The North Gully
Main location: McPhersons Pt, Conesus Lake
Open water reel challenge: daily casts
In 2021, cast at least one line for everyday there is open water.
The North Gully land area, also known as McPhersons Point, is the 5th largest tributary of incoming water flows for Conesus Lake, NY.
Having a hydrological contribution of over 4% of the total watershed inflows, the North Gully lends itself to being a significant source of incoming nutrients, sediment and also pollution, including phosphorus.
It is our hope that this fishing blog will ultimately bring more awareness to our watershed and generate innovative ways to reduce pollution and improve the water quality for everything that lives above and below the lake surface.
Mac agrees we should do what we can to greatly improve the water quality of Conesus Lake so that we can all keep floating!
A little glimpse into Finger Lakes life from LakeWise's video "Keep Floatin'". Check out LakeWise's SoundCloud account here.
Species Targeted: Double Digit Northern Pike and Tiger Musky
Northern Pike
The Pike Of New York
Nicknamed "waterwolves," members of the pike family are well known for their predatory nature. Solitary fishes, lurking in the shadows to ambush their prey, pike have highly carnivorous habits which have generated hundreds of fish stories ranging from swimmers being bitten to a favorite pet being eaten while going for a swim. While most of these stories are just that - stories - some are not.
Pike are generally found in shallow, warm water areas near weed beds or other cover. They are easily distinguished from other fishes by their long, slender bodies and duck-shaped bills. Their large mouths contain needle-sharp teeth which are very effective in grasping and holding fish. Pike have forked tails and a single dorsal fin located far back on the body. Their green or brassy coloring allows them to blend in easily with a weedy environment.
As a group, pike are remarkably variable in size. On the smaller end of the scale, the redfin pickerel rarely attains a weight exceeding one pound, whereas the largest member of the family - muskellunge - is the largest freshwater game fish in New York State and may weigh more than 50 pounds. Regardless of the species, all pike are fast growers, with females growing faster and living longer than males.
Image and description, courtesy of NYSDEC
Tiger Muskellunge
Tiger Musky
Tiger muskellunge are a hybrid cross between northern pike and muskellunge. While they occasionally occur naturally, most tiger muskellunge found in New York State's waters have been stocked. First introduced by DEC in 1967 to provide "trophy" fishing, today the hardy hybrid is found in more than 50 waters across the State. The larger waters - the Mohawk River, Otisco Lake, Canadarago Lake, and the Susquehanna River - produce a number of trophy catches a year.
In appearance, the tiger musky is a real cross between its two parents. Tigers have the cheek and gill cover scale pattern of northern pike, but the barred dark body markings on a light background like the muskellunge. Averaging 24 to 38 inches, adult tiger muskellunge are larger than northern pike, but smaller than muskellunge. Tigers are extremely rapid growers, growing more quickly than either parent during the first two years of life.
Since tiger muskies are sterile hybrids, no successful spawning takes place. Tiger muskellunge are more easily raised in hatcheries than either parent. They readily feed on commercial fish food pellets and can be reared efficiently in great numbers. While the hybrid cross works either way, New York State hatcheries have traditionally used female muskellunge and male northerns for the stocking program.
Tiger muskellunge are important game fish actively sought by many anglers. Typically less difficult to catch than musky but more difficult than northerns, they add a unique quality to warmwater fishing.
Image and description, courtesy of NYSDEC
2021 NYS Fishing Regulations Guide.pdfNYS Freshwater Fishing Guide:
Regulations Guide by the NYSDEC
Fishing Guide Highlights for our region: Region 8
2021 NYS Fishing Regulations Guide pg 59-61.pdfRemaining Statewide Fishing Regs
2021 NYS Fishing Regulations Guide pg 5-8.pdfThe Reel Challenge:
Day 1: Tues. May 4th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: Flat
Weed Growth: None
Water Temperature:
Weather: Slightly overcast skies
Fish Present: Schooling panfish and intermingled bass
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure: 1/8 ounce in-line black and gold spinner bait
Casts: 20
Results: one 6" rock bass, released
Solunar Calendar
Day 2: Wed. May 5th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: Mild
Weed Growth:
Water Temperature:
Weather: Overcast
Fish Present: None
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure: 1/4 ounce chartreuse single blade spinner bait
Casts: 20
Results: no bites, no fish
Solunar Calendar
VLog Number 1
20210505_133644.mp4Day 3: Thurs May 6th
Water Clarity: Mildly turned up, ok visibility
Waves: Mild
Weed Growth: None
Water Temperature:
Weather: Partly Sunny
Fish Present: Schooling panfish
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure: 1/3 ounce black and gold Mepps in-line spinner bait
Casts: 20
Results: one bite, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Species? Perch?
Unedited underwater footage off McPhersons Pt, Conesus Lake, NY.
McPhersons Pt Underwater - perch minnows and Mepps.mp4Day 4: Fri May 7th
Water Clarity: Mildly turned up, ok visibility
Waves: Mild
Weed Growth: None
Water Temperature: 51 degrees
Weather: Overcast
Fish Present: none visible
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure: 1/8 ounce gold Heddon spoon
Casts: 20
Results: one 12" smallmouth bass, released
Solunar Calendar
Image and description, courtesy of NYSDEC
Smallmouth Bass inhabits streams, rivers and lakes in areas associated with cobble and submerged aquatic vegetation. Spawning occurs in streams with clean gravel. It favors cooler and more riverine conditions than largemouth bass. Smallmouth bass is native to watersheds of the Allegheny and Great Lakes drainage, including Champlain. It has also become established in all the remaining watersheds and in many parts of the Adirondacks.
McPhersons Pt Underwater - smallmouth bass.mp4Underwater action of today's smallie!
Day 5: Sat May 8th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: Calm
Weed Growth: None
Water Temperature: 51 degrees
Weather: Overcast, very light rain
Fish Present: none visible
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure: 1/4 ounce Daredevil spoon
Casts: 25
Results: no bites, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 6: Sun May 9th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: Mild
Weed Growth: None
Water Temperature: 51 degrees
Weather: Partly Sunny
Fish Present: none visible
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure: 1/4 ounce Daredevil spoon
Casts: 25
Results: no bites, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 7: Mon May 10th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: Mild
Weed Growth: None
Water Temperature: 52 degrees
Weather: Partly sunny
Fish Present: one sunfish swam past
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure: 1/3 ounce red and white spinner bait, with trailing green and red speckled crayfish soft plastic
Casts: 25
Results: no bites, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 8: Tues May 11th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: Mild
Weed Growth: None
Water Temperature: 52 degrees
Weather: Mostly sunny
Fish Present: none visible
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure: J7 jointed perch Rapala
Casts: 15
Results: no bites, no fish
Solunar Calendar
McPhersons Pt Underwater - goby.mp4Walleye fry?
McPhersons Pt Underwater - goby, bass and minnow with the J7 perch.mp4Full video, with J7 underwater lure action
Day 9: Wed May 12th
Water Clarity: Turned up
Waves: Medium
Weed Growth: None
Water Temperature: 58 degrees
Weather: Mostly sunny
Fish Present: none visible
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure: 1/2 ounce lipped jig with green and red specked plastic minnow
Casts: 20
Results: no bites, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 10: Thu May 13th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: Calm
Weed Growth: None
Water Temperature: 54 degrees
Weather: Sunny
Fish Present: a couple groups of small minnows
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure: Sunfish colored 4" Zara Spook
Casts: 40
Results: no bites, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 11: Fri May 14th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: Calm
Weed Growth: None
Water Temperature: 56 degrees
Weather: Sunny
Fish Present: small mixed school of sunfish, rudd, & golden shiners
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 1/3 ounce black and gold Mepps in-line spinner bait
Casts: 20
Results: no bites, no fish
Lure 2: Rapala X-Rap 08 silver color
Casts: 20
Results: no bites, no fish
Lure 1: Sunfish colored 4" Zara Spook
Casts: 20
Results: no bites, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 12: Sat May 15th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: Calm
Weed Growth: None
Water Temperature: 58 degrees
Weather: Sunny
Fish Present: none present
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: Sunfish colored 4" Zara Spook
Casts: 25
Results: no bites, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 13: Sun May 16th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: Calm
Weed Growth: None
Water Temperature: 59 degrees
Weather: Sunny
Fish Present: small mixed school of sunfish, rudd, & golden shiners
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: Hula popper
Lure 2: Sunfish colored 4" Zara Spook
Casts: 20
Results: no bites, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 14: Mon May 17th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: Calm
Weed Growth: None
Water Temperature: 59 degrees
Weather: Sunny
Fish Present: mixed schools of sunfish, smallmouth, rudd, & golden shiners
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: weedless black & blue 1/3 oz. jig
Casts: 10
Results: no bites, no fish
Lure 2: 2.5" white floating crankbait
Casts: 10
Results: no bites, no fish
Lure 3: 1/3 oz. blue and silver spoon
Casts: 15
Results: no bites, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 15: Tue May 18th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: Calm
Weed Growth: None
Water Temperature: 61 degrees
Weather: Sunny
Fish Present: mixed schools of sunfish, smallmouth, largemouth, rudd, & golden shiners, one bullhead
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 1/3 oz. blue and silver spoon
Casts: 20
Results: no bites, no fish
Lure 2: 1/8 oz. brown hair jig
Casts: 15
Results: no bites, no fish
Lure 3: 1/8 oz. Rapala Countdown
Casts: 25
Results: one sunfish bite, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 16: Wed May 19th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: Calm
Weed Growth: None
Water Temperature: thermometer broke
Weather: Sunny
Fish Present: mixed schools of sunfish, smallmouth, largemouth, rudd, & golden shiners
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 1/2 oz. chartreuse spinner bait
Casts: 30
Results: no bites, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 17: Thurs May 20th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: Calm
Weed Growth: None
Water Temperature: thermometer broken
Weather: Sunny
Fish Present: mixed schools of sunfish, smallmouth, largemouth, rudd, & golden shiners
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 1/2 oz. buzz bait with dark green frog trailer
Casts: 30
Results: no bites, no fish
Lure 2: 3" black jointed jitterbug
Casts: 30
Results: no bites, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 18: Fri May 21st
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: Calm
Weed Growth: None
Water Temperature: thermometer broken, estimate 63
Weather: Sunny
Fish Present: mixed schools of sunfish, smallmouth, largemouth, rudd, & golden shiners
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 1/2 oz. black & green spinner bait with creature hog
Casts: 15
Results: no bites, no fish
Lure 2: 1/4 oz. weed-less swim-jig with black and blue skirt and black fork tail plastic worm
Casts: 15
Results: no bites, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 19: Sat May 22nd
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: Calm
Weed Growth: None
Water Temperature: 66.2
Weather: 3/4 moon, partly cloudy skies
Fish Present: 6 bullhead, 2 smallmouth, 2 largemouth, 1-2 large pike, minnows everywhere
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" black jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 30
Results: 4.4lb smallmouth bass, 1 other take but shook me on the 2nd jump
Notes: coyotes howling on West Lake Road
Solunar Calendar
Day 20: Sun May 23rd - #1, 12:30am
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: Calm
Weed Growth: None
Water Temperature: 66.2
Weather: 3/4 moon, partly cloudy skies
Fish Present: minnows everywhere
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" black jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 15
Results: no fish, no bites
Notes: coyotes howling on West Lake Road, first sighting of lightning bugs in the neighbor Mike's back yard Maple tree
Day 20: Sun May 23rd - #2 - 11am
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: Calm
Weed Growth: None
Water Temperature: 66.2
Weather: 3/4 moon, partly cloudy skies
Fish Present: minnows everywhere
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" black jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 15
Results: no fish, no bites
Notes: The docks were put in
Solunar Calendar
Baby smallmouth bass at McPherson's Pt, Conesus Lake
Attack of the baby smallmouth!
Day 21: Mon May 24th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: Calm
Weed Growth: None
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-60's
Weather: 3/4 moon, partly cloudy skies
Fish Present: small bass, school of rudd/golden shiners, 1 carp, 1 sizeable smallmouth swimming by
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 2" rainbow trout pattern rattletrap
Casts: 15
Results: no bites, no fish
Lure 2: 6" black and red in-line spinner
Casts: 15
Results: no bites, no fish
Lure 3: Rapala X-Rap 08 silver
Casts: 15
Results: no bites, no fish
Notes: n/a
Solunar Calendar
Day 22: Tue May 25th Session 1
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: Calm
Weed Growth: None
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-60's
Weather: overcast, very mild
Fish Present: school of rudd/golden shiners, 1 bullhead, rock bass, random small groups of panfish
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 4" frog buzzbait
Casts: 15
Results: no bites, no fish
Lure 2: 2" perch color Rapala Shad Dancer
Casts: 15
Results: no bites, no fish
Lure 3: 2" black and gold Mepps in-line spinner
Casts: 15
Results: 1 bite, 1 bullhead
Notes: n/a
Day 22: Tue May 25th Session 2 - Kayaking
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: Calm
Weed Growth: None
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-60's
Weather: overcast, pleasant
Fish Present: school of rudd/golden shiners, 1 bullhead, rock bass, random small groups of panfish
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Jared - Lure 1: 3" black jointed jitterbug
Casts: 15
Results: no bites, no fish
Emily - Lure 1: 3" black jointed jitterbug
Casts: 15
Results: no bites, no fish
Lure 2: 3.5" rainbow trout multi-jointed slow sinking bionic swimbait
Casts: 15
Results: no bites, no fish
Trolling: 10 minutes behind the kayak
Results: no bites, no fish
Notes: n/a
Solunar Calendar
Day 23: Wed May 26th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: mild
Weed Growth: None
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-60's
Weather:
Visible Fish Present: numerous bullhead, large schools of bait
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3" black jointed jitterbug
Casts: 15
Results: 1 bites, no fish
Lure 2: 2" blue and silver spoon
Casts: 15
Results: 1 bite, 1 bullhead
Notes: n/a
Solunar Calendar
Day 24: Thu May 27th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: medium
Weed Growth: None
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-60's
Weather: cloudy, rainy
Visible Fish Present: none
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3" black jointed jitterbug
Casts: 15
Results: no bites, no fish
Lure 2: 2" purple and silver shallow crankbait
Casts: 15
Results: no bites, no fish
Notes: n/a
Solunar Calendar
Day 25: Fri May 28th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: medium
Weed Growth: None
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-60's
Weather: cloudy, rainy
Visible Fish Present: none
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 2" purple and silver shallow crankbait
Casts: 15
Results: no bites, no fish
Lure 2: 2" gold spoon
Casts: 15
Results: no bites, no fish
Notes: n/a
Solunar Calendar
Day 26: Sat May 29th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: medium
Weed Growth: None
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-60's
Weather: cloudy & rainy early, nice at sunset
Visible Fish Present: none
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 2" purple and silver shallow crankbait
Casts: 15
Results: no bites, no fish
Lure 2: 2" gold spoon
Casts: 15
Results: no bites, no fish
Notes: n/a
Solunar Calendar
Day 27: Sun May 30th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: medium
Weed Growth: None
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-60's
Weather: partly cloudy, rainy
Visible Fish Present: bass, carp, bullhead
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3" black jointed jitterbug
Casts: 30
Results: no bites, no fish
Notes: n/a
Day 28: Mon May 31st
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: medium
Weed Growth: None
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-60's
Weather: mostly cloudy
Visible Fish Present: none
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 2" purple and silver shallow crankbait
Casts: 15
Results: no bites, no fish
Lure 2: 2" gold spoon
Casts: 15
Results: no bites, no fish
Notes: n/a
Day 29: Tue June 1st
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: medium
Weed Growth: None
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-60's
Weather: partly sunny
Visible Fish Present: Rudd, large jumping smallmouth, rock bass
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" copper and silver Rapala Tail-Dancer
Casts: 10
Results: no bites, no fish
Lure 2: 3" black jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 15
Results: 1 bite, one Northern Pike
Notes: n/a
Unfortunately, this Pike has extensive jaw damage and was acting sickly.
A closer view shows how the lower jaw appears to be split, perhaps from a previous hooking.
Great coloration and markings on this target species though.
One last thrash, and the Pike was released without having to be handled.
Day 30: Wed June 2nd
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: medium
Weed Growth: None
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-60's
Weather: partly sunny
Visible Fish Present: Rudd, carp, rock bass. sunfish, dace
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3" black jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 20
Results: no bites, no fish
Lure 2: chartreuse spinner blade with frog trailer
Casts: 15
Notes: n/a
Day 31: Thu June 3rd
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: medium
Weed Growth: None
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-to-high 60's
Weather: partly sunny
Visible Fish Present: very scattered small fish
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: black and gold spinner bait with green with red speckled craw trailer
Casts: 15
Results: 1 bite, no fish - I'm guessing a northern hit the lure, because the skirt was bit off
Lure 2: 4" daredevil spoon
Casts: 15
Results: no fish, no bites
Lure 3: red and white buzz bait
Casts: 15
Results: no fish, no bites
Notes: n/a
Day 32: Fri June 4th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: medium
Weed Growth: None
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-to-high 60's
Weather: partly sunny
Visible Fish Present: surface activity, but unknown species
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3" Bomber Deep Long A Lure Fire Tiger color
Casts: 20 casts; 30 minutes of kayak trolling
Results: no bites, no fish
Lure 2: chartreuse spinner bait with dark green craw trailer
Casts: 15
Results: no bites, no fish
Lure 3: 3" black jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 15
Results: no bites, no fish
Notes: n/a
Day 33: Sat June 5th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: medium
Weed Growth: noticeable growth beginning
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-to-high 60's
Weather: partly sunny
Visible Fish Present: surface activity, but unknown species, also a couple of carp and bullhead
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3" black jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 25
Results: no bites, no fish
Notes: n/a
Day 34: Sun June 6th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: medium
Weed Growth: noticeable growth beginning
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-to-high 60's
Weather: partly sunny
Visible Fish Present: surface activity, but unknown species, also a couple of carp and bullhead
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3" black jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 25
Results: 1 bite, one 17" largemouth
Notes: n/a
Healthy largemouth specimen; missed the Jitterbug the first time, but two casts later took it.
An enjoyable, post-sunset bite.
Day 35: Mon June 7th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: medium
Weed Growth: noticeable growth beginning
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-to-high 60's
Weather: partly sunny
Visible Fish Present: 1 carp
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3" black jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 20
Results: no bites, no fish
Lure 2: black and gold spinner bait with green and red speckled craw trailer
Casts: 20
Results: no bites, no fish
Lure 3: perch pattern J7
Casts: 10
Results: no bites, no fish
Notes: casting the lighter J7 caused the line to backfire on the reel
Solunar Calendar
Day 36: Tue June 8th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: noticeable growth continuing
Water Temperature: unknown, probably high 60's
Weather: partly sunny
Visible Fish Present: 1 carp, 1 rock bass, 1 small bluegill small school of dace, a few fish breaking the surface north of the weed line
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3" black jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 20
Results: no bites, no fish
Lure 2: chartreuse spinner blade with light green and red speckled swimbait
Casts: 20
Results: no bites, no fish
Lure 3: black and blue swim jig with black and blue craw trailer
Casts: 15
Results: no bites, no fish
Lure 4: red and white buzz bait with multi-colored green frog trailer
Casts: 15
Results: no bites, no fish
Notes: n/a
A family of mergansers.
Solunar Calendar
Day 37: Wed June 9th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: noticeable growth continuing
Water Temperature: unknown, probably 70-ish
Weather: partly sunny
Visible Fish Present: 1 very large carp, 1 rock bass, 5 small bluegill, pumpkinseed, small school of perch (first of the year), small smallmouth, school of rudd, small school of dace inshore, a few fish breaking the surface north of the weed line
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: red and white buzz bait with multi-colored green frog trailer
Casts: 10
Results: no bites, no fish
Lure 2: black and blue swim jig with black and blue craw trailer
Casts: 15
Results: no bites, no fish
Lure 3: 3" black jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 15
Results: no bites, no fish
Lure 4: black and gold inline Mepps spinner
Casts: 15
Results: no bites, no fish
Notes: n/a
Solunar Calendar
Day 38: Thur June 10th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: noticeable growth continuing
Water Temperature: unknown, probably 70-ish
Weather: partly sunny
Visible Fish Present: 1 rock bass, 5 small bluegill, pumpkinseed, school of rudd, small school of dace inshore, a few fish breaking the surface north of the weed line
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3" black jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 15
Results: no bites, no fish
Lure 2: black and blue swim jig with black and blue craw trailer
Casts: 15
Results: no bites, no fish
Lure 3: black and gold spinner bait with green and red speckled craw trailer
Casts: 15
Results: no bites, no fish
Lure 4: black and green beetle spinner
Casts: 15
Results: 3 bites, no fish
Notes: n/a
Solunar Calendar
Day 39: Fri June 11th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: wavy and windy
Weed Growth: noticeable growth continuing
Water Temperature: unknown, probably 70-ish
Weather: partly cloudy
Visible Fish Present: none
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire
Lure 1: 3" black jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 20
Results: no bites, no fish
Notes: wind steady from the north made casting difficult
Solunar Calendar
Day 40: Sat June 12th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: very mild
Weed Growth: noticeable growth continuing
Water Temperature: unknown, probably 70-ish
Weather: partly cloudy
Visible Fish Present: minnows breaking the surface all around continuously
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire
Lure 1: 3" black jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 20
Results: 1 big take, I think it was a good sized smallmouth. The initial take was subtle, I heard a quiet "slurp" and the fish pulled down and away with some weight behind it. I set the hook twice, and brought the fish to the surface. It broke the surface and dove again, I maintained tension. I felt the line swing up towards the surface and felt the fish take a very large jump towards me, possibly completely out of the water. I tried to gain the slack back as quickly as possible, but when I finally gained tension back on the lure, the fish was off.
I casted back towards and around the general area another 10 minutes, only to miraculously hook an alewife on the very same 3" black jointed jitterbug. That is a very first for me; never have I caught an alewife, let alone ever even seen one up close; the big eye caught me off guard. Unfortunately, a 3" bait vs a 3" bait fish didn't bode well for the alewife and I believe it died shortly after release. Who knows though, fish can be surprisingly tough. A new PB though...haha.
Notes: n/a
Solunar Calendar
Day 40: Sat June 12th 2nd session
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: very mild
Weed Growth: noticeable growth continuing
Water Temperature: unknown, probably 70-ish
Weather: partly cloudy
Visible Fish Present: minnows breaking the surface all around continuously
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire
Lure 1: 3" black jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 30
Results: (1) 3.8lb 19"+ largemouth bass, (1) .98lb largemouth bass, (1) 6" rock bass
Notes: Session 2 began around 11:15pm and ended around 11:45pm. It was a very fishy evening with minnows and larger fish breaking the surface all over with regularity. Relying once again on the Jitterbug (quickly becoming an all-time favorite lure), alternating between constant and stop-and-go retrieves, the Jitterbug continues to deliver quality catches. Each time I cast it I think I something is going to hit it. On about the 10th cast the 3.8lb largemouth slurped it. It felt heavy as I set the hook a first and a second time. Staying down mostly, it finally leaped from the water and landed with a sizeable splash. Only half breaking the surface a second and third time, I hit the headlamp on when it got close to the dock and only then did I realize what a nice fish it was. I walked it closer to shore where I routinely try to unhook the larger fish I catch. It wasn't the cleanest hookset, with the trailing treble getting hooked under the lower jaw. I like walking them into shore though so that in the events that unhooking takes a bit of time that I can keep the fish sufficiently submerged. Hooks out and on the scale, it weighed in at 3.8lbs solidifying itself as the nicest largemouth for me so far this season. The 4.4lb smallmouth still hails as the best fish of the season so far. It was a clean release.
About 5 casts later I hooked into a .98lb largemouth which fought me like it was a pike. Casting from the dock offers it's own unique challenges as evidenced by this fish getting caught up on the neighbors dock to the point where I thought I was going to have to get into the water to unsnag the line. Braided line is the m*#%^&*@%*in sh*t though, and I didn't have to get in the water. It was a clean release.
Another 10 casts brought me to my final cast where a 6" rock bass hooked on (after 3 prior misses); another fishing career first where a rock bass took a top water. Another clean release.
Extra reels: Following up on last night's alewife catch, I've spiraled into a knowledge quest for more information regarding the alewife species as well as other finger lakes fish species. Based on my observations while having fished 40 days straight on Conesus Lake, NY, I have seen dense schools of alewives 4 different times; all at dusk or at night. According to the DEC link below, the fact that a 4 year old alewife is approximately 6.5" in length, the 3-4" specimen I caught would be 1-2 years old and supports the notion that the population of this invasive species is reproducing naturally and doing very well.
Having been introduced to Conesus Lake in the early 90's, the alewife is going on approximately 30 years strong of thriving in our watershed. The DEC introduced the Tiger Musky as a means to help control the alewife population, however, considering that I have yet to see a tiger musky this season and have only caught one sickly northern pike and seen 4 other northern pike, I would have to venture a guess that the alewife is winning the battle for lake supremacy. I only recently witnessed the first 4 small yellow perch of the season, and the healthy bullhead population I remember from growing up casting docks on Pebble Beach road seems lacking. Even the overall population of sunfish, rock bass, and bluegill seems weak in and around the docks, while schools of Rudd represent the most common fish sighting I've had all season; I have seen Rudd nearly each and every time I've fished so far this year.
Conesus Lake Summary of Fishes
Pike, Musky and Tiger Musky species information and NYS DEC stocking.
Conesus Lake Association: Conesus Lake Fishery
Solunar Calendar
Day 41: Sun June 13th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: light
Weed Growth: noticeable growth continuing
Water Temperature: unknown, probably 70-ish
Weather: heat lightning off to the east for hours
Visible Fish Present: minnows breaking the surface all around continuously; larger fish breaking the surface also
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire
Lure 1: 3" black jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 30
Results: 3 hits, but no hookups
Notes: n/a
Solunar Calendar
Day 42: Mon June 14th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: very mild
Weed Growth: noticeable growth continuing
Water Temperature: unknown, probably 70-ish
Weather: sliver moon, partly cloudy, 60 degrees, steam coming off the lake
Visible Fish Present: minnows breaking the surface all around continuously; larger fish breaking the surface also
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire
Lure 1: 3" black jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 30
Results: 1 hit, but no hookups
Notes: n/a
Solunar Calendar
Day 43: Tue June 15th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: medium
Weed Growth: noticeable growth continuing
Water Temperature: unknown, probably 70-ish
Weather: partly cloudy, sliver moon, gusty, difficult casting at night into a wind out of the north/northwest
Visible Fish Present: too wavy to and windy to tell
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire
Lure 1: 3" black jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 30
Results: (1) PB northern pike, 2 other hits
Notes: Emily, Mac and I took Mac (our pup) on a min-trip outside to the dock with my fishing gear. Emily made a few casts, but with the wind cutting through clothes a bit and Mac having a thin coat of fur to begin with, they decided to head back. In that moment I realized I did not have a phone on me, but I probably was not going to catch anything worthwhile, so no biggie, right? Emily and Mac detoured for a walk down the street.
Casting into the wind in low light in and around docks can be quite challenging, especially when you do not get nearly the same distance or accuracy on your casts. And when the waves are kicking and wind is up, it's difficult to hear the Jitterbug's distinctive plop when it hits the water, and famous wobble when it's retrieved. But, on or about the 5th cast from the dock, I made my best guess at pausing the lure at the well-defined weed line we have just off-shore. I've found that including one to two well-timed pauses on the return makes all the difference in getting a successful night bite with the Jitterbug. The fish can hone in on the lure for a moment, and a moment is generally all they need.
I turned the reel once to re-start the retrieve when suddenly a mini-submarine launched half out of the water and crushed the Jitterbug (time and again this lure delivers; if you don't have one, you should order yourself about 10. You'll see why shortly...). Residual light from the sunset was at its last glimpse, and all I could see through the wave crests was a long silver flash and then my line started spooling out. Whatever was on my line felt heavy. Emily and Mac having returned from their walk and heading back towards the house now were just in ear shot to hear me yell that "I need a phone!" They took off in a flash. The fish pulled a few more reel revolutions worth of line out and then settled in and after about 45 seconds I was able to bring it all the way to the dock. Finally dockside, the fishes missile like silhouette was unmistakable as a northern or tiger. And it was big, the biggest I've ever caught.
I have a habit, good or bad I'm not sure yet, of walking big fish into shore while they are still on the line so that I can get in the water and handle them better. I know this is not a practical habit in most fishing scenarios, but until this point walking them in had been a great idea and led to 100% safe releases. The law of averages though quickly reminded me that all good things come to end eventually. Nearly at shore, Emily and Mac were rapidly re-approaching the dock with my phone, and in the clear shallows I could finally see that this was a northern pike, and was well over 30" long; I won't go so far as to say it was definitely a 3 footer, but if it turns out that it was actually 36" I would not be surprised. The distinctive white spots of a northern shown through the fading light as it thrashed a few times while I walked it in, and even danced on the surface once. I was one dock section away from the water being shallow enough to easily hop in when the northern gave another thrash and suddenly I heard a pop. The 12" steel leader that I was using failed at the swivel and the leader snapped! The tension in the fishing rod disappeared, and next to the dock lay the pike, Jitterbug still hooked with the leader now dangling down to the lake bottom. For a few moments the fish lay there, probably contemplating "what the h*ll just happened", and "what is this plastic mouse with evil claws hooked into my face, still doing hooked to my face?!"
Emily and Mac ran onto the dock just as the fish slipped out of view underneath the dock. The jitterbug's yellow eyes still barely visible in the darkness of the underwater night. The fish took off. And I felt terrible. I know that fishing hooks will dissolve when left submerged, but I hope those hooks dissolve faster than usual because I want that fish to make it. So if you're reading this and you happen to catch a big northern with a 3" black jointed Jitterbug in its mouth, I hope you're able to safely release it. Please keep the lure for your own tackle box. Let's start a Jitterbug "give-a-bug" pay it forward, haha; every fisherperson should experience the best top water bite around.
The Wire
It's the best show ever created, but in this case the wire, leader, or "trace" as my British counterparts would say, failed. It snapped at the swivel; the first time I've ever had a leader break. I think this trace should have been replaced earlier this week after I caught that 3.8lb largemouth. Too many lunkers makes a wire trace weak!
Solunar Calendar
Day 44: Wed June 16th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: medium
Weed Growth: noticeable growth continuing
Water Temperature: unknown, probably 70-ish
Weather: partly cloudy
Visible Fish Present: minnows jumping everywhere, a few big fish breaking the surface
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: Berkley® Choppo 3.5" propbait in MF Bluegill pattern
Casts: 15
Results: two small hits, but no takes
Solunar Calendar
Day 45: Thurs June 17th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: noticeable growth continuing
Water Temperature: unknown, probably 70-ish
Weather: sunny
Visible Fish Present: small school of panfish, a couple nested panfish
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: Berkley® Choppo 3.5" propbait in MF Bluegill pattern
Casts: 15
Results: no bites
Lure 2: 2" topwater plastic weedless frog
Casts: 10
Results: no bites
Lure 3: black and yellow spinner bait with green and red speckled trailing craw
Casts: 10
Results: no bites
Lure 4: 4" multi-jointed swimbait in rainbow trout pattern
Casts: 10
Results: no bites
Solunar Calendar
Day 46: Fri June 18th:
Evening casting
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: noticeable growth continuing
Water Temperature: unknown, probably 70-ish
Weather: sunny
Visible Fish Present: small school of panfish, a couple nested panfish
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" black jointed jitterbug
Casts: 20
Results: no bites
Solunar Calendar
Day 47: Sat June 19th:
6am casting
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: noticeable growth continuing
Water Temperature: unknown, probably low 70's
Weather: sunny
Visible Fish Present: small school of panfish, a couple nested panfish
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" black jointed jitterbug
Casts: 20
Results: no bites
Solunar Calendar
Day 48: Sun June 20th:
6am casting
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: noticeable growth continuing
Water Temperature: unknown, probably low 70's
Weather: sunny
Visible Fish Present: small school of panfish, a couple nested panfish
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" black jointed jitterbug
Casts: 20
Results: no bites
Solunar Calendar
Day 49: Mon June 21st:
6am casting
Water Clarity: turbid
Waves: medium
Weed Growth: noticeable growth continuing
Water Temperature: unknown, probably low 70's
Weather: sunny
Visible Fish Present: small school of panfish, a couple nested panfish
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" black jointed jitterbug
Casts: 20
Results: no bites
Solunar Calendar
Day 50: Tue June 22nd
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: noticeable growth continuing
Water Temperature: unknown, probably low 70's
Weather: sunny
Visible Fish Present: minnows jumping
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" black jointed jitterbug
Casts: 20
Results: no bites
Solunar Calendar
Day 51: Wed June 23rd
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: noticeable growth continuing
Water Temperature: unknown, probably low 70's
Weather: sunny
Visible Fish Present: minnows jumping
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" black jointed jitterbug
Casts: 20
Results: no bites
Solunar Calendar
Day 52: Thu June 24th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: noticeable growth continuing
Water Temperature: unknown, probably low 70's
Weather: sunny
Visible Fish Present: minnows jumping
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" black jointed jitterbug
Casts: 20
Results: no bites
Solunar Calendar
Day 53: Fri June 25th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: noticeable growth continuing
Water Temperature: unknown, probably low 70's
Weather: sunny
Visible Fish Present: minnows jumping
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" black jointed jitterbug
Casts: 20
Results: no bites
Solunar Calendar
Day 54: Sat June 26th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: noticeable growth continuing
Water Temperature: unknown, probably low 70's
Weather: sunny
Visible Fish Present: a few panfish scattered
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" black jointed jitterbug
Casts: 10
Results: no bites
Solunar Calendar
Day 55: Sun June 27th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: noticeable growth continuing
Water Temperature: unknown, probably low 70's
Weather: sunny
Visible Fish Present: minnows jumping everywhere
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" black jointed jitterbug
Casts: 10
Results: no bites
Solunar Calendar
Day 56: Mon June 28th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: noticeable growth continuing
Water Temperature: unknown, probably low 70's
Weather: sunny
Visible Fish Present: minnows jumping everywhere
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" black jointed jitterbug
Casts: 20
Results: no bites
The "Mac-man" at sunset.
Solunar Calendar
Day 57: Tue June 29th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: noticeable growth continuing
Water Temperature: unknown, probably low 70's
Weather: sunny
Visible Fish Present: minnows jumping everywhere
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" black jointed jitterbug
Casts: 10
Results: no bites
Solunar Calendar
Day 58: Wed June 30th
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: noticeable growth continuing
Water Temperature: unknown, probably low 70's
Weather: sunny
Visible Fish Present: minnows jumping everywhere
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" black jointed jitterbug
Casts: 30
Results: 4 hits, two hook-ups, one 3.8lb largemouth landed
Solunar Calendar
Day 59: Thurs July 1st
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: noticeable growth continuing
Water Temperature: unknown, probably low 70's
Weather: sunny
Visible Fish Present: minnows jumping everywhere
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" black jointed jitterbug
Casts: 10
Results: no bites
Lure 2: metallic blue and silver Whopper Plopper
Casts: 10
Results: no bites
Lure 3: metallic blue and silver metal casting jig bait
Casts: 10
Results: no bites
Day 60: Fri July 2nd
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: noticeable growth continuing
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid 70's
Weather: stormy; thunder and lightning off in the distance
Visible Fish Present: minnows jumping everywhere
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" black jointed jitterbug
Casts: 20
Results: no bites
Day 61: Sat July 3rd
Water Clarity: Clear
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: noticeable growth continuing
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid 70's
Weather: stormy; thunder and lightning off in the distance
Visible Fish Present: minnows jumping everywhere
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" black jointed jitterbug
Casts: 20
Results: 2 hits, 2 hookups; one 2.82lb largemouth landed
July 3rd Fishing Notes
2.82lb largemouth fought hard and was very lively
Hooked into something else very large, I think a very big smallmouth bass. It shook me even after two good hook sets. Right after it dropped off I shined my headlamp at the area it last splashed and I saw a very large shadow beneath the surface.
Day 62: Sun July 4th
Location Change: Irondequoit Bay, Lake Ontario
Water Clarity: turned up
Waves: very wavy
Weed Growth: noticeable growth
Water Temperature: unknown
Weather: hot and sunny
Visible Fish Present: very few
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" black and orange zara spook
Casts: 15
Results: 1 little smallmouth flashed at it, but no takes
The Cove, Irondequoit Bay, Lake Ontario
4th of July celebrations; boats and people everywhere!
The Cove, Irondequoit Bay, Lake Ontario
4th of July celebrations; boats and people everywhere!
Solunar Calendar
Day 63: Mon July 5th
Kayak Fishing
Water Clarity: turned up
Waves: very wavy
Weed Growth: noticeable growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: hot and sunny
Visible Fish Present: many species present
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1 (me): 3.5" black and orange zara spook
Casts: 30
Results: no takes
Lure 2 (Emily): 3" black and red whopper plopper
Casts: 30
Results: no takes
Emily throwing the whopper plopper
Despite some good casting thrown at various structures, no takes on the bright red whopper plopper.
Facing west in the kayaks on Conesus Lake, NY
It was very hot, sunny and wavy on the lake today. It was a holiday though, so boat traffic is expected to be heavy on days like today.
Solunar Calendar
Day 63: Mon July 5th
Snorkeling off McPherson Point on Conesus Lake, NY
Water Clarity: turned up
Waves: very wavy
Weed Growth: noticeable growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: hot and sunny
Visible Fish Present: many species present
Day 64: Tue July 6th
Water Clarity: clear
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: noticeable growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: clear skies; 11:45pm-12:15am
Visible Fish Present: many fish jumping; a 20"-ish Northern Pike
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" jointed black jitterbug
Casts: 20
Results: a few hits from smaller fish, 1 bullhead
Solunar Calendar
Day 65: Wed July 7th
Water Clarity: clear
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: noticeable growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: light rain; 11:15pm-11:30pm
Visible Fish Present: minnows jumping all over
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" jointed black jitterbug
Casts: 15
Results: a couple small hits from smaller fish, one 2.6lb largemouth
Solunar Calendar
Day 66: Thu July 8th
Water Clarity: clear
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: noticeable growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: partly cloudy skies
Visible Fish Present: minnows jumping all over
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" jointed black jitterbug
Casts: 15
Results: a couple small hits, no fish
Rain all day turned into a nice sunset at night.
Solunar Calendar
Day 67: Fri July 9th
Water Clarity: clear
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: noticeable growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably low-70's
Weather: partly cloudy skies
Visible Fish Present: many different pan fish and a couple bass swam nearby
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" jointed black jitterbug
Casts: 15
Results: no hits, no fish
Lure 2: red and white buzz bait
Casts: 15
Results: no hits, no fish
Lure 3: black and gold spinner bait with green and red craw trailer
Casts: 15
Results: no hits, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 68: Sat July 10th
Water Clarity: clear
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: noticeable growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably low-70's
Weather: partly cloudy skies
Visible Fish Present: many different pan fish and a couple bass swam nearby
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" jointed black jitterbug
Casts: 30
Results: a few small hits from small panfish, 1 huge hit and hookup of a large northern pike. After having re-tied a new leader on both fishing poles I use regularly just before hitting the dock, I once again through on my favorite 3.5" black jointed jitterbug and wetted the line. On about the 25th cast, I dropped the jitterbug on the far side of the weed line and began to slowly bring it in. I've found that briefly cranking straight away and then pausing and slowing down the retrieve with additional pauses along the way has been the most successful technique for the jitterbug. Immediately following the first pause on this retrieve, there was a heavy hit and splash. I set the hook hard, twice and motioned my headlamp on. I located the line and followed it out to the fish, to see a large Northern Pike completely jump out of the water. It leaped a couple more times as I brought it towards the dock. Seeing it up close now only 10 feet away, I could tell it was large. I grabbed my net and dipped it, trying to lead the fish head first into it. I slipped the net under it's forward half and attempted to net the rear end, however, approximately only the front half of the fish would fit! It was at this moment that the treble hooks caught on the net that the pike gave a hard flip of the body, and broke the front hook right off the body of the lure! All I could do was watch the fish give one powerful flick of the tail and off to the depths it went. Another huge pike proving that I need to strengthen my gear! So fun though.
Some superficial surface rust doesn't explain the eye hook snapping, the power of that fish does!
Solunar Calendar
Day 69: Sun July 11th
Water Clarity: clear
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: noticeable growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably low-70's
Weather: partly cloudy skies
Visible Fish Present: minnows jumping
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" jointed black jitterbug
Casts: 30
Results: two hits, one bluegill. The Jitterbug, even with only a trailing treble hook still performs better than anything else in tackle box, this time catching a bluegill! Never ceases to amaze, I'm going to buy a million of these (haha, but seriously).
Solunar Calendar
Day 70: Mon July 12th
Water Clarity: clear
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: noticeable growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably low-70's
Weather: partly cloudy skies
Visible Fish Present: minnows jumping
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" black and copper spook
Casts: 15
Results: two hits, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 71: Tue July 13th
Water Clarity: silty
Waves: medium
Weed Growth: noticeable growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably low-70's
Weather: rainy all day, with lingering storms throughout the night
Visible Fish Present: none
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" black and copper spook
Casts: 20
Results: no hits, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 72: Wed July 14th
Kayak fishing for 30 minutes
Water Clarity: clear
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: thick weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably low-70's
Weather: finally some decent weather
Visible Fish Present: none
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3" black and white Bomber A deep diving stick bait
Casts: 20 and 15 minutes of trolling
Results: no hits, no fish
How many places have an ice cream boat?! I'm going to order something next time...
Solunar Calendar
Day 73: Thu July 15th
Water Clarity: cloudy
Waves: heavy
Weed Growth: thick weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably low-70's
Weather: windy and light rain, difficult casting
Visible Fish Present: none
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3" black and copper spook
Casts: 5
Results: no hits, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 74: Fri July 16th
Water Clarity: cloudy
Waves: light
Weed Growth: thick weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably low-70's
Weather: windy and light rain, difficult casting
Visible Fish Present: none
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3" black and copper spook
Casts: 5
Results: no hits, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 75: Sat July 17th
Water Clarity: cloudy
Waves: light
Weed Growth: thick weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably low-70's
Weather: windy and light rain, difficult casting
Visible Fish Present: none
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3" black and copper spook
Casts: 5
Results: no hits, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 76: Sun July 18th
Water Clarity: clear
Waves: light
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably low-70's
Weather: mild
Visible Fish Present: a few small panfish
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3" black and copper spook
Casts: 10
Results: no hits, no fish
Lure 2: 2.5" black and blue whopper plopper
Casts: 10
Results: no hits, no fish
Lure 3: 3.5" black jointed jitterbug
Casts: 10
Results: no hits, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 77: Mon July 19th
Water Clarity: clear
Waves: light
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably low-70's
Weather: mild
Visible Fish Present: a few small panfish
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa Regal-X 2500c
Line: 8lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed jitterbug
Casts: 15
Results: no hits, no fish
A very hazy sky, due to wild fire smoke from the West Coast fires, made the sun look a piercing red.
Even the moon look a piercing red.
Solunar Calendar
Day 78: Tue July 20th
Water Clarity: clear
Waves: light
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: mild
Visible Fish Present: a few small panfish, minnows jumping
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed jitterbug
Casts: 15
Results: no hits, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 79: Wed July 21st
Water Clarity: clear
Waves: light
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: pleasant
Visible Fish Present: a few small panfish, minnows jumping
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed jitterbug
Casts: 15
Results: no hits, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 80: Thu July 22nd
Water Clarity: clear
Waves: light
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: pleasant
Visible Fish Present: a few small panfish, minnows jumping
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed jitterbug
Casts: 15
Results: 2 hits, 2 (2.6lb) largemouth. One was on the first cast, the second was the third cast.
A 2.6lb largemouth on the first cast.
A second 2.6lb largemouth on the third cast.
Solunar Calendar
Day 81: Fri July 23rd
Water Clarity: clear
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: approx. 57 degrees, fog steaming off the surface
Visible Fish Present: a few small panfish, minnows jumping
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed jitterbug
Casts: 15
Results: no hits, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 82: Sat July 24th
Water Clarity: clearish
Waves: small
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: stormy, I hit the dock in-between small breaks in the radar and only got a few casts out into a stiff breeze
Visible Fish Present: a few small panfish, minnows jumping
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed jitterbug
Casts: 10
Results: no hits, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 83: Sun July 25th
Water Clarity: clearish
Waves: small
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: pleasant
Visible Fish Present: a few small panfish, minnows jumping
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed jitterbug
Casts: 10
Results: 2 hits, 1 (4.28lb) largemouth
Two reel turns on the very first retrieve and the second largest bass of the year so far slurped the 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug.
The fight was the most intense of any fish I've caught so far this year as the fish dove into a thick patch of vegetation and brought the fight to a complete standstill.
To be honest, I thought the fish had shook me and I was snagged on a rock or something buried in the lake floor.
I dialed the drag way up and leaned heavily into a couple of pulls of the fishing rod to free the lure, only to finally feel a head shake after about 30 seconds.
Caught by surprise that the fish was still on, I was able to finally wrestle free of the weed growth and gained some line, only for him to dive into another patch of grass.
The fight did not come to another stand still this time though, and I finally got him dockside and slipped him into the net.
A great fight, a safe release, and as my guy The Ginger Fisherman over in England says I caught a "really clean, healthy fish; a proper tank". Awesome.
Solunar Calendar
Day 84: Mon July 26th
Water Clarity: clearish
Waves: small
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: pleasant, as the Brits say a bit "jinkly"
Visible Fish Present: a few small panfish, minnows jumping
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed jitterbug
Casts: 10
Results: no hits, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 85: Tue July 27th
Water Clarity: clearish
Waves: small
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: pleasant, as the Brits say a bit "jinkly"
Visible Fish Present: a few small panfish, minnows jumping
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed jitterbug
Casts: 5
Results: 1 hit, 1 (2.82lb) largemouth
Wanted to do a bit of an experiment and cast a couple just as a small storm descended on the lake out of the West. It only took two casts and the frog pattern 3.5" jointed jitterbug delivered yet again, this time a 2.82lb largemouth.
Solunar Calendar
Day 86: Wed July 28th
Water Clarity: very clear
Waves: small
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: brisk and log was fogging a bit.
Visible Fish Present: no panfish, a few minnows jumping
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed jitterbug
Casts: 5
Results: no hits, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 87: Thu July 29th
Water Clarity: very clear
Waves: small
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: brisk and log was fogging a bit.
Visible Fish Present: no panfish, a few minnows jumping
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed jitterbug
Casts: 5
Results: one hit, one alewife
Another Alewife caught on the Jitterbug. This one did not get hooked in the mouth like the first one did, but it hit the lure twice before foul hooking itself in the side.
Solunar Calendar
Day 87: Thu July 29th
pt. 2
Water Clarity: very clear
Waves: small
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: very pleasant
Visible Fish Present: no fish
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed jitterbug
Casts: 5
Results: no hits, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 88: Fri July 30th
Water Clarity: very clear
Waves: small
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: brisk and the lake was fogging a bit.
Visible Fish Present: a few small panfish and minnows
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed jitterbug
Casts: 25
Results: 2 hits, 1 (2.2lb largemouth) and 1 (0.5lb rock bass)
2.2 lb Largemouth Bass - live action, see the top-water hit and unhooking!
0.5 lb Rock Bass - live action, see the top-water hit and unhooking!
Solunar Calendar
Day 89: Sat July 31st
Water Clarity: very clear
Waves: small
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: a bit brisk and the lake was fogging a bit
Visible Fish Present: a few small panfish and minnows
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed jitterbug
Casts: 10
Results: 2 hits, 1 (3.3lb largemouth)
Solunar Calendar
Day 90: Sun Aug 1st
Water Clarity: very clear
Waves: small
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: a bit brisk and the lake was fogging a bit
Visible Fish Present: a few small panfish and minnows
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed jitterbug
Casts: 10
Results: no hits, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 91: Mon Aug 2nd
Water Clarity: very clear
Waves: small
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: a bit brisk and the lake was fogging a bit
Visible Fish Present: a few small panfish and minnows
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed jitterbug
Casts: 10
Results: no hits, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 92: Tue Aug 3rd - Kayak session
Water Clarity: very clear but lots of floating weed and algae piles
Waves: light
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: very pleasant kayak weather
Visible Fish Present: a few small panfish and minnows
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: J9 Rapala blue and white stick bait
Casts: 3 different trolls
Results: no hits, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 93: Wed Aug 4th
Water Clarity: very clear but lots of floating weed and algae piles
Waves: light
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: very pleasant multiple sessions
Visible Fish Present: a few small panfish and minnows
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 15 casts
Results: no hits, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 94: Thu Aug 5th
Water Clarity: very clear but lots of floating weed and algae piles
Waves: light
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: quick night session
Visible Fish Present: minnows jumping
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 5 casts
Results: no hits, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 95: Fri Aug 6th
Water Clarity: very clear but lots of floating weed and algae piles
Waves: light
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: quick morning session
Visible Fish Present: none
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 5 casts
Results: no hits, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 95: Fri Aug 6th - Evening kayak session
Water Clarity: very clear but lots of floating weed and algae piles
Waves: light
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: hour kayak session
Visible Fish Present: none
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 3 trolls
Results: no hits, no fish
Day 96: Sat Aug 7th
Water Clarity: a bit cloudy with lots of floating weed and algae piles
Waves: light
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: evening session
Visible Fish Present: none
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3" blue whopper plopper
Casts: 10 casts
Results: no hits, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 97: Sun Aug 8th
Water Clarity: very clear but lots of floating weed and algae piles
Waves: medium
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: evening session dodging storms
Visible Fish Present: a few small panfish
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3" blue whopper plopper
Casts: 15 casts
Results: no hits, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 98: Mon Aug 9th
Water Clarity: a bit cloudy with lots of floating weed and algae piles
Waves: light
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: morning session prior to the extreme heat
Visible Fish Present: none
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 5 casts
Results: no hits, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 99: Tue Aug 10th
Water Clarity: a bit cloudy with lots of floating weed and algae piles
Waves: light
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: midday session in the extreme heat
Visible Fish Present: none
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 5 casts
Results: no hits, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 100: Wed Aug 11th
Water Clarity: clearish with lots of floating weed and algae piles
Waves: medium
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: evening, windy
Visible Fish Present: a couple panfish
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 10 casts
Results: no hits, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 101: Thu Aug 12th
Water Clarity: clearish with lots of floating weed and algae piles
Waves: light
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: pleasant evening session
Visible Fish Present: a couple panfish
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 10 casts
Results: no hits, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 102: Fri Aug 13th
Water Clarity: clearish with lots of floating weed and algae piles
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: very pleasant evening session
Visible Fish Present: none
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 20 casts
Results: no hits, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 103: Sat Aug 14th
Water Clarity: clearish with lots of floating weed and algae piles
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: chilly evening session
Visible Fish Present: none
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 10 casts
Results: no hits, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 104: Sun Aug 15th
Water Clarity: clearish with lots of floating weed and algae piles
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: chilly evening session
Visible Fish Present: none
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 5 casts
Results: no hits, no fish
Lure 2: weedless 1/3 ounce black and blue swim jig with a black and blue craw trailer
Casts: 10 casts
Results: no hits, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 105: Mon Aug 16th
Water Clarity: clearish with lots of floating weed and algae piles
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: decent early evening session
Visible Fish Present: none
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 1/2 ounce camo color weedless Booyah jig
Casts: 15 casts
Results: no hits, no fish
Notes: The pictures of the floating weeds below has been the story of August 2021. Nothing but floating weeds and extensive weed growth has made fishing anything other than weedless setups near impossible to get a clean retrieve.
Solunar Calendar
Day 106: Tue Aug 17th
Water Clarity: clearish with lots of floating weed and algae piles
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: decent early evening session
Visible Fish Present: none
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 1/2 ounce camo color weedless Booyah jig
Casts: 15 casts
Results: no hits, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 107: Wed Aug 18th
Water Clarity: clearish with lots of floating weed and algae piles
Waves: light
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: light rain and most cloudy morning session
Visible Fish Present: a few small baitfish; lots of big fish jumping deeper off shore
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 20 casts
Results: one hit, one 3.84lb largemouth
Solunar Calendar
Day 108: Thu Aug 19th
Water Clarity: clearish with lots of floating weed and algae piles
Waves: light
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: clear, calm late night session
Visible Fish Present: a few small baitfish; lots of big fish jumping deeper off shore
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 20 casts
Results: one hit, one appox. 14lb Northern Pike
20210819_233324.mp4
Solunar Calendar
Day 109: Fri Aug 20th
Water Clarity: clearish with lots of floating weed and algae piles
Waves: light
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: clear, calm evening session
Visible Fish Present: a few small panfish
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 20 casts
Results: no hits, no fish
Solunar Calendar
Day 110: Sat Aug 21st
Water Clarity: clearish with lots of floating weed and algae piles
Waves: light
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: quick morning session before Day 1 of the Livingston Country Club Club Championships
Visible Fish Present: a few small panfish
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 5 casts
Results: no fish, no bites
Solunar Calendar
Day 111: Sun Aug 22nd
Water Clarity: clearish with lots of floating weed and algae piles
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: quick morning session before Day 2 of the Livingston Country Club Club Championships
Visible Fish Present: a few small panfish
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 5 casts
Results: no fish, no bites
Solunar Calendar
Day 112: Mon Aug 23rd
Water Clarity: clearish with lots of floating weed and algae piles
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably high-70's
Weather: quick night session, still very hot out
Visible Fish Present: very little action
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 10 casts
Results: no fish, no bites
Solunar Calendar
Day 113: Tue Aug 24th
Water Clarity: clearish with lots of floating weed and algae piles
Waves: mild
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably high-70's
Weather: quick night session, very pleasant weather but the floating weed patches made casting very difficult
Visible Fish Present: a few small panfish
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 10 casts
Results: no fish, no bites
Solunar Calendar
Day 114: Wed Aug 25th
Water Clarity: clearish with lots of floating weed and algae piles
Waves: light
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably high-70's
Weather: quick night session, very pleasant weather but the floating weed patches made casting very difficult
Visible Fish Present: a few small panfish
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 10 casts
Results: no fish, no bites
Solunar Calendar
Day 115: Thu Aug 26th
Water Clarity: cloudy with lots of floating weed and algae piles
Waves: light
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably high-70's
Weather: quick night session, very warm and pleasant but the floating weed patches made casting very difficult
Visible Fish Present: a few small panfish
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 10 casts
Results: no fish, no bites
Solunar Calendar
Day 116: Fri Aug 27th
Water Clarity: cloudy with lots of floating weed and algae piles
Waves: light
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably high-70's
Weather: quick night session, warm and pleasant but the floating weed patches made casting very difficult
Visible Fish Present: a few small panfish
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 10 casts
Results: no fish, no bites
Solunar Calendar
Day 117: Sat Aug 28th
Water Clarity: cloudy with lots of floating weed and algae piles
Waves: medium
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably high-70's
Weather: quick night session, warm but gusty winds and the floating weed patches continue to make casting very difficult
Visible Fish Present: a few small panfish
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 5 casts
Results: no fish, no bites
Solunar Calendar
Day 118: Sun Aug 29th
Water Clarity: cloudy with lots of floating weed and algae piles
Waves: medium
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably high-70's
Weather: quick night session, warm but gusty windy and the floating weed patches continue to make casting very difficult
Visible Fish Present: a few small panfish
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 5 casts
Results: no fish, no bites
Solunar Calendar
Day 119: Mon Aug 30th
Water Clarity: cloudy with lots of floating weed and algae piles
Waves: mild
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: night session, warm but the floating weed patches continue to make casting very difficult
Visible Fish Present: a few small minnows and panfish
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 20 casts
Results: no fish, no bites
Solunar Calendar
Day 120: Tue Aug 31st
Water Clarity: Clear with lots of tall growing weeds breaking the surface
Waves: mild
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: night session, the first time in awhile where the lake was fogging off the top.
Visible Fish Present: a couple small minnows
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 20 casts
Results: no fish, no bites and nothing but weeds every cast.
Solunar Calendar
Day 121: Wed Sept 1st
Water Clarity: Clear with lots of tall growing weeds breaking the surface
Waves: mild
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: chilly overcast morning session.
Visible Fish Present: a couple small minnows
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 15 casts
Results: no fish, no bites
Solunar Calendar
Day 122: Thu Sept 2nd
Water Clarity: Clear with lots of tall growing weeds breaking the surface
Waves: mild
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: another chilly overcast morning session.
Visible Fish Present: a couple small minnows
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 15 casts
Results: no fish, no bites
Solunar Calendar
Day 123: Fri Sept 3rd
Water Clarity: Clear with a tall band of weeds breaking the surface along the drop off out beyond the ends of the docks.
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: pleasant and a bit chilly early evening session
Visible Fish Present: a couple small minnows
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 15 casts
Results: no fish, no bites
Solunar Calendar
Day 124: Sat Sept 4th - Mendon Ponds, Main Pond
Water Clarity: clear but thick weed growth, lily pads and very shallow
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: extensive, very little open water near shore
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-to-high 70's
Weather: warm, late summer afternoon
Visible Fish Present: a couple small minnows
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Penn Pursuit 3000 5.2 ratio
Line: 12lb green SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 2" top water weed less frog with white underbelly and green, yellow and blue accents
Casts: 5 casts
Results: no fish, no bites
Solunar Calendar
Day 125: Sun Sept 5th - Mendon Ponds, Terciary Pond
Water Clarity: dark water, cattails border the entire pond but the central portions contain a lot of open water.
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: edge growth and lily pad patches
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-to-high 70's
Weather: warm, late summer afternoon
Visible Fish Present: a couple small minnows
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa
Line: 10lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 2" top water weed less frog with white underbelly and green, yellow and blue accents
Casts: 3 casts
Results: no fish, no bites
Solunar Calendar
Day 126: Mon Sept 6th
Water Clarity: Clear with a tall band of weeds breaking the surface along the drop off out beyond the ends of the docks.
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: pleasant and a bit chilly early evening session
Visible Fish Present: a couple small minnows
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa
Line: 10lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 2" top water weed less frog with white underbelly and green, yellow and blue accents
Casts: 15 casts
Results: no fish, no bites
Solunar Calendar
Day 127: Tue Sept 7th
Water Clarity: Clear with a tall band of weeds breaking the surface along the drop off out beyond the ends of the docks.
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: pleasant and a bit chilly early evening session
Visible Fish Present: a couple small minnows
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa
Line: 10lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 2" top water weed less frog with white underbelly and green, yellow and blue accents
Casts: 15 casts
Results: no fish, no bites
Solunar Calendar
Day 128: Wed Sept 8th
Water Clarity: Clear with a tall band of weeds breaking the surface along the drop off out beyond the ends of the docks.
Waves: mild
Weed Growth: maximum weed growth
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-70's
Weather: pleasant and morning session
Visible Fish Present: a couple small minnows
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa
Line: 10lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" green and white frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 15 casts
Results: no fish, no bites
Solunar Calendar
Day 129: Thu Sept 9th
Water Clarity: Clear with a tall band of weeds breaking the surface along the drop off out beyond the ends of the docks.
Waves: medium
Weed Growth: noticeably reduced total weed coverage; the recent temps must have started the process of weed covering dying off for the year
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-to-low 70's
Weather: pleasant morning session, it's staying cooler in the mornings and evenings now
Visible Fish Present: a couple small minnows
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa
Line: 10lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" green and white frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 15 casts
Results: no fish, no bites
Solunar Calendar
Day 130: Fri Sept 10th
Water Clarity: Clear with a tall band of weeds breaking the surface along the drop off out beyond the ends of the docks.
Waves: mild
Weed Growth: noticeably reduced total weed coverage; the recent temps must have started the process of weed covering dying off for the year
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-to-low 70's
Weather: pleasant chilly night session, it's staying cooler in the mornings and evenings now
Visible Fish Present: quite a few small panfish and rock bass laying on the bottom; the most small fish I've seen in a few weeks
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa
Line: 10lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" green and white frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 20 casts
Results: no fish, no bites; the weed line/drop-off weeds continue to snag the top water lures every cast (except the weed less frog lure; it's been like this since early-to-mid August)
This bass fry/minnow has made the top step of the dock ladder it's primary hangout spot. This fish has been holding this spot for a couple weeks now.
Solunar Calendar
Day 131: Sat Sept 11th
Water Clarity: Clear with a tall band of weeds breaking the surface along the drop off out beyond the ends of the docks.
Waves: mild
Weed Growth: noticeably reduced total weed coverage; the recent temps must have started the process of weed covering dying off for the year
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-to-low 70's
Weather: pleasant evening session
Visible Fish Present: quite a few small panfish and rock bass laying on the bottom; the most small fish I've seen in a few weeks
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa
Line: 10lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" green and white frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 20 casts
Results: no fish, no bites; the weed line/drop-off weeds continue to snag the top water lures every cast (except the weed less frog lure; it's been like this since early-to-mid August)
Solunar Calendar
Day 132: Sun Sept 12th
Water Clarity: Clear with a tall band of weeds breaking the surface along the drop off out beyond the ends of the docks.
Waves: calm
Weed Growth: noticeably reduced total weed coverage; the recent temps must have started the process of weed covering dying off for the year
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-to-low 70's
Weather: pleasant early evening session
Visible Fish Present: quite a few small panfish and rock bass laying on the bottom; the most small fish I've seen sticking around regularly in a few weeks
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa
Line: 10lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 2" top water weed less frog
Casts: 20 casts
Results: no fish, no bites; the weed line/drop-off weeds continue to snag the top water lures every cast (except the weed less frog lure; it's been like this since early-to-mid August)
Solunar Calendar
Day 133: Mon Sept 13th
Water Clarity: Clear with a tall band of weeds breaking the surface along the drop off out beyond the ends of the docks.
Waves: mild
Weed Growth: noticeably reduced total weed coverage; the recent temps must have started the process of weed covering dying off for the year
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-to-low 70's
Weather: pleasant morning session
Visible Fish Present: quite a few small panfish and rock bass laying on the bottom; the most small fish I've seen sticking around regularly in a few weeks
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa
Line: 10lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 2" top water weed less frog
Casts: 20 casts
Results: no fish, no bites; the weed line/drop-off weeds continue to snag the top water lures every cast (except the weed less frog lure; it's been like this since early-to-mid August)
Solunar Calendar
Day 134: Tue Sept 14th
Water Clarity: Clear with a tall band of weeds breaking the surface along the drop off out beyond the ends of the docks.
Waves: mild
Weed Growth: noticeably reduced total weed coverage; the recent temps must have started the process of weed covering dying off for the year
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-to-low 70's
Weather: pleasant evening session
Visible Fish Present: quite a few small panfish and rock bass laying on the bottom; the most small fish I've seen sticking around regularly in a few weeks
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa
Line: 10lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 2" top water weed less frog
Casts: 20 casts
Results: no fish, no bites; the weed line/drop-off weeds continue to snag the top water lures every cast (except the weed less frog lure; it's been like this since early-to-mid August)
Solunar Calendar
Day 135: Wed Sept 15th
Water Clarity: Clear with a tall band of weeds breaking the surface along the drop off out beyond the ends of the docks.
Waves: mild
Weed Growth: noticeably reduced total weed coverage; the recent temps must have started the process of weed covering dying off for the year
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-to-low 70's
Weather: pleasant morning session
Visible Fish Present: quite a few small panfish and rock bass laying on the bottom; the most small fish I've seen sticking around regularly in a few weeks
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa
Line: 10lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 2" top water weed less frog
Casts: 10 casts
Results: no fish, no bites; the weed line/drop-off weeds continue to snag the top water lures every cast (except the weed less frog lure; it's been like this since early-to-mid August)
Solunar Calendar
Day 136: Thu Sept 16th
Water Clarity: Clear with a tall band of weeds breaking the surface along the drop off out beyond the ends of the docks.
Waves: mild
Weed Growth: noticeably reduced total weed coverage; the recent temps must have started the process of weed covering dying off for the year
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-to-low 70's
Weather: pleasant morning session
Visible Fish Present: quite a few small panfish and rock bass laying on the bottom; the most small fish I've seen sticking around regularly in a few weeks
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa
Line: 10lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 2" top water weed less frog
Casts: 10 casts
Results: no fish, no bites; the weed line/drop-off weeds continue to snag the top water lures every cast (except the weed less frog lure; it's been like this since early-to-mid August)
Solunar Calendar
Day 137: Fri Sept 17th
Water Clarity: Clear with a tall band of weeds breaking the surface along the drop off out beyond the ends of the docks.
Waves: mild
Weed Growth: noticeably reduced total weed coverage; the recent temps must have started the process of weed covering dying off for the year
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-to-low 70's
Weather: pleasant evening session
Visible Fish Present: quite a few small panfish and rock bass laying on the bottom; the most small fish I've seen sticking around regularly in a few weeks
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa
Line: 10lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 2" top water weed less frog
Casts: 10 casts
Results: no fish, no bites; the weed line/drop-off weeds continue to snag the top water lures every cast (except the weed less frog lure; it's been like this since early-to-mid August)
Notes: The carp have arrived and have been here a couple days in a row at this point.
Solunar Calendar
Day 138: Sat Sept 18th
Water Clarity: Clear with a tall band of weeds breaking the surface along the drop off out beyond the ends of the docks.
Waves: mild
Weed Growth: noticeably reduced total weed coverage; the recent temps must have started the process of weed covering dying off for the year
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-to-low 70's
Weather: pleasant evening session
Visible Fish Present: quite a few small panfish and rock bass laying on the bottom; the most small fish I've seen sticking around regularly in a few weeks
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa
Line: 10lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 20 casts
Results: no fish, no bites; the weed line/drop-off weeds continue to snag the top water lures every cast (except the weed less frog lure; it's been like this since early-to-mid August)
Notes: The carp have arrived and have been here a couple days in a row at this point.
Solunar Calendar
Day 139: Sun Sept 19th
Water Clarity: Clear with a tall band of weeds breaking the surface along the drop off out beyond the ends of the docks.
Waves: mild
Weed Growth: noticeably reduced total weed coverage; the recent temps must have started the process of weed covering dying off for the year
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-to-low 70's
Weather: pleasant evening session
Visible Fish Present: not too many except the carp
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa
Line: 10lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 10 casts
Results: no fish, no bites; the weed line/drop-off weeds continue to snag the top water lures every cast (except the weed less frog lure; it's been like this since early-to-mid August)
Notes: The carp are still around in small groups.
Solunar Calendar
Day 140: Mon Sept 20th
Water Clarity: Clear with a tall band of weeds breaking the surface along the drop off out beyond the ends of the docks.
Waves: mild
Weed Growth: noticeably reduced total weed coverage; the recent temps must have started the process of weed covering dying off for the year
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-to-low 70's
Weather: pleasant sunset session
Visible Fish Present: not too many except the carp
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa
Line: 10lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 10 casts
Results: no fish, no bites; the weed line/drop-off weeds continue to snag the top water lures every cast (except the weed less frog lure; it's been like this since early-to-mid August)
Solunar Calendar
Day 141: Tue Sept 21st
Water Clarity: Clear with a tall band of weeds breaking the surface along the drop off out beyond the ends of the docks.
Waves: very breezy and wavy
Weed Growth: noticeably reduced total weed coverage; the recent temps must have started the process of weed covering dying off for the year
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-to-low 70's
Weather: quick afternoon session
Visible Fish Present: not too many except the carp
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa
Line: 10lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 10 casts
Results: no fish, no bites; the weed line/drop-off weeds continue to snag the top water lures every cast (except the weed less frog lure; it's been like this since early-to-mid August)
Solunar Calendar
Day 142: Wed Sept 22nd
Water Clarity: Clear with a tall band of weeds breaking the surface along the drop off out beyond the ends of the docks.
Waves: mild
Weed Growth: noticeably reduced total weed coverage; the recent temps must have started the process of weed covering dying off for the year
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-to-low 70's
Weather: quick evening session
Visible Fish Present: not too many except the carp
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa
Line: 10lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 10 casts
Results: no fish, no bites; the weed line/drop-off weeds continue to snag the top water lures every cast (except the weed less frog lure; it's been like this since early-to-mid August)
Solunar Calendar
Day 143: Thu Sept 23rd
Water Clarity: Clear with a tall band of weeds breaking the surface along the drop off out beyond the ends of the docks.
Waves: quite calm
Weed Growth: noticeably reduced total weed coverage; the recent temps must have started the process of weed covering dying off for the year
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-to-low 70's
Weather: quick late afternoon session
Visible Fish Present: not too many except the carp
Rod: 6' Medium light Spinning rod - Eagle Claw Water Eagle. Line weight 4-8lbs; lure weight 1/8-1/2 ounce
Reel: Mitchell Excellence 300 series
Line: 10lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: single corn kernel on a j hook
Casts: 10 casts
Results: 3 rudd in 5 casts
Solunar Calendar
Day 144: Fri Sept 24th
Water Clarity: Clear with a tall band of weeds breaking the surface along the drop off out beyond the ends of the docks.
Waves: very calm, no wind
Weed Growth: noticeably reduced total weed coverage; the recent temps must have started the process of weed covering dying off for the year
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-to-low 70's
Weather: quick early evening session
Visible Fish Present: not too many except the carp
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa
Line: 10lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 10 casts
Results: no fish, no bites; the weed line/drop-off weeds continue to snag the top water lures every cast (except the weed less frog lure; it's been like this since early-to-mid August)
Solunar Calendar
Day 145: Sat Sept 25th
Water Clarity: Clear with a tall band of weeds breaking the surface along the drop off out beyond the ends of the docks.
Waves: mild wind
Weed Growth: noticeably reduced total weed coverage; the recent temps must have started the process of weed covering dying off for the year
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-to-low 70's
Weather: quick early evening session
Visible Fish Present: not too many except the carp
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa
Line: 10lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 10 casts
Results: no fish, no bites; the weed line/drop-off weeds continue to snag the top water lures every cast (except the weed less frog lure; it's been like this since early-to-mid August)
Solunar Calendar
Day 146: Sun Sept 26th
Water Clarity: Clear with a tall band of weeds breaking the surface along the drop off out beyond the ends of the docks.
Waves: mild wind
Weed Growth: noticeably reduced total weed coverage; the recent temps must have started the process of weed covering dying off for the year
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-to-low 70's
Weather: quick late evening/early morning session
Visible Fish Present: not too many except the carp
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa
Line: 10lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 10 casts
Results: no fish, no bites; the weed line/drop-off weeds continue to snag the top water lures every cast (except the weed less frog lure; it's been like this since early-to-mid August)
Solunar Calendar
Day 147: Mon Sept 27th
Water Clarity: Clear with a tall band of weeds breaking the surface along the drop off out beyond the ends of the docks.
Waves: very mild wind
Weed Growth: noticeably reduced total weed coverage; the recent temps must have started the process of weed covering dying off for the year
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-to-low 70's
Weather: quick sunset session
Visible Fish Present: not too many except the carp
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa
Line: 10lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 10 casts
Results: no fish, no bites; the weed line/drop-off weeds continue to snag the top water lures every cast (except the weed less frog lure; it's been like this since early-to-mid August)
Solunar Calendar
Day 148: Tue Sept 28th
Water Clarity: Clear with a tall band of weeds breaking the surface along the drop off out beyond the ends of the docks.
Waves: very mild wind
Weed Growth: noticeably reduced total weed coverage; the recent temps must have started the process of weed covering dying off for the year
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-to-low 70's
Weather: quick evening session
Visible Fish Present: not too many except the carp
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa
Line: 10lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 10 casts
Results: no fish, no bites; the weed line/drop-off weeds continue to snag the top water lures every cast (except the weed less frog lure; it's been like this since early-to-mid August)
Solunar Calendar
Day 149: Wed Sept 29th
Water Clarity: Clear with a tall band of weeds breaking the surface along the drop off out beyond the ends of the docks.
Waves: very mild wind
Weed Growth: noticeably reduced total weed coverage; the recent temps must have started the process of weed covering dying off for the year
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-to-low 70's
Weather: quick evening session
Visible Fish Present: not too many except the carp
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa
Line: 10lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 10 casts
Results: no fish, no bites; the weed line/drop-off weeds continue to snag the top water lures every cast (except the weed less frog lure; it's been like this since early-to-mid August)
Solunar Calendar
Day 150: Thu Sept 30th
Water Clarity: Clear with a tall band of weeds breaking the surface along the drop off out beyond the ends of the docks.
Waves: very mild
Weed Growth: noticeably reduced total weed coverage; the recent temps must have started the process of weed covering dying off for the year
Water Temperature: unknown, probably mid-to-low 70's
Weather: quick evening session
Visible Fish Present: not too many except the carp
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa
Line: 10lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 10 casts
Results: no fish, no bites; the weed line/drop-off weeds continue to snag the top water lures every cast (except the weed less frog lure; it's been like this since early-to-mid August)
Solunar Calendar
Day 151: Fri Oct 1st
Water Clarity: Clear with a tall band of weeds breaking the surface along the drop off out beyond the ends of the docks.
Waves: very mild
Weed Growth: noticeably reduced total weed coverage; the recent temps must have started the process of weed covering dying off for the year
Water Temperature: unknown, probably low 70's or high 60's
Weather: quick evening session
Visible Fish Present: not too many except the carp
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa
Line: 10lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 10 casts
Results: no fish, no bites; the weed line/drop-off weeds continue to snag the top water lures every cast (except the weed less frog lure; it's been like this since early-to-mid August)
Solunar Calendar
Day 152: Sat Oct 2nd
Water Clarity: Clear with a tall band of weeds breaking the surface along the drop off out beyond the ends of the docks.
Waves: very mild
Weed Growth: noticeably reduced total weed coverage; the recent temps must have started the process of weed covering dying off for the year
Water Temperature: unknown, probably low 70's or high 60's
Weather: quick evening session
Visible Fish Present: not too many except the carp
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa
Line: 10lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 10 casts
Results: no fish, no bites; the weed line/drop-off weeds continue to snag the top water lures every cast (except the weed less frog lure; it's been like this since early-to-mid August)
Solunar Calendar
Day 153: Sun Oct 3rd
Water Clarity: Clear with a tall band of weeds breaking the surface along the drop off out beyond the ends of the docks.
Waves: very mild
Weed Growth: noticeably reduced total weed coverage; the recent temps must have started the process of weed covering dying off for the year
Water Temperature: unknown, probably low 70's or high 60's
Weather: quick late morning session
Visible Fish Present: smaller panfish and bass are sticking close to shore lately in the extreme shallows
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa
Line: 10lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 10 casts
Results: no fish, no bites; the weed line/drop-off weeds continue to snag the top water lures every cast (except the weed less frog lure; it's been like this since early-to-mid August)
Solunar Calendar
Day 154: Mon Oct 4th
Water Clarity: Clear with a tall band of weeds breaking the surface along the drop off out beyond the ends of the docks.
Waves: flat calm
Weed Growth: noticeably reduced total weed coverage; the recent temps must have started the process of weed covering dying off for the year
Water Temperature: unknown, probably low 70's or high 60's
Weather: foggy morning session
Visible Fish Present: smaller panfish and bass are sticking close to shore lately in the extreme shallows
Rod: 6' Medium light Spinning rod - Eagle Claw Water Eagle. Line weight 4-8lbs; lure weight 1/8-1/2 ounce
Reel: Mitchell Excellence 300 series
Line: 10lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: free floating worm
Casts: 10 casts
Results: 1 small bluegill
Solunar Calendar
Solunar Calendar
Day 155: Tue Oct 5th
Water Clarity: Clear with a tall band of weeds breaking the surface along the drop off out beyond the ends of the docks.
Waves: flat calm
Weed Growth: noticeably reduced total weed coverage; the recent temps must have started the process of weed covering dying off for the year
Water Temperature: unknown, probably low 70's or high 60's
Weather: clear evening session
Visible Fish Present: smaller panfish and bass are sticking close to shore lately in the extreme shallows
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa
Line: 10lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 10 casts
Results: no fish, no bites; the weed line/drop-off weeds continue to snag the top water lures every cast (except the weed less frog lure; it's been like this since early-to-mid August)
Solunar Calendar
Day 156: Wed Oct 6th
Water Clarity: Clear with a tall band of weeds breaking the surface along the drop off out beyond the ends of the docks.
Waves: flat calm
Weed Growth: noticeably reduced total weed coverage; the recent temps must have started the process of weed covering dying off for the year
Water Temperature: unknown, probably low 70's or high 60's
Weather: clear evening session
Visible Fish Present: smaller panfish and bass are sticking close to shore lately in the extreme shallows
Rod: 6' Gander Mountain medium action
Reel: Daiwa
Line: 10lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: 3.5" frog pattern jointed Jitterbug
Casts: 10 casts
Results: no fish, no bites; the weed line/drop-off weeds continue to snag the top water lures every cast (except the weed less frog lure; it's been like this since early-to-mid August)
Solunar Calendar
Day 157: Thu Oct 7th
Water Clarity: Clear with a tall band of weeds breaking the surface along the drop off out beyond the ends of the docks.
Waves: flat calm
Weed Growth: noticeably reduced total weed coverage; the recent temps must have started the process of weed covering dying off for the year
Water Temperature: unknown, probably low 70's or high 60's
Weather: clear sunset early evening session
Visible Fish Present: smaller panfish and bass are sticking close to shore lately in the extreme shallows
Rod: 6' Medium light Spinning rod - Eagle Claw Water Eagle. Line weight 4-8lbs; lure weight 1/8-1/2 ounce
Reel: Mitchell Excellence 300 series
Line: 10lb white SpiderWire braid
Lure 1: corn kernels on a J snell hook
Casts: 20 casts
Results: 4 fish: 1 rudd, 2 perch (finally!) and 1 pumpkinseed
Solunar Calendar