The cause is still under investigation by state and federal agency biologists. The cause(s) are not known yet but could be attributed to high spring discharges, excessive warm water, low dissolved oxygen levels in smallmouth bass nursery areas, disease or possibly pollution.

“Following years of declining numbers of smallmouth bass in the Juniata and lower Susquehanna rivers, the Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) today moved to protect the fisheries by placing catch and release regulations on sections of the two waterways which are currently regulated under the Big Bass Program.”

“The regulations will apply to approximately 32 miles of the Juniata River, from the State Route 75 Bridge at Port Royal in Juniata County downstream to the mouth of the river at Duncannon, Perry County. On the Susquehanna, the regulations cover 98 miles, from the inflatable dam near Sunbury in Northumberland County downstream to the Holtwood Dam in York County. The regulations also will apply to tournaments, which will be prohibited during the bass spawning period in the spring. During the remainder of the year, only catch-measure-immediate release tournaments will be permitted.”

“Reduced densities of smallmouth bass are likely to continue until reproduction and recruitment success improves,” said Mr. Arway. “In order to preserve good quality fishing and to protect the current population, we determined that it is necessary to place catch and release restrictions on those portions of the rivers.”

Full Story: http://www.fish.state.pa.us/newsreleases/2010press/bass_cr.htm

Smallmouths.com forum discussion: http://www.smallmouths.com/smallmouth-forum/showthread.php?t=1364

Overall Best of Show - Hobie Cat - Hobie Mirage Pro Angler

Freshwater Reel - Shimano American Corporation - Stradic CI4

Saltwater Reel - Daiwa - Saltist Lever Drag

Freshwater Rod - USA Custom Rods - Camo Stix

Saltwater Rod - G. Loomis - Pro Green 882S

Line - Pure Fishing - Berkley Trilene TransOptic

Soft Lure - Sebile USA - Magic Swimmer Soft Pro Model

Hard Lure - Sebile USA - Spin Shad

Marine - Hobie Cat - Hobie Mirage Pro Angler

Tackle Management - Plano Molding Company - Liqua-Bait Locker System

Terminal Tackle - Better Bait Systems - Circle Hook Rig

Apparel - Cablz, Inc. - Cablz

Electronics - Lowrance-Navico - Lowrance HDS-10

Eyewear - Costa Del Mar Sunglasses - Zane

Fishing Accessory - Durasafe - Codeable Locks

Giftware - Master Vision - Mini Lantern

Kids Tackle - Ross Reels USA/Ross Worldwide Outdoors - Journey Youth Fly Fishing Outfit

Join the regions fishing experts during Appomattox River Company Super Demo Day June 13th for on the water demonstrations and discussion of fishing strategies.

10am Kayak Fishing 101 with Wayne Bradby
Wayne will discuss the basics for getting started in kayak fishing, topics that will be covered include - boat selection, paddle selection, safety items, depth sounders, anchor trolleys, boat rigging, gear stowage, etc…

11am Kayak Fly-fishing for inshore species with Cory Routh
Cory is the Author of “Kayak Fishing the Complete Guide” and will give an on water presentation using the Native Ultimate as a platform for Fly-fishing, he’ll discuss casting, presentation, equipment, maneuvering strokes, safety, etc…

12 noon River Fishing for Smallmouth Bass with Jeff Little
Jeff is the Author of “In Pursuit of Trophy Smallmouth Bass, my life in a Kayak” and a member of the Wilderness Systems fishing team, during this presentation he’ll share some strategies and techniques for Smallmouth Bass fishing success.

1pm Fishing Lakes, Ponds Reservoirs for Largemouth Bass with Chad Hoover
Chad is also a member of the Wilderness Systems fishing team and will show benefits of “stand up” Kayak Fishing - sight casting, reading water, lure presentation along with rigging suggestions for Bass fishing flatwater.

2pm Maneuvering Tricks for Kayak Anglers with “Kayak Kevin” Whitley
“Kayak Kevin” is the first Kayak Angler to earn the Virginia “Master Angler” award and will explain some of the maneuvering techniques necessary to position a kayak for lure presentation landing big fish. He’ll also discuss the VA fish tagging program which he is very active in, along with the thrill of hooking into trophy fish from a Kayak.

3pm Captains meeting for “Farmville Lakes Demo Day Tournament”
Meet at the Demo Site to get identifier, log sheet, discuss tournament rules.
6am Sunday June 14 - Captains Meeting at Briery Creek Lake with Vic for late arrivals.
6am Sunday June 14 - Captains Meeting at Sandy River Reservoir with Ray for late arrivals.
For details call Vic at (757) 890-0500