Just fishin for nonpurists

[tileguytodd]

OK,i'm not a purist and so i'll just have to ignore that other fishing thread and start another for those of us who enjoy any old kind of fishin.From sunnies to walleye,crappies to perch.Vancamps to Gortons :D

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[Sonnie Layne]

I'm with you, Todd. Two things I miss about my renaissance life are fishing and shooting pool.

Freshwater catfish and saltwater redfish were my special loves. Used to run trotlines for two weeks every June for cats and fill the freezer for a year. Biggest I ever entrapped on a trotline was 73#, the larger one got away 'cause it scared the crap out of me.

I'd love to hear something about carp fishing, there's a lake a couple hours from me that has a substantial population of buffalo fish, I've never been very successful at catching them, but damned... best eating I've ever had!!!!

[Cami A]

Non-purists- I'll happily come under that category. The poetry of fly-fishing is undeniable, but....:D

A sunny day, a picnic lunch, a few of those purple K&E worms, a pole I don't have to take a class to cast, and a book to read when Jack gets tired of taking my bass off the line all the time. What could be better?

[tileguytodd]

Cami, Think Leeches,you'll catch more fish!!
Remember ,your a big girl now and you can hook them on yourself and remove the fish yourself :D

Sonnie,Thats one Big Kitty Cat!!:)A friend of mine perfected the technique for getting buffolo fish.Find a spot where you can see them swimming in the water and then shoot em with a bow!! :D

[KChurch1]

Hubby Jim and I enjoy trout fishing in the High Sierras the best (spent our honeymoon there almost 25 years ago), but on weekends.... when possible.... we will fish just about anywhere local.... Diamond Valley (Hemet) is set to open in September..... should be some great fishing there and only 30-40 minutes away.
My father-in-law (passed away several years ago) used to say "never judge a good day fishing by how many fish you catch" ... words to live by...

[Cami A]

:eek: LEECHES? You want me to touch LEECHES? :eek:


Only with a lit match, Todd....:)

[scotty B]

Is a non-purist like a born again sinner??

[Derek & Jacqui]

I used to go fishing for Tench when we lived in London. A pond on Mitcham Common, get there at 5 a.m. the fish would go into a feeding frenzy at 6.30. or so for about half an hour then stop, put 5he fish back pack up and go to work. Had to get there early or you would be were the fish were'nt.:)

[Hobbit]

Wow Todd...non-purists!!

Did you excommunicate me?;)

:):)

[Bri]

I heard some guy on the radio the other day, talking about using one of those big 2 liter(oops..sorry...big honkin') coke bottles to go fishing with. He said he tied a rope and and weight to it, dropped it over the side...when it got to the right depth it exploded(like a bomb he said) and the fish floated to the surface. Not sure of the details, but have you ever heard of such a thing?:confused:

[scotty B]

I do know if you fill the bottle about half full of the works (drain cleaner) and some foil balls. Best get away, cuz the 2 make some nasty gas and it explodes the bottle.

[flatfloor]

No















But it might be fun :D

[fishinfarmgirl]

Out here in the WEST they use canned corn to catch carp! It works! Odd fish those carp. Very odd habits! Kinda creepy when you're floating around on a fresh lake in your boat and they start to scatter in the shallow water.

Gives me the willies!:sick:

L

[Davy]

Lake Texoma, 6 am, 4 men, and a bunch of shiners.
8;30 am 60 stripers and our limit. What'ta blast.:)

[e3]

The carp are spawning right now .This brings out the Archers who shoot em by the boat loads.There must have been a hundred carp rolling last time I was on the bayou..We used to throw them in the gardens sure wouldnt eat one!!!Been some talk that they are fun to catch on flys ,kinda like Red Fish.(Drums)

[flatfloor]

Anybody se that news story about some fish, I think it was some kind of carp that will attack a boat? No kidding thy showed videos of the damn things chasing a boat and actually jumping into or at it.

Imported from somewhere to control some other species and now they are moving towards the Great Lakes and will really screw them up.

[fishinfarmgirl]

e3...that's how a lot of the guys get carp over here too! Pretty cool to watch!

Aggressive they can be flatfloor (da ramper) they are really down right WEIRD! So freaky when they rush the boat and swarm!

EEeeEEEeeewwwww!

L

[Sonnie Layne]

any of you folks interested in catching freshwater Gar?

I've a technique that really makes for a fun outing if these guys are around. The surprising thing is that Gar is a really white, tender but dense fish to eat, kinda like sea bass or halibut. Cleaning requires some patience, but worth it. Metal shears required to get a start. Cook 'em hot, they lose their beautiful texture when cooled.

The method was coined a "Texas Tornado" some years ago in LA. Available to all interested parties. By the way, they ain't bad sport fish in deeper water. !

[tileguytodd]

The Coke Bottle trick:
I heard a story about an old hudsons bay survival guides take on this.You fill a bottle half way or so with I believe it was Lime.Punch holes in the top.lower this into an area you know holds fish.I guess what happens is it changes the PH of the water so quickly the fish float to the surface stunned.you have a minute or so to scoop em up with a net before hey swim away.Now i dont condone this type of fishing.But i can see where in a survival situation it would feed a party with minimal effort.i do believe its quite illegal.

[Scooter]

Title says it all.

[e3]

at night for Walleyes !!

[ninemile]

I like to go stream fishing for trout in SE MN, WI or the Bitterroot Valley in MT. No boat, no hired guide, no fancy clothes, no fancy equipment, no people, and beer :D at the end of the day. I put on my favourite hikin boots, grab a spin-cast setup or maybe a fly rod (if there's not too much brush) and start walking upstream. I've caught alot of nice dinner sized trout by keeping it simple.

Another fun thing is fishin for sunnies and croppies off a dock. Take some crushed Saltines, milk, bread em, and fry em, ummmm tasty bits!

How's that for non-purist fishing!

[tileguytodd]

Perfect Colleen !!!!!!
Oh by the way, theres some great Brook trout fishing to be had along the north shore.The further north you go, the bigger they get.And,as a bonus,they are all Native trout.Not stocked.Much tastier :)

[fishinfarmgirl]

LOVE to fish for trout on light gear as long as they're in the 20+ inch size! :D

I am a SALMON fisherwoman though at heart! Now that's some fun stuff! Ans the eatin' part RULES!

Walleye are still my nemesis! Haven't been able to hook one yet! Bought a lot of gear for the stinkers though! Never been able to EAT one neither! :(

Oh well! All my time is goin' into my bathroom THIS salmon season! All I've been doing is paying for my moorage fees and greiving as I drive over the Narrows Bridge and see my friends out in their fishin' boats! The rivers are fun for salmon as well but I have the best luck on the SALT!

L

[flatfloor]

You see Rob's new Harley?

[e3]

Hooking into a salmon, in a two ft. deep river is something you wont forget .dosnt matter if its on fly ,spawn,plug anything it will light you up.The landing rate is some where around 10%, in a river.

[Davy]

A guy is water sking and loses his school class ring. The next summer he catches some catfish from the same lake and in the stomach of one of the catfish is his ring. Heard this once on Paul Harvey news.:)

[cx]

Umm, Todd? Was that you pretendin' y'all had "Native" Eastern Brook trout in Minny Sota?

I don't think so.:shades:



You wanna try to 'splain that. :)

[Sonnie Layne]

I jus don' unnerstand enywon gittin' 'cited over a 20" fish........

[fishinfarmgirl]

Hrmpf! I had stringers FULL of them one summer...every day. Passed them out to the Mexican migrant workers when I caught my limit!

They're FUN on light gear. Course...I've never had the opportunity to fish in big water yet!

Now a 25# Chinook salmon on your line WILL get the adrenalin going! That I am sure of!

L

[tileguytodd]

I dont know if our brook trout are native eatern brook trout or native western brook trout or perhaps native Northern Brook trout.All i know is they are born naturally to the streams and not planted.So there:p

We have lots of lakes and streams where they plant brook trout.This is not the case with the lake superior tributaries.They plant rainbows in theses streams but the brook trout are natural.There is a differance in the meat.The natural trout have a pinker white meat and the planted trout have a more orange color to the meat.the natural trout have a more delicate flavor.the planted trout lean towards the flavor of rainbow trout.Much heavier flavor.While i have never caught a 20" plus brook trout, i know there are a few in these streams.18.5" Is my best so far and that is one very hefty brookie.

As far as walleyes go:I grew up a walleye fisherman from the time i could walk.i started out with a zebco 202 like most people and graduated to a shakespeare by 6 years old.
The trick to catching walleyes is very simple
#1-find a lake with a decent population
#2-remember the fish prefer water temperatures in the 70 degree range
#3 Walleyes feed very close to bottom
#4 Walleyes feed generally early morning and late evening.
#5 the clearer the water,the deeper the fish walleyes do not like light.
#6 if you are fishing a lake that is planted with walleyes, many of the fish will hangout near weeds rather than the traditional gravel/sand bars.The reason for this is the rearing ponds used for walleyes are generally shallow and weedy.they become accustumed to living in cover.
#7-walleyes prefer Shiners,Leeches an crawlers first and foremost.They also like chubs,crayfish and sucker minnows .However,the most important factor in choosing bait is to try to resemble the natural feed in the lake.If chubs are the mainstay,use chubs(or leeches).
#8-slow presentation.walleyes want a slow presentation for the most part.Troll very slowly with floating jig heads and a lindy rig,or spinners with a lindy sinker or dipsy.
Jigging use a small 1/16-1/8" Jig head and jig very slowly.
Slip bobbers are very productive and an excellant choice for area's you know are holding walleyes.set your bait 3-4" off bottom.Shallow early in the year 3-5' deep.
9-13 feet later as summer heat hits.
Walleye in my opinion is the best fish for eating there is.Followed closely by crappie,bluegill and jumbo perch.Northern pike caught in cold waters is also quite good but learn how to Y bone them when filleting.
walleye recipe:
1 cup flour
1 cup shore lunch
3 Tbs Lemon pepper
Blend these items dry till well mixed
1 can flat beer
Soak the fillets in flat beer for 4-5 minutes.dredge in flour mixture and fry in butter flavored crisco until golden brown.
Sprinkle with lemon pepper and serve immediatly.

Serve with fried Potatoes with onions
Baked beans with lots of brown sugar
Homestyle bisquits with Honey

Now thats a Minnesota Shore Lunch!!!!

[Michael Meyer]

The upper Niagara River 4 foot long Muskies, count your fingers at the end of the day. The Lower Niagara River gorge 30 lb Chinooks, and a sore back at days end, however excellent geology and petrology. Michael of Stonehenge

[e3]

I agree with ya Todd except #4, thats the finish and start times. Walleye s are more nocturnal..

[fishinfarmgirl]

...I'm takin' notes! Bulleeeve me! Those *7#@ walleyes never wanted to visit my hook!

The 20+ trout were Rainbows and apparently they'd been introduced into a lake by the Fish and Wildlife in error. They duumped a load of larger fish and I was the beneficiary.

That was my very first year of learning to fish. (if you don't count fishing for sunfish in my grandmas pond as a kid) The first few weeks I'd come home with a stringer full of JUST barely legal bows and was tickled as could be. I kept goin' back every day and eventually found a couple sweet spots that I'd work to get my big boys. It drove the other guys nuts cause they were fishin' from shore and couldn't reach the spot with their line!

That same lake had yellow perch, which were yummy, crappie and walleye. I used to love watching the beavers and turtles on that lake! Beautiful stuff!

Question? I thought brown trout got bigger than bows..don't they??? Never caught one of them. The little lake that had them in that area also had rattlesnakes along the trail to get there and I do not like snakes at all! If a snake shows up that's when I act exactly like a girly girl...fishin' gear or not! They scare me and startle me to the point of tears and anxiety and I become mush!

[ninemile]

Todd, I'm in Minnnneeeesota now, is it time for lunch!!! :D

I guess I'll just have to go to St. Paul's Tavern on Grand in my neighborhood and have some walleye. And, maybe a couple of Summit Pale Ales, the heck with tile :devil2: :nya:

[tileguytodd]

Colleen,i'll make you the same offer i have everyone else,You make it up here,and i'll cook up some fish!! crappies anyone? :)

OK not everyone at once, back:whip: :D

[flatfloor]

Why is it that the idea of eating Crappies doesn't get me all excited? ;)

[tileguytodd]

Cause you aint never had Mine Jim :D :D :D

[flatfloor]

Well, I can't say that idea's got me all excited either. :D

[fishinfarmgirl]

ooooooooo...you guys are hard on each other! Gonna give you a flick on your ear I will!

Come to think of it though...crappies always were more work than they deserved! ;)

L

[flatfloor]

Anything like Blowfish? Those funny little fellers you rub their tummy and they puff up?

[fishinfarmgirl]

Yea...that's one of those extremely odd creatures on the planet! They look cool filled with helium though! :D

L

[tileguytodd]

Well Linda, i'd rather work for a little crappie,than have to force feed myself a big bass :D

[fishinfarmgirl]

:)

..a NUT I tell ya'!!!

L

[Derek & Jacqui]

Now if we are talking fish to eat line me up with some,
Huss
Rock Salmon
Skate
Cod
Halibut
Place or Haddock.
O for some good old English fish and chips.:drool2:

[KChurch1]

This has nothing to do with fishing, but it was a big deal to a city girl like me.... we were on our way to a job in Brentwood (CA) just off the 405 frwy, off of Sepulveda Blvd and Mountain Gate (between the Getty Center and the Skirball Center)... bumper to bumper traffic on the frwy... busy area.... as we start up the hill on Mountain Gate a huge buck... with antlers and everything, trotted across the street in front of us! It was beautiful. The supervisor on the job said he sees that buck every morning. The home we are working on overlooks a canyon, so I assume there is a lot of wildlife there (not just the Hollywood type). I don't have a chance to see deer often.... in fact, last summer on my way to Mendicino (No. Cal) I kept seeing herds of deer in the pastures along the road.... I mentioned the "deer ranches" to everyone when I arrived and they just laughed... they told me those were wild deer... not "farm raised" .... how would I know?:D

[Sonnie Layne]

I'm with D&J... anything flat works well with the tummy.

I poached some skate last week. Wish there would have been left-overs :)

[fishinfarmgirl]

~Kchurch1..are ya sure they weren't ELK??? They've been knon to frequent that part of the country! I saw a ton of them on a coastal trip I took recently! You do NOT want to hit one of those with your vehicle.

Nothing beats FRESH LING COD! Oh my gosh that's some really good eats! They are a BLAST to fish too! Big bucket mouths...and when you hook them they dive for their rocky cave homes at the bottom of the water! FUN!!!

L

[tileguytodd]

A contractor Super friend of mine had some ling cod he was gonna swap me for some Tuna steaks.I was kinda looking forward to that .he forgot the cod but i brought the Tuna.(we were doing a job a hundred miles from home for me and 60 for him the other way.I'll get him next time though ;)

[jjwq8]

Sorry guys but the best eating salt fish is Halibut, the big ass arctic variety, nothing else comes close. :drool2:(cept maybe them wee black halibut):nod:

[tileguytodd]

You no likey the Sushi Jeremy ;)
Halibut is great and has always been 1 of my favorite's.
I just cant decide which i like better, Halibut or Atlantic Salmon.
Fresh Tuna Aint too bad though let me tell ya!!
The wife prefers mahi mahi(dorado)

No matter what it is though,ocean fish just has to be cooked on the grill :)

[flatfloor]

Did you ever wonder why the Chinese don't grill much? Hard to keep the rice on the bars. :D

[fishinfarmgirl]

:D

Now that's CUTE!!! :D

Got to go throught the album and catch a few peeps at folks. Nice to put a face to a name! ;)

L

[tileguytodd]

I am headed out i the morning for a few days of camping/fishing/relaxing.Huge project looming with about 1200 feet of floor and 500 ft of wall + a big shower so I am not going to get any time for a while.by the time i finish this one ,i'll be behind again.i hate it when that happens ;)
So i'll cya all on the lake :D

[John Bridge]

Todd,

You've just about drawn out your (unpaid) vaction days. You're workin' on a deficit, fella.

;)

Gotta agree with Jeremy. Halibut is heaven. When I was a kid in Seattle it was so cheap that even my mom would buy it. Used to hate fish when I was a kid. Kids are dumb, no?

:D

Any kinda cod works too.

[fishinfarmgirl]

:(

Todd...I am jealous! *grump grump grump Wish I could sneak out for a fishing trip! Hope you have a great time! Maybe you'll catch you a giant muskie like I saw you with in the photo alubum. ;) (that was a muskie wasn't it??) Man after my own heart.

Don't get me wrong...I love bein' a girly girl...but fishin' is just plain FUN!

One of my favorite fish from this part of the world is the TUNA they get out at Westport. OOOOooo La La...grilled with some garlic and butter. Come to think of it...the season isn't far off. I'll have to take a drive out there and grab some from the friendly fisher folk! :D

L

[flatfloor]

Bon Voyage! :)

[tileguytodd]

Actually Linda, That was a Northern Pike cousin to the Musky
Ah the tackle busting Musky,My son calls em Mustasunks cause pulling one off the bottom is like reeling in an engine Block!! :D

[fishinfarmgirl]

FUN!!!!!

:yipee: :yipee:

Love it! Must-a-sunks! :)

Fish on!!!

L

[jjwq8]

This just in from Skysport:

"YANKS SQUEEZE BY BRITS IN INTERNATIONAL SHARK TOURNAMENT
by Milt Rosko

There has never been greater warmth between the United Kingdom and the United States, along with a bonding and friendship that has grown since the days of the Revolution. It came as no surprise that a group of dedicated anglers from each of these countries would come together in a revolutionary new concept of a hook and release international shark fishing tournament. Appropriately called the "BRITS vs YANKS" the tourney took place at Montauk, Long Island from 20 to 22 June 2003.


Flying in from Heathrow Airport was the Brits team of ten anglers, who left in balmy 82 degree weather, to land in a horrendous thunderstorm at Kennedy, with a temperature of 59 degrees! They traveled east to Montauk, where they met the Yanks team of ten, where the respective team captains and committees gathered at the Montauk Yacht Club to finalize the rules for this unique gathering.


The anglers would draw straws, teaming up one Brit and one Yank per boat, with each permitted to fish two outfits with lines of either 30 or 50 pound test, and a premium of 100 point for use of the lighter line. Scoring would be based on bringing the leader within grasp of the mate, with 250 points for blue sharks, 350 for mako and 450 for a thresher. A shark broken off during the fight would be recognized with a 100 point score. All sharks had to be landed within one half hour, with a one half hour added at the option of the captain, and ALL must be promptly and carefully released. If a shark cannot be scored in one hour the line will be cut and the angler awarded 150 points. International Game Fish Association rules applied.


Rules permitted inshore fishing for striped bass, bluefish and fluke, with 50, 30 and 20 points respectively for each fish, in the event the captain or committee elected not to sail offshore because of weather or return early due to weather concerns. Any fish landed inshore were to be immediately released also.


The winds that buffeted Kennedy at the Brit team's arrival moved east and greeted the teams dockside departure with strong northeast winds, often reaching 15 knots, with waves in the 4 to 6 foot range. Undeterred, the boats left Montauk Harbor for what was admittedly a rough ride, with heavy skies, rain and frigid temperatures.


The ten-boat fleet was spread out over a wide area, both to the east and west, with the majority setting up their chum slicks approximately 20 to 25 miles from Montauk Point, in water ranging from 150 to 180 feet deep. On setting up, most boats reported water temperatures ranging from 57 to 59 degrees, mighty cool for this time of the year, which would mean the sharks would probably be high in the water column.


Despite the less than desirable conditions, day one resulted in the twenty anglers who were fishing posting great scores. The Yanks posted a remarkable score of 9680 points, with the Brits at 9620 points. Blue sharks prevailed, although a pair of mako sharks also were brought to boat and released.


Day two saw conditions moderate, with the day's tally 8900 for the Yanks and 7610 for the Brits, with an estimated 300-pound thresher helping boost scores. Only1350 points, or approximately three sharks on 30-pound class tackle separated the teams.


On the final day the winds gradually diminished, with fine sea conditions and dense morning fog and heavy skies. As the noon hour approached the sun actually began to shine, and the anglers continued toe-to-toe until the final whistle for lines out blew at three o'clock. The radio chatter showed the Yanks were slipping in the hooking and releasing of sharks.


When the final tally was made and results certified by noted shark scientist Jack Casey, the outcome was 26,090 points for the Yanks and 25,170 points for the Brits, with a remarkably close spread. Only 920 points separated the two teams, which shows how evenly matched these anglers were. Not quite three sharks would have brought the Sloan Shark Cup to the Brits!


The Yank team, under the leadership of Team Captain Stephen Sloan, included veteran anglers Herb Ratner, Joseph Santos, Milt Rosko, Alan Coppage, James Prosek, Phil Kozak, John Geuting, Frank Cositore and Alan Kenter.


Herb Ratner received a beautiful plaque for the High Tournament angler, with a remarkable score of 4350 points, followed by Milt Rosko with 2nd place by scoring 3310 points for the Yanks.


The Brits team included Team Captain Alan Yates, Christine Slater, Keith Arthur, Troy Louis, Andrew Storey, Paul Blanksby, Lance King, Emma Slater, Lisa Slater and Mark Williamson.


It took 25-year old Lisa Slater of the Brits to score with a total of 3120 points, and placing in third place in overall scoring during the tournament. Persevere she did, in spite of heavy seas and really rugged conditions.


The veteran Brit and Yank anglers had nothing but praise for the outstanding captains and crews of the ten Montauk charter boats that carried them offshore. Included were such veteran captains and their boats, as Art Cortes of the Halfback, Paul Giangrec of Fisherman II, Frank Braddick of Hurry Up, Otto Hasselma of Fishooker, Joe McBridge of My Mate, Chuck Mallinso of Joy Sea, Michael Potts of Blue Fin IV, Bill Urvalek of the Karen Sue, Jack Passie of Windy and finally Bill Ricca of Alyssa Ann, who was the organizer of the charter boats as president of the Montauk Boatmen's and Captains Association.

There was a tie in scoring for the high boat score, with Otto Hasselma of the Fishooker and Art Cortes of the Halfback receiving special Captains Awards for their outstanding success in guiding anglers to score with the tough sharks.


While the term tournament implies competition, the event was more a rally for the hook and release concept of the recreational anglers who gathered together for this fun-filled, exciting event that sets a new standard for offshore fishing. In the final analysis, the fish were the winners, for the Brits and Yanks combined to release more than 200 blue sharks, mako sharks and thresher sharks, and striped bass, bluefish and fluke.


Not a single fish was killed, with all being carefully released at boat side, with both captains and mates taking great care to not injure the fish.


At a gala awards dinner the enthusiasm was so great that it was unanimously agreed to host the event next year, at the same Montauk location. Proceeds raised during the event as a result of the generosity of the sponsors and participants were to a variety of worthwhile causes, including The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, The National Lighthouse Museum and the Sagabay Foundation.


Among the major sponsors bringing this international event to Montauk were Friendly's Restaurants, Long Island Lighthouse Safaris, Tailor Made Holidays, The Fisheries Defense Fund, Inc. and The Estee Lauder Companies, Inc."


Now quite apart from the jingoistic cobblers that opened the piece :bang:, can anyone tell this non-fishin' filistine what possess anyone to stick their hand anywhere near the business end of a shark, to retrieve or release a hook???????? :eek:

[jjwq8]

And another site that maybe of interest to you all.

http://www.fujifilm.com/JSP/fuji/epartners/FLWContest.jsp

Best of luck to anyone who participates.:)

[Sonnie Layne]

actually, a gaff can be used.

If the fish is not completely exhausted, one good rotation will twist it right out. Sharkin' muy bueno.

Of course if the fish is exhausted, it's no problem if the hook is set outside and not swallowed. A large piece of pipe prevents it's jaws from re-arranging the alignment of your bones. I've never intentionally fished for blues, tigers and hammerheads are more common down south on the coast. Great fun, good eatin'.

[flatfloor]

Not a single fish was killed, with all being carefully released at boat side, with both captains and mates taking great care to not injure the fish.

Who oversaw their safety?

Jeremy I live about 30 miles from Montauk, never heard a thing about the tournament. BTW it was a Montauk captain , Frank Mundus http://www.fmundus.com/ , who served as the model for Quint the captain in Jaws.;)

[e3]

For fish that have swallowd the hook instead of tring to remove it for the cost it is easier on the fish to just cut the line. A hook will break down in short time.

[flatfloor]

I meant the captains and the mates, those fish have big teeth.

http://www.click-smilie.de/sammlung/aktion/action-smiley-045.gif

[jjwq8]

Yoozer all braver than I.

Anyone brings a shark with all it's bits working into close vicinity to me and I'm headed for the Crows Nest!

Hooks and lines may break down over time but until the hugh ming race develop the genetic and actual ability to regenerate skeletal and other tissues and body parts, colour me chicken. :D

[tileguytodd]

Cmon Jeremy, its only a Shark!! Ive seen Iron workers&Oil Riggers who were far more dangerous :D

[tileguytodd]

Well, todays the big day.Annual fall brook trout/bird hunting pilgramage.Heading up to the great arrowhead region of Northen Minnesota to get in a little R&R.The Four Wheeler is loaded,the coolers are full and the die is cast.With a little luck i'll be frying up some trout for dinner this evening and roasting a coupla grouse sunday evening.Its either that or canned SPAM(incentive to work at getting something tastier for dinner ;))
I'll be back tuesday night so hold down the fort and keep your eye on that peel and stick guy,He needs to be Saved :D

[KChurch1]

We're heading up to the Eastern High Sierras today.... around Bishop.... we plan on fishing South Lake in the morning... or one of the many other hot spots in the area... woo hoo!

[Sonnie Layne]

I didn't know the Sierras were in the East ;) Good luck...

[KChurch1]

HaHa... the east facing side of the high Sierra mountain range is considered the Eastern High Sierras.... Mt Whitney, Mamoth Mts.... and so on.... the west facing Sierra mountain range is areas like Sequoia and Yosemite national parks... just east of Mt Whitney is Death Valley...
We had an exciting trip... on our way north our van broke down on hwy 395 just north of Coso and just before the turn off for Death Valley... the car acted like it ran out of gas... after about 20 minutes of trying to get a signal on my cell phone to call AAA, my husband got the van to start again... we made it 95 miles further... up to Bishop... with no more problems. The weather was beautiful... sunny... 80's in the day... 50's at night... we got up at 5am and drove up to Lake Sabrina... stopped at Inlet II... heard that was the hot spot, but we didn't get any bites, after about an hour we drove on up to Sabrina... rented a boat and dropped our line at the far end of the lake where the creek feeds the lake.... we caught 4 nice sized rainbow trout before noon, released 3 of the 4 (one swallowed the hook... he's gonna be dinner tonight). On the way down the mountain toward Bishop our brakes started making a lot of noise... we were lucky to find a Chevron station with a garage open on Sunday.... they replaced the rotors and pads and we were on the road again.... very quick and reasonably priced. We drove back up the mountain to Inlet II for some afternoon fishing... didn't catch anything.... drove home this morning.
The guy who replaced our brakes says the fuel pump probably over-heated driving through the desert and that's why the car died on the way north... didn't have any problems on the way home... Looking forward to the trout for dinner tonight...

[Sonnie Layne]

Well, it certainly was eventful.... glad you had a good time.

Really glad that sucker swallowed the hook ;)

[Bill Vincent]

Just got some pics back, and thought I'd submit em. This first one is of getting ready for take off the first day of Maine's B.A.S.S. Federation state fish-off. Talk about a cluster f*&%-- 56 high powered boats on a river!!

[Bill Vincent]

And then one more from MY boat. This was taken on the fourth of July, waiting for the fireworks, about 1/2 mile from my house. I was trying to get a pic of all the boats on the water, but ended up with more windshield than anything else. But then I noticed something that made me keep the pic-- Note the Target ballcap just to the right of the depth finder on top of the console!! (Compliments of Andy L.)

[John Bridge]

Uh, Karen, you gotta picture of this, er, um, van? Doesn't have a big VW on the front, does it? Inventive paint job, maybe? Flowers and stuff?

:D

[flatfloor]

John, you still lookin for your van? Give it up, that thing was probably shotgunned to death by some girl flower child's Daddy. :D

[KChurch1]

Naw.... got rid of the VW van in 1980:cool:
The van we took on this trip is our 1995 Plymouth Grand Voyager.... 98,000 miles on it.... we'll be turning this on in on one of those new Ford F-250 trucks......:shades:

[tileguytodd]

You might know Akita's Karen, but youve got a lot to learn about trucks ;)my chevy has 207,000 hard tiling miles on it and it'll make 300,000 before i put him out to stud :D

[jjwq8]

Todd, you are a sadist.

Only someone on this forum would consider waiting until something is totally f%$&*D before putting it out to stud.

In fact kill that thought. Keeping a chevy truck till it has 300K on it is the height of masochism. :D

[flatfloor]

What do you expect from someone who lives in Minnesota year round and actually likes it? :D

[KChurch1]

My son-in-law has a Chevy truck, 1500, it's not near as good as our Ford E 250 van.... I think I'll stick with Ford :)

[KChurch1]

Speaking of fishin'..... Jim and I are getting up early and going to the new Diamond Valley Lake http://www.dvlake.com/
Should be some great fishin'.... we have reservations for every weekend this month. I've never been bass fishin' before, so we bought some night crawlers, blue worms and purple worms today... and some worm hooks.... plus we have all our trout fishin' stuff too..... can't wait. They have some lunkers in there...

[KChurch1]

Here's some more info:
http://www.dvlake.com/press04.html

[Bill Vincent]

Karen-- Find a soft plastic in your area called "senkos". They're about the hottest bass bait going, and simple as hell to use. Just hook em in the middle, and let em drop by their own weight. The ends vibrate as they drop, bringing in bass from all directions. And if they don't get you a hit on the way down, twitch it a few times and let it sink again-- it simulates a frogs legs in action. That one bait is responsible for more tournament wins across this country in the last two years than any other single bait. Try it-- you'll like it!!

[tileguytodd]

Sounds like youve got the potential for some great fishing.You might find that you can walk to shore across all the boats that'l be there though.Regardless, i am sure you will have a great time.Sure hope the Ford makes it ;)

Good Luck Karen!!

[KChurch1]

We just got home from fishin'... had a great time... I caught my first bass :) Used a purple smoke plastic worm (rigged it myself).... hubby caught three bass.... including a large 6 pounder... and a sunfish. Jim fished with nightcrawlers. The people next to us hooked a large catfish... fought like the dickens, but broke the line... other than that we didn't see anyone catching fish in the cove we were in. Very long hike... about 1 1/2 miles... it was foggy this morning, but burned off about 10am... we're a couple of crispy critters now :cool: We practiced catch and release, but I did snap a couple of photos before letting the fish swim free... hope to post them in the next week or so. The lake is huge... 4 1/2 miles long by 1 1/2 miles wide... It's a no-body-contact drinking water lake and they severly limit how many boats and fishing passes per day... hardly saw a boat all day and there was plenty of elbow room on the banks.

[Sonnie Layne]

We got stock tanks bigger'n that.

Great trip, sounds like, din't that bass fight ferocious? Geez, if he was reptilian, he'd have you for breakfast. ;)

[KChurch1]

My husband, Jim, wants to buy a canoe for fishing. We found one at www.castlecraft.com/sportspal_square-stern.htm
He likes the: Sportspal Model S-15 Canoe
Is anyone here familiar with this canoe?

[Bill Vincent]

Castlecraft's not a bad name. If you're using it just for fishing, though (I'm assuming that because of the square stern-- works great with trolling motors), you might check into Coleman. I had a 15' Coleman before I got my bass boat. Paid $330.00 for it in 1990, and now my partner owns it-- takes his girlfriend's son fishing in it all the time. One of the best values for cheap money I've ever bought.

[tileguytodd]

Karen,Before i comment on this particular canoe,let me ask you exactly what it is you want to do with it.Let me ask you these questions
#1-where will this canoe be used 90% of the time
#2-What activities will this be used for
#3-will you trailer the canoe,or cartop it?
#4-How much gear do you plan on having in the canoe?
#5-Will one of the dogs be with you?
#6-will this canoe be used for camping or river trips?
#7-will this canoe be paddled or will a motor be used?
#8-How old is your husband,How tall and what does he weigh?

I live in canoe country and am extremely familiar with many differant types and styles.Each canoe type is best suited to specific types of activities and several can be used in a variety of activities.Weight of a canoe can be a factor for some of these and is not as important for others.When looking at a canoe,what you will use it for 90% of the time is important to know.
Square stern canoes are not the only way to mount motors and have a limiting factor for many other types of activities.they make a great sportsmans boat for duck hunting and fishing out of the way places but tend to be a bit heavy and maneuverability is dramatically affected making river tripping a chore.One of the best Square stern canoes ever built was the Grumman sport boat.
With the above information i can give you several choices for type and some sites to go to .I live 2 hours away from some of the best canoe country on the planet.I'll be buried in my canoe ;)

[davem]

With a Felker tied to it to sink you to the bottom of the lake? :D

[KChurch1]

Thanks Todd... to answer your questions:
1. Lakes
2. Fishing
3. Cartop
4. Wife, tackle box, fishing poles, lunch
5. No dogs
6. Nope
7. Mostly motor
8. 51, 5'6", 170 lbs.... wife younger, taller and lighter....

Jim went fishing with his brother in Colorado Springs a couple weeks ago in his LLBean canoe... fell in love with it. He became attracted to the Sportspal because they claim it won't sink or tip over....

[kemguru]

Originally posted by KChurch1
wife younger, taller and lighter....

Prettier too ;)

[Sonnie Layne]

Todd, if I lived in canoe country, I'd love to have your advice. However... whatchou know 'bout plywood pirogues? :p Great for paddle-by fishin'. That would be where you paddle by the spots where you thought the fish were. Goodest thing is you can paddle with one hand! Not too bad for crab traps or runnin trot lines. From my experience, more maneuverable, but I never used one 'cept on the bayou, never would I take one on a river!!!!! :D

Only great places around here suitable for canoeing are so full of canoes I just couldn't bring myself to do it.

[cx]

I've had a 15 foot Grumman aluminum canoe for 25+ years, and it wasn't new when I found it. Also have access to a 17 footer. Wonderful machines. Some of the very best things in life can be accessed in a canoe.

I have no experience with the boats you're looking at, but I think the advertisements about stability and unsinkability are perhaps a little misleading - they would have you believe that most other canoes are unstable and will sink. Having been around a number of canoes over the years I don't think I've ever seen one that would actually sink. Fill up with water, yes; sink below the water level, no. Many canoes have less flat bottom area than those Sportpals you're looking at (and my Grumman) and are a bit more tippy, but I wouldn't call them unstable. Maybe some are, I've just never seen the problem. I know I have spent a great deal of time standing up fly fishing from mine, even with someone else in the boat (if she'll just sit still!). If you want to turn my boat over in calm water, you'll hafta make a very serious effort at it. Those outriggers could be somewhat helpful in calm water, but I fear they would get in the way in moving water, 'specially moving water with stones. :)

But you did say you'd be on lakes most of the time. We considered buying a square stern canoe back when I usta hunt ducks. Found we could make a side mount for the Grumman that held a little 5 hp outboard and would work just fine. Never used it much; liked the kind of canoeing that required a paddle and two pointy ends. I would really suggest that you at least have a look at the small aluminum john-boats for what you say you'll be doing. Still car-top real well, much more stable, draw even less water, not a whole lot wider, hold more gear, are even more stable, can be rowed or motored, very easy to "scull" for bass fishing type activities, etc. Sounds like you might get more of what you'll pay your nickel for than in a square stern canoe.

Think if I were fixin' to buy a canoe, I'd get a pointy one; if I were buying a small, portable, motorized fishing platform, I'd look at a john-boat. If, on the other hand, I wanted to buy one of them boats on that website, I would just go git me one and wouldn't pay no attention to no advice from a tile website. :D

[Hobbit]

Spoken like a true politician CX!!;) I would say "me too" except for a couple things.

I own two canoes..both Old Towns. One fiberglass and one crosslinked PVC. The smaller one (15 ft) is a real delight to paddle solo and wide enough to be comfortable while fishing. The larger one (17 ft) is a real handful solo (impossible in windy conditions) but is absolutely magnificent with two aboard and going somewhere or camping. Both are truly a delight when used much as Todd and CX describe. Neither one is an ideal fishing craft.

CX say sooth about canoes in general. They are hollow so they will fill with water. They will not sink (modern canoes loaded to max will float full of water). Some are very round bottomed and will tip easily, others are much more difficult to tip. The worst thing about a canoe and a fishing trip is the unknown. Water conditions, weather, etc. I have spent many hours in the water trying to right a water filled canoe (mostly practice--only once for real). It can be done....but I don't recommend it. Its much better to pull the canoe to shore and bail it out there if at all possible. I love my canoes, wouldn't part with them, but I don't make a practice of standing up in them. There are two types of canoists. Those who have tipped them over, and those who are going to. And I will guarantee when you do it the first time, not on purpose, you will be surprised how fast it happens, and you will be totally unprepared for it.

Canoes are wonderful, useful craft. Get the kind with pointy ends and use it safely and for the purpose in which it excels. Want a fishing craft...find yourself a small flat-bottomed aluminum car-topper. It will be just as light as a good sized canoe, and much safer for two people fishing. (IMHO)

FWIW :):)

[tileguytodd]

OK Karen,Based on what you have indicated and of course the stuff that wasnt said like money was no object ;)
The unit you are looking at has some merit.However,i can about gaurantee you its going to drag through the water when paddling compared to other hull designs.
When buying a canoe for use primarily on a lake,a wider beam is a definite plus.But, you can get to wide for practicality.At this point a boat is a better option.
As kelly said.canoes do not sink,period.the good ones can not only fill up with water,but you can actually sit in it full and paddle it all the way to shore.
Based on what you want to do i am going to give you a few options to look at.these will be in the order that i myself would choose them given the same peramiters.I will also give you a reason or 2 why but let you discover some of the reasons for yourself by visiting thier websites
#1-Wenonah Bluegill-14'6" long a proven hull design that will paddle exceptionally well for a sq stern canoe.Kevlar model weighs 44 lbs and will be an easy task to load and unload(trust me i know a little about this)It also makes doing portages to a more distant lake doable.I can no longer carry my 74" er across a 180 rod portage.I rented a wenonah Kevlar and found portages to actually be a joy rather than a chore.It will cost more and it will do more for many more years than most others.I reccomend as an option the bench backrest seats available for about 40 bucks each.Mitchel Paddles in the bent design are the most user friendly .propelling you twice the distance with 1/2 the effort
www.wenonah.com
www.mitchellpaddles.com
#2 Sauris river Quetico 16 /w side transom mount for electric troller.Another lightweight canoe.this one is not a square stern but can have a trolling motor mounted.This canoe is a joy to paddle and you might decide to leave the motor home.Add crazy creek canoe seats and a couple of mitchell paddles .Not having a sq stern does not mean you cant have a motor.about 48#s and as low as 39#s in letigre model(damn now thats lightweight)
www.canoecountry.com look for sauris river links
#3 Old Town Discovery 15 Alot of canoe for lake use.more weight i reccomend trailering this one.It will handle a 5hp motor but a 43lb thrust trolling motor and battery will propel any of these canoes all day and quietly.you get to sneak up on nature this way.Leave the gas hog outboard for the bigger boats. :)
#4 Grumman 16'Sq Stern.Paddleable and well built.will last longer than any of us and will handle 850 lbs(you can bring the pooch :)

As an afternote.Let me just say that i have logged almost as many hours fishing the lakes and rivers of northern Mn and ontario in my canoe as i have setting tile.I have experianced the 30Lb northern pike eating my walleyes on the stringer while finning right next to the canoe.I have glided past a full grown moose within 10 feet.I have shared an island with a pair of wolves with a full moon and done the black bear midnght dance with pots and pans.all this and more can be yours in the right canoe :D

[flatfloor]

done the black bear midnght dance with pots and pans.

What's that about Todd, makin noise to skeer 'em?

[tileguytodd]

Yep,exactly Jim.and if that dont work due to the fact he already had a taste of one of my baby ruth's,i just let one go out the cannon(357 magnum)that gets em running lickity split ;)
Hit one in the eyes one time with a big flashlight from about 5 feet away.i was camped on top of a hill and that ol bar just went over backwards and tumbled down the trail till he hit the lake at the bottom with a big splash.Scared him outa 20 lbs i bet :D

[e3]

HOW much did you loose.?

[cx]

What Eric axed! :D

[flatfloor]

:rofl:

[tileguytodd]

In that particular case,nothing.he was licking the pots clean when i heard him and the pots were 5 feet in front of the tent entrance.I hit him with my big coleman flashlight beam and he about did a backflip,lost his balance on the hill and tumbled outa site(it was a very steep grade.I heard him hit the lake with a huge splash and then i heard splash splash splash as he booked along the shore like the almighty hiself was on his 6 :D

[cx]

Some years back, upon arriving at one of his remote tent camps, my owling partner came upon a large black bear as she was in the process of destroying said camp.

She indicated a remarkable lack of concern at all his antics of being a "bigger bear" so he tossed a couple .357 rounds her way from about 30 feet. She continued tearing up the remainder of his tent, so he did what a man's sometimes gotta do - he backed slowly away and got his ass outa there. :)

She turned out to be too much of a "camp bear" for that fairly well touristed canyon and got herself shot as a nuisance that same year. I wasn't too sorry, had to work that canyon in the dark too often and we rarely carry any of that .357 bear spray. :shades:

[KChurch1]

More bass/trout fishin ...
We are going to Diamond Valley Lake again tomorrow morning... this time we have rented a bass boat ($$$) for the whole day... it's supposed to be HOT out there... upper 90's, so we have to fish deep (West dam is about 240 ft deep). We spent some good $$$ yesterday on a new 7 ft rod and reel (Abu-Garcia)... had it loaded with leadcore line and backer... gonna troll deep with needlefish.... supposed to work. We are also going to try Carolina Rigging.... read about it and I'm gonna give it a try. I've been using drop shot and Roboworms for the past couple weeks with some success from the shore. We got night crawlers, Senkos (worms and grubs), shiners, minnows, swimbait and a bunch of other stuff... hope we catch stomething.

[flatfloor]

We got night crawlers, Senkos (worms and grubs), shiners, minnows, swimbait

Sounds like an interesting lunch. What are you using for bait? :p

[sdaniels7114]

Probably ham and cheese sandwiches :confused:

[KChurch1]

Had a club sandwich for lunch.... the huge LMB I caught had a watermelon grub for breakfast...

[Hobbit]

HUGE..??? How HUGE????;)

:):)

[Sonnie Layne]

Nice thing about marine fishing... if you don't land any decent fish, you can eat the bait.. mmm... live shrimp, crab, mussels..... ;)

Not so sure about minnows and night crawlers (and do they really only crawl at night?) ;)

[Bill Vincent]

Sonnie-- You fergittin crawdads? Them's reeeel good eatin, I guarantee!!

[Sonnie Layne]

you ain't gotta guarantee me nothin' 'bout dem. My turkey'll be stuffed wit bugs and oysters, fo sho'.

Just that them redfish and flounder???? Day don't know dem bugs too good, so ya gotta use what's nat'rul, ain't dat right, cher? :D

[KChurch1]

My LMB was HUGE.... to me.... I'd say 5 1/5 - 6 lbs.... big, fat and healthy! As soon as we catch enough fish I can develop my roll of film and post the picks. I was reading in WON about a couple brothers.... bass fishermen.... they were talking about all the LMB they caught the opening weekend.... they mentioned something about not bringing a needle to let the air out and having to put the bass in the live well tank before turning them loose again..... I've never heard of that.... that are they talking about? Is it because the fish are so deep?.... 40-45ft or more?
I'm new to this catch and release bass fishin stuff...

[Bill Vincent]

If you catch bass in more than 15 feet of water their swim bladder will puff up once brought to the surface, and it results in alot of "after release" mortality. However, of you use a needle and pop the air bladder, it heals itself almost immediately, and the fish swims off to be caught another day. As for your fish, can you say HOG???

[KChurch1]

The fish looked really big.... filled our net..... I hope the pictures turn out good. I also hope it's still healthy.... At first I didn't think it was going to swim off, but after a second or two he darted off.
It was so hot out on the lake yesterday.... 102 degrees... we spent 8 hours on the lake.... lucky we've been going every weekend or I'd be burnt to a crisp.... so far it's just a nice tan :cool:

[Hobbit]

Karen....the technique is called "fizzing" by the pros/afficianados. As Bill mentioned...a tiny needle is inserted through the skin into the bladder, the air is released and the fish is then released and allowed to reorient to whatever depth it chooses. The effect on the fish is something akin to the "bends" or "nitrogen narcosis" that humans get when surfacing from a deep water dive too quickly. Breathing pressurized air at depth causes bubbles to form if you rise to the surface too quickly. Painful and can be deadly...

Of course fish use their bladder to achieve something close to neutral bouyancy at whatever depth they are currently "living." Air passes slowly in and out of the bladder to adjust to the water pressure exerted which varies according to the depth...........

Or so I'm told.......;):)

[Sonnie Layne]

all that makes sense to me, tho' I've never caught LMB in that deep of water, it occurs regularly offshore.

So, next time I nab an amber jack from 100 ft of water, I'd be better to fiz it before releasing? Uhhh that is..... if I choose to release vs. broil?

Interesting, but then again, I've never been in a position where catch and release was necessary, demanded or desireable. ;) I eat what I catch. No matter. Still, there have been times when the fun of getting into a school of 10 lb grouper/jacks/blues gets the best of me and I'd like to know if it's better to "fizz" them than just turn them back into the water? Sounds like it.

[tileguytodd]

Or, you could just practice Catch,Fillet and Release.Works for me :D

[jjwq8]

Todd
Is that called chumming :D

[Sonnie Layne]

Jeremy,

Only if you have friends over for dinner.......

fizzing, why don't we just give 'em a snort of seltzer?

Sorry, I know that sounded really bad. I'm a real bad boy, can't help it. But I would like to know how to deal with a few hundred pounds of bottom dwellers that I don't intend to keep. Is "fizzing" a realistic answer for marine fish? How quick is the recovery rate for the swim bladder?

Then I'll know how fast I have to eat. ;)

[KChurch1]

The reason we are practicing catch and release with the bass at this lake is because it is being encouraged. The lake is very new and the bass that were spawned in this lake are just now getting to the reproduction age. The 3 to 6 pound bass we catch most likely would reproduce this next spring..... if we catch any trout, we plan on taking some home. The fishery at DVL is hoping to have world class bass fishing here over the next few years.

[jjwq8]

You might be delighted to know that the same "good folks" that managed to get fox hunting banned in England are now aiming their rose coloured sights at the angling community. They claim it is cruel to fish and impinges upon their animal rights. To date Billy Bass hasn't been available for comment, prefering to lie open-mouthed with a glazed look when questioned.
If the fish is dumb enough to get itself hooked why deny sporting folks the chance to facilitate them at each and every opportunity.
By extension this argument would lead to the banning of any sport, even those with a spectactor following insofar as each loss inflicts pain on the fans.

[Sonnie Layne]

Easy now, Karen...

those bait fish you're catchin' over there will likely lead to a healthy spawn and population. Hmm seems I mentioned that to my former wife :D

Serially, C&R is a good thing where it's needed. I firmly stand by it and support it's every measure.

Every time I exceed a day's catching where my arm gets tired of reeling. Then I measure how many fillets it will take to feed my party.

I don't take any more than I have to within the limits. Problem is, limits aren't subjective to my fishing areas. They don't count the fish in my marsh, because of the gators. The mullet's kinda oily, but tasty, too.

[KChurch1]

Here's an online article concerning DVL. It's only 3 years old and well on it's way to becoming a world class fishery. Over 800,000 acre feet of drinking water for So. Cal too.
http://www.dvlake.com/press04.html

[e3]

We had some of the fishing protestershere acouple years ago protesting on the peir during the salmon run.They were standing behind people making it hard to cast.After three or four of them were snaged in the back they got out of the way.

[KChurch1]

Here's a picture of my LMB caught from the boat in Diamond Valley Lake a couple weeks ago.

[KChurch1]

Here's my hubby Jim's bass he caught from the shore at DVL about a month ago.

[tileguytodd]

Bass can be fun,But think Crappies Karen

[davem]

How about bluegill? :D

[davem]

I just noticed something. Anybody think Freddy and Todd look alike? :)

[tileguytodd]

:rofl:
Good One Dave :)

[stullis]

Kids and fishing! That's what it is all about.

That's a classic Dave! LOL

[Davy]

Scott, you've got that right.

Now Dave, that should be in the Kids- grandkids thread, got any more?;)

[flatfloor]

I think Freddy's better looking.;)

[Bill Vincent]

Originally posted by jjwq8
You might be delighted to know that the same "good folks" that managed to get fox hunting banned in England are now aiming their rose coloured sights at the angling community. They claim it is cruel to fish and impinges upon their animal rights. To date Billy Bass hasn't been available for comment, prefering to lie open-mouthed with a glazed look when questioned.


Jeremy-- Not for nothing, but B.A.S.S. has been extremely active in trying to put a stop to these folks. The problem is that they're starting to get down to a local level, and really do some harm. For instance, here in Maine, what they've been doing is closing boat ramps," trying to stop the spread of eurasian milfoil" before it destroys the "pristine lakes of Maine", and they've actually succeeded on several lakes before the Maine B.A.S.S. Federation and Sportsmans Alliance of Maine got involved and put a stop to it, introducing legislation to fine people who don't check their boats for weeds before putting into any body of water in the state. The newest one now, is outlawing any internal combustion motors, or at the very least, motors over 15 horsepower, claiming that boats racing up and down the lakes devalue the properties located on that lake, and although they haven't gotten too far with it, the Maine state legislature is starting to take notice, and it's going to be still ANOTHER legal fight. These morons are back door experts. The ones making all the noise about animal rights aren't the ones you need to watch out for.

I'll face a rattlesnake over a cotton mouth any day-- atleast you here em coming.

[tileguytodd]

Had to mail that one off to Andy Dave, thought he might get a chuckle or 2 out of it :D

[flatfloor]

eurasian milfoil What's that?

[Bill Vincent]

It's a type of weed that literally chokes off lakes and takes them over. If you see a lake that's so choked up with weeds that you can't even get a prop to spin, most likely the plant that you're looking at is eurasian milfoil. There are only two lakes in southern Maine that have it, and other than those two lakes, Maine is the only state in the union that hasn't been invaded by this imported plant. The worst of it is they're kind of like jellyfish-- it only takes a little piece of the plant stuck to the side of someone's boat to get it started in a lake. Maine just enacted new legislation two years ago to control it, though. There's a 500.00 fine for even having ANY kind of vegetation on your boat or trailer when you launch, and there are monitors (mostly trained volunteers as well as the wardens) at just about every boat launch watching for it. They'll even pitch in and help get anything off your boat or trailer you might have missed. They're there to protect the waters, not get you busted. The best part is that the program seems to be working, so that issue has become a mute point for the morons trying to close off the waterways. The funniest thing is these imbecils don't realise that if all the waterways were to be closed off, this state would literally die. Lake front properties would all go down in value, no out of staters would be coming up and spending their hard earned dollars on summer vacation (and vacation homes), and this state relies heavily on tourism and sportsmen coming up here and having a good time. I've said it before, and I'm sure I'll say it dozens of times again--

Some people are born to be numb, and others, it just takes years of practice.

[tileguytodd]

Milfoils nasty stuff.Its killed a few hundred lakes in southern minnesota and has a start in a few hundred up north.Fortunatly weve got about 20,000 more lakes that are unnafected yet.peoples awareness level is higher now than in the beginning and the spread has slowed way down but it is still a huge threat.
Stuffs like horseradish,you cant kill it with a blowtorch!!

[flatfloor]

Seems like we are getting a lot of pests from Asia, beetles, mussels, fish and now weeds. :mad:

[Bill Vincent]

Any time you introduce new species into waters where they're not naturally found, you're interrupting the natural balance of things. About the only exception I can think of off hand would be brown trout. Other than that, I can't think of a single species that's been introduced to american waters from some other land that hasn't done damage to the ecosystem.

[Sonnie Layne]

I wouldn't know if the brown trout has affected the density of certain microbes, some insects, or other living thing... sounds like we need to teach brown trout to eat milfoil.

[tileguytodd]

And it would be a plus if they would also eat Japanese beetles,tent caterpillars etc etc ad naseum.
Once upon a time the Lake Superior fishery was the best in the world.Then the Minnesota DNR got involved.Now over the course of several years they managed to screw it up so bad its taken 30 years to get it back to the point where its worth launching a boat.Lake Michigan is 10 times the fishery and 1/5 the size.Oh well,maybe in another 300 years or so it will be back to its old self producing boatloads of trout.

[Sonnie Layne]

I can empathize. having fished the marshes along southern LA.

Good thing I've still got access, but it aint' the same.

[flatfloor]

Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.
;)

[Sonnie Layne]

What happened to the "eat for a lifetime thingy" ?

Geez,, I was thinking I had some hope......