From: Drew Gregory

When on the river there are certain laws and practices that we can do to make sure we stay safe and arrive alive at the takeout. This article is going to teach you some tips and tricks of the river to keep you safe!

Each state has a different law regarding life vests and whether or not they have to be worn while on the river. In most of the states that I fish it is not a law to have them on while on the river, but they must be within easy reach and accessible in the boat. I keep mine right by my feet or on the back of my seat. I am about to be switching to the new inflatable style vest that is small and low profile so I can keep on at all times. Regardless of the law, it is always smarter and safer to have your life vest on at all times, especially if you are new to paddling or river fishing. I have been doing this for a long time and Continue Reading

The first thing many of you are asking yourself right now is, what is a shoal bass? Well, unless you are from the state of Georgia there is a good chance you do not know what they are, because they basically only live in Georgia.

About: A shoal bass (micropterus cataractae) is a distinct and separate species of black bass than a largemouth bass – which is the most common of the black bass family. They have existed for hundreds of years but just recently in 1997 were recognized as an official separate black bass species. Unlike largemouth and other black bass, shoal bass only thrive in rivers. Continue Reading

From: DrewGregory.com

Now this fish has more split personalities than any other fish I know, because it can look completely different depending on which river drainage you catch it out of. It is similar to Suwannee and Shoal Bass in that it only lives in rivers (with the exception of the Savannah drainage lakes) but yet are far more widespread than those two. This is where the problem actually begins… Continue Reading

From: DrewGregory.com

About:

Suwannee bass (micropterus notius) are another very rare black bass that is only native to a relatively small area of the world. Similar to shoal bass and redeye bass they are strictly a river fish. They don’t get very big and anything over 2lbs is considered a very nice sized Suwannee.

What Do They Look Like? Continue Reading

By:  Lance Coley (RedHeron)

If you’re a fisherman from the Southeast, especially Alabama and Georgia, then you’ve probably heard of or even caught spotted bass…whether you knew it or not.  Spotted bass are a spunky, generally aggressive, and generally numerous fish that can give a river fisherman a run for his money…especially on light tackle.  Pound-for-pound they will put the meanest and strongest of largemouth to shame. Continue Reading

By: Derek Porter (AKA Boyscout)

The month is July and it’s already hot by 10 am. I am drenched in sweat after paddling 2 miles downstream on a river in South Carolina. As a bonus, there is no car waiting at an access point down river. Why not another car waiting? Because this is a solo trip and I will have to take out where I put in. However far I go, I will have to paddle back upstream against the current to my car. Another factor becomes clear; there are no houses (with helpful people) anywhere near since I am surrounded by the beautiful forest of Sumter National Forest. Continue Reading

Article Submitted By: Glenn Anderson (AKA RatherBfishin)
As a fisherman, have you ever thought about how many tools have you have at your fingertips or rod tips? What other sport offers a wider variety of tools to help you become better at that sport? In baseball you may use a larger or smaller glove, heavier or lighter bat, or even different types of pitches. Golf offers a vast array of golf balls, clubs, and swing aids.
Pretty much any sport I can think of uses the same equipment but the differences are in the weights or technical designs. Where else but fishing do you get so many different types of lures or rods or reels.

I began fishing rivers three years ago. For years I fished impoundments, reservoirs, and farm ponds, but not to the extent I fish today. Last year I learned how to fish a Texas rigged worm in the river. No big deal right? It was for me. I have always fished reaction baits where the design of the product was more important than the skills I possessed. Suddenly, I had to learn how to fish. I have a long way to go, but let me share some things I’ve learned that keep me going back. Continue Reading

By:  Jeff Scoggin (AKA Deepstep)

As winter begins to fade and the first warmer days punch our river bass’n time clocks, it is easy to forget some simple steps that could make the difference between staying hooked up, or telling about the one that got away.

Rods

Rods are the tools we use to leverage heavy fish out of cover, or keep steady pressure on river bass using current against us. As river fishermen we are inherently harder on our equipment than our lake fishing brothers. A visual inspection of the rod itself is an important part of the spring cleaning process. Keep an eye out for cracks, breaks or weak spots that may result in poor performance or complete failure. Continue Reading

By: Jeff Scoggin (AKA Deepstep)

About the river: Stevens Creek, a tributary of the Savannah River, winds its way slowly through the counties of Edgefield and McCormick, SC. The landscape of the river changes vastly over its length from deep gorge like settings to rocky shoals and even lined by cypress trees in some areas. The floatable sections of the creek really begin below the confluence of Steven’s and Turkey creek, and end in a vast stumpfield as the waters combine with the Savannah River as it continues its course into North Augusta. Continue Reading

River Bassin’ Rodeos are nothing more than RiverBassin.com members getting together one weekend for fishing, camping, fellowship and food.  Each state with enough members has at least one a year and some even have more.  Gathering information on the River Bassin forums is great, but nothing can top actually getting together with the other river bassers in your state and swapping stories, tips and tactics.

Keep an eye on the Calendar and on this section to find out when your state will be having a rodeo!