N.H. WEEKLY FISHING REPORT -- July 28, 2005

These are the Bass Days of summer. Andy Schafermeyer and Brian Comeau 
offer some bass natural history to help you strategically locate and 
catch the next big one.

Buy your fishing license and salmon permit online, any time -- at 
http://www.nhfishandgame.com. 

Fish stocking is winding down for the season, with a limited number of 
stocking locations last week; for the latest report, check 
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fish_stock_current.htm.

Know someone who might like to sign up for the Fishing Report? Send 
them to http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Inside_FandG/join_mail_list.htm.

Fish New Hampshire and relax... We have what you're looking for.

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                         BASS FISHING BONANZA
       By Andrew Schafermeyer and Bryan Comeau, Fisheries Staff, 
                          Region 1/Lancaster

One of the most exciting images for a New Hampshire angler is a rising 
fish. Whether it's a two-inch brook trout dimple or a thirty-inch pike 
explosion, fish on the surface can get your blood pumping. Last week, I 
had the privilege of this type of action in a local reservoir. While 
fishing a walk-the-dog style stickbait on the surface, action at dusk 
became frequent and exciting. Half of the fish turned out to be largemouth 
and half were smallmouth bass. After a lifetime of bass fishing, I'm 
getting better at distinguishing the two, from both a sportsman's and a 
biologist's point of view.

The physical distinctions between smallmouth and largemouth bass are 
easy to see. Largemouth bass range in color depending on their 
environment, but are typically deep green to pale olive across their dorsal areas 
with paler bellies. They all have a black lateral line that runs from 
head to tail. Because of the bronze reflection of their scales, 
smallmouths are often called "bronzebacks." Although sometimes difficult to 
see, smallies have nine dark vertical bars on their sides and three that 
radiate from the eye. On a smallmouth, the upper jaw extends to a point 
directly below the middle of the eye. In contrast, a largemouth's jaw 
extends beyond the rear of the eye.

All black bass are spectacular sportfish, but times do arise when an 
angler wants to target one or the other. In these instances, it becomes 
important to understand the differences in biology and preferred 
habitat. Smallmouth bass need habitat that combines food, cover, and access to 
deep or stratified water. Without all three, expect smallmouth to be 
infrequent. Largemouth can tolerate a wider range of habitat, including 
warmer temperatures; shallower, more fertile water; and clarity that 
smallmouth would avoid. 

In lakes and reservoirs, smallmouth concentrate around river or stream 
influxes or areas with windy currents. Largemouth can be found in 
gently tapered shorelines with less current. Both fish prefer similar cover 
with smallies favoring rocks and broken substrate and largemouth 
choosing wood, aquatic plants, and root masses. 

Both species of bass can be caught with many of the same methods. There 
are, however, small differences that can help improve catch rates 
depending on the waterbody or season. Smallmouth are most comfortable around 
substantial cover, and generally feed on the shadowed side of 
underwater structure. Largemouth can be free-swimming and feed around no 
apparent cover. More of a schooling fish, smallmouth tend to group by size, 
while largemouth school in staggered age classes.

When targeting smallmouth, artificial lures two to three inches in 
length are a good start. Smaller (eighth-ounce) spinner-baits are also a 
good bet. Because of the clarity in preferred water, dark or naturally 
colored baits like my favorite grub-tailed jig can really bring smallies 
in the boat. A method to largemouth fishing is casting and retrieving 
more quickly. Bigger baits with more unnatural colors like yellows and 
pinks can sometimes do the trick. 

There is no use starting a debate as to which species of bass is the 
most fun to catch. I've had great trips catching both. The point 
is.....who cares! After a hard day at work, I'll take either one. 


   ><> FISHING NOTES <><

   ><> Did you know?
Most of Fish and Game's funding comes from sales of fishing and hunting 
licenses and permits. Even if you're not planning to fish this year, 
you can still support the important work of your Fish and Game Department 
if you buy a fishing license each year. You can buy one at any NH 
license agent; or online, anytime, at http://www.nhfishandgame.com. Thanks 
for your support!

   ><> Protect Your Waters:
Don't let invasive species ruin New Hampshire's waterbodies: Keep your 
gear and boats clean, and visit http://www.protectyourwaters.net/nh to 
learn more about what you can do to help keep out "aquatic hitchhikers" 
like milfoil and zebra mussels.

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          FEDERAL AID IN SPORT FISH AND WILDLIFE RESTORATION
                   A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program

Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic 
ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in 
Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing 
equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's 
fisheries. To learn more, visit 
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.



-- 
Copyright 2005 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, 
Concord, NH 03301.  Comments or questions concerning this list should 
be directed to lpoinier@wildlife.state.nh.us.