Fish Pittsburgh » Bass

Night Trip

Leo Cancilla — Wed, 04 May 2011 12:29:41 +0000

I went out to Lake Arthur from 5:30-8:30 Monday night. My goal was to test out my new battery and experitment with some soft plastic baits that I poured. I managed to boat 20 bass in those 3 hours. I also lost 6 fish and missed about 6 or so hits as well. Some lures that worked were chatterbaits, buzzbaits, and a beaver like lure that I poured myself. The water temperature was between 55 and 59 depending if I was in the back of the bays or on the main lake. If we would get some consistent nice weather I feel the fish are getting ready to spawn. Hopefully, I can get back out there tomorrow night.

I fished for about 30 minutes for stripe bass as well, but I didn’t even get a hit looking for them. I threw some jerkbaits, red eye shad, and even trolled for a few minutes. I really want to get into them right now. They are one of my favorite fish to eat.

Night Trip is a post from: Fish Pittsburgh

June 2, 2010 -- Memorial Day Weekend
July 30, 2009 -- End of the Slump?
July 21, 2009 -- Cheap Buzzbait No Problem
September 12, 2011 -- Basscasters Wednesday Evening Tournament – #12
September 6, 2011 -- Basscasters Wednesday Evening Tournament – #11

Washington County Bassmasters Cabin Fever Tournament

Bass Hounds — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 20:24:38 +0000

Cross Creek Lake in Avella was host to the 2011 Cabin Fever Tournament, this marked the first tournament that The Bass Hounds will fish this year. Team member Derek Severns partnered up with Jim Lambert to fish this early season buddy tournament. With air and water temperatures still cold you know the fishing will be slow, the question with this tournament each year, is how slow? There were 28 boats signed up for this tournament.

The anglers were greeted with a beautiful morning and a promise of temperatures to be warming up in the afternoon. The water temps started off around 45 degrees but warmed to 50 by the afternoon. The fishing was slow, the guys started off flipping jigs and throwing lipless crank baits. Between 8am and noon, the guys only had one bite which was a swing and a miss, but they kept a mental note of where the bite was. Around 12:30 they made a sort run to a point that has always given up one fish or two during these early tournaments. The point did not disappoint this year either. Derek hooked up with what ended up being the tournament lunker, a 5.3 pound largemouth. That fish really got the blood pumping on this slow day. Both guys knew with just one more fish they would really have a shot of doing well. After an hour or

so of no bites, the team decided to move back up the lake to where they had missed the fish earlier in the day. Jim flipped in the bush and bang, the fish was on, it was the team’s second keeper! This really gave the guys a chance now, but they continued to think, if we could get one more good fish, it could be game over. But that bite never came, they fished hard all the way to the end.

At the weigh in it seemed that not too many boats were bringing in fish. There was rumor of a 6 plus pound fish, which never surfaced, Derek’s 5.3 ended up being the tournament lunker and with Jims fish, the team ended up with 8.05. This was enough for second place, the first place team of Bill and Rob Tarr had two bass for 8.16, so it was close. Only 6 teams weighed fish. Washington County Bassmasters does an excellent job with this tournament and hats off to all of the people that help make this event possible.

This is the first of many events The Bass Hounds team will be fishing this year…this weekend, March 26^th, team members Brad Bressler and Derek Severns will be teaming up to fish the Mariners Buddy event back at Cross Creek, and then it is off to Erie for the opening district tournament for the TBF D-6, and then to Washington DC for the TBF Mr. Bass East Event. The Bass Hounds would like to thank all of their 2011 Sponsors, Valvoline Oil, Nervous Waters, Metal Menders, Strauss Automotive, Poor Boy Baits and FishPittsburgh.com without the help of these companies this would not be possible.

Washington County Bassmasters Cabin Fever Tournament is a post from: Fish Pittsburgh

March 15, 2009 -- WHEN THE ICE COMES OFF
September 6, 2011 -- Basscasters Wednesday Evening Tournament – #11
August 14, 2011 -- KBBC – Lake Arthur -2 2011
August 8, 2011 -- Basscasters Evening Tournament 2011 AOY
July 28, 2011 -- Basscasters Wednesday Evening Tournament – #6

Chautauqua Lake

Staff — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 17:00:29 +0000

Southwestern New York is home to one of the best fisheries that I have ever been to. Chautauqua Lake has one of the best largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, perch, rock bass, and crappie populations that I have ever seen. Not to mention it is known for its large musky. This lake has something to offer every skill level, age group, and style of angler. Add to that the beautiful scenry and crystal clear water and you have the perfect get away.

Let’s start with some technical data. Chautauqua Lake is is approximately 17 miles long and 2 miles wide. The route 86 bridge seperates the upper and lower basin of the lake. In the upper basin you will generally find yourself in slightly deeper water and the lower basin. The maximum depth of the lake is 78 feet. There are 41 miles of shoreline and 13,000 acres of surface area. These numbers my sound quite large, but since there is an unlimited horsepower rating you can cover the lake in a hurry. The water clearity on the lake is very clear, but if an algea bloom happens you are not going to have any visability.

There are many types of structure to fish at Chautauqua Lake. The most abundant feature is the massive weedbeds. Weeds cover most of the shorelines throughout the lake and extends to the center of the lake in some places. Next, there is an impressive amount of boat docks that hold multiple species of fish all year round. Throughout the lake you will find small patches of lilly pads. These areas are usually quite shallow, but can hold decent amounts of bass and are often overlooked. Being the flipper that I am I found a shoreline in the creek that has a good number of laydowns. Although most of them are shallow, they can still be productive for largemouth bass. The most sought after spots on the lake are the rock piles that are scattered throughout. These will be very productive for all species. The second most common type of structure are the thousands of boat docks throughout the lake. Other structures include brushpiles and cribs.

Beaver style baits have become very popular among bass fishermen.

There are multiple campgrounds and resort areas around the lake. There is campground called Chautauqua Heights that is on the Northeast side of the lake near Dewittville. They offer camp site for the entire year to just one night. The sites include tent sites, electric sites, and sites for RV’s. Chautuaqua Heights also offers multiple levels of cabin rental, from rustic to luxury. Some of the other features include well maintained bathhouse, basketball court, mini golf course, horseshoe pits, jungle gym, swimming pool, and game room. There is also a camp store. Another campground is called Camp Chautauqua. It is located on the Northwest side of the lake near Mayville. There facilities are very similar to Chautauqua Heights. Another area you can stay are the Irwin Bay cabins which are also near Mayville.

To my knowledged there are 5 public boat launchs on Chautauqua Lake. The most used boat launch is in Long Point State Park. There is a beautiful marina and boat launch that is well maintained with plenty of room for boaters to park there vehicles and boats. Another launch is located in the town of Mayville. This is a much smaller launch but typically is not as busy. It is perfect if you are staying in the Mayville area. In the middle of the lake on the West side is Pendergaust Point. This is a very nice boat launch that is maintained by the state. There is also a boat launch in Bemus Point and one where the creek enters the lake in the South. There are multiple marinas throughout the lake that have there own private boat launchs as well.

There are plenty of things to do near Chautauqua for the entire family. The famous city of Bemus Point is a festive town that always has something going on. From festivals to classic cars shows it leaves something for everyone. You can find some great restuarants around the entire lake as well. The Erie wine trail makes its way through Chautuaqua as well. Add those to all the activities on the water and in the campground, and you have a great vacation destination.

Chautauqua Lake is a post from: Fish Pittsburgh

July 24, 2009 -- Pymatuning Lake
May 10, 2011 -- Allegheny Reservoir
April 10, 2011 -- Presque Isle Bay – Lake Erie
January 29, 2010 -- Oneida Lake – New York
September 15, 2009 -- Canandaigua Lake

Drop Shot for Bass

Staff — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 13:57:57 +0000

Here is a video that I really think can help some guys catch extra fish during though days on the water. I use the technique all of the time and it produces some good stringers. There are times when this technique works for every species of fish in our area. Al Linder will show us that Berkley products are some of the best lures to use.

Drop Shot for Bass is a post from: Fish Pittsburgh

December 17, 2009 -- Berkley Chigger Craw Product Review
August 17, 2011 -- VMC Spin Shot Drop
May 4, 2011 -- Night Trip
March 23, 2011 -- Washington County Bassmasters Cabin Fever Tournament
March 15, 2011 -- Swimbait Tip

Best Dock Fishing Rods?

Leo Cancilla — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:08:45 +0000

There are so many fishing rods on the market today it is hard to have a rod for every style that you can fish. However, most companies are making specialty rods that are specific for each technique. Whether you are fishing for bass or panfish, dock fishing can be very productive and dependable pattern. Personally, I have had great success on our local river systems, and at most lakes in New York fish docks. The rod I prefer is a 5′-9″ to 6′-6″ one piece spinning rod. A medium heavy rod with a fast tip is a must when bass fishing. The smaller rod makes it easier to cast and fight fish in tight to the docks. Take a look at the specialty rod that Fenwick makes for skipping docks. It is a true winner.

Best Dock Fishing Rods? is a post from: Fish Pittsburgh

May 4, 2011 -- Night Trip
March 23, 2011 -- Washington County Bassmasters Cabin Fever Tournament
February 10, 2011 -- Chautauqua Lake
August 11, 2010 -- Drop Shot for Bass
February 25, 2010 -- Bass Fishing Technique – Pitching

End of the Slump?

Leo Cancilla — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:37:26 +0000

Well it turns out that there are fish in Lake Arthur even though I have been struggle to get hits let alone catching fish. Last night in the 7th wednesday night tournament of the year my dad and I managed 3 keepers that weighed 5.85 lbs. We finished 6th place and were more than pleased. We boated 15-20 bass and I managed to catch a northern pike that was around 26″ and a striper that was probably near 12lbs.

The unusual water temperatures have been moving fish were they normally wouldn’t be located. The surface temperature last night after all of the rain was 73 degree. That is way lower than the normal temperature of 83-85 degrees for this time of year. Normally, a deeper off shore pattern is best this time of year, but because of the water temperature and all of the rain we have been having the fish are scattered at a variety of depths.

Last night we went back to basics a bit. We ran to our first spot and fish for almost 2 hours before firing our big motor. Covering a bunch of water we managed to get fish at multiple depths on a variety of lures. I wish I could pass on a solid pattern, but the lake just hasn’t given me one to this point.

End of the Slump? is a post from: Fish Pittsburgh

May 4, 2011 -- Night Trip
March 23, 2010 -- Afternoon at Lake Arthur
July 21, 2009 -- Cheap Buzzbait No Problem
May 21, 2009 -- Lake Arthur Trip Last Night
September 12, 2011 -- Basscasters Wednesday Evening Tournament – #12

Cheap Buzzbait No Problem

Leo Cancilla — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:10:23 +0000

“Modifying a $1.00 Wal Mart Buzzbait” This video is awesome for guys that are having trouble finding the cash to buy the $5 buzzbaits. It proves that with simple modifications that the $1 buzzbait that you get from walmart can be just as effective. Buzzbaits can be very successful when fishing for bass, northern pike, and muskie. It is one of the most exciting ways to fish because of the explosive strikes.

Cheap Buzzbait No Problem is a post from: Fish Pittsburgh

May 4, 2011 -- Night Trip
April 10, 2011 -- Presque Isle Bay – Lake Erie
March 23, 2010 -- Afternoon at Lake Arthur
July 30, 2009 -- End of the Slump?
May 10, 2011 -- Allegheny Reservoir

Jerkbait Not Suspending?

Leo Cancilla — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:08:48 +0000

In the spring and fall months a suspended jerkbait can be very effective. It can also be very effective in the post spawn or any other time when fish are suspended. Not all jerkbaits will suspend straight out of the box when you buy them. Whether you are fishing for bass, walleye, striped bass, or any other species for that matter if a jerkbait doesn’t suspend perfectly level it doesn’t look natural. If the nose or tail of the bait is up there is an easy fix. 1.) Make sure your lure is completely dry.

2.) Attach a suspend dot or strip to the area of the bait that is higher than the other. Always place the dot or strip to the belly of the lure.

3. Give the dot or strip time to adhere.

There is also a product out there call tungsten putty that will stay on better than the strips and dots, but the problem you have with it is that it will stick to other lures and hooks that are in your box. Another thing you may want to try is change out the standard hooks with bigger ones if you lure is floating.

Jerkbait Not Suspending? is a post from: Fish Pittsburgh

February 10, 2011 -- Chautauqua Lake
May 21, 2009 -- Lake Arthur Trip Last Night
March 30, 2009 -- Weekend on Lake Arthur
December 10, 2011 -- River Walleye – Vertical Jigging
December 3, 2011 -- Trolling for Winter Walleye

Fish Pittsburgh » Bass

Night Trip

Related Posts

Washington County Bassmasters Cabin Fever Tournament

Related Posts

Chautauqua Lake

Related Posts

Drop Shot for Bass

Related Posts

Best Dock Fishing Rods?

Related Posts

End of the Slump?

Related Posts

Cheap Buzzbait No Problem

Related Posts

Jerkbait Not Suspending?

Related Posts