Fishing Forum

Hello,

I've never been on Willard Bay, and mama wants to chase some Kitties. Any constructive advise on where, when, and how would be greatly appreciated. Also, I understand the bugs can be pretty unbearable at times. Any feedback here will also be appreciated.

Thanks
[blush]
[signature]

Fish with cut bait, shrimp, or worms under a float anywhere around the dike.
The bugs are horrible, take repellant and a headnet. Good luck.
[signature]

Minnows on the bottom with a very small weight has been working also.
Are you fishing from shore or a boat?
[signature]

I'm going to be a little long winded here since it's my first post, so beer with me! Yea, I know it's spelled "BARE". Or, is it "BEAR"? Either way, my mistake was intentional so I could raise my glass to you all for a job well done. Your forum is very professional, and very clean. I've been reading for a few weeks now, and this is the best I've seen. I've visited many and this it the first outdoors forum I've actually had the urge to join. I had a question, I joined, I posted, and you took very little time to respond. Cheers!!!. You all seem very down to earth, and I look forward to jumping in once in a while to contribute to what you've already done. I'm excited to be onboard.

Anyway, back to Willard

We would be fishing from a boat, and can easily move around. My understading so far is that the wipers pretty much migrate most of the time in search of the shad which are free roaming about the lake, so I assume Wiper fishing is pretty much, hit and miss. As far as the cats, I heard mention that they typically start spawning about now, or very soon, and move into the shallower bays to take care of business. Fact or fiction I don't know. So, you veterans of Willard; "Are there any specific starting areas that you can recommend? Is there an advantage launching at either ramp?

The "Hair Net", and "Good Luck" thing in one response make me feel like we are the prey of choice, and not the fish. Obviously typical precautions are in order; long sleaves, bug goop, and the like, but now you've got me worried. Should I wear lead bottom boots like the astronaughts, or cowboy boots with spurs? If the bugs come stock with dles and reigns, maybe I should give up fishing, and take up knitting. Actually, I don't mind bugs, it's the kids I worry about. It's best to leave them at home when unsure, and thus why I asked. My question now is, "Was the bug/hair net thing a joke, or were you serious?" If not, where do you buy those things? I'm not sure I've seen any locally.

Actually, I lied! I do mind those damn flesh harvesting flies. You know the ones I'm talking about. They land, they @#$$%, they excavate, they leave. It's especially bad when they get up in the leg of your pants, or shirt sleeves, and you can't get in fast enough to take them out before they route a nice trench or dig a big hole. Damn, It hurts just thinking about it (Slap!!,&^**&&^^)!


Regards
[signature]

You can find those "headnets" anywhere from Wal-Mart to Cabelas. Look in the camping section at Wally world for a cheap one that works just as good.
[signature]

You can catch small cats all summer at the bay but the spawn is over or should be. Normally the spawn is around the first week in June and that would be the time to catch some of the bigger cats. You can buy the head nets at Wal-Mart for two or three bucks. Try fishing the trees on the East side or as was mentioned the rocks can hold a lot of cats. In the past we have done well trolling slow close to the dike using a plain hook with a night crawler, if you are going slow enough you won't need to put any weight on the line. Get as close to the dike as you can depending on the waves. Good luck and let use know how you do. Oh yea, welcome to the site. WH2
[signature]

[cool][#0000ff]Welcome aboard. We have much fun here.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I probably fish the Willard Kitties as much as anyone, and I even catch a few, so I'll chime in. My generalized statement is that it is harder to find an area without cats...willing to bite...than it is to get skunked. They are everywhere and they eat anything.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]That being said, some spots are better FISHING than others. In other words, there are place where you will catch more fish with fewer problems with the power squadron. Basically, the farther you get away from the marina entrances the less water activity you will have. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]But, there can be some good cat action close to the marinas too. Timing can be a factor. I float tube mostly and I try to hit the water about sunup. From then until late morning, there is usually a pretty active bite both next to the rocks and out into as much as 16 feet of water. Some of the best early action is on the shallow flats...from 8 feet to 12 feet of water. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Slowly drifting and dragging bait...if the breeze is not a problem...can put you over more fish than anchoring and casting. That is unless you can find a honey hole. The fish are sometimes as scattered as the wipers. You will catch one here and there, but seldom a major concentration. But, they do cruise around while actively feeding and if you anchor up in a good "zone" you will have a steady procession of fish coming through.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I have found lots of fish all over the lake, but the areas around the lightpole, the southwest corner and in the northeast corner have always been best. The areas directly out from both Pelican Beach and Eagle Beach can also be good, but definitely get a lot of PWC traffic by mid mornings on most days.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The area to the south of Pelican Beach, just where the greenery meets the beginning of the east dike, can also be very productive. Move around and check depths and keep fishing until you find the fish. Then, that is a good spot to anchor up. Not too much boat traffic and a natural fish concentration spot.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The cats hit crawlers, shrimp, carp meat, minnows and almost all the standard Utah stuff. Carry some plain old wieners along too. Cut pieces of hot dogs are often "the cat's meow". No mustard or relish necessary.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I always prefer to fish without weight and let the fish run line off the open bail a bit before setting the hook. Sometimes they "gulp and go", and many of the fish will be deep hooked. Other times they "pop and drop"...not taking the bait the first time but returning to hit it several times before getting it inside their mouth good enough for a hook set. Some of those finicky kitties can drive you wacko when they wanna play with their food. You set the hook in a lot of water but not as much fish flesh.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Good luck. Let us know how the trip turns out. Also, you need never be hesitant about asking questions on this forum. With a "few exceptions", most of us try to give good answers. But then, some of us are likely to overdo it too. Don't know who that could be.[/#0000ff]
[signature]

I think he said it all []
[signature]

Thanks for the excellent feedback. I too can be very long winded at times, but that's not all bad when the person writes well, and is as good as you telling fishy stories. I've read many of your postings, and your spunky personality, as well as your good advise make the time well worth it.

Were thinking of going Sunday weather permitting, and I'll be sure to give a brief synopsis of our experience, and hopefully with photos to boot. I'm more of a sport fisherman, but mama likes to keep a few of the smaller ones for the barbe'.

Best Regards [cool]
[signature]