Today I went fishing down to the South Pier to try for a trophy smallmouth bass. Bass have to be at least 20 inches to keep in Lake Erie until June 15 when they only have to be 15 inches. I don't keep bass but they are fun to catch.
I only had about two hours to fish before dark and I tried a bright red rattle spoon. After about an hour and not catching any fish, I moved out towards the end of the pier. Immediately, I started catching those pesky gobies. Then, my rod bent in half and I had a big fish on. The fish raced towards the surface and I knew I had a big smallmouth hooked. The fish fought hard and after several minutes I had him to the surface. My net was not long enough though to reach down into the water so I asked a gentleman to net the fish for me. He came over and netted the fish and said, "you'll be eating good tonight." I looked at him and said I was going to toss it back in because it was shy of 20 inches I thought. I quickly measured the fish and it was just over 18 inches. It was a fat female, I am guessing around 3 to 4 pounds. I released the fish unharmed and cast out again. This time, a white perch nailed my bait and I reeled him in.
That's all I caught today but it was fun. Remember, June 15 is the bass opener in PA. Have fun fishing and hook a big one!!!
(sorry folks, did not have my camera today :(
