Lower Susquehanna River Channel Cats  Though overshadowed by the Susquehanna River's outstanding smallmouth Bass fishing, the river supports an excellent channel catfish population. Fall is a great time to pursue them.  According to Rod Bates, owner of Koinonia Guide Service (717)-805-7082,…
In Pennsylvania, the catfish does not get the respect it deserves. Many anglers regard catfish as junk fish. Some anglers are afraid to touch catfish.And, probably even more anglers have never tried eating catfish, believing it will taste like mud. However, both Channel Catfish and Flathead…
Non- native species are alluring for fisherman.  Monster Catfish, bigger than most of us imagine, are cruising the waters of the Susquehanna River.  Although larger flathead catfish likely live in the river, the largest recorded to date was a 56.6 pound, 44-inch fish pulled from a hoop net by a…
HARRISBURG –– As sure as the rivers will recede and the waters will clear, bass anglers will soon be cranking up another summer of action with one of the most popular baits ever invented for smallmouth and largemouth fishing. High, muddy water is still making many of the productive bass rivers…
HARRISBURG — With a name like Rod Bates, one would have little choice of becoming anything other than a fisherman. "I’m not really sure when I began fishing, but I’m glad my parents exposed me to fishing at an early age," Bates said during a preseason bass outing on the Susquehanna River. "I…
From the moment we reach the bank of the Susquehanna River, the memories begin to flow by like the mud-tinged green water. Time blurs back to scenes of the 1950s. In my mind, a burr-headed, 8-year-old boy and his father stand on twin rocks jutting into the Sandusky River in north-central Ohio and…
WORLD RECORD FISH   ANGLER: Rod Bates LOCATION: Lake Guri / Venezuela SPECIES: Peacock Bass ROD & REEL: Bass Pro Shop Johnny Morris Signature Series 6/6 MH Rod and 2500 Series Reel LINE: Bass Pro Shop Tourney Tough     These fish were caught while fishing with Roy's Fishing Outfitters in…