Nice_Bass

Fishing from a boat. That day stuck most of them just south of the bridge that leads to the hot water discharge. The channel runs straight out of the west bridge area, and swings close to the west shore. All the fish came off about a 300yrd section along that shoreling. Water was about 58-60 Bass came off jigs, all wipers came off a 1/2 oz rattle trap or small spinner bait. I am always able to catch a limit from Clinton. I actually think it is the best lake around! Summer is easy- follow the river channel and fish nearby points. Works every time. Spring...well, not so easy as they are just so spread out with the temps.

Evergreen lake here in central IL every year seems to produce a state record during the shocking done. After that, it only seems to produce fish in the 40's yet I have talked to folks that will keep a 42 inch fish. Never could understand why you would keep a trophy, but i really dont understand why you would ever keep an average/above average fish. We used to have them go over the spillway as well until the barrier was put up and a rescue operation put together every year. I will say I catch a few around 43-44 every year here- and at 900 acres it would be at the top of my list for a trophy even if it were not 5 minutes from my house.

Hit clinton on Saturday. Over 50 fish total- mostly 3-4lb wipers and a few nice bass. You guys should take advantage of this lake while you can...

You cound have a Bris Milah for your rod and make sure all your friends and family are over. Anyhow...not real sure why all the hate on the color...it is back and blue. I dont hate my jigs that are the same color...

I would go clear as well. if it is sunny, they will be tight to cover, if not more spread out...i dont like dirty water- i want to find the fish, not worry about the fish finding my bait. I also dont know if i would consider 3ft really clear...i would considerate that about right in the middle...at least in my neck of the woods.

how short of a season is it??? 4-6 weeks seems like you should have more than half a season left if you are rehabbing...

based on the cradel he is using- i would bet 100% that the fish was let go. Nice gear like that is not used to release...plus they are air breathers... god that would be a fun fish to catch.

I use only tru turns for skinny 7" worms. seriously- everyone should at least try them if you have not for a worm hook. Gammy skip gaps are pretty nice as well. Both these hooks allow you to bury the hook in the bait as opposed to some ewg that are better suited to pierce all the way through and then skin hook it. I have more confidence in hook set when it is not pushed all the way through.

Position your boat parallel to the depth or break you want to focus on and fan cast as you move along it. If you have a depth finder turn on the alarm so as you can follow the specific break you want. Fancasting that break allows you to cover the fish uphill and down hill, at varying angles... now if you are fishing bluffs...different story altogether. forgot to answer your original question...yes fishing downhill is not a problem so long as the degree is not to extreme...

Do make sure you tm is deployed in a vertical position prior to pushing on the pedal...that would be the only way to turn it. I have and bearings go out in the shaft that caused the head to not turn at all- had to replace it. typically the cables are an easy fix if that is the problem. The tm is down when you try to use the pedal...correct?

I usually have about 8-9 states a year. only resident state is IL...so I pay a lot more than I would like. I never get any trout stamps or great lakes stamps.

used and ripped hollow bodies previously on a keel weighted hook, threaded through the side. for small profile- any common jig trailer.

Storm swimshads work just fine, they come in good sizes and excel in deep water as they put new meaning into fast sink. Not my favorite but i do throw it time to time. Favorite right now are the high power herring for hard, berkely for hollow body, sebile magic swimmer for the soft. ****if it counts- the 3:16 no bull frog can be a blast in slop.

Thank you for that bit of info. The smell is terrible. I have no problem with stiffness, but stank almost turns me away.

I dont change bait. I change location/pattern and somtimes crack a beer.

Thanks. Just found it. I knew they stopped making it there for a bit and did not know they already released it again. I just have more confidence in this over the slugo simply because fish do hang on longer to powerbait.

x2 could be a chance at a nice fish!! I usually try and find some shallow wood.

I care and i am pretty sure that if you want people to read your threads then you need to care too. At least try to make some sense of the thoughts or facts you are trying to convey. Are you in that big of a hurry that you can't insert a comma or at least hit spell check before you post? Really wasted my life reading this, who cares about spelling on a fishing forum (please dont let me know if you do)? Cant wait for the new baits though, Berkley does carry some nice lines. I do know they are bringing back the slugo type bait back as well.

Sounds like you may have a good time with prespawn fish. Could be some shallow fish.

i thought it was good as well. not nearly so hoppy as the imperial pilsner

It will. I think the RT toad runs fine...just like some others a bit more. I do use the space monkey on a keel weighted hook all the time though. Perfect to replicate a frog and craw depending on how it is fished. I actually think it is one of my favorite baits.

I couldn't agree more. I love the rage line but I think there are better options for frogs. like what? Horney, Stanley

Going to be in the 40's next week. Hope it lasts- may head to clinton- Anyone fish clinton in the last month or so?

What are your water temps?

I have two as well- no breakage issues yet and fairly sensitive.