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
I got a lure and the name brand is Rattlesnake. The color is
bubble-gum and another lure I just purchased is an Edge Lure The
color on this is neon chartreuse My question is: Would I fish these
lures in stain water or clear water and what time of the day
--Kevin from North Carolina
Hi Kevin,
Both lures are better suited for stained to muddy water. You would
fish them very slowly. In my opinion they would work all day. If you
want to try them in clear water, you would have to increase the speed
and look for aggresive strikes. When fishing in clearer water with
lures of this color, you would not want the bass to get a good look
at them. Tight Lines!
I have heard of a new hook that is out on a trial basis. It
is suppose be a new hook for Gitzits that makes them weedless. I
don't know the name of manufacturer, or the name of the hook. If
you can help me I would appreciate it.
--Roger
Hello Roger!
I think you are referring to a hook make by Eagle Claw in conjunction
with Shaw Grigsby. Contact Eagle Claw at www.eagleclaw.com for more
information. Tight Lines!
I have seen people fishing the few ponds in Hempstead Lake State
Park. I was wondering if you could give me any advice on how to
fish those waters? What species are in those waters? How should
I fish for them? I have a NY state fresh water licence and I am
eager to fish there because it 2 minutes from my house.
--Eric Janika from Lynbrook
Hi Eric, Welcome
to one of my favorite lakes. I live in Hempstead, so I am just 5 minutes
away from there myself. OK,These lakes have: Carp, Bass, Bluegill,
Sunnies, Muskie, Walleye, Pickerel, Perch, Trout and assorted goldfish
and exotic species! Carp with sweetcorn or pizza dough. Bass early
morning top water and 4inch worms in green or pumpkinseed. Bluegill,
Sunnies and Perch can be caught with night-crawlers and waxworms.
Walleye or Muskie should be fished for from a boat . You are allowed
to operate an electric motor on the lake if you can hand carry your
boat to the waters edge. (no trailers). Chec with the DEC and the
Parks Depatment for details. There is a fee involved. Deep diving
crankbaits fished slowly for Walleye and in-line spinners (fished
in the shallows at high speed) in white and red account for most of
the Muskie. Pickerel can be caught with live killies under a bobber.
Trout on the fly, small Mepps in-line spinners or small night-crawlers.
Welcome to the neighborhood! Tight Lines!
I am only a teenager but really into fishing. My dad and I were
going to go fishing on Hempstead Lake later this week as we heard
the bass there are hitting shiners and night-crawlers. Is this true?
And do you know where I can buy shinners and night-crawlers?
--Mike from Westbury
Mike, the
baits you mentioned will always work on a lake like Hempstead. I suggest
you buy your night-crawlers from Causeway Bait and Tackle in Wantagh
(516) 785-3223 ask for Mike. Shiners are difficult. They are not native
to this part of the country. You could use killies in place of shiners,
in which case Causeway should be able to help you again! I also buy
night crawlers and other grubs, waxworms etc from GRUBCO. You can
find them on line at www.grubco.com Tight Lines!
Would you give some tips on how to fish small "Gitzits". In
an alpine lake my Father and I fish, a giant smallmouth is 12 inches.
So we fish with ultra lights and 2 lb. test. Do they make little
"Gitzits"? The locals say to use "Gitzits", but everything I see
looks like it's designed for largemouths. My Dad is pushing 80,
and for him to have a good artificial that can produce strikes,
saves a lot of wear and tear on me while in the boat. We usually
fish live bait, but it's a lot of work when on the water.
--Bill from out west
Yes they do
make small Gitzits. Bobby Garlands "Gitzit" company was purchased
by Bud Wooley a few years ago. He continues to manufacture the gitzit
and will be more than pleased to assist you. You need to call BUDZ
Fishin Wayz toll free at (888) 758-2864 and speak to Bud. Tell him
you spoke to me! It might get you a few samples!!! If you find they
are too large (which I doubt) you can always get Crappie Tubes from
Bass Pro Shops. These are excellent little one and a half inch tubes
in a variety of colors. Small jig heads and a little piece of Alka
Seltzer stuffed inside will give the tubes a "breathing" action that
will get more strikes! Tight Lines!
I have tried fishing Blydenburg with poppers, floating rapalas,
and spinners with minimal luck. Do you have any suggestions?
--Nancy from Long Island
Hi Nancy!
I have found that Blydenburg changes like the weather. If you fish
from the shoreline, try a white worm 4 or 6 inch is fine. Fish it
Texas style with a nose weight or weightless in the shallows. From
a boat, try a smoke gray grub with a quarter ounce weight on the nose
(Texas style again) and drag it slowly along the bottom in the central
part of the lake. Tight Lines!
I just wanted to thank you for your panfishing seminar on June
26. I brought my 3 sons (9, 6 & 4) to MacDonald Pond that Friday
evening and they had a ball! The action was fast and furious. I
was jumping the whole time baiting hooks, and unhooking sunnies!
I could barely keep up with them. They went through 40 waxworms
in about 45 minutes. It was great! What was that mail order place
you mentioned for waxworms? I'm looking forward to your bass seminar
in July
--John from Lindenhurst
Hi John! Thank
you for taking the trouble to write. I am so glad that the seminar
tips helped you enjoy a day on the water with your children. It is
the letters and e-mails like yours that keep me doing what I am doing
and teaching my "European" style of fishing. I love the look on the
faces of the children when they catch fish after fish after fish.
It keeps them entertained and it keeps them busy. Parents can spend
time with their children "one on one" in a non-competitive environment,
unlike baseball of football when you (the parent) become just a spectator.
Another bonus is that the children are under no pressure and can just
enjoy themselves. Your children will have stories from these "special
days" with their father, mother or grand parents that they will pass
on to their children too. Memories are wonderful gifts. Please watch
for notification by the DEC and Screamingreel.com for locations and
times of upcoming fishing seminars. The company I mentioned for bait
delivered right to your door is GRUBCO on (800) 222-3563 or their
new website at www.grubco.com Tight Lines!
Can you tell me where on Long Island one might catch Muskie
and Pike. How are they best fished for and how large do they get
in these parts?
--Michael from Long Island
Michael the
pike family has many types under which they are categorized. On Long
Island we have Tiger Muskie and Pickerel. Northern Pike are not located
anywhere on the island to my knowledge. The two main locations for
Tiger Muskie are Lake Ronkonkoma and Hempstead Lake State Park. You
can fish on both waters with an electrically powered boat (no gas).
Hempstead is car topper only, and you must have a permit to fish with
a boat. Call the DEC for information at (631) 444-0280 Pickerel are
scattered all over the island, but my two main choices are Twin Ponds
in Wantagh and Forge Pond in Riverhead. Shoreline fishing only in
Twin Pond but you can launch an electric powered vessel onto Forge.
Your site is terrific. I am a novice fisherman that like's to
freshwater fish on a few pretty lakes in Andes, NY near the famous
Beaverkill River. So I'm looking for an informative fellow fisherman
like yourself to learn from but man, you're all LI saltwater. I
wished you fished there. Do you know any site as informative as
yours for the Catskills?
--Tim from upstate NY
Hi Tim thanks
for the e-mail, which was originally directed toward the salt-water
department. I cover the freshwater articles and Q and A for Screamingreel
and can tell you something about the waters of the Catskills and beyond
as I fish professionally all along the eastern seaboard. In that general
area I usually fish with a 4inch worm in black or dark green attached
to a one sixteenth "Slider Head" on light spinning gear for most of
my largemouth bass. If your target species is smallmouth bass, I will
use the same outfit but replace the worm with a three and a half inch
gitzit (or tube bait) using the same colors with an internal "Gitzit
Glider" weight. Both the Slider Head and the Gitzit Glider can be
purchased from Northern Bass Supply by calling (800) 227-7032 Tell
them Charlie from Screamingreel recommended you. Tight Lines!
I fish a plastic worm Texas-rig on spinning tackle. How can
I prevent line twists and bird nests? Will a high end reel make
a difference?
--Chris from Long Island
Well Chris
there are two things you will have to try. First, change your line.
Sounds like it is old and is retaining it "memory". When you replace
fishing line, pass the line through the eyes of the rod and tie it
to the reel. Then drop the spool of new line in a sink or a container
filled with water so it is completely submerged. Now spool the line
onto the reel "wet". Placing the line on the reel wet will give it
"memory" to remain the size of the spool you are placing it on. Do
not "overload" the reel with line. You should leave about a quarter
of an inch space on your spool to avoid a bird's nest and/or tangles.
Secondly, with a Texas rig, if you are getting twists, place a small
swivel in the line about 12 inches about the hook. That will automatically
remove twist. Tight Lines!
Is there a "secret" to fishing lakes that are fished often?
I live on Staten Island and like to take my nephews out once in
a while, but we often only get a few fish (small Bass, Catfish,
Bluegill, Sunfish). I know there are fish in these lakes, I've seen
them, and have caught my share in the past, but it seems many of
the lakes I fished when I was younger are dead.
--Tom from Staten Island
Hi Tom, Fishing
pressure is without doubt the main cause of the problem. I fish lakes
that get pounded unmercifully on the weekends but are usually quite
during the week, so that is one possible time to go. But the secret
(for me anyway) is to scale down my tackle to lighter lines, smaller
hooks and a more subtle presentation. Try 4-inch worms on a 1/0 hook
without a weight. Allow the lure to fall naturally in the water and
watch the line. Use light spinning tackle with quarter ounce spinnerbaits
and little crankbaits. You will be amazed at how many more fish you
will catch! Tight Lines!
Its Kevin again here are my other lures 1. zoom lizard dark
green with black flakes. 2. bass assassin worms with gold flakes
3. creme worms purple with red . 4. zoom worm same color as lizard.
5.flw tour worms where can i fish this at. I'm near Lake Norman,
Lake Willie and the Catawba River. Can I catch bass there and what
kind of fish are in these lakes and the river?
--Kevin
Hello again
Kevin! You have a wide selection of lures, which is vital to successful
bass fishing. The reason I say that is because bass, like people,
change their eating habits often! All the lures you have will work
on specific days depending upon water clarity, weather conditions,
barometric pressure and time of day. Lizards are (to me anyway) a
springtime bait. Use them when the fish are about to go onto beds
before spawning or are moving off beds after spawning. Your plastic
worm collection sounds about right. I tend to use darker colors because
after a lure has fallen through the water column (depending on water
clarity) most lures turn to shades of dark green, brown or black.
Glitter or sparkle helps capture what little light does penetrate
the water and can only help you in your efforts. I am not familiar
with the lakes and river you mentioned because I live in New York.
However I did do some research and I have the following information.
http://www.denvernc.com/fishing.htm for Lake Norman. http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Meadows/1925/
for Lake Willie. I have no information on the Catawba River other
than that it holds trout. As it is connected to the water system in
North Carolina, I would also expect it to hold a good supply of Smallmouth
bass. Tight Lines!
I am 71 years old and would like to sell my fresh water equpment.fly
rods & reels about 100 flies some plugs .bait casting rods.
--George
Hi George!
I am so sorry to see that fishing has become too difficult for you
to manage. When I lived in Europe, one of my best fishing buddies
was in a similar predicament and it breaks my heart to see people
like yourself, reach a time in their life when they are unable to
continue participating in the sport that they love so much. You did
not mention which state you live in George, but I am sure as you have
Internet access, you may be able to auction the tackle as a "job lot"
and I am sure you will find a buyer. You may also want to contact
a local tackle store that would place a sign up in their store for
you. If some of the lures (in good condition) are over 30 years old
they may be worth quite a lot of money. I have seen some exchange
hands for $100.00 each! Without going into specific detail here, I
can tell you that here in New York we have a number of programs for
people who have difficulty walking or generally "getting about" where
they can continue to enjoy their fishing or favorite sporting activity.
The fresh air and the companionship is all good for you and your health,
so don't give up George, and remember if your in New York, I'll go
fishing with you! Tight Lines!
Do you know anything about Fresh Pond and Little Fresh Pond
in the North Sea area in Southampton? Whats there, good quantity,
shore access, special regulations, etc?
--Marty from Long Island
Marty there
is a bunch of things you need to know. The township of Southampton
controls Big Fresh Pond. If you are not a resident of Southampton,
you have a major problem. I have written in the past about the rules
they "made up" to suit themselves. I will not get into that here,
but you can launch a boat on Big Fresh Pond. However, if you are a
non-resident, they will ticket your vehicle and trailer. Also you
are not supposed to fish Big Fresh Pond without a Southampton guide
who, as far as I am aware, are not New York State Guides (I am one
myself.License # 2803) and they are therefore in violation of state
and federal laws by guiding without a NYS license. The DEC police
will no doubt be "beefing up" their patrols to curb that situation.
The fish in Big Fresh Pond are larger than those in Little Fresh Pond
because they are eating Alewife, which enter from the bay. Largemouth
bass love those Alewife! The Alewife should tell you that your bait
of choice would be a shallow running crankbait in silver and gold
or a quarter ounce Rattletrap. I am told that the township of Southampton
do not have regulatory control over Little Fresh Pond and that you
can put a boat on that lake, but I think access would only be large
enough for a car topper or canoe. Lure of choice here would be a black
or watermelon 6 inch worm fished with a "slider head". Again, I would
watch where you park, because the Southampton police have nothing
better to do than write parking tickets and harass fishermen! Tight
Lines!
What shoud I use when bass fishing in a heavy weeded lake? I
need to get down to the fish & not get hung-up.I'm fishing from
the shore not a boat.So what would you do?
--A Long Island resident
Well the best
lure has to be the jig. I suggest a half-ounce or three-quarter ounce
black and blue jig with an Uncle Josh pork trailer in the same color.
Fish with at least 20 pound test line. Cast over the weeds and let
the lure slip down between the pads. When it hits to bottom just shake
the rod or "hop" the lure a few inches. The bite should be either
a hard thump or the jig may feel heavy. Bass will often take the lure
on the fall, so look for your line to move. Either way set the hook
hard and bring the fish to the surface as quickly as you can. Tight
Lines!
Nice Web Site. I FOUND THIS AND I'M HAVING FUN READING IT.KEEP
UP THE GREAT WORK. MY QUESTION IS, CAN YOU LET ME KNOW WHAT TO USE
ON BASS WITH MY NEW FLY ROD AT TWIN LAKES?
--Bruce from Long Island
Hi Bruce,
Fly fishing at Twin can be a lot of fun. Wth the large number of Bass,
Trout, Crappie and Blue Gill you are going to have a great day fishing
a green gnat tied on a size 14 hook. Move the fly with a stop and
go action, you will not be dissapointed! Tight lines!
I read your answers that you gave me. My dad wants to know in
Monroe Louisiana or around there. He calls the bream red bream or
tittie bream. what are they really?
The fish you
describe are called Bluegills. One of the most popular panfish, bluegills
feed mainly on insects and crustaceans. Their native range is from
Minnesota south to Arkansas, east to Georgia and north to Lake Champlain.
Due to extensive stocking, bluegills are widespread throughout the
United States. Most of them live in lakes and ponds, though some exist
in sluggish rivers.Distinguishing features include a black gill flap
with no trim and a long, pointed pectoral fin. The basic color ranges
from yellow to very dark blue. This fish has an average weight of
12 oz. to 2 lb. The IGFA Record is 4.8 lb. Some of the more common
names for these fish are: Bluegill Sunfish, Bream, Sun Perch, Blue
Perch, Blue Sunfish, Copperbelly, Red-Brested Bream, Copperhead Bream,
Blue Bream. Hope this helps you. Tight Lines!!
Have you ever fished on the Connetquot River for White Perch?
I am interested in planning a trip. Do have any advice on catching
them.(Bait, techniques, tides) Anything will be appreciated.
--Vinny from Long Island
Vinny the key to those
fish is light lines and small baits. With 10 lbs test line, a pencil
style bobber, some split shot and a size 10 hook, attach three or
four waxworms on the hookshank. The rig should flow with the current
and watch for those "tell tale" rings from around the bobber. I like
to "chum" with a few loose waxworms into the water to attract the
fish. Waxworms can be purchased from any good pet store. Tight Lines!
Where can I catch bass on Long Island this time of year, and
what baits/presentations do you recommend? If now's not a good time,
when can I start with some confidence in the bass being out there?
--Bill from Babylon
Hi Bill, At this time
of year, I leave the bass on the island alone. They need a break from
the pressure that is increasing out here. When the weather turns a
little warmer, try four inch worms in black or black and grape color.
Lake Ronkonkoma is ideal and so is Forge Pond in Riverhead. Tight
Lines!
My question is have you fished in Massachusetts much? If you
have, did you ever fish at S. Watuppa in Fall River, and what can
you tell me about it for April fishing. It's dark water with lots
of boulders near shore, big boulders the size of cars and larger.
--Bill from Massachusetts
Hi Bill! Yes I have fished
in Massachusetts but not the lake you mentioned. When I approach a
lake for the first time with the information you have given me, I
will usually start with a spinnerbait or a rattletrap bouncing off
the rocks. Next I will try a buzzbait running horizontally along the
shoreline. If that fails a large jig or grub with a football shaped
head should catch you plenty of fish. 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 |
|
I got a lure and the name brand is Rattlesnake. The color is
bubble-gum and another lure I just purchased is an Edge Lure The
color on this is neon chartreuse My question is: Would I fish these
lures in stain water or clear water and what time of the day |
Hi Kevin, Both lures are better suited for stained to muddy water. You would fish them very slowly. In my opinion they would work all day. If you want to try them in clear water, you would have to increase the speed and look for aggresive strikes. When fishing in clearer water with lures of this color, you would not want the bass to get a good look at them. Tight Lines! |
|
I have heard of a new hook that is out on a trial basis. It
is suppose be a new hook for Gitzits that makes them weedless. I
don't know the name of manufacturer, or the name of the hook. If
you can help me I would appreciate it. |
Hello Roger! I think you are referring to a hook make by Eagle Claw in conjunction with Shaw Grigsby. Contact Eagle Claw at www.eagleclaw.com for more information. Tight Lines! |
|
I have seen people fishing the few ponds in Hempstead Lake State Park. I was wondering if you could give me any advice on how to fish those waters? What species are in those waters? How should I fish for them? I have a NY state fresh water licence and I am eager to fish there because it 2 minutes from my house. --Eric Janika from Lynbrook |
Hi Eric, Welcome to one of my favorite lakes. I live in Hempstead, so I am just 5 minutes away from there myself. OK,These lakes have: Carp, Bass, Bluegill, Sunnies, Muskie, Walleye, Pickerel, Perch, Trout and assorted goldfish and exotic species! Carp with sweetcorn or pizza dough. Bass early morning top water and 4inch worms in green or pumpkinseed. Bluegill, Sunnies and Perch can be caught with night-crawlers and waxworms. Walleye or Muskie should be fished for from a boat . You are allowed to operate an electric motor on the lake if you can hand carry your boat to the waters edge. (no trailers). Chec with the DEC and the Parks Depatment for details. There is a fee involved. Deep diving crankbaits fished slowly for Walleye and in-line spinners (fished in the shallows at high speed) in white and red account for most of the Muskie. Pickerel can be caught with live killies under a bobber. Trout on the fly, small Mepps in-line spinners or small night-crawlers. Welcome to the neighborhood! Tight Lines! |
|
I am only a teenager but really into fishing. My dad and I were going to go fishing on Hempstead Lake later this week as we heard the bass there are hitting shiners and night-crawlers. Is this true? And do you know where I can buy shinners and night-crawlers? --Mike from Westbury |
Mike, the baits you mentioned will always work on a lake like Hempstead. I suggest you buy your night-crawlers from Causeway Bait and Tackle in Wantagh (516) 785-3223 ask for Mike. Shiners are difficult. They are not native to this part of the country. You could use killies in place of shiners, in which case Causeway should be able to help you again! I also buy night crawlers and other grubs, waxworms etc from GRUBCO. You can find them on line at www.grubco.com Tight Lines! |
|
Would you give some tips on how to fish small "Gitzits". In an alpine lake my Father and I fish, a giant smallmouth is 12 inches. So we fish with ultra lights and 2 lb. test. Do they make little "Gitzits"? The locals say to use "Gitzits", but everything I see looks like it's designed for largemouths. My Dad is pushing 80, and for him to have a good artificial that can produce strikes, saves a lot of wear and tear on me while in the boat. We usually fish live bait, but it's a lot of work when on the water. --Bill from out west |
Yes they do make small Gitzits. Bobby Garlands "Gitzit" company was purchased by Bud Wooley a few years ago. He continues to manufacture the gitzit and will be more than pleased to assist you. You need to call BUDZ Fishin Wayz toll free at (888) 758-2864 and speak to Bud. Tell him you spoke to me! It might get you a few samples!!! If you find they are too large (which I doubt) you can always get Crappie Tubes from Bass Pro Shops. These are excellent little one and a half inch tubes in a variety of colors. Small jig heads and a little piece of Alka Seltzer stuffed inside will give the tubes a "breathing" action that will get more strikes! Tight Lines! |
|
I have tried fishing Blydenburg with poppers, floating rapalas,
and spinners with minimal luck. Do you have any suggestions? |
Hi Nancy! I have found that Blydenburg changes like the weather. If you fish from the shoreline, try a white worm 4 or 6 inch is fine. Fish it Texas style with a nose weight or weightless in the shallows. From a boat, try a smoke gray grub with a quarter ounce weight on the nose (Texas style again) and drag it slowly along the bottom in the central part of the lake. Tight Lines! |
|
I just wanted to thank you for your panfishing seminar on June
26. I brought my 3 sons (9, 6 & 4) to MacDonald Pond that Friday
evening and they had a ball! The action was fast and furious. I
was jumping the whole time baiting hooks, and unhooking sunnies!
I could barely keep up with them. They went through 40 waxworms
in about 45 minutes. It was great! What was that mail order place
you mentioned for waxworms? I'm looking forward to your bass seminar
in July |
Hi John! Thank you for taking the trouble to write. I am so glad that the seminar tips helped you enjoy a day on the water with your children. It is the letters and e-mails like yours that keep me doing what I am doing and teaching my "European" style of fishing. I love the look on the faces of the children when they catch fish after fish after fish. It keeps them entertained and it keeps them busy. Parents can spend time with their children "one on one" in a non-competitive environment, unlike baseball of football when you (the parent) become just a spectator. Another bonus is that the children are under no pressure and can just enjoy themselves. Your children will have stories from these "special days" with their father, mother or grand parents that they will pass on to their children too. Memories are wonderful gifts. Please watch for notification by the DEC and Screamingreel.com for locations and times of upcoming fishing seminars. The company I mentioned for bait delivered right to your door is GRUBCO on (800) 222-3563 or their new website at www.grubco.com Tight Lines! |
|
Can you tell me where on Long Island one might catch Muskie
and Pike. How are they best fished for and how large do they get
in these parts? |
Michael the pike family has many types under which they are categorized. On Long Island we have Tiger Muskie and Pickerel. Northern Pike are not located anywhere on the island to my knowledge. The two main locations for Tiger Muskie are Lake Ronkonkoma and Hempstead Lake State Park. You can fish on both waters with an electrically powered boat (no gas). Hempstead is car topper only, and you must have a permit to fish with a boat. Call the DEC for information at (631) 444-0280 Pickerel are scattered all over the island, but my two main choices are Twin Ponds in Wantagh and Forge Pond in Riverhead. Shoreline fishing only in Twin Pond but you can launch an electric powered vessel onto Forge. |
|
Your site is terrific. I am a novice fisherman that like's to
freshwater fish on a few pretty lakes in Andes, NY near the famous
Beaverkill River. So I'm looking for an informative fellow fisherman
like yourself to learn from but man, you're all LI saltwater. I
wished you fished there. Do you know any site as informative as
yours for the Catskills? |
Hi Tim thanks for the e-mail, which was originally directed toward the salt-water department. I cover the freshwater articles and Q and A for Screamingreel and can tell you something about the waters of the Catskills and beyond as I fish professionally all along the eastern seaboard. In that general area I usually fish with a 4inch worm in black or dark green attached to a one sixteenth "Slider Head" on light spinning gear for most of my largemouth bass. If your target species is smallmouth bass, I will use the same outfit but replace the worm with a three and a half inch gitzit (or tube bait) using the same colors with an internal "Gitzit Glider" weight. Both the Slider Head and the Gitzit Glider can be purchased from Northern Bass Supply by calling (800) 227-7032 Tell them Charlie from Screamingreel recommended you. Tight Lines! |
|
I fish a plastic worm Texas-rig on spinning tackle. How can
I prevent line twists and bird nests? Will a high end reel make
a difference? |
Well Chris there are two things you will have to try. First, change your line. Sounds like it is old and is retaining it "memory". When you replace fishing line, pass the line through the eyes of the rod and tie it to the reel. Then drop the spool of new line in a sink or a container filled with water so it is completely submerged. Now spool the line onto the reel "wet". Placing the line on the reel wet will give it "memory" to remain the size of the spool you are placing it on. Do not "overload" the reel with line. You should leave about a quarter of an inch space on your spool to avoid a bird's nest and/or tangles. Secondly, with a Texas rig, if you are getting twists, place a small swivel in the line about 12 inches about the hook. That will automatically remove twist. Tight Lines! |
|
Is there a "secret" to fishing lakes that are fished often?
I live on Staten Island and like to take my nephews out once in
a while, but we often only get a few fish (small Bass, Catfish,
Bluegill, Sunfish). I know there are fish in these lakes, I've seen
them, and have caught my share in the past, but it seems many of
the lakes I fished when I was younger are dead. |
Hi Tom, Fishing pressure is without doubt the main cause of the problem. I fish lakes that get pounded unmercifully on the weekends but are usually quite during the week, so that is one possible time to go. But the secret (for me anyway) is to scale down my tackle to lighter lines, smaller hooks and a more subtle presentation. Try 4-inch worms on a 1/0 hook without a weight. Allow the lure to fall naturally in the water and watch the line. Use light spinning tackle with quarter ounce spinnerbaits and little crankbaits. You will be amazed at how many more fish you will catch! Tight Lines! |
|
Its Kevin again here are my other lures 1. zoom lizard dark
green with black flakes. 2. bass assassin worms with gold flakes
3. creme worms purple with red . 4. zoom worm same color as lizard.
5.flw tour worms where can i fish this at. I'm near Lake Norman,
Lake Willie and the Catawba River. Can I catch bass there and what
kind of fish are in these lakes and the river? |
Hello again Kevin! You have a wide selection of lures, which is vital to successful bass fishing. The reason I say that is because bass, like people, change their eating habits often! All the lures you have will work on specific days depending upon water clarity, weather conditions, barometric pressure and time of day. Lizards are (to me anyway) a springtime bait. Use them when the fish are about to go onto beds before spawning or are moving off beds after spawning. Your plastic worm collection sounds about right. I tend to use darker colors because after a lure has fallen through the water column (depending on water clarity) most lures turn to shades of dark green, brown or black. Glitter or sparkle helps capture what little light does penetrate the water and can only help you in your efforts. I am not familiar with the lakes and river you mentioned because I live in New York. However I did do some research and I have the following information. http://www.denvernc.com/fishing.htm for Lake Norman. http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Meadows/1925/ for Lake Willie. I have no information on the Catawba River other than that it holds trout. As it is connected to the water system in North Carolina, I would also expect it to hold a good supply of Smallmouth bass. Tight Lines! |
|
I am 71 years old and would like to sell my fresh water equpment.fly
rods & reels about 100 flies some plugs .bait casting rods. |
Hi George! I am so sorry to see that fishing has become too difficult for you to manage. When I lived in Europe, one of my best fishing buddies was in a similar predicament and it breaks my heart to see people like yourself, reach a time in their life when they are unable to continue participating in the sport that they love so much. You did not mention which state you live in George, but I am sure as you have Internet access, you may be able to auction the tackle as a "job lot" and I am sure you will find a buyer. You may also want to contact a local tackle store that would place a sign up in their store for you. If some of the lures (in good condition) are over 30 years old they may be worth quite a lot of money. I have seen some exchange hands for $100.00 each! Without going into specific detail here, I can tell you that here in New York we have a number of programs for people who have difficulty walking or generally "getting about" where they can continue to enjoy their fishing or favorite sporting activity. The fresh air and the companionship is all good for you and your health, so don't give up George, and remember if your in New York, I'll go fishing with you! Tight Lines! |
|
Do you know anything about Fresh Pond and Little Fresh Pond
in the North Sea area in Southampton? Whats there, good quantity,
shore access, special regulations, etc? |
Marty there is a bunch of things you need to know. The township of Southampton controls Big Fresh Pond. If you are not a resident of Southampton, you have a major problem. I have written in the past about the rules they "made up" to suit themselves. I will not get into that here, but you can launch a boat on Big Fresh Pond. However, if you are a non-resident, they will ticket your vehicle and trailer. Also you are not supposed to fish Big Fresh Pond without a Southampton guide who, as far as I am aware, are not New York State Guides (I am one myself.License # 2803) and they are therefore in violation of state and federal laws by guiding without a NYS license. The DEC police will no doubt be "beefing up" their patrols to curb that situation. The fish in Big Fresh Pond are larger than those in Little Fresh Pond because they are eating Alewife, which enter from the bay. Largemouth bass love those Alewife! The Alewife should tell you that your bait of choice would be a shallow running crankbait in silver and gold or a quarter ounce Rattletrap. I am told that the township of Southampton do not have regulatory control over Little Fresh Pond and that you can put a boat on that lake, but I think access would only be large enough for a car topper or canoe. Lure of choice here would be a black or watermelon 6 inch worm fished with a "slider head". Again, I would watch where you park, because the Southampton police have nothing better to do than write parking tickets and harass fishermen! Tight Lines! |
|
What shoud I use when bass fishing in a heavy weeded lake? I
need to get down to the fish & not get hung-up.I'm fishing from
the shore not a boat.So what would you do? |
Well the best lure has to be the jig. I suggest a half-ounce or three-quarter ounce black and blue jig with an Uncle Josh pork trailer in the same color. Fish with at least 20 pound test line. Cast over the weeds and let the lure slip down between the pads. When it hits to bottom just shake the rod or "hop" the lure a few inches. The bite should be either a hard thump or the jig may feel heavy. Bass will often take the lure on the fall, so look for your line to move. Either way set the hook hard and bring the fish to the surface as quickly as you can. Tight Lines! |
|
Nice Web Site. I FOUND THIS AND I'M HAVING FUN READING IT.KEEP
UP THE GREAT WORK. MY QUESTION IS, CAN YOU LET ME KNOW WHAT TO USE
ON BASS WITH MY NEW FLY ROD AT TWIN LAKES? |
Hi Bruce, Fly fishing at Twin can be a lot of fun. Wth the large number of Bass, Trout, Crappie and Blue Gill you are going to have a great day fishing a green gnat tied on a size 14 hook. Move the fly with a stop and go action, you will not be dissapointed! Tight lines! |
|
I read your answers that you gave me. My dad wants to know in Monroe Louisiana or around there. He calls the bream red bream or tittie bream. what are they really? |
The fish you describe are called Bluegills. One of the most popular panfish, bluegills feed mainly on insects and crustaceans. Their native range is from Minnesota south to Arkansas, east to Georgia and north to Lake Champlain. Due to extensive stocking, bluegills are widespread throughout the United States. Most of them live in lakes and ponds, though some exist in sluggish rivers.Distinguishing features include a black gill flap with no trim and a long, pointed pectoral fin. The basic color ranges from yellow to very dark blue. This fish has an average weight of 12 oz. to 2 lb. The IGFA Record is 4.8 lb. Some of the more common names for these fish are: Bluegill Sunfish, Bream, Sun Perch, Blue Perch, Blue Sunfish, Copperbelly, Red-Brested Bream, Copperhead Bream, Blue Bream. Hope this helps you. Tight Lines!! |
|
Have you ever fished on the Connetquot River for White Perch?
I am interested in planning a trip. Do have any advice on catching
them.(Bait, techniques, tides) Anything will be appreciated. |
Vinny the key to those fish is light lines and small baits. With 10 lbs test line, a pencil style bobber, some split shot and a size 10 hook, attach three or four waxworms on the hookshank. The rig should flow with the current and watch for those "tell tale" rings from around the bobber. I like to "chum" with a few loose waxworms into the water to attract the fish. Waxworms can be purchased from any good pet store. Tight Lines! |
|
Where can I catch bass on Long Island this time of year, and
what baits/presentations do you recommend? If now's not a good time,
when can I start with some confidence in the bass being out there?
|
Hi Bill, At this time of year, I leave the bass on the island alone. They need a break from the pressure that is increasing out here. When the weather turns a little warmer, try four inch worms in black or black and grape color. Lake Ronkonkoma is ideal and so is Forge Pond in Riverhead. Tight Lines! |
|
My question is have you fished in Massachusetts much? If you
have, did you ever fish at S. Watuppa in Fall River, and what can
you tell me about it for April fishing. It's dark water with lots
of boulders near shore, big boulders the size of cars and larger. |
Hi Bill! Yes I have fished in Massachusetts but not the lake you mentioned. When I approach a lake for the first time with the information you have given me, I will usually start with a spinnerbait or a rattletrap bouncing off the rocks. Next I will try a buzzbait running horizontally along the shoreline. If that fails a large jig or grub with a football shaped head should catch you plenty of fish. Tight Lines! |
To read more answers to your questions, Click Here.