Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2022 - 35

RIVER SMALLMOUTH BASS
IN UNDERWATER GRASS
by Braden Eisenhower
photos by the author
T
he Susquehanna River, a casualty of seasonal
drought, often has limited flow in the summertime
heat. Low waters provide an opportunity to wet
wade, but the Smallmouth Bass bite suffers.
My plan was to get out before sunrise and target fast
moving sections of streams. These spots would hold fish
seeking refuge in cooler, oxygenated water.
My friend and fishing partner for the day had other
ideas. Just days before, he stumbled upon dozens of bass
while trekking through a stretch of shallow, grassy river.
I ignored my skepticism, agreeing to depart after
noon and follow his game plan.
I have never been more pleased about being wrong.
An array of lures for Smallmouth Bass in underwater grass.
River grass-formally known as American eelgrass-
looks more like an ungroomed lawn than the aquatic vegetation
many are accustomed to in lakes. For much of the outing, my
rod was doubled over as I wrested behemoth Smallmouth Bass
from the broad grass blades.
Together, we tallied nearly 150 Smallmouth Bass, many
nearing the 18-inch mark. I certainly never expected to find
Smallmouth Bass in soft bottom areas where the current
seemed undetectable, but river grass did not disappoint.
Eelgrass grows to about 6 feet. In hip-high water, the lengthy
blades shielded bass from the direct sun. Minimal current
allowed bass to conserve energy, yet it did not negatively impact
oxygen levels or the food source.
On this day, I concentrated on edges, casting to the clumpy
patches forming the canopy. Many lures work in this scenario,
but the best options hovered or sank slowly. Weightless worms,
craws, and minnows rigged Texas-style remain weedless and
effectively drop. Poppers will disrupt the surface without
venturing beyond the strike zone. Jerkbaits suspend along edges
and in open pockets.
Although vegetation is part of the equation, there is little
need to adapt from standard river Smallmouth Bass equipment.
Because eelgrass is free-flowing, there is no need for heavy-duty
equipment to lure bass from dense cover.
Medium and medium-light spinning rods carrying 6, 8, and
10-pound monofilament or fluorocarbon lines suffice. Small
diameter braided lines (3- or 4-pound monofilament equivalent)
slice through grass even better. With light line, simply maintain
pressure and allow the bass to wiggle itself away from cover.
Adjust the drag and backreel as needed. I caught many incidental
Flathead Catfish in these areas and have yet to suffer a break off.
Since that trip, I have taken to extracting bass
from the grass. Frog imitations are notorious
lures for Largemouth Bass, but smaller sizes are
also effective for Smallmouth Bass. I prefer the
soft-bodied models over hollow-bodied versions.
River grass has lots of open areas; the legs of softbodied
frogs create commotion and take on the
attributes of a buzzbait in open water.
I also pitch and swim weedless jigs. Fishing
style determines jig weight. Swimming near
the surface calls for 1/16-ounce jigs. For shallow
water with minimal current, use 1/8-ounce jigs.
Light jigs work well with the spinning
American eelgrass blades are approximately ¼ inch wide and may reach lengths of
6 feet. Eelgrass thrives in soft bottom areas with little current.
gear outlined above. Frogs demand upsizing
to medium-heavy baitcasting rods. With
clear water in mind, I choose 15-pound
monofilament line, though 20-pound braided
line works well too.
July/August 2022
35
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2022

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