DADAKOTA

Sounds like an awesome trip.

Generally I like to fish with someone. But there are times I actually prefer to go on my own. Especially when I am trying a new technique or looking for new spots for tournaments. Boat positioning is so much easier when you are alone. I know some tourney guys don't want to share a boat with others they may fish against on the same water.

That should take care of those wading without fishing. Of course it says nothing about swimming.

Don't let a bad experience with the lodging at OT keep you away from a great lake. Check out the cabins at stockton lake. www.cabinsatstocktonlake.com

That sure looked like fun!

If Paho is an MDC lake, it seems odd that the local sheriff would be running them off. Wouldn't an MDC warden be the one enforcing the rules? Did they catch any toads?

Didn't know it at the time, but I actually shared the cleaning table with WM and hiw wife at OT last week. Was a pleasure chatting with ya Mike. If you need any info. on Door County or the Green Bay area just let me know.

Amazing what a little kindness can do raise peoples spirits. Your buddy Max went out of his way for that youngun and just hearing about it has made my day better already. What kind of jig head is he hanging those grubs on?

glad to hear that Mary is progressing nicely. Keeping you both in my prayers.

Gorgeous fish. However they are still the cubs. Not sure what the excuse will be this year. Goat, Bartman, whatever.

to me dragging cranks behind the boat is called pulling. Spider rigging them would be pushing the baits.

So sad and so avoidable. No reason not to use a kill switch if your motor has one. If you don't want to wear a pfd for your own safety, then wear it for your family so in the worst case scenario they can avoid a search for your dumbarse and have a body to bury.

Glad you got it. Must have been a real nice rod and reel. How did it go in the drink?

They have 2 choices. Game 7 or start golfing.

Thats what I like to see.

Looked at my post and smallie and gig could take on another meaning entirely when linked together. Lets say smallie program instead..

Just curious as to what water temp the crankbait pulling really takes off. My wife and I have gone to Stockton the week after Memorial Day the last several years and have had pretty good results on the crappie and walleye running Bandits and Flickr Shads. Will the pulling bite last through the summer or will the fish congregate on brush more during the summer.

You boys got that smallie gig down. Probably the thing I miss most from living in San Louie.

Rich - I offered my opinion on trout parks. Did you not read the part where I said, " With that said, to each there own. If that is your thing then you've got several parks to choose from. " Folks can fish where and how they want. I'm glad you enjoy it. Plenty of folks do not catch fish at the lake, in a river, and some even in a pond. I'd guess the reason is that someone failed to take the time and put forth the effort to provide a little instruction and guidance to these folks on the basics of fishing. Most folks have someone show them the ropes when they are young. From too heavy an action rod, to reels loaded with too heavy of line, all the way down to bait selection, how to work it, reading a stream, common courtesy, fishing etiquette, etc. A lot of people have not been taught or shown the way to do it. Look at all the spinning reels being reeled backwards while on top of the rod. I totally enjoy showing folks how to fish and hope they will someday enjoy the sport as much as I do. I have spent plenty of time at the parks in my younger years. I always loved going to Meramec Springs as a kid cause it gave me chance to fish and spend time with my Dad. Used to go to the parks with my buddies in high school and college cause we could always catch fish. Campground parties weren't too bad either. I have fished rooster tails, the 100th ounce jigs, fished nymphs, stripped cracklebacks, and on occasion dry flies amongst others. I have seen folks sight fish for lunkers not by fooling them into eating, but by annoying them by continually putting the fly, jig, etc. right on the fish's nose. Not a sight fishing fan of any type of fish. I'd laugh when they caught the fish and started strutting around like a peacock as if they had accomplished some great feat. Pretty much like high fence hunting for trophies. I don't expect it to be different than what it is. Once I got older I realized I did not like fishing in crowds, watching folks use gut piles for bait, folks trying to snag fish, and the overall lack of common courtesy shown by some. I preferred to go fishing with my family/friends to get away from the masses and enjoy the peace and quiet. As such, I quit going to the parks. Those that like the park scene can enjoy it as well. Folks can fish for whatever they want wherever they want. I hope they enjoy it as much as I do. You mentioned that the fish size has decreased. I'm curious if that is related to the summer army, bank fishermen, or the hatchery production is still behind due to the flooding? Enjoy your fishing and try the trophy areas and/or other rivers in the State. Some dandy fish in those places and not near the crowds.

That is a big one. I'd love to have a basket full of those.

I really don't look at any trout park as being anywhere close to trout fishing. It is just a different type of pay operation. Fish dumped in on a daily basis pay your tag fee and take your trout home. Oh yummy. I have had the good fortune to fish true trout streams in Michigan, Colorado, and Wyoming. Some were small creeks and others were rivers with some in between. Places you never saw another fisherman other than those you went with. No concession stands, swimming pools, or signs that said deep hole. Not real different than private catch and carry trout operations. Just not trout fishing as I know it. With that said, to each there own. If that is your thing then you've got several parks to choose from.

From what I have seen at LOZ the spawn is over. Already catching fish on deep brush. Those females that have not spawned aren't going to this year. I'd think Stockton would be similar.

Usually a bass will hold onto a jig. Don't be in to big a hurry and just swing on one. Drop your rod tip and throw a little slack at em before you start your upswing. That little slack creates more rod speed and when it comes taught it really drives the hook home as you follow through.

Saw that exact thing on Turnback Creek way above Stockton lake several years ago. Crawdads everywhere. Did not catch much in the way of SM or LM. Terrible float and never repeated it.

That would sure indicate a good knot. A truly great knot would cut, split and stack the wood though.