How to Catch Big Bass In Delaware And Maryland
By Steve VonBrandt
There are thousands of small
ponds, lakes, and rivers that hold "Huge Bass" from Maine to Florida. Over
the last 10 years of maintaining records, and having caught and released
over 500 bass from 5 to 10 pounds, from small waters on the East Coast, and
1 over 10 pounds from Delaware, here are the tactics I have found that produce
consistent trophies each year.
LOCATION
Even in small bodies of water
(under 1000 acres), there will be only a small portion of the water that
will hold the biggest bass. The most important features to look for are
the areas where more than 2 or 3 different types of vegetation come together
in the same area. Now, not all of these areas will hold big fish. The largest
fish in the lake will always be in the best cover and locations. This will
be where the various grasses combine near a creek channel on or near the
beds and flats, adjacent to deep water cover. Generally, this deep water
access will sometimes contain other cover also, which is not visible without
the use and understanding of good electronics, and a good understanding of
what you are observing. Sometimes the features on the bottom will be subtle,
but will be the "Hot Spot" of the area. Small depressions, with rocks or
boulders along the drop-off, if they have a current break, will be prime
locations for "Trophy Bass". When there ! is no real cover such as rocks,
trees, etc., sometimes depth alone can provide the proper cover from light
penetration, and produce good results. In small bodies of water such as in
Delaware and Maryland, the bass are generally in or very near the same locations
all year. This does not guarantee a trophy by any means whatsoever. It is
rare to catch the biggest fish in the lake by conventional means. Many large
bass from 5 to 8 pounds are caught on artificials, such as Spinnerbaits,
jigs, frogs, and buzzbaits each year, but as a rule, the true trophies, 9
pounds and above, are caught on specialized techniques and live bait. Recently,
several big bass have been hitting big "saltwater" Rat-L-Traps in the 3/4
ounce and up size in various colors, worked with a fast, pumping action of
the rod.
BAITS
Fishing for true "Trophy Bass",
the best bait to use is the primary Forage in the body of water where you
are fishing. This should be researched in advance by contacting the Fish
and Game Department of the state you are planning to fish in, and checking
with local tackle shops. You also need to know what is legal to use in each
state you're fishing.
Most lakes, ponds, and rivers in the Delaware and Maryland area, have
golden shiners in them, and they will really produce big bass. When these
are not available, extra-large wild shiners are the next best choice. If
you insist on using only artificials, then a large frog, big buzzbait, a
12" worm, a 3/4 to 1 1/2 ounce Rat-L-Trap, or a Castaic swim bait are the
best choices. You will need at least 2 or 3 dozen shiners each time you go,
and they must be in a temperature controlled, chemically treated bait keeper
system to ensure they are lively. This is very important. When using live
millroach or shiners over a deep structure, I like to hook them thru the
back, and for drifting, through the lips. When working cattails, marsh reeds,
and heavy pads, I hook them through the tail and let them swim in towards
the heavy cover where the bass are. Use 3/0 to 5/0 sharp, Gamakatsu or Owner
hooks,. I like to use balloons instead of bobbers, they work best if you
! blow them up to about the size of a small orange. You can tie them directly
on the line, and use split shot if you prefer.
EQUIPMENT
The best equipment is a heavy
action, 7-7 1/2 foot, e-glass or S-glass rod, of high quality, such as a
G.Loomis or St.Croix. I always use line of at least 17 pound test, and most
of the time 20-30 pound monofilament. In certain deep water, or heavy cover
situations, I use 40-50 pound test "Spiderline" braid.
I suggest using a good baitcast
rod, but a spinning rod in heavy action will also work. The reels should
be a strong metal reel, with at least 3 ball bearings, and strong gears of
brass or better, in a 5:1:1 or 5:3:1 gear ratio, or similar range. It is
best for all around power and speed on these larger fish. Knots are very
important. The best knot to use is the Palomar, it has 100% knot strength.
You should also learn some other specialty knots for braid and other superlines
as well.
WHEN TO GO
The best time to go is whenever
you can. However, if you have only a few days, and can choose, the solunar
tables, weather conditions, barometer, etc should all be considered. They
play a major role in fish activity. In the very early spring, anglers who
are willing to brave the elements will catch the biggest bass. These fish
strike earlier in the year than most people imagine.
BEST LOCAL AREAS
There are some great small
waters for Trophy bass in Rhode Island, Vermont, Minnesota, Florida, and
of course, California, Arizona, and Texas. However in the Northeast, you
can't go wrong by spending your time in Delaware at Noxontown Lake in Middletown,
Lums Pond in Bear, Killens in Dover, and Diamond in Milton. The Susquehanna
River, Liberty Reservoir, and the Potomac River in Maryland also hold huge
fish. These waters, fished with the techniques outlined in this article,
will produce you the "Trophy of a Lifetime".
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