Fishing Forum

I was planning to hit Mantua, and try for some bass-action, and gills on a fly. But - I stopped by the Logan to see if the Suckers were still getting it on. Whew - flowing real clear, and yes they were. Took a stab at hooking up a few, and well - I had fresh bait, and more fry-fixins.

As I was probably running a bit late in the morn for good attention from the largies, I opted to stay closer to home, and hit familiar waters again. Thought I could put on a repeat performance of yesterday's adventure, and the Cat-action did not disappoint! It was pretty calm as I got on the water mid-morn. Ran into a 3-generation group on the dock, and offered them some fresh-sliced sucker. Thought it might do more for them than worms under a bobber, not that there's anything wrong with that, common offering from my playbook.

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Gertrude was in a good mood, so we went on past the first stop, still running true, so passed the second and onto the third spot. Around the time I got there I was attacked by the Wicked Wind of the West. Boogied up into some shallow, more isolated areas, and pitched out some fresh carved Sucker strips, and some gooey guts and bits too. Things were pretty calm, excluding the wind. No bites, no bobs. Then I had a message from another 4-letter word - WORK! All's I could figure it had to be "them" not "us" (client issue), so assured I'd get a look when I got back to town. It's a holiday after all! So while I'm keying my return text - I notice my bottom offer is looking real slack. I pick up, reel in some, then ZING - somethings swum from the nook toward my boat, and now it taking off for a stage-left exit. I lock in, and start working, get a roll and a good look - musta been on order of 5 lbs, almost netted, then another message comes through, as I fumble for the phone, this bird decides to bulldog under the boat, and -ping- snapped my line, musta snagged the side of my hull. Sheeeooooot!
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I decide it's too slow here, so I move back out to the edge and it was a good decision. Not long before my offering takes a run, and I haul in a nice 22incher. Rebait, repitch, and my bobber takes off. Just love it when they grab line and go! Then I realize I've got lines crossed, and while I'm trying to untangle I feel tugs on the line that's still out. I give up on untangling and strategically cut the line. But - alas, I'm hooked up. Not feeling a super cow, I go ahead and hand over hand this one - turns out it's a Sourthern Sized cat, so no problem. Didn't bother to measure, it was likely 16-17 so it got to take another swim.
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Couple more tugs and runs. Several 20" cats made their presence known. Found even a well soaked sucker strip got new attentions when dragged through the belly for some new goo and aroma. Had a lot of what TD would call "pop and drops", I'd call em "dine and dash" cheapskates! Reminds me of a guy in college who literally lived in a closet in an apt, and would eat the soup crackers and jelly from the cafeteria. Takes all kinds! These busters were just nibbling on the horse-de-vours, and weren't interested in a sit down meal, and DEFINITELY weren't ready to stick around to pay the bill! Even had a yellow belly that was piggy enough to stuff his gullet full of a meat strip that was as big as his head! Sucker!
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Moved onto another pocket, and despite the swirls, found no players. So again - pitched to the outer edge, and ziiiiiiiing goes my bobber. This lunker put up a fight, and was sure it wanted to dive under my boat, or wrap that anchor cable! I had other ideas, and was able to convince it to check out my net. MEasured in at 25", best for the day, and nother notch up on the contest.
Decided I'd had enough sun, had enough fun, and ought to head back. This time Gertrude was not in a good mood, must have woke her cranky from a nap. So slow going on electric only. Finally convinced her to kick it into gear, and thought I'd take a dabble at the first spot before heading back to launch. Worked into the middle zone, and found a few more tugs. Had some more dine and dash, but also some deep set feasters.
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There's no getting a hook out that's gone onto stage 2. Pitched out the front and back and as I landed one from behind, had a frontal assault, so with one safely in the net, set after the second, and ended up with a double. That's alright by me! Decided one last cat, and I'd be done. Well, ended on a kitten, maybe 13" at best. Another southern style kitten swims away.
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Time had gotten away from me, so I really packed up, packed out, and headed for the dock. Just as well - a few jet-skiers, and then several ski boats had come out to play. They could have it, I'd had my fun, and it was time to move on.

Looks like i shoulda stayed around here to fish. Bet you had fun! especially with that double.
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Looks like a lot of fun, Yote! You make cattin' look kind of fun.[]
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"kind of fun" ? - granted - may not take as much hiking and ground stomping as your slime-rocket adventures, but hooking into some of these beasts will put a big bend in your pole, no doubt!

Even the littler ones act "heavy".

And soaking baits can be a game of patience. But once in a while - seeing a carp wallow by, to reach for the bow, meanwhile another rod takes a zinger, some moments can be faster action that one angler can handle. NOT that I'm complaining!

Nice CYS. You sure do have a passion for that place.
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That pic where you are forcing the Catfish's mouth open is a classic.

Who do you think you are.....a Catfish dentist?

Is that who was on the phone, a previous disgruntled "channel" client of yours?

A true catfish whisperer can have the cat open wide without the need of forceps.......personally I am still working on levitating a musky.

Thanks for posting CYS so I could poke some fun.....looking forward to more of your posts.
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Yote are you trying the cats with a jig? That's when it's really fun instead of waiting for the bait bites. Trolling for them is great fun as well, but hard to do in shallow water. Okay so I can't hook a channel on bait but I still like to catch them. Glad your having some fun. Later J
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They call 'em Jaw Spreaders. Like a tripod - tool for the solo fisherman. Actually have 'em on board for the Musky. But some of them cats are serious swallowers - what can I say. They might spit, but not when I want 'em to!

One thing I don't love about the bottom feeder - sliding weight approach. The bobber attacks pretty well hook themselves, but the big bait on bottom almost requiires they take it and run. Even a circle hook is swalllowed by that point....

Replacing hooks and beads, I can live with. As long as it's not miudcats. That's get my goat!

Can't stand those little Mudders. Bait stealin' buggers.

As as far as Channels go, I think they're my favorite fish to catch surpassing even the mighty Tiger Musky.

Bobbers or Sinkers, it don't matter too much. It's all a blast.
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