Gone Fishin Blog

dlathan answers:

I mostly try to set drag at a little less then half the test weight of the line. Maybe 35-40% But it depends on how much the species makes me force it. I think 5lbs would be a bit tight but I could be wrong.

dlathan answers:

Before i can recommend any flies you need to do the following when you reach the lake-it will save a lot of wasted time.

1. You need to find where the bass are feeding in the water-on the surface? Just subsurface, deep almost on the bottom.

2. There are various flies designed to fish at these different levels in the water also you FLY LINE is VITAL- a WF(weight forward) floater will work fine, in about a 6-7wt depending on your rods rating.

3. Using a weighted fly like a woolly bugger will get down deep to the low lying fish- a tungsten head version will really make it sink.

4. Use a ready tied knotless tapered leader in about 9ft to help with your presentation and stop tangles. Depending on the fish and the size of flies, snags etc a 2-3X will work fine.

5. Great flies to take would be poppers- i dont like them myself as it seems to defeat the purpose of fly fishing, BUT they do catch bass- white and chartreuse works well. Woolly buggers are excellent too dark colors like green and black are great on overcast days, gold head versions add a good amount of flash.

dlathan answers:

First off, BASS Fisherman ALWAYS gives the best answer! Some people aren’t wise enough to realize it though.

Here’s what I like to use a model 15AP Pro Suspending Long A Bomber (any color as long as it has white on it with a red head) with 2 suspend dots per side attached just above the front hook. This gives the bait a nose down attitude in the water and still allows you to jerk the bait and have that enticing erratic retrieve that suspended bass can’t ignore. Jerk and pause, switching your cadence until you find the right one. I have caught several bass in the 2-6lb range doing this. I rig it on a medium action 6’6″ spinning rod and use 8# diameter braid (30# test) and a 6′ leader of 8# test XPS fluorocarbon line. Have also used this method on Smallmouth and Spotted bass….those killer Coosa bass should go for it very well also.
Another way I found to catch suspended bass although I use it in deeper water for fish holding in the thermocline (22′ out West where I live) is to vertical fish right through these suspended bass using a small swimbait ( a 1/2 oz leadhead and shad body). When I mark fish, I position the boat on top of them and fish this bait by jigging it up and down at a depth from 10′ below them bringing it up to 10′ above them and repeating this. I normally get bit on the fall but at times they will take the bait as it moves right past their biggo heads! I follow the bait down with my rod tip on a semi-slack line so I can see or feel any twitch of the line.

I hope you do well at your tourney.

dlathan answers:

I would fish from anywhere on the bank you can get to and cast out my favorite pond lure, the Chatterfrog in Emerald color. You can reel it in fast for some great surface action back to you, or you can let it sink a bit, and again reel it back to you for a mid level bite.

Going for the bottom, I love using Texas rigged 6″ worms to bounce and drag slowly, as well as 3/8ths ounce MegaStrike Evolution jigs in any color, with a YUM Craw Papi or Strike King Rage Tail Chunk in a matching color. Green jig+Green pumpkin trailer/ Halloween+Crawdad color…make them match for a complete enticing looking meal.

Work the pond from top to bottom from the various locations you can reach. At any time you see shade near vegetation during the day, cast your lures there. The fish need a break from direct sunlight too…

Other than meeting up and fishing the pond with you, that’s the best I can do from here. Take a few poles with lures tied on for top, middle, and bottom, so you can change quickly on the fly if one technique isn’t working.

Good luck and good fishing!

dlathan answers:

Same way with a spincast, or baitcasting reel. Simple cast & retrieve motion (With occasional pauses for giving that injured minnow look.). But, anybody will tell you spinnerbaits are the easiest baits to use. If you can turn a reel handle, you can fish a bass spinnerbait.

Banjo Minnow i don’t know about. Watch the DVD or look it up on Google (OR don’t use it, it’s too complicated for me LOL!)

Happy fishing.

dlathan answers:

You mean a harpoon?

Http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harpoon

dlathan answers:

Look at an ugly stick lite med/hvy in a 7ft

dlathan answers:

Your answer depends on whether you’re fishing from the shore, or from a boat. I can guarantee you’ll have much better luck from a boat, but we’ll explore both options.

From a boat, you’ll need a sturdy rod that isn’t quite 8-9 feet long. The optimal length is actually going to be 5-6 feet from a boat. If you’re worried about casting distance, go for a 6 foot rod, but any longer and you risk missing a set on your fish.
If you’re fishing from the shore, you will need a surf rod like you mentioned, probably 8-9 feet long to help you get your bait out there where the fish are.

You’ll need a medium-heavy action rod at the least. Especially if you’re fishing from a boat, you’ll appreciate the strength of your rod when you’re trying to muscle a thirty pound fish out of the water.

Get a fast action rod tip so that you can feel strikes quickly, and set the hook just in time. If you’re holding a rod, and you jerk your hand quickly, the tip should move and be sensitive, but the rest of the rod should remain fairly stiff.

You’re probably going to want a graphite or composite rod, but this can almost be called a matter of preference now that rod technology has improved them so much.

I would recommend 30 lb test if this is your first time going out for stripers and bluefish. If you’re fishing for blues, you may want to use steel leader as well.

Another important note, is to make sure that your rod is built for the reel you’re using. Don’t buy a spinning rod for a baitcasting reel and vice versa. If you want to look at some Shakespeare striper rods that won’t break the bank, take a look at my website in my sources and search for “striper” under the “rod” section of my shop. You can find more info on other rods there too.

Good luck, and good fishing.

dlathan answers:

Freash water fishing will be a Muskie they can cut your line with out you trying and at the end they do bite your hand if you get it near them

dlathan answers:

Are you fishing from shore/pier? Surf-fishing? From a boat?

Honestly, a MH-H, 7-8Ft Ugly Stik will work fine for pier and boat fishing. If you plan to Surf-fish off the beach you’ll need to increase the length to 10-12FT.

Ugly Stiks are VERY durable, inexpensive, and you obviously don’t need to feel a “microscopic, light bite” from a Striper OR Bluefish! Blues/Stripers don’t “fool around” when they strike!

Do you also need a reel?? Or just the rod?

Here are some suggestions for Rods. Please read the reviews:

1. Ugly Stik, Tiger Lite 7′ H- (This would be nice for pier/boat fishing) http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_71840_175003000_175000000_175003000_175-3-0

2. Ugly Stik, Big Water Spinning 10′ MH- (This would be a good rod for Surf-fishing)- http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_19912_175003000_175000000_175003000_175-3-0

Here are some suggestions for Reels. Read the reviews:

1. Fin-Nor, OFS 45 reel- http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_89192_175003000_175000000_175003000_175-3-0

2. Shimano, Spheros SP8000FB- http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_103536_175003000_175000000_175003000_175-3-0

3. Penn, Slammer 560- http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_96639_175003000_175000000_175003000_175-3-0

Any one of these reels would last you, (if properly cared for) at LEAST a lifetime. I esp like the Fin-Nor, OFS. Get one now before they stop making them…….

Hope this helps ya?

dlathan answers:

A good stout 7 footer spooled wiht as much 20lb test you can fit and a nice spining reel are what i use when I am not using my fly rod. For reds, drifting live shrimp or small shad are a favorite and as far as lures go curly tailed grubs work pretty well as well as any bait fish pattern type stick bait. For mackrel make sure you use a steel leader as they are toothy little creatures who will shred mono in a heartbeat, back hooking small bait fiosh work well for them. Forget about the dep sea stuff, like I said a good stout spinning combo will work great. Flounder are ambush feeders mostly so running small minnos on the bottom wiht a flounder rig works pretty good and strips of squid will bring them to the cooler too. Mind your creel and size limits and Good Luck! Tight lines!

dlathan answers:

WalMart on Hwy 92 & Trickum Road in Woodstock has a lot of fishing gear. If I was you though, I’d look online to see which WalMart carries most of what you’re looking for (you can do it item by item; if you need to have something sent to one of their branches, they’ll do it.) This will save you a lot of running around.

dlathan answers:

Regarding fishing from the shore, you’ll certainly do better in a boat, but you can also score from the beach. Bonefish and all of the local reef fish are in abundant supply. Ultra-light tackle with small spinners and grubs will catch almost everything. Rattletraps will also catch most of the reef fish, plus barracuda.

Http://www.basspro.com/Penn-Spinfisher-SSg-Graphite-Reel/Offshore-Angler-Ocean-Master-IM7-Rod-Spinning-Combos/product/101113/-1390145

dlathan answers:

Sporting shop…………………………………………………………….No,i take that back i don’t know of any one that sells catapults good luck.

dlathan answers:

Try Ebay…

dlathan answers:

All my fishing is shoreline orientated even though I fish out of a boat 99% of the time. But it is the structure that I am actually fishing. The prime spot is any point that comes out into the water, because that is where the majority of fish will feed at, school at, and will be easier to catch at.

On the straight banks, I fish the standing timber (if any) stumps, stick ups, and the visible grass line, and then the deeper grass line that will usually hold the larger fish.

The drop off is another good area that fish will sometimes hold on. The easiest way to locate the drop-off is with a fish finder, but you can use weighted plastics to locate it also. A change in the color of the water is also an indicator of an increasing water depth.

The shoreline is the most productive area to fish in most lakes, and where the highest percentage of fish are caught at in the lake. Once you learn where the structure is, and how to fish it, you can usually get back on the fish every time you go there. It’s a great way to fish.

And if you are using a boat, even if the trip starts out slow, sooner or later as you fish down the shoreline, you will find the bass.

dlathan answers:

UW – Madison
UW – Stevens Point
UW – Platteville
UW – Stout
UW – Whitewater *

* University of Wisconsin-Whitewater leads FLW College Fishing Central Regional Championship on Lake Monroe (2010) see link:

http://www.flwoutdoors.com/bassfishing/collegefishing/tournament/2010/6528/central-regional-lake-monroe-press-release/151706/university-of-wisconsin-whitewater-leads-flw-college-fishing-central-regional-championship-on-lake-monroe/

dlathan answers:

Garcia Lake (and Stickmarsh) is a well-known trophy Bass area. During certain times of the year, it’s not unusual to catch over 100 fish a day!

Here is some info on this location- http://www.stickmarsh.com/stickmarsh/reports/current.shtml

- http://www.1fghp.com/florida/stickmarsh.html

If you want a taste of “old Florida” you should try the Lake George area around Welaka, Fl. The Floridian Sports Club is a fantastic resort- directly on the St. Johns, pool, tennis courts, Etc. It is currently owned by Bass Pro Shops…..

Hope this helps ya?

dlathan answers:

Yeah you’re in my territory. Early spring as mentioned as soon as the mammoth bugs (love bugs, skeeters, gnats etc) start hatching. I mostly surf fish off Indian Rocks Beach and Tampa Bay but live right on a lake loaded with big bass. I kill them after work on small poppers and ultra light equipment. You’ll have a great time. Lake Tarpon is a hot spot. Trust me.

If it’s one thing you don’t need a guide for in Florida is big mouth bass fishing.

Have fun man.

dlathan answers:

Its great line. Use a 6′ mono or flouro leader in clear water. Set your hook a little lighter because braid has zero streatch

dlathan answers:

In the past I have always fished them using some form of weedless hook. It is really fun when the bass come through the weeds or grass and bite the worm. Happy fishing!!!!

dlathan answers:

Never quit your day job until your new venture is profitable. Check www.sba.gov for research on your new venture or hire a business consultant.

dlathan answers:

It’ll work for most common Bass lures with the exception of Swimbaits. I like to throw everything except for 1/2oz Spinnerbaits, 1/2oz Jigs, and larger Zara Spooks. A Medium or Medium/Light Spinning rod for Drop-Shot rigs, smaller Plastic Worms (4″ curly-tails with teeny-tiny bullet weights), and anything else most would consider “finesse”. I try to fish most things on a Baitcaster though.

I’m glad you almost had two Bass. I like Yum Dingers as you mentioned and any other stick-bait, such as Strike King’s Shim-E-Stick. Or is it Shim-E-Shake? I can’t remember. Rebel Pop-R’s are the only thing I use as far as Poppers go. If there’s any visible cover around, throw a buzz-frog (such as Rage Tail Toads, Zoom Horny Toads, Stanley Ribbit Frogs, etc) as these will not get caught up in this gunk and catch fish. If it’s less “swampy” cover, such as trees or stumps, fish a 1/4oz or 3/8oz Spinnerbait. Double willow-blade for clear water and a single-Colorado for dirty. Partly stained you can use a tandem-blade, AKA one willow-blade, one Colorad-blade.

Jigs are also a good bait to use. Fish these like you would a Plastic Worm. I like these in darker water, but in lighter colors they work fine in clear too. 1/4oz or 3/8oz is fine for size. If it’s darker water try a 1/2-ouncer. 1/2oz Jig is going to be a little work in fishing on a Medium rod though.

There’s more and more lures and techniques to try… Check Bassresource.com for lots of info on Bass Fishing.

dlathan answers:

Your best chance at catching a trophy bass will be to fish in one of the larger lakes with good hydrilla and/or other water plant growth.
You will need a boat, a heavy duty rod and reel made to handle and loaded with 20 or 25lb mono. Put a big float about 30 or 36 inches above a 4/0 hook. A circle hook will work well. Hook a live golden shiner of 10 or 12 inches through both lips and toss it to the edge of the cover.
Sit and wait. Shouldn’t be too long. Let the bass run with your bait a bit – let it get the shiner started down. If you’re using the circle hook, let the fish tighten up the line and hook himself. DON”T set the hook.
A small balloon like a water bomb balloon tied on to the line will also make a good float.

dlathan answers:

I was in your same position 6 years ago. I had recently moved from FLA to MN. And although I didn’t “give up” my Bass fishing, I fish a wider variety of freshwater species than I EVER have.

For me, a lot of the “allure” of Walleye fishing is the possibility of catching something over 6-8 LB’s. I KNOW I’m not gonna catch a 10LB Bass here in MN! So far, the biggest Bass I’ve caught HERE was just shy of 6 lbs, and the locals thought I should MOUNT IT! (lol)

(I’ve got 4 over 8Lb’s & one that went over 10! Thats what FLA does to Bass. Make them Bigger! Lol)

Anywho, although Bass fishing “ain’t all that exciting” here in MN I have found that the Crappie, Walleye, Northerns, & Trout are!

Techniques for Walleye: Fish rivers & streams if you can! I have found that MN fishermen overlook streams & small creeks because they can’t get there 18FT Lund into them! (lol)

In MN there are 10,000 lakes and 1,000,000,000 people using them! (lol) I’ll bet you may have a similar scenario happening at your local lake system’s? In any case, small streams & creeks are easier to “pattern” and usually hold bigger Walleye.

If you hate jigging get ready to be sad. Trolling worm/lindy riggs, hard plastics, & (drum roll) JIGS are the #1 ways to catch Walleye.

I love jigging Walleye but many people have better luck with a lindy worm rig. I like Jigs tipped with minnows, leeches, and crawlers. But it’s rare I use “bait”. I would start fishing with Berkely “GULP” grub-bodys in black. They are phenomenal!

I have had excellent luck with Yozuri’s “Crystal Minnow’s” at night. (I imagine because of their “wide wobble” characteristics.) If you are getting serious about Walleye expect to fish frequently at dusk and night. They seem to have “lock-jaw” at other times, (UNLESS your fishing at Lac Seul or Dogtooth in Canada). “Perch & Shad colored” baits have worked well for me.

Hope this helps ya somehow? Check my past “starred questions” for further info.
See ya out there!