Calling all Midwest Fishermen

[Brandon]

Who do we have out there? I'm trying to find others to hit the water with. Since I moved to Chicago a couple of years ago, I've only fished about a total of 2 weeks in 2 years. I used to average 1-2 outings per week I'm starting to do some research so I can get back on the ball.

I mostly fish the long rod (flyrod), but I do a lot of fishing with spinning tackle. I like to go after anything that swims... trout, steelhead, salmon, largemouths, smallies, white bass, stripers, hybrids, crappie, bluegills, carp, cats, etc. If it pulls... that's all that matters. Although, I've got smallmouth fever at the moment.

In another life, I used to build rods and tie flies. I'm trying to get back in the groove again. I pretty much travel 99% of the time for work. I haven't previously, but I'm gonna try to start bringing some gear on the road with me. I'm hoping to hit some local water if I'm able to (Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana, etc.). I'm mostly available on the weekends, but there are times that I'm at home during the week.

So who's out there? Who's up for hitting the water sometime?

[Sailchaser]

From the East side of lake St. Clair MI

Most of my fishing is done in northern WI. We fish for bass, bluegill, crappie, pike, and muskie. The most recent years of going up there Ive mostly fished for walleye. By the way, my brother and I were talking the other day about fly fishing. There are a bunch of little rivers and streams in the north woods and we want to fish them. Any tips for getting into fly fishing? From the research ive done on rods and reels, they seem pricey.

[DPD6030]

SW Michigan hear! Going to hit up the St. Joe river soon for some steelhead action.

My brother Fissure fly fishes. I can't seem to get it right but he does and he ties flies. Shoot him a PM.

[Brandon]

Originally Posted by ChicagoWhiteSox

Most of my fishing is done in northern WI. We fish for bass, bluegill, crappie, pike, and muskie. The most recent years of going up there Ive mostly fished for walleye. By the way, my brother and I were talking the other day about fly fishing. There are a bunch of little rivers and streams in the north woods and we want to fish them. Any tips for getting into fly fishing? From the research ive done on rods and reels, they seem pricey.

It all depends on what you consider pricey. To get set up with decent equipment, you really aren't going to spend more than you would for Loomis or St. Croix spinning/casting rods, etc. If you are starting out, your best bet would be to purchase some "hand me downs".... or a combo. It also depends how large of fish you are going after. The rod is the most important piece of equipment. You can get into a decent rod for $150 (retail). A reel might set you back $50 to $70. Larger fish will require a more expensive reel with a better disc drag. For a standard floating line, you will spend at least $30 (preferably as much as possible). There are some deals to be had on ebay... as long as you know what the equipment goes for in stores.

I will be working in Appleton, WI in about a month's time. Do you have any recommendations for spots that are wadeable or fishable with a small pontoon (smallmouths, pike, etc.)? I'm not sure I want to lay down $400 for a guided trip just for myself.

Originally Posted by Brandon

It all depends on what you consider pricey. To get set up with decent equipment, you really aren't going to spend more than you would for Loomis or St. Croix spinning/casting rods, etc. If you are starting out, your best bet would be to purchase some "hand me downs".... or a combo. It also depends how large of fish you are going after. The rod is the most important piece of equipment. You can get into a decent rod for $150 (retail). A reel might set you back $50 to $70. Larger fish will require a more expensive reel with a better disc drag. For a standard floating line, you will spend at least $30 (preferably as much as possible). There are some deals to be had on ebay... as long as you know what the equipment goes for in stores.

I will be working in Appleton, WI in about a month's time. Do you have any recommendations for spots that are wadeable or fishable with a small pontoon (smallmouths, pike, etc.)? I'm not sure I want to lay down $400 for
a guided trip just for myself.

We actually fish at least an hour and a half north of Appleton, just about as north as you get in wisconsin before hitting the Michigan/wisconsin border.

Would you suggest any good starter brand rod and reel combo? I was looking at cabelas brand. Cabelas Fly-Fishing

[Brandon]

What kind of fish... and what size waters are you fishing?

[Emjaysmash]

I'm waiting for RevSmoke to get in on this...

[RevSmoke]

Originally Posted by Emjaysmash

I'm waiting for RevSmoke to get in on this...

Been busy, just saw this thread for the first time right now - 9:13p 4/10.

I do some Steelheading in the spring - been done got a couple but not as many as I would have imagined. Will be getting out Easter Monday - and a few days off the rest of the week. Don't know where I will be yet, but I figure that will pan out.

I fish many of the tribs into Green Bay and Lk MI.

If you are interested, I'd happily show you a little of what I know of them.

[DPD6030]

This mornings catch.

Originally Posted by DPD6030

This mornings catch.

Very nice Andrew

[DPD6030]

Hit the river again today. Fished from 7-11 AM. I had 5 on and landed this one. It's now in the freezer. Pic. was taken with my cellphone so it's not so good.

[Brandon]

Originally Posted by DPD6030

Hit the river again today. Fished from 7-11 AM. I had 5 on and landed this one. It's now in the freezer. Pic. was taken with my cellphone so it's not so good.

Dang... you're making me jealous. I sure could go for some smoked trout!

I'll be in Hammond, IN for the next several weeks. I'll probably be shore fishing around the warm water discharge at the plant after work. At least I won't have to drive anywhere.

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by Brandon

Dang... you're making me jealous. I sure could go for some smoked trout!

I'll be in Hammond, IN for the next several weeks. I'll probably be shore fishing around the warm water discharge at the plant after work. At least I won't have to drive anywhere.

Lemme know when you are coming to Chicago and we can do that other thing you dabble in...ya know, cigars.

[DPD6030]

Went out today for about 4 hours. I caught a huge carp 10-12lb., a 2lb. carp, had one steelhead on and broke the hook just as I was about to beach it. I ended up catching one more. Here's what I caught.



About a 5 lb. male again. Another one for the freezer.

Originally Posted by DPD6030

Went out today for about 4 hours. I caught a huge carp 10-12lb., a 2lb. carp, had one steelhead on and broke the hook just as I was about to beach it. I ended up catching one more. Here's what I caught.



About a 5 lb. male again. Another one for the freezer.

nice catch

[Sailchaser]

Originally Posted by DPD6030

Went out today for about 4 hours. I caught a huge carp 10-12lb., a 2lb. carp, had one steelhead on and broke the hook just as I was about to beach it. I ended up catching one more. Here's what I caught.



About a 5 lb. male again. Another one for the freezer.

Got to get that reinforcement backup plate done and get the boat in the drink so I can catch up to you Andrew, nice looking fish your putting in the crewl buddy

[DPD6030]

Originally Posted by Sailchaser

Got to get that reinforcement backup plate done and get the boat in the drink so I can catch up to you Andrew, nice looking fish your putting in the crewl buddy

Thanks Chris! I'd like to make it over your way and do some fishing and cigar smoking with you this spring/summer/fall sometime.

[Sailchaser]

Originally Posted by DPD6030

This mornings catch.

Andrew way to show them all how we catch them in the mitten

[KenS]

Originally Posted by DPD6030

This mornings catch.

Nice!! You bringing fillets to the herf on Wednesday?