Freshwater Questions & Answers
To send Charles your freshwater questions and topics click
here,
then check back in a few days for the answer to your question.
QUESTION
ANSWER
Are there any lakes or ponds to fish in on Staten Island N.Y.
that have largemouth bass? If so what is the name of the lake and
where is it located?
--Steve
Hi Steve, Staten Island
has many lakes and I will list some of my favorites with locations
and lure information. Bradys Pond. Heading west on the service road
turn onto Clove Road. Black spinnerbaits and the Pop-R account for
some good fish. Manors Harbor Marsh Preserves. Get off the Staten
Island Expressway at the last exit before the Gothals Bridge onto
Western Avenue. Past the Coca Cola plant and turn right past Proctor
and Gamble (P & G) When you see a deli on your right turn right and
about a 1/4 mile you will see a sign for the preserve. Crawfish color
Baby Minus 1 crankbaits from Manns Bait Company, and watermelon color
spider jigs will work very well. IMPORTANT: You must protect yourself
at this location from ticks. Wear deet and protective clothing. Wolf
Pond. On Hyland Blvd. Early spring black jerkbaits and buzzbaits are
great for the bass and the occasional striped bass that become landlocked.
Silver Lakes Reservoir. You can find this place very easily, as it
is huge! Buzzbaits and small crankbaits work well. Clove Pond. On
Clove Road near the Staten Island Zoo. 4inch worms in pumpkinseed
and green will catch plenty of good-sized bass. Tight Lines!
I need to know where I can fish for Peacock bass and what kind
of bait or lure I need. I watch the Joey Mines show and he fishes
somewhere in Georgia.
--Kevin
Hi Kevin, The Peacock
Bass is a fish that needs a very warm environment to survive. Southern
Florida and the Florida Keys are the most commonly known locations.
Perhaps there are some in Georgia, but I doubt that they grow very
big or live that long with the seasonal temperature changes in that
state. Lures are larger than normal spinnerbaits, crankbaits and jerkbaits.
Tight Lines!
I have a Rebel lightning shad and I don't know where to use
it. I also have a Matzu Popper, a Rebel Pop R, a Bill Dance Excalibur
pop'n image and a XPS lazer eye minnow. The colors are light green
and pink.
You have quite an assortment
of lures there. I suggest the Rebel lightning shad and the XPS lazer
eye minnow would be good for a mid morning and early afternoon bite
on any of the lakes along the southern shoreline of Long Island. All
the others are top water lures and you should read my article Top
Water All Day posted on the Screamingreel website. Tight Lines!
Where do you go for a fishing license. Are there any special
"deals" for Seniors? Could use any basic fishing advice for beginners.
--Ken
Hello Ken! Fishing licenses
are available at most tackle stores and your local Sports Authority
or K-Mart. The cost is only $14.00, however, if you are over 65 or
have a military disability you can obtain your license for only $5.00
per year. The license runs from October 1st to September 30th. Local
state and government regulations prohibit fishing during certain times
of the year and you should obtain the official booklet when you purchase
your license. As for tips, well I think the articles on Screamingreel.com
cover most of the types of fishing available here on the island and
in the surrounding areas. I would also suggest that you read the other
correspondence from readers like yourself to whom I have given my
personal advice over the years as to the best way to fish Long Island.
Tight Lines!
I was wondering if you could tell me any good websites or give
me any information at all about Bullheads AKA Horned pouts.
The Horned Pout is a name
that is associated with the brown bullhead and is used mainly in the
Mid-West and in New England to describe the species. As your e-mail
is missing your location and name, I can only assume that you are
not from Long Island! So here on Long Island we have both the brown
and the black bullhead. The best way to tell them apart is to look
at the tail and you will see a small (pale in color), crescent shaped
mark that is found only on the black bullhead. While the brown bullhead
is a native species to the United States, local fisheries and private
individuals have introduced the black bullhead in many waters around
the country. The Long Island record for a black bullhead is 7 pounds
7 ounces, but the record is currently being disputed, as it is believed
to be a channel cat with a worn out tail! Some of the best locations
on Long Island for these fish are Oyster Bay Mill Pond, Wantagh Mill
Pond and Swan Pond in Calverton. Here are some "other names" for these
fish, which you may find interesting. Red Catfish, The Minister, The
Speckled Cat and the French name is Burbotte Brune. There is a website
run by the Texas Fisheries, which has many color photographs of the
species that exist today. It can be found at: http://www.utexas.edu/depts/tnhc/.www/fish/tnhc/na/txindex.html
Tight Lines!
After 12 years of bass fishing with freshwater spinning gear
I recently purchased my first casting rod (pistol grip) because
I have areas I fish that I believe a casting rod would allow me
to make a more accurate casts and a more subtle landing in the water.
Choosing the rod was easy for me, however, have had no experience
with casting reels I'm having a difficult time in choosing a reel.
Do I go under the assumption that you only get what you pay for?
Or can you give me 3 models that you would highly recommend Iin
the $100-150 range.
--Bob P.
Hi Bob, Low end look at
Quantum reels. They are rugged, durable and most cost under $50.00.
For high end I suggest the Shimano range of baitcasting reels. Look
for one with at least 4 ball bearings to give a smooth cast and less
chance of a "birds nest" or "professional over-run" as we like to
call them on the trail! Like you said "You get what you pay for".
Tight Lines!
Do you have any info on Oakland Lake in Bayside? What fish are
in there and how deep is this lake?
--John from Bayside
John, Oakland is a great
lake. Apart from the largemouth bass, Oakland also holds trout, bullhead,
catfish and crappie plus a stock of pickerel and smallmouth bass which
were introduced in 1963. Historically, Oakland tends to get "choked
up" with weeds by mid summer, so fishing will be restricted, unless
you have good casting skills and can reach the "holes" or pockets
that appear in the weeds. Cast a weightless 4 inch worm in Motor Oil
or Black on a 1/0 wide gap hook for best results. My favorite location
is right in front of the spillway where the water runs out of the
lake if the water levels get too high. In the evening (if you can
stand the flies!) watch for the large bass to cruise up and down in
search of the small bait fish. Also, when the weeds are up, try a
black "Scum Frog" dragged slowly over the top and paused by those
holes I mentioned earlier. Tight Lines!
I am an avid catfish man and I fish mainly in the Missouri River.
Where can I buy braided line to make trotlines at a low cost?
--Mark from Missouri
Hi Mark, Best way to buy
braided line is in bulk. If you have a good tackle store near you,
the owner can buy the line for you at a low cost and pass it on at
with a minimal handling charge. The only other suggestion I can offer
is to contact the manufacturers directly. Their telephone number will
be on the packaging. Many thanks for the picture. WOW that is some
catfish! Tight Lines!
Where can I find good maps of the Potomac River and the Chesapeake
Bay?
--Jack
Jack I can give you the
number of my good friend Nick Manfredo who is a guide on the Potomac,
He can be reached at (301) 839-2858. If anyone can help you Nick can.
Tell him Charlie said hello! Tight Lines!
I see there is a body of water called Canoe Lake in Calverton.
It appears to run just east of Grumman property, up behind the Calverton
Links Golf course. Is there public access to this lake? Most of
the ponds out there hold decent fish; I would like to give Canoe
Lake a try.
--Mike from the East End of Long Island
Good news Mike, The owners
of the golf course will allow anglers to fish there as long as you
are respectful to the golfers and the property. Litter will not be
tolerated and they will close public access if it happens. Fishing
after dark is prohibited. Let me know how you do, I would be pleased
to publish your catch on the site. Tight Lines!
My brothers and I made our annual spring trek up to Milford
reservoir for crappies, the occasional largemouth bass, or whatever
is biting. Yesterday at about 4pm I caught a nice chain pickerel!
It hit a 4" black and white shad body on a 3/8oz-arrowhead jig!
It was an exciting fight. My brother hit one moments later and we
went home smiling because we had tangled with a species of freshwater
fish not generally seen in our neck of the woods which is mainly
Brooklyn and queens ponds (the fish were released unharmed). Can
you clarify the locations of pickerel stocked lakes in Westchester
county?
--A Reader from Westchester County
Pickerel are scattered
all over the Westchester County area in almost all lakes, ponds and
reservoirs. Oscawana and Mahopac are two that come to mind. Try them
both for some excellent fishing for all the species mentioned. Tight
Lines!
I went fishing with my fiancee in Smith Pond last Saturday hoping
to catch some bass but didn't see anything in the lake but garbage.
I went at 5 PM because growing up on Long Island I always noticed
the bass fishing better either in the morning or sunset. I tried
using a spinner bait and plug, casting them through the weeds but
had no luck. What is the best lake and time to fish in that area?
And what type of lure and line do I use? Also what can you tell
me about the bass fishing in Beaver Dam Lake in Mill Neck, is it
good? Also, what part of the lake is best to fish from shore?
--Pat from Long Island
First things first. Pat
you are not allowed to target bass on Long Island until June. An angler
was fined $500.00 only this month (April) for fishing out of season
so be careful. If you need to fish now, go to Connecticut, their season
is now open. Smith Pond has a good population of bass. A finesse four-inch
worm in Green or brown will catch them. Same lure will work on Beaver
Dam Lake when the Long Island bass season opens.... A closed season
is put into place for a very good reason. These fish need a rest and
they need to breed. Put yourself in their position and I am sure you
will understand! Tight Lines
I was wondering if you could help me out with how to rig tubes.
I know you can use a regular lead head jig and I guess what they
call a gitzit head? How would you rig it with a worm hook for Texas
style, and also I bought these weights you slide over the hook,
but I'm still not sure exactly how the hook should go into the tube.
--Dean from Long Island
Dean you are having a
few problems but I can tell that you have all the right components
so I will try to explain. The Texas rig hook will work on a gitzit,
but your weight will be outside the lure and sliding up and down on
the line as it would for a worm. You may want to fix the weight to
the line by pushing a toothpick into the lead and breaking it off
as close as you can to the top. Rig the tube in exactly the same way
you rig the worm. Pierce the top of the gitzit or tube with the hook
until the hook point and barb disappears, then bring the hook point
through the side and turn it 180 degrees. Next lay the gitzit or tube
against the hook to see where the bend of the hook touches the bait,
then bend the lure upwards and bring the hook back through both side
of the bait and you are ready! The internal weights you mentioned
should be placed inside the tube or gitzit and then repeat the hook
process above except that you must pass the hook point through the
hole in the internal weight so that it stays inside the tube. Tight
Lines!
I just wanted to ask what would be your best recommendation
in what kind of baits to use for crappie. I am taking my little
sister fishing this upcoming weekend in the upper twin pond. I heard
it was a good spot for crappie. What would be the best kinds of
bait to use and any lures/jigs you would recommend to me? Also are
there any Carp in this pond?
--Arthur from Long Island
Hi Arthur, The Crappie
fishing there is quite good. With the warmer weather approaching,
you will find them moving into the outer weed edges and brush to begin
their annual mating and egg laying. I always like to catch these fish
on waxworm tipped jigs under a bobber. You should try to find the
1/8 or 1/16-ounce sizes from Blakemore called the RoadRunners. RoadRunners
come in three styles: Curly Tail, Turbo Tail and the Pro Series. My
favorite is the Turbo Tail as it leaves room on the hook bend for
the waxworm. If you can't find them in the stores, go to www.blakemore-lure.com
Yes there are carp in Twin. Large hooks loaded with sweet corn or
night crawlers should get you a fish or two, but if you really want
to catch a monster, try my bread crumb and potato technique that I
have mentioned in previous correspondence. Tight Lines and Have a
Crappie Day!
I've just read that with a special permit small car tops boats
can be put into Hempstead Lake. Does this mean canoes only or not?
I was planning on picking up an old aluminum 12" boat if it would
qualify for this purpose. What sort of boats are allowed? Are there
many folks boating on Hempstead Lake? Do they allow electric trolling
motors? How can I get a detailed map of the lake showing depth contours?
Also, w hat is the best method, weight of line, bait/lures & time
for fishing for tiger muskies on Hempstead Lake?
--John from Long Island
You sound excited are
you suffering like the rest of us, from "cabin fever"? Well John,
I have lots of good news for you. You can use your 12-foot aluminum
boat, provided you can hand carry the boat to the water. You must
have the boat inspected prior to buying your permit and yes you can
use an electric trolling motor. Trailers will not be permitted. Very
few boats seem to use the lake, so you will probably have the place
to yourself for the early spring and during the week I am sure the
lake will be empty. A map of Hempstead Lake State Park is available
from the DEC call (516) 444-0280 In the early hours of the morning
and sometimes until noon depending upon cloud cover and water temperature,
these fish will feed in the shallows. Your fishing line should be
in the 20-pound plus class. A heavy action rod in the 7 to 10-foot
range and large inline spinners with oversized feathers (some call
them big chickens!). These should be trolled from the back of your
boat in 5 to 10 feet of water, or cast into the shallows and retrieved
at very high speed will catch some nice fish. Please remember to release
them as quickly as possible as they do die easily from exhaustion.
Tight Lines!
AS A RELATIVELY NEW FRESHWATER ENTHUSIAST, YOUR Q&A FORUM, BY
FAR, TOPS ANY I'VE ENCOUNTERED. YOUR WORK IS GREATLY APPRECIATED.
MY QUESTIONS ARE: WHERE IS THE CLOSEST BODY OF WATER THAT HOLDS
BASS THAT ARE EDIBLE? DO YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT CANDLEWOOD LAKE
IN CONNECTICUT? FINALLY, WHAT SIDE OF HEMPSTEAD LAKE HAS THE BEST
BASS ACTION? KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND THANKS FOR KEEPING IT REEL.
--Keith from Queens
Hi Keith, Thank you for
your kind words concerning the Screamingreel site. Dave and Robin
work countless hours to make it the number one site on the eastern
seaboard for salt and freshwater information, remember to tell all
your friends! OK, question one, I do not recommend the eating of freshwater
bass anywhere in the northeast. We have far too many pollutants and
chemicals draining into ponds and lakes around here for the eating
of any freshwater fish to be safe. If you must eat your catch I suggest
trout fishing in controlled areas offered by the DEC. Candlewood is
an excellent deep-water lake for any angler who wants to try all the
techniques available today. From top water to Carolina rigging, Candlewood
offers a magnificent supply of large and smallmouth bass, along with
walleye, trout and other species. You will need a license to fish
there and you must write for a form to: The Town Clerks Office, 155
Deer Hill Avenue, Danbury, CT 06810. Hempstead Lake State Park offers
three bodies of water, all of which hold bass. The largest lake holds
the majority of the bass in the northern end where the water becomes
shallow. Small "car topper" boats are allowed there for an annual
fee. Please contact the DEC at (631) 444-0280 for information. McDonalds
Pond also has some nice bass in it, but they seem to feed only during
the early hours of the morning, on top water buzzbaits in white. REMEMBER
you are NOT allowed to wade in McDonalds Pond, as the bottom is a
clay shell and it will crack. Tight Lines!
I have years of experience salt-water fishing, but never once
fished in fresh-water. This year I woul like to begin fresh water
fishing, but I have no idea where to begin. I live in White Plains
NY, & do not have a boat. Is there a local resource that can put
me on the right page?
--Rob from White Plains
Rob there are many bodies
of water within an hour of your front door. I suggest your first contact
is the DEC try the Long Island office at (631) 444-0282 and they can
give you your regional office number . Next I would try to contact
a local bass club, who I am sure are always looking for new members,
with or without boats. Good Luck and Tight Lines!
As a child, I fished Lay Lake in central Alabama with a spoon
with a spinner attached up front. It was called a Weed Wing by Johnny
O'Neal, we usually put an Uncle Josh pork rind to enhance the effect.
My brothers and I have been looking for a place that might have
a few of these left, they were very effective in these waters. If
by chance you happen to know of a place, I would appreciate you
guiding me in the right direction.
--Perry from Alabama
Hi Perry! Sorry to say
but from all the people who I have contacted, I am told that this
lure is no longer in production. A similar lure was recently released
by Strike King so all I can suggest is that you contact them directly
or via your local tackle store. Tight Lines!
The Winter seems to never end. I am gettting very anxious to
start fishing. When can i start bass fishing. And is it a good time
to go pickerel fishing. What lakes and what baits do you recomend
for this time of year. Soon as the fishing starts, i can be happy
again.
--John from Wantagh
Call the DEC for the local
bass regulations on your favorite lake/s. (631) 444-0282 Now is an
excellent time to fish for pickerel. You live close to Twin Lakes,
and I suggest the lower lake by the waterfall with live killies, or
a small sliver "in line" spoon fished slowly. Tight Lines!
Could you give me information on a basic hatch progression for
New York State. Even I you are close I want to try fly fishing but
have no idea what bugs are when etc, I would appeciate the help.
--MP from New York
MP it is tough to answer
without knowing where you live. My "go to" fly in the early spring
on Long Island is a streamer in yellow and black, with silverfoil
strands in the tail. I also like the size 18 gnat (or bug) in dark
green. It looks like nothing, but it catches a whole lot of fish!
Tight Lines!
Last month i sent you a e-Mail to ask you about fishing in Lake
Okeechobee in south Florida. Well Charles your tips and information
"I HAVE TO SAY PAID OFF" We arrived at Roland Martin Marina at 5pm
on a Monday,after a quick dinner, me and my buddy Jimmy walked around
the marina to see if we could try to pick up some tricks of how
to get fish in the boat. Well Charles it didnot take long to realize
that the trick to getting fish in the boat is a guide that knows
the area water. and boy did we get the BEST. As you know,The lake
is at all time low where you can go two miles and be in 1 foot of
water. The next day me and Jimmy met our guide at the club house
at 6am, His name was CHET DOUTHIT, Chet is a professional guide
on the lake and a 7 time bassmasters classic qualifier. Chet told
us that the water level was very low in the marina ramp so we had
to drive ten minutes to another ramp. After we got his 21 foot Triton
bass boat with 225 merc in water we were off, Chet got the boat
to about 60 mph. Atfer a quick 15 min trip we were fishing. Chet
began us with top water lures,after awhile we had no hits so he
changed to worms. Well Charles i got a hit of alife time. It was
a 7 lb largemouth bass, My first and biggest of my life. I will
never forget the thrill of fighting that monster and I have to thank
you,Chet and my wife for letting me go.
--John from Long Island
On behalf of all the staff
at Screamingreel.com, Congratulations John! I have fished in tournaments
with Chet and he is just a great guy. I am so glad that we could be
of assistance to you. Tight Lines! p.s. I like the bit about thanking
the wife, nice touch!!!!!
I'm going to do some bass fishin this year out of the canoe.
What pound test do you sugggest and what about the lures? Does the
DEC ramp get crowded during the week?
--LT Mac from Long Island
I like light lines for
Forge LT. 8lb test is perfect, but make sure you have your drag settings
correctly adjusted on your reel. Lures should be smaller this time
of year. I like four inch worms, which you will see me talk about
a lot here at Screamingreel. Also, try the MICRO Munch Jigs which
are available from most good tackle stores on Long Island. During
the week, the DEC ramp is almost always clear. Tight Lines!
What is the life expectancy of a large mouth bass?
--John Todd
Depending upon location
and food, twenty years is not un-common. Tight Lines!
I would like to know what I should do on Sagandaga Lake. My
campground is located in a bay off of the lake, near the highway.
I want to know how to catch some walleye and bass.
--Nick from New York
Hi Nick, Let me first
talk about Walleye. Sagandaga is a very deep lake in certain places
and I suggest the use of a plano board. A local tackle store will
have them, and you will need a strong rod with heavy line in order
to use this method. What the plano board will do is allow you to troll
a crankbait in very deep water. If the plano board is not working
or the water is not too deep near your location, try a worm rig (plastic
or live) with a small spinner blade on the nose of the bait (orange
is a great color). You can buy these from any good tackle store, or
Bass Pro Shops, at www.bassproshops.com a slow retrieve is best. Note:
Leeches (when available) are also a great bait for Walleye. Now the
bass. This time of year, if you are fishing near the shoreline, go
the west shore (that's where the sun warms the water first in the
early morning) and try a top water bait like a Zara Spook or a Pop-R
in blue and sliver. If that fails, go to my favorite 4-inch worm in
green or brown, with no weight on 10-lb test line! Tight Lines!
I am an avid freshwater fisherman. I love the early spring especially
because thats when you have a good shot at trophy sized largemouths
and slab crappies. I live in brooklyn and have fished many of the
ponds in this area. I've caught some nice 5lb largemouths as well
as a few slab Crappie right here in my little neck of the woods.
My question is:Where can I find maps of Prospect Park, Baisley Pond
, and Kissena Park.
--CMP from Brooklyn
Hi CMP! Contact your local
Department of Environmental Conservation for Region 1 or call (631)
444-0280 for information. These maps are available at no cost. I would
suggest that when you request them in writing you send them postage.
Tight Lines!
I was wondering if you might be able to help me. I was looking
for maps of lake depths in my area (NY and NJ) Can you help ?
--Ted from the New York / New Jersey
Hi Ted, Dave passed this
question to me and I think I can help you. You should contact the
local department of Environmental Conservation in New Jersey and New
York for these maps. They are free and will be mailed to you upon
request. I do however suggest that you send them the cost of postage
when you request these maps as these agencies have limited funds.
Tight Lines!
I want to know what the best lures to use at Massapequa Resevoir?
Also where is the best spot on the lake?
--George from Long Island
Hi George! Best place
is the shoreline adjacent to the Sunrise Highway. 4 inch watermelon
green worms is my "go to" bait. If the bite is tough, I like to use
a half ounce black and blue jig with a pork trailer from Uncle Josh.
These two lures account for most of my bass. If you are fishing for
the trout, small Mepps in-line spinners are still hot in silver and
red, or if you like livebait, use waxworms under a pencil style bobber
. Tight Lines!
To read more answers to your questions, Click
Here.
Return to The Freshwater Angler or
Main Page.
To send Charles your freshwater questions and topics click here,
then check back in a few days for the answer to your question.
QUESTION |
ANSWER |
|
Are there any lakes or ponds to fish in on Staten Island N.Y.
that have largemouth bass? If so what is the name of the lake and
where is it located? |
Hi Steve, Staten Island has many lakes and I will list some of my favorites with locations and lure information. Bradys Pond. Heading west on the service road turn onto Clove Road. Black spinnerbaits and the Pop-R account for some good fish. Manors Harbor Marsh Preserves. Get off the Staten Island Expressway at the last exit before the Gothals Bridge onto Western Avenue. Past the Coca Cola plant and turn right past Proctor and Gamble (P & G) When you see a deli on your right turn right and about a 1/4 mile you will see a sign for the preserve. Crawfish color Baby Minus 1 crankbaits from Manns Bait Company, and watermelon color spider jigs will work very well. IMPORTANT: You must protect yourself at this location from ticks. Wear deet and protective clothing. Wolf Pond. On Hyland Blvd. Early spring black jerkbaits and buzzbaits are great for the bass and the occasional striped bass that become landlocked. Silver Lakes Reservoir. You can find this place very easily, as it is huge! Buzzbaits and small crankbaits work well. Clove Pond. On Clove Road near the Staten Island Zoo. 4inch worms in pumpkinseed and green will catch plenty of good-sized bass. Tight Lines! |
|
I need to know where I can fish for Peacock bass and what kind
of bait or lure I need. I watch the Joey Mines show and he fishes
somewhere in Georgia. |
Hi Kevin, The Peacock Bass is a fish that needs a very warm environment to survive. Southern Florida and the Florida Keys are the most commonly known locations. Perhaps there are some in Georgia, but I doubt that they grow very big or live that long with the seasonal temperature changes in that state. Lures are larger than normal spinnerbaits, crankbaits and jerkbaits. Tight Lines! |
|
I have a Rebel lightning shad and I don't know where to use it. I also have a Matzu Popper, a Rebel Pop R, a Bill Dance Excalibur pop'n image and a XPS lazer eye minnow. The colors are light green and pink. |
You have quite an assortment of lures there. I suggest the Rebel lightning shad and the XPS lazer eye minnow would be good for a mid morning and early afternoon bite on any of the lakes along the southern shoreline of Long Island. All the others are top water lures and you should read my article Top Water All Day posted on the Screamingreel website. Tight Lines! |
|
Where do you go for a fishing license. Are there any special "deals" for Seniors? Could use any basic fishing advice for beginners. --Ken |
Hello Ken! Fishing licenses are available at most tackle stores and your local Sports Authority or K-Mart. The cost is only $14.00, however, if you are over 65 or have a military disability you can obtain your license for only $5.00 per year. The license runs from October 1st to September 30th. Local state and government regulations prohibit fishing during certain times of the year and you should obtain the official booklet when you purchase your license. As for tips, well I think the articles on Screamingreel.com cover most of the types of fishing available here on the island and in the surrounding areas. I would also suggest that you read the other correspondence from readers like yourself to whom I have given my personal advice over the years as to the best way to fish Long Island. Tight Lines! |
|
I was wondering if you could tell me any good websites or give me any information at all about Bullheads AKA Horned pouts. |
The Horned Pout is a name that is associated with the brown bullhead and is used mainly in the Mid-West and in New England to describe the species. As your e-mail is missing your location and name, I can only assume that you are not from Long Island! So here on Long Island we have both the brown and the black bullhead. The best way to tell them apart is to look at the tail and you will see a small (pale in color), crescent shaped mark that is found only on the black bullhead. While the brown bullhead is a native species to the United States, local fisheries and private individuals have introduced the black bullhead in many waters around the country. The Long Island record for a black bullhead is 7 pounds 7 ounces, but the record is currently being disputed, as it is believed to be a channel cat with a worn out tail! Some of the best locations on Long Island for these fish are Oyster Bay Mill Pond, Wantagh Mill Pond and Swan Pond in Calverton. Here are some "other names" for these fish, which you may find interesting. Red Catfish, The Minister, The Speckled Cat and the French name is Burbotte Brune. There is a website run by the Texas Fisheries, which has many color photographs of the species that exist today. It can be found at: http://www.utexas.edu/depts/tnhc/.www/fish/tnhc/na/txindex.html Tight Lines! |
|
After 12 years of bass fishing with freshwater spinning gear
I recently purchased my first casting rod (pistol grip) because
I have areas I fish that I believe a casting rod would allow me
to make a more accurate casts and a more subtle landing in the water.
Choosing the rod was easy for me, however, have had no experience
with casting reels I'm having a difficult time in choosing a reel.
Do I go under the assumption that you only get what you pay for?
Or can you give me 3 models that you would highly recommend Iin
the $100-150 range. |
Hi Bob, Low end look at Quantum reels. They are rugged, durable and most cost under $50.00. For high end I suggest the Shimano range of baitcasting reels. Look for one with at least 4 ball bearings to give a smooth cast and less chance of a "birds nest" or "professional over-run" as we like to call them on the trail! Like you said "You get what you pay for". Tight Lines! |
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Do you have any info on Oakland Lake in Bayside? What fish are
in there and how deep is this lake? |
John, Oakland is a great lake. Apart from the largemouth bass, Oakland also holds trout, bullhead, catfish and crappie plus a stock of pickerel and smallmouth bass which were introduced in 1963. Historically, Oakland tends to get "choked up" with weeds by mid summer, so fishing will be restricted, unless you have good casting skills and can reach the "holes" or pockets that appear in the weeds. Cast a weightless 4 inch worm in Motor Oil or Black on a 1/0 wide gap hook for best results. My favorite location is right in front of the spillway where the water runs out of the lake if the water levels get too high. In the evening (if you can stand the flies!) watch for the large bass to cruise up and down in search of the small bait fish. Also, when the weeds are up, try a black "Scum Frog" dragged slowly over the top and paused by those holes I mentioned earlier. Tight Lines! |
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I am an avid catfish man and I fish mainly in the Missouri River.
Where can I buy braided line to make trotlines at a low cost? |
Hi Mark, Best way to buy braided line is in bulk. If you have a good tackle store near you, the owner can buy the line for you at a low cost and pass it on at with a minimal handling charge. The only other suggestion I can offer is to contact the manufacturers directly. Their telephone number will be on the packaging. Many thanks for the picture. WOW that is some catfish! Tight Lines! |
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Where can I find good maps of the Potomac River and the Chesapeake
Bay? |
Jack I can give you the number of my good friend Nick Manfredo who is a guide on the Potomac, He can be reached at (301) 839-2858. If anyone can help you Nick can. Tell him Charlie said hello! Tight Lines! |
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I see there is a body of water called Canoe Lake in Calverton.
It appears to run just east of Grumman property, up behind the Calverton
Links Golf course. Is there public access to this lake? Most of
the ponds out there hold decent fish; I would like to give Canoe
Lake a try. |
Good news Mike, The owners of the golf course will allow anglers to fish there as long as you are respectful to the golfers and the property. Litter will not be tolerated and they will close public access if it happens. Fishing after dark is prohibited. Let me know how you do, I would be pleased to publish your catch on the site. Tight Lines! |
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My brothers and I made our annual spring trek up to Milford
reservoir for crappies, the occasional largemouth bass, or whatever
is biting. Yesterday at about 4pm I caught a nice chain pickerel!
It hit a 4" black and white shad body on a 3/8oz-arrowhead jig!
It was an exciting fight. My brother hit one moments later and we
went home smiling because we had tangled with a species of freshwater
fish not generally seen in our neck of the woods which is mainly
Brooklyn and queens ponds (the fish were released unharmed). Can
you clarify the locations of pickerel stocked lakes in Westchester
county? |
Pickerel are scattered all over the Westchester County area in almost all lakes, ponds and reservoirs. Oscawana and Mahopac are two that come to mind. Try them both for some excellent fishing for all the species mentioned. Tight Lines! |
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I went fishing with my fiancee in Smith Pond last Saturday hoping
to catch some bass but didn't see anything in the lake but garbage.
I went at 5 PM because growing up on Long Island I always noticed
the bass fishing better either in the morning or sunset. I tried
using a spinner bait and plug, casting them through the weeds but
had no luck. What is the best lake and time to fish in that area?
And what type of lure and line do I use? Also what can you tell
me about the bass fishing in Beaver Dam Lake in Mill Neck, is it
good? Also, what part of the lake is best to fish from shore? |
First things first. Pat you are not allowed to target bass on Long Island until June. An angler was fined $500.00 only this month (April) for fishing out of season so be careful. If you need to fish now, go to Connecticut, their season is now open. Smith Pond has a good population of bass. A finesse four-inch worm in Green or brown will catch them. Same lure will work on Beaver Dam Lake when the Long Island bass season opens.... A closed season is put into place for a very good reason. These fish need a rest and they need to breed. Put yourself in their position and I am sure you will understand! Tight Lines |
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I was wondering if you could help me out with how to rig tubes.
I know you can use a regular lead head jig and I guess what they
call a gitzit head? How would you rig it with a worm hook for Texas
style, and also I bought these weights you slide over the hook,
but I'm still not sure exactly how the hook should go into the tube.
|
Dean you are having a few problems but I can tell that you have all the right components so I will try to explain. The Texas rig hook will work on a gitzit, but your weight will be outside the lure and sliding up and down on the line as it would for a worm. You may want to fix the weight to the line by pushing a toothpick into the lead and breaking it off as close as you can to the top. Rig the tube in exactly the same way you rig the worm. Pierce the top of the gitzit or tube with the hook until the hook point and barb disappears, then bring the hook point through the side and turn it 180 degrees. Next lay the gitzit or tube against the hook to see where the bend of the hook touches the bait, then bend the lure upwards and bring the hook back through both side of the bait and you are ready! The internal weights you mentioned should be placed inside the tube or gitzit and then repeat the hook process above except that you must pass the hook point through the hole in the internal weight so that it stays inside the tube. Tight Lines! |
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I just wanted to ask what would be your best recommendation
in what kind of baits to use for crappie. I am taking my little
sister fishing this upcoming weekend in the upper twin pond. I heard
it was a good spot for crappie. What would be the best kinds of
bait to use and any lures/jigs you would recommend to me? Also are
there any Carp in this pond? |
Hi Arthur, The Crappie fishing there is quite good. With the warmer weather approaching, you will find them moving into the outer weed edges and brush to begin their annual mating and egg laying. I always like to catch these fish on waxworm tipped jigs under a bobber. You should try to find the 1/8 or 1/16-ounce sizes from Blakemore called the RoadRunners. RoadRunners come in three styles: Curly Tail, Turbo Tail and the Pro Series. My favorite is the Turbo Tail as it leaves room on the hook bend for the waxworm. If you can't find them in the stores, go to www.blakemore-lure.com Yes there are carp in Twin. Large hooks loaded with sweet corn or night crawlers should get you a fish or two, but if you really want to catch a monster, try my bread crumb and potato technique that I have mentioned in previous correspondence. Tight Lines and Have a Crappie Day! |
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I've just read that with a special permit small car tops boats
can be put into Hempstead Lake. Does this mean canoes only or not?
I was planning on picking up an old aluminum 12" boat if it would
qualify for this purpose. What sort of boats are allowed? Are there
many folks boating on Hempstead Lake? Do they allow electric trolling
motors? How can I get a detailed map of the lake showing depth contours?
Also, w hat is the best method, weight of line, bait/lures & time
for fishing for tiger muskies on Hempstead Lake? |
You sound excited are you suffering like the rest of us, from "cabin fever"? Well John, I have lots of good news for you. You can use your 12-foot aluminum boat, provided you can hand carry the boat to the water. You must have the boat inspected prior to buying your permit and yes you can use an electric trolling motor. Trailers will not be permitted. Very few boats seem to use the lake, so you will probably have the place to yourself for the early spring and during the week I am sure the lake will be empty. A map of Hempstead Lake State Park is available from the DEC call (516) 444-0280 In the early hours of the morning and sometimes until noon depending upon cloud cover and water temperature, these fish will feed in the shallows. Your fishing line should be in the 20-pound plus class. A heavy action rod in the 7 to 10-foot range and large inline spinners with oversized feathers (some call them big chickens!). These should be trolled from the back of your boat in 5 to 10 feet of water, or cast into the shallows and retrieved at very high speed will catch some nice fish. Please remember to release them as quickly as possible as they do die easily from exhaustion. Tight Lines! |
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AS A RELATIVELY NEW FRESHWATER ENTHUSIAST, YOUR Q&A FORUM, BY
FAR, TOPS ANY I'VE ENCOUNTERED. YOUR WORK IS GREATLY APPRECIATED.
MY QUESTIONS ARE: WHERE IS THE CLOSEST BODY OF WATER THAT HOLDS
BASS THAT ARE EDIBLE? DO YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT CANDLEWOOD LAKE
IN CONNECTICUT? FINALLY, WHAT SIDE OF HEMPSTEAD LAKE HAS THE BEST
BASS ACTION? KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND THANKS FOR KEEPING IT REEL.
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Hi Keith, Thank you for your kind words concerning the Screamingreel site. Dave and Robin work countless hours to make it the number one site on the eastern seaboard for salt and freshwater information, remember to tell all your friends! OK, question one, I do not recommend the eating of freshwater bass anywhere in the northeast. We have far too many pollutants and chemicals draining into ponds and lakes around here for the eating of any freshwater fish to be safe. If you must eat your catch I suggest trout fishing in controlled areas offered by the DEC. Candlewood is an excellent deep-water lake for any angler who wants to try all the techniques available today. From top water to Carolina rigging, Candlewood offers a magnificent supply of large and smallmouth bass, along with walleye, trout and other species. You will need a license to fish there and you must write for a form to: The Town Clerks Office, 155 Deer Hill Avenue, Danbury, CT 06810. Hempstead Lake State Park offers three bodies of water, all of which hold bass. The largest lake holds the majority of the bass in the northern end where the water becomes shallow. Small "car topper" boats are allowed there for an annual fee. Please contact the DEC at (631) 444-0280 for information. McDonalds Pond also has some nice bass in it, but they seem to feed only during the early hours of the morning, on top water buzzbaits in white. REMEMBER you are NOT allowed to wade in McDonalds Pond, as the bottom is a clay shell and it will crack. Tight Lines! |
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I have years of experience salt-water fishing, but never once
fished in fresh-water. This year I woul like to begin fresh water
fishing, but I have no idea where to begin. I live in White Plains
NY, & do not have a boat. Is there a local resource that can put
me on the right page? |
Rob there are many bodies of water within an hour of your front door. I suggest your first contact is the DEC try the Long Island office at (631) 444-0282 and they can give you your regional office number . Next I would try to contact a local bass club, who I am sure are always looking for new members, with or without boats. Good Luck and Tight Lines! |
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As a child, I fished Lay Lake in central Alabama with a spoon
with a spinner attached up front. It was called a Weed Wing by Johnny
O'Neal, we usually put an Uncle Josh pork rind to enhance the effect.
My brothers and I have been looking for a place that might have
a few of these left, they were very effective in these waters. If
by chance you happen to know of a place, I would appreciate you
guiding me in the right direction. |
Hi Perry! Sorry to say but from all the people who I have contacted, I am told that this lure is no longer in production. A similar lure was recently released by Strike King so all I can suggest is that you contact them directly or via your local tackle store. Tight Lines! |
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The Winter seems to never end. I am gettting very anxious to
start fishing. When can i start bass fishing. And is it a good time
to go pickerel fishing. What lakes and what baits do you recomend
for this time of year. Soon as the fishing starts, i can be happy
again. |
Call the DEC for the local bass regulations on your favorite lake/s. (631) 444-0282 Now is an excellent time to fish for pickerel. You live close to Twin Lakes, and I suggest the lower lake by the waterfall with live killies, or a small sliver "in line" spoon fished slowly. Tight Lines! |
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Could you give me information on a basic hatch progression for
New York State. Even I you are close I want to try fly fishing but
have no idea what bugs are when etc, I would appeciate the help.
|
MP it is tough to answer without knowing where you live. My "go to" fly in the early spring on Long Island is a streamer in yellow and black, with silverfoil strands in the tail. I also like the size 18 gnat (or bug) in dark green. It looks like nothing, but it catches a whole lot of fish! Tight Lines! |
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Last month i sent you a e-Mail to ask you about fishing in Lake
Okeechobee in south Florida. Well Charles your tips and information
"I HAVE TO SAY PAID OFF" We arrived at Roland Martin Marina at 5pm
on a Monday,after a quick dinner, me and my buddy Jimmy walked around
the marina to see if we could try to pick up some tricks of how
to get fish in the boat. Well Charles it didnot take long to realize
that the trick to getting fish in the boat is a guide that knows
the area water. and boy did we get the BEST. As you know,The lake
is at all time low where you can go two miles and be in 1 foot of
water. The next day me and Jimmy met our guide at the club house
at 6am, His name was CHET DOUTHIT, Chet is a professional guide
on the lake and a 7 time bassmasters classic qualifier. Chet told
us that the water level was very low in the marina ramp so we had
to drive ten minutes to another ramp. After we got his 21 foot Triton
bass boat with 225 merc in water we were off, Chet got the boat
to about 60 mph. Atfer a quick 15 min trip we were fishing. Chet
began us with top water lures,after awhile we had no hits so he
changed to worms. Well Charles i got a hit of alife time. It was
a 7 lb largemouth bass, My first and biggest of my life. I will
never forget the thrill of fighting that monster and I have to thank
you,Chet and my wife for letting me go. |
On behalf of all the staff at Screamingreel.com, Congratulations John! I have fished in tournaments with Chet and he is just a great guy. I am so glad that we could be of assistance to you. Tight Lines! p.s. I like the bit about thanking the wife, nice touch!!!!! |
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I'm going to do some bass fishin this year out of the canoe.
What pound test do you sugggest and what about the lures? Does the
DEC ramp get crowded during the week? |
I like light lines for Forge LT. 8lb test is perfect, but make sure you have your drag settings correctly adjusted on your reel. Lures should be smaller this time of year. I like four inch worms, which you will see me talk about a lot here at Screamingreel. Also, try the MICRO Munch Jigs which are available from most good tackle stores on Long Island. During the week, the DEC ramp is almost always clear. Tight Lines! |
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What is the life expectancy of a large mouth bass? |
Depending upon location and food, twenty years is not un-common. Tight Lines! |
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I would like to know what I should do on Sagandaga Lake. My
campground is located in a bay off of the lake, near the highway.
I want to know how to catch some walleye and bass. |
Hi Nick, Let me first talk about Walleye. Sagandaga is a very deep lake in certain places and I suggest the use of a plano board. A local tackle store will have them, and you will need a strong rod with heavy line in order to use this method. What the plano board will do is allow you to troll a crankbait in very deep water. If the plano board is not working or the water is not too deep near your location, try a worm rig (plastic or live) with a small spinner blade on the nose of the bait (orange is a great color). You can buy these from any good tackle store, or Bass Pro Shops, at www.bassproshops.com a slow retrieve is best. Note: Leeches (when available) are also a great bait for Walleye. Now the bass. This time of year, if you are fishing near the shoreline, go the west shore (that's where the sun warms the water first in the early morning) and try a top water bait like a Zara Spook or a Pop-R in blue and sliver. If that fails, go to my favorite 4-inch worm in green or brown, with no weight on 10-lb test line! Tight Lines! |
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I am an avid freshwater fisherman. I love the early spring especially
because thats when you have a good shot at trophy sized largemouths
and slab crappies. I live in brooklyn and have fished many of the
ponds in this area. I've caught some nice 5lb largemouths as well
as a few slab Crappie right here in my little neck of the woods.
My question is:Where can I find maps of Prospect Park, Baisley Pond
, and Kissena Park. |
Hi CMP! Contact your local Department of Environmental Conservation for Region 1 or call (631) 444-0280 for information. These maps are available at no cost. I would suggest that when you request them in writing you send them postage. Tight Lines! |
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I was wondering if you might be able to help me. I was looking
for maps of lake depths in my area (NY and NJ) Can you help ? |
Hi Ted, Dave passed this question to me and I think I can help you. You should contact the local department of Environmental Conservation in New Jersey and New York for these maps. They are free and will be mailed to you upon request. I do however suggest that you send them the cost of postage when you request these maps as these agencies have limited funds. Tight Lines! |
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I want to know what the best lures to use at Massapequa Resevoir?
Also where is the best spot on the lake? |
Hi George! Best place is the shoreline adjacent to the Sunrise Highway. 4 inch watermelon green worms is my "go to" bait. If the bite is tough, I like to use a half ounce black and blue jig with a pork trailer from Uncle Josh. These two lures account for most of my bass. If you are fishing for the trout, small Mepps in-line spinners are still hot in silver and red, or if you like livebait, use waxworms under a pencil style bobber . Tight Lines! |
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