Winter Newsletter

     Winter descended upon the region early this year, and we have already seen 4 measurable snowfalls as of Dec. 10.  On our last trip to the Delaware, the water temperature gauge recorded a frigid 32.3 degrees!  And, we managed to land 3 smallies and a walleye from water with ice chunks floating through the eddies.  It's here, winter that is, and with it comes the catching up time.  I'll catch up on computer work, go through equipment, speak with my pro-staffers about deals and next season's plans, and write.  My new book will be finished soon, so stay tuned for that.  It will include updated information on the Big D as well as a section on the Schuylkill River, a few other smaller excerpts, and a walleye recipe or two.  Show season is also just around the corner.  Go to the Reports page for the list of shows we will attend during the winter of 2008.   

     For the 2008 season, Susquehanna River trips, both main stem (fall) and North Branch (spring), will be run by Chris Gorsuch.  Chris's information and bio is now posted on the Rivers/Rates page.  I will also be offering afternoon kayak float fishing trips with Chris on the Lehigh River this warm water season.  He is an outstanding guide.  Contact me for booking or details. 

     The Fall season was very streaky on the Delaware.  Low water was the rule, and typically when water is low and water temperatures fall steadily, as they did the entire month of November, we will work for bass.  We did witness outstanding October numbers though as the temps remained very warm and bass were active in almost summerlike locations through late in the month.  Highlights throughout the fall:  Jake and Chris Cole boated 47 smallies in an early Oct. outing on Mizmo tubes.  Joe Kinloch and Chris Vellios, a regular client of mine, boated 88 bass on an outstanding trip in October.  Jeff Helms and FJ Paul landed 50+ bass on their early Oct. trip, with Jeff landing two beauties, one measuring 18-inches and one 20+ inches.  Lou "the Legend" Nicolo fished back to back trips, and on the first trip, he and I boated 31 good quality bass on a high pressure day.  He and his buddy boated 53 smallies two days later.  Joe Morganto and I hit for 55 bass in the rain later in the month.  Ron and Roger Crane, BWA Regulars, boated 52 smallies on a real good day in late Oct.  Early Nov. trips were tough as high water cleared and receded, and water chilled down fast.  Trips averaged in the single digits to 20 fish for 10 or so days.  Pete Antoniewicz and his buddy, Jim, and I boated 35 smallies, one measuring 20-inches, and 4 walleye on their Nov. outing.  By mid-November, we were in an early winter mode with Don's Hair jigs, Winco's CW Smallie Delight Jigs and Mizmos accounting for the sluggish bass.

     As winter progresses, (actually, the calendar still says it's Fall!) I will continue to run trips for smallies.  Walleye are likely, and a muskie or trout can't be ruled out.  On a recent trip (Dec. 1), Glenn Ophoff and buddy, Frank, boated 22 smallies on CW Smallie Delight jigs and Millennium Jigs.  There can be good opportunities for catching bass and walleye.  Contact me for details, or to book a trip or purchase a gift certificate for a Christmas present.

     Thank you to the many loyal clients, many of whom have become good friends, that continue to support this business.  You guys, as well as all the other people that use my services, keep me on the water for a living.  I am blessed.  Come visit us at any of the outdoor show on the list from the Reports page this winter.  A blessed Christmas to all, and remember the true reason for the season!

Peace,

Blaine

Maine Photos

Anyone interested in the Maine trip, contact me for details.