BredMan

Watched Phil Lilley and guides snake up to the dam many times and use their paths as a reference for myself when I had a 16' jon that would make the trip in real skinny water. Now have a larger boat and don't go unless there is plenty of water running. Knowing Phil is up to 7 props just made me more cautious. I have even wacked a few of those large snags that exist below Fall Creek even knowing they are there and the location.

FYI - Was out to L-28 late on Friday afternoon (3-20). Not a nibble for the couple hours I spent. Met two guys leaving that caught a couple trout with fly rods. That was pretty impressive at this time of year on L-28. Most of the trout have been caught but there is always enough stragglers left over that's worth the effort. Busch is rather close for me so its always good to get in some fishing, good or bad.

Very nice pictures......helps relieve some of the cabin fever!

PJ's Marabou Jigs Charles Buoyant Dardevle (yellow/red diamonds) Panther Martin (yellow/red dot - black/yellow dots) Little Cleo Jakes (Spin-a-Lure/Lil Jake) Rapala Floater/Countdown/Husky Jerk Pins Minnow

Shockers in my heart. Loved watching them play this year but getting through the Midwest Region is going to be a shoot out. Definitely the toughest region and eliminating some top teams.

Nice brown and nice video.

Not sure how shallow you may think the Busch lakes are. They are somewhat shallow in spots but deeper in other spots. I personally know of one person that has gone through the ice in the past. Lucky for him he wasn't that far out but still needed help getting out. Oh yes, paramedics and fire truck arrived too. He was very embarrassed in the end but it could have been worse. We certainly have had a long cold period and the ice should be thick enough. Just be sure before going too far out. Going to be a while before we see any open water there.

Checked out Busch today. L-28 and L-21 solid ice.

Having fished Busch for the past several years on New Years day I made an attempt today but there was very little water and lots of ice. A few were trying to fish the couple small spots that were open. Wasn't enough breathing room or worth the effort. After today it will all be iced over once again.

Lake -21 and Lake-28 are solid ice. Checked them out at 8:30 this morning. Expected to see some open water but not the case. Ice at the edge of Lake-21 was about 1/2" - 3/4" thick and as always someone has tossed out some rocks and sticks to break the ice and all laying on top of the ice.

My guess would be they are frozen. I live close enough but have no desire to look knowing how cold it's been. Maybe some fishable water late next week after the meltdown and water run-off.

Been wondering about the quality of these Asian brands. Anyone know where they stand in the outboard food-chain? My fear would be parts and service/support.

Thats a very good assessment for the winter trout lakes. Initial frenzy last about 10 days or so and then it becomes real fishing. Some days can be real tough. Its that way year after year. Too bad there isn't a 'no fishing' period after the stocking that would allow the fish to get acclimated to their surrounding. They are pounded pretty hard the first couple weeks.

Another great report Phil. Always enjoy reading them and seeing your pics. Your reports are a good learning tool which definitely helps me.

I have no clue about cameras other than the quick and easy shooters. Those are great pics and the video was fantastic.

This has never been a concern to me before since I usually fish alone in my boat and I don't fish tournaments but recently a friend told me of a couple anglers being fined for not being able to determine which fish belonged to which angler that were all in one livewell with no divider. The livewell in my boat has no divider and I have only had my livewell checked two times in many years fishing from this boat. Neither time was there an issue. The one time 3 of us were all using the one livewell. At that time the agents took all the fish out and counted the number of fish to match what limits that applied to the 3 of us. We knew we were not over and the agents when done just said "OK guys, looks like you are having a good day". I just wondered if that's to be expected or those agents were just being kind to us that day. Anyone have a good way to mark fish when 2 or more are using the same livewell?

Frankly you need to have some idea how you plan to fish and where. Using a boat? Not using a boat? Quit obviously not using a boat has limitations meaning you fish from a public access which are available as mentioned but don't expect to walk in and fish just anywhere. Fly fishing has limitations as well, mainly the water level affects access but always accessible by boat. Renting a boat or bringing your own boat offers more options but you need to know where you are going due to fluctuations in the water level and the hazards that presents to boats. The rules on fishing are really quit simple but differ for the upper lake area designated as the trophy area. Regardless the opportunities to catch a limit of 4 trout are pretty good but don't expect to be landing 20+ inch rainbows and browns all day. The folks at Lilley's Landing offer rental boats and always a great source for good advice.

Gray # 14 Scud, 3 feet under an indicator no doubt.......

Bush has a lake for kids 15 and under. Adults can only assist but not fish. I believe it is #11. Use crickets. May be worthy but Busch is heavily fished so don't expect fish to be plentiful. I fish the catch and release lakes often but right now they are getting moss and duck weed filled. Hard to fish from the banks and even with a boat its tough. Being close its a great way to waste some time and clear the head! One thing you also should know, stay out of the high grass. Loaded with chiggars and ticks.

WOW....those eyeball pics are brutal to view. Thank GOD I wear glasses even though I had Lasik to fix my eye sight. I can't imagine having one hook in the eye but a treble in the eye is crazy. Fingers and skin I can deal with but not the eye. Unreal.

That may not be an option most care to take but having a dog around does keep those four legged vegetarians in check!

I watched a gentleman tying with the NORVISE this weekend and seeing this vise for the first time I was pretty amazed. After reading a few reviews most mention there is a learning curve involved when using this vise. I use a low end Dyna King which is really nice but would like a true rotary style vise. I know this probably falls into the 'personal preference' category but the NORVISE really isn't mentioned any of the articles I have read on comparison of different vises which makes me a little skeptical. Does anyone have any experience using the NORVISE who could give me some pros and cons?

Wow, having flashbacks to the late 60's! What was the subject?

Just wondering how many use a 6wt rod and for what? I got a good deal on one so I made a compulsive buy. Up to now all I have is an old 7wt, a 5wt, and a couple 4wt rods. Was thinking this rod would work for most anything around here. Haven't used it yet but have added a Konic reel with some good quality WF line and it cast pretty nice on dry land (back yard). Wondering if this can be the best of both worlds, that is, bass and trout. Not rod savvy enough to know just where to draw the line on this rod. Looking for some opinions of others which I know everyone has one.

As with Daryk, subject to change. Shotgun, rifle, handgun.......rifle Kayak, boat, canoe......boat River, Pond, Lake......river Flyrod, spin, or baitcaster......spin Lure......any Rapala Fly......midge Color of Jig.......white Color of plastic craw/worm.......green pumpkin Live bait or lures......live bait Only catch Smallmouth, Crappie, Largemouth, trout, catfish, panfish.......catfish (location)