Caroline County Lake

Type: Nontidal
Region: Eastern
Location: Smithville Lake

Keith,
I decided to explore more of the Eastern Shore pond offerings this week. Instead of fishing at Wye Mills or Unicorn, I took my first trip to Smithville Lake in Caroline County. When I arrived a little after 9:00 AM on Wednesday I was surprised to see that I would be boat # 3 on this long narrow lake. I launched my 10' plastic bass boat, hooked up my electric trolling motor and went off exploring Smithville. Just offshore of the ramp there is a small cluster on semi submerged X-mas trees. First cast with my micro-lite was a missed strike. Cast 2 and 3 met with the same results. Cast 4 was a solid hookup with a plump 7 1/2 bluegill brought boatside.

I went on to work the western shore of the lake from the ramp toward the shallow northern end (I ran out of water). I caught several Crappie from 5-12" (Most were 9"+). I also caught a few Bluegills. They ranged from 5-8". As the day went on (I put in a full one), I caught 2 Pike. They were 13 1/2" and 16". It was great day with many cooperative fish. My rig is a 1/32 oz. jig suspended about 18"-2' under a foam torpedo bobber. On the jig I use a Berkely Gulp Alive 1" Minnow (Chartreuse was the hot color). I cast the rig, let it settle and pop it back to the boat in short, sharp strokes (very much like cork popping redfish down south). The panfish can't seem to resist.

Final tally was Crappie in the 40's, Bluegill (including a few Redears) in the teen and two Pike. Most of the fish were caught around the downed trees or the various X-mas trees sunk by the DNR. I may have to make a return trip soon!