islandbass

If you know you're going to be fishing from the shore, it makes absolutely no sense to practice on a stool. Why, because you won't have that extra elevation in the real world. As someone who fishes from the shore 99.99999% of the time, I can tell you the mechanics are no different for pitching or flipping. I do it all the time. All you need is a little more practice. Also, starting a slightly shorter length of line can help and when not going directly from pitch to another non stop, I have found that it actually helps to be holding your lure with your opposite hand at or just below hip height. Bam, nuff said... Now get it done.

Learn to load the rod properly with the weight of the lure in your casting mechanics to give the maximum and most efficient casts with the least amount of effort. You'd be amazed at how far you can make a cast with minimal effort if you know how to make the rod, reel, and line work for you, as the tools they are. The good thing is that this is true whether you have a Loomix NRX or a Wal Mart Special. Too many people using spinning gear don't do this. You tell as their rod whips forward while the lure is still going backward. Do this with a baitcaster and you might earn yourself a bird's nest, lol. Throw this in with the other tips listed above, and you're set, cheapo set up or not.

Pre-Father’s Day Fishing Report from Steel Lake, WA – Saturday, June 16, 2012 Got up this morning knowing I was going to go fishing, but I really couldn’t decide where. Green Lake kept calling my name with the temptation of catching a decent triploid or two; Geneva, which also had a planting of triploids, made me an enticing offer. I just don’t like that while fishing there, it is not possible to keep an eye on your car, and having only fished there twice, I just wasn’t comfortable with that situation. Choice number three was Steel Lake, a lake that can be brutally tough for me for bass or trout. Well, until today. I reluctantly headed to Steel Lake at about 7:00am and texted a buddy of mine to see if he was fishing at Green Lake (a lake about 30 miles away that I didn’t feel like driving to) and indeed, he was since 6:00am. He had already nailed a few. I tried bass fishing first. It was a total waste of time. It’s June 16th and Islandbass hasn’t even caught a dad-gum large mouth yet. Oh, the horror! I pulled out my trout rig and let it fly into what I have dubbed the “money zone.” Since I was feeling blue, I decided a little red and white power eggs would complete my flag. Ten minutes later I got my first hit and brought it in. It was hooked in the corner of the mouth. I released it. Sent a message to my buddy that I got on the scoreboard. Hooked into number two and lost it in the attempt to pull it out of the water. The bite was fairly steady. It seemed that I had a bite every time I was in the process of sending a text message my friend. Somewhere between hooking into a few and losing few on the take, I managed to bring three home. I wanted to rush home and get my son to this party. We arrived at the lake at 1:00pm. The standard, Islandbass 30-minute fishing stint was in effect because we had to leave by 1:30pm to pick up his sister on time. The fishing seemed slow but the one thing I noticed was that not one angler was in the money zone. We made a beeline for it, slapped on a red and white egg. I don’t think we waited more than two minutes when my son’s rod started to bend toward the water. I told my son to reel it up fast. Fish number one in. Yee hah! Then, as was trying to unhook the trout my rod got a hit. My son had to bring it in. After he brought it in, I stopped fishing so that I could relax and focus on helping my son. The hits for him were continual. It seemed like every cast was a fish, but of course in reality it wasn’t. Regardless, he was having a blast. He caught his limit in about 25 minutes and in that time, no one else was catching fish. Son’s Fish We also had the neat opportunity to share with a couple people next to us what we were using and leader length. One of them, a very nice Asian lady, said that she doesn’t have much luck here and I identified with her immediately. That was me too, until someone showed me the ropes at Steel lake just this season and not very long ago. I told her that was not going to be the case for her today and that she would be catching fish. I showed her what we were using and set up her rod the way we had ours. It didn’t take long before she started getting hits. By the time we packed up our gear to leave, she hooked into her first fish of the day and brought it in. Her joy and her smile were all the reward I could ask for. I was simply passing on what was freely taught to me. I felt a sense of gratitude toward Lady Steel Lake, who in the past can be and has been awfully brutal and stingy, at least to me. Today however, she gave up the ghost and I am certainly not going to complain. As I was leaving the lake, I tipped my hat to salute her and looked back to see if perhaps an arm and hand would break the water’s surface to catch a flying sword. -IB and son Conditions: Overcast but warm probably 70 degrees best guess Dad’s Set Up: 7’ Okuma Celilo Rod mated to a 1500 Daiwa Sweep Fire Son’s Set Up: 7’ Berkley Cherrywood Rod mated to an Abu Garcia Cardinal 101a* *Shhh!!! Don’t tell his sister he was using her rig.

Senior Fishing Trip – Mon. 06-11-12 It didn’t seem too long ago that the group of seniors I take fishing had just wet their lines. The clear, blue skies and mild temperature in the seventies combined to make for a great day of glorious fishing. The only things we needed were to be in a great spot and to have a little bit of God’s favor shine down upon us like the sun’s rays. Our intended spot was the immediate shore area close to the NE 65th dock. Mr. S and Ms. A. met us there and were already fishing on the dock when we arrived at about 10:00a.m. Getting ready to go fishing The two seniors that came with me wanted to start with worms. Mr. H. rigged his up by himself. I set up Ms. D’s rod for bottom fishing with a worm. Next, I proceeded to rig up 7’ light-powered Okuma rod with about a ½ oz worth of bullet weights, about a 5’ leader and power bait dough. Both anglers with me started getting nibbles from the get go so I took that as a good sign. Shortly afterward, Mr. H. brought in his first fish. It was one of those bullhead sculpins. He couldn’t keep them off his hook. Mr. H. with his first catch of the day. I made my first cast and as soon as the bullet weights settled, battle number one was on! I couldn’t believe it. I was in a state of disbelief. It has been so long since the first cast I make on a fishing trip yields a near immediate hook up. I said to the group, “Wow… I got one!” That got their attention in a hurry. I think they thought I must have been kidding as I started reeling in the line until they saw a silvery, torpedo-shaped body reflect the sunlight in the form a bright flash. It felt good to bring in a fish in a short amount of time. It took them watching me hook into my second fish in less than ten minutes time before they changed gears. Unfortunately, I lost this bout. It also saved a lot of time, as I tied a good number of leaders the previous day. I had them both back in battle mode for trout in the bat of an eye. The bite slowed but was steady for some of the anglers with us on the shore. A gentleman who was fishing with his family was responsible for the steady part. For the next couple of hours, our group split their time between soaking bait (i.e., waiting for the darn bite) and adding more dough. I think the challenge for them was adjusting to this method of still fishing. The bite was slow and steady for the folks fishing from the shore. I tried a variety of inline spinners but they would not have anything to do with those. I moved on to spoons and managed to hook into a very nice trout with a red Dick Nite spoon (my first ever fish caught using a DN spoon), but eventually the trout freed itself from the hook. Red power eggs were up to bat next. I slapped on three red power eggs, casted out and put it down when Ms. D asked me to tie on a new hook for her. It took me a couple of minutes to tie the knot and add power eggs. I looked at my rig after helping her and noticed my line was not pointing in the same direction I had left it. That could only mean one thing … The added tension to the line by way of reeling confirmed my suspicion that it was a fish, which, in addition to being hooked, manage to also cross my line over someone else’s line. Luckily, the fish was brought in safe and sound and tangle free. Whew! Eventually, little Ms. D. made the necessary adjustments to land her first trout. She was definitely excited after all of the trial and error she went through. Way to go, Ms. D! Your determination bore fruit. Little Ms. D. with her first trout. A few words from Ms. D.: “I am not used to fishing for trout or salmon. Although this fish is not a favorite of mine, it was very exhilarating to hook into one and reel it in. It put up a very vigorous fight, but I stuck with it and landed it.” We brought in a total of four trout. One was caught with power eggs and the other three fell victim to power bait dough. The trout caught and lost with the Dick Nite spoon was the only “bummer” of the day. Mr. S. and Ms. A, who were fishing from the dock, did pretty well too. They continued to fish after we left and if I am not mistaken, I think they caught a few more trout than we did. Good eats! Lastly, I just want to say I am developing an appreciation for this style of bottom fishing. It is unlike the bass fishing techniques that I am accustomed to using. From the outlook, fishing with power bait and like baits (still fishing, as I dub it) it seems almost insane to just sit there waiting for the fish to come to you, at least from a bass angler’s perspective, as opposed to giving the lure life to entice a bite is the general rule of thumb. While this is still new to me for this season, there is more to it than meets the eye. The angler still needs to determine the ideal length of leader to maximize the potential for a strike. My arm and shoulder got tired making countless casts with the inline spinners and spoons I used today. Fatigued muscles are something you don’t have to worry about when still fishing. -IB

Wow, that's a mess, lol. At least you caught it.

First Bass of the 2012 Season - 06-05-12 I don’t know about others, but for me, sometimes the urge to go fishing becomes so strong and irresistible that I will succumb to the temptation of fishing during my lunch break. Here is the game plan broken down: 1) Fifteen minutes to get to fishing location 2) Thirty minutes to fish 3) Fifteen minutes to get back to work Neither the overcast skies nor the rain that fell through most of the morning and early afternoon could stop the urge to go. 1:30pm I left parking lot at work and headed to the south end of Lake Washington. It was raining. 1:45pm Arrive at the lake. The rain was still falling. I decided to only prepare one of the two rigs so maximize fishing time. Realized I brought the reel with 8# test instead of 6# test. Hope it won’t be a factor. 1:50pm Started with a bright green Sniper Bolt, nose hooked. Nothing. I rigged the Bolt wacky style. Same result. 2:00pm Switched to a dark brown Sniper Snub. Nothing again. 2:05pm Moved to the Ivar’s Restaurant facing the lake. Still nothing. This is not looking good. Time is running out. 2:08pm Weather calms and the rain stops. Really feeling the time crunch. Mind races through a myriad of paths to take. Change bait size? Change bait color? Change bait type? Screw it, go back to work? I wasted a good two minutes being indecisive. Don’t do this! 2:10pm Re-centered self and got back in the game. Change to a brown Chompers drop shot worm and dropped it the other side of the corner nearly straight down. Felt something as soon as the weight hit the lake bottom. It was a solid pull straight down and held. I reeled up the slack to set the hook and felt the sensation you feel when you know you pulled it out of the fish’s mouth. ^@#@#*(*@#~!!!!!!! No, I didn’t curse verbally, but you could probably guess my sentiments. 2:11pm I let the spot “rest” and waited about a minute before I dropped the rig into about the same spot. 2:12pm and change Put the worm in about the same spot. Once again, it got hit just as the weight hit the bottom. Waited just a wee bit longer and this time I had it. About time! I brought it up quickly and went through the motions of a small fist pump. The folks eating in the Ivar’s Restaurant probably thought I was a weirdo. 2:14pm Took a photo of the smallmouth bass, wrapped everything up, and headed back to work with a minute to spare. What a cute, little smallie! 2:30pm Back at work. with the smell of bass on my hands despite a generous application of hand sanitizer, lol. I just wish I could catch fish with more time and less pressure. However, I will concede at times, it is a great feeling when persistence and perseverance pay off, because in my case as a shore-bound angler, that is often not the case. Tight lines. -ib

Hats off to you for taking him out! Just had a father/son fishing outing this past weekend too.

Son’s First Fish of the Season Saturday, June 2, 2012 One could not ask for a nicer day to go fishing or for a better opportunity to take someone fishing. Objective: Help my son catch his first fish in a non-farm setting Lake: Steel Lake Fish Catching Potential: Pretty Darn Good Earlier in the day, there was a fishing event for kids in which they enclosed the swimming area with a net and filled it with trout to maximize the opportunity for the kids to catch fish. Although the event was over for some time before we arrived, I suspected that was still a very good chance that some of the trout would still be lingering around in the swimming area. We arrived at the lake’s dock in the afternoon and found it to be hustling and bustling with angling activity. The one thing I observed was that most of the people were fishing away from the swimming area in the regular locations anglers normally target trout. I would have started by targeting areas much closer to the swimming area and dock. On the other hand, maybe they already have without success. Doh! My son was due for sure. We had gone a few times earlier this season, but we just weren’t able to seal the deal. I set up our fishing rods for still fishing with artificial trout bait, particularly Berkley’s Power Bait Dough and Power Eggs. We started with the dough. Son’s Rig: 5’5” South Bend rod mated to a Zebco 33. Dad’s Rig: 7’ Okuma Celilo light powered rod with a Rapala 6sxi spinning reel attached. One of his classmates just happened to be fishing too and I think that was a great plus. Shortly afterward, his buddy hooks into what would be his third trout. He caught it in the swimming area, which is where my son and I tossed our baits. I was next to bat. As soon as I felt the nibble, I handed my rod to my son and he managed to bring in what would be his first fish. Well, sort of… As neat as this experience was for him, he believed it didn’t count because I handed him the rod. Good for him! I started praying and hoping that he was going to catch a fish all on his own. We must have had some assistance from above because he finally did it. He said excitedly, “I got one!” I turned in his direction and when I saw his rod twitch and the line move, I was glad my prayer was answered. We got that skunk off! Son's first fish, with his buddy in the background fishing. The bite for dough seemed to slow considerably so it was time to change tactics. My gut told me it was time to employ inline spinners. Despite encouraging him to also use an inline spinner, he chose to use power eggs. Somewhere in between untangling line and conversing with other anglers, my inline spinner nails two trout in a short period of time. This prompted a number of other anglers to follow suit. Gotta go with the gut! Just when I was about to switch to bass mode, we got the call to pick up mom and sis from the mall so we had to wrap it up. So for me this was a very good day. We both got a serious monkey off of our backs and had a lot of fun in the process. I am very proud of my son for persevering and being persistent with a pretty good attitude. He has certainly paid his dues. Many kids would have quit after going through the many trips without getting even one bite. At his age, I think I might have quit! We caught four fish total. The first three trout were caught in the swimming area and the fourth one not even twenty feet from the dock. Gotta to go with the gut! Objective: Accomplished! Kid Condition: Stoked! Dad's Joy: Priceless

RW's approach is a very sound and practical approach. It is a solid basis from which to branch off. Those 3 setups cover many applications most people would typically face. Additional rods would simply augment your arsenal and address more specific applications.

I can definitely relate to that!!!! The best thing about bass fishing is sharing that joy and passion we have with others. It's as rewarding and on par if not more that catching bass or any other species, at least until I have the state or world record on, lol.

Senior Fishing Trip To Green Lake – 05-15-12 Destination: Green Lake Quarry: Any willing fish Bait Arsenal: Worms, Power Bait, Artificial Lures I had another opportunity to take some seniors fishing again, and as excited as I was, they were even more excited than I. Fortunately, the weather forecast of sunny skies and a temperature of 75 degrees F was spot on. We arrived at the dock at about 10:30am and started fishing shortly afterward. As I got the gear onto the dock, one guy was battling what was probably an 18” rainbow. Shortly afterward, someone else landed an even larger brown trout! I really wanted to take that as a very encouraging sign. I set up those who needed help with whatever they wanted to target. I started with an inline spinner. No size, shape or color could produce a strike for me. Next, I grabbed my other rig that had a hard jerk bait, but that didn’t work either. Enough about me! Let’s get to the seniors. Two were targeting trout with power bait, and two were targeting anything willing to hit a worm. From front to back: The Dynamic Duo waitin' for a bite Little Miss G puttin' on another worm Little Miss D fishin' like a bass pro One in the group decided to fish from the shore because of his dog. His mode of attack was with a float. Mr. B and his trusty, four-legged companion. Unfortunately, the activity level of the fish died down. I started to get that sinking feeling that we just missed a good window of fishing. Fortunately, that didn’t discourage them and it didn’t shake their determination or their resolve. It seemed that they were just happy to be out fishing. Finally! First blood was drawn. However, it was a stinking bullhead. Two more bullhead were caught and released before a rock bass found its way to a hook. One thing I observed that I thought was very cool was how Little Miss D had such a systematic approach to fishing. She employed a few ways to work whatever she had on the business end of her line methodically and with purpose. She made adjustments and changes to both lures and techniques in a way that would make any seasoned angler proud. It definitely paid off. Before the end of the outing, she caught two rock bass. In addition, she nearly managed to recover in a rod and reel that someone must have lost! Her hook somehow got caught it the tip top guide as she was dragging her lure on the lake's bottom. All in all, it turned out to be a pretty good trip, and they can’t wait for the next one. Three rock bass were caught and I lost count on the number of bullheads caught. -ib out Note about “bullheads”: The bullheads as we call them are not bullhead catfish. It is a local name for a species that appears to be related to the sculpin family.

A popper! I love Rapala Skitter Pops.

Another vote for new water.

I'll just add that you should pick a baitcaster with a handle on the side that you are already accustomed to. Unlike spinning reels, the handle on casting reels is NOT insterchangeable. If the handle is on the left side of your spinning reel you are 99.999% most likely be comfortable with a casting reel with a handle on the same side. Just speaking as one who is ahead of you on your path who bought a right handed reel because I am right hand dominant. Nope! I prefer (but can now use) casting reels with the handle on the left side. Since you're sticking with Shimano, I would also recommend the Citica.

I was going to ask the same question, but I guess you answered it, lol. Shimano in their Compre and Clarus rod lines offer rods in lengths approprriate for Alaska salmonids in many of the popular powers. On second thought, they might not be as readily available in your area as they are in mine. I have a 6'6" 2-piece MH Compre that I use as my "trunk rod" and it is a great all arounder rod. You might want to see you can find it in your area. I think the little extra length and power might come in handy for them feisty salmonids up there. This rod has also handled silver and pink salmon so it ought to take care of small stream trout or grayling.

Tom's right. Are you going to use to target species larger than bass like cats or salmon?

Welcome from a fellow shore fishing guy!

Definitely an essential, my fishing license. I ain't got time to eat or bleed when I fish. Kidding aside, I bring some of the items already listed but I bring sanitzer along.

100% agree. My hands have the touch. I don't have one but I've used an ugly stik and I was able to get at least stereo quality feedback. Do I use Ugly stiks? No. Better rods can help,but they're no guarantee for success. If you had the lightest, fastest road bike, Lance Armstrong would probably still kick your **** with a Huffy. I could have a Loomis NRX rod and KVD would probably kick my phanny with a Snoopy rod. If you can afford it, by all means go for it. That's cool with me. The only "Bad" thing about using "higher" end gear is that it is very hard to go backward.

Your paint job looks awful! You wouldn't want to be seen by anyone you know fishing with that ugly thing. Being the nice guy that I am, I'll step up to the plate and take it off your hands. Just send it my way. Kidding aside, you did a really nice job. What did you clear coat it with? It has a nice sheen.

Mono that thick on a bass sized spinning reel is not a match made in heaven. If you insist on having her use this combination, then I would lessen the amount of line on the spool to alleviate the painful manageability of the line. Or, you can find a thinner line with comparable strength. Pline's CXX in 8# test probably breaks at 17#, lol. Either that, or a spinning reel with a larger line capacity -- but spinning reels get heavier after the 3000 size, lol. Any reason she couldn't use a baitcast rig? Those problems would disappear in a heartbeat.

I don't think there is a technique specific rod out there designed solely for inline spinners. I have used rods from med light through med heavy power. It just depends on the rods I have on hand and if I choose to throw an inline spinner. I like your choice of rod power for bass and trout casting or spinning.

Dang! Everything was alright until they got to the second treble! I won't spoil it for the others but it brought back the one memory I have in which I had to have an I.V. needle (when they were huge) inserted in my arm and the nurse missed the vein in my arm she was aiming for three times before she got it.

What brand of rod? It must have been a cheap rod. I have never had that happen (fingers crossed) that the top half came off, but they can loosen. When I use my 2 piece rods, which is quite often, I check the condition of the joint after every 10 casts or so. Most of the time no adjustments need to be made. The two piece crucials look awesome.

I think your last question pretty much sums up my thoughts. Damage was probably caused by some oaf who manhandled and damaged the rod before the poor sap bought it. Barring damage to a rod from whatever, in the role they were meant to serve, a rod is pretty tough to break. Rod makers wouldn't be in business long if they made rods that broke that easily. Although I haven't fished as long as you have, I can definitely second your firsthand expereince. The only rod I ever broke was my fault 100%.