Susky River Rat

One of the issues I run into when it’s low and clear is the big ones are not in the usual places. Everyone hits those areas the big ones spread out away and probably aren’t at your typical fishy looking spots. I’d also try current seams too I don’t think you mentioned you were hitting any of them.

@WVU-SCPA I am sure I am fairly close. I’m about half way between Harrisburg and blue marsh. this was a FSC tournament but, a lot do the berks county bass masters were there. Most guys had the 60-100k boats. A handful of dudes with cheaper boats than mine. I have never fished Goldsboro or the airport stretch. It’s on my list to do I have just never done it. I will fish Falmouth, from dock street up to fort hunter. I am still trying to dial in that stretch. I’ve had decent days but, nothing wow like I know can be done. I’ve also played around on the north branch a little bit as well. From what I have been told Goldsboro fishes more like a lake till you get up towards the top of TMI. With the river being kind of low it may be tricky with a prop to get out of there into the main river. it is suppose to be nasty so far. I am working Saturday morning and if it’s not raining/ the wind forecast changes I will probably head out later in the day.

@TnRiver46 I do think high water makes it more predictable. Low water I tend to drift and use fast moving baits.

I think it’s the flagship location of the bass pros.

I use braid on everything but my drop shot set up. I hate the spongy feel but, that’s just me. If you aren’t comfortable with your gear no need to force yourself.

I doubt I’d be fishing with that dude again. I guess it’s different me being a boat owner. I can do as I please. You’d be better off getting a kayak and fishing that way. Anyone who’s going to break their stuff over your success is a nut.

Slack deeper water with current near. By is usually money this time of year. Deep in th susky I am generally talking 6-10 ft. There will always be some stragglers that stay shallow though. If a river floods look for where the creeks feed into the river.

Boat control is very important. If there is an area I want to hit I like to ease into it. I will start and cast to 2 cast lengths away from where my “goal” to end up is. I tend to do a very methodical break down of an area. I used to run in blow it up and be on my way.

BE SAFE rivers are very dangerous and unforgiving. Errors get magnified by current. Floating debris, rocks, suprise sandbar/ gravel bed moves. Running a river by memory can get you in trouble. Always read what it’s giving you and never be worried to back off and look at a situation first. Glenn’s video has a lot of great information. It’s great basic general knowledge of river fishing. what I can add to this is every river fishes differently at different current levels. Find a gauge for the river height like this https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?gage=harp1&wfo=ctp Learn what these levels mean and how they effect your fishing. in colder months don’t hesitate to cast down stream with a crank bait and let the current create the action for you. Do not even reel at times just let it sit there. bottom bouncing rivers is never a bad idea. Tube, ned, Mr twister etc. under 4” plastic does seem to be the ticket here. I prefer moving baits in the summer when my river is lower and the fish spread out. That time of year becomes a covering water game. The other thing I may add which isn’t a golden rule but, tends to be more true than it isn’t. Smallies school up by size. If you are into 3-4lbers that’s mainly what you will be catching out of that pool. You could go back 3 days later and 1-2lbers are now there and all the 3-4 are gone. I’m not saying you won’t have a unicorn bigger or smaller one in these schools but, don’t expect them. If you are fishing a pool and crushing them with moving baits then it dies switch up to a bottom bouncing lure. you may be able to pick up half a dozen more fish.

I too have to venture in the water while launching most times. I wear crocs or lined crocs with thermal socks. To launch I will just use knee high rubber boots then take them off if the water is too cold to go in without them. I highly doubt with the new boat and rough coated aluminum floor bare feet would feel good.

I run suffix 832 10lb and I run a long 17lb florocarbon leader due to all the rocks I am constantly rubbing against in the river. For you I would match the test of the leader to your main line. That’s just me though.

@Glenn my neighbor is big on the waterfowl hunting. Our seasons jn PA go I and out at weird times so I always try to ask him what’s going on before I go out.

Awesome fish! Welcome to the jigging side. Jigging is a way of life for some of us. Not that we don’t use other stuff but, some kind of soft plastic on a jig head seems to be what we use most.

I have learned generally the same size fish school together. Not to say there isn’t bigger or smaller but many will be the same size. If you are looking for big ones find the big fish school.

I do not use a full chair just one of those little pedastool seats. I have a terrova with one of the low profile electric foot pedals and mount it right in the middle so I can turn from side to side and run it with either foot. It seems to work well. I do find myself more leaning against it most times than actually sitting on it.

I am going to try this starting January. I think the first 3 months will be the hardest and I fish usually max 4 times a month. January feb may only be one each. I’ll have my work cut out for me.

Try getting a brand new boat and it’s almost time to put it away. Although I am going to try to sneak out on it as much as the weather allows this winter. March is usually when things turn around here as well.

I do struggle to stray sometimes. Other times it dependent on water levels. There’s also a lot of issues with me going to a completely new area and punching a hole in my boat. time is also another issue. How long does it take to get there and how long do I have to run to a spot.

In PA it is not required by law.

I usually do not go in it to switch up. If I do switch up completely maybe twice a trip? Now retying what I lost could be much more than that.

I fish chocolate milk looking water from rain run off in the river. I really do not fish any different than I do normally and have had much success. We as anglers complicate these conditions not the fish.

@ol'crickety that would be how I fish it. Catching dinks in a monster filled bog. I mean someone has to catch the small ones!

@Pat Brown around here you could tell someone you caught a 8lber in a puddle at a Walmart parking lot on a toothpick with hooks and people with pound it till it dried up using a toothpick with hooks.

Great season buddy! Maybe next year I’ll have one to write about lol

@galyonj it’s usually a one sided conversation.