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!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
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.
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
20110406
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.
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
20110404
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.
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
20110403
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!
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!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Golden sunshine and clear blue skies
20110330
It is a beautiful 80 degree afternoon, bright clear day, with a light breeze at 10 mph. I've only got a few minutes to get in my typical casting practice. The weed bloom is on full force. The entire dam section of the pond has about a 2~4 meter additional false shoreline due to the thick matting of these really fine filimentaceous weeds. The individual filaments are finer than most hair. Fortunately they are not very durable so snagging them with the hook is not that big of an issue.
The wind and sun have created both heavy concentrations of these floating blobs. There positioning is quite dynamic too. The small sunfish are taking full advantage of them. If you look carefully you can see many of them hovering directly in the shade of these floating canopies. This also turned out to be a nice strategy too. Just cast right beside and slightly beyond one of them to see if anyone is interested. This was exactly what I did when I first approached the pond today.
I made some initial casts using a small plastic swimbait of sorts. Got plenty of following interest, just not much commitment. So I switched over to the fish whip, flyrod with my hair fly. Lots of interest and several short strikes. Gotta get my technique of stripping the line down better and minimizing the slack. Missed quite a few initially, started to get better at it as time went on. The wind was still an issue in getting my accuracy in placing the fly tough. I did manage to tie on and get several to the shore.
Apparently my actions got the interest of several, unbeknownst to me. A familiar photographer who was in the area strolled by to say 'hi'. They were watching on of the blue herons that migrated over to my side of the pond and was watching intently. Apparently it was interested in the fish that I was catching. While I've enjoyed sharing the fishing experience with many I failed to realize that so many folks were watching me so closely. Guess it might be prudent to improve that situational awareness factor and not get so focused on one element of the environment. Lesson learned.
I eventually snagged the fly on a submerged branch and ended up loosing it. No worries switch back over to the swimbait lure. Toss that a few time out to the edge of the weed clumps. Waaahoo! A very nice and health green sunfish. Lots of fight power there! On the 2 lb line it is all good! The girth on these fish is impressive, much like the amount of energy in resisting. To all of them, thanks for playing.
Maybe a chance to head over there towards the end of the day, maybe...
It is a beautiful 80 degree afternoon, bright clear day, with a light breeze at 10 mph. I've only got a few minutes to get in my typical casting practice. The weed bloom is on full force. The entire dam section of the pond has about a 2~4 meter additional false shoreline due to the thick matting of these really fine filimentaceous weeds. The individual filaments are finer than most hair. Fortunately they are not very durable so snagging them with the hook is not that big of an issue.
The wind and sun have created both heavy concentrations of these floating blobs. There positioning is quite dynamic too. The small sunfish are taking full advantage of them. If you look carefully you can see many of them hovering directly in the shade of these floating canopies. This also turned out to be a nice strategy too. Just cast right beside and slightly beyond one of them to see if anyone is interested. This was exactly what I did when I first approached the pond today.
I made some initial casts using a small plastic swimbait of sorts. Got plenty of following interest, just not much commitment. So I switched over to the fish whip, flyrod with my hair fly. Lots of interest and several short strikes. Gotta get my technique of stripping the line down better and minimizing the slack. Missed quite a few initially, started to get better at it as time went on. The wind was still an issue in getting my accuracy in placing the fly tough. I did manage to tie on and get several to the shore.
Apparently my actions got the interest of several, unbeknownst to me. A familiar photographer who was in the area strolled by to say 'hi'. They were watching on of the blue herons that migrated over to my side of the pond and was watching intently. Apparently it was interested in the fish that I was catching. While I've enjoyed sharing the fishing experience with many I failed to realize that so many folks were watching me so closely. Guess it might be prudent to improve that situational awareness factor and not get so focused on one element of the environment. Lesson learned.
I eventually snagged the fly on a submerged branch and ended up loosing it. No worries switch back over to the swimbait lure. Toss that a few time out to the edge of the weed clumps. Waaahoo! A very nice and health green sunfish. Lots of fight power there! On the 2 lb line it is all good! The girth on these fish is impressive, much like the amount of energy in resisting. To all of them, thanks for playing.
Maybe a chance to head over there towards the end of the day, maybe...
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
A good hair day
A beautiful day out there, winds under 6 mph at mid to upper 70s, bright clear blue skies!
One of the things that I've noticed is that when the fish inhale or sample the lure or bait, they have the opportunity to really get a feel for the material. General observations are that if it is not something organic they are immediately going to spit it out. If it is they may choose to really engulf it or just sort of hover with it in their mouth to continue the analysis. So my prior experiences with various things as lures or baits confirm this observation. I've been able to catch fish using a blade of grass on a hook if I presented it in the right way. Typically a nice slpash near a poised fish. The splash illicits a strike or investigation response.
Knowing this I've been trying out various materials available to me at low or preferably no cost in producing my own flies. So my initial experiences have been with using scrap sewing materials, yarn, bird feathers, and etc. Each of those had limited success both as dry and wet fly configurations. It is also my exploration into developing my fly tying skills with the various materials too.
Recently, I considered creating some hair jigs and flies. I figured I'd start with the flies first as those are smaller and easier. I was going to initially harvest some hair obtained from the dog's brush but found the length to be too short for me at my current skill level. Although I might revisit that sometime later. That led me to think about my hair, what little is there. I figured when I got a haircut, I'd retain some for making flies.
My initial construction technique was basic, just lash them on so it looks sort of like a streamer, nothing fancy. I quickly built up a half dozen on size 10 and 12 hooks. So I've got these bug looking hooks in an old spice jar. It would be some time till the conditions were appropriate for me to try them. The environment and the season have now come to where we have the sunfish in both pre and spawn conditions.
My fly fishing rig also needed to have some attention applied. The traditional length poles are just too long for me and my current use. Fortunately in the prior year I had purchased a short ultra-light pole for use with a spinning reel. Unfortunately the reel seat with this pole is the rudimentary slip ring setup. So I chose to retask it to a handy light weight fly rod. So with my new 3 weight line and a 4 foot ultra-light pole, we can go fishing!
The sunfish love seeing the lure splash near them. Most of them focus their attention immediately. Others that are more aggressive will charge the bait. Over the past few trips, I've found moving the bait slightly works to get them to commit to obtaining the bait. I had quite a few instances where they would suck it in their mouth and then blow it right back out. This compelled me to keep the line tighter with my rod tip down near the water's surface to minimize the response time for tensioning up on the strikes. So far that is working to my advantage. This afternoon's session is confirming that with more hookups in shorter timeframes. During my few minutes out there I was able to get just less than a dozen to shore.
One thing I've got to remember, those dorsal fins are sharp!
One of the things that I've noticed is that when the fish inhale or sample the lure or bait, they have the opportunity to really get a feel for the material. General observations are that if it is not something organic they are immediately going to spit it out. If it is they may choose to really engulf it or just sort of hover with it in their mouth to continue the analysis. So my prior experiences with various things as lures or baits confirm this observation. I've been able to catch fish using a blade of grass on a hook if I presented it in the right way. Typically a nice slpash near a poised fish. The splash illicits a strike or investigation response.
Knowing this I've been trying out various materials available to me at low or preferably no cost in producing my own flies. So my initial experiences have been with using scrap sewing materials, yarn, bird feathers, and etc. Each of those had limited success both as dry and wet fly configurations. It is also my exploration into developing my fly tying skills with the various materials too.
Recently, I considered creating some hair jigs and flies. I figured I'd start with the flies first as those are smaller and easier. I was going to initially harvest some hair obtained from the dog's brush but found the length to be too short for me at my current skill level. Although I might revisit that sometime later. That led me to think about my hair, what little is there. I figured when I got a haircut, I'd retain some for making flies.
My initial construction technique was basic, just lash them on so it looks sort of like a streamer, nothing fancy. I quickly built up a half dozen on size 10 and 12 hooks. So I've got these bug looking hooks in an old spice jar. It would be some time till the conditions were appropriate for me to try them. The environment and the season have now come to where we have the sunfish in both pre and spawn conditions.
My fly fishing rig also needed to have some attention applied. The traditional length poles are just too long for me and my current use. Fortunately in the prior year I had purchased a short ultra-light pole for use with a spinning reel. Unfortunately the reel seat with this pole is the rudimentary slip ring setup. So I chose to retask it to a handy light weight fly rod. So with my new 3 weight line and a 4 foot ultra-light pole, we can go fishing!
The sunfish love seeing the lure splash near them. Most of them focus their attention immediately. Others that are more aggressive will charge the bait. Over the past few trips, I've found moving the bait slightly works to get them to commit to obtaining the bait. I had quite a few instances where they would suck it in their mouth and then blow it right back out. This compelled me to keep the line tighter with my rod tip down near the water's surface to minimize the response time for tensioning up on the strikes. So far that is working to my advantage. This afternoon's session is confirming that with more hookups in shorter timeframes. During my few minutes out there I was able to get just less than a dozen to shore.
One thing I've got to remember, those dorsal fins are sharp!
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