Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 47

GOVERNOR'S
YOUTH COUNCIL
for Hunting, Fishing,
and Conservation
by Will Nichols
O
ne of Pennsylvania's most popular fish is the
Smallmouth Bass. Also known as a " smallie " or
a " bronzeback, " Smallmouth Bass are a common
fish sought by many anglers. Typically, Smallmouth Bass
are between 12- and 16-inches long. Bass are found in
rivers, creeks, and some of Pennsylvania's deeper lakes.
With most fish living in moving water, Smallmouth Bass
put up a thrilling fight notorious across the country.
When out on the water, it is important to understand
where Smallmouth Bass are found. In the warmer months,
look to shallow water, preferably by shade or underwater
cover. Once the water begins to drop in temperature, look
for deeper pockets, where the Smallmouth Bass spends
most of its time. During this part of the year, the bass's
digestive system will start to slow down, and fish will not
be as hungry or willing to strike. Even so, bass will still bite
if using the correct presentation.
Anglers should fish natural lures. My biggest bass have
come from imitating what these fish see every day, by
using things like a Texas rigged crayfish or fluke. I suggest
green pumpkin or white color patterns, depending on
the water clarity and other factors. With these two lures,
try to twitch two or three times, then give a pause. If this
does not work, change the speed of your twitches or give
Will Nichols with a Smallmouth Bass.
a longer pause. You may be surprised by the importance
of the pause when fishing these types of lures. Although
it may not appear effective, some of the more finicky bass
will not bite when the bait is still in action, only striking it
when the bait is falling. If fish are more aggressive, try to
shorten your pause and put more speed into your twitches.
For experienced anglers, fishing tournaments may
be found throughout Pennsylvania. From fishing on
a bass boat to a kayak, many local water bodies have
open tournaments that you may enter. Rivers like the
Susquehanna River have large tournaments year-round.
No matter what style of Smallmouth Bass fishing you
pursue, get out on the water. Talk to local anglers and learn
how to catch Smallmouth Bass. Most importantly, keep
fish healthy. Giving fish a quick, gentle release may help
raise the life expectancy and help people find Smallmouth
Bass in the future.
Protect Yourself Against Tickborne Diseases.
* Spray repellent on skin (such as DEET).
* Spray Permethrin on clothes and shoes (read all labels).
* Wear light-colored clothing.
* Tuck shirts into pants, and tuck pants into socks.
* Stay in the centers of trails, away from wooded and
brushy areas with low-growing vegetation and
tall grasses that may harbor ticks. DO NOT SIT on
downed logs, leaf piles, and mossy stones.
* Once inside, place clothing into the dryer on high
heat to kill any lingering ticks and take a shower.
Examine gear such as backpacks for ticks.
* Do a full-body tick check, especially
behind the knees, groin, armpits, and neck.
* Check any pets exposed to tick habitats each
time pets return indoors.
* If a tick is found attached to your skin, use
tweezers to carefully remove it including the head.
Monitor for symptoms and contact your doctor
with any questions.
For more information on ticks and tick-borne diseases, visit the
Pennsylvania Department of Health website at www.health.pa.gov.
May/June 2022
47
photo-courtesy of Will Nichols
http://www.health.pa.gov
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022

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