Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2020 - 60

photo-Jerry Bush

Angler's Notebook
by Jerry Bush

As leaves change to vibrant colors, many anglers turn their
attention to trout. But, a few cold days may trick anglers
into believing the water is cool. A water thermometer allows
anglers to monitor water temperatures to make sure water
is adequately below 70 degrees F. Trout caught in water 70
degrees F or warmer will be stressed due to low oxygen levels
and unlikely to survive after release. Trout in warm water
conserve energy and are less likely to move more than a few
inches to take a fly or lure. Fish for bass or other warmwater
species until the stream is below 68 degrees F.

float moving along the water's surface several yards before the
fish dives with it. Wait 10- to 15-seconds or for the bobber to be
pulled swiftly under before setting the hook.
When fishing from shore for Northern Pike or Muskellunge,
use a long, flexible rod to cast baits or lures a longer distance.
A flexible rod is more forgiving when battling these fish. Make
sure the reel's drag is set to allow the arbor to slip to prevent line
breakage. The stronger the line, the tighter the drag should be set
without compromising the line. A wire leader tied between the
fishing line and the lure prevents break offs. Wire leaders may be
purchased in various diameters and strengths.

Pennsylvania anglers targeting Northern Pike usually fish
natural baits or cast crankbaits near shallow water weeds.
However, do not ignore soft plastic lures often considered only
as bass lures. The action of soft plastic lures may entice Northern
Pike. Pike may be accidentally caught by anglers targeting bass
with small lures. Rigging a soft plastic lure to a weedless hook is
helpful if a weed area is being targeted. As water temperatures
cool, locate deeper drop-offs just outside the weed line, especially
if the weather has been unseasonably cold several days in a row,
which causes shallow water to cool before slightly deeper water
cools. A few degrees may make a big difference to any fish.

After Labor Day, a reduction in boats opens up many inland
lakes to a trolling tactic for catching Walleyes. Walleyes often
move to the side as vessels pass overhead. Target Walleyes while
trolling inline planer boards, which attach directly to fishing
line. Inline planer boards carry lures 15- to 30-feet to each side
of the boat, putting the lure in the strike zone. These boards,
usually made of plastic, attach at the rear with a clip that allows
line to pass through unencumbered. The rod end of the line is
pinched between pressure adjustable, rubber grommets toward
the forend of the board. If adjusted properly, the pinched line
A tactic for catching Northern Pike or smaller Muskellunge
pulls free of the grommet when a fish strikes the lure, allowing
is to hook a Creek Chub or large minnow through the body and the board to turn backwards, so it can slide freely back to the
dangle it below a bobber, which is buoyant enough to support the fish. It offers minimal resistance as the Walleye is retrieved. If a
bait and any added weight. Adjust the live bait to various depths
planer board is moving erratically, the grommet may be adjusted
by moving the float's position on the line. Pike and Muskellunge
too tight for a large fish to pull the line free, or a small fish may
do not always "chomp" the bait, and it is common to observe the have taken the bait.

Fishin' from the Kitchen
Teriyaki Catfish
by Wayne Phillips

On a blustery, fall evening, what could be better than a bowl
of udon noodles, vegetables, and tasty teriyaki catfish?

to taste with salt and
black pepper. Drizzle
the remaining teriyaki
sauce over the fish
before serving.
Garnish the fish with
green onions.

Serve

Ingredients for four servings:
* 4 6- to 8-ounces boneless, * 2 green onions,
cut into 1/4-inch slices
skinless catfish fillets
*
Salt and black pepper
* 1 cup teriyaki marinade
to taste
or sauce, divided

Serve the catfish on a
bed of udon noodles and stir
fried vegetables, like sugar snap peas,
mushrooms, onions, bok choy, and bean sprouts.

Procedure

If the marinade is left on the catfish before frying, it may easily
burn. Remember, the marinade has already flavored the catfish.
Several forms of teriyaki marinade or sauce are available
in Asian markets. The marinades are typically thinner and
designed for marinating fish or meat. The sauces tend to be
thicker for putting on top of the finished dish. Some stores have
flavored teriyaki sauces.

Place the catfish fillets in a large freezer bag. Add ¾ cup
teriyaki marinade. Massage the marinade into the catfish. Let the
marinade stand for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate
the catfish.
Pat the catfish dry with paper towels. Pan fry the catfish in a
non-stick pan over medium heat until cooked through. Season

Tips

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * September/October 2020

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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2020

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