bferg

Ok so I realize this image sucks- I also realize that my Lowrance X-96 is kinda old school but I think I should be getting better images out of it than I am. I am not getting any real "arch" on the images. For the most part everything looks like a line.... (I also realize this image sucks but I was holding the tiller and a rod and trying to help 2 kids fish while I took this). Anyway- by looking at this image- any idea what kind of settings I should look at tweeking? I have turned up the sensitivity all the way but that just adds more noise to the screen and doesn't make the fish or structure look any more like an arch. Any help or advice would be much appreciated...

So not as much of a fishing report as me just being a proud Dad. I took my girls out today on our "first real fishing trip" where we got to get up "super early" and go in the boat. We have fished together a lot but this was their first time to go out early the morning and in their mind that makes it a "real" trip. They are 6 and 5. Anyway- We got on the water at 6:15. And trolled around the back of deer and most of bear island. My plan was to troll around the islands with flicker shads and pray that we ran into a school of whites. It don't happen. Now, "trolling" is a strong word for it- more like drug them around behind the boat. I have never trolled in my life until this year and I am just trying to figure it out. And while it isn't my favorite way to fish I figured it is a good way to get my young girls on some fish at Beaver so I am trying to learn. I can tell you this: it is a great way to learn the lake and is helping me learn my electronics better! I appreciate how technical it is and want to get better. Anyway- Today was the first day all year I haven't caught a fish on the flicker shads- again I don't always troll but I have at least caught something every time I tried this year. I was keeping the boat in 20-30 feet of water and running about 2 to 2.5. Marked a few fish (another post on that coming later) but no bites. Now I think that might be due to the fact that I was spending some time managing the chaos in the boat AND I think I need to tweek my setup to get them a little deeper. Wind was blowing pretty good already this AM....did not see any top water action. So- skunked but mission accomplished- got my girls on the water- are donuts in the boat- enjoyed a nice morning and let them have fun. One thing I try to remember: it is more about keeping them interested and having fun instead than it is about keeping them fishing. I get plenty of trips in to really fish. With the girls it isn't about catching- if they want to drive the boat around and "go fast" (mind you I have a 25 hp Tiller on a Lowe Roughneck) then we do that. If they see a spot they want to cast we do that- I pretty much let them call the shots. So far they love going and I am good with that- but I can't wait to catch a striper or get into a school of whites with them in the boat. I think I am going to go up by the dam later this week....also going to get some tail dancers or deeper running lures. One observation on the flicker shads- the hooks suck! I gave it a pass when a big striper broke the hooks early this spring- I mean they do that. But since then I have had a smallie and a small striper do some damage as well. Do any of you switch the hooks out on those and what do you use? I want to make sure I don't make them run funky but those hooks gots to go....

Also, how far down do you submerge the light?

Thanks man...I am thinking of starting my search around the islands at PC...but does it get to crowded there at night? Maybe RB is a little better?

So I have never fished under lights before but I think my girls would enjoy it so I am thinking of buying a light and trying some night fishing. I have done some searches on here and read a few past topics on what type of area to set up on and the technique. But still feel a little lost and no one seems to mention what light they like to use... Anyone have a recommendation for a light? Any other tips for a night/light fishing rookie? Even though I hate using live bait I think my plan is to get some minnows and rig some spit shot about 2 feet above the hook. drop to the bottom and then slowly reel up... Are there artificials that I should consider? Spoons? Any advice would be appreciated...

I have caught some of my best fish off the back of our Tige- we keep a small rod in there for moments just like that!

Awesome video Larson! Very cool thanks for posting.

Last 3 weeks it has been awesome near Rocky Branch- at least when there is a south or west wind (my favorite spot does not set up well for an east or north wind). Yesterday there wasn't much of a top water bite but last week it was crazy from 5:45 to 7:30. Once the sun got up it ended. But yes- the top water bite has been on for 3 weeks. Last Saturday water temp was 67 when I put in. Yesterday it was 65. Little too much wind yesterday for my liking. Did get one on a A rig but didn't see much top water action.

I think I saw you this AM as we were headed back to the fireman's ramp at about 7:30. Saw some dude with a spider rig on the front motoring slowly locked into his graph.... We were in ford creek for a quick morning striper hunt. We ended up freezing to death in the wind for about an hour and a half with 1 small striper (a-rig) and a nice eye (Flickr shad) to show for it. It was chilly for mid May!

Thanks just- obviously expected the usual suspects to come up (Shimano/Pfluger). Spent some time today reading about Lew's. Going to check them out. Anyone have any of the Lew's bait casters? If so what model and how do you feel about it?

Time to retire my favorite spinning reel. It was a Browning Citori- the old blue one. It has been a great reel- super smooth- nice drag. Loved it. My understanding is the new Brownings are not as well made but I am going to check them out... If you were going to spend $100 (give or take $40) what would you buy? I mainly use my spin gear with light line (4-6 lb test) to throw light swim baits and other finesse techniques- occasional drop shot or split shot rigs. Any recommendations? Other advice?

I promised my daughter I would get her on the white bass run this year. Hasn't happened yet- the few days we had out in late march were kinda a bust and the times we have had since then the water was a mess. thinking I can get them out saturday- but are the whites still running? Any reports from up the War Eagle or Twin area?

Any sign of whties up in the tailwaters yet?

What size weight do you guys use on your jika jig?

So what is going on with this run? I can't figure out if is just getting started or if it is almost over?? Any thoughts?

Also messed around with my new Go Pro for a little today... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBnCxQkUkVM&feature=youtu.be

So my brother and I decided we needed to cross the border and actually fish The Rock. Thanks to Quillback (nice to meet you out there today Q) and Bill for some pointers on getting started. Put in at Big M at 6:30. Fished until about 1:15. Caught about 25 fish- mostly spots and one slab crappie- nothing huge- lotta fat 13-14 inchers...but got on a solid pattern and caught fish all morning. Tried the wart, jerk baits, square billed cranks, Ned rig. But EVERY singe fish we caught was on a KaiTech. Almost all in 45 degree main lake points (some on secondary points at the opening of a cove) with chunk rock. Water was 53-55ish.... Was frustrated I couldn't get a bigger bite. Probably should have put down the KaiTech to find it but catching fish is fun. Sunny with hardly any wind this morning probably didn't help the crank bite.... All in all an awesome first day for me on Table Rock. Gonna have to spring for the full season out of state license...I'll be back.

FLW is a good follow on Twitter right now. Posted this iON video of Ray Scheide cranking up a nice fish....(and wearing flop flops with socks) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XisAlpi_ljA&feature=youtu.be

Timely report Q. As I said in the message I sent you- I am taking a day in Friday and if the Whites are not catchable on the fly down here I am headed to Big M! Ned rig engage!

Can you just bring those things to my house and tie them on for me?

No A-rig for the FLW this year...

You have a better chance of catching them in muddy water than you do at the office! Just go!!

Any sign of whites up in the tail water yet? Fly rod needs some love!

Will you post about how you did at Blue Springs? I promised my girls I would take them fishing on Spring break....thought the white run would be full on by now!? Reports saying that there is a decent white bite around Lost Bridge North- I havent fished up that way much but I assume they mean they are running up Indian Creek?

That grey and white will NEVER work....anyone else thinking of making that shouldn't waste their time.