oteymc

Figure8 - It is actually at the Izaak Walton club. You have to join the club to get to fish there, but it's not a big deal. The only meeting I have been to is when I joined, and it's a good organization to support. Yeah, they keep re-doing Lake Wapello. The state record did come from Lake Fischer in Bloomfield, but back in the early 80s I believe. Belva Deere is only 30 min, Sugema about 45, but they have not been good to me lately. This is a nice place to go after work to unwind, even with the short days I have still been getting an hour or so in. We are moving soon, so I will miss this place. I will still be spending a couple days a month here for work, so I will keep my membership.

Moving to your area soon, don't know much about the fishing there.

I have thought about it. There are a few areas of the country I am in love with. We just recently made the decision to move to be closer to one set of my kid's grandparents. But I was able to make a work arrangement where I can keep working for the same company in a remote office. (the area we are moving to is not one I would have picked out) I could be mistaken, but from what I remember about that area when we visited, was besides the tourism industry it was a fairly economically depressed area - something to think about. Then again, a working man can usually find work. People who have an entrepreneurial spirit usually aren't satisfied until they have explored that possibility. It's getting late and I think I am just rambling!

We will be moving to the Terre Haute area in the not so distant future. My inlaws live there, so I have spent a little time there, done a little fishing - but not a lot. I know there are quite a few old strip mine pits that have decent fishing. Sounds like quite a few are private, though. If anyone has suggestions of places to try, let me know. I would also be interested to hear about some of the bigger lakes I can take the boat out on - even if it's a drive. Also, are there any Bass fishing clubs in the area? I wouldn't mind trying to fish some club tourneys next season if my schedule will allow.

That just sucks, sorry you had to go through that. I hope you enjoy the new additions when you get another chance to try them out.

Like several other people that have already commented, my number one addition this year is the Jig. It really seems to catch bigger fish on average. Still a lot to learn about them, like the best times to use them. Something I learned while on a guided trip was the use of a jig in open water, I always thought it was just to flip and pitch into cover. I also used spinnerbaits for the first time this year. For me, these seem to just kill the fish or catch nothing at all. But when its on, nothing more fun.

Outstanding! I know my wife would be hooked if I could get her on a fish like that.

268 MPH? That would make you pucker up!

OK - thanks for the pointer. Did I mention it's a really nice cover?

Howdy!

A year ago, it had snowed twice already in Iowa. This year is a different story, 70s and 80s and lots of fishing! I have found a nice little lake about 10 acres within walking distance from my house. The setting is amazingly beautiful. I go there after work about 3 nights a week. I try to go to one of the area's small lakes (250 acres or bigger) on the weekends. I haven't been doing so well on the bigger ones, but this little lake has been pretty good to me. I usually catch a bunch of little ones and maybe one good one here and there. Tonight I had a little better night, I used a big black and blue jig (don't ask me why). Caught about 7 or 8 in an hour, and had a blast. I still didn't catch any huge ones, but most were solid 2 1/2 lbs or so. Missed a few too. Here's some pics of the lake and a couple of the fish.

Holy smokes, I can't imagine catching that on a fly reel.

So you just let the road grime and rain get all over the inside of your boat while you are traveling long distances? Not arguing, just asking. I see what you are saying about dust getting between the cover and the boat. I can see not putting a cover on it when the weather is nice, but I don't think I could let semi's splash mud and yuck all over it on a rainy 800 mile trip. I also wanted to be able to cover it while sitting at a motel on trips also.

Just wanted to let you all know about a great purchase I made. You don't usually get a pleasant surprise like this these days. I ordered a "semi custom" cover from boatcover.info and I couldn't be happier. I wouldn't have expected a better fit even if I had bought a custom fit cover. First of all it was only $213 with free shipping for a heavy duty waterproof, trailerable cover. I really would have liked to get a completely custom cover made, but decided $700 wasn't in my price range. I also garage my boat, so I mainly wanted something I could use on the longer road trips. I don't know how a cover would fit any better than this one. I gave them my boat make, model and year and they made it to fit. It also has a built in motor cover. I just can't believe the quality for this price. I have not trailered with it yet, but I don't think I will be disappointed. I think the manufacturer is Carver. I know this is not exciting, but thought you might like to hear about a real value.

My favorite bait and my favorite color. I usually t-rig with 1/8 oz bullet weight. I have used c-rig also. I have found I hook up better with a 4/0 round bend off set hook. You don't have to work the bait much, it has alot of natural action. Pitch it up against some cover and let it fall straight down. Put a little megastrike on one and hold on. I have never targeted smallmouth, but I don't know why they wouldn't like it. My brother uses the smaller tiny brush hogs on the river by his house to target smallies and goggle eye, and says he kills 'em.

Thanks for all the help guys.

I never have, but looks fun!

Yesterday was the 1 year mark of joining this forum. Hung around and just read for about three months prior. Really glad I did! Thanks for all the help you guys!

You are overlooking a lot of crappy bands. However, as most annoying, this is a pretty legit list. Kiss gets the vote from me because of the annoying factor. One thing in common with all of these - every song by each of these bands sounded exactly the same, sure sign of a crappy band.

Thanks again guys, I guess another question is what is the best carpet? I want to put in the type in most of the new boats now, the the thinner "pile" I guess?

All I can say is WOW!

I really *** you.

In no way do I think it is a common thing, I always figured I got a bad one.

That is a nice fish. I don't think I could do that without going crazy!

Good post, keep it going.