Saturday, April 23, 2011

High Wind Watch, time to go fish!

A somewhat good day to go fishing, winds at 25 mph, right about 80 degrees and partly cloudy.  There was time in the schedule to head out to the pond for some casting practice.  Given the blustery conditions I decided to start out with the heavier equipment.  So I grabbed for the bait casters, one with a shallow crank bait, the other with a texas rigged worm with a 3/8 oz weight to send it out there.   The last item was my heavy spinning rig with a skirted spinner bait. 

I walk out there easily as my current set of sandals tends to throw stuff about as I walk and some of it gets wedged between my foot and sandal.  Almost better to just walk about barefoot.  I get over to water's edge and send out the spinner bait.  The brightly red colored egg beater makes its way through the water with no interest at all.  Ok, time to change to the crank bait.  Pretty much every retrieve is cause for a pause to clear out all that algae that is trapped by the wobbling bait.  Again no interest.   Same thing for the T-rigged worm.  Wow, maybe this wind is bothering the fish too. 

What is really bothering me is the intensity of the sun.  It is quite rough to stay fully exposed.  So I make my way over to the other side of the pond to escape the sun and sit under some shade.  While sitting there I decide to send the worm towards the center of the dam.  Having the wind at my back makes the long cast there even easier.  So I sit down and work the worm back nice and easy.  Several repeat casts and I'm still sitting in the shade.  One of the casts gets about half way back when I feel some attention.  It plays out as a classic bass pickup on a worm.  A light tap followed by a very light pickup and a gentle pull.   It is during that pull is when I respond with a healthy return pull of my own.  There is some really good resistance on the end and the pole really loads up good.  I'm using the 10 lb mono on this rig and it is still quite a ways out so I decide to work in a series of hook sets.  This time I really sent the hook home with a follow on set.  When i got the fish to shore it had the hook nicely set right behind the jaw hinge.  It was a really healthy 15 inch LMB with a modest belly.  I'm guessing that it was a post spawn fish that was looking forward to enjoying that large worm.   The pickup was pretty light and gentle.  I had no idea from the characteristics of the pickup that the LMB would be that sizeable.  Lovely good fun.  There was very little fuss in getting the hook out and bass returned to the water.  It is rewarding to see them swim off after a good tussle. 

Several young families ended up visiting the other shore trying to tease the bluegills on the line.  That got me thinking that it was time for a change of pace.  I decided to walk back to the truck and switch out equipment and put the fish whip to work.  I got the line rigged up with a small # 12 with a lashed up strand of twine.  Amazing how effective this little fly works.  It is nothing fancy or appealing.  Just a longitudinal strand of twine lashed to the hook shank.  Easy peezy!

I was catching bluegills like crazy.   Even managed to catch a 13 inch LMB on that little fly too.  I thought it might have been a quick catch and long distance release as the small fly was hooked right in corner but since the gap on a # 12 hook is only about 3 mm I wasn't sure if it would hold till I got it shore.  The fly rod has quite a bit of backbone to hold off that LMB and keep it guided out of the snags.  Wow, I'm liking this fly fishing more and more.  What a hoot!  It is so personally satisfying to catch and release these lovely fish using my own fly creations.

I also managed to catch a visually stunning green sunfish.  This must have been a male as the fins had striking colors at the edges along with razor sharp little teeth.  I fought that little fish as long as it took to shore the LMB.  All really good fun.  The wind is still an issue but at least it won't keep me from catching fish!   Cool!

Friday, April 22, 2011

Weightlessness

Greetings!  It seems that things have changed on the current bite at the pond.   The low and slow is not getting as much interest as it has in the past.   High and slow have appeared to be the trick as of late.  So with that I've switched over to really light line, 2 and 4 lb test with soft baits and no weights. 

The winds have made using this technique both challenging and treacherous.  It is not so much the placement of the bait on target, it is the unpredictable towing of the trailing line to all parts of the lake.  Often to undesirable locations and positions.  An example was the instance where I was able to make a deliberate cast over a small pocket to a distant point.  The bait managed to land right where I wanted, the breeze carried the trailing line up and over into adjacent reeds.   Fortunately the weedless rigging worked reasonably well as long as I didn't get too aggressive in hauling it back through. 

The interesting trend for these LMBs is to take the bait without pulling away.  They either swim towards or just laterally in either direction.  So unless you are diligently monitoring the line behavior the take is not apparent.   Most of the time all that is detectable is an odd line movement counter to the breeze.  Then the challenge is to gently take up line for a decent hook set.  The other issue is that given the extra time the fish has the opportunity and motivation to get the bait deep into the mouth and sometimes beyond.  Fortunately the hook set has only involved the outer mouth and not beyond the sphincter.   As a precaution I've stopped using the worm hooks and am only using the wide gap hooks. 

So far the hook change has worked out really well.  In the past few days all the fish have been hooked right in the side of the mouth or in the lower lip.   This is wonderful to minimize the trauma and speed the release. 

Also in the past few days the overall size of the LMBs has dropped slightly.  Several of them are in the 13 ~ 15 inch range with most at the smaller size.   Interesting enough my baits have caught the attention of the next generation too.  There are several 1 year bass at the 7 ~ 8 inch range that are chasing down the bait but not committing enough to strike.   Sure is fun to watch. 

Using the plastics as sort of a shallow swim bait fashion has been really interesting too.  I had one follow right up to less that 2 meters and then engulf the bait just prior to lifting it out of the water.  What a hoot to see the strike and hook set too!  

Since going down to very small light lines it didn't occur to me that in the past few days I've been catching LMBs at or very near the specified 2 lb test.  The other interesting thing is that it seems even with the drag set modestly low I've not lost any fish that I've tensioned on.  However when I do haul back there is quite a bit of slippage.  

I did try something different today.  I set up one of the bait cast rigs to a 0.25 oz weighted wide gap hook and put on a Zoom fluke bait, sort of a fish looking lure.  I made really long casts with it and could see that it was swimming about 0.2 meter down in a slow oscillating fashion.  I was about to abandon it and go to something else when I got a little tap at the beginning of one long cast.  I hauled back on it and only felt a slight loading.  Since this was the fiberglass pole it has quite a bit of give and flex.  So I just started cranking it back as fast as I could.   Right about the halfway point in the retrieve I felt a slight attempt to resist and by the time I got about 0.75 hauled in the resistance came off.  So I never got to see what it was.  Must not have got that heavy gauge hook in well enough.  So it goes. 

Using the UL 2 lb test setup with the little golden shiner bait, I was able to get a 13 inch LMB to commit.   That was fun as the tussle on the light line is so fun.  Should be interesting if I tie into a larger one using that rig. 

Tonight in resetting all my equipment, I decided to make some other changes.   So I removed the fluke baits.  I've also setup a dark red spinner bait along with a modestly weighted T-rigged worm.  Again back to the basics to see those are working again.  May have some time to sneak out for some cast practice this weekend.  There are several weather disturbances moving about the area bringing even more wind.  Right now they are projected to be 20 ~ 25 mph.   Heck might have to try a few crank baits too given the wind!

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Lateral Moves and a Full Moon

Still have a breeze to contend with, wind was just over 12 mph and swirling in several directions.  Made for interesting casting.  The temperature was just 90 so it is definitely shorts and tee shirt weather. 

I'm guessing the full moon has quite a bit of influence on the fish's appetite.  Right from the start I got casting with the lizard.  I'd make these long casts on the weightless lizard.  The bait would settle and the line would start to move laterally.  There was no perceptible loading on the line to feel.   When the fish did move the line it would feel like a light peck and that was it.  However it would continue to move laterally.   Ok, I figured I got their number on this new twist of things.  I would just follow the line, reel down and haul back. 

I got 3 LMBs using that technique within the first 15 minutes being there.  They were all about 11 ~ 12 inches in size.  Interesting enough all of them had fairly trim bellies.  So I'm guessing that they have spawned out.  So it must be time to eat!  And eat they did.  All three of them had a good portion of the lizard in their gullet.  It was a bit of a challenge to gently remove the lizard from that sphincter.   I'm also going to make a change from the worm hooks back to the wide gap hooks in hopes of not getting the hook in so deep in the mouth.  These larger worm hooks go down into the mouth quite far and I'm concerned that removing them is a challenge. 

When using the skirted jigs the large gap hooks there never go very far down in.  So I'm hoping to duplicate that when using the soft baits.   I also got several strikes on the skirted jigs when sending it towards the center of the dam.  Unfortunately they must have learned from the previous day as they didn't persist in holding on to the bait.  I was not able to get any of them to hold on or bring any of those to shore. 

I also used the fish whip today with limited success.  I managed to bring several to shore with another one that was chased about by a really large bass right after hooking up.  That was exciting.  The bluegill dove right into the shallow weeds and so did the large LMB.  The bluegill got a reprieve as I was able to lift it clear and release it.  I think it might be time to bring out the real fly rod and give that a try once again.  I'll see how that works with my new technique. 

I found out today in the breeze that casting sideways works really well.  I can manage the wind by keeping in to my back and I also avoid catching myself too!   The main benefit is that I'm able to watch the timing of both back and fore casts.  The accuracy is pretty good using this sideways technique.  So I'm thinking that I can do even better with a full length fly rod.  We shall see.

Friday, April 15, 2011

I got you!!

It is one of those Chamber of Commerce days here, mid 70s, light winds, 13 mph, the visibility is getting better about 15 miles.  Still don't quite know what is causing all this shmutz in the air.  Sure wish it would clear up a touch. 

It is warm and clear enough that you can feel the sunburn coming and you can see deep into the water.  It looks like another start of some floating weed blooms again.  Several of the shallow areas had small clumps building up again.   Makes casting through it a bother.  Since the wind direction has changed, I decided to head over to deeper water and try there first.

I get into a good position and fire out a shot with a weightless lizard.  I let it settle from the long cast and get surprised by a rapid tug.  It is so strong but short in duration that it catches me off guard.  About 10 minutes of repetitive casting doesn't produce anything else.  So it is time to try something else as an alternative.  I go on to the skirted jig and send one way out towards the center of the dam.  Again, it settles from the initial drop and I get that all too familiar peck and pull.  Again, it is toying with my emotions, as just when I think it is suitable to load up on it, the whole show's off and it gets slack from the drop. 

Ok, we've played this game and they have played it well.  Time for a change of strategy, time for those fast reflexes, right?   Nope, that wasn't doing it at all.  Several cycles of that produced nothing but muddy shoes from mis-stepping on the bank.  Ooops!  Back to brute force and stupidity, I'm just going to stay on target and wait for it.  I really observe the pattern, it is only happening on the initial drop.  If I make attempts to move it from that initial location all bets are off.   So I fire and prep while it drops.  Easier said than done as these are really 90% or more long casts to reach this location.  I can only toss so far with that current setup. 

I send it out there and manage the slack line to a slight bow to minimize any tension on the bait.  There it is peck and pull.  It is about 4 seconds between cycles of this.   An interesting point the pulls are getting a bit more every time.  So maybe it is more interested than I realize.  I wait a few more cycles of this and then it comes where there are two concurrent cycles with very little 'down' time.  That is my queue!  I point the rod tip down, start reeling and haul back on the line and pull through all that 40+ yards of line cast out in the water.  I can feel some weight at the other end but since I'm using mono I'm not sure of the stretch factor so I'll figure it all out in a moment.   Right now I'm winding like a mad man.  Through the windings I can start to feel shock and awe on the distant end.  Apparently I caught it by surprise as it took a moment to figure out we are ON!  Funny how the most prominent thought for me was, " I GOT YOU! ". 

A side bar benefit for this type of hook up is that you have extended time goofing with the fish.  Once again my drag on the bait caster was not quite as tight as I would have liked for the hook set but it was good enough.   About half way back the fight was really on for the two of us.  At this point a frequent fellow fisherman who was nearby was now watching intently as he saw the little pole in my hand bow with every surge.  It was even  more exciting as things got airborne and when it got close to shore.  There were several really strong surges right at shore where I had to ease up and let the situation play out for a bit longer. 

Clear water is a both fun and helpful.  I could see the jig securely impaled in the corner of the jaw plate.  Love those jigs!  That weed guard appears to keep things held fast in place too.  This was a heavy fish for the way the playing about at the initial bite.   Who would have guessed that this 15 inch LMB was the culprit for playing with my emotions.  I GOT YOU!

I eased it to shore and gave it a quick look over as I lifted the hook gently out.  Thanks for playing the game.  I lowered it to the water and let it swim off.  The colors were pretty but light in contrast so I'm guessing this was a deeper water fish. 

Considering where I put the lure, there must be shelf or ledge that I'm not aware of as it doesn't seem very long of a drop.  Should be interesting to see if I can find more out that way in the days to follow. 

I also got a chance to haul out the fish whip and goof with that too.  I ended up wearing out one of my newer flies.  It was frazzling quite a bit.  Must be from all that abrasion from fish teeth.  I got  a whole bunch of bites but only a couple that stay on long enough for me to connect.  Even then I was only able to bring one to shore.  Most of them were extended releases.  I'm getting good at those.  The cool part is that your hands don't get gummy or fishy.  So it goes.  I'll need to tie on a different fly, one that is not frazzled.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

There's A Storm Front Coming...

It must be a theme of storm fronts and fishing.  Yes, there is a small front passing through the area today.  The visibility is down to about 10 miles, and the temperatures have dropped a few degrees as it made its way through. 

I got out there at the typical mid-day time and picked a position where I could launch a 3/8 oz skirted jig out towards the center of the dam.   Since the wind was up there about 15 mph it was challenging maneuver.  That wind carries the trailing line right over into the weeds.   Given the use of lighter mono it is so light that a subtle breeze is enough to move it a long ways from the intended destination.  Fortunately the cast was delivered far enough away.  I let it settle and gently worked it back making only slight movements. 

This was not working so about halfway back I decided to speed up the retrieve and just plan on trying another place.  So I'm cranking briskly and at about 2 meters from shore I see a shadow following the jig.  Oooh, maybe if I pause and let it flutter.  Yes, sure enough as soon as I paused in the cranking the shadow over took my bait and engulfed it.  It didn't move but I didn't wait for it to do so either, I hauled back on the line and set the hook.   Even at the limited distance of 2 meters the fight was on.  It didn't help that I failed to set my drag aggressively.  I basically forgot to preset the drag, I typically release the drag after each fishing session.  I've heard that is a good thing to do in maintaining the quality of the drag for a longer life. 

By the time I got the drag tightened up the tug of war was still raging.  Fortunately with the drag at a better setting it was a bit easier to gain the advantage.  As I got the fish to shore, I was somewhat concerned on just how to handle it.  I could not see the jig so I wasn't about to thumb it in the lip blind.  That is a big sharp hook on that jig!   It appeared that the whole jig was in the mouth.  The hook penetrated the side of the jaw plate with enough of the wide gap hook passing through and curving right back into the front of the jaw.  Yes, out and right back in.  I've never run into this type of hook up before.  It is truly a new one for this kid.   I'm glad I had the mini pair of pliers in that multi-tool.  It came in quite handy to provide enough leverage to get the hook out without too much fuss.  I was able to get the 15 inch LMB back on its way to the dark depths.  That was cool, except for the fussing about with the reel drag...

That was fun so I fired another long cast out towards the middle of the lake.  Only this time the breeze decided to change directions and cause an over run on the reel.  I'm still learning how to setup the bait cast reel to deal with casting into the wind and avoiding those spool over runs.   Ok, that cast didn't produce anything but frustration as it took me some time to clear out the loops. 

I decided to move down to another location where the wind wouldn't be quite the issue for me.   I send the jig out and at about the halfway point, there is a slight tap inbetween one of the pulls.   I let the jig settle to see if there is a follow on interest.  I didn't have to wait too long as there came several light pickups and pecks.  The tugs were really light and just enough to pick up the lure and then drop it just as quickly.   I was hoping that my patience would be rewarded.  This went on for some time, I'm guessing over 30 seconds where it would just pickup and let go.  So I keep a bow in the line watching it and not putting any pressure or tension.   I noticed that it was getting a bit more aggressive in the pulls, they were appearing to last a bit longer each progressive time.  I'm in no hurry as this could be a small sunfish or a rather large one.  Finally there was what I perceived as a protracted pull, one that I could possibly connect on.   So point the rod tip towards the line, reel down and haul back.  Oooh, there is some night weight on the other end as the pole and reel strained and you could hear the mono tension up in the wind.   Oh it is on!  As soon as I set the hook I could feel the surge and the fish rose to the surface to give me a good look at it.  Wow!  Two LMBs in three casts.  I'm starting to like storm fronts!

This was another good 15 inch LMB that was really healthy.  It had a nice girth to it.  I'm not sure if it has completely spawned out but it was not that aggressive on hitting the lure.   It might actually be that it was guarding the nest down deep and was picking at the lure.  Either way it was good fun and a quick release.  This one was neatly hooked in the corner of the mouth so the hook lifted right out.   I like that. 

The rest of the time was devoid of interest.  However I'm happy to have connected with two for that session.  I would have been content with that much time out at the pond.  It was a special treat to get some more time later in the day.  I was able to get in some more casting near sunset. 

I decided to give the weightless brush hog a try as the wind was still blowing and I was able to cast the light soft bait.  On my first cast out to the center of the pond, the line started moving laterally.  I was so surprised and happy but the wind had payed out quite a bit of line so I had to move gently and quickly to tension up on things.  As soon as I was ready the fish dropped the bait.  So the waiting game began again.  As with earlier in the day this was a light peck and pull but very short in overall duration.  By waiting I could tell that there was a commitment and interest as it seemed to come back with a matter of of a second or two. 

I waited some more to see if I could get a protracted pull.  It finally came and I was comfortable in pulling back.  Since there was so much line payed out I wasn't quite sure if there was enough effort to set the hook.  When I pulled there was not much weight there.  The rod tip responded with a tug from the fish.  It was not a very strong pull but it was there.  The 11 inch LMB gave reasonable resistance but I'm sure it was happy it was over quick.  Popped out the hook and sent it on its way. 

A 3 bass day!  What a hoot.  It doesn't happen often and when it does it sure puts a smile on my face.   Cool!

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Frontal Vortex

Hi There!  It in the low 40s with winds about 20 mph gusting somewhat more than that.  Hey, there was time to get in some casting practice.  It wasn't all that bad if you had the appropriate clothing.  I thought I did until the rain came.  I stuck it out for as long as I cared to before the wind and rain got the better of me.  When those cold fingers were having issues it was time to go home and warm up. 

I've got to say that things were really impressive when I arrived.  It was nice that I had the whole pond to myself.  Most intelligent folks probably wouldn't be outdoors in this weather.  I on the other hand was motivated to try a few new things out.  First of all was the new lizard bait on 2/0 worm hook.  Thought I might try something really different as my previous bait combinations were not so interesting as of late.  I saw that a package of the lizards was not too far beyond the traditional worm costs so I got a package.  While at the super store, I thought about how effective those wide gap hooks have been.  While I've done ok with the smaller hooks, it might be time for something larger.  

Wow, that was a good choice for this afternoon.  My first cast out and as soon as it hit the water, the line started moving laterally.  I got the bail closed and reared back on it.  Wow!  Yeah that really is the only thought that ran through my mind.  It was only an 11 inch LMB but it totally took the bait into its mouth with that large gap worm hook fully penetrating the side corner of the jaw membrane.   Wow, what a way to start out my cast practice.  It was good to dial in to what works.  

I made a few casts with the spinner bait and skirted jig with no interest.  I eventually made it back to the lizard bait and got a light peck at one point.  I suspect it was a small sunfish hitting on one of the appendages.   I figured it was time to try another area.  So a few steps down the way I'm near another likely spot.  I make the toss with the unweighted lizard fighting the wind the whole time in flight.   It hits the water and again instantly gets attention from something.  Unfortunately something small and not even able to haul out any line with it.  Again it is more of the little pecking action.  Hey, at least there is interest.

I eventually make my way over toward the deeper water near the dam.   Somehow magically all those floating clumps of algae have sunk or disappeared from sight.  I'm able to get to one of my historically successful spots.   I hold my cast for a launch between gusts.  Being on the down wind side of things I can see the gust patterns on the surface of the water.   There is a slight lull and the lizard is sent on its way.   I'm struggling with closing the bail in time to keep the tailing line from being blown into the snags.   As I'm winding in it seems that the line is moving and the slack is really being taken out quick.  Yup, I had help.  I tighten up quick and this is a good one as the load on the pole tells me it is bigger.   This one decides to haul out towards open water and dive down hard.   It isn't till I get it near shore that it decides to get out of the water for a good head shaking session.   Eventually there was enough of that and I needed to bring this playing to a close.  The hook slides out easily as right after the initial fish I clamped down on the hook barb with my pliers to make life a bit easier and increase the sporting value too.   This fish also obligated to inhale the entire lizard.  My initial thought was the lizard bait was thrashed to bits and was torn off the hook.  However, when trying to get at the hook the lizard was all scrunched up and inside the mouth and part way in the gullet.  I had to give a gentle tug to get the tail end cleared.  Wow!  The 12 inch LMB was very healthy and aggressive.  Cool!

That tussle made enough commotion that I was not surprised that I was not going to get any more takers in that area.  Also the wind and rain now ramped up on me.  It was time to either get or get over to the other side of the pond if I was going to be able to make any casts with this unweighted bait. 

Upon arrival on the opposite side of the pond, I decided to send one right into the reeds near a deeper spot.  Once again, the line started moving about right after entry into the water.   Wow!  This one was even more surprising as it was not a LMB it was a green sunfish, a big one about 9 inches long and it too had the whole lizard in its mouth.   Wow!

The remainder of my time was not that interesting as the light rain was increased to a full out rain and the wind put a serious chill on my exposed hands.   It was getting tough to get the fingers to work well.  Time to head home and get comfortable.  Not bad for a short trip out and trying some new things.  Fun was had. 

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Wind and Rain

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Who would have thought that fishing in 15 mph winds could be so enjoyable.  I for one typically don't care for being out in the wind.  In season's past being in the wind would leave me suffering greatly from allergies and all sorts of discomfort due to enraged sinuses.  While I did suffer a minor sneezing bout as I left the vehicle and made my way down to the shore.  I ended up having to stop a moment and find a handkerchief.  Undaunted I decided to try a few casts using the traditional heavy lures. 

Given the strength of the storm front bearing down on me this afternoon, the winds were gusting substantially and the temperatures had dropped to the lower range of the 60s.  I figured I'd give the 0.5 oz lipless rattle bait and the 3/8 oz skirted jig a go since they have been set aside for the past few weeks.  I worked both rigs in several locations with no interest that I could detect.  Of course in that high wind unless something tied on hard I don't thing I was going to feel much... right?   I continued with the long casts and trying a variety of retrieves to see if I might find success.  It was not to be even with the really loud noise maker.   I was gratified that I didn't loose either of the lures as I make quite a few deposits in the prior month.

So before this took up all my time out there.  It was time for another switch of techniques.  I walked back to the vehicle and exchanged the rigs for the fish whip and my other UL swimbait.  Upon my return, I started with the swimbait.  Immediately I was able to perceive the light little pecks on the little swimbait as it was hauled back.  Casting that feather light 2 lb fireline is a real joy to use and watch.  It is sort of the same intrigue as watching an arrow in flight to the target.  The little 1/32 oz bait sort of hangs out there along with the tag line held aloft by the wind.   It almost defies gravity as you make a cast using it and the landing is delayed to the point of where you being to question, where did it go?   It is simply held up there and gently enters the water.  I've figured this could make for an interesting lure action as I don't really have to do much on my end as the wind  teases the suspended line and acts on the lure in an ever shifting way.  What a hoot!  Just cast and refrain from doing anything other than monitor it. 

I was greatly encouraged by all the short little strikes.  Smaller lures appear to be the way to go.  I almost got a number of the strikes though a couple of cranks on the reel but eventually they disconnected.  In making those casts, I was able to map out just where the concentration of activity was located.  This setup for a transition to the fish whip for a go at the active ones. 

The wind gusts and swirling presented a casting challenge in timing and technique.  I had to change my typical timing for the false casts to create a much tighter loop at a lower angle so the wind would catch it so much.  My first cast landed far from the intended destination.  It was still suitable so I worked it for a few line strips before things came together on another potato chip sized BG.   So it begins again.  They are so much fun to play with.  A few more repeats of this and I'm off to another location.  That initial area seems to hold a large concentration of the smaller fish.   The deeper pockets have more size and variety of species.  A short walk over to another spot confirmed this. 

Using the wind to extend my casts over to a deeper section  of the pond proved to be very interesting.  Some really aggressive large fish were found and released.  It appears to find areas that are deep enough for the more sizable fish.  Too deep and they are not there.  Too shallow and you have the little ones.  So more exploring and characterizing the pond is in order. 

Unfortunately a wall of sprinkling rain combined with the wind made for an uncomfortable situation wearing just a tee shirt and shorts.  It got cold quick!  Time to go.  I'll come back another time.

2 Stepping Using the Fish Whip

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Well, there I was taking some time out to get in some casting practice.  As of late I'm having a good time using the 'fish whip' a compact UL fly fishing rig.  Using my own hair jigs the small sunfish are a simple pleasure to catch and release.  The weather forecast for this week is a real mixed bag and this day was supposed to be most stable with very light winds and clear skies.  Hey, I'm always ready to go fishing, so the weather typically is not too much of an issue.
The day is in the mid 70's with some strong blue skies and the sun is strong.  I'm getting a good look at all the fish out there as the water is pretty clear.  I'm able to find a spot where I'm reasonably clear for both the fore and back cast.  Fortunately most of the fish are congregating near the edges where there is structure along with those floating globs of algae.  All my casts are well within 4 meters.  So it is all easy peazy in getting the fly put somewhere where it can be 'loved' on.

Most of the action is right there upon the initial entry into the water.  A pause of a second or two will usually get quite a few to take a closer look.  A quick little series of line strips will produce a commitment by one of them in short order.  Usually after a couple of those quick strips it is time to haul it out to another location or just to re-present it.  I'm convinced the splash is a reaction trigger.

I ended up making casts in a fan pattern as to not over fish any particular location.  As I made a short cast over to a little pocket of clear water.  I see the line shoot off as a small potato chip sized bluegill launches with the fly in the corner of it's mouth.  I lock the line between my fingers and the little BG shutters as it struggles off in a lateral arc.  Within the that same second, there is a large wake that comes from a nearby glob of algae and a dark shape over takes the BG in a flash.  Then that dark shape reveals a silvery side as it rolls with my fly that was in the BG and is now in the LMB!  I really wasn't counting on this as the pole is now loaded to the limit and the line is peeling through my fingers.

I'm somewhat in a state of shock over what just transpired before me less than 3 meters in front of me.  The LMB powers over to small stand of reeds and a partially submerged tree branch.  I tell a friend who is also fishing near by that, 'you are not going to believe this...'.  Apparently he sees the loading on the rod and offers his support and his phone camera.  As we are talking the LMB manages to get both into the snags and is partially lifted on the snag during one of the head shakes.  It is important to know that this is a little number 12 hook in the side of the mouth on this sizeable LMB.  If that wasn't enough my leader material was some really old recycled 4 lb test mono that I was using as I couldn't see wasting it by simply tossing the stuff from a very old spool.  At this point I was concerned how I was going to free this fish from the snags.  As my friend approached I'm guessing the fish wanted to have it's portrait taken.  It gained enough strength to take on another surge at freedom.  That was fortuitous as it cleared the snag and made way toward clear water.  I maintained generous tension and was able to guide it to shore where I was able to clear the hook from it's mouth.

I did take a peek to see if I could see the BG that it attacked, no sign of it not even a fin.  This was a very health LMB that measured out to 16 inches with a nice girth to it.  My friend was kind enough to snap a picture of the fish for a good memory of the moment.  < When I get the picture, I'll work to figure out how to integrate it with this post. >  The big fish was probably quite happy when it could get away from me and get back to digesting that BG.  It was good to see it swim off and head right back to that floating clump of algae.  Again, thanks for playing.

Not bad for my second LMB on the fish whip.  I'm really starting to enjoy this type of fishing.  It is much cheaper than the other methods.  I also get quite a bit more catching rather than just casting.  I like it!

Since I was having such a good time in that location I decided to continue my fan casting pattern.  Several BGs latter, I managed another cast that happened to land right beside another partially submerged plant when the line jumped into action.  I clamped down on the line and lifted the pole only to have it load up in a straight off run, not the typical lateral pull.  Odd, this is not a big fish but it is pulling differently.  Yes, my third LMB on the fish whip.  Ok, it was really fun but quite laughable as the fish was all of 7 inches.  So this method appears to work for fish of all sizes.  Cool! What a way to enjoy some time out at the pond. 

Monday, April 4, 2011

Using a fish whip reasonably well

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Since I've not been doing all that well with traditional spinning rigs with traditional baits (small crank baits and soft plastics on jigs).  I'm guessing it is the change of season as I can see the sunfish going to spawn.  The fish just don't seem to be interested in biting on the lures.   Oh don't get me wrong there is interest to turn and watch the bait, some even follow.  Only a few will actually commit to sampling and most of those that sample are only short striking at the lure.  

My efforts at low and slow using jigs and weightless worms hasn't really produced much interest either.  I've tried the tradition pull and drop, a slow drag, and a wicked jitter all with consistent ignorance.  This is not to say that another fellow fisher chap who rigs a cigar worm wacky style on a lead jig head was able to tie into a few LMB but they are far apart and few instances of happiness.  I suspect those scented Yum worms are working their magic.  I may eventually try one of them soft cigar worms, eventually...maybe...

So being interested in catching not just fishing, I thought I'd mix it up a bit.  I had de-comissioned a short 4 foot ultra-light pole that was very light in action and had slip rings for a reel mount.  I figured it might serve reasonably well as a compact fly rod, a fish whip.  So I teamed it up with a 3 weight fly line and a reasonable length mono leader connected to one of my own hand tied hair flies.   Yes, some left overs recycled from my last hair cut.  It is a tuft of hair lashed neatly on a number 12 hook that has had the barb crimped down.  This 'fish whip' rig has been very handy and will get the fly out far enough to get in some really fun 'catching' at the local pond.  I've had to adjust the timing on the casts to adjust for the length of the pole.  I didn't account for the wind, at least until I got out to the pond over the weekend.  Yes, the wind was way over 15 mph with significant gusts beyond that. 

Right, so tossing a very light number 12 hook out with reasonable accuracy would be challenging or even silly, maybe?  Well, in my case it was marvelous.  Those lovely clusters of bluegills and other similar sunfish were more than happy to keep me entertained and casting away.  I was even impressed with several that decided to play.  There were several bull bluegills and green sunfish that were almost a two hand hold.  Yes, they were a tough one hand hold so the size and girth were impressive.  The amount of resistance when on the line was more fun than I anticipated.  Upon the hookset and tension, they launch and peel line from my hand.  While none of the surges would pull out all the line so I could get them on the reel, it sure was fun to see that supple ultra-light pole arced over at full bend.  Wow that was a lot of fun, I need to do that again!  This happened cast after cast, location after location.  

A note on location, I found that those shallow areas held the most cautious fish, they took their good ole time to inspect the fly and then took some more time to get interested enough to do anything about it.  Casts in the deeper areas produced fish that were more aggressive in hitting the fly.  I'm guessing those are the ones that are needing to eat quickly otherwise someone else will get it. 

Speaking of getting before others.  It turned out that in making a cast in one of the deeper sections, I had a gust of wind pull the fly over near one of the floating masses of that really fine weeds, algae sort of.   Anyhow before I could do much about it other than watch the fly hit the water about an inch or so from the clump, a sizeable flash rolled on the small hair fly.  Oh man oh man!  It is a LMB!  My first LMB on a fly!  Whaaaahoooo!  What a pull and tussle.  Amazing just how that little wispy rod could put some loading back on that LMB's pull.  It was so cool to have a bigger fish play.  I was so greatfull for the experience as the tiny little hook was right on the edge of the LMB's teeth section and the little hook held firm.  However, as soon as I released tension and put my hand on it, the fly just easily lifted out.  I'm really liking those barbless hooks.  It is also nice to be able to just lift the hook out without fussing about.

It was so cool that the LMB took the fly.  I was also just as gratified to see it gently swim off back to it's hide hopefully to continue and flourish.  In being so jazzed about the catch I realized that I was still excited to accurately place the fly in the wind.  It ended right into a protruding snag.  So it goes, that ended up with a broken leader so I had transition over to my UL spinning rig.  So tossing out that little swimbait on the jig would be interesting in the wind.  Fortunately that setup casts well.  I managed to get the bait out and work it back in a somewhat slow retrieve as the wind was lifting the line above the water on occasions.  It wasn't long till the little bluegills pecked at it.  I could feel the little short strikes as the line would jump and then continue on.  Right as I was retrieving one of the casts about 3 meters out it stopped and vectored off laterally.  Oooh a big bluegill.  No wait the color is quite dark and the shape is not quite right.  Wow!  A green sunfish, warmouth.  Sort of a hybrid, mouth of a SMB and body of a bluegill.  Boy that little 10 incher put on the same spectacular show as the LMB.  The pole doubled over and I strained with keeping the line managed.   When I got it to shore, I could barely get my single hand about it.  It was both large and girthy, just a tub!

So other than the somewhat gale force winds a great day working out the fish whip and catch my first LMB using it.  Cool!