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Decided i need a break from working so many hours and have a free day come new years eve. decided i have been hearing a lot about Mantua, but being so far down south i never venture out of my normal areas. looking to find somewhere i can take the wife and she can hopefully catch fire of why we insist on sitting on a block of ice hoping to catch some fish. i really would like some help in this trip and asking for any tips. i know many fisherman keep their secrets to themselves, but i am just asking for advice. if not, not a worry i understand. i am mainly concerned, having never been there, can a car make the drive in? i have access to trucks, but mainly commute and have cars to get around. any tip will help. even been thinking about Pineview, never been to either so anything helps. thanks guys.
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Mantua has been hot, catching 60-70 fish in 2.5 hours. I must confess, the last two outings (Dec. 24 and 26), it wasn't nearly as fast (28 in 2.5 hours).
The dike road is very icey but you can make it up the dike in your car (presently), I have been taking my van without problems. People either park in the parking lot and go out from the docks or drive to the South side of the dike, park (you will see the spot where people enter/exit the lake), and head out. Generally, if you want trout, go North and West towards the knoll. If you want pan fish, pretty much anywhere will do, I usually stay South and West of the knoll, don't be afraid to move around. Often the blue gills may be in as little as 5-8' of water; I have been fishing in 11-13' (It is not a deep lake). I find it best to use a small hook or very small ice fly. For Gills, a #14 hook 3-5' under a very small bobber works good, watch for any movement of your bobber then set the hook. I personally like a yellow/green or green hali and use a very sensitive pole to catch the very light bites. Perch are usually 1' off the bottom. You never know if you will catch perch, gills, bass or trout. I personally do not keep the trout to eat from that lake. A spike, wax worm or 1/2 meal worm have worked well for bait for the pan fish. For trout, use your traditional trout methods.
Haven't been to Pineview yet this year, friends have gone and reported slow catching (50 fish/5 hours between 4 fisherman), and the size of perch hasn't been too big. Cemetary point, browning point and the narrows are traditional spots (you can look at previous maps posted by tubetude for great information); I am not good at catching the crappie so others will give better advice.
Good luck!
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The south side road was fine for my wifes low rider car the other day, but it was icy just so you know that... I haven't found the high numbers there that others have, but I did find nice size to the fish I caught... I was closer to 8 fish in 2 hours but it was afternoon in the slow time of day... Trout were 16 - 18", Bass were 1 to 2 1/2 lbs Good luck... J
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The key I've found to fishing Mantua is not being stuck in one place. Moving around to different spots both on the ice and when it's open water is the key there.
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Mantua has slowed down somewhat, compared to a few weeks ago when it was on fire. I would try getting away from the crowds...maybe on the northern side you would do better, just a hunch.
If you like trout, fish mid depth and you'll catch all the planters you want.
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Thanks guys. I really appreciate all the help. I'm hoping I find em. Haha. I will let you know how things go
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