Mantua 7/12

[leaky]

Spent 1/2 day at Mantua in the tube. Didn't catch anything worth bragging about. Caught some good size blues and even some good size perch which should be good eating. Caught some bass but nothing of size. Still don't know what I think about the illegal planting of perch, just hope it doesn't ruin the fishery. To tell you the truth, if it hurts the trout I'm not sure I'm sorry. I just don't think it should be a trout fishery. Don't get me wrong, if the DWR know what they are doing and it is good for trout, I'm all for it!!!

[]Leaky

[TubeDude]

[cool][blue][size 1]Hey Leaky, I think most of us responsible fisherguys believe in letting the DWR manage the waters according to their set plans. Too bad there are so many bucket bozos who have to mess around with the balance in our lakes.[/size][/blue]

[#0000ff][size 1]Sometimes the illegal introductions produce some good results and some good fishing. Other times they really mess things up. In the case of Mantua, how many times has the DWR tried to make it a trout water...and failed? It is ideal for the warm water species in it, and they do well. Even the perch seem to be getting big without noticeably affecting the bass or bluegill. I suspect there is a lot of predation on the young of all species, back and forth. That tends to produce bigger fish and fewer stunted ones.[/size][/#0000ff]

[#0000ff][size 1]I'm with you. I will gladly keep any chunky perch I get out of Mantua and invite them home for dinner. Just doing my part to help restore the balance of the pond...and my fry pan.[/size][/#0000ff]

[#0000ff][size 1]Once I get up there I am going to make up some "jig flies" for us to use on Mantua. Those big gills often scale down to small bugs and a little jig fly can do some real damage. It can't be too big, but it needs to have just a little weight. You can fish them with either spinning or fly gear. I have some jig heads poured on size 12 hooks and 1/100 oz. heads. You would be amazed at some of the big ol' brownies that find those attractive too. And, of course your old friends the whities like them just fine.[/size][/#0000ff]

[#0000ff][size 1]I suspect the bass are going into their summer pattern. They won't be too active during the day, but you can sometimes get some interest at daybreak or dusk. Actually, if you fish at night you can often do quite well on summer bass. Use a big black worm or jig N pig. Even a spinnerbait or buzzbait can be effective after dark.[/size][/#0000ff]
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