Archive for February 2014
Spring catchable trout programs allow anglers catch these denizens of the cold water often not normally available the rest of the year.
Rainbow trout live in water that remains below 72-degrees and within 4 feet of the surface. They can survive in spring-fed lakes and ponds. Baring these conditions, they stocked in colder waters surviving until late spring.
This aggressive eater is fed supplementally with the use of commercial fish food at the hatchery prior to being introduced our waters. Once at the site location they are known to take a variety of bait, artificial and natural.
In the first few days of survival in the stocked ponds, trout can be caught using just about anything as bait. In-line spinners, marshmallows and even Velveeta cheese spread placed on a very small hook will do the job. The hook is suspended beneath a bobber about 18 inches deep.
After a few days it is advisable to switch to live bait. Rainbow trout have about 2,500 taste buds. That compares with about 9,000 in you and me. Trout are known to be one of the least selective feeders. But, they soon turn to only baits that contain tastes commonly found in living tissue.
They seek out live baits such as mealworms, red worms, maggots, minnows and nightcrawlers. One bait popular with anglers is a one-inch piece of nightcrawler threaded on a number 10 hook. This bait is suspended beneath a slip bobber about 18-inches down. Fresh from the hatchery, a trout feeds in the top 1-2 feet of water. Later they become bottom dwellers but will come up to eat.
Live bait suspended just off the bottom is also a good prospect. The bait is still placed on the hook but instead of a bobber one places a slip sinker just above it. The bait is allowed to move on the bottom and the sinker helps it stay down.
Most of the ponds into which these fish are stocked have relatively featureless bottoms. If there is any structure of vegetation available they usually soon find it and stay there. Otherwise it is a good idea to fish facing into the wind when the indigenous forage is blown toward you.
Here is some advice for off season sorting of fishing tackle. The system is dependent upon what type of fishing one is planning. It is simple if all of the fishing is from a single boat for one species. If wading, then organization takes some planning for weight and limited storage space. There are just so many pockets in a fishing vest.
Maybe you want to fish different species in different locations, under a variety of conditions. Because of the amount of tackle, it is easier to have a number of tackle boxes labeled by species.
A simple way to keep tackle separate is by using clear plastic tackle boxes. They come in a variety of sizes with moveable dividers. Into each box go a few good lures for a specific species.
Check each lure to see if it is in need of hook replacement or other repair. Advance checking can save a lot of valuable fishing time later on the water. Who needs to spend time sharpening hooks when fishing waits? By checking the tackle as placed in the box, you can see what tackle needs replacement.
In a single box, put a few lures that work on the surface, with some that are deep diving. Just to be on the safe side, include some that work in between those areas. When it comes to soft plastics include several of each favorite color in zip lock bags in the box. Putting them in the plastic bags prevents the colors from bleeding into each other.
For live bait fishing, keep all the terminal tackle in these same boxes. A variety of hooks fit in one and a selection of weights in another.
For wade fishing and fly fishing, use the very small plastic boxes that will fit into the pockets of your vest or pants. Use same principle as with the larger boxes, a few lures for each situation.
Label each of the boxes as to species. Add an additional box for a few band aids, a knife, compass, flashlight, pliers and forceps in case of an emergency.
When it comes time to go fishing, pull out the utility box with the band aids, etc, as well as the ones for the species and type of fishing planned. Place boxes in a gym bag, day pack or tackle bag made to fit them.
The bags made of tough fabric work are best. They are tough and also have space for a rain suit and a lunch. If they are large enough, throw in a camera for recording the catch as well as the entire experience of a fishing vacation.
This is not the only system in the world. But, any system is better than none. Explore the options available in tackle organization and then choose one what works best for you. Once you have a place for everything and everything in its place, you will be able to concentrate on catching fish. You also will be able to go fishing on a minutes notice.
The annual Crab Orchard Lake fish attractor project will be held on February 22, 2014 on the Crab Orchard National Refuge. At 8:00 a.m. volunteers will gather at the Wolf Creek Road Boat Ramp. The public is encouraged to attend.
Under the guidance of Chris Bickers, Regional Fish Manager for the refuge from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, trees and brush will be bundled, weights attached and they will be placed in pre-determined locations to enhance the habitat for fish.
This event is held each year and has proven highly successful in enhancing the habitat. Each volunteer will receive a map of the lake with the GPS coordinates for the location of the attractors. After the event other anglers desiring one of the maps may contact Chris at the Marion IDNR Fisheries office. The phone number is 618-993-7094.
F0or those unable to attend a similar event will take place on March 7, 2014 at the Little Grassy Lake Marina at 8:00 a.m.
DON GASAWAY'S BLOG 