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The winter around here has been fairly mild so it's not that uncommon to think about the varieties of fish you can catch. While you probably won't find any panfish hugging the banks yet, these small sea creatures are often one of the first catches for more than one young angler.
Pumpkinseeds are freshwater fish in the sunfish family. You may know them as "pond perch", "common sunfish", "punkys", or just "sunny". Whatever you call them, they're pretty good eating but, not that popular as a food fish because pumpkinseeds are fairly small--only around 6-8 inches and well under a pound with a fish at only 1lb. 6 oz. taking the record!
Many people confuse pumpkinseeds with bluegill because they are similar in size and are often found in the same areas. Added to this confusion, is a natural hybridization where the fish have actually crossbred! None the less, true pumpkinseeds are speckled in various bright colors including, yellow, green, orange, or even red. As is often the case in nature, females are more brightly colored and often sport an orangish breast area. All in all, the coloration of the pumpkinseed is one of the most vibrant of any freshwater fish and can range from an olive-green or brown to bright orange and blue. In fact, aside from the aforementioned pigmentation, its sides are covered with vertical bars that are a faint green or blue, which can remind one of perch.
Found in great numbers throughout much of North America and especially the Northeast, it's hard to believe these small fish have found their way across the Atlantic and are an invasive species but, that's exactly what happened. Although fish this size can hardly be viewed as a threat, they may end up being as common as goldfish which is another well controlled invasive species.
As with any fish this small, light tackle is the way to go. Get a light rod, four pound line, size 6 or 8 hooks and some worms and you're good to go.
Remember to take the hooks outta yer pocket before ya sit down!
Although we’ve been fortunate around here and haven’t had that much snow, early winter can be a real disappointment or it can be some of the most exciting fishing of your life.
Success is all about being at the right place at the right time because if you hook into something, chances are it going to be big! Another part of that equation, is using the right lure. Although live bait is always a safe bet, here are some suggestions on lures that work when it starts getting colder.
Spinnerbaits & Jigs
An excellent choice for just about any time of the year would be a spinnerbait that’s fished in 3- to 7 (7.5-18 cm.) feet of water. Colors such as orange, white, or chartreuse produce best in murky water and lighter colors usually generate bites in clear water.
A slow retrieve usually works best when it’s cold but let fish tell you what they prefer. Retrieve at their speed. It’s never a bad idea to vary your retrieve until you get some interest.. Spinnerbaits will probably work best around cover like logs, stumps or downed trees.
A jig with a black/blue trailer is a great choice in off colored water. Lacking this, go with a dark jig without a trailer. Brown is another color you can never discount. As with the spinnerbait, make sure you fish slow this time of the year.
Floating baits
This time of year, fish are on the don’t eat often but, when they do, you can bet they’re on the prowl for an easy meal so, a floating bait may work this time of year. They don’t want to chase a meal too far and prefer an easy-to-eat bait such as a dying minnow.
Always remember is not to set the hook very hard. Winter fish are going pretty lethargic so, it's pretty easy to jerk the bait right of their mouth if you don’t pay attention to what you are doing.
Artificial worms
This is another great bait just about any this time of year. A good choice is something around 6 inch (15 cm.) but you can also use something around 4 (10 cm.) inches and get good results. Don’t forget your Texas or Carolina rigging when it comes to worms.
Throw out your worm and let it settle to the bottom. Bounce it slowly and give it a little shake now and then. Again, you don’t want to move it too quickly.
Rattling lures
Any lure that makes noise is always a good bet. A lot of companies make a crankbait with BB’s or a loud clacker in it. You can use baits like this in depths ranging from 6 inches (15 cm.) all the way down to 10 feet (3 m.) A sudden twitch produces unexpected sounds and may trigger a reactionary bit. Give this a shot around docks or old lily pad growth.
Remember to take the hooks outta yer pocket before ya sit down!
An impressive collection!
Ya know that saying, “What’s old is new?” That’s the case for Luck “E” Strike’s American Original lures Better still, every product in Luck “E” Strike’s American Originals line will retail for less than 6 bucks! On top of that, Luck “E” Strike USA is using the methods, materials and even labor, found in lures from yesterday.
AND if you’re one of those America--Love It Or Leave It types, you’ll love this-- every component in the line –paint, hooks, plastic and labor – is homegrown. Luck “E” Strike is doing their part to put Americans back to work and fill tackleboxes with 100 percent American-made hard baits. The first lure in the American Originals line was the Wart Hog. Luck “E” Strike will debut two deep diving crankbaits for the 2012 Bassmaster Classic.
Anglers weren’t having the success they used to enjoy with NOS (new old stock) lures. Why? it was both simple and inevitable. As lure production moved overseas, production materials and methods changed. At last these changes altered the end product into something different despite the fact it looked like the original. Well, the big-wigs at Luck E Strike were listening to complaints and have come to the rescue. No more looking on Ebay or buying lures that are decades old.
“People have been going on the Internet and buying 30-year-old lures because they act, sound and feel like they should, and that’s what we’re bringing back,” is the line from Luck E Strike. No more.
If nothing else, people ought to like the price!
Remember to take the hooks outta yer pocket before ya sit down!
Many anglers find a bait casting reel difficult to use and end up with a tangled mess. Although reels almost always come with instructions, they often go unread or the need for adjustment when changing lures becomes a pain.
This video I found on YouTube is probably one of the best out there. It outlines how to use the "automatic" features of the reel and finishes, whether he meant to or not, by touching on what old timers call "an educated thumb."
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It's funny how fishing can be so good in a river around June and be nonexistent this time of year. River fishing can be tough and extra tough when you start heading into winter.
Sometimes fish gather around structure they find in a river but, it's probably best to look at rivers as a highway for fish. Just as we travel from one place to another, fish are on the move also. When it comes to fish, too many times that highway shuts down when temperatures drop.
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Since the basics of fishing are so simple, one would think it's pretty simple to buy some hooks. WRONG!
There are different sizes, colors and even types.
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Here's a guy as obsessed as Ahab and as intense as Quint.
All I know is that I cracked up the first time I saw this commercial!
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Ever hear of a rotifer? Don't feel bad if you haven't but it may be one of those things you always knew about but never knew the name of.
Colonial rotifers such as these gather in a group around a milimeter in diameter,
Rotifers are nearly microscopic plankton-like animals which are found throughout most of the world in both salt and fresh water but mainly in fresh water.
Another variety you may find.
If you look at a drop of lake water you may think there's a speck of dust in the water because rotifers are only 0.1 to 0.5 mm long. Some rotifers are free swimming but others inch their way through the mud. No matter which you run across, they're small enough you're going to have to look carefully or overlook them!
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This picture ought to shake up the Love-It-Or-Leave it faction.
Politics aside, You may find it a little funny.
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For the most part, fishing is a fairly safe sport. On the other hand, if you’re new to the sport, it may be a good idea to take a moment and think about a few things.
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Comment by James Rickard
on Beatles Trivia Anyone?
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