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[cool]Hey, gang. Thought some of you might be interested in this writeup in the Phoenix paper this morning. Uncle Wayne is advocating the heavy harvest of stripers to help protect the suffering shad populations in the lake.
[url "http://www.azcentral.com/travel/arizona/outdoors/articles/0814out-centerpiece0814.html"]http://www.azcentral.com/travel/arizona/outdoors/articles/0814out-centerpiece0814.html[/url]
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Wayne has been advocating reducing the number of stripers for a long, long time. That's why there's no limit on them. And yes--they are great eating. He's even increased the SMB limit to 20, asking anglers to keep limits of <12" fish and returning those >12".
As I stated in an earlier post, Wayne already supports two fishing rallies called SHAD rallies. One's in the fall, the other in the spring. Wayne oversees the events and helps put anglers on fish. There's food and prizes. Get info on the message board on [url "http://www.wayneswords.com"]www.wayneswords.com[/url].
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[cool]Stripers are hard-hitting, tough fighters and great on the table. If you like fish, they are well worth bringing home.
I haven't hit the fall striper fling for a long time. However, in times past, it was a circus at Wahweap...usually in October some time. The stripers would herd the shad into big balls, right off the docks, within easy casting distance. All of the local folks would be down there at daybreak, catching the heck out of stripers and then leave for work. That evening they would be back down and the stripers would show up for about an hour before dark.
If there was going to be a "get together", there would need to be some planning. Bank tanglers cannot always count on being able to catch something. The best bet is to put together several to a boat and split expenses. Without boats you might never be able to get in on the action. That lake is huge and the fish can show up anywhere...and be there only a few hours to a few days.
But, I guarantee there is a difference in playing with puny perch and in stretching your string on a striper. After a hot session with stripers you have to have the silly grin surgically removed from your face.
If you guys put something together, I will make it happen on my end. I am long overdue for some Powell action. Of course Wahweap is the closest of the landings to me, but we can see where the activity seems to be best and play it from there. I'll keep tabs on the Arizona reports.
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A boat is absolutely necessary these days. And Tube Dude, the SHAD rallies take place both north and south, and Wayne only visits the south ralley at Wahweap (that's where the best give-a-ways are too).
And this year, the stripers at Powell are heavier and thicker through the shoulders than in years past. And the more we help by keeping the striper population in-check, the longer we'll enjoy the bigger fish.
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I have never fished Powel. I have always wanted to get after them stripers but I don't have any clue where to start. If you guys want to head down there I would try and make it. I have an 18ft maxum and will have room for 1 or 2 extra people. I assume striper fishing is mainly casting so we can fish with more poeple per boat than you can trolling. How is the fishing in October?
Cableguy
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[cool]October is a transitional month...when the water temps begin to cool and the shortening daylight hours trigger that fall feeding binge. Besides stripers, there are lots of smallmouth and some decent walleyes to be had too. The channel cats are always cooperative, but October is especially good near the shorelines.
The best topwater and casting for stripers will be in the early morning. Later, trolling or soaking anchovies is the best bet. If you get your boat over a school of hungry fish, you will go through a lot of bait, but end up with a cooler full of fillets. It's a hoot when five or six people are all hooked up at the same time.
The schools of stripers could be anywhere, but there are many sources for finding out before the trip, and the folks at the marinas can give you the absolute up to the minute reports. Plenty of time to start tracking their movements.
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[cool]Since you asked for my opinion, I will render it. I think a local party...like another "Perch-O-Rama"...would be a lot better for the most BFT members. If you make it something close by, with minimum expense and time required, you will get a lot better turnout. A lot of folks have commitments in terms of work, family and finances that make a trip to Powell out of the question.
Jordanelle is good. If the fishing in Pineview was better...like in the heyday of the perch...that would be a good alternative. Whatever you do, try to make it something the whole family can enjoy...without having to go out in a boat. Jordanelle is ideal these days. Let a kid pull in a few perch and they are well on their way to becoming fishaholics.
Don't eliminate the Powell idea. It doesn't have to be either/or. Keep the chatter and the planning going. There will probably be three or four boats and ten to twelve BFTers that can take the time to make the trip and can spend the money without ending up in divorce court.
I haven't been to Wahweap (except passing by) for several years, but I seem to remember they have a good sized camping area. There should be something online to lay out the details, costs, etc.
I used to run twenty miles back into the mountains and flop a thin sleeping bag on bare ground...and think it was heaven. These days I have become a little wimpier. I like a motel bed and shower to go along with me fishing pleasures...so that is the direction I would be going. There are quite a few in the area, but since October is a good fishing month, it would be good to set a date far enough in advance to secure a reservation.
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]Shall we try to put something together for Powell. I'm assuming its something you can attend since its closer to you.[
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