Rocky Gorge Bass and Northern

[perchy]

I went back today and headed down to the coves north of the 29 bridge.

Caught a trifecta of average sized cookie cutter bass:

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... then I cast into the back of a cove and caught my first Northern Pike:

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I was really impressed by how strong the Northern was. 24 inches is a juvenile... but this guy seemed to fight harder than the 21 inch bass I caught yesterday. Also I noticed they bulldog down, and don't come up to the surface as DanMarino said. Also was surprised at how angry and pissy the fish was when I got him in the boat. Luckily I had a lip grip. What a fierce creature.. hope to catch a bigger one soon!

All fish were caught using the 3/4 oz terminator spinnerbait I was using yesterday. I don't like being a one trick pony, but if something works.. why change it?

[DanMarino]

Fantastic Perchy. You had a great weekend at Rocky Gorge. Yes, the pike are a lot of fun.

[Turtle135]

congrats on the Northern! you are on fire!

[perchy]

Thanks guys! New goal: catch a 30+ inch northern

[freshstripes]

Try trolling xrap or other jerkbaits, or magnum rapalas like the super shad rap

[perchy]

Been doing better with spinner type lures than cranks at RG tho... will give trolling raps another try my next go.

[CAGE RATTLER]

Nice Pike

[BeyondTheBounds]

Just curious what type of line you are using for the pike?......I equipped 40lb braid, due to the pickerel and over river fishes were quickly cutting my lines. So I have been reluctant to put a leader on like fluorocarbon, but know I need to as the braids are highly visible.

Next time I hit the gorge I am gonna launch from Scott's.

[perchy]

I use 30 lbs braid for my Abu Garcia BlackMax/ Vendetta combo to deal with all the submerged timber. I don't think you need a leader for spinnerbaits when tangling with northerns since they will just try to eat the body/skirt. I don't use a fluorocarbon leader because the water clarity is always bad at RG. The braid didn't seem to bother my 21 inch bass either.

**EDIT, just checked... the specific line is 30 pound power pro brand in moss green color.

[BeyondTheBounds]

Thanks perchy! I was wondering if the braid might spook the fish. Looking forward to exploring more of RG! Got back into fishing this past three months, after finally settling down in annapolis, and playing less golf! RG will become my go too after work spot this next year.