Time to look over hunting gear needed this fall

Here we are at the end of July and it seems like summer should just be starting. Of course as we grow older time seems to go faster. Already I am starting to go over my hunting equipment, getting ready for this fall. Even though my hunting guns haven't been touched they still need to be checked.

This is the time of the year when most of us are fishing. That is when it isn't so stinking hot. While fishing the Susquehanna in an aluminum boat it can get very hot. The best way to keep cool is to pour a bucket of water over yourself. This I have done many times.

Speaking of fishing the Susquehanna, this is a great time to fish with fresh cut bait. This can be fished on the bottom or beneath a float. When fishing on the bottom you can expect to become snagged in the rocks often but you will catch many good fish.

Fishing fresh cut bait or live bait fish below a bobber is very productive. This works best when there is little water running. The rig is a circle hook tied to the end of the line, place a split shot about a foot above the hook and set the float depth to keep the bait just off the bottom.

With the float rig I prefer using a 3- to 4-inch live bluegill or white perch as bait. In most cases I use two rods to cover as much water as possible. Don't anchor the boat, let it drift with the flow.

With this rig we have caught rockfish, big catfish, walleye and several large bass. By using the circle hooks all fish are hooked in the lip for easy release. When using circle hooks do not set the hook just take up the slack and keep cranking. If you jerk the rod the hook will slide out without a hookup.

If you don't have a boat this can be don't from the shore as well. The new fishing area at Conowingo Dam is a great place to try your luck.