Visit the NEW SusquehannaFishing.com!

Visit the new Susquehanna Fishing Magazine website at SusquehannaFishing.com.

http://susquehannafishing.com/

The new format will offer free download of all the back issues of SFM, as well as an expanded real-time content.

As always, your submissions are always welcome.

Hunting, Fishing Celebrity Guests to Appear at 2013 The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show

HARRISBURG, PA — The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show will once again feature some of the top names in the outdoor world. Popular Hunting and Fishing experts and pros will be at the 2013 Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show (February 2-10 at the State Farm Show Complex) to present seminars and give demonstrations.

 

“We are excited to welcome back some of the top names and add a few more,” said Chris O’Hara, Event Director for the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show.

 

Top fishing experts include Mark Menendez, Tommy Skarlis, John Hansen, III, and many local and PA experts.

 

Mark Menendez has three 1^st place finishes in his BASSMASTER tournament career, along with 20 top 10 finishes and 7 top 10’s in the FLW.

 

Tommy Skarlis is a veteran walleye tournament pro, with 2 victories and 10 top ten finishes to his career. In 2008, he was the FLW Walleye Tour Champion, the 2004 PWT Angler of the Year and Master Walleye Circuit Angler of the Year in 1997.

 

John Hansen, III or J3 as he is known, is from Harford County, MD and is angling to be a full-time BASS tournament pro. His ability to learn, then place at the tournaments make J3 an exciting up-and-comer to watch.

 

O’Hara said that The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show also welcomes to the seminar stage local fishing experts as well. “We are proud to have Blaine Mengel, Rod Bates, Frank Angelo and Darrel Gesford as regional experts. People want to learn about fishing our local waters, and these experts give the best tips.”

 

Hunting experts at the Show provide more than just celebrity faces and autograph sessions. Each will be conducting seminars on a variety of topics.

 

Vicki and Ralph Cianciarulo are “North America’s Favorite Hunting Couple” and hosts of two of the top rated hunting television shows, ARCHER’S CHOICE and THE CHOICE. Ralph and Vicki have done it all, from owning their own archery pro shop, to outfitting for deer, bear, and elk. They have worked from the bottom up to earn a reputation that is second to none in the hunting industry.

Lee and Tiffany Lakosky are two of the hottest outdoor celebrities in the country. With a combination of magazine cover looks, pro-staffer hunting skills and a tireless work ethic, the duo’s skills and popularity have led to appearances in high profile publications and a full schedule of celebrity and trade events. Their trademark phrase of “let them go, let them grow” has provided the duo with plenty of monster buck opportunities, and proving that their philosophy of managing land is a winning one.

Jim and Eva Shockey are a father and daughter team that travel the world to film for Jim Shockey’s Hunting Adventures and The Professionals. Jim Shockey has been an award winning outdoor writer, wildlife photographer\videographer, wilderness guide and outfitter for the last two decades. Now filming with Eva, his daughter, they travel the world to show the best hunting adventures around. The show has been to the Alaska Yukon on a moose hunt, polar bear hunting by dogsled with the Inuit people in the Arctic, Cape Buffalo and crocodile hunting in Tanzania, gazelle and white bearded wildebeast hunting in Masialand and Muskox hunting in the Arctic with a muzzleloader.

Larry Weishuhn is an award winning and internationally acclaimed writer as well as one of the most sought after speakers in North America. Known throughout the world as “Mr. Whitetail,” Larry one of the world's most respected wildlife biologists, outdoor writers and television personalities. He has written numerous books and columns for most every outdoor/hunting publication there is. As a wildlife biologist he has established quality deer management on well over 15,000,000 acres across North America.

Stan Potts has hunted whitetails for 40 years, harvesting numerous trophy class bucks with a bow, four of which scored over 200 inches. His hunting successes have been featured in North American Whitetailmagazine and several other media sources. Stan is the host of Mathews Dominant Bucks, and he co-hosts North American Whitetail Television on the Outdoor Channel. Stan is also featured on several TV shows including Realtree’s Whitetail Country, Thompson Center’s Game Trails, Pro Hunter Journal, HS Outdoors, and Gore-Tex Outdoor Adventures.

Fred Eichler is the owner of Fulldraw Outfiiters. When he is not guiding hunters he splits his time between wildlife photography, freelance writing and trapping. His articles and photos have appeared in Bowhunter, Bowhunting World, North American Hunter and Traditional Bowhunter magazines and is currently the host of Easton Bowhunting TV. He has harvested all of the 28 North American species recognized by Pope and Young with his recurve bow.

Sean Mann been guiding waterfowl hunts for over twenty years. He began his career in Maryland guiding Canada Goose hunts on Chesapeake Bay. His ability with calls and decoys quickly made him the most requested guide in the region. Sean began calling in the World Goose Calling Championship in 1981. He finished 4th in the World that year, and 3^rd in the World the following two years. In 1985, Sean won the World Goose Calling Championship with the call that he designed, refined, and patented, "The Eastern Shoreman". He repeated his victory in 1986. At the time, he was the youngest World Champion, ever. In all, Sean finished in the top Five in the World twelve times. This accomplishment alone has never been equaled.

Local and regional Hunting experts will also be on hand with tips, tricks and advice. Barry and Gene Wensel, Matt Morrett, Alan Probst and Abner Druckenmiller all have featured seminar timeslots.

As a special guest, the 2013 Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show welcomes Pennsylvania native Jamie Gray, US Gold Medalist in the in the 50m three-position rifle.

For more information on the complete schedule of seminar speakers, contests and family entertainment offered at the 2013 Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show, visit www.easternsportshow.com.

 

Online ticket sales for the Show are open and discount tickets can be purchased at: www.easternsportshow.com

 

 

Sponsored by The Outdoor Channel and Comcast, Progressive Insurance, Cabela’s and Chevrolet, and featuring more than 1,200 exhibitors, The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show brings the passion for the outdoors–indoors–by bringing outdoor sports enthusiasts of all ages from across the country to view the latest and best in hunting and fishing gear, shop for ATV’s and RV’s and plan & book hunting and fishing trips with outfitters & charters from around the world. The Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show also offers a wide range of seminars presented by experts along with hunting- and fishing-related contests and family-oriented entertainment.

Koinonia Guide Service, Susquehanna Fishing Report: 1/12/13

From Koinonia Guide Serice:
http://koinoniafishingguides.com/

 

Hi Gang,

 

The river was at 4.7 at the beginning of the week and at the end of the week we had 4.5 with 24,100CF of flow and 34 degrees.  

1.      Trip #1 – Guide Scouting Trip – This was on Tuesday afternoon and I fished from 3:45 PM to 4:45 PM and I did not get a bite. I fished only jigs in one particular hole. We had 4.5 – Steady – 25,200CF – Clear and 33 degrees. We had a BP of 30.30 and falling.  

2.      Trip #2 – Guide Scouting Trip – This was on Saturday morning and we fished from 7:15 AM to 11:15 AM and we caught 40+ Walleye. The largest was 16.75” and we had 3 legal fish. We caught them on Jigging Spoons and Jig/Minnow combos. We had 4.5 – Steady - 24,100CF – Clear and 34 degrees. We had a BP of 30.0 and steady with fog..    

3.      Trip #3 – No Trip

4.      Trip #4 – No Trip

5.      Trip #5 – No Trip

6.      The last meeting we had at the Fish Commission was a good start towards pushing DEP to do something about the river. DEP had two representatives at this meeting but they did not impress with the information they provided. One of the disturbing things that came out of this meeting was the fact that there are chemicals in the water that DEP has not developed testing methods for. Therefore, the water companies can’t test for these chemicals so there is no way of knowing if they are in our drinking water or not. We all use water from the Susquehanna for one thing or another so whether you fish or not is irrelevant to the fact that we all need to push DEP to protect our water.

 

Waterproof HD Video camera on a Budget

For those interested in a waterproof HD digital video camera, without wanting to spend the money for a GoPro...

This Vivitar is available on a limited basis from Target, for just $60.  The resolution isn't as good as a GoPro, and the durability doesn't appear to be on the same scale, but if anyone is looking for a camera to get started with filming on the water, this might be a decent choice.

Happy New Year from Susquehanna Fishing Magazine!

Happy New Year from SFM!

Please stay posted for a new and improved Susquehanna Fishing Magazine in the coming weeks...

Koinonia Guide Service Susquehanna Fishing Report (10/6/12)

From Koinonia Guide Service:
http://koinoniafishingguides.com/

Hi Gang,

The river was at 3.6 at the beginning of the week and at the end of the week we had 3.7 with 10,800CF of flow and 68 degrees.  

1.      Trip #1 – Guide Scouting Trip – This was on Monday and we fished from 4:00 to 6:30 PM and we caught 4 Bass. The largest was 16” and we caught them on Tubes and Crankbaits. The river stage was 3.7 – 11,000CF – Clear – Steady and 66 degrees. We had a BP of 29.75 and steady.

2.      Trip #2 – Guide Scouting Trip – This was on Monday and we fished from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM and we fished from two different locations. We caught 25 Bass and 8 Walleye. The largest bass was 19” and the largest Walleye was 20”. All the Walleye were legal length. We caught them on Spinnerbaits, Stickbaits and jigs. The river stage was 3.7 – 11,000CF – Clear – Steady and 66 degrees. We had a BP of 29.75 and steady.  

3.      Trip #3 – Guide Scouting Trip – This was on Tuesday evening and we fished from 3:30 to 6:30 PM and we caught 18 Bass. The largest Bass was 18” and we caught them on Stickbaits and Spinnerbaits. We had 3.6 – 9,200CF – Clear – Steady and 68 degrees. We had a BP of 29.95 and rising.

4.      Trip #4 – Guide Trip – This was a Wednesday PM Catfish Trip and we caught 7 Flatheads and 1 Channel Cat. The largest Flathead was 31.01#. This fish was 41” long and had a girth of 23”. We caught them all on live bait. We lost our first two fish then Tim caught a 19.5#, a 25.2# and then his 31.01# consectutively. We had 3.7 – Steady – 11,200CF – Stained  and 68 degrees. We had a BP of 29.95 and steady.

5.      Trip #5 – Guide Trip – This was a Full Day Trip on Thursday and we caught 20 Bass and the largest was 19”. We caught them on Top Water, Spinnerbaits and Jigs. We had to pull the boat and fish two different areas to salvage the day. We had 3.6 – Steady – 9.300CF – Clear and 67 degrees.

6.      Trip #6 – Guide Trip – This was a Half Day Tip on Friday afternoon and we boated 8 Bass. The largest was 17.75” and we caught them on Spinnerbaits, Crankbaits and Stickbaits. We had 3.7 – Steady – 11,000 CF – Clear and 68 degrees. We had a BP of 30.00 and falling.   

7.      Trip #7 – Making Bait – This was on Saturday morning and we fished from 7:30 to 8:30 AM and we caught 40+ Sunfish, 5 Largemouth, 2 Smallmouth and 1 Fallfish. We caught them all on jig/worm combo. We had 3.7 – Steady -10,800CF – Clear and 68 degrees. We had a BP of 29.70 and rising.

8.      The Catfish Gold continues to be our best bait for Channel Cats. A large Channel Cat on this bait is about 24” but we use smaller rods when we go for these so it is still a great battle. The cost is $6.95 per container and I have it is stock. On a half day trip one container usually last the entire trip when we are fishing 4 rods but it depends on how many bites you are getting and how fast the current is that you are fishing.  

The cooler temperatures should soon get the larger Flatheads active as well as make the bass fishing more consistent.

Koinonia Susquehanna Fishing Report (9/29/12)

From Koinonia Guide Service:
http://koinoniafishingguides.com/

Hi Gang,

The river was at 3.9 at the beginning of the week and at the end of the week we had 3.6 with 9,500CF of flow and 66 degrees.  

1.      Trip #1 – Guide Scouting Trip – This was on Monday and we fished from 9:30 to 3:00 PM and we caught 24 Bass. The largest was 19.5” and we caught them on Zell Pops and Spinnerbaits. The river stage was 3.6 – 10,100CF – Clear – Steady and 70 degrees. We had a BP of 30.00 and steady.

2.      Trip #2 – Guide Trip – This was on Tuesday and we fished from 4:00 to 8:00 PM and we caught 9 Channel Cat and 1 Flathead. The largest Channel was 23.5” and the Flathead was 7.04#. We caught them on Catfish Gold and the Flathead was caught on Live Bait. The river stage was 3.6 – 9,200CF – Stained – Falling and 67 degrees. We had a BP of 30.00 and falling.  

3.      Trip #3 – Guide Scouting Trip – This was on Tuesday evening and we fished from 3:00 to 7:00 PM and we caught 30 Bass and 5 Walleye. The largest Bass was 19.5” and the largest Walleye was 19”. All of the Walleye were legal size. We caught them on Stickbaits, Jigs and Top Water. We had 3.6 – 9,200CF – Stained – Falling and 67 degrees. We had a BP of 30.00 and falling.

4.      Trip #4 – Guide Trip – This was a Thursday PM half day trip and we caught 1 Channel Cat and 2 Flatheads. The largest Channel Cat was 21” and the largest Flathead was 16.11#. We caught them on Catfish Gold and live bait. We had 3.5 – Steady – 8,100CF – Clear and 68 degrees. We had a BP of 30.00 and steady.

5.      Trip #5 – Guide Trip – This was a Friday PM Trip and we caught 7 Flatheads and 2 Channel Cats. The largest Flathead was 32# and 41.5” long. We caught them all on live bait. We had 3.5 – Steady – 7,900CF – Stained and 67 degrees.

6.      Trip #6 – Guide Trip – This was a Saturday AM Trip and we caught 6 Flatheads and 6 Channel Cats. The largest Flathead was 15.20# and the largest Channel Cat was 24”. We caught all the Flatheads on live bait plus two of the Channel Cats. The other 4 Channel Cats were caught on Catfish Gold. We had 3.6 – Rising – 9,500 CF – Clear and 68 degrees. We had a BP of 29.85 and falling. We had a wind out of the north.  

7.      The Catfish Gold continues to be our best bait for Channel Cats. A large Channel Cat on this bait is about 24” but we use smaller rods when we go for these so it is still a great battle. The cost is $6.95 per container and I have it is stock. On a half day trip one container usually last the entire trip when we are fishing 4 rods but it depends on how many bites you are getting and how fast the current is that you are fishing.  

8.      The cooler temperatures should soon get the larger Flatheads active as well as make the bass fishing more consistent.

                  

 HAVE A GREAT WEEK AND LUV THE TUG………REB

Koinonia Guide Service Susquehanna Fishing Report (7/28/12)

From Koinonia Guide Service:
http://koinoniafishingguides.com/

Hi Gang,

The river was at 3.3 at the beginning of the week and at the end of the week we had 3.3 with 5,800CF of flow and 81 degrees.  

1.      Trip #1 – Bait Trip – This was on Wednesday and we fished from 4:00 PM to 6:15 PM and we caught 50+ Sunfish. We caught them all on Jig/worm combos. The river stage was 3.2 - 5,000CF – Stained – Steady and 83 degrees. We had a BP of 29.50 and Steady.

2.      Trip #2 – Guide Scouting Trip – This was on Friday and we fished from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM and we caught 2 Flatheads and 1 Channel Cat. We caught them all on live bait. We had 3.2 – 5,100CF – Clear – Steady and 82 degrees. We had a BP of 29.65 and rising.

3.      Trip #3 – Guide Scouting Trip – This was on Saturday morning and we fished from 4:30 AM to 8:30 AM and we boated 4 Flatheads. We had two over 20# and the largest was 21.3# and was 36.25” long. We caught them all on live bait. We had 3.3 – 5,800CF – Clear – Steady and 81 degrees. We had a BP of 29.80 and falling.

4.      No Trip

5.      No Trip

6.      We had another successful trip to Alaska last week and we have plenty of fish for the fish fry.

7.      The water temperatures are cooling so the bass fishing and catfish fishing should improve.

                       HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND AND LUV THE TUG………REB

Koinonia Guide Service Susquehanna Fishing Report (7/21/12)

From Koinonia Guide Service:
http://koinoniafishingguides.com/

Hi Gang,

This is a report from our Alaska Trip.  

1.      Saturday, July 14^th leave Harrisburg at 12:05 PM on Delta. Arrive in Detroit at 1:36PM and leave for Minneapolis/St. Paul at 3:25PM. Arrive in Minneapolis/St. Paul at 4:21PM and leave for Anchorage at 5:15PM and arrive in Anchorage at 8:01PM which is actually 4 hours later or mid night Eastern Standard Time. We got our luggage and rental van and checked into the Anchorage Hilton. After checking in we did our annual trip to the movie theatre. After the movie we went to bed which was about 4:00AM Eastern Time.

2.      Sunday, July 15^th we had a buffet breakfast meeting and introduced all the clients to each other and gave a brief description of the week to come. After breakfast we checked out of the hotel, did some shopping and then headed out to Soldotna which is where our base is the balance of the week. Soldotna is on the Kenai Peninsula and we stay right on the Kenai River. Upon arrival at the Kenai River Inn we assigned rooms and while the crew settled in we went to pick up our fishing gear. The sockeye just started arriving in the Kenai River so the guys spent the evening catching Sockeye Salmon from our dock and I took 145# to the processor. It was raining when we left Anchorage but the son came out when we arrived at Soldotna.

3.      Monday, July 16^th we headed out at 4:30AM for the town of Homer to fish from the Foxfire for Halibut and Ling Cod. The weather was clear but we had 6-8 foot rollers and it was a long tough day on the water. We were actually on the boat for approximately 15 hours. On the way home I dropped off 148# of Halibut Fillets and 153# of Cod fillets. The boys were whooped when we got home and there was not much salmon fishing done.

4.      Tuesday, July 17^th I got the group up and 8 people went on a trout float trip. Both groups enjoyed the trip and many rainbow trout were caught. They were all released to fight another day.

5.      Wednesday, July 18^th we left for Seward at 4:00AM to go fishing on the Voyager for a Silver Salmon and Halibut Trip. The silver salmon action was fast and furious and it did not take long to catch our limit of 42 = 3 per man. We then headed out to catch a limit of Halibut and this again was very productive and we had our limit with several hours of the trip left. We always hire the entire boat and therefore we have some input with the captain of what we want to do. We discussed our options with the captain and decided to go for some ling cod and bottom fish. We ended up keeping about 10 ling cod, 5 sea bass and some yellow eye rock fish. I took these fillets to the processor that night and we had 420# of fillets. The guys were not exhausted when we returned and we caught some Sockeye Salmon from our dock.

6.      Thursday, July 19^th we had 8 guys scheduled for a power boat King Trip but do to the lack of King Salmon in the river, the fishery was closed. We also had a group of guys scheduled for a Halibut Trip out of Deep Creek but we were blown off the water due to bad sea conditions. The group enjoyed a relaxing day of fishing for Sockeye and then that night we did our annual evening out of enjoying the Official Alaskan Balladeer, Hobo Jim. Once again he put on a great show and his songs reflect the Alaskan life amazingly.

7.      Friday, July 20^th we sent 4 guys on a Trout Float Trip and once again we had our guys blown off of Deep Creek. We again hung around camp and fished for Sockeye and some guys did some site seeing and shopping. We fished for Sockeye until 1:00AM.

8.      Saturday, July 21^st my father and I got up at 4:00AM and went down to the dock and caught some Sockeye before packing up to head home. It was raining so the fish processor gave us a room inside to package our fish. We boxed approximately 30 boxes of fish fillets to bring home. Some guys brought fish home on the plane and others Fed Ex their fish. We left Soldotna around 1:00PM and were at the airport in Anchorage by 4:00PM. We checked in the guys for the early flight and we all went to diner at the Sea Galley in Anchorage. The plant allows me to take fish to them until Mid Night so I do not get to bed until about 12:30AM each night and I get up at 3:00 to 6:00AM everyday so I am beat by the end of the week. I was on the plan at 8:30PM and I was asleep before the plan took off. We came back thru the same cities and arrived in Harrisburg on Sunday at noon.

This year we the majority of our group was from PA but we had 2 from Utah, 1 form Seattle, 1 from Illinois and 1 from the Bahamas. It was a really good group and we all got along very well. Should you like to know more about Alaska, you can reach me at koinoniagdesvc@aol.com.

Please check out our Web Site at WWW.koinoniafishingguides.com

                                                       

                       HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND AND LUV THE TUG………REB

Koinonia Guide Service Susquehanna Fishing Report (7/14/12)

From Koinonia Guide Service:http://koinoniafishingguides.com/

Hi Gang,

The river was at 3.3 at the beginning of the week and at the end of the week we had 3.2 with 5,100CF of flow and 85 degrees.  

1.      Trip #1 – Bait Trip – This was on Tuesday and we fished from 6:00 PM to 7:15 PM in a creek in Perry County. We caught 50+ Chubs and 15 Sunfish. We caught them all on Jig/worm combos. The river stage was 3.3 - 6,000CF – Clear – Steady and 91 degrees. We had a BP of 29.85 and Steady. 

2.      Trip #2 – Guide Trip – This was on Tuesday and was a half day PM White Perch Trip. We caught 35White Perch, 7 Blue Gill, 1 Largemouth Bass, 1 Yellow Perch and one 19” Walleye. We caught them on a crawler harness. We had a BP of 29.85 and Steady.

3.      Trip #3 – Guide Trip – This was a Half Day PM Guide Trip on Wednesday at Lake Marburg and we caught 35 White Perch, 7 Sunfish, 1 Walleye and 1 Largemouth Bass. We caught them all on a crawler harness. We had a BP of 29.80 and Steady.

4.      Trip #4 – Making Bait – This was on Thursday afternoon and we fished from 4:30 PM to 7:30 and we caught 150+ Sunfish and 5 Rockbass. We caught them all on jig/worm combo. We had 3.2 – 5,500CF – Clear – Steady and 85 degrees. It was windy and we had a BP of 30.15 and steady.

5.      Trip #5 – Guide Trip – This was a half day trip on Friday morning and we caught 5 Flatheads and the largest was 12.14#. We had 2 over 10 pounds and we caught them all on live bait. We had 3.2 -5,100CF – Clear – Steady and 85 degrees. It was calm and we had a BP of 30.20 and steady.

6.      The White Perch and Sunfish fishing continue to be very good and you can bring home plenty to eat. These trips are late afternoon trips and are on a local lake. We are also catching some Walleye.

7.      We leave today for Alaska so there may not be a local report next week

New Jersey with the Kayak Fishing Show (SFM, June 2012)

From the June 2012 issue of Susquehanna Fishing Magazine:

Memorial Day Weekend with the Kayak Fishing Show

By John “Toast” Oast

            Over Memorial Day Weekend I had the great pleasure of filming with the Kayak Fishing Show at the Jersey Shore, where we were fishing for for stripers and bluefish.  The show airs on the World Fishing Network (WFN).  On Friday I met up with my friend Jim Sammons, the show’s host, and Will Richardson, the show’s producer.  We were joined by Chris Shoplock from Harry’s Army-Navy.  Jim and Will had just run up the shore after filming with some of my buddies in the Virginia Beach area.  Our goal was to highlight the great kayak angling opportunities just down the road in New Jersey.

            After getting “all our ducks in a row” Friday morning, and meeting up with our chase boat (Drake’s Waterfowl Guide), we headed towards the backwaters for some bluefish action.  We were throwing a combination of tackle.  I was lucky enough to catch the first two fish of the shoot (of course the first was a foul-hooked blue).  For a little more action, I was using a medium weight freshwater bass outfit, and tossing a jerkbait I often use for walleye.  It worked great!  Then the others got into the action, and Jim found the perfect pattern for the blues.  On the way in we were able to help out some fellow boaters, and I was glad I was in my Ocean Kayak Torque.  You’ll have to watch the episode to see what happened next…

            On Saturday Gerry Benedicto from Seaguar met up with us for his first ever kayak angling experience…  oh, and his first ever surf launch, too.  We launched off the beach to meet back up with our chase boat, and searched for big stripers about a mile offshore.  Throughout the day the conditions continued to build, and the swells began to face-up.  Of our group, I caught our lone striper, but it was a beautiful specimen, and an awesome fight from the kayak in the conditions!  When the weather began to look ominous, we decided to head in.  And my surf landing was less than impressive.

John"Toast" Oast landing a sizable striper...

            On Sunday morning we headed out early with another chase boat (On a Mission Fishing Adventures).  This time we mother-shipped the boats a couple miles offshore.  For most of the day the conditions were much better than the previous day, and Jim and Chris were both able to boat some nice stripers.  But again, by afternoon the conditions turned, and we were forced to head in.  Unfortunately we were able to see a helicopter search for a missing teenager from the beach as we returned to the marina.  Sunday was a very dramatic and exciting day, but again, watch the episode to see all the action.

Jim Sammons in search of New Jersey blues...

            A huge thanks goes out to Jim, Will, Chris, Gerry, Eric, and David.  It was a great weekend, and an experience I will never forget!

John “Toast” Oast is the publisher of Susquehanna Fishing Magazine and a member of the Ocean Kayak Pro Staff.  His kayak rigging videos have received thousands of views, and been linked to websites around the world.  For more information, visit http://fishyaker.com/ and his Youtube page at http://www.youtube.com/fishyaker.

Koinonia Guide Service Susquehanna Fishing Report, 5/26/12

From Koinonia Guide Service:
http://koinoniafishingguides.com/

Hi Gang,

The river was at 6.3 at the beginning of the week and at the end of the week we had 4.8 with 30,600CF of flow and 75 degrees.  

1. Trip #1 – Guide Trip – This was on Wednesday and was a half day AM Bass Trip and we caught 40+ Bass and 5 Fallfish. The largest Bass was 18.75”. We caught them on Crankbaits, Stickbaits and Soft Plastics on Jigs. We had 5.0 – 37,400CF – Stained – Steady and 70 degrees. We had a BP of 29.80 and steady.
2. Trip #2 – Guide Scouting Trip – This was on Wednesday and we fished from 4:30 to 8:30 PM and we boated 5 Flatheads and 4 small Channel Cats. The largest Flathead was 12.12#. We caught them on live bait and Jig/Crawlers. We had 5.0 – 37,400CF – Stained – Steady and 74 degrees.
3. Trip #3 – Guide Bait Trip – This was a Thursday PM trip and we fished from 3:30 to 6:30 PM and we caught 1 Rockbass, 1 Channel Cat, 1 Yellow Perch, 3 Crappie and 80+ Sunfish. This was on a creek but the river was at 5.1 37,400CF – Steady – Stained and 74 degrees. We had a BP of 29.90 and rising.   
4. Trip #4 - Guide Trip – This was a Friday PM half day trip for Catfish and we caught 4 Flatheads and 1 Channel Cat. The largest Flathead was 6#. We caught them all on live bait. We had 5.0 – 35,800CF – Stained – Falling and 79 degrees. We had a BP of 30.00 and steady.  
5. Trip #5 – Guide Scouting Trip – This was Friday evening and we fished from 8:30 PM to 1:30 AM and we caught 4 Flatheads and 2 Channel Cats. The largest Flathead was 8# and the largest Channel Catfish was 3#. The river was 5.0 – Falling – Stained and 79 degrees. We had a BP of 30.00 and steady.
6. Trip #6 – Guide Bait Trip – This was on Saturday morning and we fished from 8:30AM to 11:30 AM and we caught 5 Channel Cats, 3 Crappie, 1 Largemouth and 50+ Sunfish.
7. Trip #7 – Guide Fun Trip – This was on Saturday morning and we fished from 11:00 to 2:00 PM and we caught 2 Walleye and 35 White Perch. This was on a Lake and we caught them on a Crawler Harness and Jig/worm combos. The largest Walleye was 18” and the largest White Perch was 12”.
8. The White Perch and Sunfish fishing continues to be very good and you can bring home plenty to eat. These trips are late afternoon trips and are on a local lake. We are also catching some Walleye as well and the Walleye fishing should continue to build.
9. The catfish bite is starting to get better and it should continue to become more consistent. The big Flathead to date was caught this week and is 12.12#. 

Please check out our Web Site at WWW.koinoniafishingguides.com

                                      

                       HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND AND LUV THE TUG………REB

Koinonia Guide Service, Susquehanna Fishing Report (4/21/12)

Hi Gang,

The river was at 3.9 at the beginning of the week and at the end of the week we had 3.7 with 11,000CF of flow and 67 degrees.  

1. Trip #1 – Guide Trip – This was on Monday and was a half day PM trip and we caught 6 bass and 1 channel cat. The largest bass was17” and the channel cat was 7.11#. We caught them on Spinnerbaits. We had 3.9 – 13,500CF – Clear – Steady and 64 degrees. We had a BP of 29.90 and falling.

2. Trip #2 – Guide Scouting Trip – This was Tuesday afternoon at Lake Marburg and we caught 50+ Panfish. We fished from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM and we caught them on a jig/bait combo. The largest was 9” and we had plenty to keep for eating. We had a BP of 30.00 and steady.  

3. Trip #3 – Guide Scouting Trip – This was on Wedenesday morning and we fished from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM and we caught 5 Smallmouth. The largest was 17.5” and we caught them on Stickbaits and Spinnerbaits. We had 3.9 – 12,700CF – Clear – Steady and 62 degrees. It was cloudy with a BP of 30.20 and falling.

4. Trip #4 – Guide Trip – This was a half day trip on Thursday morning and we caught 7 Smallmouth, 1 Largemouth and 2 Sunfish. The largest smallmouth was 14.5” and the Largemouth was 14”. We caught them on a Stickbaits, Spinnerbaits and Salty Spider Jigs. We had 3.9 – 12,400CF – Clear – Steady and 63 degrees. It was sunny with a BP of 29.90 and steady.

5. Trip #5 & 6 – Guide Trip - This was a two boat outing for half day trips on Thursday afternoon and we boated 32 Smallmouth and 1 Channel Cat. The largest bass was 20” and the Channel Cat was 9.11#. We caught them on live bait, Spinnerbaits and jigs. We had 3.9 – 12,400CF – Clear – Steady and 64 degrees. It was sunny and we had a BP of 29.90 and steady.

6. Trip #7 – Guide Trip - This was a half day trip on Friday afternoon and we boated 25 Smallmouth and the largest was 18.75”. We caught them on live bait and tubes. We had 3.8 – 11,600CF – Clear – Steady and 65 degrees. It was sunny with a BP of 29.90 and falling.

7. Trip #8 – Guide Trip - This was a full day trip on Saturday and we boated 15 Smallmouth and 1 Walleye. The largest Smallmouth was 19.25” and the Walleye was 21.25”. We caught them on live bait, Spinnerbaits, and Jigs. We had 3.7 – 11,000CF – Clear – Steady and 67 degrees. It was sunny with a BP of 29.60 and falling.

8. Trip #9 – Guide Fun Trip – This was a full day trip down at the bay and we boated 40+ small stipers.

9. We had a lot of slime to deal with this week so we were limited to how much we could throw baits with treble hooks. Fishing has been difficult and we had to resort to live baits on numerous trips.

10. The last day of Bass Season on the Lower Susquehanna is April 30^th but don’t worry, Koinonia will still be here to serve you with Catfish Trips, Trips to Lake Marburg and trips on the North and West Branch of the Susquehanna where there is no closed season for bass.

 

Chris with an Angler Award 19.25” and 3.5# Smallie.

Please check out our Web Site at WWW.koinoniafishingguides.com

                                                           

                       HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND AND LUV THE TUG………REB

Susquehanna Flats Kayak Fishing Jamboree This Weekend!

Don't forget that the Susquehanna Flats Kayak Fishing Jamboree is this weekend. Susquehanna Fishing Magazine will be there.

http://sfkfj.com/

Koinonia Guide Service, Susquehanna Fishing Report (4-7-12)

From Koinonia Guide Service:
http://koinoniafishingguides.com/

Hi Gang,

The river was at 4.5 at the beginning of the week and at the end of the week we had 4.3 with 21,200CF of flow and 48 degrees.

1. Trip #1 – Guide Trip – This was on Tuesday evening and we fished from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM and we boated 5 Smallmouth. The largest was 17.75” and we caught it on a stickbait. We caught 3 on a stickbait and 2 on a Forked Tailed Dinger. We had 4.5 – 24,500CF – Clear – Steady and 57 degrees. We had a BP of 29.80 and rising and we had sunny skies.

2. Trip #2 – Guide Trip – This was a full day trip on Tuesday and we caught 15 Walleye and 12 Bass. The largest Walleye was 20” and the largest Smallmouth was 17.5”. We caught them on soft plastics and Stickbaits. We had 4.5 – 24,500CF – Clear – Steady and 57 degrees. It was sunny with a BP of 29.80 and rising.

3. Trip #3 – Guide Trip – This was a half day AM trip on Wednesday and we caught 8 bass and the largest was 16.5”. Fishing was extremely tough and we caught 7 on Stickbaits and 1 on a tube. We had 4.5 – 24,500CF – Clear – Steady and 58 degrees. It was sunny and extremely windy with a BP of 29.40 and steady.

4. Trip #5 – #6 Guide Trip – This was a half day PM Combo Trip on Wednesday and we had two boats. We went touring and exploring and fishing with a family from Michigan. We caught 4 Smallmouth, 1 Largemouth, 5 Walleye and 1 Channel Cat. The largest Smallie was 16”, the Largemouth was 14”, the Walleye was 18” and the Catfish was 18”. We caught them on Stickbaits, Soft plastics and Sunfish. We had 4.5 – 24,500CF – Clear – Steady and 58 degrees. It was sunny and extremely windy with a BP of 29.40 and steady.

5. Trip #7 – Guide Trip – This was on Friday and was a full day trip and we boated 25 Smallmouth and 20 Walleye. The largest Smallmouth was 20” and the largest Walleye was 18”. We caught them on Stickbaits and Soft Plastics. We had 4.5 – 23,400CF – Clear – Steady and 48 degrees. It was windy and sunny and we had a BP of 29.80 and falling.

6. Trip #7 – Guide Trip – This was on Saturday and was a half day AM Trip. We caught 17 Smallmouth and 8 Walleye. The largest bass was 19.25” and the largest Walleye was 18” and we caught them all on Soft Plastics. We had 4.3 – 21,200CF – Clear – Falling and 48 degrees. It was Sunny and extremely windy with a BP of 30.10 and falling.

7. The sharp drop in water temperature slowed down the Bass activity this week. However, the quality stayed good and we caught two Angler Award Smallmouth.



The Greenburger Family on their Fishing/Exploring Adventure with Koinonia Guide Service. They received a nice video to take back to Michigan with them and they caught a nice variety of fish as well.

Please check out our Web Site at WWW.koinoniafishingguides.com

HAPPY EASTER

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND AND LUV THE TUG………REB

You MUST wear a PFD in PA this time of year... It's the law!

Even though we have nicer weather moving in, and occasional warm-to-hot afternoon, this is the most dangerous time of year for hypothermia on our region's waters. We continuously post about the importance of safety gear, especially when the water is still cold, but we thought we would repost the PA regulations on wearing a life jacket this time of year (PFD).

From the PA Fish and Boat Commission:
http://fishandboat.com/boatcrs/pfd/faq-pfd-cold.htm

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission passed a new regulation at its September 27, 2011, meeting on life jacket wear during cold weather months. This regulation takes effect November 1, 2012, and states that:

a person shall wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD or life jacket) during the cold weather months from November 1st through April 30th while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet in length or any canoe or kayak.

Here is a link to info about the similar regulation in New York State:
http://nysparks.com/newsroom/press-releases/release.aspx?r=760

PA Press Release on Smallmouth Black Spots

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Following recent reports from anglers that some smallmouth bass caught in the Susquehanna River have had irregular black blotches, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) today confirmed that similar spots have been previously observed on fish from other waters in the state and that the spots do not appear to harm the fish. The PFBC added that because the spots are limited to skin discoloration, the fish are safe to consume under the state’s general fish consumption guidelines.

“The condition is commonly known as ‘blotchy bass’ or ‘black spot’ and has been documented occasionally in various Pennsylvania waters since as early as 1980,” said Andy Shiels, PFBC deputy director of operations. “In fact, in 1986, a nationwide survey found that the condition was present in 11 other states, including N.Y., Delaware and Maryland.”

The PFBC started hearing from anglers late last year concerning the black spots, which are most often found on the head, lips, tail or fins. Melanin is a black pigment in the skin cells of fish and this condition is often referred to by fisheries scientists as melanosis.

“It’s not precisely known what causes the condition, but the bass that our biologists examined in previous years were generally healthy and in good condition,” said Shiels. “While the appearance of these spots may be alarming, there is no harm to human health from consuming these fish.”

He added that the condition has not been linked to specific pollution events, nor is there any evidence to suggest that blotchy bass condition is related to the young-of-year smallmouth disease issues in the Susquehanna River and some of its tributaries that the PFBC and other agencies have been studying since 2005.

PFBC biologists have documented the blotchy bass condition previously in Pennsylvania in the Susquehanna River (2011, 2006); Cowanesque Lake, Tioga County (2003); the Allegheny River (1999); and in the 1980s in Conneaut Lake (Crawford County), Presque Isle Bay (Erie County), Raystown Lake and several other waters. It also was observed in New York’s Hudson River during the 1980s, which resulted in a N.Y. fisheries biologist surveying other states about the condition. The survey showed that the condition was present in largemouth and smallmouth bass in 12 states in the East, South and along the Gulf Coast.

PFBC biologists who have previously observed this condition indicate that it often occurs during the cold-water period of fall, winter and early spring, and it appears to affect only fish larger than 12 inches. It typically occurs in a localized area and not uniformly in a lake or throughout a river system. Some bass have had one or two spots while others have had a dozen or more.

Because of the previous disease issue with juvenile smallmouth bass resulting in multiple poor year classes, the PFBC has placed catch and release regulations on all smallmouth and largemouth bass on portions of the Susquehanna and Juniata rivers and on their tributaries to a point one-half mile upstream, with a closed season from May 1 through June 15. The regulations apply to approximately 32 miles of the Juniata River, from the State Route 75 Bridge at Port Royal in Juniata County downstream to the mouth of the river at Duncannon, Perry County. On the Susquehanna, the regulations cover 98 miles, from the inflatable dam near Sunbury in Northumberland County downstream to the Holtwood Dam in York County.

Anglers who observe sick fish or other unusual conditions can report it to the PFBC through the website www.fishandboat.com/bassproblems.htm.

Blotchy Bass Condition
Fact Sheet

Characteristics
• Blotchy Bass Condition (also known as melanosis) is characterized by the appearance of irregular shaped black blotches resembling black ink spots. It is caused by an increase in melanocytes (black pigment cells) in the skin. Blotches typically occur on the lips, head, tail and fins. The condition is normally observed in larger adult fish (12 inches) and has been documented to affect up to 25% of a population at a given time. There are several diseases and conditions that affect the skin coloration of fish. However, it is important to note that in fish exhibiting the blotchy bass condition the discoloration will not be raised or inflamed. Bass exhibiting the blotchy bass characteristics appear to be healthy and there has been no known mortality associated with the condition.
• There is no known cause of the condition. It is thought to be related to environmental, growth or genetic factors.
• It has not been linked to general water pollution or specific pollution events.

History
• The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has documented this condition in the Susquehanna River (2012, 2011, 2006); Cowanesque Lake, Tioga County (2003); Allegheny River (1999); Sugar Lake, Crawford County (pre-1999); Lake Wilhelm, Mercer County (pre-1999); Conewago Lake, Lebanon County (1989); Raystown Lake (1988); Presque Isle Bay, Erie County (1986, 1987); and Conneaut Lake, Crawford County (1980, 1981, 1982, 1985).
• The blotchy bass condition was studied in bass in the Hudson River estuaries starting in 1983.
• In 1986 a nationwide inquiry resulted in the condition being documented in 12 states including PA, NY, DE, and MD.

Consumption
• Blotchy bass condition is limited to skin discoloration and presents no human health or fish consumption concerns.

April Susquehanna Fishing Magazine Now Online!

The April 2012 issue of Susquehanna Fishing Magazine is now online and available for free download. Check out this and previous issues at SusquehannaFishing.com.

http://susquehannafishing.com/



This month's Special Interest and Feature Articles:

This Month, by L. Dunham
Mariko Izumi Asks: What’s My Line, by D. Drotman
This Year’s Spawn, by B. Milheim
Opening Day of Trout Season, by J. Misiura
Fixing Up the Boat, by B. Wilhelm
Boutique Baits, by B. Wilhelm

Sponsored by Ocean Kayak

Koinonia Guide Service Susquehanna River Fishing Report (3-31-12)

From Koinonia Guide Service:
http://koinoniafishingguides.com/

Hi Gang,

The river was at 4.8 at the beginning of the week and at the end of the week we had 4.5 with 23,200CF of flow and 53 degrees.

1. Trip #1 – Stocking Trip – This was a Monday evening and we fished from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM and we caught 50+ Sunfish, 1 Crappie and 2 Channel Cats. We were catching fish to stock a portable pond for a kids fishing event at a Church. We had 4.8 – 30,800CF – Stained – Steady and 48 degrees. We had a BP of 29.55 and rising and we had 25 mph winds.

2. Trip #2 – Guide Combo Scouting Trip – This was on Wednesday evening and we fished from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM and we caught 3 Bass, 1 Walleye and 2 Flatheads. The largest bass was 17.75”, the Walleye was 14.5” and the Flathead was 24”. We caught them on soft plastics and cut bait. We had 4.7 – 28,700CF – Clear – Steady and 55 degrees. It was extremely windy with a BP of 29.40 and falling.

3. Trip #3 – 4 Guide Trip – This was on Friday and we had two boats for a full day trip. We boated 23 Bass and 1 Tiger Trout. The largest bass was 19.25” and the trout was 18”. We caught them on soft plastics, Stickbaits and Spinnerbaits. We had 4.5 – 25,200CF – Clear – Steady and 54 degrees. It was sunny and windy with a BP of 29.90 and falling.

4. Trip #5 – Guide Trip – This was a half day PM Trip on Friday and we boated 8 Bass and the largest Bass was 19.13” and was 3.7#. We caught one on a tube and the balance on Stickbaits. We had 4.5 – 25,200CF – Clear – Steady and 54 degrees. It was sunny and windy with a BP of 29.90 and falling.

5. Trip #6 – No Trip

6. Trip #7 – No Trip

7. The sharp drop in water temperature slowed down the Bass activity this week. However, the quality stayed good and we caught two Angler Award Smallmouth on Friday.



Phil with a 19.25 inch 4# Angler Award Smallmouth caught on a modified grub.



Ed with a 19.125 inch Angler Award Smallmouth caught on a Lucky Craft.

Please check out our Web Site at WWW.koinoniafishingguides.com

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND AND LUV THE TUG………REB

TheFlymanJim Fly Tying Video Update

A few new ones from Susquehanna Fishing Magazine contributor Jim Misiura: