Headed to BPS with fistfull of gift cards to buy a new ultra light spinning reel

https://dassets.shimano.com/content/...RADIC_CI4+.jpg

Wow, that looks like some space age work of art... very nice

I too am trying to get back into light gear fishing, pulling 20 smalls outta the water is just as fun (in a different way) as pulling out 2 lunkers

I've become such a big fan of this guy, he goes after lunkers in bigger bodies of water but has the same passion for discovering whats in some tiny creek

He has hundreds of videos and its well worth watching a bunch of them

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This guy is also a lot of fun and is quite knowledgeable

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This kid talks a mile a minute, but his passion for fishing is unequaled

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That is how my son is. He is ready to go at the drop of a hat. He loves the water. I always thought about getting him a go-pro and let him rip it. He could out fish 10yr old me by a ****ing mile. He has 7 poles 2 ultra lights and 5 tackle boxes set up. He’s always hoping on his bike and rolling down to the ponds. He definitely isn’t a city boy. When we are killing time going to garage sales, estate sales or auctions I have to hurry and beat him to the garage.

Meh caught a couple channel cats and had a nice hit on the line but didn't get it set sombitch.


I still need go get my kayak from my brothers so I can fish these lakes around here eastern Kansas. I'm not use to these waters or where the good fishing is yet but I will indeed find me a honey hole sooner or later. They should start bitiing nice in a couple weeks. I am going give it a go and do some trout fishing but i got to spring an extra 14 ****ing bucks but i think the water is just right for them in these parts.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sun-Dolph...uded/252433664

What do you Kayak fishermen think of this?

The Fishing Thread
 

It looks really nice, especially for that price. Perhaps the only thing that I would want different is open space behind the seat instead of that storage. It’s not really practical to sit there and while in the kayak try to unscrew the storage and get things. Generally the best for the area behind the seat is open space for perhaps a milk crate or easier to access open space in general. If that cover comes off then that would solve it but I couldn’t tell if it does.

Other than that it looks like it would fit all your needs. It even seems to have some flat space on the sides for adding extra features and mounts should you want some.

They said it comes off and would float behind if you pulled it.

I went 4 days last week and only caught one fish on rod and Reel. But the jug lines did well. Several 8-10 pound Catfish.

This guy thinks Walmart Kayaks suck:


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Finally got to hit the lake this past Sunday. Didn’t catch a damn thing and missed a couple.

My dad was catching them all day though. Always rubs it in my face when he catches more than me. Never gets old. When I outfish him I run my mouth constantly.

The old timers say look for the Snowball bushes or Dogwoods. When they start blooming thats when the Crappie turn on. My neightbor has a snowball bush and he wonders why I stand in my front yard staring at it.

They stage weeks before they start spawning so you don’t really need to wait for the actual spawn to take advantage. I actually like that better because it’s a bit more challenging to find them.

Night fishing is my thing. Although i'd rather still be out there I did good catching two catfish that we will grill up for supper. It was raining and drizzling got soaked but had a good time and ready to get back out there tomorrow night but i want to get my kayak out there too Im just hoping it's not too nasty out supposed to freaking sleet or hail or ****ing snow :cuss:


Feels good to catch fish work has been a bitch and I need to fish to cope with everything.

Here's a great video on locating fish. One of the best I've seen. You can skip his intro to 3:00 to get to the important stuff but the intro is quite funny.

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A cold front full of rain is blowing through here this weekend, no fishy fish for me :(

Here too. We need the water to warm up a little still

Yep, the temps have been cooler than average for this time of year

Gotta get the water over 50 for the real action to start

My FIL says 56 is the sweet spot.

But they caught a couple limits on the dock Thursday before the front rolled through

Bass were hitting hard in farm pond but BG's still slooooooowwww

snowing.....sucks

Was on Lake Meredith last week and water temp was 50-52. Found some 54 up in the shallows about 8 feet of water.

Tried to get out yesterday, made about 7 casts before the northern wind and rain chaised me off.

Guess old man winter isn't done teabagging his crusty balls sack on us.

Doing the same thing here, what the hell?

Melts as soon as it hits the ground but still... :shake:

Hi friends. Finding myself between jobs I've decided that after I spend the morning managing my contacts and reaching out for work, I'm going to spend the rest of my day doing something I enjoy.

So... I just got my very first California fishing license and looking to gear up with new salt water and fresh water rigs. Not looking to break the bank, but willing to spend above the entry level to get a good value and equipment I can trust.

My fishing experience is intermediate. I plan to fish northern California lakes for bass and maybe trout, crappie. Whatever else is in these lakes.

Also going to buy a surfcasting rig to hang at the beach some twilight evenings.

Figure I'm willing to learn the finesse of using a spincast for the fresh water. What brands should I look into for reel and rod? Places to buy? I am not going to rely on Amazon reviews of anything. I learned my lesson there the hard way with the tinniest-sounding 5-star bookshelf speakers $150 can buy.

taking advice...

Wish I could help TE, but my most expensive rig is a $50 job... and literally no saltwater experience

Wish you much luck in your endeavor though, can't imagine how great fishing from some lonely beach must be... I'm sure someone who can help will be along soon

This Pflueger is a nice combo for an ultra lite, and well worth the price IMO.

Both of my ultra lites are Pfluegers and are pretty good quality. Been using them for years.

Pflueger Trion Fishing Reel and Rod Combo $39.95

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Out here fishing not catching but I'm happy be out here though last time I caught a couple nice size tasty channel cats but I've yet get a nibble but the night is nice.


I did have a day in Missouri with my GF and drove out across Truman lake & I've decided I want go kayak fishing it. Anyone know much about Truman lake in Misou? What's fishing license gonna run me for out of state?

I've caught billions and billions of fish but not one ****ing one tonight. :cuss:

I'm not too well versed in Salt fishing from piers and the beach, but when I've done charters, I've used a borrowed Penn Senator and Ugly Stick Rods.

For freshwater bass, I use primarily baitcasting reals, my two favorites are Shimano Calcutta's in the 100 size...Rods in the Medium to Medium Heavy Range...I have a smattering of Fenwick and Bass Pro Rods. I also use a Daiwa Pixy reel with a medium action rod for finesse stuff as I am not a real proficient user of spinning gear.

Trout fishing you will want a light action or ultra light action Spinning Rod. My trout rod is a Fenwick along with a mid range Shimano reel. I usually bait fish for Trout, but occasionally will throw a Mepps, Phoebe or Kastmaster.

I like Fenwick rods, Loomis is a bit rich for me.

Wait, you don't use an Ugly Stik with 30 lb test to throw 6 oz egg sinkers and 3/0 treble hooks with power bait? From observing behaviors of others, that seems to be the best way to take 45 ugly hatchery trout out of a tiny stream for dinner.

Billions? 1-888-OVER-BAG :)

I live close to the dam on truman. What you want to know?

I caught two Walleye Monday which was the first Walleye I've ever caught. I put minnows on two rods to troll behind the boat and got one that way and caught the other on a rooster tail jig. They made a great meal for last night.

FISHING PERMITS MISSOURI
BUY PERMITS NOW >>

Filter Permits by Species

Species Specific Permit
You may need at least one general fishing permit as well.

Trout Permit
Notes:
This permit is required to possess trout, except in trout parks where you must purchase a daily trout fishing tag.

A Trout Permit is required for all winter fishing in trout parks and for all fishing year-round in Lake Taneycomo upstream from U.S. Highway 65 bridge.

You must also have a fishing permit or qualify for an exemption.

Resident:
$7.00

Nonresident:
$7.00

Youth (0-15):
$3.50
Valid During These Seasons
General Fishing Permits
You will need at least one of these permits to go fishing in Missouri, unless you qualify for an exemption.

Daily Fishing Permit
Limits:
Limits vary by species, season, and fishing area.

Notes:
For fish, frogs, mussels, clams, turtles, crayfish and live bait. May be purchased by residents and nonresidents for multiple days.

Resident:
$7.00

Nonresident:
$7.00

Valid During These Seasons
Allowed Methods
Fishing Permit
Limits:
Limits vary by species, season, and fishing area.

Notes:
For fish, frogs, mussels, clams, turtles, crayfish, and live bait.

Resident:
$12.00

Nonresident:
$42.00

Valid During These Seasons
Allowed Methods


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**** YOU KANSAS $30 ****ing dollars for residents **** YOU!

:shrug: It's only once a year...you can do it.

Is it Crappie time yet?

I'm itchin to go but have been stuck remodeling a rental. end of next week I'm going whether I'm done or not.

I hope so. I'm heading to Truman next week. I think its close to the spawn, but not quite there.

Close

Everyone looking for my spot this morning

Bluegills were rippin this afternoon


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Damn. Nice one.

That would be a blast

I'm SOOOOO wanting to get out there. I just live in a god awful place. there are no ponds or small lakes. Lake Meredith is 30 miles away and sux but is the only place remotely close. They are trying to restock the lake after they basically pumped it dry 5 years ago for Amarillo water supply. I'm heading to Lake Texoma in 3 weeks and plan to stay for at least 2 weeks , thats a 7 hour trip. Ugh!

When I moved here to the panhandle of Texas to go to work I noticed right across from my farm there was a big pond embankment and a draw leading into it. Looked like a great farm pond but you couldn't see into it from the farm road. So one day I caught the owner at the gate and asked him if he would mind if I fished it. He said go right ahead but don't let anybody see you. I said why. He said because there ain't no water in it and they'll think you're stupid.

I had just moved here from Holdenville OK so I was a n00b.

Damn, thats a chunker... couple nice filets right there

I got out to the local lake yesterday, didnt catch much more than a buzz... the water is way high, muddy as hell and still very cold

Its really taking its time warming up around here

mmm tasty.

Fileted 14 awesome BG's. I need to get into the 10-15 in bass but...how sick is this...lots of 20 plus and under 10 yesterday on plastic worms...bass are off beds and cruising

How big is your pond, and how long ago was it stocked?

What are your top pond management keys?

3 1/2 acres

Pond was built in the late 60's...26 foot is deepest

Was horribly managed by last 3 owners

When I bought it, I refenced all cattle off of it and started a census...had decent BG's, small bass, no cats, and horrific weeds

3 years later all the bass died...experts said disease/virus/fungus....thats Fishery Biologist for we dont know.....I restocked bass, added 20 grass carp, and started a feeding program

Feeding is a huge boost to BG and bass, takes a while for bass to learn but once they do they love some high protein high quality feed

Today I have bass 5-8 even 9 pounds on the trophy end, the BG's are amazing, I added 30 Channels every 2-3 years and the weeds are under control

My professional background is in weed management, crop and rangeland, my real specialty is rangeland and wildland weed and invasive species. I knew jack shit on pond/fisheries but have had a lot of great help from smart people.

Next level will be to add redear sunfish this summer late for control od=f snails that are the vector for worm parasites that attack bass and BG

Great post full of detail, thanks!

You may not be a fisheries expert, but it sure sounds like you went in with a plan and stuck to it with great success... it’s funny you mention that virus spreading snail, I watched a YouTube video of a guy busting the dam on his pond and starting from scratch because of those things

Blue Gills should be called Blue Jill's so you can say you got a nice BJ.

This guy gives some really good fishing tips

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ROFL

632 barbarions. Im all about some of them

Record eye in ND
 

Pond bass are on a worm bite today. Picture later

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What a horrible weekend of fishing. From what I gathered, if you weren't spider rigging, you weren't catching anything. I did manage 2 keepers on Thursday plus a couple of smaller bass. My wife was completely shutout for the trip. It was horribly windy on Saturday and I HATE fishing in the wind, so we packed up and came home early.

Wow, you've got some really small feet :D

Just got back from Lake of the Ozarks, my first ever time down there

Stayed overnight at a house right on the lake 10 or less minutes from the dam, man I am in love... it’s a genuine Redneck Riviera, can’t imagine how banging all the bars along the strip are when the weathers nice

It was pretty cool and overcast yesterday, but it didn’t stop me from setting a personal best on catfish... pulled a huuuuuuge blue out of it right off the dock, no one had a scale but it had to be 30 pounds

Caught it on a back hooked bluegill with a heavier duty Zebco combo

Tried working bass at first with no success at all, so switched up to catfish and between the 3 of us brought in 4 keeper size blues, and 2 keeper channels... a great time was had even in less than ideal weather

Threw them back because all the blues were pregnant females, but man we could’ve had a helluva fry up if we’d wanted to

LOVE it down there, BEAUTIFUL country

:cuss:

My biggest takeaway from the trip, is how JEALOUS I am of all you guys in that neck of the woods, or even just Missouri in general

It’s SO much prettier country there, with MUCH better fishing opportunities everywhere... been through that state quite a bit, but reeeally noticed it yesterday and on the drive back today

Illinois is boring as **** by comparison

I'm at the start of that lake. Truman dam. Yell next time you're close

It really is pretty country

Would’ve loved to, but it was partially a work trip

The bosses friend owns the house, and they wanted the boat dock and house deck power washed and re-stained... so we washed it yesterday and stained it this morning

But I ABSOLUTELY intend to go back on a personal trip soon, would love to hang out with ya

Man, that's awesome. Catching big Blues is just a whole lot of fun especially on a rod and reel.

At lake Texoma there was an older lady fishing in a jon boat and she hooked a big catfish . It literally drug her two miles up the lake before she could land it. They got it to a cove and they had called the game and fish guys and they got it to shore and had to shoot it. 100 pounds plus!

Been fishing Lake Meredith the last two days and it has become a really great Walleye lake. Three Walleye yesterday and three more today. Some of the best eating fish there is.

It really was a ton of fun, what’s funny is how easy it seemed... the biggest fish of the day seemed to swim right at me to try and escape, it was almost too easy

Yep, huge lakes breed huge fish... it’s pretty amazing, I’d never fished a body of water that big before and was not disappointed

Yea, I'd have to agree with you. Years ago I left SWMO and went to work in Chicago. Never did find a decent place to fish up there. That's one of the reasons I moved back home.:D

Haven't been able to go at all this year and not sure when I will. Fishing partner has gone several times and every time I couldn't get away.

Most of Illinois is just a big, flat mudhole... there are a few nice areas from north to south, but not like MO

Who needs a partner, grab a couple rigs then get in the car and go!

I wish. Due to too many things beyond my control, I don't have time. It's been many years since I haven't had the time but I'll squeeze out a few days sometime this summer.

I hope you do man, find some help to buy you a little time here and there if possible...

You're heading the wrong direction for good fishing my friend. :)

But yeah, Illinois is a shit hole of a state for fishing.

Caught some awesome Bgills yesterday, got em all ready to fry...The Missus is crazy for fish of any kind, gonna do up some french fries as well and we have some slaw....gonna be a wild week headed to Nebraska to Turkey Hunt with ****ing 40 degree weather and the usual Nebraska wind plus rain.....gotta love fresh caught fish.

Leaving the shithole of Illinois for a week at Lake of the Ozarks near the route 5 bridge at Sunset beach area. Wanna try some crappie and bass fishing while there - I do not consider myself an angler by any means. However, I have read a few fishing reports and have obtained some appropriate jigs and lures that have been working. That being said, is spawning still active and are there areas to consider within reach of a rental fishing boat that would pay dividends? I know the home we are renting is known for spawning crappie, so the best fishing may be at dockside, but won't mind running around by boat to try our luck. I will appreciate opinions, but I realize that most of CP posters are assholes so will consider the source - much like a fart.

LMAO

Is there anyone in the state of Illinois that actually enjoys living there?