jlb6

We’re supposed to experience some form of super cicada event this year in IL where the 13 and 17 year broods both emerge at the same time. Out of curiosity just wondering what you may think this could do to the fishing? There isn’t a ton of info out there and I don’t think I’ve personally experienced cicadas impacted a season….but it’s supposed to be a ridiculous amount of them this year.

It’s hard to tamp down expectations in the fall which IMO in the Midwest at least is a significantly harder bite most days. It’s even harder to grind out finesse baits when the fish aren’t actively feeding just to catch but I still prefer that to staying home. All advice above is awesome-only thing I’d add would be tie on a ned if you haven’t. It’s not a technique I really enjoy throwing but I know when the bite is tough it will produce. All lessons learned on the water will contribute to more success in the future.

That’s awesome. Kinda glad I don’t have video proof of mine.

Was trying to avoid a pic but since you asked I did take a selfie on the yak after washing it off to see how bad it was.

Had to share with folks who would appreciate. Most would probably keep to themselves. Out on the yak last night and the water started to get active at late dusk. ..it was pretty dark. Saw/heard bass crashing on the other side of a narrow channel….too narrow to get through but wide enough to give it a shot casting it. Paddle over and put a cast down the gut… 12 o’clock as it was the only angle I had. Give the frog a couple twitches and it gets crushed. Give it a moment and slam on it-hard-as I had been catching some nice size fish all night. All I can describe is getting subsequently smacked so hard in the forehead that I didn’t know what happened for a sec. In sum…Fish didn’t hook up, braid gave it no forgiveness and my yak/cast angle was aimed directly at same point of attempted hook set so it came in hot smashing my noggin. Went home bloody, humbled and literally have the frog hook imprints on my forehead as scabs but am not wearing a patch so am grateful for that. Top 5 stupid things that have happened to me fishing. Thought it could be a fun post to ask you all who are comfortable sharing out something that happened to you on the water that all you could do was shake your head and laugh when it was over.

Sounds like there are slight variations in what we consider to be finesse vs power fishing which could be geographical or based on our preferred style of fishing. If I’m unsure of the bite I’d much prefer to start w a moving bait to cover water and hit actively feeding fish. But I’m with DitchPanda on water temps all but making what I personally consider power fishing to be a pointless exercise though at certain times of year. At least square pegging a round hole. Midwest early prespawn I’ll find some occasionally burning a trap but more times than not I end up soaking a trd to get bit. I don’t enjoy it but it’s my best chance of getting bit. The shallow strip pits i fish in the mid summer get so warm that the majority of fish just won’t chase in the dog days of summer. They want a free easy meal to hit them on their heads. But I’m also convinced that if you’re in tune with the water it’ll tell you when you can speed up (fish actively feeding, how the fish bite actually bite, whether they follow/chase, etc.). I like the term power-finesse and haven’t heard it but that’s how I would describe the happy medium of how I end up fishing a decent percentage of the year.

I think it’s a combination of the wide variety of retailers looking for your dollars and the SM content creators looking for your subscriber smash (also dollar-driven) that attempt to make bass fishing more mysterious and specific bait dependent, than it ever was or will ever need to be. Dealing with a lot of young anglers starting off you should hear/see them walking in to a retailer like BP where you can choose from literally thousands of bait/color combos or presentations. They just don’t know where to start. Honestly it is a huge put-off to new anglers as it can be overwhelming and perpetuate this very problem. This thread is exactly why I tell them to start here. Huge believer that place, time, rate of retrieve/fall/vibration/sound, etc. all come well before matching the hatch. This week I saw the craziest thing I’ve ever seen fishing; a LM literally crash site and beach itself on to eat a d**n sparrow (it was successful). Basically as said above if a fish is actively feeding and it perceives that food source as able to fit in its mouth I’m convinced there’s not a lot of cognitive processes taking place. Figuring out the where, when, why and how on any given day you get a chance to be on the water (when they might not be actively feeding) are the real mystery/skill IMO.

Little different than what you’re asking but the only lure I ever bought because of an attached name was my first River2sea Whopper Plopper. I was a huge fan of Larry Dahlberg and always loved to watch him work in his garage on lures in his show.

Thanks John but I’m good. I’m there all the time so chances are we’ve crossed paths. I’ve been out nearly 100 times since I bought the membership in May. Really appreciate the solitude, fishing was pretty good for most of the year and the guys I’ve met have been great. I’m out there all the time in a tan kayak (still) if you ever see me stop and chat. Thanks.

Thanks JF. It was a shot and figured there was a chance to have someone local on BR with some knowledge but that exceeded my expectations. Really appreciate it and it will definitely give me a place to start. I'll pm you re getting out out there this summer.

With Covid-19 making my local waterways even more pressured I looked in to and successfully secured a membership to Bass and Gill after visiting with a friend. Their website leaves a lot to the imagination with limited info and there aren’t any recent BR posts or even in the local forums like Windy City, chi-town, lakelink, etc. I’m looking to connect with anyone here who is a member regarding everything from their overall experiences, lakes to start focusing on and tournaments, etc. TIA Jim

Carp....

Have the same exact yak for the river. This stadium seat fits perfect in it. https://www.amazon.com/Cascade-Mountain-Tech-Stadium-Bleachers/dp/B019EIAR1K/ref=sr_1_4?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIj4OR_JbF4wIV2B-tBh0RdAeXEAAYASAAEgJMRPD_BwE&hvadid=153689199033&hvdev=t&hvlocphy=9021703&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=15813408604690437548&hvtargid=kwd-171689317927&hydadcr=9405_9464971&keywords=cascade+stadium+seat&qid=1563683520&s=gateway&sr=8-4

Good to hear. They’ve always been incredibly supportive by us in helping out with our high school team and am not surprised by their continued support of getting young anglers on the water. Congrats and best of luck with the new program.

BPS. Call their store manager (or stop in) and explain what you are doing. I work with kids up here and they are great about helping out. I would bet they’ve already donated the Spring classic trade-ins but get your name on their list for the future but they may also donate some basic combos. Sounds like you don’t need a lot to get you going. Good luck. If you don’t get any leads pm me I may be able to lend a hand.