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Where are all the Illinois Guys ?
Anybody on here ever fish the Cal Sag Channel? We got moved for IHSA Bass Fishing event and I only shore fished it a few times when I was a kid near Worth... Looking for ANY (mostly including safety/shoreline) information- feel free to PM me. I do not know the current restrictions on where we start or end so any and ALL information is appreciated. TIA!
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2026 Chicagoland Fishing Expo
Thanks for that info! Has it held up in the sun? I was concerned as I would not move it over the winter, and just put a tarp over them. As a bigger guy, I definitely appreciated the swivel chairs instead of sliding the "heavy chairs" on the patio non-stop.
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First fishing kayak
Just to add from above that is essential: a good vest with a knife. My favorites: seat risers- I went 2". 4" was too much for me (I got tippy) Anchor Wizard Yak Attack Omega rod holders but use the 8" extension so I can pedal and not touch the rod butt with my knees. Blackpack pro 13x16
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2026 Chicagoland Fishing Expo
I was there Sunday with the family (free kids), and it was pretty crowded even with the bad weather. I have not been there in years, andI thought I would see a lot more major vendors with displays like Daiwa. Overall, it was a good experience. I think the vendors were tired with it being the last day, and prices on fishing stuff were average. Some nice boat displays from some local places. I ALMOST walked away with that beautiful (but expensive) patio furniture. Bought some delicious dips! Got connected with a few local guys and my daughter won the 11-14 year old casting competition on Sunday- so props to her! That made the trip worth it for the family.
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Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Coundn't resist the BPS sale for uhd2 106 and lvs34... Might sell the graph from it though. 1600 in savings to start extra 210 from 10% then 10% rakuten for another 190. $2100-210-190= essentially $1700 for LVS 34 AND a UHD 2 106.
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Swim bait help..
As said earlier the heavy rating on your rod can mean A LOT of different things. Some great suggestions above for starter packs. I throw the magdraft the most. Have caught the most fish on Bucca's wake or S-waver (modified). LOVE working the DRT tiny klash but I get tired! I think you can pick a bait based on your main lake as you can go down a rabbit hole quick.... expensive baits, extra rod, bigger real all to just potentially go back to the ned rig
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What to do with a sudden warmup
Water temp in upper 40's to low 50's and the surface temperature is FINALLY getting consistently warm we even have a day going to be 85! What do you do with a hot day with a sudden jump like that where fish should be starting to move and get into full pre-spawn conditions.
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How do you organize your jerkbaits?
Don't waste your money on the plano edge box. I hate it. Hooks get stuck in the plastic dividers some fit- some don't Difficult to fit 3 rows of a 110 sized bait Some hooks don't fit in the dividers
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Jerkbait trouble
They have a +2 but that's still too deep for that with that water clarity. Sounds like a DT20-22 should do the job If suspended at 20ft. I'd be using a blade bait/ RES/ Colorado spinner/old school countdown rapala
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ambidextrous casting?
I can flip/pitch with either hand for the correct presentation as I suck at boat control.... But casting I have to switch as it feels very awkward.
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Where are all the Illinois Guys ?
The weather could be cooperating to get out early up near Chicagoland!
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TW 20% Off Sale!
Not too bad of a deal on Owner hooks with the discount. Grabbed some hover shots too figured I'd try something new.
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Old town sportsman PDL electronics
I love the Yakhobby one designed for the GT54. Super tight on the kayak so its super protected and still get perfect side imaging.
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Max Scent- Other species
Has anyone else experienced catching way more different species while fishing with max scent products? I just started using them this summer and have had more small fish nibbles/turtles/catfish/bullhead/crappie than ever. I was wondering if that is pretty much the situation or if it is just me on my lake. It is just frustrating losing more baits to non-targeted species. TIA
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The latest sale thread