Monday, March 31, 2014

PS Fishing Carp Net

Last week I decided to upgrade my carp landing net for the upcoming season. After careful consideration, I decided to order the Metallica Net, manufactured by Balzer, from PSFishing.com. I purchased a similar net from Resistance Tackle last year, but I think I need something a little more "heavy duty". I particularly like the folding mechanism. It appears well built for the job.

Here are a couple of pictures:


From order to my door in less than 1 week

110" length, 35" head size and 1/2" rubberized mesh

When I took it out of the box for the first time, my first thoughts were, "I'm going to need to start catching some bigger fish."

I haven't fished with it yet, but I'm looking forward to catching some Michigan common carp that can fill the net properly.

Sunday, March 30, 2014

First Day Carp Fishing in 2014

I headed out about 8 a.m. intending to fish a new spot. Five or six others arrived ahead of me, so shoreline access was too crowded. There were too many ice chunks further away from the ideal spot, with no clear access to water. I punted and headed north in search of another spot.

I stopped by Sterling State Park first. The lagoon I like to fish was iced over.

I ended up trying Erie Metro Park today. The water level was down a lot. It's the first time I fished there so it took a few casts to find water that was deep enough to actually fish in. A few snags later, I settled on a spot.

I fished from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with no luck. My wife came by later for a while and snapped a picture. She calls it "The Grumpy Fisherman". I'll admit that when I'm not getting bites or catching fish, I probably look like this a lot.


I did make a valuable observation today regarding solar lunar activity. The best time for fishing today was between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. I am not 100% confident that solar lunar theory is accurate, but interestingly the water fowl nearby started becoming very active at 11:45 a.m. and stayed active until shortly after 1:30 p.m. The geese, ducks, and 9 trumpeter swans nearby were very, very active during the solar lunar window. But the water fowl must not have told the fish they were supposed to start biting.

It is warming up though because that chunk of ice in the foreground behind me was almost completely melted when I left for home.

I think I'll try a spot closer to home tomorrow after work. It's on Belleville Lake and very near my house. I hope my luck improves.

The forecast this next week is in the 50's and even a few 60's, so things should be improving soon as spring arrives with a little warmer weather (and water temps).

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Planning for First Day Fishing in 2014

Well it's finally here...the eve of my first day of carp fishing in 2014! The weather this year has played havoc with my fishing plans, but it's starting to break with 40 degree temps last week and forecasts for 50 and 60 degrees this next week. But what we really need for a successful day of fishing is some sunshine!

I've got some new fishing gear and some that's used, but it's new to me. I'm lucky to have friends who have helped me with some hand-me-down equipment. And when the time comes, I will pass it along to someone else who is just starting out with carp fishing.

Today I have been prepping some hair rigs, organizing my tackle boxes, and packing my bait supplies. With the weather still on the cool side, I've also packed a few different jackets and I'll carry my Carhartt overalls along too. With mid-40 degree weather, it doesn't take a lot of wind to get a little chilly.

Last year I used pineapple flavor profiles exclusively, but besides pineapple I plan to experiment with some others as well.

I'll be heading to Lake Erie bright and early in the morning. Wish me luck.

Scout Look forecast for tomorrow:


From ScoutLookWeather.com

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Carp Fishing Landing Net

I have been shopping for carp landing nets today. I have a basic landing net I purchased last year, but hooks snag on it easily, it's fairly small, and kind of "delicate".

I ordered a new one today from www.psfishing.com

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Okuma Trio Baitfeeder

Will this be my new reel at some point? It just might be.

Okuma Trio Baitfeeder Reel

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Detroit River Carp Fishing

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I found this spot last fall. I can't wait for the weather to warm up a little more so I can return for some more carp fishing.

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Saginaw River - 2014 Midwest Regional - May 3 - 4

I made my hotel reservations for the 2014 Midwest Regional at the Saginaw River. This is going to be a big event this year.

I've never fished the Saginaw River before, but I'm looking forward to it in May. Let's hope the spring rains hold off until after the event.

Wooden Shoe Carp Classic - Holland Michigan

I have made my hotel reservation for the carp fishing even in Holland, Michigan for May 17 - 18.

My wife and I visited during the tulip festival a couple of years ago. Holland is a great place to visit. I can get my carp fishing fix and she can get her shopping fix. They have a wonderful venue for carp fishing and the downtown shopping area is fantastic.