L.D.

My best this year was a 5.2 lb smallmouth caught on a Case Plastics tube in Green Pumpkin color. We have lots of bass in the river, but it's very rare to get one over 5lbs. Must be all that exercize they get swimming in the current. L.D.

A Triton 1756sc with a Merc 90/65HP jet

Thank you JT, thats enough for me to try them. And you're right, the vairiables are endless with any tackle. Anytime someone comes on my boat and does well with something new, you can bet it will be added to the tackle boxes at least to try it, however no one has come on board with red hooks yet, thats why I asked. L.D.

Glenn if it's good for you it's certainly fine with me. I watched the show, it's great ammo for the anti hunters and fishermen. If I treated my clients like he treats his guests and the people around him, I'd be out of business soon.

OK Marty, you got me. the exact count was 4583 fish boated this year. By law all Pa. guides must keep a detailed record of the fish caught and this must be sent in to the Pa. Fish Commission before we can get our new licence for the next year. If you would like to see an exact daily record of what my boat caught go to www.ldguideservice.com and go to my newsletter. It will even give you the names of the good people that fished with me. This year was a slow year due to the high muddy water and what seemed like constant floods. This only averages out to about 45 fish per day, I'm sure many anglers do much better than that. Remember this is also two or three people on the boat at a time. Now if I can learn something to increase that count I will certainly try. I enough fishermen thought that it helped them, then it should be something I should try. Best Regards L.D.

On this topic of color. I have never used red hooks before. Do you feel this alone really increased your strikes. If so by what percentage? 5%-10%-50%. Been doing this guideing thing for 24 years now. This year we boated over 4500 fish, 90% were smallmouth bass. But if I can catch more by just a color change in hooks, this old dog will learn a new trick. Or is it just a confidence thing in that it don't seem to hurt and it might help. Even for a 5% increase, I'd switch, thats 225fish!

I only know what works on the river that I fish and JT and I are very close in color selection. The only slight difference is that in clear water, I'll use more "natural" colors that the crayfish and helgramites are showing in the river. Our spinner selection is the same. And Chris, that list must work for you, I just never heard of it before. If I ever go out by myself, I may try it.

I got jigs to pour, need about 2000, and tackle to repair. Replace hooks, put a new set of eye's on my Fenwick. There will still be the occasional fisherman that wants to river fish if there is open water. Got such a person going this Sunday. Supposed to be a high of 36 degrees.

Now Glenn, if you don't collect all those red and green balls first, you never get to collect all that neat tackle left in those half sunk boats :

Case Plastics have always served me well, and I like the upper end Shimano reels. I like the Fenwick rods but don't like the eyes on them. I wear them out in one season useing mono line, but I fish 6 days a week from April to the end of Nov.

Hey Bassin 101, your responce reminded me of an early trip I had first thing in the spring. Had a man and wife on board. She was a elementary school teacher. We saw a ball along the shore line and she wanted it. Then we saw another and another. In the course of a 15 mile river trip, she gathered up 17 balls of various styles and colors. They released all their fish that day, but they took home two bags full of balls. Each year I collect many bags of trash along the river. Then along comes another flood and deposits a bunch more.

Never too old to learn something. Thanks

A 3" tube jig in green pumpkin if the water is right

All of my fishing is done in the North Branch of the Susquehanna River and 99% of the bass we catch are smallmouth . The bottom is all rocks and crayfish is the #1 food source. My go to lure is a tube jig in 1/8oz to 1/4oz, depending on the current in three inch lenght which best resembles the size crayfish there. I use 10lb Stren Magnathin in moss green color with a 6 1/2ft med. light rod. I tell my fishermen to fish as slow as they can without getting caught in the rocks. Cast up river and bring it down in a natural presitation to keep it in the strike zone longer. The color depends on water clairity and light penetration. Nothing beats a jig in the river. L.D.

I live in Northeast Pa. Make my living as a guide on the Northbranch of the Susquehanna River. Mostly smallmouth bass. Enjoyed every day for the last 24 years.

Currently use a 2004 Triton 1756 Jet with a 90/65 Merc on it. Works well in the shallow river can't see me changeing anytime soon L.D.

Ok, Just joined. I fish for a living and still can't get enough. I'll stop in from time to time to see what's splashing. ;D L.D.