JustinCT

Got my first set of Ned Rig gear today. Will give it a try when I next get out which will also be the first time this year.

I use mostly Yamamoto senkos and my favorite colors are in no particular order: Baby bass (basically shad I think) Black Green and white Most of the bass I've caught on senkos where with one of these colors. I've found myself going to different baits more recently such as spinner baits, cranks and top water so I haven't had to fight with the bait monkey as much on the senko front. Other baits? Not so much.

Wow, really nice pigs being caught! Congrats to those that have caught fish in 2017 I am very jealous

I fish exclusively with spinning gear and I have come to enjoy a nice, smooth reel versus a cheaper more clunky feeling one. That said, over the years I've moved to longer, stiffer rods and it's made a big difference. My vote for my style of fishing is the rod.

A few lakes in the area have some open water but next couple days might add to the remaining skim ice. Possibly 60 on Saturday though so won't be long. Boat prep work begins this weekend!

Posted my 2017 goals earlier in the thread but my most immediate goal is to now take the boat out of storage, clean her up, start the spring prep and fire the motor this Saturday. Going to be almost 60 degrees here after a month of miserable weather and I've got the itch bad.

I have a 19 foot bass boat so deck space is not an issue. My clumsiness is. I only have one rod on deck when I'm fishing, the one in my hands. The others are in my rod locker. I have 8 setups in my boat at all times but I'm afraid I'll either step on a rod and break it or fall in the water trying to avoid stepping on one.

Welcome! Good to see another CT member!

I have never used a baitcaster and have no plans to. Don't fish texas, or carolina rigged worms. Almost never throw jigs. Yeesh, that sounds bad after typing it out.

Welcome! Tolland county guy here also running a Pflueger but mostly Shimano. Love them both.

I'm from Central CT and haven't been out yet this year. Probably be end of March before I am. Can't wait for temps to warm a bit and start the spring bite.

I live in CT and although I do not fish Candlewood often, I know many who do. It needs to be protected. Signed.

In 2016, I didn't get my boat in the water until the last week of August due to a variety of reason. So, first goal is to launch and fish by the end of April. The second is to fish more than the 8 times I did in 2016. Beyond that, I'll come up with more as I go along.

I would say yes! I've caught fish on shaky head in spring, summer and fall. Pulled out 4 in a couple hours last week with water temps at 80 degrees. Very effective method.

Curious on how you made out? I did some research as I've been to Pittsburg (snowmobiling only) but never fished the area. I've also read that Back Lake has smallies in it.

Was fishing wacky style senko and hooked a hook that was stuck in the side of about a 5 pound carp. Man did that thing fight! Thought I had a monster smallie. I got the fish on the boat and removed the hook that was stuck in it's side then safely released.

Agree with the majority, spinnerbait. Very versatile.

Given my limited opportunities to fish I usually will not cancel, just make the best of it. As others have indicated it will influence where I fish as well as how I fish. Love spinnerbaits when it's windy. If we're getting gusts above 30mph it's unusual so it's not typically an issue.

Good looking boat, best of luck with her!

Wow, lots of people fishing in a bunch of state. Relatively modest list: Connecticut Massachusetts Maine Vermont New Hampshire New York Pennsylvania

Hello everyone, I've been a lurker for some time and figured it was time to sign up. I really enjoy the information available on this site and hope to contribute with me experiences when possible. Thanks, Justin