Prairie Creek Trolling Report- Kinda

[bferg]

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....

[Feathers and Fins]

I switch them out to trokars almost as fast as I can. The factory hooks are good but I just like more beef on the hooks.

[bferg]

Hey- I owe you a big thanks F&F- most of what I have leaned about trolling so far has been from your reports! Thanks for how you share info! However since I now have a full box of flicker shads my wife might not appreciate you as much as I do

[Feathers and Fins]

I am a firm and staunch supporter of our constitution and when a wife is involved that is not my own I invoke the 5th LOL. Glad I can help. It was tough out there today with no doubts.

[YAKFM]

Sounds like a great time with the kids. I have a 4 year old am looking forward to sharing similar experiences with him. Yes on switching the hooks out on the Flickers.