Not again this year!

[willow]

Sam, I agree with you re: Fireline, that's why Power Pro has been strung to my baitcaster and spinners, the problem with the Pro is that it doesnt sink much plus it is pretty visible, tried some crystal Fireline for ice fisin only, will string some on and see what happens, I don't like the stretch of mono and thought flouro had less stretch but since I don't fish these lines pretty unclear. Thanks for the input in lines and again guys, I'll take any advice. Bought a new boat for this trip, told my wife we need a bigger boat to fish such a big area, if we don't catch fish I'm pretty much in the dog house!

[Fisherdan]

Hey willow,

I have hired guides from the marina and have scheduled a trip with one that actually works at the marina for this trip, he is always helpful and I have seen him come in with some great fish. with the price they now charge for a trip, which I think is fair, you really want to get your money's worth. I am going back in July and will probably try to book Bill Babler after seeing how he responds on this forum. I have really enjoyed his postings and it's great to get a good report before you get there. I am worried the bite is going to explode, in the next few days, and then the spawn will take place. Hopefully two weeks won't make too much of a difference, but if the water temp drops drastically, due to cold fronts, the fishing can get tough. I was at Big Cedar last year this exact week and the water temps were only in the high 40's and by the afternoon was getting up to 54-55. We were catching fish on crankbaits during low light times early and late in the day. When I went back in July, I could not believe the fish that were caught in the second and third week of april. It looks like I have missed the sweet spot for the third year in a row. Nevertheless, I love fishing this lake and thats why they call it fishing not catching. I always like the challenge. All those fish back in those creeks and coves, some of them have to be coming in to spawn, starting to feed after the spawn, or just coming in to spawn. (Confidence)Good Fishin Dan P.S. I did go out with the same guide on three trips and he was a marina guide. He was great and taught me alot about the lake. His name was lyle, but I did not see him last year.

[willow]

Dan, I would love to catch that spawn time too, fishing in those coves will be a blast. I will for sure, miss this time but may catch some around beds. I am going to see if I can hook up with a guide the first day, would love to get Babler but sure he's busy, will check, good fishin, mike

[Bill Babler]

Fisherdan, Lyle retired last year. I spoke to him at a resturant the other day and he said he may take a few trips this year, but he is working full time a lowes. Good guy and a very good fisherman.

If I were taking a trip, from BigC this year, I would request Tim Paige, he is their Number 1 House guide. Better call now and reserve him or you will just have to take what you get, when you get there and I am telling you, you don't want that.

Those guys are pounding it way too many days and sometimes just get a bit complacent, or the best guides are already full and they call in guys that don't fish the rock every day.

You can also request Buster if Tim is full. You can't go wrong with either, if they will bite, either of those guys will put you one em.

Tim guides the Big Cedar area nearly 250 days a year and if anyone can put you on a "Spot" it would be Tim. Good Luck.

[willow]

Bill, thanks for the info. re: Big Cedar guide. Will be don 2nd week of May trying to prove to myself that I can a fish on that lake! I assume you are pretty booked out during that time to guide. Thanks again, willow

[Fisherdan]

Hi Bill,

Thanks for the info on Lyle, my son and I really enjoyed going out with him. I met Tim Paige in July, at the Big Cedar Marina. He came in with some great fish. I went out with Tim Sainato and had a good time. In the Spring I went out with Don House, the weather was terrible cold, and rainy. We still managed some fish and I learned about several new areas of the lake. I really don't like fishing for bedding bass, but I like trying to get em while they are moving up with Crankbaits, and then dragging plastics afterwards. Lyle taught me about the Mojo rig. Do you fish the Big Cedar area? if not I will definately try to book Tim Paige or Buster Loving for my trip in July. I will call early. I have already booked a guide for April, from the marina. He has always been great with giving reliable info and I wanted to go out with him. Thanks for the info, I really enjoy having somewhere to look for info on the rock. I have to tell you a funny story about Lyle, the first time my son and I went out with him, it was april, and he pushed his boat out of the slip at B.C., and put the trolling motor in the water, went to the last dock and told us to start casting. My 11 year old son and I looked at each other in amazment, as we could have actually stepped into our own boat. Needless to say we hammered em in the next 30 or so minutes until the sun started coming up. Lessons learned. Good Fishin!!!! Dan

[Bill Babler]

We live in the Big Log Bed and Breakfast, just across the Lake from Big Cedar.

Have one of the boys point it out to you while your fishing.

Guys, the information I give on this site is just for your enjoyment, I do not or will no solicite any business from my work here. That is simply not fair.

I am very easy to find and get in touch with. Just not through the forum.

I will not hesitate to give you the best recommendations for the best guides on the lake as I see it. Good Luck

[Fisherdan]

Hi Bill,

Sorry I did not mean to create a conflict of intrest for you, I understand what you are saying. I just enjoy the info you provide.

Thanks Dan

[crappiefisherman]

Bill, not trying to make a reservation but do you have a boat dock and can you see big cedars fireworks on the 4th from your place.Also could a local get a rate on a special wedding aniversary the following month?

[Bill Babler]

Crappie and Dan,

No problem at all guys. Phil, thinks I should take trips off the forum, but it makes it great for me when people book all their play day fishing trips, thru Lilleys'. Even a lot of my direct calls I have either go thru Lisa at Lilleys', or have them call the Lodge here and Becky will take the booking.

That way we can have some seperation between church and state. Love to help.

As far as the Lodge goes, that is another matter for a higher authority than me, when it comes to discounts.

We have a great view of the fireworks on the fourth and I believe she still has rooms open for the holiday. She always has a BBQ, and all guests and friends are invited. She will book full and turn folks away, so if you have a hankern, let her know.

You can sweet talk her on any discounts you may want later in the year and see what you come up with. Hope you have better success than I do.

Our lodge website is located at the bottom of my byline.

Good fishing

Lodge Phone is 800-544-0257

Local 417-779-1556