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ASH556
01-15-2018, 06:50 PM
Fresh water, salt water, streams to ponds, let's see some fish!

Mama Bluegill off the bed, popper, TFO 3wt, Orvis BBS:
http://i854.photobucket.com/albums/ab104/ASH556/BE80974F-7F2F-47B4-837B-D06335783091.jpg

Pretty little wild creek Redbreast on a Panther Martin:
http://i854.photobucket.com/albums/ab104/ASH556/E9931743-BE70-4101-A95D-418FF8DD525B.jpg

Solo casted and caught Largemouth Bass by my 4 y/o son, Red Clown Rapala F5:
http://i854.photobucket.com/albums/ab104/ASH556/3BD2D080-7A7B-4AE1-9F70-EFC950B883BC.jpg

Last Summer's big fish, 5.5lb Largemouth, Zoom Super Speed Craw on a Shaky Head:
http://i854.photobucket.com/albums/ab104/ASH556/3A8B678C-1C2A-4EA6-803B-A68E3C662558_1.jpg

NPV
02-27-2018, 03:29 PM
https://i.imgur.com/pEMFbIV.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/oyMKBWK.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/UckdrtQ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/qC9zeN5.jpg

babypanther
02-27-2018, 04:38 PM
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180227/548e8c6182212ae875c63622fb939c66.jpg

Largemouth on a rapala

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180227/06a595dc08736adfa1b39d8b1c3d3360.jpg
Largemouth on a chatterbait


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Joe in PNG
02-27-2018, 04:48 PM
Our family does a fair bit around Sanibel during the summer. Last summer, while in Tarpon Bay, we had a pod of dolphins driving fish towards our boat- and waiting for us to release the ones too small to keep.

ACP230
02-27-2018, 06:15 PM
One of the times I went last year a friend and I took his three boys and a neighbor kid out after pan
fish. I brought a rod, got it out of his SUV, and stood it against a bush near the water.
Didn't touch it again till we left. Instead I spent time putting worms on hooks for the kids who
were still squeamish, and trying to teach them when to set the hook. The kids caught several perch and sunfish
each and had so much fun it didn't bother me that I didn't get to fish myself.

I don't go ice fishing these days so it will be a couple of months before I can get out again.

jtcarm
09-15-2018, 03:44 PM
Off of Boca Grande FL, just before the red tide hit:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180915/37822bfba2d789ddffb0cf5c3213b3fa.jpg

Dagga Boy
09-15-2018, 07:47 PM
White trash fishing on the country club golf course....:-)

flyrodr
09-15-2018, 08:15 PM
Dorado from Baja a couple of years ago. Surface popper (crease fly) on TFO HD Bluewater fly rod.
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GuanoLoco
09-15-2018, 09:22 PM
My great nephew is turning into a fishing beast. Location: Maryland

GuanoLoco
09-15-2018, 09:25 PM
Here’s where I wrecked my nephew’s brain at an early age. He caught that on one of those cheapo walmart rigs with bent steel wire for a rod.

He is now in college and an amazingly accomplsiehd sportsman with lots of deer, turkey, muskie, etc. notches in his belt.

GuanoLoco
09-15-2018, 09:57 PM
This is my trophy class spotted bass from Lewis Smith Reservoir in Alabama. Anything over 5 lbs is generally trophy class and I have caught a number of 5’s, 2 over 6 lbs, and this one at 7.25 lbs.

GuanoLoco
09-15-2018, 09:59 PM
30349

GuanoLoco
09-15-2018, 10:51 PM
Old pics: A flathead catfish and some sillines. These guys are stone cold predatory eating machines.

GuanoLoco
09-15-2018, 10:57 PM
Some striped bass pics and my beloved fishing buddy - RIP. He loved to go fishing and lost his mind when I caught one.

He especially loved it when I was fishing topwater - SUCH a damn nuisance but I loved him.

GuanoLoco
09-16-2018, 10:59 AM
A colorful bull bream (bluegull) next to my size XL hand from my lake house + a channel cat caught by my nephew - he’s a bit older in this pic. Fish Fry Time!

GuanoLoco
09-16-2018, 11:06 AM
A family member attempting to fish while my fishing buddy ‘helps’.

When I say he would get worked up about fishing and topwater in particular, I wasn’t kidding.

olstyn
09-16-2018, 11:28 AM
My lures are clearly too small. Earlier this summer, I caught a *maybe* 3 pound largemouth on an 8-inch Swim Whizz/Believer. Anybody know if they make a 15-inch version of that lure so I can actually catch some muskies? :P

GuanoLoco
09-16-2018, 11:34 AM
My lures are clearly too small. Earlier this summer, I caught a *maybe* 3 pound largemouth on an 8-inch Swim Whizz/Believer. Anybody know if they make a 15-inch version of that lure so I can actually catch some muskies? :P

They make great big versions of almost everything. How much tendinitis would you like?

GuanoLoco
09-16-2018, 11:41 AM
Topwater fishing from the dock for spotted and occasional largmouth bass in the morning.

olstyn
09-16-2018, 12:12 PM
They make great big versions of almost everything. How much tendinitis would you like?

Oh, I know. I'm just impressed at how ambitious small/medium bass can be sometimes. :)

GuanoLoco
09-16-2018, 12:38 PM
Oh, I know. I'm just impressed at how ambitious small/medium bass can be sometimes. :)

Do you have the little Green Sunfish where you live? If those things got bigger I wouldn’t get in the water.

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m4fulO23g4s/V-r8PScS0WI/AAAAAAAACDY/uhMHPJ9LP9sXudwvkAKniUllCuSg2fEMwCLcB/s1600/_resize_Green%2Bsunfish_%2BBlackberry%2BCreek_%2B6-29-13_%2BNT.JPG

olstyn
09-16-2018, 02:10 PM
I'm not sure if we've got that exact species up here in MN, but we've got plenty of other varieties of sunfish, and yeah, those suckers are surprisingly aggressive. I would not want to be a worm or a leech in the water with them. What's really funny is when I'm casting for muskies or pike and they start investigating the lures I'm throwing. I'm never 100% sure whether they're stupid, curious, or just trying to school with the lures, but it gives me a laugh regardless.

JAD
09-17-2018, 02:44 PM
We have bunches of that exact species here in KC's stocked ponds. They will hit a bare hook. Boy tied for first at his scout fishing derby this year with 21, mostly those, in two hours.

cornstalker
07-21-2019, 07:09 PM
Have been doing some fishing lately. I haven't cared about fishing for a few years, as it has been all trout fishing. I have caught so many trout I don't care if I ever catch another one. I have discovered some good warm water fishing within a couple of hours of home, so we have been hitting that. Three trips, three to four hours fishing each trip, caught 48 fish total. 23 White Bass, 13 Black Crappie, 3 Smallmouth Bass, 3 Walleye, 4 Bluegills and 2 Drum (yuck). My filet knives have been getting a workout. We took one of my daughter's friends whose parents never do any outdoor stuff and taught her how to fish. She killed it. Had a great time.

A few slabs and white bass in the bucket.

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cornstalker
07-22-2019, 07:05 PM
A quick dozen trout today. Ranging from .75 to a little over 2 pounds.

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I saved the heads, tails, and guts and made popsicles out of them. Will be using them for crawfish bait here pretty quick.

40412

cornstalker
07-24-2019, 11:22 AM
Mudbugging, sunset and a storm. The Crawfish appeared to like the popsicles just fine.

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ASH556
08-19-2019, 09:10 AM
Pretty Redbreast on the 4wt yesterday afternoon. Then a large Bluegill in the mix as well. Good for the soul!

https://i.imgur.com/33bBpr5l.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/A8xHnRxl.jpg

cornstalker
09-09-2019, 06:45 PM
Good trip to Antero Reservoir yesterday. We lost count, but it was over 30 for sure. Rainbows, Browns and Cuttbows and Cutthroat. A great day fishing with a good friend.

Here are a few of them.

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Grey
09-09-2019, 08:55 PM
Mudbugging, sunset and a storm. The Crawfish appeared to like the popsicles just fine.

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Epic jelly going on here... Looks like you got an awesome location, I should pick up fishing again, haven't done it in forever!

rcbusmc24
11-02-2019, 05:35 AM
Off Okinawa near Kin. Yellowtail and Bonita...

.44301

cornstalker
02-21-2020, 03:08 PM
Caught a pretty little eye a couple of weeks ago. Toothy little fellow.

It got up to 81 degrees that Sunday, was -6 by Tuesday.

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cornstalker
04-21-2020, 09:05 PM
A little early season action on the boat. We could only fish for about three hours so I will take it. Water temp is still a little low, but it's getting there.

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cornstalker
04-29-2020, 08:12 PM
The haul from Monday. Jugged the blue cat.

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fly out
05-20-2020, 11:53 PM
Oh, I know. I'm just impressed at how ambitious small/medium bass can be sometimes. :)

Smallies..."pound for pound the fightingest fish." When a 3 inch smallie hits a 4 inch Rapala, you have to wonder, what was he thinking? How was this going to end?

I miss fishing. What's the P-F of the fishing world?

cornstalker
05-23-2020, 02:10 PM
Two and a half hours on a mountain lake this morning. Caught a couple of slugs. All were fat except one.

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cornstalker
05-23-2020, 02:14 PM
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NPV
05-31-2020, 11:17 PM
Atlantic Cod and my ridiculous Covid stache’

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Soxfan9
06-01-2020, 12:18 PM
Kid’s first striperhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200601/4794efe5467c4672dafa58a2230d6766.jpg

MGW
06-01-2020, 03:33 PM
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What’s your setup for lake trout? Have a trip planned for later this month. Everything I have is set up for large mouth and I have no idea what to buy. I don’t fly fish and don’t care to learn right now.

cornstalker
06-01-2020, 04:43 PM
What’s your setup for lake trout? Have a trip planned for later this month. Everything I have is set up for large mouth and I have no idea what to buy. I don’t fly fish and don’t care to learn right now.

For trout in a lake I use a 7' medium light moderate spinning rod with a Pflueger Summit spinning reel. I run braided line with a flourocarbon leader, but 6 or 8 pound mono does just fine. For lures, I have success with Kastmasters, Tasmanian Devils and Panther Martin spinners. A few different colors of each so you can figure out what they like that day. It doesn't hurt to have a few softbaits like tubes or skirts and some jig heads in case they are really finicky. White softbaits have done the best for me.


That is assuming that you are talking about trout in a lake, Rainbows, Browns, Cutthroats, Cuttbows; as opposed to Lake Trout (Mackinaw) with which I have no experience.

cornstalker
06-01-2020, 05:57 PM
Saturday. Wife and daughter cleaned up on crappie, white bass, small walleye and a small channel cat. I stubbornly stuck with cranks, jerks, jigs and chatter baits trying to find a big Wiper. Not a single hit on hard baits all day. I switched over to a soft bait and caught two white bass and a crappie. When my daughter hit her fifth crappie I told her that I always knew she was going to be a crappie kid. And there we have it. I am telling stupid dad jokes now.
The bite was over in less than two hours.

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MGW
06-01-2020, 09:39 PM
For trout in a lake I use a 7' medium light moderate spinning rod with a Pflueger Summit spinning reel. I run braided line with a flourocarbon leader, but 6 or 8 pound mono does just fine. For lures, I have success with Kastmasters, Tasmanian Devils and Panther Martin spinners. A few different colors of each so you can figure out what they like that day. It doesn't hurt to have a few softbaits like tubes or skirts and some jig heads in case they are really finicky. White softbaits have done the best for me.


That is assuming that you are talking about trout in a lake, Rainbows, Browns, Cutthroats, Cuttbows; as opposed to Lake Trout (Mackinaw) with which I have no experience.

Thank you. I was referring to trout in a lake. Kind of misspoke there but honestly it’s more ignorance than anything. I’ve fished for large mouth almost exclusively my entire life with a few walleye and northern mixed in along the way.

I was looking hard for 6’ spinning rods but that length seems to be non existent. I have a couple beater 7’ rods but might pick up another for this trip. Those reels are on close out and a lot less expensive than I remember. I think I better grab a couple of those too. For science.

cornstalker
06-01-2020, 10:30 PM
Thank you. I was referring to trout in a lake. Kind of misspoke there but honestly it’s more ignorance than anything. I’ve fished for large mouth almost exclusively my entire life with a few walleye and northern mixed in along the way.

I was looking hard for 6’ spinning rods but that length seems to be non existent. I have a couple beater 7’ rods but might pick up another for this trip. Those reels are on close out and a lot less expensive than I remember. I think I better grab a couple of those too. For science.

I have a correction to make. My favorite spinner is my Fenwick HMX. It is a fast action, not moderate. It is medium-light spine though. I bought my daughter a Fenwick Eagle for Christmas. It's one hell of a rod for the money. Hers is the 7' medium light-moderate fast. It's coupled with a Basspro Formula FML20 reel. I can't imagine a better setup for $100- $110. Smooth as glass.

ASH556
06-03-2020, 03:47 PM
I have an older Fenwick HMX that's apparently a 5'9" Walleye rod, fast action. My grandpa gave it to me as a high school graduation gift. Didn't say anything. One day a rod tube from Cabela's just shows up on the front porch...I loved that man (he's all but gone now, just a physical shell waiting to stop breathing). I might just start calling it the 3.5. Biggest fish I've ever landed with it was a 3.5lb largemouth. The trick is I've landed 3 of them and last weekend my 5y/o landed another 3.5lb'er with it. When I got it from Pa I put a Daiwa Regal S 2000 on it. Great reel and the top of what I could afford as an 18y/o. 2 years ago it began slipping on the hooksets (gear stripping) so I replaced it with a Shimano Stradic FK 2500. Around that same time my oldest (5 at the time, 7 now) made a significant spiritual decision, so we celebrated that occasion with his very own rod & reel. I outfitted him with the same Stradic reel, but couldn't find the Fenwick rod, so I settled on a St. Croix 6ft Medium Fast. It's similar, but the Fenwick is a little stiffer.

5y/o with his 3.5 on the Fenwick

https://i.imgur.com/ZUJxelLl.jpg

7y/o with a bluegill on his St. Croix

https://i.imgur.com/Mb438RNl.jpg

ASH556
06-03-2020, 03:49 PM
For myself I mostly fly fish these days. I really enjoy this 3wt 7'6" TFO rod with Orvis BBSII reel. Redbreasts are my favorite, but a Bluegill or Bass will do too.

https://i.imgur.com/30jyumCl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/hzAjiqzl.jpg

Borderland
06-03-2020, 04:49 PM
Dorado from Baja a couple of years ago. Surface popper (crease fly) on TFO HD Bluewater fly rod.
30337

I've fished off of Isla Cerralvo. That was about 10 years ago. Those Dorado can be monsters and they're quite the sport. Never caught one as big as yours but I've had a few on. Of course I had no idea how to play those 20 lb fish and the guide got really pissed at me. I gave him about 15 fish so it made his day, probably his entire week. Those dudes know how to fish.

flyrodr
06-03-2020, 05:10 PM
Those Dorado can be monsters and they're quite the sport.

I went to Loreto for several years with the TFO guys. It was (perhaps isn't quite as good now) a really great place, especially if the water temps were right and the baitfish were in thick. Find some sargasso, a tree trunk, piece of plywood, whatever, and there'd be some baitfish and dorado under them. The "problem" was when you cast to boiling fish, you never knew whether you'd hook a 10 pounder, or one like the one in the photo, which was just short of 50 lbs. All were good! And really great fighters. Some tuna, reef fish, billfish. We even jigged for squid, which turned out to be very strong pullers. And most all of them were good eating!

cornstalker
06-15-2020, 06:16 PM
Hit a mountain lake for a few hours today. Actually went to try to catch some Northern Pike, but the trout were hitting so we went with it. Caught several smaller ones and finally hooked into a five pounder. (actual weight, not an estimate)

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cornstalker
06-15-2020, 06:29 PM
55942

Better pic. Check out that gut. (on the fish)

NPV
06-28-2020, 12:21 PM
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cornstalker
06-28-2020, 01:24 PM
NPV
Nice fish! Congrats.
What did it weigh? 35 pounds?

NPV
06-28-2020, 06:01 PM
NPV
Nice fish! Congrats.
What did it weigh? 35 pounds?

Thanks man, we have a slot limit of 28-35” up here so anything over or under has to go back. With that being said I didn’t get the fish on the Boga grip unfortunately, I was just focused on a good release and not drifting into other boats. My SWAG would be 25 pounds though. Here’s a fish that weighed 35 for reference (a few years back when the Grundens were still fresh).

56507

cornstalker
07-03-2020, 12:05 AM
Wrecked some slabs today.

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NPV
07-12-2020, 07:29 PM
Gator Bluefish
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cornstalker
07-20-2020, 02:56 PM
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My wife and daughter and my daughter's friend caught these. Daughter's friend had never caught a fish before. I made them stop at 20 because I didn't want to fillet more than that. Lol.

I pulled them around on the tow tube for a bit after that and we got off the lake by 11:40 am, when the wind started to get going.

MGW
08-02-2020, 10:14 PM
We’ve been catching a lot of these little rockets lately.

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And these little guys have been hitting as hard as the bass lately. The spinner bate I’m catching them on is al ost as big as they are.

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Edit I’m not sure why there is another picture attached to this.

NPV
08-16-2020, 12:58 PM
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NPV
08-26-2020, 12:40 PM
Trash Tuna

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Grey
08-26-2020, 12:41 PM
Trash Tuna

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Sorry for the newb question but what is trash tuna?

NPV
08-26-2020, 03:06 PM
Sorry for the newb question but what is trash tuna?

False Albacore. I actually really enjoy catching them on light tackle but not so much when looking for Bluefin. They are a smaller species within the tuna family.

Grey
08-26-2020, 03:13 PM
False Albacore. I actually really enjoy catching them on light tackle but not so much when looking for Bluefin. They are a smaller species within the tuna family.So are they undesirable to catch and eat? Thanks!

Sent from my SM-G950U1 using Tapatalk

randyho
08-26-2020, 05:49 PM
And these little guys have been hitting as hard as the bass lately. The spinner bate I’m catching them on is al ost as big as they are.

58344
They are the aquatic jack russell terriers. If they were bigger, they'd kill us all.

NPV
08-26-2020, 08:28 PM
So are they undesirable to catch and eat? Thanks!

Sent from my SM-G950U1 using Tapatalk

Depends what you’re fishing for haha, when they come inshore during the fall and you can catch them on light tackle they are a ton of fun literally like fishing for mini tuna on light gear. But for us this weekend we were looking for their bigger cousin the Bluefin Tuna and we’re equipped for big fish so there wasn’t much sport catching them.

As for table fare they definitely aren’t unedible, some guys like them, but more people swear them off. I don’t kill a lot of fish for the table so when I do it’s usually something I know I enjoy so I give these guys a pass.

NPV
10-05-2020, 10:46 AM
61322

NPV
05-23-2021, 08:12 PM
Got a small Cod today which is a rarity in our area. But it’s the second season in a row I’ve managed to catch some so maybe this is a good sign. Had fun catching some small bass today and just glad to be back in the water.

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newyork
05-23-2021, 08:55 PM
Little guy
https://i.imgur.com/ikrW6cU.jpg

UNK
06-06-2021, 03:41 PM
Some striped bass pics and my beloved fishing buddy - RIP. He loved to go fishing and lost his mind when I caught one.

He especially loved it when I was fishing topwater - SUCH a damn nuisance but I loved him.

That dogs a lot bigger than I realized from the first pic. Darn good looking dog. What is it?

dmiculek
06-06-2021, 04:40 PM
https://i.imgur.com/58DbVdtm.jpg

Wife and I caught a mess of catfish a couple weeks ago.

NPV
06-13-2021, 03:18 PM
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GuanoLoco
06-17-2021, 11:31 AM
That dogs a lot bigger than I realized from the first pic. Darn good looking dog. What is it?

Perro de Presa Canario - A serious grade guard dog that is not suitable for most owners.

TOTS
06-23-2021, 08:38 PM
73247
SOB basically cost me $500 and a half of a day!! Fly fishing with your brothers and father…priceless!

NPV
06-26-2021, 03:57 PM
73412

NPV
07-05-2021, 05:26 PM
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NPV
07-14-2021, 12:35 PM
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NPV
07-18-2021, 10:12 AM
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HeavyDuty
07-18-2021, 05:00 PM
Just spent the weekend in Lincoln, NH. Now I want to learn tenkara style fly fishing.

BobM
07-20-2021, 10:19 PM
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I’ve been fishing off and on over fifty years, this morning was the first time I caught a turtle. It didn’t feel like a fish on the line. Id seen it in the area while I was fishing a state park lake for bluegill. It swam off in a hurry when we put it back in.

BobM
08-03-2021, 10:46 PM
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I caught this little bass in a wildlife area pond while working a little bluegill popper.

NPV
10-26-2021, 09:00 PM
Last offshore trip of 2021 in the books to cap off a solid season. 152+ nautical miles covered in early October on this one but the reward was worth it.

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cornstalker
10-26-2021, 11:09 PM
NPV
Holy crap!! What kind of shark munched the tuna?

What an outing. Thanks for sharing it.

Soxfan9
10-27-2021, 04:36 AM
NPV
Holy crap!! What kind of shark munched the tuna?

What an outing. Thanks for sharing it.

Looks like a blue shark in the first pic. Not sure though.

NPV
10-27-2021, 08:06 AM
NPV
Holy crap!! What kind of shark munched the tuna?

What an outing. Thanks for sharing it.

Soxfan9 is correct it was a blue shark. He ate it as soon as my buddy sunk a gaff into it, made for some excitement as the side of the boat.

NPV
05-25-2022, 09:23 AM
Bumping this one up, sold some P&R classic Smith revolvers to fund upgrades to the boat this season. Hopefully diesel prices will settle a bit higher than where there are, much higher and I doubt I’ll be able to get offshore.

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03RN
05-25-2022, 02:30 PM
So far this year
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From days gone by
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willie
05-25-2022, 09:16 PM
What a fine boy you have! What bait is he using?

Also, does he have a 22 rifle?

I see the nice hound dog in the background on the boat. This must be an older picture when the op worked on a shrimp boat.

Thank you for sharing the pictures. I have some extra 22 ammo if your best buddy can use some.

03RN
05-26-2022, 10:24 AM
What a fine boy you have! What bait is he using?

Also, does he have a 22 rifle?

I see the nice hound dog in the background on the boat. This must be an older picture when the op worked on a shrimp boat.

Thank you for sharing the pictures. I have some extra 22 ammo if your best buddy can use some.

Just worms for now. He's just getting the hang of it. We live on a lake that's got really good fishing right now. Lots of bass and black crappie. He dropped his brand new rod out of the canoe last week. I wound up having to go swimming. NH lakes are still a bit nippy.

He doesn't have a 22 rifle right now. He turns 4 this summer so maybe then. He's got a M64 and am AR for when he gets older though :o. He loves coming to uspsa matches in the meantime.

Yeah, Jack came lobstering with me every day for a decade. He sure is missed.

willie
05-26-2022, 12:55 PM
Did Jack mess with the lobsters?

03RN
05-26-2022, 04:19 PM
Did Jack mess with the lobsters?

Nope, he was a great boat dog. Only occasionally did he chew on skate cartilage but I guess that's good for him.

He also never messed with snapping turtles or porcupines. Moose and great horned owls on the other hand...

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TOTS
05-28-2022, 08:48 AM
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Fishing was almost a no-go due to flooding from mountain runoff (I picked the worst week to fish in MT, the snow was melting in the mountains and ruining the rivers for fishing) but still managed to grab two Cutthroat and two Rainbows on a mountain lake. The next day I fished the Yellowstone for funsies and managed to snag another Rainbow. I’m now super-hooked on fly fishing and am about to shop for an 8-wt rig (above is my 5-wt; first fly setup) for bass, coastal salt, and the local Cape Fear river. So basically no money thanks to advice from flyrodr and some of you others from my fly fishing thread. ASH556

ASH556
05-28-2022, 08:54 AM
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Fishing was almost a no-go due to flooding from mountain runoff (I picked the worst week to fish in MT, the snow was melting in the mountains and ruining the rivers for fishing) but still managed to grab two Cutthroat and two Rainbows on a mountain lake. The next day I fished the Yellowstone for funsies and managed to snag another Rainbow. I’m now super-hooked on fly fishing and am about to shop for an 8-wt rig (above is my 5-wt; first fly setup) for bass, coastal salt, and the local Cape Fear river. So basically no money thanks to advice from flyrodr and some of you others from my fly fishing thread. ASH556

Man, that’s AMAZING!

TOTS
05-28-2022, 09:15 AM
Man, that’s AMAZING!
Yeah, not bad for my second time fly fishing. I’m pretty hooked and obsessive right now; pretty much all I can think about!

flyrodr
05-28-2022, 09:22 AM
Fishing was almost a no-go due to flooding from mountain runoff (I picked the worst week to fish in MT, the snow was melting in the mountains and ruining the rivers for fishing) but still managed to grab two Cutthroat and two Rainbows on a mountain lake. The next day I fished the Yellowstone for funsies and managed to snag another Rainbow. I’m now super-hooked on fly fishing and am about to shop for an 8-wt rig (above is my 5-wt; first fly setup) for bass, coastal salt, and the local Cape Fear river. So basically no money thanks to advice from flyrodr and some of you others from my fly fishing thread. ASH556

Been there, done that (peak of run-off), but it also coincided with the salmonfly hatch on the Madison. We caught a lot of fish chunking heavily-weighted nymphs, and later, as the day warmed, with big dries imitating the hatching flies. Great fun, even if tempered by the cold temps and high, muddy water. Nothing like fishing all bundled up like you're going duck hunting. As good as it was, and I treasure the experience, I like fishing out west more in the late summer and fall. Summer crowds taper off, fall fishing picks up, animals moving more, just a great time.

Good going on the 8-wt. A very versatile choice for the fishing you described. Until a fat albie grabs hold, and then you'll be shopping for a strong 9- or even 10-wt!

ASH556
05-28-2022, 09:49 AM
Nowhere near the water and size of fish as your trip, but this was the first weekend in April on some small North GA water. The little native ‘bows are so colorful! The larger one was likely a stocker, but well upstream of the last stocking point and he hit like a freight train.

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Most of the water was small with overhangs like this:

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But we did find one large pool that held a few fish:

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TOTS
05-28-2022, 12:25 PM
Been there, done that (peak of run-off), but it also coincided with the salmonfly hatch on the Madison. We caught a lot of fish chunking heavily-weighted nymphs, and later, as the day warmed, with big dries imitating the hatching flies. Great fun, even if tempered by the cold temps and high, muddy water. Nothing like fishing all bundled up like you're going duck hunting. As good as it was, and I treasure the experience, I like fishing out west more in the late summer and fall. Summer crowds taper off, fall fishing picks up, animals moving more, just a great time.

Good going on the 8-wt. A very versatile choice for the fishing you described. Until a fat albie grabs hold, and then you'll be shopping for a strong 9- or even 10-wt!
Yup, I wasn’t ready for the cold. Was following temps for the previous three weeks and expecting 55-60 days and 35-40 night temps but no one told me that in Montana it can drop from 55 down to 29 and snow heavily for 20 minutes and then be back up in the 60s. And do this three times in a 10- hr fishing trip. I was layered appropriately and didn’t have to put the waders on - but definitely regretted leaving the Goretex at home. I did catch one Rainbow on the Yellowstone at 6 AM one morning since the levels dropped after two days of below freezing temps (in the mountains) on a bruised leech. Felt great as it was my first time fishing un-guided. It was a unique experience for a Southern boy, having to break the ice off the guides to loosen everything and having the line freeze up. Every time I casted, a sheet of ice would fling off my frozen line. Almost in June. Montana is another world….

newyork
06-08-2022, 07:54 PM
My buddy took me on my first charter boat. The boat only had 8ish customers on it. I nabbed 2 blue fish. He caught 1 and gave me his. I have very limited fishing experience.

Had a blast.

Cooked the fish tonight and my wife and 2 girls loved it. They couldn’t wait for it to be done so they could try it. Turned out good. Little over cooked but not enough to complain much.

https://i.imgur.com/0freped.jpg

BobM
06-08-2022, 09:07 PM
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I rucked around a wildlife area for about an hour Sunday with my fly rod case attached to the pack. I caught several bluegill and two small bass (or the same bass twice).

NPV
06-08-2022, 11:57 PM
My buddy took me on my first charter boat. The boat only had 8ish customers on it. I nabbed 2 blue fish. He caught 1 and gave me his. I have very limited fishing experience.

Had a blast.

Cooked the fish tonight and my wife and 2 girls loved it. They couldn’t wait for it to be done so they could try it. Turned out good. Little over cooked but not enough to complain much.

https://i.imgur.com/0freped.jpg

Bluefish tends to get a bad rap as a “fishy” fish and if mishandled it certain can be. However properly bled, iced, and eaten fresh it is very good. I cooked some up Sunday myself.

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Back to some fishing pictures…speaking of Bluefish. Buddy with a fish upfront me hooked up in the stern, this was posted by a local captain.
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Dropped what would have been a larger rec. Bluefin last week on the inaugural offshore trip. Hopefully will get after them again this week.
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NPV
07-17-2022, 09:57 PM
Stud NE YFT, buddy and I doubled up got his in the boat. Hooked pulled on mine at the boat the fish we lost dwarfed the one we landed probably close to a triple digit fish……

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NPV
07-24-2022, 12:45 AM
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RoyGBiv
07-24-2022, 05:27 AM
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That's awesome! :cool:

But, now I'm embarrassed to post any photos of the 2-pound Blues and 4-pound Speckled (sea) Trout I caught recently. :o
SIL caught a 40-pound Drum off the beach a week or so ago but had to let it go because it was bigger than the allowed size.

Was hoping to catch a Hammerhead. Several had been caught off the beach recently... No joy.

Cory
07-24-2022, 08:23 AM
My wife and I are taking an inland charter for 8 hours pretty soon. We live on the gulf coast, and we've only fished from shore. The plan is Tarpon, Snook, and Red. Our guide posts consistently awesome pictures and is a native. If it goes well, I may eventually do a guided duck hunt with him to learn the ropes.

We're really excited about it.

NPV
07-25-2022, 02:05 PM
That's awesome! :cool:

But, now I'm embarrassed to post any photos of the 2-pound Blues and 4-pound Speckled (sea) Trout I caught recently. :o
SIL caught a 40-pound Drum off the beach a week or so ago but had to let it go because it was bigger than the allowed size.

Was hoping to catch a Hammerhead. Several had been caught off the beach recently... No joy.

Thanks! No need to be embarrassed at all post em up, having fun is what matters.

TOTS
07-28-2022, 10:37 AM
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Nothing big, but fun on a fly rod.

Caballoflaco
07-28-2022, 12:04 PM
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Nothing big, but fun on a fly rod.

Little bass and pan fish out of small creeks on either fly line or ultra light spinning rigs is my favorite kind of fishing.

03RN
07-28-2022, 12:43 PM
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I didn't even have the canoe off the car and he was catching fish.

Cory
07-29-2022, 07:03 PM
My wife and I are taking an inland charter for 8 hours pretty soon. We live on the gulf coast, and we've only fished from shore. The plan is Tarpon, Snook, and Red. Our guide posts consistently awesome pictures and is a native. If it goes well, I may eventually do a guided duck hunt with him to learn the ropes.

We're really excited about it.

Fishing was tomorrow. Our charter guide didn't contact us. So I reached out. He didnt remember who we were. Then he told us it didnt look good this weekend, how about next weekend. He's the one who gave us the date that tides would be best, the weather looks to finally not rain in the afternoon, and we've been excited. He just seemed super not interested in taking us, and struck me as over all unprofessional. A real departure from his social media, website, and the first time we texted.

Didn't think spending $700 for 8 hours of fishing with a guide who didnt really want to guide us sounded like a good time. Plus, just seemed like the guy didnt make sense in his reasoning. Everything lines up but his attitude. So we backed out. We had asked about making the deposit his website mentioned 3 different times, but never got a real answer. Glad we never made one because we'd have lost it by backing out.

It was going to be between our wedding anniversary and our relationship anniversary sort of pulling double duty to celebrate. It was also going to be something fun to do as a couple before I start working days and going to school nights.

We're pretty crushed.

TOTS
07-29-2022, 08:04 PM
Fishing was tomorrow. Our charter guide didn't contact us. So I reached out. He didnt remember who we were. Then he told us it didnt look good this weekend, how about next weekend. He's the one who gave us the date that tides would be best, the weather looks to finally not rain in the afternoon, and we've been excited. He just seemed super not interested in taking us, and struck me as over all unprofessional. A real departure from his social media, website, and the first time we texted.

Didn't think spending $700 for 8 hours of fishing with a guide who didnt really want to guide us sounded like a good time. Plus, just seemed like the guy didnt make sense in his reasoning. Everything lines up but his attitude. So we backed out. We had asked about making the deposit his website mentioned 3 different times, but never got a real answer. Glad we never made one because we'd have lost it by backing out.

It was going to be between our wedding anniversary and our relationship anniversary sort of pulling double duty to celebrate. It was also going to be something fun to do as a couple before I start working days and going to school nights.

We're pretty crushed.
Man, that sucks. He’s got to have some competition. Maybe call another Capt and see if they want your money? I’m sure you have, but don’t give up on a good time!

cornstalker
07-29-2022, 10:21 PM
Fishing was tomorrow. Our charter guide didn't contact us. So I reached out. He didnt remember who we were. Then he told us it didnt look good this weekend, how about next weekend. He's the one who gave us the date that tides would be best, the weather looks to finally not rain in the afternoon, and we've been excited. He just seemed super not interested in taking us, and struck me as over all unprofessional. A real departure from his social media, website, and the first time we texted.

Didn't think spending $700 for 8 hours of fishing with a guide who didnt really want to guide us sounded like a good time. Plus, just seemed like the guy didnt make sense in his reasoning. Everything lines up but his attitude. So we backed out. We had asked about making the deposit his website mentioned 3 different times, but never got a real answer. Glad we never made one because we'd have lost it by backing out.

It was going to be between our wedding anniversary and our relationship anniversary sort of pulling double duty to celebrate. It was also going to be something fun to do as a couple before I start working days and going to school nights.

We're pretty crushed.

That certainly sucks. Thankfully he tipped his hand early enough to allow you to avoid financial damage.

flyrodr
07-30-2022, 07:17 AM
Fishing was tomorrow. Our charter guide didn't contact us. So I reached out. He didnt remember who we were.

Everything lines up but his attitude. So we backed out.

It was going to be between our wedding anniversary and our relationship anniversary sort of pulling double duty to celebrate. It was also going to be something fun to do as a couple before I start working days and going to school nights.

We're pretty crushed.

Not the kind of fishing memory you want to remember, but it's probably better than if you had actually gone with a seemingly disinterested guide.

The contrast showed vividly many years ago on a trip to MT. Four of us had gone, and had a float trip down the Yellowstone lined up with two guides. Trip was in beautiful mid-September weather, except on this one day. Cloudy, cook and intermittent rain. Our guide was prepared and remained focused on trying to put us on fish (it was a slow day). The "high point" of the trip came at lunch. Both boats pulled off on a long gravel bar. The other guys' guide had cold sandwiches, cold drinks, and a lukewarm attitude. And he didn't offer to share coffee from what was clearly an individual-sized thermos. Our guide broke out a stove, grilled some salmon and hot tea, and cracked stories about the area, fishing and the day's weather. The good, 100 feet away from the bad and the ugly. We still laugh about the contrast.

Hopefully the next trip will be better, and you can share the good memories, and shake your head and laugh at the bad.

Point to consider for flats and backcountry trips for tarpon, etc.: If it's a trip you've really planned for, and are really excited about, but the day is windy and overcast, and you ask the guide what he thinks about the prospects - - - and he says "We can go out if you really want to . . ." - - - ask him if you can buy him breakfast instead.

(Seriously, do get a clear understanding from the guide about rates for a trip that gets shortened by weather. Some say if they leave the dock, you owe them for a full day. Others charge only a partial rate, or half day rate. But if the guide says it's a no go, there should be no cost; any deposit should be refunded. Being clear on that helps you decide whether to go out or not.

NPV
07-31-2022, 12:23 AM
I agree with everything stated above, I’ll add there’s a crop of guides/captains that are more interested in social media glory than actually serving their clients. To the point I see these guys doing more fishing than their clients. I’m hoping you’re able to find another guide and salvage the plan, and one more deserving of your hard earned coin at that.

Obligatory pics
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RoyGBiv
07-31-2022, 07:03 AM
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I have tuna envy.
Best I did this year was 2 rays and a baby dogfish shark. No pics. Just a sunburn and a smile.

That's an awesome haul.

NPV
07-31-2022, 10:20 PM
I have tuna envy.
Best I did this year was 2 rays and a baby dogfish shark. No pics. Just a sunburn and a smile.

That's an awesome haul.

Thanks! Not every trip is like that sometimes your the fire hydrant and others you’re the dog. I dedicate a lot of time and resources to tuna fishing and it’s great when I get a good return. There’s a lot of sleepless days, sketchy night runs under no ambient light, and pouring over satellite shots, etc. but it’s all worth it even on “bad” days.

flyrodr
08-15-2022, 07:56 PM
Was looking for one thing, found another. This was taken in 1993, when my son was 5. I had a reservation for one rod on Armstrong Spring Creek (for non-fly-fishers, it’s a spring creek on private land, full of wild rainbow and brown trout). Fly fishing only. I practically had to beg Mrs O’Hair, whose family established the ranch, to let my son fish a bit with his spinning rod. She finally relented with the admonition to “go down to the lower property boundary, and don’t let anybody else see you”.

He caught this one rainbow, wife and I were all excited for him. He was in the “OK, what’s next” frame of mind. Did I mention he was five . . .

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03RN
08-21-2022, 06:31 PM
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NPV
09-11-2022, 05:58 PM
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parishioner
09-23-2022, 11:07 AM
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Got a decent one this morning.

BobM
10-02-2022, 09:10 PM
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I bought my daughter a new ultralight spincast set thinking it would be more fun for the small bluegill we saw the last place we fished. This afternoon she drove down and we went to my dads pond. She caught a nice thick scrappy bluegill that was being chased by a bass. She then caught four bass. My dad and I were fishing with the same bait (red worms) but the bass were only hitting her bait.

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TOTS
10-25-2022, 08:24 PM
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Getting in a fall Appalachian fly fishing trip before it gets cold. Beautiful day

TOTS
02-12-2023, 06:09 PM
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Decent Crappie and a good enough Bass at work while waiting for my next flight. Started tying my own flies and found some foam in my kids trash can that turned into some grasshoppers waiting for summer. @flyrodr (https://pistol-forum.com/member.php?u=10896) ASH556
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flyrodr
02-12-2023, 06:55 PM
Started tying my own flies and found some foam in my kids trash can that turned into some grasshoppers waiting for summer. @flyrodr (https://pistol-forum.com/member.php?u=10896) ASH556
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Nice hopper!!!

ASH556
02-12-2023, 07:46 PM
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Decent Crappie and a good enough Bass at work while waiting for my next flight. Started tying my own flies and found some foam in my kids trash can that turned into some grasshoppers waiting for summer. @flyrodr (https://pistol-forum.com/member.php?u=10896) ASH556
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Excellent! That hopper looks like a straight killer!

BobM
02-12-2023, 07:49 PM
Nice hopper!!!

It looks too good to use.

NPV
06-25-2023, 07:21 PM
It’s been a good spring and early summer so far. Still haven’t hit the tuna grounds but will be soon. A quick photo dump from some trips with friends and family members. Honestly there are many days I have more fun putting people on the fish rather than fishing myself.

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RoyGBiv
06-26-2023, 07:41 AM
It’s been a good spring and early summer so far. Still haven’t hit the tuna grounds but will be soon. A quick photo dump from some trips with friends and family members. Honestly there are many days I have more fun putting people on the fish rather than fishing myself.



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Was fishing in the Pamlico off Hatteras week before last... only on the water 2 days (small craft advisories, 25+kt winds a few days, a day setting up the boat after being in storage..)... Was hoping for Drum and Speck, but only caught a few Skate and Bluefish...:p... and a good sunburn... :cool:

Looks like you're having a great time AND catching... Double bonus.

Flounder limits were "0" in OBX... Illegal to have one on the boat... Which is ok by me, I don't like flounder. :rolleyes:

03RN
06-26-2023, 03:54 PM
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TOTS
06-26-2023, 10:13 PM
Way cool, NPV !! I’m just getting into saltwater fly fishing this year. I live on some of the best salt flats around for redfish and sea trout. I plan on taking a few guided trips first to learn the ropes.

NPV
06-27-2023, 09:48 PM
Was fishing in the Pamlico off Hatteras week before last... only on the water 2 days (small craft advisories, 25+kt winds a few days, a day setting up the boat after being in storage..)... Was hoping for Drum and Speck, but only caught a few Skate and Bluefish...:p... and a good sunburn... :cool:

Looks like you're having a great time AND catching... Double bonus.

Flounder limits were "0" in OBX... Illegal to have one on the boat... Which is ok by me, I don't like flounder. :rolleyes:
Thank you, I’ve been pretty successful on the water. I’m relatively young but I’ve been running a boat for 15 years and fishing for even longer than that so I have a “lot of time on the water”. I definitely understand the setting up of a boat, this is the 4th season with current rig and it’s still a work in progress (read moneypit), I have a laundry list of things left to do to really optimize it and maintain it.

I know it’s not your intended species but Bluefish are always fun! Their aggression is almost comical.

Way cool, NPV !! I’m just getting into saltwater fly fishing this year. I live on some of the best salt flats around for redfish and sea trout. I plan on taking a few guided trips first to learn the ropes.
Awesome! That’s a smart, and IMO, the best way to break into a new fishery. A good guide will help cut the learning curve down significantly. After that it will be about finding the fish, their patterns, etc. But once you know you can catch them if they’re there (master what you can control) it all becomes easier. I’m no expert when it comes to fly fishing and still throw some tailing loops every now and again but the challenge is fun and for me is a good way to mix things up.

TOTS
06-28-2023, 10:00 PM
…But once you know you can catch them if they’re there (master what you can control) it all becomes easier. I’m no expert when it comes to fly fishing and still throw some tailing loops every now and again but the challenge is fun and for me is a good way to mix things up.

I make the analogy that fly fishing is the bow hunting of the fishing world. The absolute most difficult way of doing it. But it works with my ADD. Keeps me busy and engaged.

LJP
06-28-2023, 10:05 PM
My second fish of the year caught on a lure in a local reservoir…

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I was introduced to ice fishing this past January and was instantly hooked (pun intended). I quickly bought all the requisite gear at close out prices. Now I’m waiting for ice again.

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There’s a feel good story attached to the photo above… an antique that still works!

NPV
06-30-2023, 06:11 PM
Got a few rat BFTs today, but it’s always nice to get fish on the first offshore trip of the year.

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RoyGBiv
06-30-2023, 07:38 PM
Got a few rat BFTs today, but it’s always nice to get fish on the first offshore trip of the year.



Only some blue fin? Boohoo! :p

#Jealous

:cool:

NPV
07-07-2023, 08:37 PM
Only some blue fin? Boohoo! :p

#Jealous (https://pistol-forum.com/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=Jealous)

:cool:

:D fair enough haha

We got the size models we were after today, also paid the tax man twice.

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HeavyDuty
07-07-2023, 09:50 PM
Just spent the weekend in Lincoln, NH. Now I want to learn tenkara style fly fishing.

Two years later and halfway across the continent, I finally bought a tenkara style rod. I want to try it on some of the local cricks, streams and small rivers. I also hear there is good water for this style of fishing in the hill country.

HeavyDuty
07-10-2023, 08:37 PM
Fly fishing is completely new for me. I used to boat fish walleye and pike in north Ontario, and shore fish using cast ultralight and various length fixed line bream poles in Illinois - but I haven’t fished in years. I just signed up for an intro to fly fishing including Tenkara at a fishing shop down in Round Rock for the end of August, hopefully I’ll be out of this collar by then.

Supposedly we have a few small rock bottom streams and rivers within ten or fifteen miles of home that are good for Tenkara style fishing.

NPV
07-24-2023, 02:43 PM
More Sashimi

Also managed to hook an estimated 80-100” fish on the gear we use for these school sized tuna. We fought it for an hour before it finally chafed through the 60lb leader. We got one look at it early when it was tail wrapped but that was it. It would have been cool to get the hero shot and swim/ensure a proper release on it but oh well we were very outclassed. Pretty much the equivalent of bringing a butterknife to war.

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NPV
08-01-2023, 11:38 AM
The Bluefin bonanza continues, got some good guys on fish yesterday and we all had a blast despite hitting a log in the dark on the way out.

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BobM
09-02-2023, 06:41 AM
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Took the kayak to the local state park last night. All I caught was this little (six to eight inch) catfish on an ultra light rig. First cat from the kayak and first cat in many years. Now I want to go after bigger ones.

NPV
09-06-2023, 10:17 PM
The offshore season is coming closer and closer to ending but I’ve been able to put together a solid year. My last trip this Tuesday we went 9 for 19 hookups. Not a great ratio but the action was hot and heavy. Seeing these fish rocket themselves out of the water to eat a popper is such a rush.

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RoyGBiv
09-07-2023, 06:36 AM
The offshore season is coming closer and closer to ending but I’ve been able to put together a solid year. My last trip this Tuesday we went 9 for 19 hookups. Not a great ratio but the action was hot and heavy. Seeing these fish rocket themselves out of the water to eat a popper is such a rush.

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That water is my kind of flat.. Looks like a great time...

What are you doing with all that tuna (and Mahi)?

NPV
09-07-2023, 10:46 AM
That water is my kind of flat.. Looks like a great time...

What are you doing with all that tuna (and Mahi)?

A whole host of things, much of it goes to myself and my crew and gets consumed/vacuum sealed. Some of it is used to barter for stuff like my buddies beef they slaughter or as payment for favors. And some of it gets sold. All the Mahi Mahi get turned into tacos though!

BobM
09-10-2023, 07:26 PM
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Last year I bought this old Martin pack rod and reel set from another forum. The seller thought it needed new line but wasn’t sure what weight it should take. I recently found a brick and mortar fly fishing shop not too far away and went there last week. The young man there thought it was a six weight and said he had a reel set up with a six weight line in the back. We took it to the yard and tried it out. He also gave me some casting tips as I’m self taught and not very consistent. He installed the backing and line and leader on my reel.

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Last night I took it to the pond at the gun club and caught a few small bluegills. It’s lighter than my other fly rod and some of the little fish were pretty scrappy.

I bought my other fly rod back in the 80s and it still has the original line. I’m going back to the shop and get new line on it too.

HeavyDuty
09-11-2023, 08:24 PM
I did an intro to Tenkara fly fishing class Saturday, I’m loving this style. I was big in to Mick Thill style fishing back in the 80s and 90s, this has the same appeal.

TOTS
09-11-2023, 09:46 PM
I’m off to the Yellowstone next week and hitting up Anglers West for a guided trip. Plan on taking my 5 and 7 wts with me. Hopefully the hopper seasons won’t be completely past. I’ll take a bunch of pictures but probably won’t post any as I always get an exceedance error message when I try to.

NPV
09-18-2023, 02:19 PM
I’m off to the Yellowstone next week and hitting up Anglers West for a guided trip. Plan on taking my 5 and 7 wts with me. Hopefully the hopper seasons won’t be completely past. I’ll take a bunch of pictures but probably won’t post any as I always get an exceedance error message when I try to.

Looking forward to some pictures, I had the same issue until I renewed my site subscription.

BobM
09-18-2023, 08:47 PM
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Last night I went back to the gun club pond with the old fly rod I bought when I was in high school 40 some years ago. Unfortunately it’s catch and release only so the bluegill seem mostly stunted. I did practice casting with the tips from the young guy at the fly shop and I’m getting more consistent. This rig still has the original level taper line so I’m going to have the shop replace the line.

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The biggest one from last night, it was pretty scrappy.

NPV
10-05-2023, 10:49 AM
I guess it’s not over until it’s over, the madness continues pre and post hurricanes/storms.

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the Schwartz
10-05-2023, 03:41 PM
My daughter routinely out-fishes her old dad.

Here she is with a black crappie

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And a large mouth bass

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Both caught at a local metropark.

TOTS
10-15-2023, 07:56 AM
Looking forward to some pictures, I had the same issue until I renewed my site subscription.
Ended up fishing three different rivers over a three day period both in and outside of the (Yellowstone) park. We had a great time. Walk-and-wade trip was my preference and ended up hiking 8-10 miles by the time the first day was done; exhausted due to factors, but saw some amazing country. I was particularly surprised by the color difference (more vibrant) in fish at the higher altitudes in the park vs the valley fish in the Yellowstone River.
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the Schwartz
10-16-2023, 01:13 PM
A little early autumn fishing with my oldest (who has indicated a desire to pursue a career in the United States Air Force) has him showing up his old dad (again) with some superior fishing skills that landed him a 24-inch channel catfish.

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NPV
11-05-2023, 05:12 PM
Ended up fishing three different rivers over a three day period both in and outside of the (Yellowstone) park. We had a great time. Walk-and-wade trip was my preference and ended up hiking 8-10 miles by the time the first day was done; exhausted due to factors, but saw some amazing country. I was particularly surprised by the color difference (more vibrant) in fish at the higher altitudes in the park vs the valley fish in the Yellowstone River.
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Gorgeous views, good fishing, physical activity, literally can’t beat that. Awesome thanks for posting!

TOTS
11-05-2023, 06:04 PM
Gorgeous views, good fishing, physical activity, literally can’t beat that. Awesome thanks for posting!
Absolutely; thanks for the interest. I’m trying to get more into saltwater fishing and share time on a friend’s 28 Pro Cat. But saltwater fishing is expensive!! $$$

NPV
11-05-2023, 08:17 PM
Absolutely; thanks for the interest. I’m trying to get more into saltwater fishing and share time on a friend’s 28 Pro Cat. But saltwater fishing is expensive!! $$$

I often tell people the best way to fish in saltwater is the find a friend with a boat…….I should take my own advice :p. But yes it’s definitely a drain on the wallet, beyond boats the gear (especially for bigger game) is just insane.

It’s also different in the intensity aspect too, I used to fish/flyfish a lot for trout and trout and there was always something so relaxing about it. From the views, to the only sound being the flow of the river, crisp air, being able to hike into new spots, get in my truck and leave whenever, not having to deal with other people. None of that is part of the saltwater game at all haha.

TOTS
11-05-2023, 08:49 PM
I often tell people the best way to fish in saltwater is the find a friend with a boat…….I should take my own advice :p. But yes it’s definitely a drain on the wallet, beyond boats the gear (especially for bigger game) is just insane.

It’s also different in the intensity aspect too, I used to fish/flyfish a lot for trout and trout and there was always something so relaxing about it. From the views, to the only sound being the flow of the river, crisp air, being able to hike into new spots, get in my truck and leave whenever, not having to deal with other people. None of that is part of the saltwater game at all haha.
That’s why I do it. I’m not usually crushing the fish. I’m a hiker too so now I just carry a bit more gear and tell people I’m going on a hike and may stop to fish a bit. Makes me feel better about getting skunked.

cornstalker
01-31-2024, 10:10 PM
Had a pretty solid year last year. Started the year with a guided float on Lake of the Woods in Minnesota. We hammered 'eyes and Sauger for three days with a few Northerns mixed in.

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This was our haul on day 2.

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I dig northern Minnesota. The north woods are amazing. We caught a ton of fish drifting within 1/2 mile of the Canadian border.

cornstalker
01-31-2024, 10:23 PM
A couple of weeks after returning home, my wife and I went fishing and camping for our anniversary. We had the rare treat of getting to watch a fairly large tornado from a nice safe distance.

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The cell came our way after the tornado roped out. We sat in the truck until the rain and small hail quit, then went back to fishing.
Didn't take long to get an eating-sized Northern.

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We then headed to the lake that we were camping at. I caught 16 trout. I took a few videos but not a lot of pix.

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On another trip I got a chunk of a trout on the first cast, followed by another eater pike.

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cornstalker
01-31-2024, 10:34 PM
I took off work early one afternoon and fished until dark. I caught four trout and had a pike bounce out of the net.
I was quite surprised to catch trout on the giant pike spoon.

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We went night fishing. The wind was blowing like hell. We sat in the truck for a bit and watched everyone else leave when it started raining. 20 minutes later the wind laid down and the rain stopped. We had the place to ourselves. We caught six trout and enough mudbugs for a good meal.

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This is only the second time I have gone through an entire season without getting skunked at least once.
2024 mission is to catch a Tiger Musky and a 40"+ Northern.

HeavyDuty
01-31-2024, 10:45 PM
We used to fish out of Ely as a kid, and then further north in Ontario when I was a little older. There’s nothing like the northwoods.

NETim
01-31-2024, 10:45 PM
If we're going to play the Lake of The Woods card, here's one of my wife's muskies from this past August.

Supposedly fishing for smallmouth bass, but she was in muskie mode:

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cornstalker
01-31-2024, 10:51 PM
That would be a Lake of the Woods trump card, sir.
What a beast! To heck with smallies with gators like that lurking about!

NETim
01-31-2024, 10:58 PM
That would be a Lake of the Woods trump card, sir.
What a beast! To heck with smallies with gators like that lurking about!

The muskies were going that week. I didn't bring any of our musky gear though. I was content to just get back on LOTW and relax. We hadn't been there for a coupla years due to her battle with lymphoma. Just glad to have her back up there and fishing.

All her muskies hit little topwater baits, except one. It hit a small pike alongside the boat and wouldn't let go. She played tug of war with it for nearly a minute until it finally let go. The little pike was able to swim away but I don't think it did it much good.

I had to hand land that fish as it was too big for the net. She wanted a pic. :)

HeavyDuty
01-31-2024, 10:58 PM
And *that’s* the reason we kept a muskie bat in the boat.

cornstalker
01-31-2024, 11:02 PM
Topwater Pike and Musky is bucket list stuff for me. I have yet to get to witness that explosion firsthand. 2024 is the year!

Sounds like an amazing trip!

NETim
01-31-2024, 11:10 PM
Topwater Pike and Musky is bucket list stuff for me. I have yet to get to witness that explosion firsthand. 2024 is the year!

Sounds like an amazing trip!

It was a great trip. Just toss a noisy topwater bait into junky looking little coves with rocks and reeds and keep throwing it. Eventually something will happen. LOTW is loaded with nice muskies. And I think the pike fishing is getting better all the time.

You'll get one.

cornstalker
01-31-2024, 11:14 PM
It was a great trip. Just toss a noisy topwater bait into junky looking little coves with rocks and reeds and keep throwing it. Eventually something will happen. LOTW is loaded with nice muskies. And I think the pike fishing is getting better all the time.

You'll get one.

I have been trying Whopper Ploppers and Spooks on some local lakes, but no love yet. I don't know when I will get back to LOTW again. I might want to hit McConaughy next for giant Walleye and Wiper.

NETim
02-01-2024, 10:02 AM
And *that’s* the reason we kept a muskie bat in the boat.


No muskie batting on LOTW. They have to be 54" to even think about keeping one. We've caught several high 40's fish over the years. A couple low 50's is all. A 54" is truly a fish of a lifetime, even there IMHO.

First of our "big" muskies. 48" fat Fall fish. Graphite reproduction. Caught (and released) on a snowy, windy, cold late September day on LOTW waaaayyy back in 2003. I spent most of the day huddled as deep inside my big Gore-Tex parka as I could get. :)

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cornstalker
02-03-2024, 07:20 AM
No muskie batting on LOTW. They have to be 54" to even think about keeping one. We've caught several high 40's fish over the years. A couple low 50's is all. A 54" is truly a fish of a lifetime, even there IMHO.

First of our "big" muskies. 48" fat Fall fish. Graphite reproduction. Caught (and released) on a snowy, windy, cold late September day on LOTW waaaayyy back in 2003. I spent most of the day huddled as deep inside my big Gore-Tex parka as I could get. :)

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May I ask where you had that reproduction made? That is amazing work!

NETim
02-03-2024, 08:52 AM
May I ask where you had that reproduction made? That is amazing work!


https://www.alignable.com/antigo-wi/fittante-taxidermy-fish-replicas