Snowy smallmouth:December on the Susquehanna

[Yakfish]

I've been up there a few times recently.  The most notable trip was during the blizzard.  I caught a 20 incher the day we got 20 inches of snow!  Last Saturday I caught three from 34.5 degree water, right before a warm (44 degree) rain came in and melted the remaining snow.  The water rose a little while Chris and I were out, but really took off the next day.  I was planning on going up for New Years day, but have decided to go striper fishing in Baltimore's Inner Harbor instead.  There are some warm water discharges there that should have some striper.

The 20 incher hit a green hair jig.  The three I got last Saturday (15, 16, and 18.5) hit either a 2.5 inch green tube on a 1/4 oz jighead, or a grub that was about the same size.  They hit harder than I would have thought for mid 30's water temp.

[Yakfish]

Here's a double grip n grin of two nice ones from early in the month: 18 and 19.25 inchers.  They hit 4 inch HawgHead Baits riverbottom colored tubes in between ledges.

[Yakfish]

This is the largest from last Saturdays trip with Chris Burke.  It hit a grub with purple and gold fleck in 34.5 degree water.

[Yakfish]

This is Chris Burke releasing a 17 incher he caught on Saturday.

[RKinna]

Yakfish,

I notice in many of the photos you are wearing a jacket made by Palm.  Is this actually a dry top or just a paddling jacket.  I would seem you like these for cold weather paddling.  Any particular shop you would suggest for purchasing one?  Is there something you like for cold weather paddling more than the Palm jackets or dry tops?