FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. (WCHS) — Despite its name, the New River is one of the oldest rivers in the world. The views from above may get the most attention, but there’s a whole lot of fun to be had down on the river itself.

The fishing is great, especially if you're trying to catch a smallmouth bass.

Robert Seay, a fishing guide and owner of Fish and Hunt WV, estimates his boat reel in 25 to 30 bass during an average fishing trip along the New River.

Seay has been a fishing guide on the river for 35 years, and has seen a few hundred fish days before.

These smallmouth bass, which are called ‘smallies’ by some anglers, are known for putting up a fight.

“The smallmouth is a very aggressive fish. It's a predator," Seay said spotting a bass in the river. "That fish is hiding in the rocks just waiting for fish to float by to eat or crayfish. He's just sitting there camouflaged and swimming. He jumps out, gets it and runs right back into his spot."

This healthy 15 inch small mouth is typical of what you can catch on the New River. (WCHS)

It’s those crayfish and the size of the river that really allows these fish to thrive here.

“Warmer temperatures are when the big fish start eating and the big crayfish come out. Then April and May is a really great time," Seay said.

Anglers can also find walleye and big muskie in the river. They tend to bite more when the water is colder.

“I do everyone from a beginner, 12-year-old children up to professionals," Seay said. "I think going with a guide is good because you’re learning a lot. You’re learning about your gear, you learn a few tricks and you know then next time you can use that knowledge towards the river.”

Seay gave Wild Appalachia a couple tips to improve our next fishing trip.

“See those foam patches are just dirt and stuff on the water," he said. "If you see that dirt and stuff there, the food is basically floating in there for the most part. Time of the year foam is home. That's a little smallmouth trick for you, or most fish."

If you decide to go fishing on the water without a guide, try to fish with someone else and don’t forget a personal flotation device.

“It’s been great. It’s not easy always, as you can imagine, but I do have a beautiful office", Seay said.

You can contact Robert Seay and Fish and Hunt WV on Facebook or on Instagram.

The New River is one of the nation's top small mouth fisheries. (WCHS)