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?

If i had to guess, 600 acre lake. Its small compared to other big lakes up there. We fish for bass, walleye, pike, muskie, and pan fish.

[Sailchaser]

Tossed the line around a little today in the canal, nothing so I tied a few crawler harnesses today for the spring walleye season. I fish on Lake St. Clair and the 2 adjoining rivers.

[DPD6030]

Originally Posted by Sailchaser

Tossed the line around a little today in the canal, nothing so I tied a few crawler harnesses today for the spring walleye season. I fish on Lake St. Clair and the 2 adjoining rivers.

Sounds like a great time today. I hope you enjoyed a smoke while tying Chris. I haven't walleye fished in years. Maybe this year dad will take his boat to Lake Erie and I can go with him.

I plan on hitting the St. Joseph in Berrien Springs sometime next week. Got a new reel for my 11' 6" rod.

[Sailchaser]

Originally Posted by DPD6030

Sounds like a great time today. I hope you enjoyed a smoke while tying Chris. I haven't walleye fished in years. Maybe this year dad will take his boat to Lake Erie and I can go with him.

I plan on hitting the St. Joseph in Berrien Springs sometime next week. Got a new reel for my 11' 6" rod.

You can always come to one of the backyard Herfs a day early and we can fish lake St. Stupid

Stay in the humi bedroom for FREEEEEEEE!

[DPD6030]

Originally Posted by Sailchaser

You can always come to one of the backyard Herfs a day early and we can fish lake St. Stupid

Stay in the humi bedroom for FREEEEEEEE!

I'm not afraid of guns!

[Emjaysmash]

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

[Sailchaser]

Originally Posted by DPD6030

I'm not afraid of guns!

What about Blackhawks?


If you know what I mean Andrew

[Brandon]

Originally Posted by ChicagoWhiteSox

If i had to guess, 600 acre lake. Its small compared to other big lakes up there. We fish for bass, walleye, pike, muskie, and pan fish.

You really can't cover all of those species with one setup. If I had to choose 1 rod, I would go with a 7 weight. Have you had any previous casting experience before? Do you plan on taking any lessons? A 6 weight might be a little easier to start out with. I don't have any personal experience with Cabela's rods, but I'm sure they make a decent product from the mid range up. For the money, I like the Temple Fork Outfitters Professional series. They make a good blank and have a good warranty.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...cat600020&rid=

[Brandon]

Originally Posted by Sailchaser

Tossed the line around a little today in the canal, nothing so I tied a few crawler harnesses today for the spring walleye season. I fish on Lake St. Clair and the 2 adjoining rivers.

Sounds good. I've never fished for walleye before (living in the south). I'm gonna have to try and target them sometime. I know there are walleye that inhabit many of the Illinois streams that hold smallmouths.

[omowasu]

I fish many of the lakes in Northern IL - havent had any luck with trout in the area, but the largemouth bass can fish phenomenally depending on the time of year. Panfish, perch, and walleye can be plentiful in some areas as well.

We are getting ready to put the boats in the water next weekend, and our fishing season should kick off in a couple weeks!

Originally Posted by Brandon

You really can't cover all of those species with one setup. If I had to choose 1 rod, I would go with a 7 weight. Have you had any previous casting experience before? Do you plan on taking any lessons? A 6 weight might be a little easier to start out with. I don't have any personal experience with Cabela's rods, but I'm sure they make a decent product from the mid range up. For the money, I like the Temple Fork Outfitters Professional series. They make a good blank and have a good warranty.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...cat600020&rid=

No experience with fly, but my dad has had some. I was also looking at Temple as well.

[Sailchaser]

No fishing sunday rain snow and winds in the 40 mph range

[DPD6030]

This mornings catch.