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anyone here into fishing? (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter Ned
- Start date
E-Z Glider
Footballguy
No, middle and lower.Cowboysfan8 said:
Cowboysfan8
Footballguy
Oh ok. All I know of is the north and west. I can see the west Branch out my kitchen windowNo, middle and lower.
Wingnut
Footballguy
Just bought my first Kayak yesterday, an Emotion Stealth 11 Angler. Gonna do a maiden run in a lake by my house this week to get a feel for it, then gonna hit saltwater and see if I can find some fish. I'e never fished from kayak before but man it looks fun. My rig:
https://i.imgur.com/FCOtGZZ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Hvt5I9v.jpg
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Johnny Rock
Footballguy
Wingnut
Footballguy
Its got a fish finder, it's the square thingy mounted in front of seat in 1st pic and on the side in 2nd pic...although Ill mostly be fishing the flats in less than 6 feet of water so Ill be using it more for GPS than sonar.
Don't need a trolling motor, I can launch close to fishing grounds all over the place.
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Johnny Rock
Footballguy
If hitting salt, try to time the wind or tides (whichever is stronger) so you are paddling with the current on the return trip.
Wingnut
Footballguy
Beef Ravioli
Footballguy
Reserving a house this August on Weiss Lake in Alabama. The reason we chose the lake was location was convenient to family but after the fact we learned that Weiss Lake is the unofficial Crappie Capital. The house has kayaks available to us and a dock to fish off of.
We like fishing but are not “fishermen”. So looking for some advice on gear, technique, etc. I have to buy some new gear for me and my two college age boys but do not want to break the bank as we do not fish that often. Any direction here would especially be appreciated!
From what I read, August is not a great month for Crappie fishing and we should focus on early morning or evening fishing. Agreed?
We like fishing but are not “fishermen”. So looking for some advice on gear, technique, etc. I have to buy some new gear for me and my two college age boys but do not want to break the bank as we do not fish that often. Any direction here would especially be appreciated!
From what I read, August is not a great month for Crappie fishing and we should focus on early morning or evening fishing. Agreed?
Wingnut
Footballguy
I looked at a few of those but they were out of my kayak budget...are there universal conversion kits out there? Ive seen ones for certain branda/models but didn't look hard enough to see of I could convert one like mine.
Hawkeye21
Footballguy
Very cool. You're going to love it. I'm in Iowa so I'm still waiting for some better weather to get mine out again. Considering driving south a bit to get some open water. I have a Pelican Catch 120 and have really enjoyed it so far. Just got a new battery for my fish finder and that's about the only addition I got for it this year. I'd post a pic of it but not sure how on here.
Do you plan to fish in any tournaments at all?
Hawkeye21
Footballguy
YouTube is always a great place to go for information. Most of the videos I watch there are fishing related. I don't focus on crappies but I've fished for them before. You usually don't need anything crazy for gear. Get yourself a spinning rod/reel combo that's medium strength, around 7 foot long. Most times I've gone crappie fishing we used minnows for bait on a plain hook or a jig. If using artificial bait then I suggest twister tail plastic baits on a jig or a small inline spinner.
Check this site out for more ideas. https://crappiefisher.com/best-crappie-lures-jigs-and-bait/
Warhogs
Footballguy
I'm not a fan of the Ugly Stick. My wife used to have one years ago and liked it so I bought her one about a year ago. I fished with it for a while but I thought the rod was heavy compared to what I normally use so I didn't like it if you are doing a lot of casting.
Hawkeye21
Footballguy
A good rod that's a great price is the Berkley Lightning Rod Shock. Can be for really cheap at Walmart when they are closing stuff out. I've seen some models there sell for as little as $9. I have 9 different rod/reel setups and most of them are different brands. The most of one brand I have is 3 Abu Garcia Veritas 2.0 rods and I got them all on sale. I struggle spending more than $50 on any rod or reel but the more serious I get about fishing the more I consider investing more money.
E-Z Glider
Footballguy
I have a SOT like yours that I use to fish creeks/rivers. We put in upstream and float down to another vehicle, so it's pretty much just steering and fishing, very little paddling. Regular SOT is perfect for that.
I never thought much about the peddle-drive kayaks, but I recently did a guided Roosterfish trip in Costa Rica that used them and it's a total game changer to be able to hold/cast/troll a rod while "paddling". If I were going to regularly fish a lake / bay / ocean where a lot of paddling was required, Id do whatever I could to get into a peddle-drive yak. Even if it meant getting something used.
Good luck!
Warhogs
Footballguy
With fishing you can spend very little and have some success or you can spend a lot for all the gadgets. I tend to spend a lower amount on a rod and reel. I just haven't felt the gain for the added cost was worth it on rods and reels. There is other equipment that becomes more important to invest in depending on the type of fishing you are doing. In WI if you are just pan fishing small lakes you don't need a lot. If you are fishing larger bodies of water and going after some big game species things like locators and lake map devices become more important. In the winter for pan fishing you can greatly increase your catch rate by having a vexilar.
Wingnut
Footballguy
I'd definitely have to cut a hole, but I' not opposed to it if it's not too pricey.
Just upload the pic to a site like Imgur and then paste the link here...no tourneys for me, I'm not that good and don't get to fish nearly enough as Id like.
Yeah Florida is tough to beat when it comes to fishing. Even fishing the shallows/flats you can hook something bigger than you...its pretty awesome.He's in Florida too. I'd definitely want foot pedals there. So many nice game fish to troll for.
I actually bought mine used on Craigslist for $350. Didnt wanna spend a lot on my first one. The cheapest nice pedal drives I saw were $1000+, with some in the $3k range...I bought this to tie me over til next year (Im buying a house later this and next year Im gonna be in the market for a flats boat. I'll prob keep the kayak though too)I have a SOT like yours that I use to fish creeks/rivers. We put in upstream and float down to another vehicle, so it's pretty much just steering and fishing, very little paddling. Regular SOT is perfect for that.
I never thought much about the peddle-drive kayaks, but I recently did a guided Roosterfish trip in Costa Rica that used them and it's a total game changer to be able to hold/cast/troll a rod while "paddling". If I were going to regularly fish a lake / bay / ocean where a lot of paddling was required, Id do whatever I could to get into a peddle-drive yak. Even if it meant getting something used.
Good luck!
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Hawkeye21
Footballguy
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E-Z Glider
Footballguy
Johnny Rock
Footballguy
My post was an answer to a question regarding a starter rod for a kid.Warhogs said:
Hawkeye21
Footballguy
If any of you are looking for some good discounts on fishing gear check out http://www.ffo-tackle.com/ You can get some heavy discounts on new stuff and reconditioned.
Jutz
Footballguy
That's awesome man! I actually have a jet boat too. I have a jet tunnel. I custom ordered it from Ducky's boats. I don't like Ducky's but I liked the Seaark factory tunnel and they worked with me to find a used motor. I basically ordered a hull and trailer with a center console from them and they put a used Merc 60/40 2 stroke jet on it. The hull is a Seaark 1660 MVJT. They put an 'Alaskan' Seaark stand up console on it pushed all the way to the front like yours. It is a little short but very wide.I have a jet-boat for fishing the river near me. Some day I hope to retire to a place that requires a flats skiff.
My boat is not very 'finished' but I left it that way to save money and keep it light. I don't even have a floor on it. It is just bare ribs. My feet fit well between the ribs where the console is, so it actually works pretty well. With it being a 16 foot hull, the front deck is a little small. I installed a Minn Kota Terrova trolling motor. I normally use the remote control when I troll but it does have a pedal. Last season I installed navigation lights, a depth finder, and a bilge pump. I did all that extra stuff myself to save money. It was a PIA but It turned out pretty well. I learned a lot about boat wiring in the process. I have 4 switches and a fuse bus installed at the console and a big Interstate group 29 trolling motor battery in the back.
In all honesty I haven't taken it out that much. The year I finally had it delivered I only took it out 3-4 times. Then, I started dating my wife so I barely had any time to fish. After getting married my leisure time was severely diminished compared to the single days. Last summer I took any free weekend time (and a few weekdays) to work on the trolling motor, lights, bilge project and finally got them done right at the end of the season. I took it out once last season when I was done and it ran well. That trip I took it out which was around October I caught maybe 3 smallies but nothing big. I launched at the Swatty and fished around the airport.
This season all of the 'boat projects' with wiring are done. I did a good job of cleaning, lubricating, and re-stringing my rods and reels at the end of last season too. What I am getting at is that I am in a much better position to take advantage of fishing mornings this year. My best catches were from launching at the ramp in Halifax. I've heard that ramp may not be open anymore. If you have any secret spots you would be willing to make un-secret I'd be interested... thanks.
Wingnut
Footballguy
What do Jet Boats cost compared to regular powered boats?
Oh, and Im going flats fishing with a buddy this Saturday down by Anna Maria Island...Looking to get into some Sheepshead, Redfish and Snook. Will post pics if we get anything.
I wish the weather would cooperate here so I can take my kayak out for a test run...its been windy and cold since I picked it up
Oh, and Im going flats fishing with a buddy this Saturday down by Anna Maria Island...Looking to get into some Sheepshead, Redfish and Snook. Will post pics if we get anything.
I wish the weather would cooperate here so I can take my kayak out for a test run...its been windy and cold since I picked it up
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Hawkeye21
Footballguy
Wind is a kayak's worst enemy. I've been out in some windy weather and it's beyond frustrating.What do Jet Boats cost compared to regular powered boats?
Oh, and Im going flats fishing with a buddy this Saturday down by Anna Maria Island...Looking to get into some Sheepshead, Redfish and Snook. Will post pics if we get anything.
I wish the weather would cooperate here so I can take my kayak out for a test run...its been windy and cold since I picked it up
Last week things were looking pretty goo around here. The snow was gone, other than some shaded areas, and the lakes were starting to open up. At the start of this week we got about 4 inches of snow dumped on us and the temp has been below freezing all week. I can drive about an hour south and get on some open weather and I'm considering it just to get out on my kayak. Air temps are going to be in the low 40s and water temps are most likely in the upper 30s, low 40s so I know the fishing will be very tough.
ChiefD
Footballguy
So....I never did a fishing report from last year on this trip, and since it's cold still, here we go:One week out from my annual Wisconsin River fishing trip with my uncle. Leave Thursday morning about 3 am and drive 10 hours to his place. Should be on the water by 2:30 pm Thursday. Here is the schedule of events:
1. Thursday. Hit a couple of spots and try to catch smallies. We'll also cast lures for muskies as well. Will probably also hook into a few catfish, some carp, suckers, etc. Should be done around 7. We'll then eat some BBQ I always transport up there from KC. Drink some beers.
2. Friday - also known as Float Day. We put in about 8:30 am and float all day until dark. We pack a cooler full of Budweisers, some sandwiches, and about 8 dozen nightcrawlers. We will anchor in pools all day - usually the pools are anywhere from 6 - 9' deep. Our goal early is to catch about a 10" sucker minnow. We will rig it like this and throw it under a bobber all day. Wa-La! We are fishing for muskie without having to cast our brains out all day.
We will also catch a ton of smallies, carp, suckers, catfish, sturgeon, the whole bit. Basically we are jigging crawlers off the bottom all day, leaning back in the boat, drinking a spud, and reeling a fish in once in awhile. And when a muskie hits that sucker - watch out. Our idyllic existence is shattered by about 7 minutes of pure heart thumping chaos.
We will also cast a muskie lure once in awhile, but that takes some work.
3. Saturday - Sturgeon day. We will launch the boat and go upstream to a sturgeon spot. My brother caught a 50" sturgeon here last year. I've caught a 36" sturgeon here before, and had one on the line two years ago that was every bit of 50" that broke my line. We'll spend half the day up here, and then hit a couple more spots before heading in at dinner time.
Will head home Sunday, but this trip is great because I don't have to bait hooks for kids, unravel lines, remove snags, etc. Should be a good time.
The river was running high that week, so finding fish was going to be a problem (or so we thought). The first Thursday we caught a few smallies, but on Friday we were treated to a nice sunny day. We started our float about 8:30, and right off the bat we caught a 12" sucker that we put on a muskie rig. We float down into another anchor spot, and after a couple of minutes my muskie rig started swimming upstream.
The current is going pretty good at this point, so I start to grab the rod to reel in the slack in case a muskie has it in his mouth.All of a sudden my sucker minnow shoots out of the water with a muskie attached to it.
. Luckily (or because of my angling ability to think ahead), all of the slack was out of the line and the muskie was about 10' from the boat when I hooked up. After about a 5 minute fight, this beauty was in the boat - a nice 42" muskie. And it was about 10:00 am at this point. We cracked our first beer and basked in the sun and the glory that all pressure was now off for the rest of the float. Ahhhhh.........muskie........ 
. And this was not the most impressive fish of the day.We float the rest of the day and had an incredible day on the water. A ton of large smallies, including this nice 20"er. We probably caught 10 all day of this size or slightly smaller. My uncle ended up catching a beautiful 26" walleye, which was over the slot limit for this river. And rare for this stretch of water. It was a great day for sure. Will be back in August.
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Hawkeye21
Footballguy
Wow! That's an incredible day. I've never caught a musky but it's my goal to catch one this fall. I'm going on a fishing trip to the Saint Germain area in northern Wisconsin.So....I never did a fishing report from last year on this trip, and since it's cold still, here we go:
The river was running high that week, so finding fish was going to be a problem (or so we thought). The first Thursday we caught a few smallies, but on Friday we were treated to a nice sunny day. We started our float about 8:30, and right off the bat we caught a 12" sucker that we put on a muskie rig. We float down into another anchor spot, and after a couple of minutes my muskie rig started swimming upstream.
All of a sudden my sucker minnow shoots out of the water with a muskie attached to it.
We float the rest of the day and had an incredible day on the water. A ton of large smallies, including this nice 20"er. We probably caught 10 all day of this size or slightly smaller. My uncle ended up catching a beautiful 26" walleye, which was over the slot limit for this river. And rare for this stretch of water. It was a great day for sure. Will be back in August.
Wingnut
Footballguy
Fished one dock in Bradenton today...we caught about 50 Sheepshead, 25 of them were keepers between 13 and 17 inches. We left them biting when we ran out of bait. We were 5 short of a two person limit, the cooler was packed..man what a blast.
https://i.imgur.com/9rzCy3P.jpg
About halfway full:
https://i.imgur.com/m0X7OaC.jpg
Look at those chompers!
https://i.imgur.com/l98hNvO.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/9rzCy3P.jpg
About halfway full:
https://i.imgur.com/m0X7OaC.jpg
Look at those chompers!
https://i.imgur.com/l98hNvO.jpg
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Hawkeye21
Footballguy
Yikes. When I think of Sheephead I think of the freshwater drum. That's the nickname we have for them here.
I went out fishing Saturday morning but didn't have any luck. Stopped by a pond that finally has some open water on it but no bites. After that I went to a trout stream and had tons of bites, even had four on but they all came off. As always it not just about catching fish, it's about getting outside. Of course I stopped by the brewery on my way home though.
E-Z Glider
Footballguy
My biggest advise would be to pick one section (like whatever ramp is closest to you) and really learn it. When I first got my boat, I hired a guide and had him run me all around at low water and show me where you can go and you cant go. I tracked the whole path on a GPS app called LiveTrekker. Now, whenever Im on the river, I can pull up a map and see exactly where Im at compared to the line the guide took. Really gives you confidence out there.
I haven't done much cold-water fishing, but if you're itching to get out, there are wintering holes at Ft Hunter and Dauphin and people catch them year round there. Its pretty much always crowded, so just look for the other boats. Falmouth is supposed to be good for Walleyes too this time of year.
In the spring/summer/fall, I put in on the West Shore (New Market) and do 90% of my fishing between the Dock Street Dam and the Turnpike Bridge. The "secret spots" we target depend on the water level and the season. In the spring, when the water's higher, we'll target the mouths of the tributaries and behind any outcroppings along the shore. As the water drops, we will just drift along the bank. In the summer, at low water, we target ledges and underwater rock piles. When all else fails, we fish the dam.
It's not hard to find your own "secret spots" in whatever section you fish the most. First, just look for other boats. Seems like everyone out there has been "fishing this river for XX years" and there's a good chance they already know where the "good spots" are. I keep binocs in my CC and regularly check to see what others are up to. Second, keep track of where you catch fish and what the conditions/water levels were at the time. Third, in the evenings, look for surface action anywhere on the river and head to those spots. The "secret spot" seems to move all the time, so finding them each day is part of the fun.
E-Z Glider
Footballguy
For the beach? Good luck with that (I mean that sincerely
), I do a lot of surf fishing, and catching them is hard enough with a regular rod. Where do you plan to use it? I've seen guys fly fish for stripers in NJ, but that looked tough. I suppose it can be done down south as well. I surf fish from NJ to NC, and its mostly bait-and-wait unless a school of something is pushing through.
E-Z Glider
Footballguy
Oh, that makes more sense. Bonefish is definitely one where a fly-rod is better. I walked the flats on Ascension Bay one time and could see schools of bonefish all around me. I was throwing a 1/4" jig head, and as soon as it hit the water, they would scatter. I eventually caught a few on fresh shrimp with no weight, but I remember really wishing I had a fly-rod with me on that trip.
Johnny Rock
Footballguy
For those of you solo fishing and/or looking at the kayak fishing setup that some have mentioned, here’s a cool boat I saw on Kickstarter with pedal drive and you can add their motor too.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/537578945/blue-sky-boatworks-pedal-paddle-and-electric-drive?ref=discovery&ref=discovery&term=Fishing
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/537578945/blue-sky-boatworks-pedal-paddle-and-electric-drive?ref=discovery&ref=discovery&term=Fishing
Hawkeye21
Footballguy
Been seeing that showing up on Facebook a lot lately. Looks like a very comfortable and steady rig. If anyone fishes in kayak tourneys it's not a model that would be allowed though.Johnny Rock said:
If any of you are kayak bass fishermen the National Championship is going on right now on Kentucky Lake. There are 750 people fishing it right now.
Johnny Rock
Footballguy
Anybody using the St. Croix Legend Elite rods? Won some rod of the year awards before.
I have a St. Croix Legend Tournament Walleye Series rod that broke due to an unfortunate run-in with with the bow of the boat and I’m going to utilize St. Croix’s trade up program for their top of the line walleye rod. Can’t wait to get on the water.
I have a St. Croix Legend Tournament Walleye Series rod that broke due to an unfortunate run-in with with the bow of the boat and I’m going to utilize St. Croix’s trade up program for their top of the line walleye rod. Can’t wait to get on the water.
E-Z Glider
Footballguy
I have too many of these incidents to buy expensive rods. I also have a hard time distinguishing between a high-end and mid-range rod. I generally put my money in quality reels (which I can tell a difference), and go with cheaper rods. That way I'm not so pissed when I close it in the tailgate, or smash it with my kayak, or my idiot friend breaks a guide because he reeled the swivel through the end again.
I do like to hear other viewpoints though, so let me know if you feel its worth the dough.
berndog
Footballguy
E-Z Glider
Footballguy
Jackstraw
Footballguy
Getting ready to go on our annual "cast and blast" trip in Oklahoma. Turkey hunting pre dawn and early. Usually follwed by some crappie fishing. We dress crappie and use crappie bones and cut shad to run jug lines for big blue cats. Three of us go and we each can have twenty jugs so it takes quite a while. As we are moving around the lake we hit our secret honey holes for morel mushrooms and try for a few white bass up in the creek channels. Then drink to oblivion around the fire or hit the local casino up the road.
Home run dinner is crappie, turkey, blue cat and fried morels on the plate. Usually go about nine days and stay in my 1959 Shasta camper. Trip usually fills my freezer for the rest of the year.
Home run dinner is crappie, turkey, blue cat and fried morels on the plate. Usually go about nine days and stay in my 1959 Shasta camper. Trip usually fills my freezer for the rest of the year.
rustycolts
Footballguy
Man the only thing I like better than Sheepshead are Speck. That is quite a mess of fish you got there.I am heading to Treasure Island in a couple of weeks I think that is close to your stomping grounds any recommendations on places to try.I love Redfish and Seatrout fishing but I wouldn't mind catching some Sheepshead.
ChiefD
Footballguy
Wingnut
Footballguy
The Sheeps are usually only around when the waters cold...in a couple of weeks they might have moved on...however, if you'e able to fish any docks where the water is 4+ feet deep, do it, they usually hold Redfish and Snook if there's some sort of structure or grass nearby. Use shrimp and enough weight to hold bottom, and fish as close to the dock pilings as you can get.
As for trout, grass flats are the ticket. Soft plastics on jig heads work great, as do spoons and even top water lures in the early morning.
rustycolts
Footballguy
Thanks.Guess I won't have much luck with the Sheepshead as it is fixing to get hot again probably mid 80s next week when we go.I have got Sheeps when its hot but that was at the Haulover Canal fishing along the shore around the rocks.Real good fishing there plenty of variety plus lots of Manatees if you happen to have the kids or Grand kids with you.You should give it a try if you are ever around Merrit Island or Mosquito Lagoon.Any suggestions on spots to try when we are down your way.We will be staying at Treasure Island suggestions within an hours drive?No boat this time so we will be fishing from shore or piers.
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Jackstraw
Footballguy
Running up on ten years. The old farts that basically live in the camp grounds are starting to accept us. Wives show up on second weekend to ruin everything with planned meals and basic personal hygiene.That sounds like my kind of trip.
E Street Brat
Footballguy
Fort Desota is pretty close. It has two piers along with some beah and mangroves.
I'l be Cape Coral this weekend. Been checking google maps for new locations.
The three of us should do a Mosquito Lagoon trip. I've always wanted to fish for reds over there.
Skyway fishing piers are great, and you can drive out on it which makes it nice.
ETA: link to alternate ideas from shore/piers http://forums.floridasportsman.com/categories/angler-on-foot
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rustycolts
Footballguy
Hey I am all for that.I have a guide I use when I go to Mosquito Lagoon.He has never failed to put us on the fish.There are huge Reds and trout in the lagoon.Best to go before June though just gets too hot affects the fishin. Caught this one last month it wasn't a real productive day,but there is no such thing as a bad day of fishing.Other picture is of speck we caught last week.Best tasting fish there is in my opinion.
https://imgur.com/a/OYbmS
https://imgur.com/a/3pkAD
I'm the opposite mostly high end rods with midrange reels. However, its very technique specific flipping for bass all day I want the lightest, strongest combination of a heavy action rod. All Loomis rods with a mix of reels. My favorites are old school Shimano Castaic reels that I bought used off ebay cheap and upgraded to ceramic bearings. Silky smooth...I have too many of these incidents to buy expensive rods. I also have a hard time distinguishing between a high-end and mid-range rod. I generally put my money in quality reels (which I can tell a difference), and go with cheaper rods. That way I'm not so pissed when I close it in the tailgate, or smash it with my kayak, or my idiot friend breaks a guide because he reeled the swivel through the end again.
I do like to hear other viewpoints though, so let me know if you feel its worth the dough.
I'd feel completely different fishing live bait however instead of artificials.
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