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1.) Swamp Fox - 03/28/2013
The moon the last few nights have been spectacular. Full moon was last night. I always think of a late-March full moon as the kick-ff to the best fishing period of the first half of the year.
Some people think any full moon in March is a door opener (fish moving toward the shallows), but there's so much other stuff going on (cold temps, stained water, etc.) that I really like a late moon for the fishing. I think everything's stayed pretty deep so far this year since we've not had much in the way of warm spells.
Now if we can just get the wind to lay down a little...Temps are coming up slowly.
[url]http://science.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/03/27/17489898-an-easter-treat-springs-first-full-moon?lite[/url]
Some nice pics:
[url]http://earthsky.org/space/images-of-a-march-full-moon-the-coolest-and-most-gorgeous[/url]
Some people think any full moon in March is a door opener (fish moving toward the shallows), but there's so much other stuff going on (cold temps, stained water, etc.) that I really like a late moon for the fishing. I think everything's stayed pretty deep so far this year since we've not had much in the way of warm spells.
Now if we can just get the wind to lay down a little...Temps are coming up slowly.
[url]http://science.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/03/27/17489898-an-easter-treat-springs-first-full-moon?lite[/url]
Some nice pics:
[url]http://earthsky.org/space/images-of-a-march-full-moon-the-coolest-and-most-gorgeous[/url]
2.) XJCraver - 03/29/2013
Yep.
Find a nice sunny cove, out of the wind, and slow-roll a black buzzbait along the shoreline [I]just[/I] fast enough to get it on top. Awesome way to spend a day, and fill the boat with bass!
I miss my boat. :(
Find a nice sunny cove, out of the wind, and slow-roll a black buzzbait along the shoreline [I]just[/I] fast enough to get it on top. Awesome way to spend a day, and fill the boat with bass!
I miss my boat. :(
3.) crookedeye - 03/29/2013
jitter bug.. on a sunlit moon..cast it out,, let the ripples go away and reel her in..
i need this weather to warm up..
i need this weather to warm up..
4.) Swamp Fox - 03/29/2013
We're still in the transition period here, and fish can be (or will be soon) anywhere from 20 feet to two, depending on the weather. Two weeks ago you couldn't get a crappie from less than 25, and that was shallow, LOL. The trend is moving shallower, and that's the important thing, LOL.
We get a great topwater bite on several local lakes in May and June. I will run a buzzbait before then, but we need some serious warming. When the water's right and they're hungry in the pre-spawn period, they will hit one, though. For years I waited too long to start using them.
And I love me a Jitterbug...
:-)
I didn't do too well/get good weather for crappie in February, so I want to spend a couple of days on them right now before I switch over to bass.
We get a great topwater bite on several local lakes in May and June. I will run a buzzbait before then, but we need some serious warming. When the water's right and they're hungry in the pre-spawn period, they will hit one, though. For years I waited too long to start using them.
And I love me a Jitterbug...
:-)
I didn't do too well/get good weather for crappie in February, so I want to spend a couple of days on them right now before I switch over to bass.
5.) crookedeye - 03/29/2013
i need to get me a good ultralight..about 4lb test..you no of any for under a hundred bucks.. the walmart one i had the gears are shot..
6.) Swamp Fox - 03/29/2013
There are a bunch of good ones under $100. Check cabelas...They have/had a few hellacious sales lately.
Most of my spinning reels are Diawa, but Shimano and Pfleuger have a couple of good reels in that price range. I nearly bought a couple of them this year. I have a few old Abus and like them a lot. but I haven't bought a recent model from them in a while. They have a few I'd think about, though. i always thought they were good quality back in the day.
If that doesn't narrow it down enough, I'll loook up some for you. But usually I feel that if you have $70 to spend on a spinning reel you can't get into too much trouble no matter what you buy. Fo most freshwater, anyway. If you fish for wipers a lot, you might want to bump that up a little. ;)
If you like rear drag, you might be limited to Shimano in that pound range, but that's just off the top of my head.
Most of my spinning reels are Diawa, but Shimano and Pfleuger have a couple of good reels in that price range. I nearly bought a couple of them this year. I have a few old Abus and like them a lot. but I haven't bought a recent model from them in a while. They have a few I'd think about, though. i always thought they were good quality back in the day.
If that doesn't narrow it down enough, I'll loook up some for you. But usually I feel that if you have $70 to spend on a spinning reel you can't get into too much trouble no matter what you buy. Fo most freshwater, anyway. If you fish for wipers a lot, you might want to bump that up a little. ;)
If you like rear drag, you might be limited to Shimano in that pound range, but that's just off the top of my head.
7.) crookedeye - 03/29/2013
i like light tackle..crappie whitebass..the occasional 20 freakin pounder!..lol.. i just like the light weight and the fight the fish put up..
did i ever tell you the story of that fish i caught?? it was a battle..
did i ever tell you the story of that fish i caught?? it was a battle..
8.) Swamp Fox - 03/29/2013
Prolly should say I just had a UL BG-10 (Diawa) completely rerfurbished after about 20 years (maybe more, prolly not less) last fall. That reel has been a workhorse. Would highly recommend the BG line.
Most of my other Diawas are SS Tournament reels (except for the crappie reels, which I have come to like the Regals for---price is right). I love the SSs. You can probably get the 700 (which I believe is their smallest) for just under $100
Check ebay for better prices than what you can usually get elsewhere. Cabelas is high on SSs.
Most of my other Diawas are SS Tournament reels (except for the crappie reels, which I have come to like the Regals for---price is right). I love the SSs. You can probably get the 700 (which I believe is their smallest) for just under $100
Check ebay for better prices than what you can usually get elsewhere. Cabelas is high on SSs.
9.) crookedeye - 03/29/2013
so youre saying diawas.. for a reel.. what about a rod?? ..i like the ugly sticks..them things dont break..
10.) Swamp Fox - 03/29/2013
I use a couple of Ugly Sticks but not usually for UL...they would make great clearwater carp rods, though, if we had any around here. :-)
I do have one old Ugly Stick about 5 feet that is UL. That's what I have the BG-10 on. Great little rig.
More recently, though, I like a short Quantum UL that I don't think they make any more, and the Berkley Lightning Rods are good in the light/UL range. Those are all inexpensive rods.
If you have $60 or $80 to spend I really like a couple of the St. Croix rods in the Triumph line.
Obviously, you can go up from there, but I don't in UL.
I do have one old Ugly Stick about 5 feet that is UL. That's what I have the BG-10 on. Great little rig.
More recently, though, I like a short Quantum UL that I don't think they make any more, and the Berkley Lightning Rods are good in the light/UL range. Those are all inexpensive rods.
If you have $60 or $80 to spend I really like a couple of the St. Croix rods in the Triumph line.
Obviously, you can go up from there, but I don't in UL.
11.) Old Crow - 03/29/2013
The eyes are turning on here for sure .... still 30" of ice .... will be a while before Ice off .... We are just getting the first melting temps this week.
I just picked up a Fenwick Elite Walleye rod - 7' 2" Medium fast ... Cant wait ...
Think I'm going to rig with some Power Pro and Uni knot to a Florocarbon Leader ....
I think the Bass Pro series rods are a great steal for the $ if you have one local ... my 6'9" Mediums have caught plenty of small mouth bass and walleyes .
..
I just picked up a Fenwick Elite Walleye rod - 7' 2" Medium fast ... Cant wait ...
Think I'm going to rig with some Power Pro and Uni knot to a Florocarbon Leader ....
I think the Bass Pro series rods are a great steal for the $ if you have one local ... my 6'9" Mediums have caught plenty of small mouth bass and walleyes .
..
12.) Swamp Fox - 03/29/2013
[QUOTE=crookedeye;4180]
did i ever tell you the story of that fish i caught?? it was a battle..[/QUOTE]
Tell it again...:tu:
did i ever tell you the story of that fish i caught?? it was a battle..[/QUOTE]
Tell it again...:tu:
13.) XJCraver - 03/30/2013
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;4174]We're still in the transition period here, and fish can be (or will be soon) anywhere from 20 feet to two, depending on the weather. Two weeks ago you couldn't get a crappie from less than 25, and that was shallow, LOL. The trend is moving shallower, and that's the important thing, LOL.
We get a great topwater bite on several local lakes in May and June. I will run a buzzbait before then, but we need some serious warming. When the water's right and they're hungry in the pre-spawn period, they will hit one, though. For years I waited too long to start using them.
And I love me a Jitterbug...
:-)
I didn't do too well/get good weather for crappie in February, so I want to spend a couple of days on them right now before I switch over to bass.[/QUOTE]
Yes, you're waiting too long. When the water hits 45*, I'm fishing on top.
[B]Black[/B] buzz baits with silver blades, green-pumpkin Scum Frogs, and a baby bass Super Spook. Leave everything else at home, and fish 4' -10' of water. Fun, fun, fun.
We get a great topwater bite on several local lakes in May and June. I will run a buzzbait before then, but we need some serious warming. When the water's right and they're hungry in the pre-spawn period, they will hit one, though. For years I waited too long to start using them.
And I love me a Jitterbug...
:-)
I didn't do too well/get good weather for crappie in February, so I want to spend a couple of days on them right now before I switch over to bass.[/QUOTE]
Yes, you're waiting too long. When the water hits 45*, I'm fishing on top.
[B]Black[/B] buzz baits with silver blades, green-pumpkin Scum Frogs, and a baby bass Super Spook. Leave everything else at home, and fish 4' -10' of water. Fun, fun, fun.
14.) DParker - 03/30/2013
When I retire I think I'll get a part time job with a lure manufacturer coming up with the names for new lures. That position appears to come with a generous booze allowance.
The hot local fishing right now is in feeder creeks for the spawning sand (aka "white") bass. No depth issues.
The hot local fishing right now is in feeder creeks for the spawning sand (aka "white") bass. No depth issues.
15.) XJCraver - 03/30/2013
One more little tip (listen to me, like I'm a Pro or something... :re: ): Fish that buzzbait SLOW. I like at least a 6:1 ratio spinning reel on a MH 6'6" stick. Reel just fast enough to turn the blades / keep it on top. For me, the faster the retrieve always = less fish. Even when the bite was ON. Slow and steady, and bump every bit of cover you can find.
DAMMIT!!!!!!!!! I really, [I]really[/I] miss my boat! :rage: Somebody needs to take me fishing!
DAMMIT!!!!!!!!! I really, [I]really[/I] miss my boat! :rage: Somebody needs to take me fishing!
16.) billy b - 03/30/2013
Well the Champion leaves the dock @ 7am, bass fishing till about 10, then to my brush piles for crappie.:grin:
17.) crookedeye - 03/30/2013
billy whats youre favorite lure beside the texas worm getup??
18.) crookedeye - 03/30/2013
champion...lol..
19.) billy b - 03/30/2013
For Crappie a 1/16th oz solid body jig in the dark grey series, for bass this time of the year its a do nothing worm hooked in the middle, when the water reaches 65* it's a chartreuse & white Lunker lure with trailer hook.
20.) billy b - 03/30/2013
This one crookedeye
21.) crookedeye - 03/30/2013
you sure you can handle that thing??
22.) billy b - 03/30/2013
Ask Floyd
23.) crookedeye - 03/30/2013
my eye's!!
24.) Swamp Fox - 03/30/2013
Water temp is just reaching 50 degrees around here...still lower than that in some places. I'm talking about the big lakes. Haven't fished any rivers yet. Usually the water's a little warmer by now.
Fifty is about the earliest I've even thought about topwater. It seems like I start with some type of crankbait when it's colder, then a combination of jig 'n' pig and spinnerbaits and then I might get to a buzzbait once spring settles in a little.
I might try it a little earlier in the future on your advice, though, Joe. :tu:
Fifty is about the earliest I've even thought about topwater. It seems like I start with some type of crankbait when it's colder, then a combination of jig 'n' pig and spinnerbaits and then I might get to a buzzbait once spring settles in a little.
I might try it a little earlier in the future on your advice, though, Joe. :tu:
25.) Swamp Fox - 03/30/2013
That crappie's almost as big as he is!
26.) Swamp Fox - 03/30/2013
[QUOTE=DParker;4367]When I retire I think I'll get a part time job with a lure manufacturer coming up with the names for new lures. That position appears to come with a generous booze allowance.
[/QUOTE]
:-)....
[/QUOTE]
:-)....
27.) crookedeye - 03/30/2013
floyd has some hairy ass arms doesnt he??
28.) crookedeye - 03/30/2013
all that hair from his head must have went to his arms..
29.) crookedeye - 03/30/2013
this is a good day when we can make fun of floyd..
30.) Swamp Fox - 03/30/2013
Yeah, and it was kinda windy that day...With all the resistance, Billy thought he had the sails up and kept shouting for someone to climb the mast...
31.) crookedeye - 03/30/2013
i'm just hoping floyd and billy didnt take there shirts off...floyd with his hairy ass back and tittys and billy....well i dont even want to imagine that..
32.) DParker - 03/30/2013
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;4386]:-)....[/QUOTE]
Seriously. Wouldn't you need to be about half-plowed to pull "baby bass Super Spook" out of thin air? I'm fairly certain I'd never come up with that sober. I don't even want to know what inspired "Swedish Pimple".
Seriously. Wouldn't you need to be about half-plowed to pull "baby bass Super Spook" out of thin air? I'm fairly certain I'd never come up with that sober. I don't even want to know what inspired "Swedish Pimple".
33.) Swamp Fox - 03/30/2013
LMAO...I'd never even heard of a Swedish Pimple before...
I wonder if a Copenhagen Coldsore would work on snapper?
I wonder if a Copenhagen Coldsore would work on snapper?
34.) DParker - 03/30/2013
The Swedish Pimple is (or at least used to be) hugely popular for ice fishing up in Wisconsin and Minnesota (and likely other similarly frozen tundras).
35.) Swamp Fox - 03/30/2013
Ah...genetically, vodka country...
Everything becomes clear now.
(So to speak...)
Everything becomes clear now.
(So to speak...)
36.) DParker - 03/30/2013
In Wisconsin it's a lot of Germans, so schnapps...and Leinenkugels.....and schnauzers named "Schotzi".
And Muskies and Walleyes and Northerns, oh my.
And Muskies and Walleyes and Northerns, oh my.
37.) Swamp Fox - 03/30/2013
Well, who really pays attention to the Germans, anyway...
38.) crookedeye - 03/30/2013
to get back on subject...
my favorite all time lure is the.....drum roll please......
the mepps spinner..i've caught more fish off one of those than any jig, beattle spin you could imagine.
my favorite all time lure is the.....drum roll please......
the mepps spinner..i've caught more fish off one of those than any jig, beattle spin you could imagine.
39.) crookedeye - 03/30/2013
there almost like 5 dollars a pop...when i snag one., i get a deep sick feeling in my stomach..
40.) crookedeye - 03/30/2013
usualy when i get a snag , its really a setback for me.. i kinda just sit there thinking about what just happen..
41.) crookedeye - 03/30/2013
..you know when you snag somthing you try whipping youre rod tip to the left and right? but its only digging in deeper..then you get so mad and snap the line..
fishing is stressful..
fishing is stressful..
42.) JimP - 03/30/2013
Mepps was good, I think for stream fishing a C P Swing was my favorite.
43.) crookedeye - 03/30/2013
CP swing?? is that some kind of rattail 1930's type of lure?
44.) JimP - 03/30/2013
Just a no bells and whistles Mepps.. All gold in color.
45.) JimP - 03/30/2013
Gaddabout Gaddis era.
46.) Swamp Fox - 03/30/2013
LOL...
How about snagging a $17 crankbait? Some of the newer ones go higher than that. I'm a crankbait nut, but I'm having a hard time figuring out what possible action that bait can have that a $6-8 bait doesn't. High quality components are nice, but for upwards of $20, I want a lap dance.
How about snagging a $17 crankbait? Some of the newer ones go higher than that. I'm a crankbait nut, but I'm having a hard time figuring out what possible action that bait can have that a $6-8 bait doesn't. High quality components are nice, but for upwards of $20, I want a lap dance.
47.) crookedeye - 03/30/2013
20dollars??? everytime i lose a 5 dollar lure theres going to be drama.."
48.) Swamp Fox - 03/30/2013
As far as spinners go, I like Rooster Tails and Panther Martins. The Mepps seem to work best for me in ponds rather than the lakes. Haven't given them a fair shot in river fishing, but I remember one day on a blackwater creek, I slayed 'em with that model that has the black blade with the yellow spots and a squirrel hair dressing on the hooks. That has always been my favorite Mepps.
49.) Swamp Fox - 03/30/2013
[QUOTE=crookedeye;4427]20dollars??? everytime i lose a 5 dollar lure theres going to be drama.."[/QUOTE]
I know!
I don't own any, I'm just sayin'.
LOL
I believe I'd need a $400 reel to throw a $20 crankbait. :wink
I know!
I don't own any, I'm just sayin'.
LOL
I believe I'd need a $400 reel to throw a $20 crankbait. :wink
50.) DParker - 03/30/2013
With TX lakes (or more accurately, reservoirs...there's only 1 naturally-occuring lake completely within the state's borders) there are so many submerged trees and whatnot my rule is that if it's not weedless and I'm afraid of losing it, I'm not even going to bother putting it in the water....because sooner or later I'm going to need to replace it.
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;4431]I believe I'd need a $400 reel to throw a $20 crankbait. :wink[/QUOTE]
Isn't there a conversion chart for that somewhere on the 'net?
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;4431]I believe I'd need a $400 reel to throw a $20 crankbait. :wink[/QUOTE]
Isn't there a conversion chart for that somewhere on the 'net?
51.) crookedeye - 03/31/2013
sometimes i get to the point where i'm almost afraid to use my last mepps spinners..because the outcome is predictable..
52.) XJCraver - 04/02/2013
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;4382]Water temp is just reaching 50 degrees around here...still lower than that in some places. I'm talking about the big lakes. Haven't fished any rivers yet. Usually the water's a little warmer by now.
Fifty is about the earliest I've even thought about topwater. It seems like I start with some type of crankbait when it's colder, then a combination of jig 'n' pig and spinnerbaits and then I might get to a buzzbait once spring settles in a little.
I might try it a little earlier in the future on your advice, though, Joe. :tu:[/QUOTE]
Just don't blame me if it doesn't work!!!! ;)
Seriously though - I've had good luck with it. Never fished the Carolina's though, so YMMV.
Fifty is about the earliest I've even thought about topwater. It seems like I start with some type of crankbait when it's colder, then a combination of jig 'n' pig and spinnerbaits and then I might get to a buzzbait once spring settles in a little.
I might try it a little earlier in the future on your advice, though, Joe. :tu:[/QUOTE]
Just don't blame me if it doesn't work!!!! ;)
Seriously though - I've had good luck with it. Never fished the Carolina's though, so YMMV.
53.) Ventilator - 04/02/2013
You fishing Jordan , swampy? From the kaywreck? Went crappie fishing with the kids sat night at lake Hartwell. Slow, only caught 5. Just aint on yet. Little later than usual.
54.) dino - 04/02/2013
Well I always looked at the March full moon as the beginning of Spring fever... I know I was howling at the moon last week. ;)
55.) Swamp Fox - 04/04/2013
Yes, the kayaks are kind of a special project, so I'm doing most everything from a yak right now. It's like bowhunting: chicks dig it.
I'm concentrating on Jordan, but I've been on Harris a couple of times. I actually prefer fishing Falls but I don't like driving forty or fifty minutes that much, I guess. LOL. I usually save Falls for late spring.
Harris and Jordan are just starting to turn on in the last week or so. As far as I'm concerned, anyway. I have been tightlining for crappies, mostly with jigs, with moderate success. Not doing much minnow-dunking but that's coming. And for some reason I'm putting the bass fishing off for a bit.
I haven't checked on Falls in probably two or three weeks.
I'm concentrating on Jordan, but I've been on Harris a couple of times. I actually prefer fishing Falls but I don't like driving forty or fifty minutes that much, I guess. LOL. I usually save Falls for late spring.
Harris and Jordan are just starting to turn on in the last week or so. As far as I'm concerned, anyway. I have been tightlining for crappies, mostly with jigs, with moderate success. Not doing much minnow-dunking but that's coming. And for some reason I'm putting the bass fishing off for a bit.
I haven't checked on Falls in probably two or three weeks.