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Splendid day for panfish!
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Oct 13, 2021 13:14:37   #
fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)
 
Well, yesterday was a complete "wash out" as far as making any efforts to go fishing for crappie. Cold, misty, drizzly, rainy, windy, cloudy, hazy and foggy...all day long with no reprieves! Stayed home and started to re-read an old sea kayaking book.

Today...a different story...almost the complete opposite except for no sunshine. Took the pedal kayak over to a pleasant small lake close to home and had an absolute blast catching small bluegill by the boatload. Did manage one crappie and a single LM bass as well. The fish were "speed swimming" in large schools all over the place in the 40 acre sector of the lake I chose to stay within. It's close to the launch site access and I only wanted to stick around for a few hours. I had to keep moving at a rapid pace in zig-zagging patterns to keep up with a particular school...or break away and find another group. They were scattered all over the place and never stayed in one hover for very long! Water depths ranged between 15' and 35', so that kept things interesting as well. It took a little while to figure out the best jig color today...which ended up being one of my favorite combinations of a black head and orange grub tail.

The gills averaged 8 inches, but I was doing catch and release on those because I was really targeting the crappie. Only managed to get one single crappie so I decided to also keep one bluegill to compliment my lunch serving. I have a feeling that the bluegill were so numerous that it made it hard for the crappie to compete today!

The most enjoyment I had was in trying out a new set up with a double bait scenario. A "San Juan worm" fly above a small jig. It worked like a charm, and just about every other fish came up on either choice.

Enjoy your Wednesday and keep on fishing, whether in your mind, reading a good book/magazine or out on the water in person!

The portion of the lake that is in view represents about 10% of the surface area. Kind of a cozy little cove off of the main lake.
The portion of the lake that is in view represents...

Typical 8" bluegill...they enjoyed having a multiple choice offering!
Typical 8" bluegill...they enjoyed having a multip...

Caught this modest sized largemouth bass sneaking around on the underside of a school of bluegills.
Caught this modest sized largemouth bass sneaking ...

The fish were plentiful, but small. Still great fun to catch...no frowns or gripes from me!
The fish were plentiful, but small. Still great fu...

Crappie at 10-1/2 inches. Not like the jumbo's from earlier this Summer, but big enough to keep.
Crappie at 10-1/2 inches. Not like the jumbo's fro...

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Oct 13, 2021 13:27:22   #
Mr.Wood-E Loc: Franklin, LA
 
Yes indeed! That's a great day right there!

Reply
Oct 13, 2021 13:29:16   #
OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin
 
Great way to spend a few hours, for sure. Congrats and thanks for sharing!

Reply
 
 
Oct 13, 2021 13:33:51   #
Andy cacciatori Loc: Modesto cal.
 
fishyaker wrote:
Well, yesterday was a complete "wash out" as far as making any efforts to go fishing for crappie. Cold, misty, drizzly, rainy, windy, cloudy, hazy and foggy...all day long with no reprieves! Stayed home and started to re-read an old sea kayaking book.

Today...a different story...almost the complete opposite except for no sunshine. Took the pedal kayak over to a pleasant small lake close to home and had an absolute blast catching small bluegill by the boatload. Did manage one crappie and a single LM bass as well. The fish were "speed swimming" in large schools all over the place in the 40 acre sector of the lake I chose to stay within. It's close to the launch site access and I only wanted to stick around for a few hours. I had to keep moving at a rapid pace in zig-zagging patterns to keep up with a particular school...or break away and find another group. They were scattered all over the place and never stayed in one hover for very long! Water depths ranged between 15' and 35', so that kept things interesting as well. It took a little while to figure out the best jig color today...which ended up being one of my favorite combinations of a black head and orange grub tail.

The gills averaged 8 inches, but I was doing catch and release on those because I was really targeting the crappie. Only managed to get one single crappie so I decided to also keep one bluegill to compliment my lunch serving. I have a feeling that the bluegill were so numerous that it made it hard for the crappie to compete today!

The most enjoyment I had was in trying out a new set up with a double bait scenario. A "San Juan worm" fly above a small jig. It worked like a charm, and just about every other fish came up on either choice.

Enjoy your Wednesday and keep on fishing, whether in your mind, reading a good book/magazine or out on the water in person!
Well, yesterday was a complete "wash out"... (show quote)


Fishyaker
Sounds like you had a great morong noticed the old Mitchell loved those reals still have my 300 that I got when I was 14.!!
Have a great week
Andy

Reply
Oct 13, 2021 14:07:39   #
Apollo Loc: Grand Lake, Ok
 
Looks like you had a fun day, and great presentation of your pictures!

Reply
Oct 13, 2021 14:12:02   #
bric Loc: Helena, MT
 
fishyaker wrote:
Well, yesterday was a complete "wash out" as far as making any efforts to go fishing for crappie. Cold, misty, drizzly, rainy, windy, cloudy, hazy and foggy...all day long with no reprieves! Stayed home and started to re-read an old sea kayaking book.

Today...a different story...almost the complete opposite except for no sunshine. Took the pedal kayak over to a pleasant small lake close to home and had an absolute blast catching small bluegill by the boatload. Did manage one crappie and a single LM bass as well. The fish were "speed swimming" in large schools all over the place in the 40 acre sector of the lake I chose to stay within. It's close to the launch site access and I only wanted to stick around for a few hours. I had to keep moving at a rapid pace in zig-zagging patterns to keep up with a particular school...or break away and find another group. They were scattered all over the place and never stayed in one hover for very long! Water depths ranged between 15' and 35', so that kept things interesting as well. It took a little while to figure out the best jig color today...which ended up being one of my favorite combinations of a black head and orange grub tail.

The gills averaged 8 inches, but I was doing catch and release on those because I was really targeting the crappie. Only managed to get one single crappie so I decided to also keep one bluegill to compliment my lunch serving. I have a feeling that the bluegill were so numerous that it made it hard for the crappie to compete today!

The most enjoyment I had was in trying out a new set up with a double bait scenario. A "San Juan worm" fly above a small jig. It worked like a charm, and just about every other fish came up on either choice.

Enjoy your Wednesday and keep on fishing, whether in your mind, reading a good book/magazine or out on the water in person!
Well, yesterday was a complete "wash out"... (show quote)


Nice going yaker beautiful pics!

Reply
Oct 13, 2021 14:24:48   #
nutz4fish Loc: Colchester, CT
 
fishyaker wrote:
Well, yesterday was a complete "wash out" as far as making any efforts to go fishing for crappie. Cold, misty, drizzly, rainy, windy, cloudy, hazy and foggy...all day long with no reprieves! Stayed home and started to re-read an old sea kayaking book.

Today...a different story...almost the complete opposite except for no sunshine. Took the pedal kayak over to a pleasant small lake close to home and had an absolute blast catching small bluegill by the boatload. Did manage one crappie and a single LM bass as well. The fish were "speed swimming" in large schools all over the place in the 40 acre sector of the lake I chose to stay within. It's close to the launch site access and I only wanted to stick around for a few hours. I had to keep moving at a rapid pace in zig-zagging patterns to keep up with a particular school...or break away and find another group. They were scattered all over the place and never stayed in one hover for very long! Water depths ranged between 15' and 35', so that kept things interesting as well. It took a little while to figure out the best jig color today...which ended up being one of my favorite combinations of a black head and orange grub tail.

The gills averaged 8 inches, but I was doing catch and release on those because I was really targeting the crappie. Only managed to get one single crappie so I decided to also keep one bluegill to compliment my lunch serving. I have a feeling that the bluegill were so numerous that it made it hard for the crappie to compete today!

The most enjoyment I had was in trying out a new set up with a double bait scenario. A "San Juan worm" fly above a small jig. It worked like a charm, and just about every other fish came up on either choice.

Enjoy your Wednesday and keep on fishing, whether in your mind, reading a good book/magazine or out on the water in person!
Well, yesterday was a complete "wash out"... (show quote)



Nice pic of classic Mitchell reel. I still fish some of mine from time to time hoping to "exercise" the drags. Funny story , I took a-spare spool down to the bait & tackle shop and got it filled on their machine. Weeks later installed on a reel I bought at a flea market. Cast went well, and floating Rappala took a vicious hit. Turned the handle, bail closed, and I started reeling like crazy. Line shot out everywhere into a huge birdsnest. Turns out some of these reels made for Euoropean market rotated in the opposite direction. As they say : " do not try this at home " Landed little 10 in. LM bass with hand over hand retrieve. Later went to the Bait shop and asked him what he thought happened, and he cranked reel chuckled and told me the scoop. Who knew? I refilled spool on reel at home and all went fine. This reel and others sit on a display shelf in my fishin' room ( spare bedroom ), but it's the only one with a red tag. Conversation piece only. I actually have other mid 1940's to 1960's European spinning reels of other makes in my collection, but they all rotate like USA direction.Many have partial bails are interesting, but can be troublesome in windy conditions. But I generally only fish them once, and dust them off from time to time.
ps.. I never heard about back reeling spinning reels until saw it mentioned here on Digest. I'm not going to try it after that experience either!

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Oct 13, 2021 16:54:10   #
Rhyno Loc: Santa Rosa,California
 
Looks like you had a good day,and I understand that Crappies are very tasty,thanks for the pics🎣

Reply
Oct 13, 2021 17:16:15   #
mbrillhart1957 Loc: Southeast Wyoming
 
Does look like you had a splendid day. Good for you. I woke up to 8" of snow! Great seeing that vintage reel. I have a few old reels displayed also.

Reply
Oct 13, 2021 18:36:55   #
Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.
 
fishyaker wrote:
Well, yesterday was a complete "wash out" as far as making any efforts to go fishing for crappie. Cold, misty, drizzly, rainy, windy, cloudy, hazy and foggy...all day long with no reprieves! Stayed home and started to re-read an old sea kayaking book.

Today...a different story...almost the complete opposite except for no sunshine. Took the pedal kayak over to a pleasant small lake close to home and had an absolute blast catching small bluegill by the boatload. Did manage one crappie and a single LM bass as well. The fish were "speed swimming" in large schools all over the place in the 40 acre sector of the lake I chose to stay within. It's close to the launch site access and I only wanted to stick around for a few hours. I had to keep moving at a rapid pace in zig-zagging patterns to keep up with a particular school...or break away and find another group. They were scattered all over the place and never stayed in one hover for very long! Water depths ranged between 15' and 35', so that kept things interesting as well. It took a little while to figure out the best jig color today...which ended up being one of my favorite combinations of a black head and orange grub tail.

The gills averaged 8 inches, but I was doing catch and release on those because I was really targeting the crappie. Only managed to get one single crappie so I decided to also keep one bluegill to compliment my lunch serving. I have a feeling that the bluegill were so numerous that it made it hard for the crappie to compete today!

The most enjoyment I had was in trying out a new set up with a double bait scenario. A "San Juan worm" fly above a small jig. It worked like a charm, and just about every other fish came up on either choice.

Enjoy your Wednesday and keep on fishing, whether in your mind, reading a good book/magazine or out on the water in person!
Well, yesterday was a complete "wash out"... (show quote)


Looks like a nice day Yaker. Panfish are a blast on light gear. Nice classic Mitchell you have there. The cove you chose to fish is fish is beautiful, as are your pictures. Thanks for sharing.

Reply
Oct 13, 2021 20:22:57   #
fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)
 
Glad that folks are enjoying this post thus far, and I appreciate the input, stories shared and thoughtful comments. Today was a 37th wedding anniversary for my wife and I...and while she enjoys sleeping in now and then, I like to rise early and spend time fishing...so today was no exception!

Although our air temps have been staying fairly mild, I know what is coming...that "white stuff" called snow. Some of you are already getting it and pretty soon it does put a crimp on outdoor activity unless you really bundle up...like JB after those smallies in Montana!

The classic Garcia Mitchell reels are still among my favorites. I use a mix of new and "vintage" tackle, and this "308" works wonders on a little ultra lite rod. Even small fish make you feel like a tuna has been hooked! Frankly, when that bass struck, I was super excited...thinking it would be a 14" plus sized crappie! That bass was 35' down, which was also where the crappie came from! Still fun though!

I was using a very light jig weight, and as it would slowly fall into the schooling fish the higher up ones would grab it before anything deeper could see it...which is where I think the large crappie were hanging....

My Fall "punch list" of places to fish, and species to pursue, is getting checked off fairly well. I am hoping to get back to this lake at least 2 more times, and after a couple of deep water jigging trips out in our local bays for cisco I may be ready to sit back and wait for safe ice to form.

That being said, if the air temps stay decent, I'll keep on fishing until the line guides freeze up! It's been a very good Summer around here....

Reply
 
 
Oct 13, 2021 20:30:53   #
Rhyno Loc: Santa Rosa,California
 
fishyaker wrote:
Glad that folks are enjoying this post thus far, and I appreciate the input, stories shared and thoughtful comments. Today was a 37th wedding anniversary for my wife and I...and while she enjoys sleeping in now and then, I like to rise early and spend time fishing...so today was no exception!

Although our air temps have been staying fairly mild, I know what is coming...that "white stuff" called snow. Some of you are already getting it and pretty soon it does put a crimp on outdoor activity unless you really bundle up...like JB after those smallies in Montana!

The classic Garcia Mitchell reels are still among my favorites. I use a mix of new and "vintage" tackle, and this "308" works wonders on a little ultra lite rod. Even small fish make you feel like a tuna has been hooked! Frankly, when that bass struck, I was super excited...thinking it would be a 14" plus sized crappie! That bass was 35' down! Still fun though!

I was using a very light jig weight, and as it would slowly fall into the schooling fish the higher up ones would grab it before anything deeper could see it...which is where I think the large crappie were hanging....

My Fall "punch list" of places to fish, and species to pursue, is getting checked off fairly well. I am hoping to get back to this lake at least 2 more times, and after a couple of deep water jigging trips out in our local bays for cisco I may be ready to sit back and wait for safe ice to form.

That being said, if the air temps stay decent, I'll keep on fishing until the line guides freeze up! It's been a very good Summer around here....
Glad that folks are enjoying this post thus far, a... (show quote)


Congratulations on 37 years!! That is an accomplishment and n it’s self

Reply
Oct 13, 2021 20:59:35   #
fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)
 
Rhyno wrote:
Congratulations on 37 years!! That is an accomplishment and n it’s self


Thank you! Just got home from a nice gourmet dinner in one of our downtown restaurants. Felt nice not to do any meal planning! I always enjoy fish...so I went for the salmon, while my wife enjoys chicken and noodle stuff! Just finished playing some darts...a little competition to keep the hand eye coordination skills tuned!

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Oct 13, 2021 23:00:53   #
Billycrap2 Loc: Mason county,W(BY GOD) Virginia, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈπŸ¦…
 
fishyaker wrote:
Thank you! Just got home from a nice gourmet dinner in one of our downtown restaurants. Felt nice not to do any meal planning! I always enjoy fish...so I went for the salmon, while my wife enjoys chicken and noodle stuff! Just finished playing some darts...a little competition to keep the hand eye coordination skills tuned!


Graduation on your 37th anniversary and many more years Thank for the pictures πŸŽ£πŸŽ£πŸŽ£πŸŸπŸŸπŸ πŸ πŸ‹πŸ‹πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈπŸ¦…πŸ¦…

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Oct 14, 2021 09:04:09   #
kandydisbar Loc: West Orange, NJ
 
fishyaker wrote:
Well, yesterday was a complete "wash out" as far as making any efforts to go fishing for crappie. Cold, misty, drizzly, rainy, windy, cloudy, hazy and foggy...all day long with no reprieves! Stayed home and started to re-read an old sea kayaking book.

Today...a different story...almost the complete opposite except for no sunshine. Took the pedal kayak over to a pleasant small lake close to home and had an absolute blast catching small bluegill by the boatload. Did manage one crappie and a single LM bass as well. The fish were "speed swimming" in large schools all over the place in the 40 acre sector of the lake I chose to stay within. It's close to the launch site access and I only wanted to stick around for a few hours. I had to keep moving at a rapid pace in zig-zagging patterns to keep up with a particular school...or break away and find another group. They were scattered all over the place and never stayed in one hover for very long! Water depths ranged between 15' and 35', so that kept things interesting as well. It took a little while to figure out the best jig color today...which ended up being one of my favorite combinations of a black head and orange grub tail.

The gills averaged 8 inches, but I was doing catch and release on those because I was really targeting the crappie. Only managed to get one single crappie so I decided to also keep one bluegill to compliment my lunch serving. I have a feeling that the bluegill were so numerous that it made it hard for the crappie to compete today!

The most enjoyment I had was in trying out a new set up with a double bait scenario. A "San Juan worm" fly above a small jig. It worked like a charm, and just about every other fish came up on either choice.

Enjoy your Wednesday and keep on fishing, whether in your mind, reading a good book/magazine or out on the water in person!
Well, yesterday was a complete "wash out"... (show quote)


NICE!!

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