Subaqua Adinterim

Went out yesterday afternoon for approx. 6 hours. Messed around with the ultralight using a small jig, as I saw hundreds of panfish schooled in shallow water along various stretches of the bank. Had fun catching some relatively large sunfish, as well as a few large perch and a good size crappie. Got bit off twice on the ned rig and landed a good size pickerel. Had no luck with bass until after 4:30 and then was able to catch 4 LMB using a t rigged weightless senko in shallow water. One of the bass was about 2#, the other 3 together would not have weighed that much. Had to leave at 6. Saw many smaller LMB cruising the shallows in the few hours before I left. Pics of the large crappie and the pickerel are below.

Amazing how versatile the TRD is. Also amazing how it usually hooks them in the side or tip of the mouth in most cases. I have been bit off by pickerel - the toothy critter where I fish, however for the most part, I'm able to land these toothy devils with the TRD and lose very few. Welcome to the forum, that's a beautiful musky.

Went out yesterday afternoon. Fished shallow trying for bass and tossed out deeper for whatever might bite. Aimlessly fishing deeper resulted in a good size pickerel and big lake trout - see post and picture of trout in Other Fish Species forum section. Started fishing at noon, took an hour break for lunch around 2:30 and fished until 6:30. The pickerel and trout were caught between 1 and 2. Saw many species of fish cruising the shallows, however, early on nothing there was interested in my senko or ned rig. Just after 4 pm, things started getting better; in the last few hours, I caught 5 LMB, the 2 biggest ones estimated to be about 2#s, also 2 rock bass and a giant perch. All the late day fish were caught in less than 6' of water on the ned rig, which worked well as the weeds have not grown in yet. A fun first day out in the kayak enjoying decent weather; hoping to get out again later this week.

Yesterday, I caught another laker on the ned rig. Again, just dumb luck as I was fishing shallow for bass with a senko and would cast way out to deeper 50 -60' water with my other rod letting the ned rig settle as I fished the senko back to the kayak. When I started reeling the ned rig back, I felt the pressure of a big fish. Took me about 10 minutes of getting towed around in my kayak and reeling up before the fish came to the surface. Estimated this fish to be well over 2' long and 10-15#s. Realized my 16" long net wasn't big enough, so fortunately this fish was hooked at the front of it's mouth, (As a side note, almost all the many ned rig hooked fish of various species that I have caught are hooked that way), so I was able to get this one by the side of the kayak and wiggle the hook out; after which it slammed the side of my kayak with it's tail and it swam back down. A fun battle and lucky enough to be able to unhook this fish and not break off. PS - Also, in reply to the separate thread about using bass gear for trout - used a SC Mojo Bass MJS68MXF, Pflueger Supreme 30 reel with 6# Pline CXX. I would recommend this set up for multiple applications, not just bass.

I had the exact same question last year. Several members of this forum educated me and I will relay the knowledge as best I can. Short answer - yes it can be done - however, not the best idea. The main reason is easy to see if you look at the line guide closest to the handle. A spinning reel will sit a few inches above the first guide on a casting rod and the line will not flow straight through when you cast. A casting reel sits lower on the seat of the rod which allows the line to flow smoother, relatively straighter, through the first guide on the casting rod, which is much more efficient. The first guide on a casting rod and the ones that follow it are very close to the body of the rod. There is a reason they make casting rods/reels and spinning rods/reels. Hopefully the above is helpful.

Most likely this is the case and is why you only have the original 2 that were stocked. Fish a live night crawler off the bottom about a foot behind a small egg sinker with a barrel swivel in between. Fishing at night will improve your chances. Another possibility, if you have the gear or know someone that does, is to arrow them with archery equipment set up with a reel. I'm suggesting this option only because you indicated that your goal was to eliminate them from the pond. Good luck in completing this mission.

Not sure if these are the smartest or the dumbest fish. Most don't even think to start putting up a fight until they get within 10 feet of getting netted. Are they just saving energy because they've been there and done that before and know they'll be thrown back; or, do they have no clue what's going on until they see you and then start to panic? Another of the unpredictable things that is fishing. Yes, when nothing else is hitting a pickerel is welcome. Funny how something that's a nuisance when you're having a good day with the bass, is considered good luck when you're not. Also, as mentioned earlier, if you hook into a good size one and it starts to fight right off the bat, then it's fun. Especially fun on light tackle. The distinctive line mark through the eye makes this a neat fish as well. Since I don't like dealing with the slime and the teeth either, I always hope they shake free before I have to net them, making life easier for both of us.

I had difficulties several months ago and it was related to file size. I was taking pictures with my cheap digital Kodak camera and downloading them to my PC and then uploading them to BassResource from my PC. The file size was approx. 2MB per picture; so these took up too much space and were rejected. Once I compressed the file size down to approx. 96KB per picture, I had no problems. I'm using a PC; so the way I do it, is to import the original picture into a Word doc. Then compress it down and save the new compressed file image back as a picture. This saves a lot of data space, as you will go from approximately 2MB to 96KB per picture. I'm not a IT expert, that much I know and will admit to the world. I may try the link that JFrancho posted, which may prove to be a better solution to what I'm doing; however, I know what I'm doing is working. What my very limited knowledge of the issue indicates to me is that the problem I was having was related to file size. Hopefully this will help someone and not throw things off track and confuse the issue more.

As Just James indicated above - resize; in other words, compress your picture file data size down. You are not compressing the length and width dimensions - you are compressing the file data. There are many ways to do this. If you are using a PC; one way is to import the original picture into a Word doc. Then compress it down and save the new compressed file copy back as a picture. This will save a lot of data space, as you will go from approximately 2MB to 96KB per picture. Hopefully the above will help someone understand, and not confuse the issue more. I'm not a IT expert, the above was described in a way that makes sense to me; someone that's just one level above just turning on a PC and working the keyboard.

Very sad news. Hope everything turns out well for you. Modern medicine has advanced rapidly in treating these types of things, so let's hope and pray for a good outcome.

Several days ago a bird hit one of the windows. Went outside and looked on the ground expecting it to be dead. Looked over and saw it in a bush about 10' from the house. It looked as if it was seeing stars and I had time to go back in the house and get my little Kodak digital camera. Was able to get quite close to obtain a good shot. I think the bird is ok, since I looked later and saw it was gone and noticed at least 4 male orioles flying to our humming bird feeders.

I have a skin mount of a large salmon that I caught as a kid (fish was caught in a river - so very near the end of life cycle), which my parents had hanging in their enclosed porch for years. They are slowly getting rid of stuff, which means offloading it onto anyone else that is willing to take it - usually pushing it back onto the person with the closest affiliation to it. So, this salmon now hangs in our basement, and it's one of the many things of mine that my wife is not fond of but tolerates. I will admit, that I could easily do without it as well. Definitely in the category of: stuff I wish I never paid for to begin with, but I will hold onto for now since it doesn't cost me anything to keep around. Based on experience, I will never get another fish mount of any kind done. If you think having Billy the Singing Big Mouth Bass hanging in your house somewhere will ever be a good idea; then you may consider getting a fish mount done. The better idea, again just my opinion; is to take pictures. Those with you and your friends in the pictures are the best to have. Frame the best pictures and hang them in your den, so you can look at these favorites more frequently. Do whatever makes you happy - good luck with whatever you decide on.

Yes, I do know; good to be reminded, however. That fish in the picture was one that I caught and showed to the gal that was fly fishing, who wanted to see one up close. Went back within seconds of the picture being taken. If you look at most of the pictures that I post (as in my avatar picture), the fish is in the water when the picture is taken. If a picture is taken out of the water; it's usually on the side of my kayak and is put back within seconds. You can look at a recent post of mine on the topic - Help with Trout fishing - and the picture is of a fish actually immersed in the water. You are a good ambassador for the sport of fishing, and I thank you for the reminder. It is good receive helpful advice and others can also get this advice and remember to be careful with whatever fish they catch, whether it be trout or even bass.

She did enjoy it. There is definitely a learning curve with the fly fishing thing, and patience is a much needed virtue. I really respect those that do it, however, it's not for me. I guess all the effort that goes into it makes catching a fish all the more rewarding. Would have attached her picture, but did not feel right doing that without permission. She had a hold of that little trout with one hand, as if she was holding onto the handle bar on a bike. Hopefully she will get the thrill of catching more in the future.

Agree with the above, however consider spending $10 more for the SST model. I have used both the 6' and 6'6'' lengths for years and love the Okuma SST. Have used the 6'6" mostly and have landed many trout with it along with bass and some northern pike. Keep in mind that the "one thing that can do everything well rod" does not exist. However, if you know what you're primarily going to use it for, and don't stray too far away from that, then you'll be happy. In other words, don't expect to horse bass out of thick weeds with this rod; but if your fishing for trout and get surprised with a good sized bass or pike in open water, you will be able to handle it, and have fun if your drag is set properly. Good luck with whatever you decide on.

All good advice. I will add that when using bait, such as worms (I prefer the wriggler type) or salted emerald shiners, that smaller hooks and lighter line work better. I use a #12 hook, and I will admit that when I look at it, I always think - man, this is really, really tiny. But guess what, that's one of the keys to success. I know that if you put that next to a 2/0 EWG hook that you use for bass, you would question it even more. Do not doubt it, a small hook will hook and hold a trout, especially smaller stocked trout. The lighter line is also key, 4# floro leader will help you as well. i will add that if you are going after larger trout, such as steelhead, you may go up in size to a #8 or #6 hook (Raven, Redwing Tackle, or Trout Bead Hooks are brands). Try to use the smallest hook you can for trout. Good luck. PS I downloaded a picture from yesterday, when I went out for a few hours and caught 6, using salted emerald shiners. Hook is Eagle claw L042BPG size 12, 4# Floro leader(you can see above the water and not below), a small split shot which if you look closely is about a foot above the hook which is in the corner of the fish's mouth. Above that about 3 feet - not in picture is an EZ trout float, which is very small and is useful to me with this technique in relatively shallow water, so I can see where things are in the drift. Hope this is helpful.

Went out today to a nearby local creek which was recently stocked with brown trout. Used ultra light tackle - 4# test floro line, size 12 hook and 6' sst okuma ultralight rod. Caught about a dozen (size between 8- 12", although a bigger one came unhooked after taking a swipe at my bait) drifting salted emerald shiners, all of which went back immediately. Took a picture of one shown below. A fun day catching for me, however, the best part was that my wife's friend caught her first fish. This was a thrill for her as she took some Orvis fly fishing lessons last fall and bought a fly fishing outfit and several different flies. She has practiced casting in different areas for the last few weeks and went out with no luck. She called my wife and asked if I could show her some spots. I took her out today and initially she was throwing a floating fly and getting nothing. I looked at what she had in her kit and she had something with a gold bead on the front and white feathers on the hook. I told her to cast that into the pool and twitch it across as if it was a fleeing minnow. I went over to a spot about 30 yards away and was fishing away when I heard her scream out that she had one on. I rushed over to her and netted the fish. What a miracle, she caught her first fish. She had never even held a live fish in her hands - I took a picture using her phone so she could show the people in her fly fishing group. She was so thrilled and it was good to see that. She only caught the one, but it reinvigorated her and she is exciting to go out again.

In NY our DEC decided to appease the recreational boaters on one Adirondack lake and used the brilliant strategy of dumping a ton of sterile grass carp into the water to eliminate all the weeds. Within just a few years, a once vibrant lake full of pike and bass is turned into a water covered desert with more grass carp than game fish; which considering that these carp can't reproduce should tell you how few game fish are left. You should count your blessings, you have another fun species to target and it appears that your state is trying to improve things.

Rooster tails are an excellent choice. White body/dressing with silver blade is good, however, my best luck is with the watermelon pattern (pink and green body and pink/green dressing) with the gold blade. Rainbow trout color pattern. Panther Martins are also a staple for just about everything, the old standard yellow body with red dots and silver blade is the best option most of the time, or the black body with yellow dots and gold blade. If you use a snap swivel,use the smallest size possible. Throw upstream (toward the direction the water is coming from) at a 45% angle toward the far shore. This is especially important if the current is fast. The spinner will tumble in the water and spin as it goes downstream. Reel in the slack as it is moving. Throw a size that's heavy enough to get down in the water column. You will get hung up on bottom occasionally. If that happens, just walk back upstream toward the direction that your lure traveled into the hang up and you can generally free things up. Have fun and good luck.

You always need to be careful - but especially so this time of year in the northern part of the country. It's been a long winter and everyone wants to get out on the water. The winds and the cold water temperature can turn things bad real fast. Last week on Oneida Lake a young guy was fishing out of his kayak. No PFD and extremely cold water when he capsized. Rescue crews got to him quickly, but not fast enough. 25 years old and left behind a young son. Very sad. Wear a PFD and consider the conditions - wind and water temperature. If the winds are favorable and you choose to go out - fish close to shore and with a buddy who can help you. Fishing is supposed to be fun, don't take chances in bad conditions; there will be plenty of better chances ahead when warmer weather gets here. It will get here.

For the last 4 years I have been fishing out of a 12' Hornbeck, which is a canoe/kayak hybrid. Prior to that, I had a 10' WS Tarpon, which I sold after using for several years. Pros: Very light - made out of Kevlar - 18 pounds - which is beneficial for carrying, transporting and storing Wide open layout - I like this so I can put stuff in the open space in front of me Stable for sitting - 29" wide so as long as I keep my butt on the seat it's good Comfortable - I use a thin closed cell foam seat with a high back on top of the foam seat, so fairly comfortable; could be better Fast and maneuverable Cons: Fragile - should never be dragged across rocks or gravel; Kevlar is tough but scratches on rough surfaces Stability - can't stand up Comfort - I would like to be more comfortable and sit higher Cost - was $1400 a few years ago, I think about $1700 now Has rope at front and back for carrying - doesn't happen often, but this rope is a magnet for a hook I duct tape the exposed rope inside the boat to avoid this since I don't use the rope for carrying Looking to get a Nucanoe Frontier or Flint to supplement my Hornbeck. There is no perfect kayak; however, they are coming out with more and better options every year.

Take a look at the Dynamic lures J Spec or some of their other lures. I'm partial to the glimmer trout color. I'm in NY and have no affiliation with this Colorado based company other than having used their lures which work well. Good luck.

Very nice effort, thanks for sharing. Not a big fan of techno pop music or whatever that sound is, however, your moves are well choreographed to the sound at certain points, particularly around the 2:40 mark. As was stated earlier, it's your video; so you put into it what you like. Also, as was also stated, the sound can be muted by the viewer. That being said, some graphics on the screen would be useful to explain what is happening - i.e., what you are using, date, time of day, etc. Easy to be a critic and much harder to do the work; I know, so thank you, and I admire the time and effort you took to do this.

Try a Lake Fork Tackle Frog Trailer hook; it will help your hook ups on whatever frog you use. I will also agree with those that suggested the Booyah Pad Crasher as the best value/performing frog.

I have fished in some of the NY city reservoirs in Delaware County that you are inquiring about. The NYS DEC conducts gill net surveys of almost every body of water in the state that is big enough to put a boat in. They do this periodically (not every year), say every ten years or so. You can learn roughly what percentage of each species exist in a lake or reservoir, however, it will not tell you what the total is, as it is just a sample. Google: NYS DEC gill net survey for the body of water you are researching to see if a report exists online. If you don't find it online, call or email the DEC region where the reservoir is located and request the information. I was fishing on a small lake in the ADKs a few years ago when they were pulling a gill net out and doing a survey count. It was quite interesting, as most of the fish were suckers and perch. There were very few trout and bass in this lake, however, there were whitefish which I never knew were there until I saw them in the nets and the biologists told me what they were. Best of luck with your research, I'm hoping that you will find that NY has collected the data for the reservoir you are interested in.