sgeggie

what is your favorite ice fishing boot? I'm in the market.

Can anyone recommend a good fishing club that meets northwest of Chicago in the Woodstock/Crystal Lake area? I don't have a boat and would like to be a co-angler with some experienced fishermen....there's so much to learn in this sport.

I will likely try to pitch into cover such as fallen trees, weedy shores, lily pads, etc...probably desire a rod to handle some diverse structure found in ponds and small lakes in the Midwest.

I'd like to spend less than $250. I will pitch jigs, Texas rigged worms and tubes, mostly baits that are in the 3/4 to 1 oz range... I'm 6'0" and as thinking that a 7'0" or 7'6" rod would help me to get my pitches out there in the 20-30 ft rangs with the greatest accuracy.

Hi, I'm looking for some suggestions for a good pitching rod. I have some 7'0" rods M/MF, M/F, M/XF....these I've been using for cranking, jigs/frogs, and topwater respectively... I'd really like some opinions about whether I should use my M/F or M/XF for pitching, or if I should go with a MH or H power? Any specific makes/models would also be appreciated. Blessings, Steve

What do you think of this for cobia, tarpon, in Siesta Key.... St. Croix, 8' H/F, Shimano Calcutta D400 30 lb braid (I want to make sure I have plenty of line) 8' 40 lb Mono shock leader 18" 80lb fluorocarbon leader

I think I may make some saltwater investments. Thanks for your help.

Thanks for the good information. I usually go in March each year. We will fish both on the inter-coastal (redfish, speckled trout, snook, sheepshead) and we will go into the gulf about 5-10 miles. (We have caught pompano, reds, sheepshead.....and I'd like to try for grouper, snapper, or cobia). I was really impressed (and remain impressed) with the power of the Calcutta D 400 reel. In fact, I watched Larry Dahlberg catch a 200 lb tarpon on one in Trinidad. (using ribbonfish as bait). I do see your point about line. I noticed that some kayak enthusiasts use outfits similar to what I've described for tarpon.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmS1Ee1trV4 and cobia,,, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcErt0ywmE4 What would your ideal outfit be for casting from a dual console boat (deep v) for grouper, snapper, cobia, and tarpon?

I'm from Woodstock, IL. Fish mostly ponds and small lakes in McHenry County. Would like to find some better spots.

Hi, While I am a new member, I have used this forum on multiple occasions to do research. For the past 25 years, I've done a little fishing (couple times per year). I bought my first baitcaster in 2010 and since that time, I try to go fishing every weekend in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. I enjoy all species. Especially Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass in the midwest, Redfish and spotted trout in Florida, Musky, Salmon, and Lake trout around the Great Lakes. Most of my fishing is done from shore. I go on 3-5 trips per year and get to fish from boats in Florida, Canada, and the Great Lakes. Blessings, Geg

I agree with Bluebasser86 on a rod for topwater. M/XF 6'6" to 6'8" are good. (you want an immediate hookset, and the shorter rod gives better accuracy and gives you room to work the baits). I would go with a faster reel (at least 7.1:1).....because you want to take up slack between twitches.

For those conditions with soft plastics (texas-rig), I like Powerpro (40lb) with a 12 lb flourocarbon leader. (tied with a double-uni knot).

I use 5.5:1 for deep diving crankbaits (on a 7' med. power, moderate action rod) 8.0:1 for topwater, lipless cranks, jerkbaits (on a 7' med. power, x-fast action rod) 6.3:1 for soft plastics (on a 7' med. power, fast action rod)

I own a Calcutta D400. This is an awesome reel. I can crank large musky baits all day with this. With an 8' H/F rod, I can cast it a mile.