Fall 2024

Fall 2024

A funny thing happened the other day.  I like to think that when things are going a certain way on the water, and you have some basic knowledge of where you are fishing, that throwing a certain bait will produce an expected result.  Alas, this is not always the case. 

We were out all day on a lake in the Pennsylvania Poconos; we had a good day catching smallies mostly on crank baits.  As expected, they were hanging off rocky points in about 10 feet of water.  We enjoyed ourselves, nothing gigantic, but the numbers where there to keep us interested.  

Late in the day, with my family, we like to take a “sunset cruise” to enjoy our surroundings and gawk at beautiful lakefront homes.   We always have a couple of rods with us, (you know, because we fish). On this particular evening, we were finishing up our little trip and decided to spend a few minutes throwing to the banks in a back cove.  Now, based on our experience throughout the day I was expecting maybe a couple of dinks to end a nice day.  As the sun was setting and the air cooling quickly, a 3” popper was added to the arsenal, (I mean, why not?).  And whatever popper you’re thinking of right now, it wasn’t this one pulled out of the depths of a box that hadn’t felt water in a long time.  To add insult to injury, it was tied on a 7’6” Extra-Fast power and Ultra-Light action (I know, but come on, we’ve all done it).  

The take was subtle, but strong.  The drag screamed and there were shouts of excitement.  It’s a musky!  Maybe a pike!  This fish ripped the 6lb test, the excited shouts turned into anxious commentary and coaching from all on board.  As the fish tired and came close to the boat, we now identified our quarry, a sizable striper - at least 15 pounds!  After a poor first netting attempt by yours truly, the second swipe was successful.  Everyone on board felt the exhilaration and relief of landing and releasing this fish!   This is what makes a nice day into a great day. Whenever there is that opportunity to make a few (extra) casts, you’ve got to take them – you never know what you might pull in. 

Until next time.... 

Dan 

Sycamore Rod Company

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