Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2024 - 33

moments in the early season. On windy days,
when float rigs move too fast to be effective,
a suspending jerkbait casts well and mimics
disoriented minnows.
I stay away from action-tail plastics in cold
water. However, I'm still swooning over micro
Ned Rigs after experimenting last season.
Fished through the water column (Midwest
finesse style), the no thrills, horizontal " swim "
of the subtle plastic is deadly for a variety of
panfish and gamefish.
When skunk odor triggers your olfactory
receptors, dust off those ultralight lures and
head for open water.
Cold water panfish fishing requires a no-nonsense
approach that relies on live bait and subtle soft plastics.
can seek out green vegetation that hasn't decayed in
the mild climate. Green vegetation will give off more
oxygen and contain microorganisms, the main food
source for fish in cold water.
Sun penetration plays a major role in warming
backwater areas like coves and bays. The best spots,
usually those along shorelines, get direct sunlight
during the warmest period of the afternoon, offering
water temperatures several degrees warmer than
surrounding areas.
Small lakes are generally warmer than larger
reservoirs. Pay attention to regulations; many small
waters participate in trout stocking programs and have
a brief closed season prior to opening day.
Variations of a micro jig-and-float work best
throughout the " skunk bite. " Water temperatures
fluctuate in the 40-degree F range with warm pockets
exceeding 50 degrees F. Slow-falling jigs that can
suspend indefinitely stay in the strike zone long
enough for weary panfish to became active and strike.
In late February, shortly after ice-out, I tip
exclusively with waxworms. Maggots, mealworms
or redworms are popular alternatives. As the weeks
progress (and my live bait stockpile depletes), I
incorporate biodegradable plastics. If the bite is
especially hot, I switch to a tiny marabou jig.
Marabou jigs really shine in late March and into
April as bug hatches are more prevalent.
Although I reserve traditional horizontal
presentations for warmer waters, they have their
Yellow Perch
January/February 2024
33
Black Crappie

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2024

Contents
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2024 - Cover1
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2024 - Cover2
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2024 - Contents
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2024 - 4
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2024 - 5
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2024 - 6
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2024 - 7
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2024 - 12
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2024 - 13
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2024 - 20
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2024 - 21
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2024 - 22
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2024 - 26
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2024 - 27
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2024 - 28
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2024 - 30
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2024 - 33
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2024 - 34
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2024 - Cover3
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2024 - Cover4
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