December Fishing Sessions (Last Update: COMPLETE)

Hello, Readers!

First, I would like to apologize for the inactivity here on the Blog. Unfortunately, I had a tough finals week at Temple University earlier this month (thankfully, everything is done). As for fishing, the weather hasn't helped a lot recently -- brutal weather on some days, frozen Lakes and Pond, snow+rain, etc.

Below are the photos of the month! Even though it's Winter in the USA, it's Summer in Brazil! Fishing is awesome at this time of the year. All photos were taken at the Guarapiranga Reservoir -- the place where I used to fish, with my father, during my Childhood. You can really a little bit more about the Guarapiranga Reservoir on my other post, here.

One of my father's friend holding a Pearl Cichlid (Geophagus brasiliensis). A gorgeous fish, isn't it?

A type of Tilapia that I have yet to identify (Tilapiine Cichlid).

And now, for the December fishing sessions...

--- December 4nd, 2013 ---

Location: Schuylkill River

Time: 4:00-7:30 p.m.

Fishes caught:

- None

I went to the Fairmount Dam with my friend Matt A.. The plan was to leave a couple rods for Catfish (or whatever bit) and have a rod for active fishing. We threw our Catfish rods out with chicken liver, but we didn't have a single solid fish the entire night. Matt lost a couple fish and I had some small bites. That was pretty much it...

And, of course, we lost a couple rigs as well. Pretty "snaggy" area. =/

Matt A. taking a photo of the Boat Row House.

Many people take the place for granted, since they pass there constantly. However, let's not forget that the place is a historical site in Philadelphia! Side note: all boathouses are more than a century old, with a couple older than 150 years! 

--- December 5th, 2013 ---

Location: Schuylkill River

Time: 2:00-3:30 p.m.

Fishes caught:

- 2 Channel Catfish

Since the weather was pretty nice, I used the opportunity to go Catfishing on the Schuylkill Banks. I finished the day with 2 Channel Catfish -- a 2.0 and 2.5lbs. They were both caught on Shrimp. 

No monsters, but at least I got some action, which was great!

Nice little Catfish on a piece of shrimp.

Second guy of the day -- 2.5lbs.

--- December 7th, 2013 ---

Location: Linden Lake

Time: 2:00-5:00 p.m.

Fishes caught:

- 2 Chain Pickerel

- 2 Bluegill

I went fishing at Linden Lake, in Lindenwold. I was expecting some Black Crappies on my jig, but ended up with a bunch of big Bluegill and 2 Chain Pickerel.

The water was lower than usual, not to mention that all the lily pads had died already. It was tough to find the fish; thus, I was pretty happy that I finished with something. Winter fishing is certainly tough at times...

First Bluegill of the day, caught on my traditional 1/64 oz. Trout Magnet jig with a 1 inch Gulp! Alive Minnow.

Same fish, different angle. The water composition of Linden Lake certainly gives its fish a very nice coloration! Some of the most beautiful Bluegills that I've ever caught came out of Linden Lake. 

This fish hit me by surprise. I didn't measure it; however, it was pretty small. It hit the minnow around the edge, close to some bushes. The float literally disappeared under the water. I thought it was just a big Bluegill, but soon I saw that it was a cute Chain Pickerel.

Same fish, another angle. Small Pickerels are not very good fighters, but they are a lot of fun to catch! I mean...they are rare in Philadelphia, after all. 

--- December 20th, 2013 ---

Location: Upper Cooper River

Time: 11:30-2:30 p.m.

Fishes caught:

- 2 Black Crappie

- 1 Bluegill

After a good while, I was finally able to go out fishing again! The weather for the past 2 weeks hasn't been very good, not to mention that I had my finals week recently as well (I'm still recovering from it).

My mother is also visiting from Brazil; therefore, I've been spending some family time. Thus, less fishing...

I went to the Upper Cooper River with my friends Andrew N. and Matt A. (Haddonfield). The carping was very slow for Matt. Andrew finished with a bunch of small fishes (Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Green Sunfish, etc). I finished with some Black Crappie and Bluegills.

It was a good day to be outside! 

Small Black Crappie on the small jig.

One of the many Bluegills from the Upper Cooper River.

Andrew N. with a Black Crappie. He's showing his face of disappointment towards the size of the fish...Heh.

Our Carping rods, ready for some action! Unfortunately, no Carp showed up in the end. =(

--- December 22nd, 2013 ---

Location: Newton Lake

Time: 11:30-4:00 p.m.

Fishes caught:

- 1 Black Crappie

- 4 Bluegill
- 1 Brown Bullhead

Since the weather was so nice, I went fishing at Newton Lake with my friend Matt A.. The plan was to catch some small Bluegills and use them as bait for the bigger fish. We also brought some nightcrawlers and corn. I finished the day with a couple Bluegill, Black Crappie, and one Brown Bullhead. Matt decided to Carp and unfortunately he got skunked (he did catch a couple Bluegills, though).

While we fished, there were a couple Bass boats out. We even saw one guy land a small Largemouth Bass on a spinner bait. Pretty neat! Gotta enjoy while the weather is nice! Today is the first day of Winter, and perhaps it will be the warmest of this season...

Little Bluegill from Newton Lake

A little rainy; otherwise, beautiful weather to be outside.

A Black Crappie, caught on a whole nightcrawler! Ha! 

A Brown Bullhead (probably my first one from Newton Lake), also caught on a nightcrawler.