Daniel My Brother

FC, That last shot is incredible! Dan

Climbed a tree with a bow saw to retrieve a $3 Rat-l-trap. I'm cheap, and a bad caster...not a great combination.

Mike, Go to www.chadcain.com and click on fishing reports. Chad wrote about it in one of his recent threads. I'm real curious how you do at Pyramid, please let me know. There are many lakes in the park, so do contact Shawn, he's there to help. Later, Dan

Mike, Pyramid is about 15 minutes north of Murphy, I sent you a PM with some contact information of Shawn, the DNR guy who can give you a lot more help than I can. Pyramid has the only public strip pits that I'm aware of. By the way, I just read where DNR just stocked Kinkaid with smallmouth! How cool is that? We've been catching fish dropshotting on humps, which is tough to do from shore. Deadsticking weightless soft plastics seems to be producing as well. But, I haven't caught a BIG fish in a loooong time. Good Luck, Dan

The first time I saw a big sturgeon jump on the Outdoor Channel I knew I wanted to try that. I'll put them at the top of the list. Too many fish, too little time.

bass2187, If I were stuck on shore I would definitely fish Visitor Pond (it's actually about a 20 acre lake) semi-hidden behind the Crab Orchard welcome center. No boats allowed, and many big bass over 5 pounds. It's got a 1 bass limit, so it's pretty much catch & release. The guys who do best are using live minnows. Also some nice bluegill in there. You do have to pay a refuge user's fee, but it's only a couple of bucks. I only mention this because I was always broke in college. Second choice would be Pyramid State Park, lots of old strip pits, not too crowded, fun to explore. Let me know how you do.

I'm no crappie expert, but that's some pretty good research you got there... Always room for a Bud man.

Senile1, Good to hear from a former Indian...er Redhawk. I sent you a PM, let me know if you don't get it. RW, Thanks for the tip on those lakes, I need to do a little more research. I'll never get this group of guys to leave southern Illinois, but I do have a friend who works at WMC and lives in South Haven. He wants me to come down and golf, but this sounds WAY more fun...How far from Tunica? Dan

Guys, Thanks for the kind words. I hate telling other guys fishing stories, but I can't seem to get my fishing buddies online. My regular partner is 39 and doesn't even own a home computer! I'll print this thread for Jeff, and maybe convince him to pop on himself and show off some of the big flatheads he catches. Thanks Again, Dan PS Rolo, I have a lot of respect for any fisherman who doesn't "round up". 2lbs 15oz is absolutely HUGE. I've never personally caught a 2 pounder...but I am fishing the right lake.

I won't believe it until I see pictures ;D Just kidding. You might be disappointed, but it sounds like a great day on the water to me. Good Luck, Dan

It's a 50 acre strip pit in southern Illinois, just north of Murphysboro. It's a private lake that doesn't see a lot of fishing pressure. It has produced 5 crappie that I know of over two pounds in the last couple years. There's a blurry old picture on the wall of the cabin that shows one old guy holding 2 crappie that size, though neither were as pretty as this one.

At our annual 4 day boys fishing weekend, the best fish is normally a big bass, but this past year it was a crappie. A 3lb 3 oz crappie to be exact! The fisherman is Jeff Grey, and the fish was caught on a large minnow. I've seen big crappie before, but this one was just beautiful. I only see Jeff a couple of times a year, but he always manages to catch something big...

I don't think the fish care how big your boat is. Just be careful and have fun.

My favorite fishing buddy is my best friend, best man, and godfather of my first born (and vice versa). We've been fishing together for 23 years. Today we live 3 hours apart, but there's plenty of water in between. He's got a boat for big lakes, I've got a boat for small ones. We seldom throw the same bait, until one of us finds something that works. Talking in the boat? Yeah, he never shuts up and I never stop laughing. And there is no courtesy given, or asked for. If he sees a fish strike short at my topwater, he'll quickly throw to the exact spot. If I see a spot that looks promising, I'll cast right over his line. On our last trip he pulled a handful of persimmons off a tree that he had accidentally cast his lure into, then proceeded to pelt me with them whenever I turned my back. This picture is my way of getting him back. ;D

Congratulations! That lake even looks like a hawg hole.

Coffeen is 25hp limit

2 Amberjack using bonitas for bait (the bait was probably bigger than my PB bass). I caught one, my wife caught the other...btw that's the boat captain, not my wife...I can tell by the facial hair.

Don't feel bad, Raul. I haven't been able to catch a 7 pounder for the past 39 years! :-/

The Illinois record LM bass is 13lb, 1oz caught in Lake County, which is just south of Wisconsin. That's almost 2 pounds bigger than the Wisconsin record. It's amazing that the record did NOT come from southern Illinois where fishing pressure is less, and the growing season is considerably longer. It's also a strange coincidence that the gentleman who caught the bass had just returned from a Florida fishing trip. Is this record for real? I don't know.

My name is Dan, and when my boss would see me in the halls he'd sing "Daniel my brother, you are older than me..." the old Elton John song. Pretty soon people at work started calling me that.

I guess Corona should have a skunky smell, but it doesn't hit you like a heiney. I had never heard that about the lime before, but I do like the flavor it adds. If I can find Stella, I'll give it a shot...there are so many good beers out there, but I tend to get in a rut with my favorites (kind of like fishing).

I like almost all beers, depending on the occasion. If you haven't tried a Fat Tire Amber Ale, it's worth your time. Not too heavy, not too light. My favorite summer beer is ice cold Corona with a slice of lime. I like American beers from Anheiser Busch better than Miller products. AB uses rice as a filler, Miller uses corn. I think that accounts for the difference in taste. The only beers I don't like are the ones that come in green bottles. The bottles get "lightstruck" and the beer gets a skunky flavor. If you've ever had a Heineken you know what I'm talking about. Cheers! Dan

...and you can add four pounds to the weight of any fish that throws the hook or breaks your line.

Cart, Very thorough answer. That should be required reading for anyone looking at an older model fiberglass boat. Well done. Dan

It doesn't take much to move a 10 foot jon. I think you'll be surprised how fast that little motor pushes you.