JG233

I mostly want a different line for my baitcaster. I'm using PLine Cxx 15 lb test and I think it's pretty terrible. Maybe I just need to try another copoly.

Is there a line selection basics thread? I think I'm ready to move on from copolymers.

I fished Monday and Tuesday this week and caught about 15 fish total between the Quabbin and the Cape. Fish on the Q were primarily caught using a Fat Ika. The one in the pictures below was the best fight of the day (and also the first fish I caught). I also caught a huge SMB that was a minimum of 4 lbs, but before I could weigh it and take a pic, it got away when I dipped it in the water to give it a refresh. Tom can attest to its size. I think it was probably pushing 5 lbs. Next time I'll use a net when dipping a big fish. Things were quieter down on the Cape on Tuesday. I caught a few on a chatterbait, the largest was 3.8 lbs, but it was very quiet otherwise. I think the wind hurt our chances. I'm looking forward to fishing next week, maybe Thursday.

I fish the Fat Ika with a lot of success all year 'round; I use it instead of a tube and SMB eat it up. I tend to fish mostly plastics: menace, paddle tails of various sizes, rage craw/lobster, sometimes creature baits or the ned rig. I rarely fish lizards or traditional worms (not counting the ubiquitous wacky rigged senko). I've started fishing jerkbaits, rattletraps, chatterbaits, and spinnerbaits more often. I still mostly reach for my proven plastics, which have worked well for me since I started fishing again a few years back.

That place is weird. Last year, we'd do ok very very early and then the bite would die at 10 AM.

I've always done very well with them.

I thought the bass fishing in Florida was supposed to be amazing?!

Tycoon Lake. To be fair, there's some kind of issue with the dam they seem to be investigating, hence the reasoning for dropping the water level. However, it seems like they dropped it an extreme amount.

Ohio fishing is terrible. My fav lake is down many feet and unfishable. I can't wait to be back in New England next week: the Q and Cape Lakes call to me!

So I headed out this morning at 6 AM to fish the same spot from my original post. Unfortunately, they've taken down the water level so low--it's basically unfishable. There were dead bass near the shore. This really doesn't seem to bode well for this lake. In situations such as this, provided they don't completely drain the lake, how long (in your experience) would it take a 200 acre (roughly) body of water to recover from this kind of treatment?

Yeah, I don't think this place has as much forage as your lake, although they sound VERY similar otherwise. I was thinking spinnerbait as well. Although I fished a different lake last week, and didn't have one bite all day, fishing a spinnerbait for a lot of the trip. I don't know, fishing in Ohio is just kind of terrible. I'm looking forward to being home in New England for the summer.

Thanks for the ideas!

The lake I fish has been deliberately drawn down a few feet exposing all kinds of stumps--the place is lousy with them. It's a couple hundred acres total. I actually never have much luck fishing the stumps there because there are so many of them. I fish the weeds, and the edges of pads. I've attached some pictures so you can see what I mean. The water is very muddy. Temps two weeks back were around 52 on the surface, I would think they'll be approaching 60 this week when I fish the place again. The depth in the pictures is roughly 4-8 feet. I think there should be a lot of fish cruising this area since we should be approaching the spawn. What would you do? I tried throwing chatterbaits, wacky worms, and paddletails in through this and didn't have much luck. I feel like I'd hang up anything with treble hooks. Thanks! UPDATE (4/24/19) So I headed out this morning at 6 AM to fish the same spot from my original post. Unfortunately, they've taken down the water level so low--it's basically unfishable. There were dead bass near the shore. This really doesn't seem to bode well for this lake. In situations such as this, provided they don't completely drain the lake, how long (in your experience) would it take a 200 acre (roughly) body of water to recover from this kind of treatment?

In three trips (1 in MA, 2 in OH) I still haven't caught a fish this year. Maybe next week!

I'll be staying in the burbs of Hartford. Candlewood is too big to kayak. I mean, I could give it a shot, but I know nothing about the place. I'd need to focus on a small area that's productive. Suggestions are welcome @IgotWood Squantz looks like a good option. I'll look into Twin Lakes. I don't mind driving. As far as I'm concerned, the entire state is an option. Thanks!

I'm part time in Ohio - tomorrow will be my first outing in the state this year. I'm also hoping to catch my first bass of the year. The weather looks like it's going to be great.

Mike left out the incident in which I lost the side plate (into the drink it went) to his pricey bait caster. I swear it was on tight after I adjusted the brakes! Anyway, it was a slow day for both of us, but at least we got out on the water. AND, his replacement plate is in the mail from 13. I ordered some new gear for my kayak yesterday from ACK. I got a proper stakeout pole, a cleat, and an anchor float. I'm looking forward to hitting the water with my new toys. I think they'll help out a lot with positioning. Meanwhile, next week looks to be very warm in southern Ohio. I'll be out there until early May and then I'll be back around New England, ready to hit the water with some of you. I understand there's some talking about fishing and camping at Nickerson. Let's do it.

Hi everyone - because of some family circumstances I'm going to be spending some time in CT this summer. I'm looking to find some good spots to fish from my kayak. I'm looking for water that's a couple hundred acres. Any ideas of are very appreciated. I'd like to take my Dad out with me (at least a few times) in his kayak as well. Thanks in advance.

Anyone been out on the water yet?

great report @Dunks N Dinks

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Would you mind sharing what "for you" makes a pond promising if you're on a scouting mission?

@DogBone_384 lives at Ponkie

Happy holidays to all!

I'm bummed out about winter over here. I want to get out and fish more often in 2019. That's my main goal and a good one at that.