Small Basses And Small Asses
Another weekend on Newfound Lake found me struggling again with the crystal clear, cold, and deep water. No action all day until dusk. First cast on a baby bass senko and it gets nailed. I had a cheering section on the docks to either side of me. 4 kids to the right and another 4 to the left. For some reason, all of the children on the left dock were naked.... I pulled in the bass and a bunch of kids ran over (thankfully all clothed). The fish put up an outstanding fight; jumping a half dozen times. I pulled the hook and some little hands reached in. Splash! Fish gone. That's why the picture sucks, never got to hold him. Oh well, any trip that isn't a skunk is a success for me!!
bcod, I hear you loud and clear. I vacation there for 2 weeks in july every year and its tough. I never catch bass from shore, only catfish but I've learned to bring a crayfish trap and if I get a few crayfish I'll always get 1 or 2 nice smallies in the early morning around mayhew. I;'ve also had luck with a nightcrawler on a mepps hook with the little colorado blade bounced off the bottom but make sure your in 20 feet or so of water.
Guaranteeing fish out of Newfound is a dubious claim ;) I've had ice cream at Shacketts (and so have my dogs!) but I didn't know they had kayak rentals out of there. I will definitely look into it.
You should head over to Shacketts (small store with an ice cream shop) on West shore drive. You can rent a kayak there and you can launch very close to Mayhew Island. On the back side of the island is all boulders. Great spot for smallmouth. If you can catch crayfish you are guaranteed fish.