Hello, Blog Readers!
Before I bring you my fishing report for February 4th, here are the latest updates on the Blog/FB Page:
-- I've uploaded tons of photos to the "Public Fishing Album" on the EPF FB Page. If you sent me a photo and it's not there, I may have missed it! If so, I apologize. I promise to post it as soon as you send me the photo again (remember, though: one photo per Species, folks).
As a reminder, anyone can submit photos for that folder. If interested, you may click here for more details on how to submit your photo.
Now, here's my short fishing report for February 4th:
--- February 4th, 2015 ---
Location: Wallworth Lake, Upper Cooper River (Haddonfield, NJ)
Time: 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Fishes caught:
-- None
My friends and I decided to go to Haddonfield (NJ) for a short fishing session. Since temperatures were up to 40F+ with almost no wind, it was hard to stay indoors! Heh. Unfortunately, the water was still very cold (of course) and most places were still frozen (i.e. Hopkins Pond, Upper Wallworth Lake, Driscoll Pond). Thus, our only option turned out to be the Upper Cooper River. Sadly, the grass was still wet and most places were muddy; therefore, we got ourselves pretty dirty as well. Haha.
I started at the junction of the Wallworth Lake with the Upper Cooper River:
The falls between Wallworth Lake and the Upper Cooper River. This spot NEVER freezes during the Winter.
I got a couple nibbles on my "1/64 oz. jighead + 3" Gulp! Alive Minnow" setup; however, I wasn't able to land any fishes. I did hook two fish (small Bluegill), but they fell back as soon as they left the water! What a bummer... In the end, I couldn't even catch my first Bluegill of the year!
In between, I decided to "fix" the fish ladder at Wallworth Lake:
This is a photo of the top part of the fish ladder located at Wallworth Lake, Haddonfield, NJ. As you can see, the place was jammed with branches and leaves. There was barely any water flow at that point. The main idea behind the fish ladder was that Blueback Herring and Alewife would be able to swim up the Upper Cooper River, Wallworth Lake, and Evans Pond for their spawning grounds. The ladders were build back in the 2000's. You can read more about it here.
Here's a photo of the fish ladder after I took all the leaves and branches away. This photo makes absolutely no justice, as you are not really able to see how well the water is flowing! So, if you want to check the ladder out, make sure to go down there one day. :)
After miserably failing at Wallworth Lake, I walked my way down towards the base of Driscoll Pond -- where my two buddies where fishing at. While going through the muddy trail, I was still confident that I wouldn't get skunked! However, I was soon informed upon my arrival that they didn't have a single bite since the beginning of their fishing session. Here's a photo of the two of them sitting their butts and waiting for the fish that never came (hehe):
Yes...there are two people fishing in this photo!
In the end, we soaked our baits for a little bit longer, but no success whatsoever. We finally decided to pack things up, call it a day, and go shop for some fishing gear (of course!). You know the deal -- gotta stock for the Spring! Since I don't have any fish photos for the day, here are the products that I purchased from Dick's Sporting Goods! Enjoy the technicalities and reviews. :)
Berkley Powerbait Chigger Craw (Green Pumpkin): this is certainly one of my favorite soft plastic trailers. I usually combine them with a 3/8-1/2 oz. Strike King jighead, and they work FINE with the Largemouth Bass. Plus, I truly believe that their "shrimpy" smell helps a lot.
Matzuo America Nano Minnow (NM4, NM5): They all dive between 0-3'. In other words, this is my lure of preference when it comes to shallow Ponds with Largemouth Bass and Chain Pickerel or shallow holes with Smallmouth Bass and Trout.
Comal Tackle Weighted Oval Snap-on Float: this is pretty much the float that I use in junction with my "Gulp! Alive Minnow" setup. The weight on the float really allows me to cast far away (very important for me); the size of the float allows me to see a small bite from a great distance; and this float works extremely well with an ultralight setup. Not only that, a medium sized Bluegill will easily submerge it! Easy to put on and easy to remove. Highly affordable.
Storm WildEye Swim Shad: My friend Mike H. really got me into this product. I mean...I've seen him catch plenty of Striped Bass on the Schuylkill River with these Swim Shads (and Walleyes as well)! So, there you go...getting ready for the Spring Striped Bass run.
Heddon Chug'n Spook: Unfortunately, I lost my last Chug'n Spook to a seagull on the Schuylkill River while walking the dog. After an intense fight, the bird won. Lol. I have seen people have great success with this lure on the Schuylkill River, not to mention that it's always fun to work on a top water lure! Believe me: it's a GREAT feeling to see a Striped Bass hitting a top water lure.
Rat-L-Trap Rattletrap: I love using my Rattletraps in muddy water, and I always carry 2 of them with me. My biggest Largemouth Bass from Meadow Lake and Manayunk Canal were caught on a Rattletrap.
Zoom Salty Super Fluke (White Pearl): These are my "to-go" trailers for any type of aggressive game fish. I usually combine them with a 1/2 oz. jighead, jigging them on the bottom at regular intervals. My biggest Walleye from the Schuylkill River came on a Zoom Fluke. I like them in different colors, but white and pink are my favorite ones.
Eagle Claw Nylawire Snells: I don't particularly like the hooks on this product, so I buy them solely for the "nylawire." I usually replace the hooks with 5/0-8/0 Gamakatsu hooks and use them for Flathead Catfish. :)
Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon Line (8lb test): This is my line of preference for Multi-Species fishing. It remains clear under the water; thus, it's invisible under water.
Hopefully the next fishing session will produce some FISH! Heh.
Long Days and Pleasant Nights,
Sincerely,
Leo S.