Johnsfolly

I came late to the party for these guys in 2022. I knew about ribbonfish down in NC and SC and with our car issues driving down there was a no go. However, I found out in mid to late Sept that one of the spots we fish in VA a couple of times a year has a big population of ribbonfish. Once I started to get the right gear, it was Nov. We will get on them in the early summer this year and keep going until we land a few. I know that Livie and I will want to clean up the heads and show off the skulls 😉.

I would love to catch one of these guys on any bait. I can't even put this on the bucket list. Roosterfish yes, but this guy seems to be too uncommon to target.

Not going to step on toes on other threads. Posting my annual Fishing goals list for 2023. Ribbonfish Lifer Bullhead / madtom - snail or spotted / tadpole, etc. 2 Swamp Lifers - e.g., banded sunfish, pirate perch 4 Darters; 1 from MD (Rainbow) and 3 Lifers - 4 Lifer minnows - inland silverside, mimic shiner, silverjaw, etc. 15 Lifers in 2023 Catch at least one Fish in New State or previous State w/o Photo

Good luck. I missed that the last couple of times that I tried to get there. Flooding twice and heavy rains/darkness that last trip out to midwest. If we are able to drive out in April, may try it again. I know that Livie would want a fishing stop below Shelbyville lake, which makes it hard to do two IL side fishing trips.

Sounds a lot like my FIL. He would take out the mailbox at least a few times every six months. Fortunately, he lived in the country. The state suspended his license and would not allow him to renew. He would argue with us that they didn't take away his license since it was still in his wallet 🙄.

No photos or she doesn't exist😉!

I have only eaten fried spoonbill that was fresh and liked it. Most frozen fish do change their flavor, typically get fishier. Also their texture changes as well.

Hey @Daryk Campbell Sr time to get back on this horse😅

Was planning on a venison loin for Xmas eve dinner. We had a late lunch of wings. Then just had shrimp cocktail for a late snack. Pushed that dinner to tonight. Made venison loin, with a bernaise sauce, carmelized onions, and maitake mushrooms. Sauted green beans with bacon and smoked hot honey sauce. Prepared risotto on the side. Was a delicious Christmas meal. Merry Christmas everyone!

They look fishy! Can't wait to see some.of your catches!

I would strongly agree with that statement. I would rather not drown them.

Trash can works.

Merry Christmas to you and yours @mic! I hope that everyone on OAF is able to have some joy as we approach the holiday and the end of the year!

Thanks! Livie and I were having a discussion a few days ago that Bing Crosby would never look at anyone when he was singing. I thought about posting this video at that time. I got into doing something else and forgot 😅.

In this situation they should just leave the coyotes alone. If the coyotes are not coming around houses and possibly around children, I see no harm in losing a few stupid house cats they are straying into the green spaces. @Dutch get a have a heart live trap then take the cats out to the closest Nat'l forest or MDC land and donate a .22 LR for each cat. I have never seen any of my past cat donations to the wildlands stick around for more than a couple of days.

Interesting article looking into increased coyote predation on cats. I know my thoughts on this situation. Let's hear what you think about it. https://wildlife.org/suburban-cats-pay-the-price-for-slinking-into-coyote-territory/

I made a similar dish last night with the leftover saffron rice. Added shrimp, onion, carrot, ginger, soy, and sesame oil.

I just want 10% of the proceeds😉

@bfishn thanks for giving up more discussion and tips for tailwater fishing. I still am looking for my first sauger. I have a possible trip to Nashville this spring to try for them again. Closest spot for me here is a five hour drive to Morgantown WV which I have done a few times to fish below Cheat lake. Skunked on each trip so far. I do have to try a spot below a lock on the Monongahela river. Don't know if I will get there this winter. I've lost a lot of lead bank fishing Truman and other tailwaters in MO. Truman rocks would just eat my jigs. I never really had any day where I felt that I did better than the rocks in terms of fish caught versus gear lost at least when fishing jigs. I did have some good days fishing Xraps for whites and hybrids. The same is true out here in MD when fishing the inlets for tautog or blackfish. May lose a couple of pounds of lead per outing. Unlike sauger and walleye, togs head into the rocks when they bite your bait. Not unusual to have to break off the weight to land the fish. But to catch them you have to feed the rocks.

@Quillback congrats on some pretty smallies and meanmouth! I need to catch a meanie at some point. Maybe you know a guide 😉.

No photo but last night was baked cod fillet topped with lemon juice, black pepper, caesar dressing, and parmesan over top. Served with steamed broccoli, and saffron rice.

@Bassin4fun congrats on a great tournament! Seemed like your work really paid off!

The only temperate bass that spawn in those rivers are stripers and white perch. There are no native white bass on this side of the applachian mountains. I have not heard that stripers and white perch have had any hybridization though they spawn in the same rivers and creeks.

Fruit goes so well in a pork roulade. I haven't made one in some time.

Looks fantastic! Some talented bakers in the group👍