Jar11591

Big rock piles that come up right in the middle of the lake. Nothing better for smallies than a big rock-pile island.

1 more for weightless

With the winter we're having here, I expect water levels to be super high come ice-out time. Not necessarily a bad thing.

Wow that's incredible. "Don't put me back in there with that thing!" Northerns are so aggressive it's crazy.

You really can catch them any way you want, and you can catch what ever you want. I wish I was closer as well because i would love to fish it more. Seems like the whole lake is dedicated to fishing. There is a bait store every half-mile.

I live in NYS so accidental Northern Pike catches are a common occurrence. Fun, but such a pain to get the hooks out and keep the fish from hurting itself or you.

I caught a 15 pound carp on 8 lb test last year. It made about 5 runs and took me 15 minutes to reel in.

I want this. I'm in something a little bigger than a kayak, but this would be perfect. How did you do it?

Striped bass as well as white bass aren't actually bass even though they're called bass. They belong to the temperate bass family along with white perch. True bass are actually sunfish. No foolin! If you don't believe me look it up!

Stripers are a "temperate" bass, LM and SM are in the sunfish family and are considered "true" bass.

Rapala DT-6.

I dont think they're required to be a good fisherman, or to catch quality fish. But i definitely think higher end equipment makes it a lot easier to be a good fisherman, and to catch quality fish. For example a good reel might cast farther and a good rod is super-sensitive. Both help you catch more than an inferior rod/reel. Another thing that's factored into pricing is durability and comfort. These things don't affect the number of fish you catch but adds to the price tag.

I know what you mean. I had three accidental 10+ lb pike catches last year. One was certainly enough. Cut up hands and a slime colored boat after 5 minutes wrangling with it might not be worth it.

X2 Almost makes that 10 pound pike not worth it huh? I did say almost...

LM: 10 lbs (might be a little unrealistic because I live up north. My current PB is over 5) SM: 6 lbs (my current PB stands at 5.1) Northern Pike: 20 lbs. (current PB is over 10)

I would have happily moved to a new spot because the lake is full of good spots. But it was his non-stop talking that prevented us from leaving without looking rude. His kayak was parallel to us, and he was within 5 yards.

So sick of winter that I'm just buying tackle due to my lack of actually fishing. I'm casting in the backyard, reorganizing my gear and reading about fishing non stop. I keep telling my self that I'll be fishing by mid-march by some miracle, but today it's 15 degrees and no sign of warming.

Any time I'm smallmouth fishing I go with crawfish colored cranks. Also any time I'm fishing around rocks or hard bottom I use crawfish colors and imitations.

So did that happen? Sounds specific.

I'm all for being polite and friendly, and certainly boats' paths will be crossed occasionally. But on an open lake, if your boat is within casting distance of mine for any extended period of time, it's kind of annoying. Especially when this guy is flinging his rubber worm so close that I could have caught it with my hands.

Last year out on the water my buddy and I were fishing a cove. We see a fisherman in a kayak slowly making his way towards us, casting towards the shore. We were not in his direct path, but eventually he was right up on us. He began to cast right towards our boat, literally taking away half of our fishing area. Not only that, but he struck up a conversation with us, all the while he is casting right under our boat, not concerned about us trying to fish. He lingered for maybe 20 minutes or so talking our ears off. I think its fine for fishermen to talk to each other while on the water, but maybe keep it limited to: "any luck?" and the appropriate response. But as far as casting under our boat? Absolutely not. Which leads me to my question....So for you guys, how close is too close?

Wind! Nothing ticks me off more than a windy day while I'm trying to fish. And getting skunked of course. But I would kill the wind if I had the chance.

I prefer my bass with a side of C&R! Lol

Wacky rig them! Put the hook right the through the middle and don't add any weight. It's hard not to catch fish!

No kidding. I'm gonna have to keep my eye out next time I'm there.