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Posts for: lawrence1l
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Apr 5, 2024 17:04:14   #
ghaynes1 wrote:
That the time I spent learning to fish with my grandfather and father was time I would never get back. The value of that time can't be duplicated.


Absolutely! The times I have been with friends, and the kids have been priceless.
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Apr 3, 2024 07:56:19   #
I started using circle hooks when I became aware of them. The two youngest boys were the most strident fishermen of the kids, and they kept me busy with either hook removal or cutting line and tying on new hooks. What they mostly caught was slightly under-size smallmouths, with the occasional small catfish. The circle hooks reduced the time I had to spend dealing with the boys' fish. I still didn't get to fish much myself, but I did get to watch them more.
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Jan 19, 2024 13:13:09   #
We often camp around there, and fish around the ML end of the channel, in the warmer months. I have been thinking about steelhead upstream from Newaygo, but at this stage of my career, (70) I do a lot more thinking than fishing. Still...
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Oct 21, 2023 21:40:09   #
Hello! I have only fished a couple of places around you. I used to take the two younger boys downtown, behind the armory. We caught a lot of 12-13 inch smallies. We caught a fair number of smallmouth at Shiatown Park, also. Youngest son caught some pike there also.
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Oct 13, 2023 12:52:45   #
Thanks, Yaker! I have had an unfulfilled desire to catch salmon, or other fighters, in the surf. Since I retired, it seems like wherever I am, the fish are somewhere else. I remember going with a group of guys from church, to the Platte, having a great time between the hatchery and the bridge. Thanks for the report.

Larry
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Oct 11, 2023 21:23:53   #
Yaker: Thanks for the picture of the kayak hauler. Being thrifty, sometimes to a fault, I made two out of golf club carts. The one for my wife's boat worked well. My boat has a concave hull, and did not work well. I bought one like the picture, and it worked so well, we got another for the Mrs. Now, everyone is happy.
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Oct 11, 2023 10:30:03   #
Yeah, Scale, portability is a big issue. An even bigger issue is personal preference. I have a 12 ft. fishing kayak, I don't even remember the brand. I put a couple of rod holders in front of the seat. My back is too stiff to turn easily to put rods in, or take out, of the rod holders behind me. I think yaker has put together an amazing set-up. Coveting is a sin, and I am working hard at not coveting his boat. I have, arguably, too many hobbies, so they all go wanting. One of the great things about this web site is being able to read the exploits of Yaker, and others, that may be more dedicated to fishing, and have more to share with us than vice versa. Thanks to all of you.
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May 11, 2023 19:59:09   #
Great work, Matt. When my youngest comes home for a visit, he is usually anxious to get over to Park Lake to catch some bass. We have pulled a fair number of bass and cats out of there, but no pike. I'm sure he would love to latch on to one like this.
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Apr 27, 2023 06:06:39   #
I don't seem to suffer from 'cabin fever'. I'm too easily entertained. I have been checking on the water situation for weeks now. It seems like whenever I have spare time to go, the rivers are practically at flood stage. Oh, well, other hobbies are calling.
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Apr 27, 2023 05:43:18   #
StevenZinn wrote:
Looking for fishing buddies. I live in the triangle between Sparta, Rockford and cedar springs. Retired, open to travel regionally. I’m married but a solo fisherman. Would love to do charters but can’t afford to pay for a day alone so if I could find a couple of people to split the cost. Also even fishing the rivers alone is risky (according to the wife.)


Good Morning Steve. I feel your pain. I have never had that much desire for a charter, though my wife has taken me on one in Alaska. I am more of a river/waders guy. I was going to go surf fish on Mount Desert Island (Maine, Acadia National Park). It was determined (not by me) that the rocks I would have to cross to get to the textbook inlets to fish were too dangerous. I was only able to fish the places that the gov't agency ascertained to be the places to fish (docks). 'They are safe'. I am convinced that the fishing recommendations for the area are written by women. It seems that the gov't recommendations are determined by whether they are safe, rather than by the likelihood of catching fish. I was not, and am not so sure of the legitimacy of the concerns.

Have you ever fished the Rogue. It is one of the rivers I have looked into fishing. I do a lot more 'looking into' than fishing. I am retired, too. I have more hobbies and projects that I saved for retirement than what I have time for, so most of them go wanting. My hunting/fishing buddy has grown up, married, and moved to northern WI. He gets home a few times a year for holidays, but much of that time is taken up with family gatherings, as I suppose it should be. We did spend a few days together last deer season, which we both enjoyed. He has caught a few muskies since he moved to WI. He has asked me about coming to visit to go fishing. No plans have yet been made. Anyway, you have part of my sad story. Feel free to send me a PM should you want to discuss it further.
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Mar 18, 2023 16:16:32   #
It is now March 18, 2023. The temperature of Lake Huron is 33 Fahrenheit. It has been snowing most of the day. I informed my wife that I plan to take a day trip over to the mouth of the Alabaster/Whitney Drain, also known as the East Branch of the Au Gres River. This place used to get some ink from a Michigan writer/fisherman named Dick Swan. He was instrumental in popularizing light line techniques for relatively large (at least by fresh water standards) fish. I have tried to find some writing on this area that is recent, to no avail. The water is a little cold, yet, but I figure to get over there in about ten days. Just as young Mr. Pip, I have great expectations.
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Oct 14, 2022 07:49:32   #
J in Cleveland wrote:
Thanks Fix to rich for me as well. I will be out soon in my 14fter and I have a plan to get some eyes and a trout or 2?🤞🏻


I think I have about $250 into a 15ft. Okuma 10wt. spey rod and Redding reel. I thought that sounded like a drop in the bucket, compared to what a lot of you fellows spend on tackle.
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Oct 14, 2022 07:37:23   #
FixorFish wrote:
"Centerpin" as practiced here in the PNW (observed on TV shows and videos, haven't personally invested in the gear nor even tried it, just yet), is long, 12'-15', rods, not unlike about a 12wt-14wt flyrod. The reel is a quite large arbor fly reel, "click 'n' pawl" at best....no drag, no gears. They cast and retrieve, or merely troll, huge streamer-type flies, using braid, fly line, mono, fluorocarbon (??, have seen a variety... probably need a guide's help or at least a hands-on class).
The practice is quite big up in British Columbia, plying the edges and bays of the Pacific. Have yet to see anyone doing this method in freshwater, although I suppose it would work.
Kinda seems like kind of an "esoteric pursuit" to me, not unlike "Spey Fishing" (though Spey has a huge practicality, since the line is kept in front of you, great for woody banks). The two methods certainly have one thing in common..... THE GEAR IS PHENOMENALLY EXPENSIVE !!
A centerpin reel can be $600-$1000+, as can be the rods.

Sport of (fishing) Kings, on the hunt for "kings" ?

Too rich for my blood and my tiny boats.... but it does seem to offer a fine way to catch some 'nookies'.
"Centerpin" as practiced here in the PNW... (show quote)


I bought a 15 ft. 10 wt spey rod and a Redding large arbor reel, last spring.I find myself in Georgia currently, thinking about the salmon run. I remember having reasonable success with red and white streamer flies. I hope the fish are still in the river when I get home.
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Apr 20, 2022 07:52:14   #
fishyaker wrote:
Our Northern Michigan Winter was starting to wear us thin on patience for warm weather to arrive as we passed the midpoint of March. After a spectacular season of snowmobiling and ice fishing it was time to hang up the sled keys as well as stowing away the cozy ice shanty, hole boring drills and assorted collection of dainty mini rods. My wife was anxious to hit the road and make tracks towards the Florida panhandle to soak up some much needed sunlight and rejuvenating fresh air.

The plan was to bring our bikes and beach gear...nothing else as far as sporting goods. That being said, I did end up bringing a duffel bag full of parafoil kites along...you never know when the breeze is going to be just perfect for putting a colorful piece of fabric aloft on a string! A vacation without fishing...hmmm...not sure if I would be able to resist temptation when the water and fish would be right there in front of me all day long! The bikes came in handy, and we managed to put on several miles each day via local neighborhoods and dedicated trail networks.

Spent about 6 hours on average at the beach everyday over a 3 week period and it sure was relaxing. I deliberately left my rods and tackle at home, and simply enjoyed watching other folks fish. My wife was very impressed with my resolve, but ended up encouraging me to purchase a small metal "net" contraption designed to scoop up seashells and fish bait from the surf. That turned out to be a blast, and I had nearly as much fun doing that as fishing. Ultimately, I ended up supplying sand fleas for nearby fisherman to use as bait. One fellow even allowed me to cast his rigs out to gain an extra 100 feet or so on the leveraged fling, which definitely put a smile on my face.

Although I have been to coastal regions from time to time over the years, this was the first time I really gave some thought towards getting into saltwater fishing. If I lived closer, I most certainly would! I can see why those of you on the forum that live near the oceans enjoy it so much. The prey can be surprisingly unknown, large, and challenging to catch. From the piers and surf settings, I observed pomano, redfish, cobia, spanish mackerel, bonito, sailcats, rays and small sharks being caught on a regular basis. At times, the fishing was as slow as molassas...but when the action was "hot", people were bringing fish onto shore like a boy canepoling bluegill from a stocked farm pond. I did end up purchasing a small amount of tackle, like pomano rigs and "Gotcha" lures. They might even work for some of the fish I pursue in Northern Michigan!

If I ever go back to this region, you can believe that I will arrive prepared to fish! Upon our recent return home, we have been welcomed by continued cold temperatures and snowy days. During lunch this afternoon, I told my wife that I was ready to leave again and go back to Destin, FL..."right now"! She knew I was kidding, but agreed that our recent vacation was among the best we have ever taken.
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Our Northern Michigan Winter was starting to wear ... (show quote)


This is a great read. I have been to the east coast twice. Took surf fishing tackle both times, to no avail. I learned about the fish migrations, and part of why I didn't catch anything. Perhaps I will get another shot at them.
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Apr 5, 2022 13:33:57   #
Mark:. I'm a West sider. The White is my favorite, mostly because I grew up with it. I have camped at the Rifle, and fished there, once. Had one brown to show for my efforts. I have fished Whitney Drain a few times, and caught a few small catfish. I read about fishing the mouth, many years ago, and have given it some thought. Building projects are rapidly eating up the spring.

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