Recent Rare Catches + Random Pictures

--------------------------------------------Heya, People! As promised the other day, I'm posting two pictures of rare catches at the Schuylkill River. Persistence is the key. In addition to those, I'm posting here all the pictures I couldn't post so far! Enjoy!
Follow my Facebook page for updates on every single one of my fishing sessions:
http://www.facebook.com/ExtremePhillyFishing
There are fishes around us! Follow my Statistical Chart for 2012 for my catches during this year:
http://extremephillyfishing.blogspot.com/2012/01/statistical-fishing-chart-for-2012.html
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Mike with a Gizzard Shad. He accidentally snagged it at FDR Park. However, guess what? This is a really good sign that there's bait fish (shad) running around the Lakes, meaning that Snakeheads and LMB still have food to eat!

There's been a certain discussion over this Trout caught at the Fairmount Dam, Schuylkill River. Looking at the tail, it looks like a Brown. The white stripe on the fins make it look like a Brook. A friend of mine said it's a Hybrid, but once I googled images for a "Tiger Trout", it looks nothing like that. Therefore, by exclusion, I will say that this is a Brookie with a weird tail.

Another extremely rare catch at the Fairmount Dam: a Spotted Muskie. There are three Species of Muskellunge in that portion of the Schuylkill River: Clear, Tiger, and Spotted. I'm attaching a link below with pictures of the members (some ex) of the PAC - Philadelphia Anglers Club:

http://www.phillyh2o.org/backpages/fishpac.htm

Most of the fish was eventually caught at the Schuylkill River. Louis' Grass Carp and Aki's Tiger Muskie are definitively rare catches! This is to prove that they are THERE! Sometimes it's hard to believe, specially if the person is not in the field. It's not just about luck: it comes with persistence, knowledge, and field experience as well.

Pictures of a trip that I made to Core's Creek (Luxembourg Lake) a while ago.

Core's Creek is very shallow at certain portions; however, it holds good quality fish. I've caught a couple Carps over there, and I've seem people getting LMB in the range of 4-5lbs. There have been rumours of Walleyes, but I did not confirm it yet. 

Also, Core Creek holds a good population of Black Crappie and Sunfish, for those who like to fish Panfish.

The next pictures are of a trip I made with my friend Steve a while ago - Atlantic City. We fished the Surf with clams for a little bit, without success.  

A picture of Steve fishing at the surf. There was a good amount of people fishing around, and some people caught Stripers early in the morning.

Without success, we moved to the bay. Even though we knew that chances of getting something in cold weather were close to zero, we still wanted to go there take a look. Despite the fact that we ended the day without fish (it was a cold, windy day!), it was extremely nice to go to these new spots, and just be outside.

A nice picture of the Bay. Steve caught some Black Sea Bass during summer time at the Bay. Of course, according to the fishing guide map, there are chances of getting Flounders and so on.

A picture of the water colour: clear! Beautiful!

The next pictures are of a trip that I made with my friend George to Fort Washington, Wissahickon Creek. Our objective was to catch some Winter Carp.

We fished for a couple hours. It was cold, and it snowed a little bit in the afternoon. We missed one bite each, and we saw Carps swimming around. Isn't it amazing the fact that Carps will bite 365 days a year, despite weather conditions?

This is were I saw a Smallmouth Bass go all the way to the top of the water to catch a little prey. It was an awesome sight, specially because of the water temperature at that time.

The next pictures are of a portion of the Tacony Creek, in Center City. Looks like a shallow Bay; however, be aware: there's fish there! I've personally seem schools of Carp travelling this place. Also, even though this area of the Tacony is rated as dangerous and dirty, there are still people fishing it nowadays.

The same picture from a different angle. There's a trail on the left side and a trail on the right side as well. Due to urbanization, the Creek remains nowadays a dangerous spot. It's a shame because it could be turned into a recreational area, and even be valued as a neighborhood treasure. Unfortunately, the environment is losing badly to economy lately.

Another picture of the Tacony Creek. A potential area that could be stocked with Trout by the Boat and Commission. In Center City, Philadelphia, there are two main creeks (only) that are stocked with Trout: The Wissahickon, and the PennyPack. Again: the Tacony Creek could be stocked with Trout if people went there to fish. And for that to happen, a lot more things need to happen. There will be a post on the Tacony Creek coming up in Summer time, when I have more time to work on the Blog.

The next pictures are of a trip that I made to Wissahickon Creek during last Winter. It was the day that I caught my Bala Shark, and my Koi! Unfortunately, there are no pictures of the fish due to the temperatures. I didn't want them to freeze because the air was below 32F. This view is of the Second Dam, close to the Wissahickon Transfer Center.

The picture above is the left view of my fishing spot. The "Monster of the Wiss" (http://extremephillyfishing.blogspot.com/2011/07/monster-of-wissahickon-creek.html) is exactly in this spot! Many people have sent me e-mails asking why have I exaggerated in the term "Monster", hence the fish is not even very big. The reason of the word I used is related to the Species of the fish, and not the size. "Ghost Carps" are quite rare in Philadelphia, and their name is "Ghost" for a reason: there are some marks on top of their heads that resembles a human face, and that is not uncommon! Link below:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1291605/Whats-fish-face-The-carp-really-does-look-human.html

It will be a pleasure to catch one of them this year, maybe after May!

Chummed, and ready to go!

And, of course, one rod next to the falls - where fish usually hang around. I wanted to find a picture of "fish and dam", and this is the best one I stumbled across:

http://www.vtwaterquality.org/wqd_mgtplan/swms_appC.htm

I know there's a post where I emphasized how important it's to fish strategic points such as dams. I just don't know which one.

Trout Opening at the PennyPack! I've seem MANY swimming around, but couldn't catch a single one! I missed two top water bites, and had to leave at noon. If I continued, I would certainly have finished with at least one! Between the PennyPack and the Wissahickon, I prefer the Pennypack when it comes to Trout Fishing. However, with waders on, the Wiss can be really good!

One of my fishing friends with his son, holding a 5lb (22 inches) Catfish in their net. The picture was taken yesterday - Sunday 04/08/12. Nice catch!

First Yellow Perch of the year yesterday, at the Schuylkill River. One more Species for my collection! Yay!

Hope you all enjoyed the pictures! To finish the post, PLEASE, don't do what this guy did in this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chi9Gm8y9BU&feature=related

You are allowed to laugh at the fact that the fish will NOT LIVE. "He's gonna be alright.." NO WAY! However, keep in mind that this is also a sad situation! Handling the fish in good ways are essential for their survival.

Best of luck for all of us!

Long Days and Pleasant Nights,

Sincerely,

Leo S.

The Mighty Schuylkill - The Best Fishing Location in Philadelphia

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Updated:
http://extremephillyfishing.blogspot.com/2012/01/statistical-fishing-chart-for-2012.html
--> Added Data from Schuylkill River (04/01/12; 04/07/12), FDR Park (04/03/12; 04/07/12), and PennyPack Park (04/05/12)
------------------------------

I've lived in Philadelphia for four years now, and fished for two consecutive years. I've travelled and explored different bodies of water; fished many different fishes; found new fishing spots (with determination and physical labor); and so on. It's with this experience in mind that I can proudly say that from all body of waters that I've been in Philadelphia, none surpassed the Schuylkill River in terms of fishing quality!

By fact, the Schuylkill River is the best fishing location in the heart of the City of Brotherly Love. If you are not convinced by my statement, read the rest of this post, think about it, and make your own conclusion. If you are still not convinced after that, go fish it! =)

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1. Location
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To begin with, the River can be easily accessed:

- Public transportation to the River (Septa) is available from West, North, Northeast, and South Philadelphia through the Market Frankford Line (Blue Line) and the Broad Street Line (Orange Line). Apart from the Subways, there are 15+ different Buses that stop at the river's surroundings!* Also, there's the Amtrak - 30th Street Station - located right next to the Schuylkill River, which provides regional rails from suburbs and so on.

*For more information on Bus routes:
The 15+ routes that passes close to the Schuylkill River:
http://extremephillyfishing.blogspot.com/2011/12/dont-have-car-go-septa-you-can-still.html
The Septa websites, which contains all available Bus routes, and subway schedules:
http://www.septa.org/schedules/bus/index.html

- The River itself has a trail, which makes fishing very convenient**. Also, there's a portion of the River called "Schuylkill Banks", which is maintained by the SRDC (Schuylkill River Development Corporation) and the Department of Parks & Recreation. In conclusion, a huge portion of the River is neatly maintained, and approximately 75% of Philadelphia's section of the Schuylkill River has a trail, making fishing spots easily accessible. 

**For more information on the Schuylkill trail:
A map of the Philadelphia section of the trail:
http://www.schuylkillrivertrail.com/pdfs/Phila_section.pdf
Schuylkill Banks website:
http://www.schuylkillbanks.org/

- Many portions of the Schuylkill River are convenient when it comes to basic needs. I've learnt from experience that it's very frustrating when needs are not satisfied. Water, food, restroom - these are examples of basic needs that we have, and they can be found in many different parts of the River. I know that there's at least a restroom near Walnut st.*, the Art Museum (Fairmount Dam), and Kelly Drive. In terms of water and food, fishing between Spring Garden and Locust street is fairly convenient! There are pharmacies and convenience stores around, hence the River is in Center City. At East Falls, there are also stores around. Also, if fishing at Kelly Drive, there's the Cosmic Cafe (I love the fact that they give away free cold water, assuming the customer has a container for it), which supports local products and good/fresh food.**

*Yes, this restroom is kind of ecologically fancy:
http://www.schuylkillbanks.org/projects/composting-restroom
**Yes, this Cafe is kind of ecologically fancy too:
http://www.cosmicfoods.com/

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2. Fishes
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Yes, "fishes". "Fish" for a single Species, "fishes" for different Species. In terms of fish diversity, the Schuylkill river will not lose to ANY OTHER body of water in Philadelphia. With more than 40 different Species of fish* in different sections of the river, this river is absolutely godly! For those who once said that the "Schuylkill River was the sewer of the City", it's pretty outrageous to imagine that more than 40 different types of fish can actually live healthily in this river, isn't it?

The Fairmount Water Works has a LIVE fish cam that is USUALLY on. The link is below:
http://www.fairmountwaterworks.org/fishcam.php
Watch it for a while, specially during April-June, and you may be able to see multiple Species going up the ladder! In other words, fish migrating from the tidal Schuylkill to the non-tidal Schuylkill.

*Here goes some scientifical evidence to support the claim (biologist reports):
http://fishandboat.com/images/fisheries/afm/2004/6_08-20schu.htm (For Trout Fishermen)
http://fishandboat.com/images/fisheries/afm/2005/6x11_07schu.htm (For those with Flathead fever)
http://fishandboat.com/images/fisheries/afm/2009/6x08_26schu.htm (To show that 40 is not a magic number)
http://www.phillyh2o.org/backpages/fishway/SchuyFishFactSheet.pdf (Fish ladder data 2004-06!)

So far, I've known the Species below (with respective locations for fished ones) in terms of fishing (F), observing pictures (O), reading empirical data (R):

- Channel Catfish (F) - Locust to Kelly Drive
- White Catfish (F) - Locust to Walnut Bridge
- Brown Bullhead (F) - Locust to Walnut Bridge
- Yellow Bullhead (R)
- Flathead Catfish (F) - Locust to Walnut Bridge
- Margined Madtom (R)
- White Perch (F) - Locust to Fairmount Dam
- Yellow Perch (F) - Locust to Market Bridge
- Spot (F) -  Locust to Walnut Bridge
- American Shad (F) - Fairmount Dam
- Hickory Shad (F) - Fairmount Dam
- Gizzard Shad (F) - Fairmount Dam
- River Herring (R)
- Common Carp (F) - Spring Garden to Kelly Drive
- Mirror Carp (F) - Kelly Drive
- Grass Carp (R)
- Quillback Carpsucker (O)
- White Sucker (O)
- Northern Hog Sucker (R)
- Bluegill Sunfish (F) - Locust to East Falls
- Pumpkinseed Sunfish (F) - Locust to Market Bridge
- Redbreast Sunfish (F) - Kelly Drive
- Green Sunfish (R)
- Black Crappie (F) - Fairmount Dam
- Rock Bass (O)
- Largemouth Bass (F) - Fisherman Statue
- Smallmouth Bass (O)
- Striped Bass (F) - Fairmount Dam
- Hybrid Striped Bass (O)
- American Eel (F) - Locust to East Falls
- Satinfin Shiner (R)
- Spotfin Shiner (R)
- Common Shiner (R)
- Swallowtail Shiner (R)
- Blacknose Dace (R)
- Longnose Dace (R)
- Creek Chub (O)
- Fallfish (R)
- Cutlips Minnow (R)
- Banded Killifish (R)
- Tesselated Darter (R)
- Rainbow Trout (R)
- Hybrid Trout (O)
- Brown Trout (R)
- Walleye (F) - Fairmount Dam
- Bowfin (O)
- Northern Snakehead (O)
- Chain Pickerel (R)
- Clear Muskellunge (O)
- Spotted Muskellunge (O)
- Hybrid "Tiger" Muskellunge (O)

Statistics:

- 51 Species all together (which already passes 40! So, it's good to say that the current Schuylkill holds 50+ Species of fish!)

- 20 Species fished
- 12 Species observed (Pictures/People)
- 19 Species read

O<R<F (which is good! Most of the data is actually from field experience).

So, when it comes to the "surprise" element of fishing, it's good to say that you never know what you will pull out of the Schuylkill River! Put one of the most universal baits on - a nightcrawler - and go for a surprise! Who knows...I've personally pulled Carps and Stripers on nightcrawlers before, at the Schuylkill River.

To finish this post, I've attached a couple pictures below! Spring is here, and so is the "Spring Mode" of the Schuylkill River - Prespawning, migration, and so on. Mike Hsiao has been spending a lot of time fishing there, so I've posted all the pictures that he sent me by e-mail. There are TWO very special pictures of RARE CATCHES at the Schuylkill that I'm saving for a next topic: a picture of a Hybrid Trout (BrownXBrook), and a Spotted Muskellunge.

Mike with his first Striper of the year!

Next pictures are of LMB/SMB, all caught by Mike a little while ago.

Mike's long Channel Catfish.

Mike with his snagged Common Carp. Notice that snagging is illegal in PA. If done purposely (Bare hook and brute movements), the Boat and Commission can charge the person! 

Another Mike with a nice sample of LMB at the Fairmount Dam.

My biggest Catfish of the year so far: 6.3lbs.

And another one...

And another one...

White Perch is finally around! Therefore, the Catfish are more active now. Remember the golden rule in fishing: always look for the baitfish!

Watching the rod carefully on a windy day.

From "the rocks" - the left side of the Schuylkill River.

"The Rocks" at night time - Boat Row.

Fishing between Walnut and Chestnut bridges.

Fishing at the Fairmount Dam.

Fairmount Dam from another view.

Prime Carp spot at Spring Garden.

Another view - Walnut st.

Best of luck for all of us!

Long Days and Pleasant Nights!

Sincerely,

Leo S.
Follow my Facebook page for updates on every single one of my fishing sessions:
http://www.facebook.com/ExtremePhillyFishing
There are fishes around us! Follow my Statistical Chart for 2012 for my catches during this year:
http://extremephillyfishing.blogspot.com/2012/01/statistical-fishing-chart-for-2012.html
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Season is open at the FDR Park - LMB and Snakeheads

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Updated:
http://extremephillyfishing.blogspot.com/2012/01/statistical-fishing-chart-for-2012.html

--> Added Data from Schuylkill River (03/03/12; 03/04/12; 03/10/12; 03/11/12;
03/18/12; 03/22/12), Audubon Lake (03/08/12), and FDR Park (03/24/12)
------------------------------

With two years of field experience at the FDR park, I can say that there are only two main secrets for a successful day at the Lakes: water temperature, and change of location.

During cold temperatures, the FDR park becomes miserable! The Sunfish will still be around, and big Black Crappies will still be available in low populations. With creature lures, or mid-water jerk baits, one may be able to hook a lunker, if lucky. The main fun of the Lakes, which consists of LMB and Snakeheads, become highly inactive. Even if the person covers the whole area, it's still likely to end the day skunked.

On the other hand, the Lakes at FDR become an awesome place when temperatures are high! The main action becomes top-water, and a good LMB or Snakehead may be swimming "just in front of you". All spots become potentially good, despite of depth or visibility. Walking around the Lakes and covering the most possible amount of water is the main technique to have a successful day.   

Due to the availability of my time, I wasn't able to go to the FDR Park (Franklin Delano Roosevelt) as often as I wished. I was able to go there yesterday - my first official fishing trip at the FDR this year. Mike, however, has been hitting the FDR constantly lately (I wonder how this guy is doing at college! Haha), and he was able to get a couple Snakehead shots for us!

Yes, they do exist! People have been bugging me for a Snakehead picture, hence lots of them don't really believe they are in the Lakes at FDR. Pictures of Mike's Snakeheads are below!

Please, let's not forget that the Northern Snakehead is an invasive Species in Philadelphia, PA. It's completely legal to catch-and-release, even though the Boat and Commission recommends fishermen to not release it. It's legal to harvest them, as FAR as they are dead. It's ILLEGAL to keep them alive in any conditions, and travel with them.

With this in mind, all the rest is fun! The pictures below are of Mike's last trips to the FDR, including a picture of my LMB from yesterday, caught at the main lake. Rob and Steve were there as well! They landed some nice sunnies, a LMB, and 2 Crappies. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get the pictures from them. If I do, I'll certainly add them in this post later.

Enjoy the pictures:

I do not recall how big this Bass was, but it looks like a fattie! (Reminds me of my friend Carrie, somehow...)

I do not recall WHO took this picture, but man...I have to admit that I'm with my eyes closed in 30% of my pictures. The LMB was caught on top water with a Jitterbug, 2lbs, 20 inches. 

Mike with his 2.04lbs LMB (also caught yesterday), caught on a fluke.

An old picture from a previous trip.

Finally, people will stop bugging about the Snakehead pictures at FDR! Once again: Yes, they do exist. They are aggressive, invasive, but a lovely Game fish! Mike was able to get all 3 of them in less than 40 minutes, all at one spot. Therefore, as I mentioned before: moving around at the FDR is a very smart move for a successful day.

Second one.

Third one. As I remember, one was 2lbs, and the other two topped 1.5lbs. Nice job, Mike! Keep it going!

I've always liked the fact that Mike sends me pictures all the time. My specialty in fishing is really still-fishing and float-fishing, while Mike's fishing is completely based on cast and retrieve. Therefore, I've always liked the fact that I can give away pictures of bottom feeders and other species that rely on natural baits while Mike can contribute with Species that are often caught on lures.

Overall, the season at the FDR is finally opened, and it's already being "overfished". Just from yesterday, I was able to see more than 10 fishermen fishing at the big Lake! That's quite outrageous...Hopefully people will learn to catch-and-release, and be a little bit more conscious about the sustainability of the waters around us. 

Best of luck for all of us!

Long Days and Pleasant Nights,

Sincerely,

Leo S.
Follow my Facebook page for updates on every single one of my fishing sessions:
http://www.facebook.com/ExtremePhillyFishing
There are fishes around us! Follow my Statistical Chart for 2012 for my catches during this year:
http://extremephillyfishing.blogspot.com/2012/01/statistical-fishing-chart-for-2012.html
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Collection of Pictures from the Haddon Lake in NJ

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Follow my Facebook page for updates on every single one of my fishing sessions:
http://www.facebook.com/ExtremePhillyFishing
There are fishes around us! Follow my Statistical Chart for 2012 for my catches during this year:
http://extremephillyfishing.blogspot.com/2012/01/statistical-fishing-chart-for-2012.html
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As promised in the last post, a little collection of other catches from Haddon Lake, NJ. There have been other catches, but I don't really have the pictures in my hands...Basically, it's all about LMB, Rainbow Trout, Calico Bass (Black Crappie), and Chain Pickerel (Mike's the only one who landed it so far. Tsk tsk tsk...)

Rob's Rainbow Trout. He nailed quite a couple over there, but this is the only decent picture that I have of it. Steve was able to land a spawning one as well! Impressive, Steve! Keep going...

Mike's Chain Pickerel. If I remember correctly, it was around 24 inches. Note the bloody marks on its tail. It always made me wonder: what kind of fish has guts to "snack" on this one?! It has to be at least similar in size! Incredible! I can't wait until I catch one...

Mike with a "medium" sized Large Mouth Bass from Haddon.

Mike with a "small" sized Large Mouth Bass from Haddon. Very pretty, and healthy as well! The lateral line is beautiful.

Mike's PB at Haddon so far: a 3lb "big" Large Mouth Bass. Even so, there have been rumors of 5-6 pounders at Haddon. I'm sure Mike will bring us more images of LMB during the summer (bigger ones too), fruits of his favorite target.

And another healthy one.

Best luck for all of us! The odds are proportional to the weather! Now that the weather is good, chances of catching bigger ones are higher as well. Watch out for the laws/rules in terms of harvesting, and spawning season, and everything will be okay!

Long Days and Pleasant Nights,

Sincerely,

Leo S.

Back at the Audubon/Haddon Lake in NJ!

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Follow my Facebook page for updates on every single one of my fishing sessions:
http://www.facebook.com/ExtremePhillyFishing
There are fishes around us! Follow my Statistical Chart for 2012 for my catches during this year:
http://extremephillyfishing.blogspot.com/2012/01/statistical-fishing-chart-for-2012.html
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Hey, People! It's been a while, huh? As I stated before, my time for fishing has become very limited after my classes started at college. Also, I've been psychologically "messed up" for a while - the regular life drama (blame it on women, of course! =P). For this reason, I apologize. Anyways, let's get down to what really matters here: fishing.

Since the weather started to get better at the beginning of March or so, I had decided to hit Audubon/Haddon Lake with my friends one more time. I went there with Mike Hsiao, and we fished for a couple hours.

First, we focused on the Haddon lake for Pickerel and LMB. Without much luck, I moved to the Audubon Lake (just next to it) for some Carp. I ended the day with two landed Carps (pictures below). 

Mike has been hitting the Haddon lake for quite a while, as well as Rob and Steve (which makes our little fishing party of 4). I'll post a collection of their pictures on the link below:
http://extremephillyfishing.blogspot.com/2012/03/collection-of-pictures-from-haddon-lake.html

Pictures of March 8th:

First Carp of the day, ready to shake hands!

Same as above. Somehow, I'm never really smiling in my pictures. Hahaha

Second one, so you can have a better idea of its size.

Now, this is funny...I've been fishing with Mike for quite a while, and he's always doing these "weird ninja" moves when he's either landing fish, or retrieving a snagged lure. Check the pictures below: "How far would you go for a lure?"

He got his lure! Happy, huh? He's about 20 feet from land.

A better picture of his craziness.

And he starts his journey carefully, hanging on the tree.

It gets a bit dangerous, but he manages not to fall.

At this point, he dropped the lure in the water (Hahaha), but he was able to get it back by cast and retrieve.

Finally, he makes to the trunk of the tree...

...and he lands safely!

Pretty scary, isn't it? I would never do this kind of stuff for a lure. Would you do it? Oh well...it was lots of fun!

And finally, two pictures of the Haddon Lake. I was trying to fish for Catfish and Rainbow Trout in this picture. It's said that there are 15-20lbs Catfish in the Haddon Lake (Wow!). Now...is this myth or not? I'll have to confirm that over the summer...

A beautiful picture of the sky. Fishing the fish is part of the sport, but being outside - surrounded by nature - is always a plus.

 I'll certainly start posting more from now on, even though my time is very limited! After all, I've received lots of e-mails complaining about the lack of updates. Hahaha

Best of luck for all of us,

Long Days and Pleasant Nights,

Sincerely,

Leo S.