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Ready to test your mettle against some of the biggest, baddest smallmouth bass the Susquehanna River has to offer? This full-day advanced trip with Reel Time Bass Fishing is your ticket to the action. Guided by Victor Campbell, a local legend with over 35 years of experience on these waters, you'll be hitting the prime spots and using cutting-edge techniques to target trophy-class smallies. This isn't your average fishing trip - it's a masterclass in river bass tactics, tailored for anglers who know their stuff and want to take it to the next level.
Strap in for an 8-hour bass bonanza on one of the East Coast's top smallmouth fisheries. We'll be covering serious water, from rocky shorelines to deep pools and everything in between. Victor's boat is tricked out with all the latest gear, but if you've got a favorite rod you can't live without, feel free to bring it along. This trip is all about putting your skills to the test and maybe even landing that new personal best. The Susquehanna's known for kicking out 4+ pounders, so come ready to do battle. Just remember, we practice catch and release to keep this fishery world-class for years to come.
Forget everything you know about lake fishing - river smallmouth are a whole different ballgame. We'll be breaking down the water, reading current seams, and dialing in presentations that trigger those aggressive strikes. Expect to cycle through a variety of techniques as conditions change throughout the day. We might start off with topwater walking baits in low light, switch to finesse plastics as the sun gets high, then finish strong with jigs or crankbaits in the afternoon. Victor's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, like using electronics to pinpoint submerged structure or tweaking retrieve speeds to match the mood of the fish. This isn't just about catching bass; it's about becoming a better, more versatile angler.
The Susquehanna's no secret in the bass fishing world, but there's a reason seasoned anglers make the pilgrimage here year after year. It's not just about the quantity of fish (though that's impressive) - it's the quality. These river-bred smallmouth are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish you'll ever tangle with. There's nothing quite like feeling that first big hookset, watching your line cut through the current, and seeing a bronze back break the surface in an explosive jump. Add in the stunning scenery of the river valley, and you've got a recipe for an unforgettable day on the water.
While this trip is laser-focused on smallmouth bass, it's worth knowing what you're up against. Susquehanna smallies are a special breed, perfectly adapted to life in a big, dynamic river system. These fish grow big and mean, with specimens over 5 pounds not unheard of. They're opportunistic feeders, gorging on everything from crayfish to small baitfish, which means we can tempt them with a wide array of lures and presentations.
What sets river smallmouth apart is their incredible strength and stamina. Living in current all day makes these fish absolute powerhouses. When you hook into a good one, be ready for multiple drag-screaming runs and acrobatic leaps. They love to use the current to their advantage, so keeping tension and adjusting your rod angle becomes crucial.
The best time to target trophy smallmouth on the Susquehanna is typically late spring through early fall. As water temps warm up, these bass get more aggressive and willing to chase down larger prey. During summer, focus on deeper holes and current breaks where big fish hang out to conserve energy. Come fall, it's all about fattening up for winter, so don't be surprised if you tangle with some of the heaviest fish of the year.
While every day on the river is different, we've been seeing some absolute tanks come to the boat lately. Just last week, Jim from Philly battled a 22-inch smallie that pushed the scale to 5.8 pounds - a true river monster. Another group nailed the numbers game with over 30 fish in a day, with a good chunk of those being quality 3+ pounders. The big fish are definitely out there, and with Victor's know-how, you've got a real shot at that bass of a lifetime.
If you're serious about your bass fishing and want to experience some of the best smallmouth action the East Coast has to offer, this full-day trip on the Susquehanna is calling your name. With Victor's decades of experience, top-notch gear, and a river full of hungry bass, you've got all the ingredients for an epic day on the water. Spots fill up fast, especially during prime seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Whether you're looking to fine-tune your technique, learn the ins and outs of river fishing, or just want to tangle with some hard-fighting bronzebacks, this trip delivers. Get ready to create some serious fish stories - book your advanced bass adventure with Reel Time Bass Fishing today!
Smallmouth bass are the kings of the Susquehanna. These bronze beauties usually run 2-4 pounds, but don't let their size fool you – they fight like fish twice their weight. You'll find them around rocky structure and current breaks, especially in cooler, clearer stretches. Spring and fall are prime, when they move shallow to feed aggressively. Summer can be trickier, but that's when the big ones often lurk deep. Anglers love smallies for their acrobatic jumps and bulldog runs. They're also excellent eating if you choose to keep a few. One local trick: when the water's high and fast, focus on eddies behind large boulders. The bass stack up there to ambush bait fish getting washed downstream. Toss a tube jig or finesse worm right into the slack water and hold on tight!

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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 115