May 2004
ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”
IS THAT YOUR FINAL ANSWER? with Capt. Herman Kunz Spring has been slowly working its way here and as the weather heats up, and let’s face it, this past winter has been a real bear, so does our adrenaline work to get us heated up to get going and get out and fish, it is just like many of the questions that I receive that start to heat up our attitudes. Hot questions for a cool spring!! Some of the questions this month are right on track having to do with fishing early in the season. Q. I like to bass fish as soon as the air temperatures allow me to venture out on the water in some semblance of comfort. Many times the fishing is still real slow because of the colder water this early in the season. Any suggestions as to what might increase my catch ratio? Mike J. Pinckneyville, IL A. First of all, nothing can replace warmer, more comfortable water to get fish on the move, but there are a couple of things that you can do to increase your chances for a better bite. First remember that although at first thought, fishing the north side of the lake seems to fly in the face of common sense, realize this. When the sun rises in the late winter and early spring, it is angled from the south, southeastern sky. This causes less sun to reach the southern shores of a lake because of trees, homes or buildings, and the land itself. Meanwhile the north and northwest shores are bathed in whatever sun is available from sun up until almost dark. At some point later in the day, the northeast shore will get some slight warming, but the north shore is still receiving much of the suns benefit. Getting out early at this time of the year will usually do no good as the fish will only gravitate up from their deeper haunts as the temperature of the water begins to rise, as the day goes on. Then, often times, these fish might be in as little as one or two feet of water, until the evening shade begins to cool the water back down some. And as always when fishing colder water, fish very deliberately and slowly to create your best opportunities to catch fish. Fish in colder water are very sluggish and will not move very far for a meal. Q. As soon as the ice leaves the water near where I live, I like to go out and fish for walleyes and sauger on the Illinois River. Sometimes that can be pretty early in the season. My problem is that these fish bite light enough when the water is warm, let alone when the water is cold. As a result I have much difficulty detecting a pickup of a fish when working a jig or jig and minnow combination off of the bottom. Do you have any ideas on how to better hook up with these fish? Don S. Peru, IL A. Hey Don, you’re not alone. I had the same exact experience last year, fishing Little Bay De Noc in the U.P. of Michigan. By the time I felt the bite of the fish, it had already detected my presence and would let go before I ever had a chance to set the hook. Here is how I solved my problem and will help yours. I switched from the rod that I was using, an older heavier rod, to one of my new Rapala Signature rods: (SE80SP62L2). This is a 6’ 2” rod that still has plenty of backbone but a very, very sensitive tip. This, as I found out was an excellent choice for walleye fishing I was doing. When I did this
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I had to watch the rod tip closely because the “feel” was virtually eliminated, and contrary to the popular belief of, “the softer the rod tip, the easier to feel the bite,” which incidentally, I think, is a myth, because in actuality I think you can see the rod bend ever so slightly but without the fish “feeling” your own presence and vice versa. The stiffer rod allowed me to “feel” the fish, but also telegraphed down, and allowed the fish to “feel” me. Using the Lighter Rapala rod let me “see” the bite and catch my share of fish, where beforehand I was not doing so. A simple change of rods...and realizing what was happening made all the difference in having a successful outing or getting skunked!! Q. Any suggestions on which lure colors will work better in colder water versus warmer water? John P. St. Louis MO A. John, I think color has no preference at all when it comes to cold water compared to warmer water. I think the same color patterns of a particular lake will hold true early and late in the year depending on water clarity. What I think is more important is lure presentation. Generally the colder the water the slower the presentation, also the lure you use in colder water will get more attention if it is “down-sized, that is a smaller lure in colder water will usually get more attention...Usually!
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This months “Captains Hint”
When preparing fish that have strong flavored tendencies such as salmon, white or striped bass, etc. For cooking, first remove all the lateral line and red meat from the fillet and then soak the fillets overnight in milk. The milk breaks down the enzymes that cause the stronger flavor and will leave you with a milder sweeter tasting fillet. Many times fishermen will avoid keeping these fish because of their strong flavor. This process will change your thinking!!!
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If you have a question or even just a comment, be sure to contact me at:
ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS C/O Capt. Herman Kunz, RR #3, Box 206, Fairfield IL, 62837 Or you can E-Mail me at: salmonark@wworld.com Subject matter: ASO QUESTIONS All questions without names and addresses will not be considered.
Hunters! Swap those squirrel tails for FREE Mepps lure. Or, earn extra cash. We’ll also buy them outright. Call toll-free for details…1-800-679-3474
WALLEYE $215 per person (+ bait cost, based on 6 people)
Includes: • 2 full days of fishing (Limit on walleye, we will fish for smallmouth) • 2 nights lodging in townhouse at “The Pond” our fishing resort (Located on 25-acre pond 5 minutes from marina) • Ice, bait, rod & reels
SMALLMOUTH BASS $215 per person (+ bait cost, based on 6 people)
Includes: • 2 nights lodging in townhouse at “The Pond” our fishing resort • Ice, rods & reels (live bait extra)
