Susky River Rat

I used to really enjoy watching lots of fishing videos. I enjoy information big fish being caught. I do also like seeing the struggle at times(mainly musky videos). I did really enjoy Ike’s story and b lat on how they made it in the sport. Lately I have just been using videos to see how people use different skills but adapt them to their waters. Also I like to watch a lot of local water videos for the days I’m missing out being on the water.

Nailed this beauty last time I fished for something different.

I’ve learned fish in general are in a location for one or a combination of these things. comfort,protection,food and spawn. Sadly it does not matter if that makes any sense to us or not. I think we just all try to think best where a majority of the fish should be. It’s also safe to say that just because we aren’t catching doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Take notes learn your bodies of water for each time of year and water level but try not to get stuck in old ways either.

I have never done well on a warming trend in the fall. None the less it’s great to be in a t shirt in fall on the water. Glad both of you had a good safe season. Moto boss enjoy your new kayak! Tinkering with set ups are half the fun of a new rig

Welcome sir!

Yes sir!

I swing for the hills. I also have my drag set so if I set into a snag it will slip. Which I do tend to do a lot.

Ironically being a lab/ golden retriever mix he HATES being wet. My wife and I adopted him 5 months ago. He was a stray for two years then in a shelter for 6 months down in SC. Another shelter up here picked him up and had him for about 6 months. He loves being on the boat with me.

I have never bass fished marsh creek but, that could be a good option if you have not tried it. Leaser was better a few years ago but, has solid fish in it. Sorry I am late to the punch with this.

My river runner. Yamaha 60/40 jet. 80 thrust terrova. Nothing special but gets the job done

I wear an ice float suit. It’s a bit bulky but, gives me piece of mind and keeps me warm. Another thing I like to wear is ski goggles so my eyes do not water up. You may have a better windshield than me though. I also have to stand a lot to dodge rocks. Spare clothes and gloves. If what you are wearing on the bank is comfortable you will be cold on the water. Dress warmer than you think you need to. I always send my wife the ramp gps from my phone. I spray rods guide and my trolling motor with a lithium grease spray to help them from freezing. I will carry a van on the boat but start with the night before. Make sure everything on your boat and trailer is greased up.

I run medium and medium lite rods. 10lb braid with a 7-8ft 17lb fluorocarbon leader. If where you fish isn’t extremely rocky and you don’t bounce bottom often isn’t as important. That being said I would still run one. At the very least it saves on you losing braid when you get snagged. I know most would not run that heavy of a leader. It was just what I had because it’s what I had laying around when I decided to start doing it. It also helps with getting snags back in a rocky river like mine.

It’s almost never a bad idea to throw a ned. I do know there are times where they do not want them but, when all else fails ned em.

I fish an extremely rocky river. I use 17lb fluorocarbon to 10lb braid. Why 17lb? Well that’s what I had laying around my garage and i caught fish on it so I haven’t changed. With all the rocks, ledges and shoals I tend to run a very long leader. Around two full arm lengths. Now as i retie and it gets shorter I do not like to run a leader shorter then 2ft give or take.

I know here in the susky the smallies tend to elude the winter holes a little more now because of the flatheads. We also have musky here as well. I Have always thought in my head that pressure and predators are what is making the smallies change their winter habits.

I agree. I found this area during a high water period then only have been able to make it back there once due to extremely low conditions on the river. I have a foot to foot and a half right now covering the 5-6 rock ledges I need to get over.

Thank you very much

Nice thanksgiving day bronze back

Try fishing the spoons vertically. I have caught many bass accidentally through the ice with the vertical presentations. I have even used the flasher setting on my bow sonar to pick up some winter fish.

I truly believe it’s 95% timing with fishing. Are you at the right spot throwing the right thing when they want it. Sure you can snag up a bass here or bass there. Just like you can accidentally catch other species. Is establishing a true pattern more timing than anything? Your worst day can be someone’s best. I have fished with people after I have believe to “figure” out the days puzzle. They still struggle trying to replicate what I am doing while I am catching. I also think a great day is relative to what you want out of fishing. Is it numbers? Lots of fish? A mix bag? Or are you happy just being out and fish are a bonus? Professionals find a way to make it work because their lively good depends on it. They are d**n good sticks but, there is that extra motivation behind it. I do also think social media at times has made people thing this or that person go out and kill it all the time. Which you have no clue how long it took I promise it took them a lot longer then that 10 minute video to do what they did.

I would think this holds true with all fish for the most part. The big ones only tend to show themselves for small windows certain times of the year. When I musky fished a lot I used to keep logs and every year lake fishing April May and end of October early November seemed to be when the big girls would show up. In the river for me it was March. I have not kept records like this for smallies but, from what I can remember it seems to hold relatively the same. I also am sure some people have their “prime time” I would think a lot of that is how when their most proficient skill works best.

I would say as a whole I catch more tiger striped bass out of the susky where lakes that have them tend to be on more of the clearer/pale side. There are certain fish too that have random black spots. They have determined that this is Melanosis. They do not know what is causing that but say it does not mean our fish are unhealthy.

I enjoy ice fishing but, that’s more fit whatever is eating. As far as open water I don’t prefer to go out while my stuff is freezing up anymore.

Glad you enjoyed it here! Looks like the water was up and running when you were out. Those inboard jets, rock proof and the various other ones are sweet boats. My marriage doesn’t allow me to have one of those haha.