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Posts
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Jay's Achievements
ISA Member (4/4)
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I am looking into getting a new landing net. I see several options for overall lengths and also attachments to wader options. I am curious in general if you carry a net while wading or just manage without a net? Personally, I feel I am more efficient in catching and releasing the fish with a net as a tool in the process. If you do carry a net, what is a good overall net length for wading? Also, do you find a retractor system or magnetic clip system works better to attach the net to your waders? Here are some size options from the Orvis website that I am contemplating. I am leaning towards the mid length, but maybe the hand net length would be better for wading as it is less bulky?: Hand Net is 25½"L, weighs .63 lbs. head is 8½"W x 17"L, bag depth is 11". Mid-Length Net is 37"L, weighs .88 lbs., head is 13"W x 18"L, bag depth is 12". Guide Net is 55"L, weighs 1.6 lbs., head is 16"W x 24¾"L, bag depth is 14".
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Sounds great, I have tried throwing Rapala DT 4 crank baits recently, but with the rivers running fairly fast I am finding that throwing a tube up stream and jigging on and off the bottom as the current pulls the tube down stream is a better technique for higher water levels.
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I find myself casting as I am slowly walking along so I am mostly looking for a staff to provide support when walking in fast current. Currently, I think I am going to hold off for now on getting a staff.
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Does this link work OK to view 2 fish photos? https://imgur.com/a/q5fieR1
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Appreciate the replies. In regards to the photos, I understand that it is a cost factor which is understandable to fit budgets. Thanks for explaining that and I will try to learn how to attach photos with a link as mentioned above.
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Really appreciate the replies. This is helpful information. Sounds like it is one of those tools that fits some fishermen and others not so much so a person just has to try it themselves to see if it is a good fit. When I see hikers use staffs it seems they always use two. I am curious if waders always just use one or if they sometimes use two with one in each hand with their pole attached to themselves somehow? I am thinking about the added benefit of just pushing through the water in addition to the stability with two, but on the other hand, sometimes you can have to many gadgets/gear and it can weigh you down and get in the way. Thank you, Jay
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I have recently been researching wading staffs and am particularly interested in Simms models, but I am open to other brands. I am curious if you use a wading staff regularly and what your thoughts are with your experience using a wading staff? I have never used one before and I am starting to think maybe it would be a good tool to add to my wading arsenal. Thanks, Jay
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I was going to post a picture of a recent smallmouth caught with a DT4, but the size limit on this forum is quite restrictive. I am active on several other hobby forums and I have never had an issue posting photos as the sites make posting unrestrictive and user friendly which I feel is great for members. I am not sure the logic behind the restrictions? I feel high quality pictures would be a definite plus to show off fish and scenery details that members would genuinely appreciate. Posting pictures should be a simple unrestrictive process as it encourages participation on a forum. Thanks again for the informative comments.
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When fishing in faster waters I have been throwing tubes upstream and letting the current pull the bait downstream as I jig it on and off the bottom. I have had some decent luck fishing this method. I throw crankbaits when the water levels are down and the rivers are calmer.
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Thank you for all the replies. I will try some square bill crank baits also as suggested. I am learning as I go so thanks. I look forward to the weather warming up this year and catching smallmouths.
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Jay changed their profile photo
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I am fairly new to smallmouth fishing as they were not in the rivers or lakes where I grew up, but since living in northern IL I have been really excited about catching them. I have been fishing for them for a few years now, but I am still learning effective methods for consistent success. My initial setup for smallmouth was using tubes and I often resort to tubes now. However, I really enjoy throwing Rapala countdowns and Rapala DT-4s and DT-6s. I have had fairly good success throwing DT-4s and DT-6s when I can get the lure to dive into the bottom around rocks and even bounce off the rocks. I understand that not all river systems this would be ideal as the bottom contains moss, weeds, or too many snags. This year I plan to introduce my go to large mouth crank bait, the Rapala countdown alongside the DT-4 and DT-6. I am curious what crankbaits others have had success with for smallmouths and what colors seem to work well. I have always had excellent success for largemouths with white countdowns. I plan to throw white and and some other countdown colors this year including some more nature colors in clearer water conditions. For DT-4s and DT-6 I have used mainly crawfish colored lures. I do have a couple white DT-4s that I plan to throw this year for the first time. I use a typical medium spinning setup with Shimano reels and G-Loomis or ST Croix rods. Thanks, Jay
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It was great to meet everyone at breakfast. This was my first event to attend. It was a great experience! I enjoy reading the ISA magazine. I hope to attend more events. Thank you very much to everyone at the event and especially to Terry who fished with Tom and I.
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I will be attending in addition to one guest fly fisherman. I plan to spinner fish. We will both be wading. We will be at the Cherry Valley Cafe at 7am. Thanks! Jay
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Have any luck?