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Any Fishermen Out There

Trolling.

Is watermelon a good lure?

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A few hours "work" to limit out this past Saturday on a small pond few know about, had it to ourselves and one guy out with his kids so low fishing pressure. Nailed the first eight in 1 1/2 hour, then the bite slacked off of the bigger fish going after bait (Yellow Powerbait is almost always a winner), only getting smaller ones that I threw back and I had to pick up the final two with a fly.

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I get out trout fishing a couple times a month, will be more once my lady gets off her knee scooter from a recent ankle surgery so we're tied to handicapped accessible fishing holes for the time being and I end up doing 95% of the work so not much time for me to throw flies and lures. She's still learning how to fish so her contribution for now is holding and reeling, I do the casting and landing. As much as a pain in the butt as it is, still having a blast and can't wait to teach her how to really fish.

I've been fishing since I was big enough to hold a rod, done most all types except the big time offshore stuff, I'm a working man and don't have that kind of money. I've never gone after salmon either, never lived in salmon country, that's on the bucket list.
 
^ I love trout fishing! Used to live on a farm with about a mile of prime river frontage and miles beyond that in the Nat forest. Multiple trout streams within 5 miles. I've done the flyrod thing and enjoy it, but nothing beats an ultrlite spinning rod with ~4# line. Catching fish that exceed the equip is a blast! Landing them is a negotiation. If NC wasn't so screwed up, I'd probably move back when the kids get grown.
 
I will fish in any water using any method.

In the dead of summer in Missouri it's pan fish in lakes and ponds mostly. Occasionally I'll get out and fish for cats in a big river, or trout in a spring fed. There are a few places with natural trout here, but the MDC stocks millions.

July 1st is frog season. If you gig that's a fishing license. You can shoot them (.22) with a hunting license, but we always get so piss drunk frog gigging we decided hunting them was a bad idea a long time ago.

I do most of my saltwater fishing in Port St. Joe Bay, but I won't get back there this year...:cry:
 
I like it all, but spend the majority of my fishing time either in lakes going after bass or trout (Northern or Southern CA), on in the intercoastal areas for saltwater (Mission Bay and San Diego Bay) going after saltwater bass and halibuts. Most of done from a kayak, with a mix of live bait, lures, casting and trolling (even a bit if wind drifting with a drop shot rig). I don't get out that much these days due to work and shooting, but when I do I really enjoy the solitude and challenge. Kayaks totally changed my view/experience of fishing. It's so much easier to get on fish, and to do it quietly. Nothing like paddling quietly though the fog, a ghost on the water so-to-speak, and getting up on some structure to pound on some fish. Same for trolling.

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I just mostly jug fish now. Have 40+ with 2-3 hooks per at different depth. But the time you get them all set out it's time to start running the line. So there is never any down time. The fun comes in when you pull up to the jug using just the T/M an it takes off like lighting. Biggest fish to-date on this lake was a 75lb cat. Nice thing about jugging is it's almost like salt water you never know what is coming up an I've caught everything this local impoundment has to offer, including stolen shit.
 
If you can, go CO2 pellet pistol for frogs, taken hundreds that way when I was a kid. No mess on the banks to clean up.

And completely agree with going ultralight for trout, three of our four trout rods are ultralight spinning rigs, but I run 6# on one and the other two are 10# braided so it at least throws like 4#, but can definitely handle more. Leader wise I run 4# unless it's a fly on the end with a bubble, then it's 2# and the drag set very light. Fly rod I have a cheap 5wt but a buddy is sending me a nice 3wt he has to spare, since he's 95% saltwater fishing he never uses it. Can't wait to get it on the waters here, so many little creeks with little brookies and fat as hell browns waiting to be slayed that I really can't do much with at the moment. I plan on getting a couple kayaks for next season to hit the lakes better, I have limited walleye and pike experience but lots of opportunities for that here that I'm looking forward to.

Saltwater wise, my two favorite spots were the waters around Parris Island where I caught hundreds of blacktip, hammerhead and sand sharks as well as some monster reds, and most fair weather days fished for my dinner, and Mosquito Lagoon on the Space Coast in FL where saltwater trout were in abundance. On a little 16' Carolina Skiff my buddy had, we could easily get into the side bays on the lagoon and sight cast for the fish in 10" of water, they never could resist a free lined shrimp dropped in their face. I miss that place.
 
Unless things have advanced drastically in the past 2-3 years, I can't stress enough how well the Cobra designed kayaks are. Clean hull designs that track well, sloped sides to not catch the wind and get blown around, and lots of design elements to allow the easy fitting of accessories like fish finders, bait wells, rod holders, etc.. A cheap 12v gel cell battery will last months on a single charge, and can easily be rigged into a waterproof Peli case, with a marine type (waterproof) power connector (West Marine has a lot of this stuff).

It's also a great back and shoulder work out. :)

Cobra's are a little pricey, but worth it in my opinion.
 
I love fishing, and will do it wherever I can, whenever I can (time and money permitting...although sometimes even that doesn't matter;)). I'm in FL, and I fish for different fish in different seasons. I love panfish when I can get them. I'd actually rather catch a mess of crappie or bluegill over bass most days, as I think they eat better. I'd rather saltwater fish most days though...mostly inshore stuff in the Gulf. I like the fact that you never quite know what will show up. I try to get offshore for bigger, meaner things when I can, but I don't get to do that nearly as often as I like because I don't have a bigger boat/loads of cash, and my buddies with bigger boats don't live as close as they used to. I look for any excuse to get out on the water and harvest fish, whether that is hook and line, speargun, trotline, net, gig, etc. I've been fortunate enough to take advantage of some pretty neat fishing opportunities across the country. In fact, I just got back from a two week canoeing/camping/fishing trip with my brothers and dad in the Canadian wilderness.
 
I haven't been out in years. PA has a mixed bag between its rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. Smallmouth in the Susquehanna are fun, as are catfish. Lots of perch and sunnies to be had all over the place, using crickets or a small popper on fly. Trout are stocked throughout the state, but the best water is either catch and release, or off-limits, as access has been long been bought and paid for, and everything is private and posted.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow_Breeches_Creek

http://www.pottsmerc.com/article/MP/20040201/SPORTS/302019988
 
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Lately, up until last year, we've been fishing the rivers here around the city. Catching lots of catfish, with a few goldeyes as well. This year, we haven't put the boat in the water yet. Haven't even taken the shrinkwrap off of it, and don't know if we're even going to be able to. (as per the 'other' thread).

I used to live in B.C. and that is where I learned my fly-fishing. I truly believe that is the best way to go, as in it's a tug-of-war with a fish of ANY size, and you've only got 2# test between you.

A bad day fishing is still better than a good day working.
 
I’ve been an ocean fisherman for most of my adult life, and I’ve spent a bunch of time in the Sea of Cortez whacking big palagic fish. Just recently moved to a small town in the eastern Sierra that survives on trout fishing tourism. I was gifted some light spinning gear from a family member. I caught my very first trout a few weeks ago. It’s no 200 lb tuna, but it is a hell of a lot of fun. I feel fortunate to have so many lakes and streams to hit on any given day. It’s also the area I patrol, so talking to the fisherman and their families is fun. It’s nice to see the kids doing stuff like this as well.

I think my calling is flycasting though. Bought a rig already, and getting some personal instruction to shorten the learning curve.
 

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Depending on where you are, I'd recommend Twin Lakes (outside of Bridgeport) as a place you need to try out (if you haven't already). Great trout fishing (huge browns, and plenty of 'Bows). Great camping areas too...


I’ve been to twin lakes, but haven’t fished them yet. I’m actually transferring there in the not too distant future. I’m in Markleeville now. Thanks for the tip!
 
Upper twin in the early mornings. Gold crocs, bronze bouyants (with a a little red), and gold castmasters usually work well. Near the marina, the key (when fishing from the banks with powerbait) is a long enough leader to just clear the weed beds. It's money.

Lower twin early mornings, opposite side of the marina, off the rocks, same lures as mentioned above. The gold crocs always seem to kill'em when working them around the submerged rock piles.

The evening rise, we've always used powerbait (gives us an excuse to drink a few beers) for either lake.

Summers can be flat due to the high water temps (gotta fish deep), but spring and fall are a riot if you're willing to be on the water by the early morning rise. We always seemed to get our browns in the early morning, usually 5-10 yards off the bank. (Chartreuse & white rapala's work good on the browns).

BTW, there's a small lake (Glacier Lake), SSE of twin lakes up at 11k. Goldens can be had there, but it's a hike, and in early spring, late fall you better bring snowshoes. Ken's Sporting Goods (in Bridgeport) usually has the latest poop on the trout bite (don't forget to check the freezer to see what's been caught lately!). :)
 
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Anyone fish at Spring Creek near Penn State. That place is packed with Rainbows. The fish hatchery is there and they stock heavy.

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[QUOTE="PPB, post:

I've fished Spring for quite a few years. I'm pretty sure, that most sections of the stream hasn't been stocked for many decades. Spring and Fishing Creek around Lamar have excellent populations of wild trout! I've fished the Paradise area, Benner Springs, around Bellefont, but some of my favorite water on Spring is down low around Milesburg. Always liked the early season olive hatches and the Sulphurs that hatch in late may through now. Spring Creek is a tremendous fishery, along with Fishing Creek and Penns Creek, any angler frequenting the State College area, can experience trout fishing nirvana !
 
I spent 30 years living in Minnesota, and all we did was fish. Winter, summer and everything in between. Northern, panfish, walleye and crappier. It was incredible.

Seven years ago we moved to Nebraska and the lakes here are disgusting. Nothing but farm runoff. I can't bring myself to fish them.

My parents have now retired and own a house (formerly their cabin) on a lake in Northern MN and we are headed up there on Friday to spend a week. We usually do pretty good on the walleyes trolling Rapalas in the shallows. The fish arent much to look at but here's my wife and I doubled up on a Walleye and a Northern. We can normally catch a limit or two every morning.
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Walleye is great eating. I've only caught a few trolling a worm on the bottom off points. It was hard for me to tell if I was hung or had a fish.
 
Usually you can tell it's a Walleye cause you'll get a double tap on your bait. They don't fight like a Northern, but they taste a hell of a lot better. I don't think it gets any better than pan fried fresh walleye.
 
bender, is that top pic at Horsetooth? That second pic is gorgeous. Almost makes me want a boat just to go there.....

Nice pics gentleman. Fishing pics will be forthcoming, can't figure out how to pull them on this darn laptop.......
Top pic is a small lake, Granite lake just 20 miles west of town. The bottom is a flaming gorge, Utah side, it’s about another 15 miles down the lake to the dam. We are going to be there again this weekend. I’ll take more pics.
 
Last summer in AK with my daughter (then 5) and my folks.
Top pic I sent to my lady the day i took it, who at the time it was obvious we were very interested and spent a good bit of time together and had been on 1 date. She said that picture showed me in my element, living life to it’s fullest as I know how and she loved it. Shared a little salmon filet with her for lunch today, been eating it 1-2x week and almost out......
4th pic is my neighbor growing up and the guy who got me into fishing and hunting, my dad just isnt into it. He is 80 in those pics and he landed that 47 lb king at 0030 hrs on the last day of legal king season. Not even a little color change! Coach as he is known, is a hunting a fishing legend where I am from.



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Last summer in AK with my daughter (then 5) and my folks.
Top pic I sent to my lady the day i took it, who at the time it was obvious we were very interested and spent a good bit of time together and had been on 1 date. She said that picture showed me in my element, living life to it’s fullest as I know how and she loved it. Shared a little salmon filet with her for lunch today, been eating it 1-2x week and almost out......
4th pic is my neighbor growing up and the guy who got me into fishing and hunting, my dad just isnt into it. He is 80 in those pics and he landed that 47 lb king at 0030 hrs on the last day of legal king season. Not even a little color change! Coach as he is known, is a hunting a fishing legend where I am from.



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That king had to be a blast to catch.