Four species day at The Bay

[wiperhunter2]

Wiperslayer and I hit Willard, yet again today. After talking to TD at the ramp, we headed out to hit a spot that has treated us well this month but it was not to be on this day. After a brief chat with TD we headed on to a place we haven't fished in over a month. Almost immediately we started getting hits and before long we had our first fish in the boat, a small 13" wiper. Glad to get the skunk off, we kept trolling at 2.3 to 2.5 mph. We were getting the majority of our fish pulling worm harnesses on lead core line but we did get a couple on cranks, using side planners. After 2 or 3 wipers we picked up or first eye about 16 or 17". By this time we figured out a pattern and started putting numbers in the boat, after 6 or 7 fish we picked up our first cat of the trip, then the eyes turned on for a few minutes and we picked up three more plus another cat. The flurry of action started to slow down about 11:30 but we were still picking up fish here and there, including our biggest wiper of the trip, a drag screaming 21 incher, those wipers, even the small ones are very chunky still. Then it happened our 4 species of the day, a crappie, came to play, thought it was a small wiper at first but confirmation came as it got to the net. We kept at it and picked up a couple more wipers for total of 9 for the day. After such a slow start, in windy conditions, it turned out to be a great morning.[cool] Got a pic of TD's back side and one of the eyes we kept.
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[obifishkenobi]

Thanks for the report I’m going to get back after the Wipers and Walleye this weekend after spending the last couple weekends catching Trout and Kokanee it will be great to feel the tug of a Wiper.
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[TubeDude]

[#0000FF]Excellent. A good example of "Ya cain't ketch 'em where they ain't." You have to find active fish...and make the right presentations. And no matter what the conditions there WILL usually be some cooperative fish SOMEWHERE. Too bad the "big motor" on my float tube won't allow me the luxury of searching them out like that.[/#0000FF]
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[#0000FF]Some folks would say you captured my "best side" with that picture. Others might say I don't have a good side.[/#0000FF]
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[#0000FF]Good to see you guys again and happy you got into some fish...a Willard slam at that.
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[Troll]

On the other hand, every location has some active fish.
You prove that on a regular basis with your huge motor and the way that you use finesse to put fish in the basket even with very limited range for a place like Willard.
You locate fish, then finesse presentation them without the advantage of moving about.
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[Piscophilic]

Way to stick with it and find them! I'm glad you had a good outing and I appreciate you sharing the fun with us. You guys are having a very good year up there. Keep up the good work!
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[TubeDude]

[#0000FF]Thanks for the kindly comments. 'Preciate it.[/#0000FF]
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[#0000FF]You are correct in your assessment that being in a limited range craft forces you to fish each area more thoroughly...and that can pay dividends. Anglers with tricked out powerful boats often become impatient and blast off to elsewhere if they do not get instant gratification on any chosen spot. Whereas if they had stayed a bit and experimented with different stuff they may have found willing fish...or at least have been able to stimulate some reaction bites.
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[#0000FF]I have often compared "floatation fishing" vs boating to archery hunting vs rifle hunting. By its very nature it forces you to learn more about your location and your quarry...and to pay more attention to little refinements that can make a big difference.
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[jjannie]

Sounds like another nice day for you two - hope we do okay when we go out on Wednesday.

When we were out last week, the water had more clarity to it that we hadn't seen for some time. Did you think it was it still fairly clear?

Did the fish seem to be suspended for the most part? Our problem last week was getting teh bait they preferred, down to level they were holding no matter what way fished, we tried several different methods - seems we were either too low or not deep enough. Once the fish finally moved in water column we were able to have a fast catching rate.
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[reelfast]

Good job Curt. We went out Saturday and got a couple walleye and a bass. Worked mostly the SW openness. The water barely made 70*. Tried several harness patterns on lead line. Were heading for Strawberry this weekend.
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[fishinfool]

Great report Curt. Sure is nice when you find the X and the fish are biting as fast as you make another pass.

Thanks for the report .

fnf[cool]
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[wiperhunter2]

Thanks Tony, after last years poor success at Willard, it has been nice to have a better year.
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[wiperhunter2]

Thanks Dan, hope you have good success at the Berry this weekend.
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[wiperhunter2]

Yes it was, hope the wind isn't too bad for you two tomorrow. The water was clear yesterday at least IMO. Most all the fish we were catching were suspended, about 15 to 20 feet down, in 23 FOW. Good luck.
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[wiperhunter2]

Thanks, yes, it has been a great year so far, just hope it continues.
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[wiperhunter2]

Thanks Pat, not sure if it has happened to us before but I believe that this is the first time we have had two trips in one year where we caught a Willard slam. If this continues maybe I can get you out with me, so you can have some of the walleye wiper fun.
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[wiperhunter2]

I hear you, we haven't made even one trip up for the kokes yet but that is because I'm not sure how much longer this good catching will last at Willard. I know the kokes will be there, when the wiper and eye catching drops off.
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