basser89 Posted December 5, 2011 Author Posted December 5, 2011 From what I'm seeing, rain is supposed to end wednesday morning. IF we get levels peaking where it did last week, I believe they'd be back down to a manageable level by saturday. So one way or another, I'm hitting PEPCO. Quote
Super User BrianinMD Posted December 5, 2011 Super User Posted December 5, 2011 I want to run 55 in my Ranger.....for me to do that need to be reasonably sure there is not a bunch of floating debris on the river even if the levels have come back to normal. Quote
Fat Boy Posted December 12, 2011 Posted December 12, 2011 As fall nears, winter approaches along with ice fishing season, my urge to fish remains, so I hit the open water for a mixed bag. We're experiencing flood conditions in my area, so finding anything that would bite would be a chore. So, I took a solo trip yesterday. I wasn’t sure how good it would be with the river being so high and muddy, but I figured I’d make a spot change if it didn’t work out to a local lake where bluegills are easily caught near the dam this time of year as my back up plan. It started slow as ice lined the shoreline as late as 10 AM when I arrived at the spot. I might have been there 15 minutes sooner if it didn’t take so long to scrape the friggin’ frost off the windows and I seemed to hit every stop light red. Maybe it wasn’t in the cards for me to fish, but I had to find out, plus, I couldn’t stand to sit and watch another Redskins game. When I arrived, the water was stained from the recent rains. Hopefully the sediment would settle down some before reaching the deeper areas. But, as I arrived to the deeper section, I noticed that the water was still stained. Not bad, but not exactly the best cold water color that I’m used to. I left my reaction baits at home, bringing my finesse bass rod and a panfish rod. Hopefully, with the bright sun, the fish would be able to find my presentations. I went straight to a big blow down where I’ve been getting a lot of fish the past couple trips. After an hour with one good bite on a plastic worm, and one small hit, I began to question staying or not. I moved down to a fallen tree in the deepest water and decided to give that a try for the panfish. I had caught a few crappie on plastic worms there throughout the fall, so I figured it would be a good place to try. If it didn’t pan out, I'd begin implementation of my backup plan. On my first cast, I landed this nice long white crappie, on a BPS tube jig under a weighted bobber, about 18” deep. After that fish, I was ready to commit my day to stay and fish this place out. For perspective, I measured my shoe at 13” when I got home. The very next cast, I set the hook on this beauty, a fat black crappie showing that they too can reach a nice size. I caught three more on my next five casts, all of them over 12” long. I noticed some parasites in the mouth of a few of them, so I played doctor and used my forceps to remove them. I figured that they were nice enough to make my day so I’d return some sort of favor to them in addition to releasing them. After getting bit, while fighting them, I was giggling like a little boy. It was just like the good ol’ days at this spot! Here’s another shot of that same fish. I bet any tube would have worked, but the gold flake chartreuse tail seemed perfect given the water clarity issue. I landed another huge one that was bigger than these, and my pic didn’t turn out. It’s on my camera, but when I share it the email generated shows that the picture is not readable. I tried sharing it on photobucket, but so far it hasn’t shown up. Oh well, technology is awesome, but not perfect. I’ll go back some day and catch it again…I’m sure there are some bigger ones in there! Quote
Fat Boy Posted December 12, 2011 Posted December 12, 2011 After hooking a dozen, the bite kind of slowed at that spot, but they didn’t turn off. I decided to see if the sun warming the cliffs may activate some bass, so I tossed my worm to a likely spot along the cliff, not moving my feet from my crappie spot, and hooked into my first bass of the day, not big, but a start! I caught two more bass on back to back casts working parallel to shore, the drop off to the deepest water in the area. The sun was shining down on that drop nicely, warming things up a bit. Later I moved back where I had my first bite that I missed, at the big blow down. It was a good bite, and that fish bested me. I wanted revenge. I worked the same spot thoroughly and just when I was about to give up, I hooked this 18” bass. It bit in exactly the same spot as the one that I missed earlier…revenge achieved: Here's a couple more. It’s funny, as the afternoon moved on, the fish seemed to get less active. The evening bite really didn’t happen. The bass shut down and so did the crappie, although I did manage to catch one last nice one along with a big rock bass. When I hooked the rocky, I was sure it was a crappie at first, but to my surprise, add another species: This rock bass thought he was a crappie, fought much harder than most rock bass do. I could have really padded my numbers with the bluegills, they were still active later in the afternoon. Along the rocks, the sun had them pretty active, and had I scaled down my lures and targeted them it could have been a fish every cast. I opted for bigger baits for the crappie and focused on the deeper water where they were hitting. I still managed to catch 15 of these: I finished with 11 largemouth, 1 rock bass, 15 bluegills, and 16 fat crappie (the smallest was 10”, biggest about 14”). These patterns will work until ice up, and once the ice is out too. As I walked back, I realized how lucky I was to have everything come together, and to get my butt outside and away from home. Not bad for bluebird skies and the cold temps we've been having... Quote
basser89 Posted December 13, 2011 Author Posted December 13, 2011 Nice catches Kevin! Great pics too! As I mentioned at the end of last week, I did hit PEPCO over the weekend. At first light, I ventured down to the warm water discharge to eval the conditions. I had checked the levels before I left the apartment but just couldn't vision it in my head. It was worse than I had expected. LOL! The bank I typically walked down to hit a few of my good spots was there. Even worse, they weren't pumpin any warm water. I ended up hitting the canal and was surprised with the action I got. I ended up with 5 hits but the rust must have effected me a little more than I thought. 2 of the hits were panfish bites while the other 3 were definitely bass. I missed 2 and hooked up with the third which I broke off trying to pull it over a laydown. Wish I would have had a little better hook up ratio but was glad to get out! Quote
Fat Boy Posted December 13, 2011 Posted December 13, 2011 Thanks guys. I hear ya Sean, there's a lot of timber in the Canal at Dickerson. It's so friggin' bassy, everywhere, which in itself makes it difficult to fish. The vast amounts of rain this year though may help that place, keeping it full of water. I apologize for not giving my spot away...as you can see, I can't do it. Sorry. This spot is a fragile one. If I fish more popular locations, then I have no problem pointing that out. Once I was fishing there back in the day when this spot was by far the best fishing hole anywhere, and a few guys saw us fishing there and watched us for a while. It wasn't long that they were there fishing the spot out week after week. It's taken 15-20 years easy for it to even come close to what it used to be. The whole point of the post is that even during tough conditions, somewhere fish will bite if you put in the time to find those spots. Small plastic worms were the ticket for the bass, and the crappie hit pretty much anything that I threw as long as the size of the jig was right. If I had to apply the logic of where specifically to fish, the keys to finding fish here would apply anywhere really...sun shining down along rocky banks and deeper water, with woody cover as a key. Southern facing shorelines (North sides) get more sun all day, and that's a major key no matter where you fish. Finally, getting bites and making each one count can save your day. Bites can be few and far between this time of year. If you know that fish are there, take your time and work for that bite, and make it pay off. At the end of the day, you'll be surprised how many you've caught sometimes. Slow down this time of year... 1 Quote
basser89 Posted December 13, 2011 Author Posted December 13, 2011 Great post Kevin! I believe the ultimate downfall to my day was the equipment I brought with me. Looking back, the issue I had was the rod. I was using one of my older BPS rods that has more of a moderate action than a fast action causing a poor hook up for throwing plastics. Will definitely keep that in mind the next time I head out (which will probably be sometime over my Christmas break). Tubes were the ticket to the action I got saturday. The section I was fishing was fairly stained so the color of choice for me was black/red flake (which is a confidence color of mine in those water clarity conditions). With the amount of brush/stumps/laydowns in the canal, I had to look for isolated pieces of wood or sections of wood that just "looked different". All my hits (from the bass) came from the opposite side which surprised me some since this was the shadey side of the canal. I didn't get a water temp but I believe there may have been some warm water being pumped into that section which could be the reason the bass were as active as they were. Maybe someone else can confirm this for me but Kevin you mentioned about the rainfall and the canal. From what I've experienced since I've been fishing there (and the section in Williamsport for that matter) I have never seen those sections go dry, even under low rainfall years. I "guess" is these sections are spring fed. Quote
Fat Boy Posted December 13, 2011 Posted December 13, 2011 I've fished that section before, and up by the Power Plant it used to be much more full of water. I guess there's a breach there because last time I went in the spring it was really low up there. I wisht that they'd repair that section, but with funding an issue in the Fed, I doubt that it would happen. But, some of that water seeps down into the section that you fish. If you walk up there you'll notice that there's a little bit of current. That said, I'd bet that it's the lowest area around, so all of the water from the hunting area to the first ridge ends up there, plus, I'd say you're right about the springs. There's been water in that thing as long as I can remember. BTW, there's a good number of crappie in the canal there, but like the bass, hard to find so you have to put some time in. Most of them are small, but every now and then you get a good one. Based on the number of mosquito fish in there and tiny bluegills, there's no shortage of forage for them. I almost made a trip there on Sunday...one of my backup plans. I'd like to fish it again soon before it ices up. You game? On of my first blog posts was about that spot... my buddy and I witnessed two snapping turtles fighting in the middle of the canal, very cool, but so much for the losing turtle. They both drew blood. It was like UFC turtle night. Quote
basser89 Posted December 13, 2011 Author Posted December 13, 2011 Thanks for the sanity check Kevin! Yeah, I've fished it for about a decade (guessing) now and have never seen the canal dry. The next free time I'll have to fish is sometime over my Christmas break. My company does a year end shutdown between Christmas and New Years so sometime in that stretch is likely when I'll get back out again. Just have to figure out when. Once that's figured out, I'll let you know. Btw, cool story about the snappers! Never seen that before. I've seen several in there but never seen any fighting. Quote
Fat Boy Posted December 16, 2011 Posted December 16, 2011 Not bass, but... Caught this guy yesterday... I was targeting them, only throwing musky stuff. I left the bass and walleye tackle at home. My arms and shoulders are sore today from lobbing all those giant lures all day, but managed to get one around noon. My buddy caught a nice walleye too. The river was in good shape, 38 degrees though. Water clarity about 2'. Here are the pics: Quote
basser89 Posted December 16, 2011 Author Posted December 16, 2011 Nice looking toothy critters Kevin! Can I ask where you caught them (not specifically, just a general area)? PM me if you want. Congrats on the catches! I've managed a couple of "cold" water muskies before. The fight sure does change from their summer time fighting habits! LOL Quote
Fat Boy Posted December 17, 2011 Posted December 17, 2011 looks like Susquehanna to me Lee, good observation in one sense, it does look like one of those Susky islands, doesn't it? It's actually the Upper Potomac. Conditions are nice right now unless a lot of runoff from yesterday happens from the West and North. Clarity, 1-2'. Water temp, 38 degrees. The water was high, too much for floating but perfect for jets. I wonder how we would have done targeting walleyes all day. That eye was caught with a Magnum X-Rap speed reeling of all things! Who 'da thunk it? I get surprised at something each time I go. What an amazing fishery we have in Maryland! Anyone else fishing? Quote
slaynbass365 Posted December 18, 2011 Posted December 18, 2011 Hey everyone. I am selling my newest curado+rod. Its a 200e5 on a pinnacle rod 6'6" MH. $125 obo...Let me know if interested via PM. Hope everyone is doing well! Quote
dcfdpipeman Posted December 19, 2011 Posted December 19, 2011 Hope everyone has an nice Holiday.... I just saw this... could meet up for breakfast?? Cabin Creek Bassmasters 9th Annual Sportsman Flea Market Featuring: TACKLE VENDERS, BOAT DEALERS AND GUIDE SERVICES Time: Saturday January 21, 2012 9:00AM till 4:00PM Sunday January 22, 2012 9:00AM till 2:00PM Where: Washington County Agriculture Education Center 7313 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713 Quote
wv Posted December 19, 2011 Posted December 19, 2011 Just want to say Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and wish everyone the best for the holidays. We haven't been out much since Thanksgiving Day at Sharpsburg Pond and Middletown Pond...did no good at either place. The Flea Market looks like a good idea. Would only be able to do Sunday and I'm sure Saturday would be better. Sometimes I work late on a Saturday but don't know my schedule too far in advance. If you are going Sunday let me know. Breakfast sounds good, too.:-) 1 Quote
basser89 Posted December 22, 2011 Author Posted December 22, 2011 Hope everyone has an nice Holiday.... I just saw this... could meet up for breakfast?? Cabin Creek Bassmasters 9th Annual Sportsman Flea Market Featuring: TACKLE VENDERS, BOAT DEALERS AND GUIDE SERVICES Time: Saturday January 21, 2012 9:00AM till 4:00PM Sunday January 22, 2012 9:00AM till 2:00PM Where: Washington County Agriculture Education Center 7313 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713 Good find! I always seem to miss this for one reason or another. I might be able to make it this time. I'll keep ya posted when we get a little closer. Quote
basser89 Posted December 26, 2011 Author Posted December 26, 2011 Here's hoping all the MD crew (and everyone else as well) had a Merry Christmas! Hope Santa treated everyone well too! Quote
slaynbass365 Posted December 27, 2011 Posted December 27, 2011 Hope everyone had a happy holiday, and has a safe new year... Quote
Fat Boy Posted December 29, 2011 Posted December 29, 2011 Hope everyone had a happy holiday, and has a safe new year... Yep, sure did...great year in 2011 for me. Here's hoping that we all have a great 2012! Quote
wv Posted January 1, 2012 Posted January 1, 2012 Here's hoping all the MD crew (and everyone else as well) had a Merry Christmas! Hope Santa treated everyone well too! Hope everyone had a happy holiday, and has a safe new year... Thanks. Only thing to do now is get the licenses. I guess we''ll get both WV and MD non-res again. Although we fished more in MD than we did in WV. I'm kinda glad 2011 is over. It was a strange year for me especially at work where we were short-handed most of the year and some real good friends and co-workers left. We didn't do much quality fishing but I sure enjoyed getting out and forgetting the work stuff. Also regret not making the Get-Together and hope to get another oppurtunity there. Quote
Fat Boy Posted January 1, 2012 Posted January 1, 2012 I got out fishing one more time on the Potomac chasing muskies. No muskies caught, no follows, and sore arms from chucking massive musky baits. But, I got a consolation prise, my personal best walleye on a 12" lure! It was the only gamefish that either my buddy or I caught all day, although he caught the biggest fallfish that I've ever seen. This walleye was 26" long, and although I've caught them that long before, this was by far the fattest one that I've ever caught, making it my personal best. Happy New Year everyone! 1 Quote
dcfdpipeman Posted January 2, 2012 Posted January 2, 2012 Kevin, that is one sweet way to break in the New Year (or end 2011). Wow! Amazing how one fish can wiped out hours of not catching a twig! Looking forward to some outings with you! Peter Quote
Fat Boy Posted January 2, 2012 Posted January 2, 2012 Kevin, that is one sweet way to break in the New Year (or end 2011). Wow! Amazing how one fish can wiped out hours of not catching a twig! Looking forward to some outings with you! Peter Thanks Peter. Just let me know when you want to fish. We'll make time. Quote
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