays, my eyes
are always peeled for small areas where deer may not be
pressured. The same holds true in fishing. When you find
those locations, you are in a great area for a trophy fish.
Another thing I have found to be true is that many of
the larger fish I have caught have been in what I can best
describe as prime feeding areas. There is the old cliché
that to catch a fish you need to think like a fish. I believe
this applies to large fish. An angler is wise to consider
where a truly big fish would likely be. Think about where
you would be on any given body of water if you were
looking for food. It only makes sense that locales that are
not heavily pressured would be good starting points. Add
in a spot that includes abundant feeding opportunities,
and you can be sure big fish are present. Many large fish
in rivers and streams will hold near the best current
breaks. Look for fish near any kind of structure like large
rocks, at the head of a sweeping bend, and holding close
to undercut banks. On ponds and lakes, look for structure
both along the bank and off shore. Pay close attention to
wind direction, and fish the shoreline to which the wind
is blowing.
If you are observant and search remote areas and ideal
feeding locations, you will find your biggest fish of the
season on the end of the line.

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * July/August 2020

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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2020

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