DVTracker Loc: Harrisburg, PA.

Caught channel cats and smallmouths today at Blue Marsh Lake. Below are pics of the largest fish. The warmer days this past week drove the water temp up a couple degrees to 68. It was a nice day to be on the water. The docks will be removed from the lake starting Oct 15 and a winter drawdown of 5 feet to follow.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Nice catching DV. Glad you had a good trip, maybe a couple more before they pull the plug? Thanks for sharing.

DVTracker Loc: Harrisburg, PA.

Thank you Fred. That was my last trip on the boat for the year. Maybe if I get the itch I’ll fish the Susquehanna River from the bank on those warmer days that pop up through the winter.

NJ219bands Loc: New Jersey

Nice 👍

DVTracker Loc: Harrisburg, PA.

Thank you Bands. It was another fun day.

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

DV you've proved Blue Marsh does have fish 👍🎣.

If it wasn't 2hrs away I'd give it a try

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Great report from your day out! Nice looking fish that brought a smile to your face! I know what you mean about seizing opportunities to get out a few more times!

DVTracker Loc: Harrisburg, PA.

Grizz, I enjoy fishing the Lake, it’s nice size at 1150 acres with a good size no wake area. It was my first year fishing it, so I am happy to have caught multiple species of fish. Not as far a drive for me at 51 miles each way as it is for you. I hope to catch a few more different species from that lake, i.e., non-hybrid striper, tiger muskellunge, northern pike, flathead catfish and walleye.

DVTracker Loc: Harrisburg, PA.

Thank you Fishyaker. It was a fun day on the water.

I named my boat “Adventure” because every time I go out on it I don’t know what is in store for me that day, what will I catch, what will surprise me, what will I see, etc…..I would imagine when you’re out on the water it’s the same for you.

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Nice looking set up DVTracker! I like your boat name. Our boat is named "Explorer"...so it is right along the same line of logic you have when getting out on the water.

DVTracker Loc: Harrisburg, PA.

Yes, same logic and I like your boat name of "Explorer", that’s a good one.

Tricities Rick Loc: Watauga Lake, TN

We bought an eighteen ft 1999 pantoon with a 1989 50hp Johnson. The previous owner had replaced the deck and carpet. His wife recovered the seats. They named it the "Salty Dog" because of its age. They let it sit out in the open weather for about 3 yrs. This time in the elements caused some damage to the upholstery and the water pump and carburetors had to be rebuilt. We added a humming bird depth finder to the helm and ran it to the stern pantoon, a Garmin to the 80 lb thrust trolling motor we installed on the bow, we installed new running lights. We have placed it at a local dock on Watauga lake. We have had a few boating trips up and down the lake. We have fished a couple times and have been skunked. 20 plus years ago I fished regularly since then I seem to have lost the touch. Still no matter how bad I feel some time on the water is relaxing and therapeutic. We installed 10 rod holders, I am looking forward to the feeling of catching fish and some good eating.

DVTracker Loc: Harrisburg, PA.

Nice boat Rick, congrats on your purchase. It has a large deck to fish from, with stability and plenty of room for others, fishing gear, etc.

The name “Salty Dog” suits it based on its age and being out in the weather for a while, good name.

You got the engine operating, added a depth finder, added a powerful 80 lb. trust trolling motor, running lights, 10 rod holders…you did good!

Also, relaxing and being on the water is great!

So, no fish catching, well the lake you’re fishing most likely has catfish, those are some of the easiest fish to catch next to sunnies. Maybe catch some cats and then try for other fish if you like.

Here’s what works for me for catfish:

1. Find a location on the lake that shows fish on your sonar fish finder (I’m assuming your depth finder that you previously mentioned incorporates a fish finder) in 20’ of water.

2. Put your trolling motor on spot lock (using it as your anchor), if it does not have spot lock use a real anchor.

3. Use a 1 oz. barrel sliding sinker to a swivel, then 24-30” leader below the swivel. I saw the rig I just mentioned called a Carolina Rig and Fish Finder Rig. My father showed me the rig when I was 10 years old, so it’s been around many years and many people use it for both salt and freshwater fishing.

4. For bait: I use large worms called night crawlers on lakes and rivers. But there are also other very productive baits to use, i.e., chicken meat pieces soaked in cherry/strawberry/grape Kool-Aid with sugar and garlic, hot dog pieces, chicken livers, cut bait (a fish cut into small(er) pieces), a guy on the “Stage” uses a blood mix with a sponge and tube attached to a treble hook and catches many large cats.

5. Maybe try different bait on a few rods until you find out what bait works best for the lake you’re fishing.

6. Here in PA., we are allowed to fish with 3 rods per person and your 10 rod holders could come in handy.

Don’t give up because eventually you will catch fish. Thanks for sharing.

Tricities Rick Loc: Watauga Lake, TN

Thanks for the help.