River Smallmouth Island Camping Part 1

I used to do more of these Island Camping Fishing Trips when I was in my 20's. Back then, I packed a tent. The hammock is a much more comfortable option that sets up and tears down fast. This river smallmouth fishing trip is on the Juanita River in Pennsylvania. Part 1 is the first day, leading up to my sleeping in the hammock on an island in the river. Day 2 is the following episode. Be sure to catch that one too when it releases.
Boonedox Drifter Hammock and Frame Purchase Link:
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[@davecunningham4726]

Jeff, the follow up bait on a second rod is yet another consistently effective technique that you have taught me. Thank you very much

[@jasonvenesky2438]

Great rear camera footage with the eats!

[@TheLittleStuff]

More of that to come on the next episode Jason!

[@dennistidwell7188]

Observe and react, rinse and repeat. I continue to learn...

[@ryandoll3684]

This will be good ! I camped on the Susky 2 years ago and it was one of the best trips I’ve ever had in my life

[@TheLittleStuff]

I used to do these a week at a time.

[@michaelhoughton470]

Ever had a bear encounter while river island camping? About to do an overnighter island camping on the rappahanock and will probably bring a gun and or bear spray even though sightings are pretty rare. Definitely something that’s been on my mind while getting my gear together

[@TheLittleStuff]

I have not. We run into them regularly while floating the Shenandoah. But I’ve not had a bear encounter while camping yet. I did have a Moose in camp in Maine once. It stood with its head directly over the tent. Made a hell of a sound too.

[@TWC6724]

You were talking about a more noisy bait other than the jerk shad. Have you ever thought about inserting a glass rattle in the jerk shad with their newer tool Zman has?

[@TheLittleStuff]

I have not. I’ll get one and try it.

[@danheider4458]

Have really enjoyed watching you videos and all the work/detail that goes into it 💯👊🏼🎣

[@TheLittleStuff]

Thanks for saying so Dan! Look for part 2 of this adventure next Sunday.

[@johnwhite993]

Thanks for bringing us with you Jeff.

[@TheLittleStuff]

Thanks for watching John. Part 2 will be released next Sunday.

[@johnwhite993]

@@TheLittleStuff never miss your videos. Always fun and teaching

[@steinerp]

Impressive how fast your retrieve that billie goat. I wouldn't have even thought about going that fast

[@TheLittleStuff]

You can’t keep some of them from catching it!

[@highnoon116]

Great stuff here! One of the very best smallie teachers on KZbin ….we need to help get his subs way up! Companies take notice and support this excellent channel! High Noon

[@TheLittleStuff]

Thank you for the compliments High Noon. The company that supports me the most is my employer, Boonedox. Buying a Boonedox product is supporting me and your fellow Americans in Thomasville, North Carolina. It’s all made here! 🇺🇸

[@georgetollefsen994]

Great stuff Jeff! Thanks for sharing! I last fished the Juniata when I was 17 ! I’m 63 now! lol I have to go back 😂

[@TheLittleStuff]

It has the same ecological strength of the mainstem Susquehanna, but is in a manageable size. Great fishery! Go back and fish it George!

[@georgetollefsen994]

@@TheLittleStuff I’m going to 👍. I would love to get together and fish with you sometime in the future. Keep up the great videos, they make my Sunday morning! Thanks again!

[@davidesch9512]

Thanks for all the top water blow ups and the hook sets to go with them

[@TheLittleStuff]

I’ll let it roll when I’m in them thick.

[@jimjoyce4514]

Very cool. My favorite camping is a downriver trip. Depending on season, Pine Creek (canyon), West Branch, Delaware (NY and DWG), Susquehanna River, and of course - Juniata. I have done these trips in rec kayaks, canoe (mostly) and Jon boat. Most of my recent Juniata trips are 2 nights and base camping from my jon boat. In fact, I was downstream from where you were at on just the weekend before. I don't typically drag my boats up on high ground (my jon boat is over a thousand pounds), but I am quite cognizant of the weather/water forecast. Last time I stayed at the same island was 10 years ago (we did Mt Union to Lewistown that year with no base camp), but I do a July Juniata trip every year since the late 90s.

[@jimjoyce4514]

Also, in PA any craft with a motor is a motor boat. Remember your nav lights after dusk.

[@TheLittleStuff]

Yep. I’m aware. Did not feel that anyone was going to enforce it out there.

[@TheLittleStuff]

It’s a beautiful section. I lucked out finding that spot, but don’t mind just winging it wherever. OnX lets me know if it’s public. I think that as long as you’re anchored to a spot higher than your sleeping spot, you’re good. The float trips you mentioned are some nice ones!

[@jimjoyce4514]

@@TheLittleStuff I remember feeling exactly that way and turned off my nav lights floating down the Juniata. Pitch black and there was absolutely no one on the river. When I floated past a boat launch, the warden called me over. No fine, but I learned that just floating downstream without being under power is technically considered "under way" and required lights to be on.

[@aceboardtheangler5252]

Awesome video, Jeff! 👏🏾 $11.00 for that Nessie is a negative ghost rider. 😂 I definitely need to to some overnight fishing trips. Thanks for all the info 🙏🏾

[@TheLittleStuff]

Thanks! I guess $11 is different perspectively to different people. Look at what other glide baits cost. I’m always looking for a different type of presentation that works on big fish if they aren’t keyed in on some of my other big fish baits: 7 inch scented jerk shad Jackhammer Craw crank Little black jig Shower blow (need to throw that more this summer!)

[@aceboardtheangler5252]

@@TheLittleStuff you’re welcome! I’m not pleased with the durability of it. I understand your point. Always looking for something different to show them

[@stevebaker8138]

I freakin love the goat!!!

[@TheLittleStuff]

Billy Goat in particular just works the best for this application. The Goat ToadZ is a harder entry. I need to put that into the rotation more.

[@brendanlee8287]

Jeff thanks for the video, could you recommend a type of finesse glide bait for the river

[@TheLittleStuff]

The white one at the beginning of this video - the 5 inch Nessie seems like a well made one. Honestly though, my experience with glides is just what you see on this video and the one from Oklahoma last month - not much.

[@brendanlee8287]

@@TheLittleStuff ok thanks.

[@krisvadnais5009]

Ever do any fishing on the Potomac up your way?

[@TheLittleStuff]

Haven’t since a bank trip earlier this year.

[@georgetollefsen994]

Thanks!

[@TheLittleStuff]

Thank you George!

[@atbfishing2816]

Is a motorized kayak mandatory? Can this type of kayak fishing be accomplished with a pedal style kayak? I have the Old Town 120 PDL and am looking to try it out on the river once the water level drops.

[@TheLittleStuff]

You can do it, but be prepared to lift the pedal drive and paddle through the shallow grassy areas.

[@tomstrunk1232]

That hookset at the 33:56 mark is freaking awesome! I am new to top water fishing. Do you wait until you feel the fish before setting the hook when fishing top water?

[@TheLittleStuff]

That’s it! Wait for the weight!

[@fishntools]

Johnson Silver Spoon those weed mats, 3/4 oz. and sharpen that hook!

[@TheLittleStuff]

I’ve done that in some Louisiana salt marsh grass for Redfish. I wish that there was a single hook spoon with a finer wire hook.

[@chrisreppert5868]

Great video Jeff. Do you have a video on how you attach the eyes to the jerk shad?

[@TheLittleStuff]

I don’t. I use gorilla glue gel, carefully place the eye over the dab of gel, then push down in the center of the 3D eye with a toothpick. That makes the gel spread out and come across the edge of the eye and adhere. You need to hold it smushed down into the plastic for about 20 seconds. Sometimes I go back over any loose edges with more gel.

[@chrisreppert5868]

Appreciate the explanation

[@matthewweimer42]

I'm about to do a solo trip in NY. I was curious is there local people you give a trip plan to when away from home for safety. Needs to be a app or something.

[@TheLittleStuff]

Look for an outfitter to shuttle you for a float trip. You could also get a motor and motor up and float back. A float plan left with someone at home is a good idea. It gives search and rescue a head start on locating you if you fail to come back. Take a photo of yourself at the put in and text it to someone. It helps if your kayak is in the photo, so search and rescue knows what they are looking for.

[@TWC6724]

What pants are you wearing Jeff?

[@TheLittleStuff]

NRS makes them.

[@user-po7vc8hm6n]

Jeff, I’ve been following for the past couple months. I’m from Indiana. What’s the best put in spot for someone looking to make the 10hr journey? Trying to do some planning. Thanks in advance

[@TheLittleStuff]

There isn’t much unproductive water on the Juniata. I was upstream of Lewistown. My trips that were episodes earlier this year were Mount Union and somewhere near Thompsontown. Honestly, you should zoom around on Google Maps, pick some stuff that looks interesting to you, and have faith that the entire river is an ecological powerhouse.

[@user-po7vc8hm6n]

@@TheLittleStuffthanks brother. I appreciate it

[@user-po7vc8hm6n]

@@TheLittleStuff Additionally, what are your thoughts on the Reacon 120?