Josenhans FF ~ Pocomoke River Variety

7 02 2011

I fished the Pocomoke River yesterday, this was my second trip this past week as I’ve been scouting for some upcoming trips. Launched at Byrd Park ramp in Snow Hill. This is a nice concrete ramp with ample parking. The water was clear, although the Pocomoke always has that tannin-stained appearance characteristic of cypress swamps. Sort of like weak, black coffee.

The water temperature was 43 degrees, up from 41 of a few days ago, and I did find one spot on some flats that hit 46. The tide was just starting to flood, so I decided to cast to the channel edges where I had observed some fish marks in ten to fifteen foot depths. Using a drop-shot rig (basically a bottom-rig with soft plastic lures as bait) with two inch white Bass Assassin curly tails I drifted the edges, casting with a slow retrieve. I made certain to stay near the bottom where I saw the marks. The fish were slow to hit the artificial lure, but I did tease-up several plump yellow perch, crappie and even a nice 20 inch chain pickerel. Not bad for just two hours of fishing and looking, with the emphasis on looking.

Matt Abell, a friend who owns Seahawk Sports Center in Pocomoke City, told me last week that while the water is this cold minnows seem to really increase your catch. That said, I was happy with the action and I didn’t have to mess with bait. Weather permitting, I’ll be spending a good bit of time on the Pocomoke during the next few weeks. The fishing will only get better as the water warms and the fish become more active. As you can see from the photos, there is a nice variety to be had here on the Pocomoke and the scenery can only be described as peaceful. Bald eagles, ducks and geese keep your attention while waiting for a bite.





Josenhans FF Newsletter ~ 1/26/11

26 01 2011

Ralph Bones with a nice Nanticoke river white perch

I guess you’ve figured out that I haven’t been doing much fishing, what with the lack of reports and all. I expect to be on the Pocomoke and Nanticoke rivers starting the first week of February casting for yellow perch, crappie and hopefully some hard-fighting pickerel. Contact me for some mid-winter fun casting for perch and pickerel on these beautiful eastern shore rivers. I am offering a six hour trip for the ridiculously low price of $250. I’ll even supply the coffee and donuts! Don’t forget the March white perch run on the Nanticoke river out of Sharptown. I’ve had a lot of interest in these trips since I started them last season so space is limited. Contact me soon to secure your trip. I’ll post a report on my blog the evening of my first trip on the Pocomoke. 
 
I have decided to lower my rates for fishing the Susquehanna Flats to match my fees for the mid-bay/Tangier Sound areas. As gas prices seem to have stabilized, and the fact that I will be rooming locally, I have decided to pass this cost-savings on to you, the client. I would hate to see anyone miss out on their best chance at catching a trophy rockfish on light tackle. See my revised rate schedule at  http://josenhansflyfishing.com/page05.html
 
In my last newsletter, I mentioned a new “cost sharing” plan that I will be offering this season. If anyone would like to share the cost of a trip with one or two other fishermen, please let me know and I will place you on a “call list,” so that should the occasion arise, I will put you in touch with each other so you can work-out the details. If you send me an email, write down the time of year, and specific area that you would like to fish. I think this will work out well for all involved. 
 
Don’t forget about TieFest, the CCA Kent Narrows Chapter Fly Show to be held at the Kent Island Yacht Club on Saturday, February 12th. I’ll be there, as will Lefty Kreh, Bob Clouser, Bob Popovics and other big names in the world of fly fishing. Hope to see you there!
Good fishing!!