RodMcC

I went a couple of times recently, but didn't do quite so well. What do you recommend for winter lures? I was focused upon big boulders, not necessarily wood, though didn't see much where I was fishing. It'd be great to catch (and release) one or two before cold-cold sets in. Thanks. Merry Christmas, all.

But using artificial baits is better yet.

Circle hooks and real up without hook setting, Setting the hook isn't necessary nor advised. The hook is designed to hook on the corner of the mouth without hook setting. It takes getting accustomed to the technique, but you'll release more fish.

That's the plan. The water looked pretty decent, so I'll keep plugging. As I mentioned, it's 5 minutes from the house, so it's virtually a no-brainer. We'll see.

New to the forum, I thought I'd get my line wet and post the results of fishing Allenton Access tonight. Still new to the area moving here from Wisconsin late last year, I discovered Allenton Access tonight and gave it a go. Being about 5 minutes door to water, I'm hoping Allenton can begin to pay-off eventually because tonight was tough sledding, but is darned convenient. Having read many of your posts earlier, I tossed many of your favorites and some of my own without any success. Check that. I nearly forgot that I caught an 18" channel cat on a Zara Puppy. Sliding him back into the water, I was glad for the bonus fish, but was wondering if others are having to work as hard in your favorite spots. I worked small shad cranks, a favorite melon-purple flake grub, plenty of top-waters like the puppy, tiny torps and buzzbaits I guess the first question I should ask is, "what do you think of Allenton?" Allenton looked promising as I looked downstream from the launch. Trudging downsteam, only later did I discover a walking path along the shore, I worked plenty of riffles and pools downstream from the launch without too much cooperation from the locals. Beautiful water. Tough bite. Maybe, I tried forcing the top-water action some, though I worked grubs hard too. I scattered a bunch of drum in shallow waters, hooked my channel and that's about all for tonight. Looking forward to your posts, ideas and suggestions. All the best, Rod McC