floating on the big D in July
 

I'm going to be canoeing down the big D mid-July and was thinking of bringing a fishing rod and a few lures. I think the float starts about ~6 miles north of the gap.

Any recommendations on lures to bring and what fish to go for?

Re: floating on the big D in July
 

Best bet is probably smallies. Bring curlytail grubs, spinners, and rapalas to fish from the canoe. If you're going to pull off and work some pools thoroughly, bring some bigger plastics like senkos and craws to work the bottoms of deeper water.

Re: floating on the big D in July
 

= J I G S =

Re: floating on the big D in July
 

what kind of jigs are you talking about?

plastics and jig head? or like these? Berkley hank's football jig

Re: floating on the big D in July
 

Andy likes his tied marabou jigs. I prefer Mr. Twister grubs on a jighead. Both work on the Big D. That skirted jig may fool some larger fish.

Re: floating on the big D in July
 

And how do you fish the jigs? casting towards shore and bumping off the bottom? or fishing the deeper water?

Sorry for so many beginner questions, I've never really caught much in the Delaware other than shad from shore.

Re: floating on the big D in July
 

All of the above. Grubs and marabou jigs can be fished in fast or slow water, deep or shallow water, and with a straight or stop-and-go retrieve. Since the water will likely be warm when you go, I would concentrate on deeper pools, letting the jig sink to or close to the bottom, and fishing slowly. Hits may be light, so stay alert.