LAKE MURPHYSBORO FOR GREAT EATING FISH

Sitting on the dock fishing, one soon begins to talk with fellow anglers. I was surprised at the number of fishermen who are seeking fish to take home to eat.

Some anglers want fish for their family fish fry and do not need to catch and release all that they acquire. Some anglers just want some peace and quiet and a few fish for supper. Lake Murphysboro in southern Illinois is just the ticket for the angler in search of eating good fish.

As the clean waters warm during the summer, the catfish and bluegill fishing does the same. This 145-acre impoundment is located in a state park of the same name can be found about 1.5 miles west of the town of Murphysboro, Illinois in Jackson County. Camping, boat rent6al and access ramps are readily available. The 10-horsepower limit on marine engines helps to maintain a tranquility on found on the more popular nearby Kinkaid Lake. There are no pleasure boaters with whom to compete.

To reach the park travel Illinois Route 149 west of Murphysboro, turn north on Murphysboro Lake Road or Lake Access Road and follow the signs to the park.

The park’s hardwoods provide a shaded shoreline for the enjoyment of all on a hot summer day. Docks allow anglers to fish further away from the shoreline in comfort. Picnic tables are spread throughout the area and often find their way to the shore area.

Those wanting to fish without a boat can plant their lawn chair on one of the docks or along the shore and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. Fishing pressure is not heavy during the week and only moderately so on the weekend. Holidays are another story. Trying to fish with all the family picnics going on can be a bit of a problem.

The numerous brush plies, submerged timber, rocks, drop offs and dead falls are home to an excellent population of bass, redear sunfish, bluegill, catfish and crappie. Fish attractors are strategically placed within casting distance of the docks. They are easily located by looking for a steel post sticking out of the water.

For the shore angler, the area from the concession parking ramp west all the way up to the disabled pier is a good bet. Another popular location for finding fish is in the far northeast part of the lake where there are numerous brush piles. Fly fishing anglers catch many bluegills from the well manicured shoreline.

The dam area and the small boat dock will also produce fish.

Weedy areas provide good cover for the lake’s sizable bluegill population during the summer months. Find the clear pockets in the vegetation and drop a worm impaled below a float for instant action. Bluegill and their cousin the redear sunfish tend to hold in water 6 to 8 feet in depth. Both will take worms, wax worms and crickets. The fish will be near the bottom. A popular rig is a small wire hook with a piece of nightcrawler impaled upon it. The weight of the bait allows the light line to sink to the bottom. If a float is to be used, the slip bobber is probably a good choice. One the depth of the fish is located, the slip bobber allows the angler to fish the same depth with each cast.

Good numbers of crappie can be found during the summer in water ranging between 12 and 18 feet. The area around the old concession stand area is a good place to start. The popular jig and minnow combo is a good idea. It tends to out produce the jig alone. Small minnows are preferred by locals.

In August the catfish tend to congregate along he dam and rip rap areas. Nightcrawlers and cut shad are the best baits. Other catfish locations are on drop offs in the north and east necks of the lake.

Don Gasaway - The Ground Pounder

http://www.dongasaway.wordpress.com/

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DROPSHOTTING BLUEGILLS

Dropshotting, the popular bass fishing technique, is a variation on an old crappie technique. It is an effective technique for those days when the sun is high and the fish have lockjaw.

Bluegill anglers like to pursue “lunker gills” during the warm summer months and find them in the many ponds and lakes of the area. Lakes such as Crab Orchard Lake, Devils Kitchen, Little Grassy and Lake of Egypt are the best-known bluegill holes. But, there are other ponds in the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge as well as city lakes spread throughout southern Illinois. Where there is water there are bluegills.

Dropshotting is a finesse presentation that is also known as controlled depth fishing.

It is particularly effective with light line regardless the type of rod and reel combination. For flooded brush fishing a long rod with four to 6 pound line is recommended. In jigging situations from boats stationed over a brush pile shorter rods can be effective.

Rig the line by tying a Palomar knot in the line, about 18 inches from the end, with a very long tag end. The Palomar knot is tied as follows: Double the line and form a loop three to four inches in length. Pass the end of the loop through the hook’s eye. Hold the standing line between thumb and finger, grasp loop with free hand and form a simple overhand knot. Pass the hook through the loop and draw line while guiding loop over top of eyelet. Pull the tag end of the line to tighten the knot snugly. Do not trim the tag end.

To the end of the line (on the tag end) attach a sinker. This can be a split shot sinker, but remember to tie a small overhand knot to the very end. It helps to keep the sinker from slipping off the end when caught in brush or rocks.

A piece of nightcrawler is threaded onto the hook. When the line is dropped into the water the worm and hook float above the sinker. Thus as the rod tip is moved, the action is applied to the bait not the sinker.

This rig can be cast, jigged or drifted. The key is to not move quickly. The idea is to wiggle the bait, not jerk it. Cast it out and let the bait sink. Watch the line float, twitch it and watch it float. Give it a shake occasionally which will cause the worm to twitch.

Bluegills relate to vertical structure such as sticks, trees and other vegetation in the water. On hot, sunny days they will seek out areas shaded from overhead light. This can be under docks, or a tree hanging over the water.

Fishing for these members of the sunfish family is a great way to introduce children to the sport as well as provide some tasty eating for the family table.

Don Gasaway - The Ground Pounder

http://www.dongasaway.wordpress.com/

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FLY FISHING FOR CATFISH

Fly fishing for catfish is a pro-active type of fishing as opposed to the more passive type of fishing we normally associate with this species. One cannot set back and wait for the fish to get the scent of a nightcrawler, cheese or dip bait. The fly fishing angler goes where the fish are and puts the bait on their nose.

The lower one third of a river is the favorite waters for this type of fishing. The size and aggressiveness of catfish tends to be less as one goes upstream.

The water to the lower areas tends to spread out and back up into the shallows. There is more wood in this section of a river and there are some flats available.

A popular staple of the fly fishing sport is a Number 8 rod. Attach a reel spooled with 27 pound Dacron backing, a fly line that is a standard weight forward one with a ten foot sinking section and you have a catfishing machine. The tippet is a fish deceiver. It is two foot of six-pound test monofilament line.

For lures, flys that imitate minnows work most effectively. Flys with eyes are probably best. These are often called streamer type lures. For color, light blue and white with some flash to them are a good choice. The idea is to imitate shad and goldeneye baitfish.

On the water look for shallow water of six foot or less near two to three foot deep water. It is not productive to fish deeper than ten foot. The fish are usually feeding up on a sand or gravel bar. Most often the early morning hours are the most productive with late evening being a second choice. In very clear water you can try the daylight hours. Some anglers will use a slip bobber to locate feeding fish.

The angler casts downstream and allows the line to drift across the bar as he makes a slow jerk retrieve. This action allows the current to swing the fly in a semicircle. The rod is used to bring it back to the edge of the deeper water or main channel.

You have to let the fish see the fly. Bump it off his nose.

Catfishing is a situational type of angling. There really is no perfect all purpose catfishing tackle. Always take multiple rods when going out on the river. What rod to use is dependant upon the area and water conditions. The fly rod approach is a very satisfying way to catch Mr. Whiskers.

Don Gasaway – The Ground Pounder

www.dongasaway.wordpress.com

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DROPSHOTTING FOR BASS

Dropshotting is a variation on an old crappie technique. It is a simple and effective technique for those days when the sun is high and the bass have lockjaw. It is not really a popular rig for the ground pounder but can be adapted to such use.

Tournament Pro, Rich Tauber recommends having one spinning rod rigged for dropshotting. His preference is a 6 to 6 ½ foot medium action rod. He spools it with eight pound green line. It can be used with bait casting equipment but the angler must go to heavier line and bait. For that rod set up he would use 12 to 14 pound test line and a 1/4 ounce or larger bait. For the spinning reel he uses a 4 inch plastic worm with a straight tail, not twister tail.

According to Tauber, the longer rods move more line when setting a hook. “They make you taller,” says Rich. “When all else fails,” says Tauber, “this rig is my go to rig.”

Gary Klein, describes dropshotting as the hot new deep-water technique. He calls it a light-line, finesse presentation that is also known as controlled depth fishing.

To rig the rod, one ties a Palomar knot in the line about 18 inches from the end with a very long tag end. The Palomar knot is tied as follows: Double the line and form a loop three to four inches in length. Pass the end of the loop through the hooks eye. Holding the standing line between thumb and finger, grasp the loop with free hand and form a simple overhand knot. Pass the hook through loop and draw line while guiding loop over top of eyelet. Pull the tag end of the line to tighten know snugly. Do not trim the tag end.

To the end of line (on the tag end) attach a sinker. This can be a split shot sinker, but remember to tie a small overhand knot to the very end. It helps to keep the sinker from slipping off the end when caught in brush or rocks. This technique is gaining so much popularity that special weights called “Bakudan” are being imported and will soon be available locally. Bakudan weights are ball shaped and have a swivel line tie. It also has a line clip that allows you to change the distance between the bait and weight without re-tying.

The worm is attached to the hook, much like a Texas-rigged worm, but without the bullet weight. When the line is dropped into the water the worm and hook float above the sinker. Thus as the rod tip is moved, the action is applied to the bait not the sinker.

This rig can be cast, jigged or drifted. The key is to not move quickly, more like fishing with an ice fly. The idea is to wiggle the bait, not jerk it. Cast it out and let the bait sink. Watch the line float, twitch it and the watch it float. Give it a shake occasionally which will cause the worm to twitch.

Dropshotting is one of a long line of fishing improvements that have come along in bass fishing. It won’t be the last. Give it a try this summer and see if it does not improve your catching success.

Don Gasaway - The Ground Pounder
http://www.dongasaway.wordpress.com/

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HOT CATS OF SUMMER

Part of the tradition of the south is catfishing in the summer. Southern Illinois is part of the south. After all, Marion, Illinois is actually south of Louisville, KY.

For the angler in search of some great catfish action, the southern tip of the state can not be beat. Locals fish for them using all sorts of gear from the jugs to salt water baitcasting reels. Here are some of the better locations for catfishing.

Crab Orchard Lake - This time of the year the best bet on the lake is the catfish action. Crab Orchard is accessible from Interstate 57 at Marion. The lake is a sprawling shallow body of water found on both sides of Route 13 about 4 miles west of the city.

Mid month the cats will be spawning in the shallow water. Leeches, cut bait and cheese baits will all produce fish. The later two are susceptible to spoilage and should be kept on ice. Caught fish should also be iced rather than kept in live wells or on a stringer.

To the south of Crab Orchard Lake on Spillway Road in the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is Little Grassy Lake. Little Grassy Lake is a heavily pressured lake this time of the year with the recreation canoe and kayak crowd using the lake during the daylight hours. However, for the angler willing to get out early in the day, catfish can be taken around the points on chicken livers, crickets, minnows and night crawlers.

Further to the south, down in Alexander County, is Horseshoe Lake where anglers drift night crawlers along the bottom in the evening. The action holds up throughout the summer. Try the middle of the lake during the night.

To the west of Carbondale, in Jackson County is Lake Murphysboro. This lake is next to Kinkaid Lake, famous for it's Muskie fishery. In Lake Murphysboro catfish action is also good in the evening but morning hours produce fish as well. Late in the summer, try fishing at night. Night crawlers, cut bait, minnows, leeches and stink baits work well.

Up north, of Marion in Franklin County is Rend Lake. The lake straddles Interstate 57 at Exit 77. Rend Lake is a large reservoir that is full of bragging size catfish. The action remains excellent in 3 to 4 feet of water. The best action comes in the coves and along the rip rap. Fish take cut bait, worms, crickets, leeches, and shrimp.

This summer may be just the time to explore the south, Illinois south that is! As the old song goes, it is summertime and the catfish are jumping.

Don Gasaway - The Ground Pounder
http://www.dongasaway.wordpress.com/

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CATCHING AMERICA'S FISH

Ask any angler regardless of his prowess with rod and reel, how he got started fishing. Chances are good that he began catching one of the catfish species from the lowly bullhead to the larger flathead, channel or blue cats. It is truly America’s fish. They are found in large rivers, impoundments, creeks, salt water or fresh. They are everywhere!

I began with bullheads in a creek near my home in northern Iowa. It has become a life long love affair with the whiskered wonders.

Channel catfish are probably the most popular single species of fish for eating and catching. Almost every angler with whom one speaks has a theory on how to fix catfish bait and where to find the big ones.

Catfish anglers are probably the most laid back and comfortable fishermen. They tend to like a leisurely time. The rigs are simple with a weight and hook on a line that is cast into the probable location.

A long slender fish, the channel catfish is a pale blue or greenish above and whitish or silver below. Although similar in size and shape to other catfish, the channel cat can be identified by its forked tail and the black spots on its side. Popular with aqua culturists, they are very suitable for fish farming operations.

They reach a keeper size of 12 to 14 inches by their third or fourth years. These are generally regarded as the best eating fish. The largest fish reach at length of 40 inches and a weight of 30 pounds. Larger ones have been known to exist but they are rare and usually constitute record class.

Channel catfish tend to seek out clean water with sand, gravel or rock bottom. A nocturnal feeder, channel catfish spend most of the year hidden in cavities or lying in deeper pools during the day. At night they move to shallower water to feed.

The external taste buds of the catfish are located in the four pairs of barbels or whiskers of the animal. These bottom feeding senses of taste and touch are more important than its sight. While moving across the bottom, they feed on fish, insects, crawfish, mollusks and some plant material.

Once the line is cast, the rod is propped up on a forked stick sunk into the bank. Other variations on this theme are used from either boats or on shore. But, the theme is basic.

Bait used for catfish is either live or dead and can range from minnows to leeches, crayfish, catalpa worms, leaf worms, red worms, frogs and cut bait. Some people will use chicken or turkey livers.

For the most sophisticated catfish angler there are patterns to fish. One of these is especially popular on small rivers and streams during summer.

Ground pounders wade and fishes live bait. The pattern involves fishing the bait below a slip float and allowing it to drift downstream over the larger holes, washouts, undercut banks, beneath brush piles and other dark hide outs.

The idea is to present a natural presentation of the bait by allowing the current to drift the bait in a natural manner. The bait is set so that it floats just a few inches off the bottom. Good baits for this kind of fishing include minnows, grasshoppers, crayfish and nightcrawlers. These are natural forage for the catfish as they are swept away into the current during rain or flooding.

During periods of overcast or drizzle, channel cats cruise the flats in search of food much as they do at night. Fishing in such conditions calls for a 3-way rig. One of the swivels is attached to the line that goes to the rod. The second is attached to a drop line of about 8 inches that has a heavy sinker on it. The third swivel goes to a line of about three-feet in length and has a hook on the end. The bait on the hook is allowed to float off the bottom and present either a minnow or leech in a natural looking presentation.

Cast upstream, allowing the bait to wash along the bottom and fall off the edge into any holes. Catfish will often be waiting in ambush.

Another pattern for the ground pounder is looking for a point of land or a large tree that has fallen into the water and is blocking current. Often fish can be found in the eddy hole behind the current break.

It is a good idea to remember that catfish love cover. They will hold around rocks and stumps in rough areas. Once one sets the hook, the fish will do his best to break the line. It is a good idea to use a tough line of at least 12-pound test and the same color as the water. If seeking larger fish, try one of the braided lines with more strength.

Tough line helps prevent the sandpaper-like teeth of the catfish from wearing or weakening the line. That can cause a beak at the most inopportune time. A high quality tough line will allow the angler to fish around rocky, stumpy underwater terrain.

Catfishing is a great way to spend the day or to introduce someone new to the sport. It provides action and good chance of success with a great dinner in the evening. With some of these tips, anglers can fish more rivers and streams closer to home. It will increase quality time on the water for young and old.

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TRY NIGHT FISHING FOR GREAT FUN

Night fishing for catfish is a relaxing and peaceful pursuit. The whine of the reel as line pays out to a spot in the structure or vegetation. It seems so much louder in the night. It is a beautiful sound as the bait hits the water with a muffled splash. Placing the rod in the rod holder the angler sits down to enjoy the experience.

Y-e-o-o-w!!!, comes a cry across the water. Sitting on fish hook can bring home to one that organization is also important in nighttime angling.

Night fishing becomes important this time of year for two basic reasons: weather and recreational pressure. The heat of the day is often oppressive and the cooler temperatures of evening bring out feeding fish and angles looking for relief. Recreational boating pressure from non-anglers makes the daylight hours less productive for the angler.

During the summer the fish's metabolism is at a high point and he feeds frequently. The weather may be hot but there is a distinct lack of fronts going through to upset his lifestyle. The lush vegetation, provides ambush points for the catfish to lay in wait and allow the hapless minnows come to him. Competition for the food source from other fish is low as the weeds tend to scatter the fish of all species.

The water near the surface is warm and tends to be uncomfortable for the catfish. It is generally inhabited by smaller fish as they try to escape the big guys who are trying to eat them. The larger fish are found deeper in the comfort zone that is best of them.

Sitting on bait is not the only reason for organization in night fishing. Safety is another. It is important that the angler know the body of water well. If not already familiar with it, perhaps one should spend a day or two scouting during the daytime hours.

Learn where navigational dangers are to be found. This can be things like abandoned bridge or dock pilings. It also should include shallow water areas and submerged logs.

Once back at night, it is important that the angler is sure his night vision is in working order. Do not look at bright lights as that will temporarily spoil the night vision for several minutes.

It is important to close tackle boxes and stow unused rods out of the way. The fewer objects around the better for safety. Any tackle or coolers are best located about an arms length from the angler. This lessens the need to get up and walk around. You do not want something that could lead to trips and injuries in your area. It is a good idea to wear a PFD (personal floatation device) in case of an accidental fall into the darkness.

Night fishing is not all that productive right after sunset. One can use those hours to get into position for the nights action. By getting into position one can be sure of finding just the right location for the evening’s activities.

Night fishing is more comfortable from an angler's point of view. But, it also is a time when his senses become more alert and fine-tuned to the environment. Try it you will like it!

Don Gasaway – The Ground Pounder

www.dongasaway.wordpress.com

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Devil's Kitchen Shellcrackers

Watching the gold line slide out from the submerged tree branches is a thrill. Knowing that a sunfish was on the other end of the line means that we feast tonight. Shell Crackers (redear sunfish to northern anglers) are a staple in the clear waters of Devil’s Kitchen Lake in Williamson County. Further south the shell cracker feeds on snails. Snail habitat has little live vegetation. The feeding on snails gives rise to the name shell cracker.

Light tackle aficionados find great action for Shell Crackers in Devil's Kitchen Lake. Located 12 miles southwest of Marion, in Williamson County, Devil's Kitchen Lake is an 810 acre, clear water reservoir. At it deepest points, the lake is over 90 feet deep. The average depth is 36 feet.

The 24 miles of shoreline contains no development other than three boat ramps. Most of the shoreline is composed of steep, sloping cliffs that are wooded down to the water line.

The vegetation, in addition to the standing trees beneath the water, is composed of coontail and some pondweed. Water clarity is excellent with anglers reporting being able to see weed growth down to a level of 10 or 12 feet. The clear water sometimes presents a problem for the angler. Fluorocarbon lines in recent years have solved the problem of line visibility.

Fluorocarbon line does not absorb water and maintain 100 percent of its knot and line strength. This new line is abrasion-resistant which helps in the many tree limbs of Devil’s Kitchen Lake.

Small baits on light fishing line are the norm with panfish. The bite is sometimes very finicky and must be visualized to be detected. But with the new line, the gold line color stands out to the angler and the fish are not spooked. This helps the angler detect strikes sooner.

The angler can usually count on finding shell crackers in the ½ to 3/4 pound range. However, fish up to a pound and a half have been taken recently.

Like their cousin the bluegill, shell crackers spawn during the first full moon of May. The three or four days on either side of the full moon are the best days for fishing. The bluegill, not a bottom feeder, will feed on baits and lures presented at their level or above.

The Shell Crackers (redear sunfish) are a bottom feeder. You can watch then around the docks and shore as they turn their tails upward to feed below themselves. Out on the lake in the boat lanes fish for the sunfish by using pieces of night crawler, about 1 inch in length.

The four pound line with a light wire hook works well. Because of the heavy timber in this lake, the wire hooks work best You can reel down until the rod is pointed right at the hook and then pull straight back. The hook will straighten and come loose. Then check to make sure the point is not damaged. If the point is OK then the hook can be bent back into shape and used again.

Use a small split shot to help get his line quickly down to the feeding level of the shell crackers. Place the split shot on the line about 15 inches above the hook.

Because of the structure of this lake, the weeds can be found down as far as 12 to 18 feet below the surface. The unusual water clarity allows for this deep weed growth. Fishermen work the water between the shoreline and the trees. Shell crackers prefer a hard bottom with some weeds nearby.

By casting the night crawler piece and allowing it to fall to the bottom, ground pounders are able to fish it like a plastic worm fished for bass. Slowly jig it across the bottom and wood structure as you retrieve the bait.


Don Gasaway - The Ground Pounder
http://www.dongasaway.wordpress.com/

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HANDS FREE PRODUCTS FOR GROUND POUNDERS

Sitting on a sand bar night fishing during the summer is one of the most relaxing times I can think of except for the bugs. I HATE MOSQUITOES!

The main drawback to night fishing is the bugs. You have to turn on a light to bait up or to unhook a fish. The little night marauders zero in on my tender flesh and devour my blood. I have tried a number of insect repellents but they have to be reapplied and I seem to always forget until I am half eaten up before it dawns on me that it is time to spray.

The appliance has no smell in addition to being 98% effective. I do not think any spray can make that claim.

The times they are a changing. I have acquired two products from the ThermaCELL Company thanks to the recent Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers spring Cast & Blast event. During the opening evening dinner, members of the corporate outdoor community presented those in attendance a number of their products to test.

Tom Hamlin, of ThermaCELL, showed me the newest version of their mosquito repelling device. He also had a new product to their line, and all purpose Swivel Light. It clips to the hat bill, to the ThermaCELL Appliance, or on your belt. The 8 LED bulbs produce either a white or green light. You can switch from one color to the other.

Between these two products I think I will have a good time night fishing this year. As I see it, I can turn on the ThermaCELL Appliance and have protection in 2 minutes and full 15 X 15 foot protection in about 10 minutes. Couple that with placing the Swivel Light on the bill of my hat and turning on the white light, and I can bait up and cast out before sitting back to relax.

With a fish-on, I can land it, unhook the fish and re-bait and cast out again with no bugs.

At the end of the evening’s activity, I can pack up and head back to the car. The appliance goes in a pocket size holster so it will provide protection to the car and/or the fishing cleaning station. The light illuminates the way and can also be kept on to provide light for cleaning fish. NEAT.

This is a ground pounder’s delight.

Don Gasaway – The Ground Pounder

www.dongasaway.wordpress.com

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FISHING BOAT DOCKS WITH A PRO

Fishing boat docks is a good early spring technique that also works in the summer. It is basically a post-spawn pattern. Joe Thomas, professional angler is an expert with this pattern. I asked him about it while sitting on a dock at Lake Fork in Texas.

The Ohio based Thomas offered this advice to those wanting to fish manmade structures.

“There are two primary dock structures: floating docks for lakes and rivers where water fluctuates and the permanent platform docks that have permanent piers,” explains Thomas. “Both are productive but that they require different fishing methods to catch fish.”

Beginning with floating docks, Joe sees two thing happening. In deep cool lakes, especially those with spotted bass, a lot of the fish will hold on the structures under the dock. These are cables and weights that actually secure the dock in place. In that situation his favorite technique is to take a small jig or shaking worm (a glass bead and a little finesse worm) and shake it up under the dock. He throws it up under the dock along the side of the floating dock. When it comes across the cables and through in a way that the spotted bass are usually positioned to attack it.

His other pattern for catching fish on floating docks is when the fish are in that spawn to post-spawn mode. They will suspend, largemouth especially, right under the floats of the dock. Joe then takes a bait that dives 12 to 18 inches and works the perimeter of the floats. The bass will position themselves in the shade and come out to attack the bait. In this case his favorite bait is a jerk bait. Joe recommends using a minnow imitating color and jerk the bait along the perimeter of the dock trying to get the bass to come out.

If the fish are not active, Thomas recommends trying a wacky worm, or floating worm. He works that around the perimeters of the docks. “A lot of times they will follow the bait out from under the dock,” says Joe. He is quick to point out that they will not eat it, but if it is stopped and allowed to fall, the fish will go down and get it.

When it comes to stationary platforms, Thomas likes to stay more with a flipping method. He prefers to use a jig, Texas-rigged plastic worm or crawfish bait. He tries to get up to the actual structures of the pier. Explains Thomas, “Most of them have concrete on the bottom and they can vary in depth from 10 to 15 feet in depth.” To Joe the key is to find the depth where the fish are located. Once you locate that depth, you can then locate all the docks that are in that depth ranger and fish them all.

Joe explains that many people just fish docks and they do not think about the depth that those poles are in and where the fish were found. He believes that if you find the fish are in 3 foot of water you can run the wake and work that pattern in 3 foot of water. The key is to find where the fish are positioned and then use a subtle presentation. He recommends pitching or flipping and heavy enough tackle so that when a fish is hooked and he tries to get out the back side of the pier you can haul it out.

Concrete docks are a little more unique according to Thomas. The vertical concrete is usually in reservoirs and consists of such structures as pump houses, docks and bridge pilings. They are not as good at harboring bass but at certain times of the year they are worth exploring. When the shad hang around the bass will follow them to the concrete structures. Thomas believes that it is a good winter time structure because it is vertical.

In winter when a lot of lakes are drawn down, the fish will gravitate to vertical structure because they can move straight up and down with the bait and they do not have to travel great distances. That is when concrete is effective. Thomas catches bass with a jerk bait or spoon at this time. His key is to find the depth of the bait fish and then to key on it.

Every dock is different and has its own personality according to Thomas. Joe tries to develop a pattern within a pattern on docks. His theory is that if you realize that the majority of fish are coming on the first two to three docks in a cove, that is something you should register. But, within that pattern you want to know are they under the catwalks, inside poles or outside poles? Is the dock and isolated dock? Or are there groups of docks? More often than not Joe gravitates toward isolated docks because he has less to fish. The fish in that area are going to gravitate toward that one dock. He has found that day in and day out the isolated docks are going to be more productive.

Joe likes wooden ladders that go down into the water. The bass will hold on them and you can step a jig down the steps just like you would ledges. He has also found that people throw brush off of catwalks and it attracts fish. On the docks them selves, he looks for rod holders and lights indicating that people fish there. It is important to not only fish docks but also the structure that property holders place in the water along side of them.

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STRIPERS AT KENTUCKY DAM

It is no secret to ground pounders that tailwaters fishing is excellent fishing opportunity. I while back I had the chance to fish in Kentucky as part the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers annual Spring Cast & Blast event. We were guests of: The Lake Barkley Tourist Commission, City of Marion Tourism Commission, Eddy Creek Marina Resort, and Winghaven Lodge.

Prior to the event I enter the Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area with the intention of fishing several of the small lakes inside. It is a bluebird day which we all know is not conducive to good fishing. After touring the area, I decide to give up on the fishing and head north to my accommodations in Eddy Creek Marina Resort.

On the way, I saw a sign for a visitor center at Kentucky Lake Dam. Deciding to learn a little about the dam I headed that way. Unfortunately the center was closed. Fortunately, I noticed some fishermen along the rip rap below the dam and decided to join them. The sun has disappeared behind cloud cover promising better fishing conditions.

The dam is 206 feet high with half of that below the surface of the water. The lake behind the dam stands 50 feet higher than the original surface of the Tennessee River to the south. Down river the Tennessee eventually flows into the Ohio River to the north of the dam near Paducah, KY.

Using a white fluke rigged Texas-style; I am successful in catching a couple of skipjack herring. Then I get serious about the stripers. I use the skipjack as cut bait and proceed to catch a couple of stripers about 10 pounds in size. Others around me catch more and also catch them on the white flukes.

Some of the gates of the dam are open and they contributed to the current flow. Most of the fish are caught along the edge of the current flow about 50 yards down stream. About 6 skipjack were caught for every striper bite. I am told that the stripers are in this water in search of the skipjack as forage. Many of the stripers are not landed. I lose several in the heavy current and large rip rap rocks.

The locals fishing along side of me claim that the skipjack are not good eating and they only keep enough for bait. The stripers on the other hand are prized locally for their eating.

Parking at the dam was ample in the lot and there are concrete stairs leading down to the shore. However the shore walking is difficult. Large rocks along the rip rap shoreline are extremely difficult to transverse. Walk slowly lest you sprain an ankle or worse.

All too soon it is time for me to leave and continue on my travels across the western Kentucky countryside to the Eddy Creek Resort on Lake Barkley five miles south of the town of Eddy Creek.

Don Gasaway - The Ground Pounder
http://www.dongasaway.wordpress.com/

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FLY FISHING IS ADDICTIVE

The tranquility of late summer on a pond is only enhanced by the grace with which my fly line snakes across the water. A couple of false casts and I let the fly settle to the surface. A couple of tugs and the water explodes with a big bluegill sucking in the feather and steel.

Bluegills are pound for pound one the great fighters of the fish world. On a light fly line with the whippy flexibility of a fly rod they are a tremendous fish to hook and fight.

There is no real mystery to this sport once one has the basic tackle lined up. If one speaks the language of fly fishing or can find someone who does he too can enjoy the finesse or casting a light fly or popper and fooling some unsuspecting fish into thinking it is dinner.

Fly fishing can be used on virtually all species of fish. Here in southern Illinois it is used primarily for a largemouth and smallmouth bass, trout, and bluegill and sunfish. It can also be used for other species if one adapts to the situation.

There are four basic areas of tackle to be approached in taking up the sport: the rod, the reel, lines and lures. In addition, it is a good idea to take some instruction or view a couple of the excellent videos available. Check your local tackle shop for the fly-fishing section and ask their advice. With the right equipment and a little practice one can quickly get started.

Fly rods come in different weights and are marked on the rod with numbers from one to 13. They run in lengths form six 2 feet to 9 feet. The longer ones are usually for casting large wind resistant lures with heavier line. Shorter rods are for fishing small streams.

Beginners are probably better off with the middle size of six or seven which are good for bass and bluegill. Beginning anglers are well advised to stick to one that is made of fiberglass rather than some of the other materials that are more expensive. A glass rod will allow one to cast medium size bass bugs as well as small panfish bugs.

Next, one needs a reel to go on the fly rod. The reel has nothing to do with the casting in fly fishing. It is a simple single action line holder. The spool is usually about 3/4 inch wide with a friction built in so that line does not roll off it without some pull by the angler.
The weight of the reel should balance the rod. It should also match the species you plan to catch. For bass and panfish the reel will only help keep the kinks out of the fly line. For the bigger fish, a different reel with drag, etc. will be required.

A quality reel is a lifetime investment that can be passed on to other generations. It is good to purchase the best reel you can afford.

Fly lines are of many types and weights that are matched to the fish the angler is seeking. The best all around line for the beginner is a floating line. It works for bass and bluegill as well as dry flies. Later one can graduate to the floating line with sinking tips, slow sinking and fast sinking lines which are used to put flies at different depths for fish such as northern pike and walleye. Fly lines are tapered toward the leader end and there is only about 30 yards on the average line.

For bass bug casting one uses weight forward line. The extra weight at the forward end of the line helps push bugs or flies. Most good rods will have the size and type of line that is recommended for that particular rod written on them.

At the end of the line is the leader which is usually about six to 7 feet in length. Most are tapered to a small size at the tippet. Knotless tapered leaders are easiest to handle. Tippet strength is marked by an "X" number. 2X or 3X are good numbers.

For lures begin with small bass surface bugs in plastic, cork, or deer hair for topwater panfishing. Little sinking bugs can be used for bluegills. Number 10 or 12 are good sizes in dry, wet or nymph flies. Number 6, 8, or 10 are good for streamers which are supposed to look like minnows to the fish. As for colors, choose black and browns or grays and white.

Beware angler, once you get hooked on fly fishing it becomes apparent that there is more to it than we are able discuss here. This will get you started in the right direction. Be aware also that this is an addictive sport that will soon consume your thoughts 24/7. It also is good for your blood pressure, unless you take your fishing too seriously. Then perhaps you should take up knitting.


Don Gasaway – The Ground Pounder

www.dongasaway.wordpress.com

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TIME TO BOWFISH

Splashing sounds are music to the heart of the bowfisherman. They expose the presence of spawning carp, the primary quarry of the fishing angler.

May is the primary month for most bowfishing. These large buglemouth bass (carp) move up into the shallows to spawn posing a ready target. It is also a great time of the year with the woods coming alive and each sunrise warming the water.

Around Mother's Day, the protruding dorsal fins glisten in the early morning sunlight. We walk along the shore and shoot or move quietly through flooded vegetation in a boat.

As water temperatures reach 60 degrees, carp begin moving to shallow water. As it gets to 62 degrees, spawning begins. Spawning reaches a peak at 65 to 68 degrees. By the time the water temperature is up to 80 degrees, the spawn is over.

The basic tackle is specialized yet inexpensive. Bowfishing kits, containing line, arrow, barbed arrowhead, and bow reel, can be obtained wherever archery tackle is sold. They also contain an instruction sheet for using the equipment. The entire kit is available for a modest amount. The only other thing needed is a bow.

For those who plan to wade, the use of waders is recommended. One can wade without them but the water is cold in the spring. In either case be aware of sharp objects under water that cause injury.

Advanced fishing anglers use tackle that can get a bit more specialized. Although heavy solid fiberglass arrows provide better penetration of the water, fish found on or near the surface, can be taken with aluminum or even wood arrows. Lighter arrows allow us to make longer shots.

Most shots are short. The line attached to the arrow provides all the stabilization needed. Thus most arrows do not have fletching. On longer shots, some sort of fletching is needed to aid stabilization.

A barbed arrowhead is necessary. The barbs keep the fish from coming off the arrow during the time it takes to retrieve it. Barbs can be reversible or with removable heads. Both allow us to remove the head from the fish with a minimum of damage to arrow and fish.

Most of the reels that come with the bowfishing kits are of a hoop design that is bolted or taped to the bow. Some of the more sophisticated types of reels are the spinning reel or the newer "retriever" types that are designed for bowfishing.

Fishing lines are usually braided nylon line. Some of the newer fibers and very heavy monofilament lines are also used. Regardless, it should have a test of at least 70 pounds.

Bowfishing spawning carp is ambush fishing. This allows us to control a number of factors. Among them are bottom make up, the angle of the sun, the effect of wind and cover for concealment. By taking a stand we cause less fish panic and get more shots. By standing still we use less motion decreasing the chances of the fish seeing us.

Carp usually will swim upstream during the spawn into tributaries until their progress is blocked by a dam or similar structure. This concentrates them below dams.

The best bottom material from the fishing archer's point of view is fine soft sand. The sand has the advantage of improving vision. Dark fish are highlighted on the light sand. A bonus is that the soft sand does not hold arrows that miss their mark.

Fish are spooked by shadows cast over the water. Working from ambush we can position ourselves with our face toward the sun. Any shadow will be cast behind us.

Windy water surfaces cause waves and ripples. Carp do not like them and bowfishermen have difficulty seeing the quarry. Fish will concentrate in protected areas where they are also more visible. Polarized sunglasses are helpful in locating fish as they reduce the suns glare off the surface of the water.

Light waves bend as they enter the water making the fish appear closer to the surface than is reality. Archers must aim beneath where submerged fish appear. How far to aim below the fish is a matter that must be learned by trial and error.

Bowfishing the buglemouth bass is entertaining and challenging. It is a simple and inexpensive sport. Why not give it a try next month?

Don Gasaway – The Ground Pounder

www.dongasaway.wordpress.com

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GROUND POUNDING ALONG FRANKLIN CREEK

I first visited this small creek in the late 1990’s with two friends in search of tranquility in fishing. Not known as a great fishing location, Franklin Creek flows through the lovely valleys of a park by the same name. Located in Lee County, Illinois, about one mile northwest of Franklin Grove, Franklin Creek’s low lying areas along the waterway supports a bottomland forest of silver maple and hackberry.

The creek supports as many as 19 species of fish. The most common species are smallmouth bass, carp and creek chub. The flooding of the nearby Rock River aids in the stocking of fish as it backs up into the creek.

Franklin Creek is not a wide body of water and one could cast from one side to the other. Trees such as white oak, red oak, black oak and shagbark hickory line the shoreline. Slippery elm and Kentucky coffee trees are also found in the area. Ravines support an upland forest of sugar maple and basswood as well as a variety of shrubs normally found in more southern areas.

Ground pounders can walk the bank fishing in one deep pool after another. It is an experience of being at one with nature. I managed to entice a creek chub in one pool and a smallmouth in another. Ground pounding is probably just another name for stream walking.

Older literature on angling seems to gear all fishing to angling in streams. I have found it a natural conversion from fishing big rivers to moving up the feeder creeks like Franklin Creek. Fish too move up the creeks in search of safety, food and shelter from the heavy currents of big rivers.

Ground pounding can be a matter of wading to another location for better placement of the lure or moving up and down the shore to find a better spot.

After a heavy rain, or when backwaters are otherwise swollen, wading provides and opportunities to get to fish that have taken advantage of the conditions that allow them to forage back into creeks. The ground pounder is a trail blazer into otherwise unfished areas. There is no telling what one might find back there.

I found this time that the park had changed a lot since my first visit. The creek however remains much unchanged. There was no need for specialized tackle or accessories. Primarily all I needed was my waders. My chest waders worked but hip boots would be more comfortable in the warm days of summer.

I do not wade into water that is deeper than my waist even though my waders go up to my chest. I have a belt that I wear around my waist in case I should topple over in the water. It will slow the flow of water into the waders and allow for time to get up right and out of danger.

Polaroid sunglasses and sun block are always along with me on fishing trips. In addition to protecting my eyes, the glasses aid in spotting fish in the water.

A small tackle box fits in the zippered pocket of my waders and contains enough tackle for a day of ground pounding. If I think I need more tackle, then it is time to break out the fishing vest which has space of tackle, water, a camera and some lunch.

The day’s game plan was simple. From the parking lot, I just waded into the stream and moved down stream. I would normally wade upstream but the waters there were too deep. Wading in streams is an activity of stalking. The fish will relate to certain structures and conditions in the water.

The secret to this type of fishing is to learn the body of water and analyze the shore to see just where the fish might be located. Some of the structure in the water is obvious. Things like downed trees, sandbars, points of land, bends in the creek, undercut banks and large rocks are good to find. Other structure must be learned through practice.

The ground pounder must constantly analyze the water surface, shadows showing depressions or weed growth. Creek bottoms are subject to frequent changes due to flooding. Underwater riffles can be found by casting and bouncing the lure along the bottom. This method is good for breaks in rocks and vegetation in the weed line.

Ground pounding is a challenging way to fish. It takes time, patience and skill. It is interesting to search for a new challenge and to spend a few hours. Franklin Creek has always been that to me. It was good to be back there again.

Don Gasaway - The Ground Pounder
http://www.dongasaway.wordpress.com/

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PRIMER ON FLY FISHING TACKLE

Fly fishing can be used on virtually all species of fish. Here in southern Illinois I use for largemouth bass, trout, white bass, redear, crappie, pumpkinseed, bluegill and perch. The following is my feeble attempt to demystify the equipment.

In getting started, there are four basic areas of tackle to be approached: the rod, the reel, lines and lures. In addition, it would be a good idea to take some instruction or view a couple of the excellent videos available on the subject. Check your local tackle shop for the fly fishing section and ask their advice. With the right equipment and a little practice one can quickly get started.

Fly rods come in different weights and are marked on the rod with numbers from 1 to 13. They run in lengths form 6 ½ feet to 9 feet. The longer ones are usually for casting large wind resistant lures with heavier line. Shorter rods are for fishing small streams. Beginners are probably better off with the middle size of 6 or 7 which are good for bass and bluegill. To begin, most anglers are well advised to stick to one hat is made of fiberglass rather than some of the other materials that are more expensive. A glass rod will allow one to cast medium-size bass bugs as well as small panfish flies.

Next one needs a reel to go on the fly rod. The reel has nothing to do with the casting in fly fishing. It is a simple single action line holder. The spool is usually about 3/4 inches wide with a friction built in so that line does not roll off it without some pull by the angler. The weight of the reel should balance the rod. It should also match the species you plan to catch. For bass and panfish the reel will only help keep the kinks out of the fly line. For the bigger fish a different reel with drag will be required. A quality reel is a lifetime investment that can be passed on to other generations. Therefore, it is good to purchase the best reel you can afford.

Modern fly lines are of many types and weights that are matched to the fish the angler is seeking. The best all around line for the beginner is the floating line. It works for bass and bluegill as well as dry flies. Later one can graduate to the floating line with sinking tips, slow sinking and fast sinking lines which are used to put flies at different depths for fish. Fly lines are tapered toward the leader end and there is only about 30 yards on the average line. For bass bug casting one uses weight forward line. The extra weight at the forward end of the line helps push bugs or flies. Most good rods will have the size and type of line that is recommended for that particular rod written on them.

At the end of the line is the leader which is usually about 6 to 7 feet in length. Most are tapered to a small size at the tippet. Knotless tapered leaders are easiest to handle. Tippet strength is marked by an "X" number. 2X or 3X are good numbers.

Finally is the lure. Begin with small bass surface bugs in plastic, cork, or deer hair for topwater panfishing. Little sinking bugs can be used for bluegills. Number 10 or 12 are good sizes in dry, wet or nymph flies. Number 6, 8, or 10 are good for streamers which are supposed to look like minnows to the fish. As for colors, choose black and browns or grays and white.

Once you get hooked on fly fishing you will find that there is more to it than we are able to talk about her. But, this will get your started in the right direction.

DON GASAWAY - THE GROUND POUNDER
http://www.dongasaway.wordpress.com/

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JIG FISHING BASICS

Bass fishing with jigs is a tried and true technique for the bass fisherman with a boat. Shore anglers are beginning to use more with success by fan casting.

There are a number of types of jigs on the market. The little finesse jig with its smaller profile are popular. Some people think that the only place you can use them is in clear water situations or rocky lakes. They work well in stained water as well.

It is just a smaller profile jig with thinner wire hook and weed guard. The finesse jig requires lighter line. Anglers usually add a small crawfish or small chunk. The natural look of the jig is enhanced by staying with basic colors of brown, pumpkin or green/pumpkin. Because crawfish are a basic food for bass, the trailer helps to make the jig appear like one. It is recommended that one stay with the 1/4 ounce to half ounce size it is possible to go with 3/8 ounce.
Bigger jigs that have been popular for years still work. Some people call them Bubba jigs. The best technique in the summer is to punch the jigs through the grass in 8 to 15 feet of water. One usually uses a one and one quarter ounce jig with a really big craw on it. This rig has proven itself year after year.

Many people lack confidence in the jig as a bait. Pros recommend that one stick with the basic colors of: black, blue, brown and pumpkin. It is good to try to develop a feel for the jig whenever you go fishing.

Confidence is a key to jig fishing. If you lack confidence the only way you will get it is by using the jig. You might not get a whole lot of bites the first time. But, if you just experiment and keep trying eventually you will have a day with a bunch of bites. That builds your confidence. You have to develop a feel for it.

When fishing in grass, use the jig on braided line. If fishing in wood or grass then the fluorocarbon line is recommended. It is a lot more sensitive than monofilament line.

Swim the jig around wood type cover. A lot of people too often fish the jig only on the bottom. If fishing a lay down in a river, try using a 3/8th ounce jig and not let it hit the bottom. Just swim it through the branches. Fish like to suspend in such areas.

The urge is to throw into the branches, allow the jig to fall to the bottom and then bring it back to the boat. Keep it swimming through the branches for those suspended fish. Larger jigs have more buoyancy than the smaller profile jig. You can also put a larger craw on it.

Some people tight line a jig. They do not let the jig fall naturally. When fishing a jig on the bottom toss it to the bottom by allowing a slack line. Do not lose contact with the jig. It will fall more naturally than letting it fall with a tight line. If you feel something heavy on the line set the hook. If hoping it immediately releases more line to the jig. The idea is to let the jig fall naturally. It comes with practice.

Sometimes fish just want the jig on the bottom. If that is the plan then do not use a lot or rod movement. Just crawl the jig along the bottom. If you are not having any success with that bring the rod from the nine o’clock position to 12 o’clock and hop it. If the fish really want it way up off the bottom then you can continue to a 3 o’clock position. It is a reaction strike and it is something you just have to play with to see if they want one on the bottom or higher up.

Another technique is swimming the jig around boat docks. Many times after the spawn fish will suspend around boat docks. Target the foam. Look for the dock or marina that has foam around it. Use a light jig because the fish are feeding on shad. Fish the jig like a spinnerbait around that stuff. You just cast up there and hop it back with a swimming action. Keep the jig just under the water like you would a spinnerbait working boat docks.

If fishing a chunk or craw on the back of the jig, try adding a rattle for sound. It can really make a difference.

If one takes a rattleback jig and shakes it in his hand it makes a lot of noise. But, if you put it in the water it does not really make a whole lot of noise. If you put the rattle in the plastic trailer it makes a lot of noise due to the movement of the plastic.

Another change in a jig is to create a small profile jig by trimming the skirt. You can vary the weight of a jig by thinning the trailer or skirt. It is possible to take a half ounce jig and make a 3/8 ounce jig out of it by trimming the skirt and thinning the trailer. Trim the skirt about a half inch below the hook.

In cooler weather stay with dark colors and in hot weather move to the light color jigs and skirts. Although browns are good, the pumpkin colors work well in summer. Pumpkin/green and watermelon work well in the summer. Black/brown/amber have also been known to catch fish in summer. Camo jigs will work in summer.

The jig is a popular lure. One can use it throughout the year. It really shines in the cooler months. You can fish it from a half foot of water to 30 foot deep. In summation, if you want to be an above average angler it is a bit of tackle that you really need to add to your arsenal.

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CARE AND FEEDING OF A DAY PACK

The modern day pack is a blessing to the ground pounder. It is possible to carry, lunch, tackle, first aid kit, and anything else one would desire on a day along the shore of his favorite stream, lake or river.

Regardless of how a day pack is used, hiker, fisherman, hunter, book bags, it is subject to wear and tear. With a little maintenance a pack can last through many years of service.

When purchasing a pack wear the kind of jacket you will be wearing while using it. Look for extra long webbing on the shoulder belt adjustment as well as the hip belt. If you do not have your coat with you take a jacket off the rack in the store before putting on a new pack. During inclement weather you will most likely be wearing extra clothing not usually worn to the store while shopping. You should purchase a pack with straps that have extra length so that you have room for expansion.

It is wise to pick a pack with a “haul loop” on the top so that you will not be grabbing the shoulder straps. Repeated carrying of a pack by a single shoulder strap can lead to failure of the strap. This usually happens at the most inopportune time.

Proper maintenance helps you avoid problems later in the field.

Keep all the buckles and shoulder strap buckles fastened when the pack is not worn. When storing the pack it is a good idea to hang it on a clothes hanger by looping the straps over and closed around the hanger for support. Open all the compartments and air out the pack before storage. To prevent mold and mildew be sure that the pack is completely dry. Never store a pack that is wet, damp or dirty.

Packs can be cleaned regularly by using a soft brush and mild soap and water. Never use harsh detergents or tumble dry the pack in a dryer. While cleaning check for abrasions, tears and any loose threads.

Inspect your pack regularly. Check any stress points for abnormal wear. Make repairs as necessary before going into the field. Repairs can be made using strong upholstery thread or unwaxed dental floss and a heavy duty needle.

Take care of all the zippers. Clean them often with an old toothbrush and lubricate them with a high quality silicone spray. Frayed fabric should be trimmed back to keep it from getting caught in the zippers.

When ready to pack for the field distribute the load weight carefully so as not to be unbalanced. Day packs are made to ride on the back with the top of it about six inches below your collar.

It is wise to take the time to experiment with your packing arrangement at home before taking to the field. You will then know exactly where everything is when needed in the woods. Things least likely to be needed should be in the bottom. Clothing is an example. Next are items such as pruning shears, knives, etc. They should be wrapped in zip lock bags with a rubber band around the outside. With these two layers the bag is stable when you set it on the ground. Lighter objects go in the upper layers.
Do not overload a pack. Overloading can cause harm and discomfort to your back. The day pack should only hold things that you might need for one day in the field. Items such as: a first aid kit, extra clothing, rain gear, food for lunch, a camera, and ammo are all that is needed. Items that are sharp such as tent pegs, climbing items like tree spikes, etc. can cause damage to the pack. It you need them wrap them in an item of clothing to protect the pack integrity.

Water bottles, maps, compass, G.P.S. units, and fire starting kits are placed in the outer pockets where they are more accessible. You can also place any snack or trail mix there as well.

Don Gasaway - The Ground Pounder
http://www.dongasaway.wordpress.com/

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CRAYFISH - THE MIDWEST'S BEST BAIT

From Lake Michigan salmon to catfish in the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, anglers of this state find that crayfish is a fish’s Sirloin steak.

Crayfish, crawdad, or crab, they are all the same. Virtually every freshwater body of water contains them. Fish found in the same water eat them with delight.

Homeowners often find crayfish in small mounds of mud the shape of volcanoes in their well-groomed lawns each spring.

Scientists tell us that although often thought of as aquatic animals, these mini-lobsters will often live in burrows for their entire life. They are a burrowing subspecies from the more commonly seen water species. A cousin to the lobster and shrimp families, there are about 22 species of crayfish in Illinois.
These land based critters need only to keep their gills moist in order to survive. In spring this is no problem due to frequent rains. As summer wears on there are periods of prolonged dry spells. To survive during this time, crayfish will burrow down into the ground to the water level and manage to keep their gills moist there.

As they burrow, the mud is forced to the surface and forms a mound around the mouth of their den opening. Most of this digging is done at night. Warm humid nights are the most active.

Often the mound gets smashed down. This does not hurt the crayfish. They can continue to live in the burrow. They are able to tolerate very low dissolved oxygen levels. A crayfish can live in such a burrow for eight to 10 months without coming to the surface.

Each burrow is different. Some will be near water on a shoreline. Others will be many yards away from any surface water areas. Some will connect to ponds and ditches. Others will just go straight down to the water level. They can go down 10 feet. They will have secondary lateral passages as another exit. The secondary passages will be about half that length. They move a lot of dirt.

Most species of crayfish are omnivorous. That is, they will eat virtually everything. Some will eat only vegetation. But, most will eat insects, grass, vegetation, earthworms and anything else they come across.

All crayfishes are edible but some are better tasting than others. The burrowing types tend to have a smaller tail muscle because they are not always swimming around.

One way of fishing for the crustacean consists of lowering a piece of meat into the hole on a string. The crayfish grasps the meat and is reluctant to give it up. The bait is raised slowly to the surface and the crayfish is carefully removed.

Another sure fire way to catch crawdads is with a minnow trap. It is the easiest to use. The trap is a wire mesh cylinder with an inverted cone at each end. Bait is placed inside. The crawfish crawls into the open end of the cone and cannot figure how to get back out. The bait is usually any type of cut up fish or cat food.

Want to do a little fishing for crayfish? Try placing a piece of fish or worm on the end of a fish line and lower into rocky areas of a stream. Dangle it between rocks and in crevices. The crawfish takes hold and can be gently reeled to the surface.

Crayfish can be kept alive for long periods of time by storing them in a cooler between layers of wet newspaper. Just alternate the layers of crayfish and layers of newspaper to keep them wet. Store them in a refrigerator and use as soon as possible.

For those needing to be stored for prolonged periods freeze them. By freezing only the tails one can store more in a limited space. Freeze them quickly while they are still fresh. When thawed the meat will still be firm and stay on a hook.

Small crayfish can be fished whole. Just hook them through the last section of the body, just in from of the tail. Some people remove the claws and hook the crayfish through the ridge just behind the head. Either method seems to work.

Many anglers just like to fish the tails. They pinch off the tail at the first segment and then peel the shell. The meat is then impaled on a small hook. If it looks too soft to stay on the hook try boiling the tails first. Boiling tends to firm up the meant.

Rigs for fishing with crayfish tend to vary according to species and water conditions. Split shot and bottom walking rigs are popular on a hard bottom body of water. On a soft bottom anglers tend to use jigs. Both methods require fishing the bait slowly.

For the most part, the weight of a crayfish is enough to get it down to the desired depth if a light line is used. If using a heavier line some weight may need to be added.

Panfish anglers tend to use a slip bobber and fish the crayfish so that it dangles just over the top of the rocks or other bottom structure. They often like “peelers.” Peelers are crayfishes that have shed their outside shell. As crayfish shed their shell in order to grow they are without their shell for a day or two. Refrigerated at about 40 degrees, the process can be delayed by halting the hardening process for 10 to 12 days.

Fishing with crayfish tends to increase angler success. It is not as challenging as artificial baits. But, if one is willing to put out the effort and stand the smell on his hands, then it is the way to go.

                               Don Gasaway - The Ground Pounder

                               http://www.dongasaway.wordpress.com/

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GO SHALLOW FOR CRAB ORCHARD BASS

A lack of underwater structure in Crab Orchard Lake, makes fishing the shoreline shallows a must. Largemouth bass are a species that relates significantly to structure. To catch Crab Orchard bass work the shallows.

Crab Orchard Lake is the largest of three lakes within the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge near Marion, Illinois. It is about a six hour drive south of Chicago on Interstate 57. Created in the 1940's, the lake is shallow and does not have a lot of timber. The standing timber was cleared prior to the original flooding. There are some trees that have fallen into the lake from the shore due to bank erosion.

A significant portion of the Largemouth population is larger than the 15 inch minimum size limit. Growth rates for bass remain good and are attributed to lake productivity and abundant gizzard shad. Annual supplemental stocking of both threadfin shad and bass has contributed significantly to the fishery.

There is some structure to be found within the lake in the form of rocks, stumps, floating logs, brush and changing bottom structure. Most ground pounders rely on a combination of weed edges and wood when fishing the shoreline. The more shallow the areas the better they bite. During hot weather, fish are found in depths of four to 12 feet. The water is fertile and green to brown in color. This is due to 60 percent of the bottom being clay.

Bass are opportunistic feeders. They do not like to travel any further than necessary. Fishing the shallows can be very rewarding, especially if it is near deep water.

Crab Orchard has a number of bank fishing areas with the best known being Wolf Creek Causeway. The causeway divides the lake with a long dike composed of steep rip rap banks. Fishing is good there all year around. There are a number of brush piles and man made structures in this area. Fish relate to them.

Another good area is the rip rap along Illinois Route 13 as it crosses the lake between Marion and Carbondale. The area has a number of fish cribs, placed there to attract game fish. The wooden structures are excellent places for bait fish to conceal themselves from the larger predator bass.

Largemouth can be found in the western end of the lake. They like the wood structure to be found in the coves of the northwest part of the lake as well as the stumps and American Lotus pads of Grassy Bay. On the north side of Route 13, largemouths are taken in the brushy shoreline of Long Neck and Cambria Neck.

All of the larger necks offer good weed growth. Successful ground pounders work the weed edges and some sort of wood along the shorelines. Emergent water willow and stands of cattails can be found throughout the lake. Pondweed is the most abundant submergent species.

Crab Orchard is a user fee area. A permit is required and it can be obtained at the Visitors Center on Illinois Highway 148 just south of Old Route 13. Fees collected are used to repair and improve roads, buildings, campgrounds and trails. It also pays for exhibits, educational programs, natural habitat protection, guided walks and hikes and other visitor activities including visitor safety and protection.

For further information about the refuge and fees, one can call the refuge office at 618 997 3344.

Crab Orchard Lake is a fishing Mecca for shallow water bass anglers. Ground pounders can find fishing action to suit their desires.


Don Gasaway - The Ground Pounder

 http://www.dongasaway.wordpress.com/

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LITTLE GRASSY BASSIN

The slow rolled spinnerbait cruised through the water bumping off stumps and other submerged wooden structure. Suddenly, from the darkness appears a streak that snatches the bait and heads for parts unknown. This scene is repeated daily on Little Grassy Lake in the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge near Marion, Illinois.

Beginning with early spring, Little Grassy Lake has great bass fishing.

The lake takes its name from the creek that formed it. The lake was built in 1940 as part of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. It is located about 8 miles south of Carbondale, Illinois just off Giant City Road. The shoreline of the lake is about 36 miles, with an average depth of 27 feet and a 90 foot depth in the channel at the spillway. The lake is four miles long and one mile wide. The shoreline is wooded and rocky and provides some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. Most of the adjoining land is leased to church, school and youth groups, but the lake itself is the property of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The lake does have a moderate amount of standing timber, good shoreline rip rap areas, and assorted vegetation. Known for big bass in the past, the lake did have a problem with fishing pressure in the early 1980's.

Largemouth bass are found in ponds, lakes and reservoirs of Illinois, as well as some rivers and streams. It is essentially a lake bass. Coloration can vary, but they are usually dark green on the back and becoming lighter green on the sides.

Bass generally build their nest in water of about 18 inches to 3 feet depth. But, they can be found as deep as 15 feet. They tend to spawn when water is 63 to 68 degrees in temperature. As youngsters, they feed on zooplankton. Later, as adults, bass eat small, swimming animal life. Fish make up about 60 percent of their diet. Crayfish are an important part of their diet.

Anglers take bass using natural baits including such things as minnows, crayfish, worms, hellgrammites and frogs. Any artificial bait that imitates the above is a good bet. A local favorite on Little Grassy Lake is the plastic worm fished Texas style (weedless) slowly over the bottom around submerged trees and other heavy cover. Early morning and early evening are the best time to seek bass. The most consistent producing times are the two hours just before sundown.

The average life span of a bass in Illinois is about four years, with few surviving more than 8 or 10 years. A four year-old fish will average 13 inches in length and weigh about a pound and a quarter. A nine-year old fish will weigh about 5 pounds and be approximately 20 inches in length.

In addition to the bass, Little Grassy Lake contains good populations of catfish, crappie, bluegill, and rock bass.

                                    Don Gasaway - The Ground Pounder
                                    http://www.dongasaway.wordpress.com/

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