Fly_Fisherman

I have a question for you guys, I don't want to start an argument but I need input for a controversial essay I am writing for school. Currently Dr Gary Schwarz is working on growing the world record largemouth bass. He has chosen a specific strain of Florida bass known for getting very large very fast and feeds them protein rich prawns from his forage ponds which are located above his man made 70+ acre lake. If he were to succeed in growing a 23 lb bass and he were to catch it, do you believe that the fish should be recognized as the new world record?

I fished a really small local pond today which was maybe 1/4 iced out. I didn't get so much as a nibble on a dropshot or jig, but it was nice to stretch the line. I'm figuring within the next week or two they'll turn on.

I feel bad for everyone experiencing flooding right now but this rain is going to open up the farm ponds very quickly and I'm so excited! Soon guys, soon.

I don't see why there is such a beef between hardcore fishermen and fly fishermen at times. I used to get teased by my trout unlimited friends for fishing for "green fish" all the time lol. I've recently gotten more into bass fishing which forced me to not fly fish as much but I still find it enjoyable to fish for bass with a fly. I've even had days where I've done better with a fly than my regular equipment.

Just a head up, you can legally fish any river for trout (or bass if you're lucky) beginning January 1st. I'm getting desperate so I may try some of my trout spots on the Contoocook soon to see if anything is willing to bite.

Some of the small ponds are starting to thaw, can't be TOO long now!

I think my idea of finesse fishing may stem from my fly fishing. I'm used to throwing size 20ish flies on 7x tippet (which is around 2-3lb test) so I guess I'm not as fearful of throwing light line as other guys. Strangely I've actually landed decent size (2lb) bass on that very light line. I always get strange responses when I mention fishing below 8lb test but as long as I'm confident and not losing fish I suppose there's no harm.

Does anyone here fish finesse? I feel like I'm the only guy here who doesn't sling a 3/4 oz jig or a huge crankbait 24/7 lol. Don't get me wrong, I definitely believe in the power of a jig but I love drop shotting and fishing a small shakey head on light line. I have a reel rigged with 4lb line (mainly for trout) but I'm going to try to use it for some prespawn shakey heading haha.

I checked my log from last year and the first bass was caught March 26 in a small local pond. I'm not so sure we will be able to break that record this year..

I've been looking into joining a club but I'm in a tough spot. I'm under 18 however I want to avoid fishing out of the back of the boat as much as possible because I have my father's boat to bring. I've talked to a few clubs and none of them were clear on how legal it is for me to drive even though I have all the insurance and licenses.

As we all know Jitterbug is in Florida right now fishing where the water is liquid (you have no idea how jealous I am haha), but I made the best of this week. I fished the Contoocook for the past 2 days wherever I could find soft water and I caught nothing but a cold. It was still nice to get out of the house however. Looking forward to spring! Also I'm late to the topic but I noticed you guys were talking about Deering Reservoir and all I can say is that place did not impress me. I'm sure there are some pigs in there but each time I go there I end the day with 50+ smallmouth under 7 inches. Also whoever installed the boat launch there deserves a special place in hell. Just my two cents lol.

Stood in line for the new Bass Pro Shops today for about an hour and ended up being one of the first 100 or so people in. It was interesting to see how enthusiastic every employee was haha. My only complaint was that the staff wasn't super knowledgeable which was to be expected. I don't think the application for working behind the reel counter required much in the way of fishing knowledge but the employees helped to the best of their ability regardless! I walked out with a new Mojo 7'4" cranking rod that Shane helped me pick out and a Diawa Exceller 4.9:1 ratio baitcaster. It's going to be nice having a BPS so close by, now we wait for ice out..

First video has been posted, a highlights slide show of 2013 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDz61iX1dn4 Thanks for watching!

Got my GoPro all set up and working so I'll be making a youtube channel featuring mine and Jitterbug's adventures. When I get the page done and some videos posted I'll post a link so you guys can have a good laugh haha.

I have a question regarding the legality of the Donkey Rig or double fluke rig in New Hampshire. I understand that the Alabama Rig is illegal in NH due to having multiple hooks and lures. However RSA 207:1 I Angling: The taking of fish by line in hand, or rod in hand to which is attached a cast of artificial flies, or an artificial bait, or hooks or other devices for the attachment of bait. A person may have in use not more than 2 such lines at one time. Nothing in this title shall prohibit the use of a rod-holder in a boat. I'm not trying to start a debate, I'm simply curious." The A person may have in use not more than 2 such lines at one time" says to me that it is legal for me to use the rig because it is technically only 2 lines. If I were only fishing with one rod that would be legal.

I've found them cheap enough online, might as well give it a shot. I've also considered getting a skirt maker or lure molds in the future, especially for the dull winter months.

Question, does anyone here use soft plastic dyes such as Spike It or something similar? If so any tips on application and would it be a worthy investment? Thanks in advance!

Can't forget the biggest one of the year

Well the first deep freeze has really set in which means no more fishing for me. It has been a hell of a season for sure, me and Jitterbug really improved over the past season and hopefully will improve much more next year. Good luck making it through winter everyone!

Hey Jitterbug, could you post the pictures of my fish from your phone?

Jitterbug always screams at me to get the net out for little 2 lbers so when he wanted the net for this thing I didn't want to bother. However when I saw the dives this thing was taking at the boat I changed my mind!

I'll chime in seeing as I was with Jitterbug lol. We were both using my Old Town Vapor kayaks. They're really sturdy little boats both 10ft and a large hole to sit in. They fit on my truck perfectly so I don't need to tow anything. When I am towing I use my wilderness systems commander 14ft or 12 foot yak. both sit in but very open style with almost no enclosure. Somewhat of a personal canoe

I use a 9ft 4wt home made fly rod with a 4-6lb flouro-leader for smallies. I love throwing a bunny leech or cone head wooly bugger and allow the fly to dead drift in rivers with small strips. I've caught some big bass doing this and catching one on the fly is just so much more satisfying.

Went to Rocky today with Jitterbugger and another friend. Each of us got around 10 fish all over a pound. Awesome day to go out and fish,huge caddis and mayfly hatch going on as well as black ants, the only bad thing is that the mosquitoes were terrible tonight!

I fish the Henniker section of the Tooky quite frequently, I haven't been able to fish up there much lately due to work and school. During the summer I plan on catching some pig smallies up there on the fly rod.