rps

Welcome!

When I went by Butler there were three boats I could see. Figured it had to be white bass. bfishin - during spring break the days and times I could go fishing were all wet/snowy/cold. The days that weren't were days I was obliged to do other things. Yesterday was the fourth consecutive Saturday with rain during the day. I was just lucky the showers cleared long enough yesterday afternoon that I could get out. Thankfully, the end of the school year is only a few weeks away.

Went out at 11:30 after the storms came through. Fished until 4;30. I stayed above Beaver town. Water temps 52 to 54 degrees. Saw turtles on logs. Fished after the front changed the wind. Caught one short walleye while fishing walleye - very slow crank bait. No luck on a pearl junior Fluke on a 1/16 ounce head. Also caught a short spotted bass on a Ned rig. No luck on a wart or the Fluke.When the sky began to turn grey again I came in. I really enjoyed being on the lake again.

Late June is actually a good time for large fish, if your are willing to fish from can't see until sun on the water. Three baits: a quality topwater, a C rig, and a jig with trailer. For bass, I fish a Top Dollar and a simple jig head with grub or half a Senko. Plan on leaving the water before 1 PM. After 7 PM you can fish again. Have fun!

Funny thread. I suggest a chain saw accident. "Honest officer. I was just trimming some brush when I tripped. Before I knew it, there was no way to save the tree."

Zspook, we have all had those days when we demonstrate that what sounds like a good idea is perhaps not. So far you and I have survived ours.

I have a Native, but if Brian says it is good, take it to the bank.

Hey there fishingaddiction. Welcome. Alex: Well done sir!

BK: Everyone loves this answer: That depends. Around here, in the Spring, three weeks is a long time. Our lakes can rise many feet and go from clear to creamed coffee in that much time. Or they can stay where they are now and clear. Your dates could see present surface temp (around 50) or as high as 60 degrees. The guy that runs Stockton Lake Guide Service (by the way I do not know his name - one of those long term message board things) has a long time reputation for sharing information. Take him up on his offer to tell if you call him.

Actually, I try very hard to not exceed the regulations. When Nancy and I are the only consumers and the fish are 3 to 6 pounds, it is difficult to keep up. Such a horrible problem. On the other hand, having fillets to bring to a gathering is ... cool. CGB: You do love to stir the pot.

Is it ok for me to bring 2012 walleye fillets? I want to "move" them before I start catching 2013 fish. I will bring a salsa.

Is it ok for me to bring 2012 walleye fillets? I want to "move" them before I start catching 2013 fish. I will bring a salsa.

Those who have trained their thumb will understand what I am about to attempt to explain. I hope I write this well enough for all others to follow. Even when unobstructed by limbs, other people in the boat, engine cowlings, or other objects, anglers rarely make a precise vertical back cast and forward cast in a direct line at the targeted area.The listed objects can make the off line variation worse. Now consider that head winds, cross winds, and even tail winds affect a cast. As a result the release point for the line varies by far more factors than distance, rod length and load, line weight, and lure weight. To become accurate under the above circumstances, one must learn two things. First you become skilled with your back and forward cast. Second you learn to control all the factors and do so through adjustment of not only speed but also trajectory and direction AFTER THE CAST IS MADE. No one is that proficient with a spinning rod. However if you watch veteran baitcasters, you will see them use their thumb to feather the spool speed, as well as move the rod tip to change the bait direction, and then stop the bait at the correct distance. With a spinning rod in your hand, if you attempt any of these methods, the coils of line disconnect you from the bait. In fact, the coils accentuate the trouble in cross wind situations. There is a reason all the casting accuracy contests were won by bait casters - even back in the days of the knuckle duster. As a further comment, someone mentioned that certain famous anglers used spinning gear almost exclusively. Billy Westmoreland was one example. He was (I assume he has passed) an outstanding fisherman and he did rely heavily on spinning gear. However he fished highland reservoirs with small hair jig and rind baits weighing 1/8 ounce and accuracy was not vital. And I read once that when he fished lowland tournaments, he switched to bait casting equipment. I carry a spinning rod in the boat an days I will be throwing Shad Raps and crappie jigs. Everything else is on a bait cast rig.

BTW, have a great time!

Kyle: Pictures?

Slow death works best between .7 mph and 1.4 mph. I drift and use electric to reach that speed. Find the depth and speed and stick to it over different locations. Second weekend in April may be a bit April for crappie on the bank but you will need to try this for yourself.

At my age, I balance the pain in my hands from cleaning that bunch versus the enjoyment at eating. You won!

I really, really like this post.

September can be very good, if ... Check Babler's posts. At that time of the year, you may need to learn to fish vertically - drop shot or spoon. I had a great August and September last year, but it was all up and down fishing.

Jack, You have the best 20 years of learning in front of you. At your price range, you want/need to buy good condition but good quality used/refurbished rods and reels from sales on this forum or ebay. $125 for "new" quality rods and reels will make you crazy, but it would not be your fault. I suggest you hunt down a good condition, lightly used baitcast rod and reel combo in your price range. Revo and Falcon. Diawa and Fenwick. Shimano and Shimano. Look for a medium to medium heavy rod with a fast action. Spool the reel with 10 pound Trilene XL or 10 pound YoZuri Hybrid. Put a 3/8 ounce practice plug on it and learn to throw it accurately at 10 to 25 steps, both overhand and snap roll underhand. Buy a Norman Top Dollar or a Norman Chug Bug for a topwater plug for bass. A Storm Wiggle Wart for a bass crank. A War Eagle two blade spinner bait at 3/8 ounce for bass. Some 1/8 ounce bullet weights with 4 inch worms and 3 inch grubs for bass and walleye. Learn to fish these over the next year or two and come back for more advice. By the way - read everything Al Agnew, Bill Babler, Champ, and RSBreath have ever posted.

Yes, but we need the water and it is still early.

RS I respect your goal. You will make it happen, but it may be like it was for me ... outside the box in July.

This is not intended as a anti gun post. This is intended as a comment on people: The incident is proof combining the 1st and 2nd amendments can be deadly: A belief that all have the right to bear arms combined with the belief no restrictions should apply as to type of weapon, training, intelligence, or need.

I find 8 pound is more than sufficent for embedded hook rigs. 6 will work well for exposed hooks.

It appears tomorrow - Sunday - will be iffy. But after that I will have 3 or 4 days of good fishing weather.