Amazing Fishing

Can you believe the great weather we’ve been having for November? It was Saturday, November 29th, a gorgeous day to be outside, and a number of guys and gals were on the waters fishing! Here it is December first, still no snow, just rain and temperatures in the mid to high 40s. The waters are still open. Although many people have already put their rods away in anticipation of cold, snowy weather, this fall is providing an opportunity rarely encountered for late season, open water fishing.

As ice has not formed yet, there is good opportunity for still-fishing from shore, and yes, from your boat if you have not already winterized it. Goffstown’s Glen Lake is wide open and beckoning as are many other waters, including Lake Massabesic. But, fishing won’t be totally easy because water temperatures are lower now. Bass, for instance, are cold-blooded fish, meaning their body temperature is the same as that of their surroundings. As the water temperature drops, so does their metabolic level. Their digestive process is greatly slowed down.

According to ESPN’s Bass Professor, Doug Hannon, it takes a bass about four hours to digest a meal in 80-degree water and four days in 50-degree water. He says that as water temperatures continue to plummet, the need for frequent feeding diminishes and bass become less active. 

Creative angling methods must be used in order to catch bass when the waters are frigid. Choosing the right lure to invoke strikes is an important factor. Jigs can range from Suspending Jerk baits, Jig ‘n Pig, rubber tailed grubs, Hair Jigs to jigging spoons. Live baits (minnows) can also work, however they need to be fished at the depths the bass are at, as do the various lures. 

At any rate, it certainly appears that open water fishing opportunities will run right to mid- December, or who knows, perhaps longer. Grab your rods, baits and lures and enjoy some good open water fishing while you can.

Bob Harris can be reached via e-mail at: outwriter2@aol.com

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DISCLAIMER:  The opinions expressed by Mr. Harris are not necessarily those of the Goffstown Residents Association or its members

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